Have you ever noticed anything about most of the Cubs' big signings in the last half-decade? I have. Mostly outfielders, the Cubs pour money into these guys imagining they will be 10 year mainstays at their position with no controversy. This couldn't be farther from what happens almost every time. In fact, every year since 2005 has seen a change in the regular starter in at least one outfield position. Here is my breakdown of each acquisition:
Jeromy Burnitz, RF, 2005: This quickly-aging veteran was signed to erase memories of Sammy Sosa, whom the city had turned its back on. Burnitz had received MVP votes after clubbing 37 homers in 2004, which led Cub fans to believe they were getting a high-level slugger. Burnitz was a slight disappointment, as was most of that 2005 team, by hitting only 24 homers and a .322 OBP. Right Move? It might have been the right move because he didn't have a bad injury record (had played at least 126 games each year after first becoming a starter in 1997), was still a power threat, and was a durable lefty who regularly batted more than 600 ABs. However, his rising age (36 in 2005) should have added some red flags by his name.
Jacque Jones, RF, 2006: Jones was one of the most under-appreciated players of the 2006 season. Jones was highly-criticized for his lackluster defensive play in right especially early in the season, but he finished the year with 27 homers (tying a career high) and a .285 BA. Right Move? Yes. After Burnitz left town, the Cubs once again needed a right fielder. Jones added pop and around 10 stolen bases a year, which was preferred over Burnitz' all-or-nothing style of play. Jones struggled offensively early in 2007 but became one of baseball's best hitters in the second half despite never getting his power back. He was traded to the Tigers for 2008 and then the Marlins, having not appeared in an MLB game since.
Juan Pierre, CF, 2006: Derrek Lee's monster 2005 campaign complete with a batting title (.335 BA) and home run bash fest (46) came with one disappointing and confusing figure. He had just 107 RBI because the hitters ahead of him did a horrible job of getting on base. Enter Pierre. Pierre was a stolen-base machine, 167 bases in just three seasons in Florida. The plan worked because he led MLB in at-bats (699), hits (204), and games played (162). Lee missed 112 games due to a wrist injury however, and Pierre now was on base with not enough to drive him in. Right Move? Absolutely! The Cubs were very lucky to land this speedster and it was very unfortunate his all-out play was only seen in the Cub uniform during the lost season of 2006. Pierre moved on to the Dodgers where he became a critical part of their outfield rotation.
Alfonso Soriano, LF, 2007: Soriano was likely the best player available on the free agent market in this offseason after cranking up a 40-40 season with the Washington Nationals even playing in cavernous RFK Stadium. He was given the biggest contract in Cubs history, with good reason. It was clear after 2006 that more offense was need and better defense should be a bigger emphasis with a big roster turnover including the change at manager. The converted infielder's unconventional play in left was fine as long as he was making plays, which he was. His arm was a cannon and he was among the league leaders in assists. Right Move? Remains to be seen. Soriano has shown big flashes of the player he was, but here we are in Year Four and Cub fans have yet to see a full, healthy season from him. Missing over a month in 2007, he still hit 33 homers. However, his homers and average have decreased since then, and he has not even hit 20 steals in any season with the Cubs. Much pressure on this man should be expected in 2010, and rightly so after the Cubs put a no-trade clause in his contract making him stuck to the Cubs for eight years, or four more after 2010.
Kosuke Fukudome, RF, 2008: Another right fielder, this time imported from Japan. Fukudome, the former MVP with the Chunichi Dragons, was profiled as a mix between an Ichiro and a Hideki Matsui. He was the Cubs' first Japanese player. Right Move? Yes. This one took some thinking. Offensively, the main reason the Cubs broke open and scored the most in the NL was because of their new-found patience at the plate. Fukudome inspired the rest of the team with his natural patience, and the Wrigley Field crowd went crazy for Kosuke through the first half of 2008. However, his season ended badly in 2008 and he was more consistent after being moved to center field in 2009. Contrary to popular belief, he statistically plays better defense in center rather than right, but he has admitted to being more comfortable in right and he can make more big plays in right.
Jim Edmonds, CF, 2008: A midseason acquisition in May, Edmonds came from the rival Cardinals and fans were intrigued to see his performance on the other side of the I-55 Rivalry. Edmonds had always been a smart ballplayer, good power hitter, and great defender. He had won eight Gold Gloves, including six consecutively from 2000-2005. Right Move? Yes. Good thinking on Jim Hendry's part to look past his age and poor early performance with the Padres to see what he could bring to Chicago. Worst case scenario would have been a platoon role with Felix Pie and Reed Johnson, making CF a weak spot but not terrible. On that 2008 team, there was no need for production out of that position. Edmonds was a free agent in 2009 but is targeting a comeback in 2010.
Milton Bradley, RF, 2009: Bradley (above, #21) had a few repeating themes in his career: tirades, gifted hitting ability, team jumping, a bad clubhouse influence, injury problems, and more off-field issues. Bradley was an injury risk for sure when he was signed, and many Cub Nation questioned why the Cubs couldn't have signed Raul Ibanez or Pat Burrell instead of a big risk. Bradley, however, led the AL in OBP in 2008 and was always a patient hitter with pop. Right Move? NO. Another move of this caliber will have Jim Hendry fired. Bradley got in trouble from his first at-bat in Wrigley Field, getting suspended for making contact with an umpire while arguing a third strike in a crucial pinch-hit situation against the Cardinals April 16th. The rest of the season was filled with slamming quotes, broken bats, and benching. Lou Piniella had to confront Bradley and sent him home during the middle of a game against the White Sox due to bad behavior. Offensively and defensively he was a big disappointment, hitting only 40 RBI and he will live on in Chicago sports lore for one of the worst defensive plays of the decade. He famously threw the ball into the stands with one out which allowed a run to score and another runner to move up after forgetting how many outs there were to the disgust of the sold-out crowd at Wrigley Field including me.
Marlon Byrd, CF, 2010: Fukudome gets to move back to his natural position after Byrd (above, #22) was signed from Texas on New Year's Eve. Byrd had somewhat of a breakout year in 2009, collecting 155 hits, 43 doubles, 20 homers, 89 RBI, 599 PA, and 262 total bases, all career highs. He can steal a few bases and play great defense. Right Move? YES! I have always known Byrd would be a great fit for the Cubs. The Cubs are now looking for a fourth outfielder like Jermaine Dye, Xavier Nady, Johnny Gomes, etc...and a role with Byrd is exactly what the Cubs need. Rudy Jaramillo will continue to make him a more patient hitter, and Jaramillo's magical ways will win over these hitters. The Cubs are looking to improve on defense, and Byrd helps that in the outfield (especially with Soriano now turned into a liability on defense) as well as being a plus clubhouse influence.
The bottom line is although the Cubs have learned plenty of lessons about outfielders, they look pretty set for 2010 with three able dudes. Byrd is a team chemistry guy, and I foresee a bond between him, Fukudome, and Soriano.
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