The Cubs traded Felix Pie's possible centerfield platoon partner, Angel Pagan, to the New York Mets today for minor leaguers right-handed pitcher Ryan Meyers and outfielder Corey Coles. Pagan was the one player on the Cubs roster who allowed the Cubs to avoid playing Pie against left-handed pitching. It's now Pie's job, and his alone.

Angel Pagan has colitis and is heading to the disabled list. Taking his spot is Felix Pie, up with the big league club for the third time this season, reports MLB.com. The Cubs now have four lefthanded hitting outfielders -- Pie, Jacque Jones, Cliff Floyd, and Eric Patterson. Expect to see Mark DeRosa in the outfield a lot more. The Cubs ought to insert Matt Murton as the everyday left fielder. Pie could be the everyday center fielder, too, with Jones and Floyd battling for playing time in right.

As bad as Jones has been this year, he's been a better hitter than Floyd since the beginning of July (770 OPS v. 690 OPS). Floyd, two years removed from a 34-homer season, has seen much of his power disappear. Jones also plays much better defense.

Pagan's illness is bad news for the reason that either Pie or Jones will now be starting in center field against lefthanded pitchers.

The Cubs have recalled OF Angel Pagan from AAA Iowa and sent Felix Pie back down to Iowa. With both Jacque Jones and Felix Pie hitting from the left side, the Cubs lacked a platoon partner for Jones in center and regular playing time for Pie. Pagan, a switch-hitter, gives them the platoon partner. He's in today's starting lineup against Pirates' lefthander Paul Maholm.

But is Pagan a good platoon partner for Jones, assuming that's the way the Cubs use him (along with, presumably, as a late inning defensive replacement)?