Happy New Year: Cubs Sign Marlon Byrd

Not since the days of Corey Patterson have the Cubs had a clear cut center fielder. This search is finally over, with the Cubs singing 32-year-old Marlon Byrd to a 3-year, $15 million deal.

Byrd was arguably the top center field option on the free agent market this year, and at a cost of only $15 million over three years, could wind up being a great bargain. Yes, he's coming off a career year, however, he'll be working with the same hitting coach, as the Cubs signed Rudy Jaramillio earlier this winter. Byrd finished eighth in the AL in doubles in 2009, with a career high 43, and also set a career highs in hits, home runs, RBI and games played.

Byrd has played al...

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