Who Will Mike Montgomery Replace In The Cubs' Bullpen?

The Cubs have Thursday off and resume the schedule Friday in Milwaukee.

Before that game against the Brewers, they'll be making at least one 25-man roster move, as they have now officially acquired lefthanded reliever Mike Montgomery from the Mariners (along with minor-leaguer Jordan Pries) for 1B/DH Dan Vogelbach and righthanded pitcher Paul Blackburn.

Since Vogelbach was on the 40-man roster, Montgomery simply takes his place there. Pries likely heads to Tennessee to replace Blackburn (although Pries was pitching in Triple-A for the Mariners).

But who's going off the 25-man roster for Montgomery?

My guess would be Clayton Richard, who pitched just one inning in the just-completed six-game homestand and seems superfluous at this point. Richard would likely be designated for assignment, and if he clears waivers he could head to Iowa, unless he'd rather try his luck elsewhere (because he's been DFA'd by the Cubs before, he could elect free agency).

The Cubs are also expected to call Joe Nathan up from Iowa by Friday to shore up the bullpen. As you know, I was skeptical of the Nathan signing when it happened, but he's thrown fairly well in 10 appearances split between Tennessee and Iowa. He's shown good velocity, and he certainly knows how to pitch in the big leagues. If he can help the Cubs -- well, I'll be happy to have been wrong.

I'm guessing Spencer Patton returns to Iowa to make room for Nathan. The Richard DFA would make room for Nathan on the 40-man roster.

Well, those are my roster guesses. What are yours?