Apologies if this has already been discussed recently, but I just happened to glance at Felix Pie's performance with the O's last season and was a bit surprised.  In about half a season (252 PA), Pie posted 1.4 WAR.  This is a higher production rate than Fukudome or Byrd achieved in 2009.

While Fukudome and Byrd hit better (each posted a RC+ of 108), Pie was still about league average at the plate (98 RC+).

Meanwhile, Pie is clearly the better defender, with a career OF UZR/150 of 10.4, while Dome and Byrd boast respective career UZR/150s of 2.7 and 4.2.

Perhaps with a bit more patience and appropriate valuation of defense, the Cubs could have had a young cost-controlled player producing at the same rate as their recent free agent signees.