NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Cubs now officially and actually have a hole in their outfield following the trade of right fielder Milton Bradley. But who’s worried, what with so many quality free agent options?
Marlon Byrd and Scott Podsednik are the strongest options among free agents, sources say. Rick Ankiel, who had a difficult 2009 season with St. Louis, is a less likely option.
Byrd is coming off a career year in which he batted .283 with 20 home runs and 89 RBIs for the Rangers. Byrd, 32, has the added value of being able to play all three outfield positions.
The Cubs like the fact that Byrd is a true center fielder and hits for more power than Podsednik. However, Podsednik has three factors in his favor: He bats left-handed, hits leadoff and would be a less expensive alternative to the right-handed Byrd. FOX Sports.
Oh. Well. Now that you mention it, those don’t sound particularly attractive at all. All three are deeply flawed: Byrd hasn’t hit anywhere in his career outside of Arlington, Podsednik can’t actually play defense, and Ankiel was unbelievably awful last year.
Isn’t there another way!?!?!
Chicago GM Jim Hendry may also consider trades.
Ah ha!
One of the Yankees’ young outfielders — Melky Cabrera or Brett Gardner — could become available this offseason, depending upon how their roster evolves.
The Cubs have asked the Nationals about Nyjer Morgan, one source said, but Washington officials want to keep him.
So the best option – Morgan – isn’t really an option at all? Swell.
As for Cabrera, he’s never hit very well, but is still full of potential. He’s just 24, and he can play adequately all over the outfield. Brett Gardner is a slightly younger Sam Fuld. The best thing he’s got going for him is that he won’t make much in salary for a few years. But then again, neither will Fuld.
It sure is great that the Cubs didn’t make a serious play for Curtis Granderson.
