Carrie Muskat of MLB.com is reporting that the Cubs have traded infielder Andres Blanco to the Texas Rangers for a player to be named later or cash considerations. 

Blanco was on the bubble heading into Spring Training.  It was unclear if he would make the major league roster, and he was also out of minor league options.  When the Cubs decided to give Mike Fontenot a chance to prove himself as the backup shortstop, it was an indication that Blanco was in trouble.  Despite hitting .667 in Spring Training (in just seven games), Blanco ended up being the odd man out.

The move allows the Cubs to improve the hitting of their bench, although it does hurt the backup middle infield depth from a defensive standpoint.  Does this mean that Kevin Millar will now take a seat on the Cubs bench?

Click here to see a great defensive play by Blanco while in a Cubs uniform.