- The number one reason he wanted to come the Cubs is the history involved with our organization.
- The second reason for choosing the Cubs that Byrd mentioned was Rudy Jaramillo, who he thinks is one of the best hitting coaches in baseball.
- Being able to go to a place where he can play center field everyday on a team that has a chance to win also attracted Marlon.
- He credits Jaramillo for getting his career back on track.
- Byrd continues to learn more from Rudy every year.
- Three guys that he really knows personally are Geovany Soto, Derrek Lee, and Alfonso Soriano. He played with Soriano in Washington and knows Soto from their Pacific Coast League days.
- Rudy really simplifies hitting into 5 steps: rhythm, timings, hitting the ball square, seeing the ball, and hitting the ball.
- He knows that the Chicago Cubs are expected to win every year. He expects Chicago to be like his time with the Phillies.
- Byrd has a relationship with Milton Bradley that goes beyond baseball. Their families are very close.
- Most people only know the baseball side of Milton, but Marlon knows every side of him.
- Bradley told Byrd, "Do what I couldn't do in Chicago."
- Knowing where you are going to hit in the lineup and play in the field everyday helps Marlon get in a rhythm and perform better.
- Byrd thinks playing a lot of day games will be easier for him that playing a lot of night games.
The Cubs' hitting coach thinks Byrd will be a perfect No. 5 hitter in the order.
That's it for now, I'll keep you posted!
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