Cubs get closer in 6-player deal

MESA, Fla., March 27 (UPI) -- The Chicago Cubs finally found the closer they were looking for on Wednesday, obtaining Antonio Alfonseca from the Florida Marlins in a six-player deal.

Alfonseca, who saved 28 games last season, was acquired by the Cubs along with fellow righthander Matt Clement for righthander Julian Tavarez and three minor leaguers -- pitchers Jose Cueto and Dontrelle Willis and catcher Ryan Jorgensen.

The Cubs have been actively pursuing a closer since it was learned earlier this month that Tom Gordon would be sidelined at least three months with a tear of the muscle in the back of his right shoulder.