It was pretty cool to learn today that Cubs outfielder Matt Murton reads MLBTradeRumors.com. Welcome! Unfortunately, I can’t imagine it’s thrilling to read about yourself in trade rumors all winter.
Murton is a left fielder, and the Cubs obviously have Alfonso Soriano there. Right field is now filled by Kosuke Fukudome. Lou Piniella couldn’t help but admit that Murton’s role on the Cubs is as a fourth outfielder. The Herald’s Bruce Miles has heard rumblings that the Cubs will try to trade Murton to a team where he can play regularly. ESPN’s Keith Law thinks Murton would be good for a .290/.360/.470 line in regular duty.
Baltimore wouldn’t make sense, now that the team has accumulated an outfield surplus of their own. San Diego remains a strong option, though those talks were said to be slow going last time we checked. And the Rangers appear to want more than just Murton for Marlon Byrd, something the Cubs may be reluctant to do. My own speculation – the Indians could be a fit.
