Paul Byrd to the Red Sox

The Red Sox today acquired Paul Byrd from the Cleveland Indians for a PTBNL or cash considerations. My head says this is a good move but my heart says, "Meh".

Paul Byrd is a guy I was high on back when he was with the Braves. I thought he would break through under Leo Mazzone's tutelage but he's remained basically an average pitcher who once and a while shines. My head knows he'll make a great 5th starter down the stretch.

My heart, however, looks at Paul Byrd and sees an After School Special of a way toned down Rainbowhead Guy. If you recall - Rainbowhead Guy was known for being at sporting events using his rainbow afro wig to get attention. Rainbow Head Guy turned his life over to Jesus and was then known for his John 3:16 signs. Then Rainbowhead Guy took some PCP at a hotel, held a cleaning lady hostage and had a standoff with the SWAT team. You haven't heard much from Rainbow Head Guy lately because he's doing life in prison.

Paul Byrd was known for being at sporting events (specifically baseball games every fifth day when he started when not injured). Then he turned his life over to Jesus and became known for admitting to an addiction to porn. Then he got caught doing drugs (HGH which was prescribed for him by his dentist). I'm just hoping the hostage and SWAT standoffs don't come to pass.

Maybe my mind is looking at Paul Byrd as Rainbow Head Jr. because I found him hypocritical in his denial of HGH use and condescending in his Jesus loves me attitude. Maybe I'm not welcoming him with open arms because I don't want to be a hypocrite myself.

I'll root for the laundry but when I look at Paul Byrd I'll still picture a guy wearing a rainbow colored afro wig.

Paul Byrd - Cheater?

Wow - interesting. Paul Byrd likes his HGH.

I have to wonder if this news will effect the Indians clubhouse. Right before a game 7 probably isn't the best time for news like this to break (although I wish it could have broke last week before Byrd beat the Red Sox). If the Indians do win tonight - then theses revelations about Byrd will taint the series victory. No doubt about it.

Before reading the article I would have said that Paul Byrd was the free agent pitcher who has helped himself the most this post-season. Now you have to wonder what team will take a risk on a guy who could be either facing a 50-game suspension at any time or losing his HGH performance crutch. Today's column revealing HGH use probably costs Byrd at the very least a multi-year contract.

I think you will start to see names coming out pretty much on a weekly basis as the damn starts to burst. It is shaping up as a very interesting hot stove season.

Thanks to Greg for the pointer to the article on Byrd.

Curt Schilling

Just a thought but did you realize that Curt Schilling is arguably the best starting pitcher who will be available via free agency this winter?

You could argue Paul Byrd (15-8 and 4.59 ERA). Maybe you like Kenny Rogers (soon to be 43-years old and only 10 starts this year due to injuries). I could accept Randy Wolf having the potential to be the top starter (though I think by now everyone knows he's made of China).

When you look at what's available - you have to think that Schilling is hands down the best available starting pitcher. This is another reason why I think he'll get a John Smoltz-like deal (one year for $13 million plus an option). This also points out how thin the free-agent market will be this off-season for top starters. Matt Clement or Kris Benson may be the best deals available.