Theo added Paul Byrd off waivers from Cleveland today in hopes of shoring up the Sox rotation for the homestretch. I've been hearing rumors about Byrd to Boston as far back as 2002 (he was with KC at the time). An All Star back in 1999, the Sox will be Byrd's 7th franchise in 13 major league seasons. He as already been a member of the Mets, Braves (two stints), Phillies, Royals, Dodgers and Indians. His career record is 104-91 with a 4.53 ERA. This season Byrd has gone just 7-10 with a 4.53 ERA, but has been much better since the All Star break: 4-0 in 4 starts, 1.24 ERA, 7.3 innings per start. With Beckett, Lester and Dice-K the top three spots in the Sox rotation are set. So was this move done with Clay Buchholz slot in mind? Or should we read further into this....that Timmy Wake might not be coming back as quick as we'd like to think? And if Wakefield is healthy after his 15-day DL stint, and finishes the season strong, who would be the odd man out come playoff time? But then again if my biggest worry about the Paul Byrd addition is the possible playoff rotation it looks like a pretty solid move by Theo.
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I must say that his 1920's style windup (pictured) annoyed me to death when he was on the other team, but I think I'll love it now that he's on the Sox.
He's not going to unseat Beckett as the new #1, but this is a pretty solid pickup for a post-deadline deal.
Byrd means a better #4 in the rotation. But he does give up the long ball. He has given up 23 HR this year, there's only 4 guys in MLB who have given up more. Only Buchholz will have a worse ERA based on Sox P w/ 50+ innings pitched. (i set the bar at 50 since Pap has 51).
As much as it seems like i'm bashing the guy..well i am.. but he is an upgrade over Buchholz performance this year. Positive side he has been solid since the AS break.
see Hank Steinbrenner's quote's anyone?
"I think it's very simple, we've been devastated by injuries. No team I've ever seen in baseball has been decimated like this. It would kill any team," Steinbrenner said. "Imagine the Red Sox without Josh Beckett and John Lester. Pitching is 70 percent of the game. Wang won 19 games two straight years. Chamberlain became the most dominating pitcher in baseball. You can't lose two guys like that."
So much for the leadership of an organization not making excuses. Why did you build a team with so few starters? You need more than 5 good starter these days BECAUSE PEOPLE GET HURT. Bad planning.
Also, the Angels and Cardinals have been smashed by injuries this year...no complaints from them...just good baseball management of resources.
Hank being Hank may take over Manny being Manny. They do have their fair share of similarities in fingerpointing though.
Byrd will at least go 5 innings, which is an inning of improvement vs. Clay. Begin with that and then go 6 innings the next start.
If Lowell is out for the year/until the playoffs, I say we do everything we can to get Millar and platoon him and Casey at 1B and move Youk to 3rd. Millar would be a greatly added boost to our attitude which is already great. I think it is a must move if Lowell is gone.
No new posts for 3 days?
Not a bad first start for Byrd. I'd say that's about what can/should be expected. Luckily he wont be opposing Halladay every time out.
...and sorry about the delay in new posts. Was having computer problems, which luckily didn't lead to me needing a new computer. I had to post a few things after they had sort of come and gone unfortunately.
...and I wonder who we gave up for him. Something tells me Kottaras.
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