It seems almost everyday a new name comes up as an option for a fourth outfielder. The Cubs seem rather set in getting another outfielder...likely a right hander to platoon with K-Fuk in right field.
Honestly, I don't think the Cubs should be in despirate need of a fourth outfielder...I'd rather see them either, a) get a utility infielder...or b) find an everyday 2nd baseman. But the Cubs seem happy with Andres Blanco!?!?!?!
So let's review the list of 4th outfielder candidates with the pluses and minuses of both...
Jermaine Dye:
+:
Can still hit the ball well
Wants to be with the Cubs
Right handed
Might be willing to take a discount to be on the team
-:
Can't field...he's a DH at best
Can really only play right field.
Xavier Nady
+:
Ok fielder
Right handed
Fairly good situational hitter
-:
Hurt
Will he be an effective player after elbow problems?
Probably can't play center field now
Jim Edmonds
+:
Good teammate
Plays solid defence
Could play all three OF positions
Cheap (league minimum for salary?)
-:
Old
Hasn't played in a year
Left handed
Needs a cane to help him around the bases
Johnny Damon
+:
Looks like Jesus when he has a beard
Can play any outfield position
Can still steal bases
High OBP
-:
Expensive
Left handed
Ex yankee...ex Red Sox
Reed Johnson
+:
Can play all 3 outfield positions
Good fielder
Knows what it is like to play for the Cubs
Right handed
-:
Basically the same player as Byrd
Injury prone
Rocco Baldelli
+:
Should be cheap
Can play all three OF positions
Right handed
-:
Hasn't played much in 3 years
Low OPS
So-so fielder
Jonny Gomes
+:
Not too bad in the field
Can play all 3 OF positions
Right handed
-:
Horrible vs. right handers
Low OBP
*********************
There you have it. It just seems ridiculous that the Cubs have to sign another right handed player mainly because Fukudome is so bad against left handed pitching.
I really have to wonder if the Cubs should be willing to eat some contract to try to trade Fukudome, then look for an everyday right fielder that can hit from the left side of the plate.
With a new 4th outfielder on the team, that will signal the end of Hoffpauir in Chicago.
