NEWSLETTER
A new name has entered the Chicago Cubs fourth outfielder dialog: Jermaine Dye. Long believed to be seeking a starting gig, it’s possible that Dye would accept a reserve role with the Cubs.
The Cubs are looking into former White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye, sources confirmed Wednesday, but they can’t promise Dye as much playing time as he’s accustomed to getting.
If Dye were to sign, he would platoon with Kosuke Fukudome in right field and back up Alfonso Soriano in left and Derrek Lee at first. He also could DH for interleague road games in Texas and Seattle and at U.S. Cellular Field. Dye, the 2005 World Series MVP with the White Sox, still has his home in Chicago but is seeking a starting job.
Attempts to reach Hendry for comment were unsuccessful, but Dye may be a suitable choice, especially with Soriano’s recent history of injuries. chicagotribune.com.
Although he’s turning 36 in a couple weeks, Dye can still hit, particularly if he’s predominantly facing lefties – last year, his OPS was near .900 against lefties.
But there are a few issues: (1) Dye made more than $11 million last year, so to come to the Cubs as a reserve, he’s going to have to take a huuuge pay cut (but that’s going to happen wherever he goes); (2) Dye can’t play defense anymore, and it’s painful to watch even in small doses; (3) you’ve got to believe Dye could find a starting gig, or near starting gig with a small market AL team for the same or better money as he’d get with the Cubs to come off the bench.
