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Chicago Cubs sign free agent Xavier Nady

Cubs Sign Xavier Nady

After hearing a few months of offseason Chicago Cubs Rumors about who the Cubbies new 4th outfielder would be, we finally found the player.  The much heralded new Cubs outfielder is Xavier Nady.  The Cubs signed Nady to a 1 year $3.3 million plus incentives contract.

Why has the Cubs quest for a fourth outfielder been such a big offseason question?  Well, for one there’s never enough new to talk about during the winter months so anything will do.  For another, there were a lot of interesting names available to fill that role for the Cubs.

And the most important reason is because that fourth outfielder is likely to see a good amount of playing time, and thus could improve the team.  Nady will split playing time with Fukudome, play backup for Soriano during his annual trip to the DL and sub for Derrek Lee when he needs a day off.

A guy who can play those three positions is bound to see a decent amount of playing time and at bats from the bench.  Heck, if he can hit like he did in 2008, Nady could steal Fukudome’s job.

Xavier Nady will be that fourth outfielder for the Cubs.  He is a former New York Yankee, Pittsburgh Pirate and San Diego Padre.  His best season was in 2008 when he split the season with both the Yankees and Pirates, when he hit for a .305 average, .357 OBP, .510 SLG. with 25 HR, 97 RBI.

That kind of season is the lighting in a bottle that Jim Hendry is trying to catch.  If Nady can hit and drive in runs he’ll easily win himself more playing time in the outfield.

Though he is only one full season removed from that career year, Xavier Nady missed almost all of 2009 due to rotator cuff surgery and thus was not a highly sought after free agent.  The Yankees let him go and the Cubs are counting on Nady to be healthy and ready to hit.

If he can, this could be a good signing.  The Cubs won’t really be depending on Nady to be a star, but if he can regain some of that 2008 form (we’re hoping for the same thing from Soto and Soriano too) then Xavier Nady could really contribute to the 2010 Cubs.

Welcome to the Chicago Cubs Mr. Nady.

Go Cubs!

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Related Stories:

Nady’s presence puts pressure on Cubs outfielders – Chicago Tribune

Cubs find X factor in Nady – Chicago Tribune

Xavier Nady Stats – Baseball Reference

Nady a physical away from spot in Cubs OF  – Chicago Sun Times

Nady, Cubs complete one-year deal – MLB.com