The Reds claimed P Brett Marshall off waivers from the Cubs today, opening up a 40-man roster spot (the 40-man now sits at 39).

There isn’t too much of a sense of loss here, since the Cubs themselves just claimed Marshall off waivers from the Yankees earlier in this offseason.

However, looking at Marshall’s numbers in the minors, he has had success starting at every level along the way up until he reached AAA in 2013.  Not to mention that he is still just 23.  Basically, he could have been a nice upper-level pitching prospect in the Cubs system.

Nevertheless, we move on.  Could this move be a preface to the announcement of the Jason Hammel signing and addition to the 40-man roster (which still hasn’t formally been announced)?  It seems to me that it just might.