According to Jerry Crasnick in today’s chat for ESPN, he remarked on the status of the Cubs’ negotations with free agent outfielder Cliff Floyd:
"I’m hearing that the Cliff Floyd signing will come soon. He has some health issues, but he’s a good on base percentage guy and a great clubhouse guy. He should be a nice fit for the Cubs."
Floyd’s power plummetted in 2006, another injury-plagued year. Cornelius Clifford Floyd, born in Chicago, recently turned 34. He’s been connected to the Cubs and Jim Hendry for years.
I’m guessing he’d be the part of a left field platoon that faces righties. I don’t like the idea. It seems like a great way to stunt Matt Murton’s growth and waste a year of cheap service time. Floyd hit .266/.342/.423 against righties in ’06. Murton managed a .295/.356/.426 line against them in his first full season. The Big Murt also hit .319/.390/.522 after the break. And he has red hair.
If a Floyd signing precedes a Jacque Jones trade, who plays right? Floyd hasn’t done it since ’02. And when Floyd gets hurt, the Cubs will miss the reliably mediocre Jones. If Soriano goes to right, the Cubs are forced to rush Felix Pie.
