Indians bring in Marlon Byrd

The Cleveland Indians finally attempted to address their outfield and power issues with the signing of Marlon Byrd to a minor league deal which pays Byrd a million dollars,if he is on the team for Opening Day.

The 38 year old Byrd hit 23 homers in a season split between the Reds and Giants and has hit over 20 homers in each of the last three seasons.
Byrd was known more as a speedster as a younger player,but as he has aged,Byrd has turned into more of a slugger,although his average has dropped for each of the last two seasons.

The Indians will be the 10th team of Byrd's career and after being a bat for hire over the last three years (arguably the most productive),could finally be in a position to not be a trade deadline piece.
The 2015 Indians only had one full-time righthanded hitter (Carlos Santana hit 19,but is a switchhitter) hit 12 homers last season (Yan Gomes in an injury-filled season) and screams for righthanded power,which is exactly what Byrd can provide at this stage of his career.

Byrd will likely have an excellent chance to win the right field job in at least a platoon role as the Indians will give lefthanded hitting Lonnie Chisenhall every opportunity to earn plenty of at bats in right field as well.
The Indians are receiving good reports on an early return for Michael Brantley,which is a huge jolt to a lineup in need of one,but even with Brantley and Byrd,I still wonder if this team has the type of hitting to complement one of the games best pitching rotations...

I have a feature in mind for tonight,if I have the time and if nothing breaks in the news...