Jermaine Dye is on the Cubs Radar

The Cubs are still looking for a platoon outfielder to share time with Kosuke Fukudome in right field, and it looks like they may have their eyes set on Jermaine Dye. According to a report from the Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune the Cubs are looking at Dye as a platoon outfielder/ backup OF and 1B/ and DH in inter-league games.

The Interest in Dye has been lacking over the winter, which may provide to be very beneficial to the Cubs. As he now will likely be in the market for $3-$5 million deal. And according to sources the Cubs have a strong interest in Dye and are willing to offer a one year deal worth around $4-$5 million.

Dye, soon to be 36 years old, is coming off a year in which he hit 27 home runs and drove in 81. But the market for Dye as a starter has been non existent, which is why the Cubs have jumped into the Dye sweepstakes.

The Cubs also have shown recent interest in another free agent outfielder Xavier Nady,32, who missed most of the 2009 season. Nady is capable of hitting 20+  home runs, as he had his last two seasons before getting injured The Cubs also are keeping tabs on Reed Johnson, but Johnson so far has drawn interest from the Yankees,  Mariners, and the Mets may be interested as well. I would prefer that the Cubs sign Dye, as he offers more versatility and depth to the club, as well as a power bat to come off the bench.

Former White Sox Re-union- The Cubs, who are interested in former white sox Jermaine Dye, also are very interested in another former white sox in Jose Contreras. Sources have indicated the Contreras will likely sign a one year incentive laden deal with either the Cubs or Cardinals. The Cubs view Contreras as a swing man between the rotation and the bullpen.

The unofficial start to the Cubs season is tomorrow, as the Cubs Convention gets underway.