On the final day of the 2009 calendar the Cubs purchased their centerfielder for the 2010 season in the 32 year old Marlon Byrd.  Byrd has long been on Hendry’s list of players to acquire and when he become eligible in free agency this season he was at the top of the Cubs’ wishlist but Milton Bradley had to be dealt first.  The right handed hitting Byrd just served up his career year in his walk season and his first full season as a full-time player since 2003, in 146 games, Byrd posted a line of .283/.329/.479/.808 with 43 2bs, 3 3bs, 20 hrs, 89 rbi, and 8/12 in stolen bases.  For more on Byrd and the Cubs future keep reading…

Like most of Hendry’s contracts, Byrd’s is backloaded; Marlon gets 3M this year, 5.5M in 2011 and 6.5M in 2012.  As of right now, Byrd rates as an average defensive centerfield with a strong bat and power potential.  Most expectations have Marlon playing the next two seasons in centerfield and finishing out his contract in rightfield with Fukudome likely departed prior to the 2012 season.  Even if Byrd doesn’t reproduce his 2009 line, as long as he stays close to his career average line of .279/.340/.479/.808, he should be helpful in Chicago for the next two years.

Offensively, Byrd has the potential to surprise many next year with his power ability.  Byrd puts the bat on the ball, often making contact when he shouldn’t be swinging.  He still needs to work on his ability to induce walks and his tendency to strikeout work against him.  Marlon has had poor splits away from his home field advantage in Texas but switching over to the NL Central where there are several hitter friendly ballparks and the competition is weaker should generate positive offensive years in 2010 and 2011.  Defensively last year, Byrd rated exactly as a league average centerfielder, the thought is moving to the less spacious Friendly Confines should benefit him.  Marlon has the abilities to play anywhere in the outfield with plus results, albeit his highest value is patrolling center for the Northsiders.

Byrd’s 15M/3YR contract with only 3M due this year allows the Cubs to add another salary now or even more so at the trade deadline in July.  Byrd’s peak value is in 2010 and 2011, by 2012 it’s conceivable that Marlon is regulated to 4th outfielder status.  Although the Cubs believe that he’ll excel with the switch to the NL Central and will have peak value in 2012 allowing him to reach Type A status or the abilty to deal him for young top prospects.  Nevertheless, the Cubs got a good overall deal with Byrd, the years aren’t ideal but the money is where it is at especially in 2010 allowing the Cubs to add another salary if need be.