Marlon Byrd

On April 21, 2012 the Cubs traded Marlon Byrd to the Boston Red Sox for Michael Bowden, a right handed relief pitcher. Marlon was a popular player because of the way he played. He played with a lot of energy and hustle. We wish him well.

The Chicago Cubs signed Marlon Byrd as a free agent on December 31, 2009 to play center field. He was recently with the Texas Rangers and 2009 was a career year for him. Consequently he was asking for more than the Rangers were able to pay him, based on the turmoil currently going on in Texas. The Cubs signed him for 3 years for a total of $15 million.

Marlon Byrd

Byrd originally started with the Philadelphia Phillies when they called him up at the end of the year in 2002. Byrd was a hot prospect for the Phillies in 2003 and had a great rookie season, coming in fourth in rookie of the year voting. The sophomore jinx played into 2004 for Byrd and the numbers of 2003 did not duplicate.

Byrd found him self with the Washington Nationals after the Phillies traded him in early 2005. Byrd was not a regular starting center fielder for the Nationals and the stats of his rookie year did not materialize. In July of 2006 Byrd found himself designated for assignment and played for the Nationals AAA team for the remainder of the year.

The Texas Rangers rescued him and signed him as a free agent in December of 2006. Byrd did not make the big club out of spring training and remained in AAA ball. But his fate changed when the Rangers called him up after injuries to two of the Rangers outfielders.

Byrd made the best of the time he had with the Rangers and showed signs of his brilliance back in 2003. Byrd hit a personal best 20 homeruns and drove in 89 runs for the 2009 Rangers. However the Rangers did not offer a new contract and declined arbitration, mainly because of ownership problems with the club and not knowing what payroll they could afford.

In step the Cubs and another centerfielder is scheduled to start. The Cubs offered another back loaded contract for 3 years and $15 million paying $3, $5.5 and $6.5. Let's hope that we have finally found a center fielder since Byrd represents the sixth opening day center fielder in the last six years.

I am sure I am not the only one to feel this way but the Cubs found themselves a player. I have heard more than one comment regarding his approach to the game. His hustle and style of play has made him a fan favorite and a vote getter for the Cubs MVP.

He was the only Cub named to the All Star team for 2010. He made the highlight reel with his hustle on put out at second that was instumental in the National League finally winning a game.

His batting average for 2010 has been near .300 all year. His home run and RBI totals are down from last year but it is without a doubt this was one of Jim Hendry's better deals. Finally a center fielder and his signature belly dives for sinking balls hit his way.

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