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 la...
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