It’s more than just rumors at this point. It’s very close to becoming a done deal. The Chicago Cubs are sending outfielder, and former MLB All-Star Marlon Byrd to the Boston Red Sox. Presumably, for a left-handed pitcher. Rumored to be one of the reliever variety.
From CBS Sports:
Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com has confirmed. The news was first reported by Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. Heyman hears Byrd could be in Boston as soon as Sunday.
Byrd, 34, is off to a horrifying start to the 2012 season, as he’s hitting just .070/.149/.070. That’s three singles in 43 at-bats with three walks. Last season, Byrd hit .276/.324/.395 with nine homers, 35 RBI and 51 runs in 119 games. He missed time following getting hit in the face with a pitch in Fenway Park — which appears close to being his new home.
The Cubs are making all kind of roster moves. It appears the salary-shedding, move toward youth is starting faster than anyone intended. And the injury bug has bitten earlier than usual this season. The Cubs placed reliever Kerry Wood on the DL yesterday and added starting pitcher Ryan Dempster today. Center fielder Tony Campana was called up from AAA Iowa. Dempster was scheduled to start Sunday and Randy Wells is already in Chicago to take his place. So the Cubs have to make another roster move, in order to clear a spot for him. Moving Byrd, a huge overpaid disappointment in his career since making the All-Star team a couple years ago, is likely it. Coincidence, he’s not in the Cubs’ lineup Saturday versus the Cincinnati Reds.
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, an official Google News site generating millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, MSN and Fox Sports
A Fulbright scholar and MBA, Banks has appeared on live radio all over the world; and he’s a member of the Football Writers Association of America, U.S. Basketball Writers Association, and Society of Professional Journalists. The President of the United States follows him on Twitter (@Paul_M_BanksTSB) You should too.