Comments on: Marlon Byrd? Get Excited!

By: BREAKING: Bummer Dude, Cubs Sign Marlon Byrd | Bleacher Nation | Chicago Cubs News, Rumors, and Commentary

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:57:28 +0000

[...] in the new year, I can assure you of that. If you’re itching for a preview on my thoughts, here’s what I had to say about the prospect of signing Byrd a few weeks [...]

By: Ace

Ace — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:48:12 +0000

Baker is the guy who hit .305 and put up an .810 OPS for the Cubs last year.

Unfortunately, it’s looking like there will be trouble in CF next year regardless – Byrd isn’t a savior.

By: elkhound

elkhound — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:03:41 +0000

If you can sign Byrd, you won’t have to worry much about run production out of second base. If you can’t sign him, there will be trouble. Reed Johnson and Sam Fuld. I am not impressed. Not impressed with Fontenot either, but you have to let one be. And who the hell is Baker? Geez, I miss Ryno!

By: Ace

Ace — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:11:08 +0000

Phillips has nice home run and RBI numbers (playing at Great American will do that for you), but keep in mind: his career OPS is a very mediocre .742, with a terrible .312 OBP. I guarantee a Fontenot and Baker platoon could out-do that.

I’m not pushing for that, mind you. Just sayin’.

By: juniorbors

juniorbors — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:08:29 +0000

There is absolutely no way that a Baker/Fontenot combo could outproduce Phillips. 20-30 stolen bases – no way, 20-30 home runs – possibly, 90rbis – no way, average – probably not, with the mighty fontenot hovering around .250. I know Phillips is due to make 5.5 mil next year, didnt think it was anything near 17.75 for two, thats steep.
Anyway, just a foolish rumor started amoungst friends – Boston is in the market for a 1st baseman with Youk moving to third, they have a surplus of outfielders with the addition of Cameron (even with Bay moving to Mets), but in need of a DH possibly. DLee and Bradley for Ellsbury and Lowell. Of course, Lowell and Bradley have bad contracts but we can move Lowell to 1st (if his wrist is deemed OK) but we would save money next year and this with Lee off the payroll. You would want to lock Ellsbury up for at least 3. He would be the leadoff and defensive outfielder you desire.

By: Ace

Ace — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:18:01 +0000

At a minimum, Fuld could probably put up respectable numbers – and play stellar defense – as part of a platoon in center field. I’d certainly rather the Cubs do that and spend money elsewhere than sign Marlon Byrd.

By: kevin g

kevin g — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:34:18 +0000

but they said the same thing about theriot and he is now an every day player and not to bad either.

By: Ace

Ace — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:29:34 +0000

Phillips would be a solid addition – though I imagine some would say that they think a Baker/Fontenot platoon could be adequate (and might even out-produce Phillips). But I could be persuaded that it’s better to go with the tier 2 platoon in center field and have Phillips at 2nd than have Byrd in center and the platoon at 2nd.

That all said, Phillips appears to suffer from the same problem as Byrd – hits great at Great American, hits shittily on the road. Phillips also makes a TON of money the next two years ($17.75 mill, plus a $1 mill buyout).

By: Ace

Ace — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:24:35 +0000

I hear he gets home sick.

By: Ace

Ace — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:24:22 +0000

Some think Fuld isn’t an MLB regular (he’s already 28). Colvin is not ready to hit in the bigs (he has barely hit worth a darn at AA), and may not be an average center fielder defensively. He’s better in the corner spots.