Depending on how you interpret the prior reports of the Chicago Cubs’ interest in Jermaine Dye to serve as their fourth outfielder/platoon-mate for Kosuke Fukudome, this may or may not be old news. To the extent the prior reports only intimated interest on the Cubs’ part, then things have progressed to the next stage: talks. It’s kind of like a middle school relationship that way.
According to major league sources, the Chicago Cubs and Dye have interest in each other and have had preliminary talks.
Dye, who has had to endure a slow-developing free agent offseason, hit 27 home runs in 2009 — the fifth year in a row he has hit more than 25. But the 35-year-old California native suffered through two of the worst months of his career in August and September last season. Dye hit four home runs and 18 RBIs in his last 45 games of the season.
Although Dye has been an outfielder throughout his career, he would have to accept a role as backup in both left and right field as well as first base if any deal is struck between the two sides.
The Cubs likely feel that Dye could end up with significant playing time if any of the team’s outfielders slump or suffer an injury. ESPN Chicago.
Dye is likely to search for a starting gig as long as it takes, but the Cubs should let him know that they can’t wait forever. Dye won’t make or break their offseason, but for the right price (and negotiating with a team whom you know will not use you as a starter usually indicates the price is coming down), he would make a great addition.