Really? Paul Byrd?
Jeff J. Snider Sports
Rumor has it that Esteban Loaiza’s incomprehensible contract with the A’s has driven up the price for Angels’ free agent Paul Byrd, who will probably end up getting three years at close to $8 million per year. I understand that the free agent market is weak, but honestly, this is ridiculous. Byrd will be 35 years old tomorrow, which means he will be pushing 38 when he completes a three-year contract. He has a history of arm troubles, missing the entire 2003 season after surgery on his pitching elbow. His fastball tops out at about 35 MPH. He has a mediocre career ERA of 4.23, and last season is only the third time in ten seasons he has dipped below 3.90. His career record is 72-64, which is about what you would expect from someone with a 4.23 ERA. Bottom line: Paul Byrd is the kind of guy you sign to be your number three or four starter.
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Add comment December 2nd, 2005 at 12:16pm