Cubs acquire Monroe from Tigers

SAN FRANCISCO -- Craig Monroe quickly found himself back in a pennant race Thursday when the Detroit Tigers traded the slumping outfielder and cash to the Chicago Cubs for a player to be named.

Despite hitting only .222 before Detroit designated him for assignment last Friday, Monroe was productive against left-handed pitching. That's how Cubs manager Lou Piniella plans to use him.

"I think it gives us a good balance," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said. "It was just one of those situations where you couldn't pass up a guy who has already been there and helped lead a club to the postseason."

Monroe is hitting. 302 with five homers and 22 RBIs in 102 at-bats against lefties. The NL Central-leading Cubs are just 12-19 against lefties and are batting 20 points lower as a team than against right-handers.

Monroe is versatile, too, having played all three outfield positions.

-- AP