Report: Byrd Close To Deal With Phillies
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Marlon Byrd is closing in on an agreement with the Philadelphia Phillies after rebounding to hit a career-high 24 homers this year for the New York Mets and Pittsburgh.
A person familiar with the negotiations said Tuesday the deal probably is for two years and could be put in place soon. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized.
The 36-year-old outfielder was acquired by the Pirates on Aug. 27 and hit .364 in six postseason games, with one homer and five RBIs. He batted .291 during the season and had 88 RBIs, one short of his career best.
Byrd was suspended for 50 games in 2012 following a positive test for a drug that can reduce side effects of steroid use and increase testosterone. At the time, Byrd said he mistakenly used the medication for a recurrence of a condition that earlier required surgery. He says he did not use it for performance enhancement.
His talks with the Phillies were first reported by Sportsradio 94WIP in Philadelphia. Click here for more of their coverage on the story.
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