According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Red Sox are close to a trade with the Chicago Cubs for outfielder Marlon Byrd. The Red Sox have had some trouble in the outfield ever since Jacoby Ellsbury went down with a dislocated shoulder. Byrd would provide an adequate replacement for Ellsbury in the month or so until he returns, then could serve as a backup outfielder for the remainder of the time. Byrd is off to a slow start this year-- batting at just .070/0/2 in 43 at bats to start the year. However, in his career, he's been a solid player. In 119 games last season, Byrd hit .276/9/35 and the year before that was even better at .293/12/66 in 152 games with the Cubs. Byrd is not outrageously expensive at just $6.5 million for this year-- the last on his three year deal. Apparently the Cubs have been actively trying to trade Byrd for a while and the Red Sox have finally come as a suitor. If the Sox got Byrd, hopefully he could keep center field warm for Jacoby.
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