Former Northeast Guilford pitcher Mitch Atkins: A Man on the Move

It looks like the Chicago Cubs have BIG plans for former Northeast Guilford pitcher Mitch Atkins. The Cubs are looking to make some trades and have made trades that should make Mitch a Man on the Move to Chicago’s Wrigley Field.

Here’s what scout.com is saying this week:
Right-hander Jason Marquis, who will make $9,875,000 this year, is expected to be sent to the Rockies in exchange for reliever Luis Vizcaino, who has $4 million left on his deal. The Cubs are expected to pick up part of Marquis’ contract. The deal was on hold pending both players passing physicals.

With Marquis on the verge of getting traded, LHP Sean Marshall figures to step into the rotation. That’s unless, of course, Marshall becomes part of a trade for RHP Jake Peavy, currently with San Diego. (The Cubs’ ownership situation most likely will have to be settled before that has a chance of happening.)

One dark horse to watch if Marshall isn’t the fifth starter is RHP Mitch Atkins, the Cubs’ minor league pitcher of the year in 2008. Atkins went 17-7 with a 4.00 ERA between Class AAA (Des Moines) Iowa and Class AA (Kodak) Tennessee last year, and the Cubs like his mound presence. If he doesn’t break camp with the Cubs, he could be an early-season call-up, either as an emergency starter or as a long man.

*****from greensborosports.com and scout.com*****