Jan. 14--The Chicago Cubs seem to like Seattle Mariners pitching prospects.
For the second time in four weeks Wednesday, the Cubs acquired a minor league pitcher from the Mariners' organization, obtaining Lars Huijer in exchange for left-hander Mike Kickham.
Huijer, 21, a native of the Netherlands, has a 17-17 record and 4.48 ERA over four minor league seasons. The 6-foot-4, 203-pound Huijer was 6-9 with a 5.08 ERA in 28 games with Class-A Clinton and High Desert.
Last month, the Cubs acquired pitcher Matt Brazis in exchange for outfielder Justin Ruggiano. Brazis, 25, was a combined 4-1 with a 2.36 ERA in 40 appearances at Double-A Jackson and High Desert.
Kickham was designated for assignment laset week after being claimed on waivers from the San Francisco Giants.
In other Cubs news, a game-used bat by Joe Tinker will be on display on the fourth floor of the Sheraton Chicago at Cubs Convention this weekend. Tinker, a Hall of Fame shortstop, played for the Cubs from 1902-12 and 1916.