Quite a bit of info is floating about this evening regarding the Cubs’ quest to add an outfielder. Let’s put it all together.
- SI.com’s Jon Heyman names Coco Crisp, Jay Payton, Marlon Byrd, and Brandon Inge as possible targets. Inge makes the least sense given his salary and the Tigers’ need for him while Curtis Granderson is out.
- ESPN’s Jayson Stark confirms Ken Rosenthal’s assertion that the Cubs are leading the pack for Reed Johnson. Stark speculates that such an acquisition could prompt the Cubs to trade Matt Murton.
- ESPN’s Peter Gammons says Red Sox scout Allard Baird is currently observing the Cubs. Other scouts in ’zona are speculating about a Sean Gallagher for Crisp scenario. Gammons notes that the Red Sox wouldn’t mind getting Murton back, either. He thinks the Sox are wary of trading Crisp right now though, echoing a sentiment from Buster Olney.
- Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News writes that the Rangers want Murton plus one of Jose Ceda, Gallagher, or Donald Veal for Byrd. Jim Hendry did recently re-engage the Rangers, according to Grant.
