Marlon Byrd Loses Weight, Still Popular In Trade Rumors

Published: 21^st Jan 12 12:33 am

Randy Holt
NHL Network Manager

RANT It!

Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

I’ll admit it. I’ve always been a fan of Marlon Byrd, even going back to the days before he was a Cub.

In his two years with pretty bad Cubs teams, he’s stuck it out, always played the role of the classy veteran, and has been a steady presence in the lineup, both in the order and on the field.

Byrd is heading into his final season with the Cubs, as his contract expires at the end of the year. And with his name floating around in plenty of trade rumors, he looks primed to have his best season yet.

No, literally, he looks primed. Byrd has dropped 40 pounds this offseason, shedding the poundage to get down to 215. Byrd’s always been a pretty hefty character, but has never had a problem moving around in centerfield and on the base paths, which has always come as a bit of surprise to me, given his frame.

Byrd’s dropped that weight thanks to a new diet and a new workout regimen, focusing on martial arts. Heading into a contract year, very likely one of his last, he’s definitely taking it seriously.

In 2010, Byrd was the Cubs’ lone representative in the All Star Game, finishing the season with a .293 average and knocked in 66 runs. His numbers did fall off last season, but he also played in just 119 games.

It’s highly unlikely that Byrd finishes the season with the Cubs, though, even if he is on the North Side come Opening Day.

Along with Matt Garza and Alfonso Soriano, Byrd has been a name that has come up quite often in trade rumors and it’s very likely that the Cubs will deal him at some point in the near future. Not that they want to be free of him, a la Soriano, but there are several teams that could use that type of steady veteran, who’s also a great clubhouse personality.

He likely won’t fetch a big return, given the role he would play, but plenty of teams have already been mentioned, including the Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals. With the Cubs in rebuilding mode, and Brett Jackson waiting to break into the big leagues, Byrd’s days in Chicago are numbered.