Twins Trade Aguilera to Cubs

The Chicago Cubs, in need of a closer with struggling Rod Beck on the disabled list because of elbow problems, acquired Rick Aguilera from the Minnesota Twins on Friday.

The Cubs sent minor league right-handers Kyle Lohse and Jason Ryan to the Twins in exchange for the 37-year-old Aguilera--the Twins’ all-time saves leader--and minor league left-hander Scott Downs.

Aguilera should fill the Cubs’ hole at closer. Beck saved 51 games last season but has struggled. He was 2-4 with a 10.54 earned-run average.

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Two days after Curt Schilling demanded that the Philadelphia Phillies spend more money or trade him, General Manager Ed Wade distributed a two-page rebuttal in which he said Schilling was “self-serving” and “wrong.”

“Curt has a right to express his opinions,” Wade said. “But that’s all they are. Much of what Curt says is irresponsible and his comments often are not based upon facts.”

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As one of her last acts as owner, Marge Schott guaranteed the Cincinnati Reds a new 45,000-seat ballpark by 2003.

Team officials celebrated their lease agreement for a new ballpark, saying it will provide income that allows them to compete for the playoffs.

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Worried about “wild scrambles” in the stands, major league baseball is asking players to be more careful with souvenirs.

Players, coaches and managers have been reminded not to toss balls into the stands. They have been told to hand souvenirs to fans.