Cubs Claim Thomas Neal

The Cubs moved to address their shortages of outfielders by claiming Thomas Neal from the Yankees. The Cubs moved Rafael Dolis to the 60 day DL to make room for him on the 40 man roster.

Neal was once a solid prospect in the Giants organization. Recently though, he's bounced around the league, getting cups of coffee with the Indians last season and the Yankees this year. He's always shown an ability to hit for average and get on base and he's a big right-handed bat (6'2" 220 lbs). But he has below-average speed and weak arm, which limits him to left field on a regular basis, at least. Combine that with below-average power for the position and he's limited in what he can provide a major league team.

Still, Neal is only 25 years old and there is some talent there. He's certainly worth taking a gamble on for a price as low as a waiver claim. Neal will likely get some chances in left field and the Cubs will take a look at him and see if there's anything there worth salvaging. At worse, he might serve as the right-handed bat off the bench that the Cubs have been looking for in vain this season.