Gross headed to Tampa Bay

Gross headed to Tampa Bay

By most accounts, Gabe Gross was expected to be the odd man out for the Brewers once Mike Cameron returned from his 25-game suspension.

Those accounts proved to be about five games too many.

In a deal that will help their outfield situation, the Tampa Bay Rays have completed a deal to acquire Gross from Milwaukee. Gross, a left-handed hitter, plays all three outfield positions. Also, some executives believe that he could produce a .500 slugging percentage against right-handed pitching.

In exchange, the Brewers will receive Class A right-handed pitcher Josh Butler. Butler, 23, was a second-round pick out of the University of San Diego in '06.

Before this trade was completed, the Oakland A's were among the teams that were interested in making a deal for Gross' services.