Well, I am exhausted as the offseason moves continue. One day before Safeco Field opens it’s doors to the adoring fans, Jack Z. spends some money on a right handed bat in Eric Byrnes. Calling him a bat might be too much, but he was released by the D-Backs two weeks ago and the M’s get a shot at him for $400K. Oh, don’t feel sorry for him, the D-Backs still owe him $11 Million.
He spent the early part of his career with the A’s and the last 4+ seasons with the D-Backs. He has only hit 109 career home runs, so his lack of power will still be felt in pitcher friendly Safeco. He is coming off back-to-back disappointing season due to injuries. His 2007 season was his career best, especially pleasing to see 50 stolen bases and a .286 batting average. He is a career .260 hitter.
It appears that he was too good to pass up. Jack Z. has not made a bad decision yet, that I can think of. Since Byrnes claims to be healthy for the first time in 2 years, this could be a nice turnaround season for him. We will see, we do have a place for him in left field. If he makes the opening day roster, time will tell. But as far as professional baseball standards are concerned, $400K is nothing. Of course, someone that inexpensive only means that we could see more moves, even up to the close of Spring training.
