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Marlon Byrd

Marlon Byrd/Matt Murton Rumors

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Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News has the latest on the Marlon Byrd/Cubs rumors.

Byrd has been informed that the Cubs have interest in him.  Grant says the Rangers reportedly turned down an offer of Matt Murton for Byrd, requiring one or two pitching prospects be added by the Cubs.  So for those who think Murton is worth more than Byrd – the Rangers apparently do not agree.

Meanwhile, ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick runs down three possible destinations for Murton: Texas, Baltimore, and San Diego.  It seems that the Cubs would prefer to resolve the Baltimore trade talks before they’d ship Murton to one of the other two clubs.  Talks for Erik Bedard and/or Brian Roberts are ongoing, according to Crasnick.

Cubs Bedard/Roberts Talks Revived?

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UPDATE, 1-21-08 at 6:39pm: According to Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald, "informed insiders say no renewed talks are underway" for a Cubs/Orioles blockbuster.  Miles does believe Hendry is shopping Murton and interested in Byrd.

UPDATE, 1-21-08 at 4:37pm: John Hickey of the Seattle PI notes that the Mariners seem to "very much want Bedard" still.  He sees the Mets as their main competition.

FROM 1-21-08 at 3:09pm:

Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune insists that Orioles owner Peter Angelos did shoot down some kind of Erik Bedard/Brian Roberts to the Cubs blockbuster last week.  Furthermore, Rogers’ source says the talks are now back on.

Rogers speculates that "frustration and gamesmanship" might be why Lou Piniella and Jim Hendry recently denied the blockbuster rumor.  Hendry was quoted as saying "that certainly hasn’t been a path we’ve been on."

Rogers also has sources saying the Cubs may have to give up Matt Murton and one or two other players to get Marlon Byrd from Texas (perhaps Sean Gallagher).  He speculates that a three-team deal with the Rangers and Orioles to net the Cubs Bedard, Roberts, and Byrd is a possibility.  Felix Pie would have to be in that mix, and note that Roch Kubatko said yesterday that the Cubs "would be willing to part with Rich Hill" to get Bedard and Roberts.

Through all of this Rogers says it’s a "very highly placed source" and that he trusts the source.  It’s hard for me to really evaluate this stuff until we get more clarity.  But feel free to discuss.

Wittenmyer On Byrd, Roberts, Bedard

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Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times gives his take on the odds of various rumored Cubs acquisitions:

For now, the Marlon Byrd move looks possible, if not probable, while snagging Brian Roberts — a speedy switch-hitter whose presence could mean a three- or four-level ripple effect of improvement through the lineup — looks at least doubtful.  And forget about that would-be deal that would include Orioles ace Erik Bedard. Those discussions didn’t reach the level first believed, and the Cubs don’t have the players to land both.

This is pretty much what we figured.  Byrd – sure, Hendry could figure out a way to get him.  Roberts would take a lot and doesn’t seem likely, while Bedard is a huge long shot.  Seems the 7-for-2 rumor from Saturday is officially dead, now that both GMs have dismissed it. 

Roberts to me is a 1-2 win gain for the 2008 Cubs, with an accompanying loss of most of the team’s young MLB-ready pitching (plus a decent outfielder).  The Cubs might be better off keeping the pitching depth. 

Odds and Ends: Colon, Byrd, Sosa, Wilkerson

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Some random links and whatnot for Saturday…

  • Joe Cowley says the White Sox have backed off on Bartolo Colon because he wants a two-year deal.  He believes the Royals are the frontrunner.
  • Rangers guru Jamey Newberg doesn’t think Marlon Byrd would be enough to get Matt Murton from the Cubs.
  • The Rangers might’ve entertained Sammy Sosa in a limited role, but he’s looking for 400-500 plate appearances.  Good luck with that!
  • Heard an unconfirmed whisper that the Red Sox may have some interest in Brad Wilkerson.
  • RotoAuthority takes a fantasy baseball look at Yovani Gallardo and Tim Lincecum.

Cubs Interested In Marlon Byrd

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According to MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan, the Cubs asked the Rangers about Marlon Byrd.  Sullivan says the Cubs may be willing to give up Matt Murton for Byrd.  This swap could make sense given each team’s needs.  Sullivan cautions that the discussions are only preliminary.  The Byrd rumor first popped up via Bruce Levine about a week ago.

Byrd, 30, will make $1.8MM in ’08 in a newly agreed-to contract.  He’s set to reach free agency after the 2009 season.  He’s been with the Phillies, Nationals, and Rangers.  He had decent years in ’03 and ’07.  He’s not a guy you want to use in left field, but the Josh Hamilton acquisition would push him there unless he’s dealt.

Murton is under team control through 2011, if my calculations are correct.  He’s a bit of a tweener in that his power is a bit light for a corner outfielder.  Still, a career line of .296/.365/.455 in 289 games is interesting and there is room for growth if he’s left alone (he’s 26).

Brian Roberts Deal Dead?

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A trusted emailer wrote in to tell me about a report today from Bruce Levine of ESPN Radio 1000.  According to Levine, Brian Roberts is no longer available.  The Orioles were apparently asking for Tyler Colvin or Felix Pie plus multiple pitchers, and the Cubs wouldn’t do it.

Levine says the Cubs may turn their attention to the Rangers’ Marlon Byrd or free agent Jon Lieber.

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