Byrd still on back burner

The hot stove isn't off yet. Tacked on to this piece on Ian Kinsler is this update on Marlon Byrd

Byrd on the wire: Outfielder Marlon Byrd acknowledged feeling a bit in limbo as he reported for camp. Byrd remains of interest to the Chicago Cubs, who could have use for a versatile outfielder if they deal prospect Felix Pie to Baltimore in a deal for second baseman Brian Roberts.

"Down the road, maybe it could affect you," Byrd said. "Two weeks down the road, maybe it's something. You don't know whether to pack your bags or unpack them. For right now, though, I'm doing everything I can to just get ready to play."

The Rangers and Cubs had discussed a deal that would send outfielder Matt Murton to Texas for Byrd. The Rangers, however, aren't motivated to make a deal without at least one pitching prospect as part of a package.

Two things I just can't see happening

1. Baltimore trading for Pie, now that they have Adam Jones


2. Hendry trading Murton and pitching for Byrd alone. We'd need cash, at least, to go with him

Still, the Cubs could use Byrd more than they could use Murton - they just don't need another corner outfielder. I just hope they get full value in return. Byrd straight-up was a stretch.