Cubs sign OF Marlon Byrd (3/$15M)

[Southpaw191679666239]

According to ESPNChicago.com

[jersey cubs fan]

Not a big fan, but it's not a horrible contract.

[fromthestretch]

According to ESPNChicago.com

 

The $5 mil per year doesn't bother me nearly as much as the three-year contract does.

[Southpaw191679666239]

According to ESPNChicago.com

 

The $5 mil per year doesn't bother me nearly as much as the three-year contract does.

 

Article says it will be backloaded to give payroll flexibility in 2010.

[Sever82]

As soon as i saw three year i was real mad. But then i saw 15 mil over three years and thats not bad at all. Eventhough its backloaded this isn't a bad contract.

[A New Era]

Not bad, ok with this. But Godammit Jim, backloaded is his middle name.

[OleMissCub]

yawn

[cubsfan26]

When I saw Cubs sign Marlon Byrd to 3 year deal I was about to be pissed. But 3 year at 15m isn't that bad, still I would have rather stuck to a two year deal.

[jersey cubs fan]

So Byrd/Fuld in center?

[JonJayCutler]

So Byrd/Fuld in center?

 

Considering Byrd hits righties better than lefties, I doubt we'll see much of Fuld in center, which would be wonderful news.

[SouthSideRyan]

Not bad, ok with this. But Godammit Jim, backloaded is his middle name.

 

Backloaded contracts are good.

 

This is actually a pretty good deal. And Praise baby Jesus that it wasn't for Podsednik

[cubsfan26]

Fulds probably not making the team out of spring training. Byrd will get most of the playing time in CF. With whoever they probably bring in as a RH hitting 4th outfielder to play with him at times(when he's not platooning with Fukudome). Edited December 31, 2009 by cubsfan26

[UMFan83]

Meh 3 years is pretty excessive. But 5 million a year is only slightly overpriced IMO.

[Prizefight]

I just don't understand the end game with a move like this. He's pretty much just a guy on a team with plenty of holes. Is he really 5 million/year better than Fuld in center?

[Magnetic Curses]

best available, comparatively cheap, i'm pretty happy with this.

[JonJayCutler]

Now lets sign Calero, sign or trade for a 4th OFer (Spilborghs?), and call it an offseason.

[JonJayCutler]

Is he really 5 million/year better than Fuld in center?

 

Yes.

[SouthSideRyan]

Fulds probably not making the team out of spring training. Byrd will get most of the playing time in CF. With whoever they probably bring in as a RH hitting 4th outfielder to play with him at times(when he's not platooning with Fukudome).

 

Fuld would be the defense 1st, 5th OF. I'm not a huge Fuld fan, but I think I'm gonna be pretty pissed if he's not on the major league roster to start the year (cause it likely means we signed some speedy trash like Nook Logan to be the backup CF.)

[Prizefight]

Is he really 5 million/year better than Fuld in center?

 

Yes.

 

 

I'd argue no when you consider the limited budget and other places we need help. Obviously Byrd is better, I just don't know for this team right now.

[fromthestretch]

So Byrd/Fuld in center?

 

Considering Byrd hits righties better than lefties, I doubt we'll see much of Fuld in center, which would be wonderful news.

 

Byrd is actually pretty much the same hitter against righties and lefties (only a 10 point difference in OPS over the course of his career). Doubtful they'll platoon him.

[Post Count Padder]

Not bad, not great. I was hoping two years at the most. At least it's only $5 mil per.

[JonJayCutler]

Is he really 5 million/year better than Fuld in center?

 

Yes.

 

 

I'd argue no when you consider the limited budget and other places we need help. Obviously Byrd is better, I just don't know for this team right now.

 

That would mean Fuld becomes a full-time player. Probably end up around a .650-675 OPS, maybe not even that good. Compare that with the .800 OPS that Byrd will likely put up. 100-150 points of OPS is a lot. Sure Fuld's defense is better, but not nearly enough to compensate for the difference in OPS.

[jersey cubs fan]

So Byrd/Fuld in center?

 

Considering Byrd hits righties better than lefties, I doubt we'll see much of Fuld in center, which would be wonderful news.

 

Byrd is actually pretty much the same hitter against righties and lefties (only a 10 point difference in OPS over the course of his career). Doubtful they'll platoon him.

 

I'm not talking about a strict platoon, but Byrd has never played 150 games and they will need inexpensive backup OFers.

[Sever82]

Is he really 5 million/year better than Fuld in center?

 

Yes.

 

 

I'd argue no when you consider the limited budget and other places we need help. Obviously Byrd is better, I just don't know for this team right now.

 

I think its fine. Its not an expensive contract and Byrd's year last year was the most playing time he has seen in a full season. Kind of reminds me of Derosa's season in Texas before he signed with the cubs. I think it will end up being a solid good contract.

[Magnetic Curses]

Is he really 5 million/year better than Fuld in center?

 

Yes.

 

 

I'd argue no when you consider the limited budget and other places we need help. Obviously Byrd is better, I just don't know for this team right now.

 

it's not about if he's worth 5 mil more than fuld. he's worth more and gives the team a better chance to win and plays a position we could upgrade, moving fukudome back to right.

 

i wish our sp was better, but we'll have to make do, i guess.