Murton for Byrd (Discussion- Not Actual Trade)- Rumor

[RedFlash]

According to MLB.com, the Rangers are unlikely to pull the trigger on a Marlon Byrd deal with the Cubs.

 

The Rangers want the Cubs to include a pitcher with Matt Murton, something the Cubs are unwilling to do. We look at Murton as the more valuable player of the two, but the Rangers obviously disagree, even though it would have been a no-brainer for them a year ago.

Source: Rangers.mlb.com

 

Then the Texas Rangers are being run by idiots. Byrd is not more valuable then Murton. I much rather sign Brady Clark, then give up a quality prospect with Murton for Byrd. I much rather see what the Indians would want for Jason Michaels.

 

Nonetheless, if the Rangers keep insisting on a "quality prospect" with Murton, then they can KEEP Byrd.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Check out this quote from the article.

 

The Cubs are willing to part with outfielder Matt Murton but the Rangers aren't interested in a 1-on-1 deal. They believe Byrd has the edge in defense, versatility and clubhouse leadership.

 

The Rangers are insistent that any deal would have to include good young pitching and the Cubs aren't willing to do that. If the Rangers did deal Byrd, it could open up a spot for David Murphy in left field and Kevin Mench on the bench. So far both sides refuse to budge.

 

The Rangers are delusional.

 

LInk

[Clem Fandango]

I think the Cubs brass are delusional for thinking Byrd is a good enough player to give up Matt Murton straight up for him. Murton isn't by any means incredible himself, but what is it with this sudden burst of desire for Marlon Byrd? He sucks.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

While I agree that Murton is a far better player, but Byrd may fit what the Cubs desire.

 

I think it's comical that the Rangers think Byrd is worth Murton + a pitcher.

[UK1679666180]

Murton is only valuable to the Cubs as a LF back-up/PH'er. Byrd has the ability to play CF full-time if Pie struggles, platoon, &/or become the RH'ed bat off the bench, he's more versitile to the Cubs' needs than Murton.

 

Murton as a starter would produce below avg. numbers in LF and his defense isn't good enough to overcome his lack of power for a corner OF'er.

[Yestheydo]

While I agree that Murton is a far better player, but Byrd may fit what the Cubs desire.

 

I think it's comical that the Rangers think Byrd is worth Murton + a pitcher.

 

Isn't value relative though? Is it impossible to imagine Hendry giving up Murton + a pitcher for Byrd? They may know he's not "worth it", but see an opportunity to take advantage of a GM desperate to win big now at all costs. IMO, this is why the Roberts trade hasn't happened yet either. These guys believe they have a sucker on their hands. I believe they may be right.

[Rob]

Murton is only valuable to the Cubs as a LF back-up/PH'er. Byrd has the ability to play CF full-time if Pie struggles, platoon, &/or become the RH'ed bat off the bench, he's more versitile to the Cubs' needs than Murton.

 

Murton as a starter would produce below avg. numbers in LF and his defense isn't good enough to overcome his lack of power for a corner OF'er.

 

AL LF - .275/.335/.426

AL RF - .288/.359/.465

 

NL LF - .278/.358/.478

NL RF - .275/.344/.442

 

Murton's PECOTA projection for next season - .295/.359/.462, and he had +11 defense in LF in 2006.

 

Murton is league-average or better right now.

 

Oh, and Byrd's projection playing in a better hitters park? .275/.331/.429

[UK1679666180]

Is that all LF'ers or all starting LF'ers?

 

He had a .265 EqA last year and a .273 EqA the year before, that's avg. for all LF'ers and most likely below avg. for starting LF'ers.

 

Last year, his EqA was 16th among all LF'ers w/400 PAs or more, with Alou, Bradley, and Diaz not qualifying b/c of lack of PAs.

 

Like I said, he's not good enough to start in LF on most clubs (ironically Texas would be one of them, IMO) and defensively, he's a LF'er (doesn't have the range or arm to play other positions everyday).