Rangers sign Marlon Byrd

[Schwarber Fan]

Rangers signed outfielder Marlon Byrd to a one-year contract.

The terms weren't announced, but it's probably for less than $1 million. Since he has only three-plus years of service time, the Rangers will control his rights through 2009. Byrd, a .263/.327/.373 hitter in 1,302 at-bats as a major leaguer, could end up as a platoon player in center field if the Rangers sign Kenny Lofton or bring in another left-handed hitter to play that position (or even decide to go with Brad Wilkerson). He'd also be an option to start in left field against left-handers. With Ameriquest Field ready to help him out, he'll qualify as something of a sleeper in AL-only leagues.

 

rotoworld

[VanceJergins]

Along those lines....

 

Matthew Pouliot at Rotoworld:

It will be very interesting to see what happens with Wilkerson. If he recovers fully from shoulder surgery, he's a better player than all of the remaining free agent outfielders. The Rangers could keep him, but probably only if he accepts a one-year deal before the deadline.

 

EDIT: Thats from the article "Potential Non-Tenders" discussing the possibility of him being non-tendered.

 

How much of a risk would it be to sing Wilkerson for CF? His power increase last year with 15 HR in 320 AB's despite still being injured, but his AVG and OBP were awful. If healthy he could be very good for our lineup, but that may be a big if.