Now that the Cubs have finally moved Milton Bradley, it appears that former Ranger Marlon Byrd is the target of choice for GM Jim Hendry in his ongoing search for a center fielder.
The caveat, of course, is that Byrd must agree to a salary that fits within the budget that GM Jim Hendry has following the Bradley trade. Yes, the Cubs received cash in the deal with the Mariners, but that cash is spread over two seasons, first of all, and second, part of it has to cover the difference in Silva and Bradley's salary.
So now the Byrd watch is on. It makes sense for two reasons. One, he is a former student of new Cubs hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo, and two, he is the best center fielder left on the free agent market.
The 32-year old Byrd had a slash line of.283/.329/.479/.808, so he is no panacea. ...
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Article written by Bob Warja
Come To Think Of It: Now That Bradley Is Gone, Byrd Is the Word for Cubs
Posted: 19th December 2009 by Bob Warja in MLBComments Off on Come To Think Of It: Now That Bradley Is Gone, Byrd Is the Word for Cubs