Latest Talk: Jonny Gomes As The Cubs' 4th Outfielder

Jonny Gomes hit 20 home runs in 281 at bats for the Reds in 2009.

Jermaine Dye, Xavier Nady, Rocco Baldelli, Reed Johnson... these are the names we've heard most about filling the Cubs' need for a fourth outfielder. Well, we can add Jonny Gomes' name to the discussion, and it appears the 29-year-old might even be the most likely candidate to fill the role. He also sounds like he really wants this to happen:

``Absolutely,’’ said Gomes, confirming discussions. ``I’m a big fan of the game, a student of the game, and I follow a lot of history. I’m not only a player but also a client. Obviously, I’m a big fan of the Cubs, and a big fan of the city – it’s probably one of my favorite cities on the tour, as well as my wife’s.’’

``Most guys are [seeking multi-year deals]. I think that’s kind of where I stand out with other free agents,’’ he said. ``With Rocco [Baldelli], Xavier Nady, Reed Johnson and Jermaine Dye, I’m one of the youngest. If I was ever to hold out for a multiyear deal or a while lot of money, it wouldn’t be after a year with [281] at-bats, regardless what the run-production numbers were. I definitely want to be treated fair, but I’m not really looking to break the bank or for a lot of years. I’m looking to help the team get to the playoffs.
``With the guys on the free agent market out there right now, I think I can bring a lot to the Cubs with what I have. I’m comfortable playing left and right, and messing round with some ground balls at first base in spring training.’’

``What the Cubs have to offer, I’m totally OK with,’’ he said. ``They’re asking for a fourth outfielder, and others are looking to start. I’m just looking to get in there. And I think it would be great to get back with Lou. I know how hard he is on young players and expects a lot, but we built a pretty good relationship in Tampa.
``I think it would be a good fit for both sides.’’

Link(Gordon Wittenmyer, Chicago Sun-Times)

Gomes, who has a career line of .241/.330/.471(.801 OPS), hit 20 homers with an .879 OPS in 314 plate appearances for the Cincinnati Reds in 2009. You immediately look to the home/road splits when a player has half their games in Great American Ballpark, but Gomes still hit 9 homers with a .822 OPS on the road.

In his career, he's absolutely mashed lefties, putting up an .885 OPS. Against right-handed pitching, he has a career .758 OPS. So he's always been known as a guy to mainly play against left-handers, but he hit 15 homers and had an .859 OPS in 2009 against right-handers.

For the Cubs, he'd likely start in right field against left-handers, replacing Kosuke Fukudome. He'd also play in left field quite a bit, giving Alfonso Soriano some much needed rest. He mentioned working at first base in Spring Training, but he's never played there in the majors. With Jeff Baker being the only lock to make the roster that could backup Derrek Lee at first base, the Cubs would like this fourth outfielder to be able to play first base as well.

Gomes' defense is nothing to write home about, but he'd bring a powerful bat and outfield depth that the Cubs could really use.