Cubs acquire RHP Heilman from Mariners

Jan 28, 2009 - 7:08 PM CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Aaron Heilman's stint in the Pacific Northwest certainly did not last long. In fact, he never threw a pitch with the Seattle Mariners.

Less than two months after acquiring Heilman from the New York Mets, the Mariners traded the righthander to the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday for infielder Ronny Cedeno and pitcher Garrett Olson.

Once considered a top prospect with the Mets, the 30-year-old Heilman struggled mightily as a reliever this past season, going 3-8 with a 5.21 ERA in 78 games while blowing five of eight save opportunities.

However, the disgruntled Heilman repeatedly had stated his desire to be a starter - a role he could potentially fill with the Cubs.

The Mets finally parted ways with Heilman on December 10 in the three-team trade that sent former Mariners closer J.J. Putz to New York.

But seven weeks later, Heilman once again will change his address by going to the Cubs, who have been seeking a replacement for recently-traded fifth starter Jason Marquis.

"This is a trade that just fit," Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "Our No. 1 goal is to continue to accumulate talent in our organization while doing everything we can to compete in 2009.

"I want to thank Aaron for his professionalism. We were excited to acquire him, and sorry to trade him, but I felt this was a deal that we couldn't pass up."

A 2001 first-round draft selection, Heilman owns a career record of 22-33 with a 4.24 ERA in 305 games with the Mets.

Cedeno, 25, has spent part of the last four seasons in a utility role with the Cubs, primarily splitting time between second base and shortstop. Zduriencik said that Cedeno could earn a starting job with the Mariners.

"By adding Cedeno, we have a player who is very versatile and gives us protection and depth, and can compete for a job at second base and shortstop immediately," he said.

Olson, 25, also will be changing teams for the second time this offseason. After spending last season in the Baltimore Orioles' rotation, the southpaw was dealt to the Cubs earlier this month.

"Today's trade allows us to acquire a young, lefthanded starting pitcher with major league experience that we will still control for five seasons," Zduriencik said.