Concluding our series on the fourth outfielder today is Eric Byrnes, the erstwhile outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Unlike the first two candidates, Byrnes is not a free agent, but Arizona has given indications he would be available for a team willing to take his contract. Let’s take a look at Byrnes as a fourth outfielder candidate. First off, why would an up and rising team like Arizona want to unload a 32 year old outfielder who can play all three positions and just two years ago finished 11th in MVP voting? Clearly, it’s because the Diamondbacks are run by the United States Congress.
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With JD Drew, Jason Bay, and Jacoby Ellsbury all under contract for 2009, the Red Sox starting outfield is set in stone before pitchers and catchers report. Unless you consider Jonathan Van Every, Chris Carter, or Jeff Bailey a long-term solution, the team still needs to acquire a fourth outfielder via free agency or trade. Needing to acquire a fourth outfielder may seem like an exercise in gluttony, but let’s be candid about our current situation. JD Drew has played 135 games or less seven times in his ten year career and the Red Sox can afford to pay above market on some spare parts to sit the bench.
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ESPN’s Steve Phillips is reporting that the Red Sox are in conversations with the Arizona Diamondbacks surrounding a Julio Lugo for Eric Byrnes swap. Byrnes is due $11 million dollars in 2009 and 2010 and would be brought in to replace Coco Crisp in the fourth outfielder role. He could also, in theory, provide some coverage in the outfield in 2010 should the Red Sox and Jason Bay part ways after this season.
This deal would likely not involve the Red Sox absorbing any of Julio Lugo’s contract. Lugo is due $9 million dollars in both 2009 and 2010.
I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Arizona catcher Miguel Montero added to this mix in a larger deal involving a young Red Sox pitcher.
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Peter Gammons stops by Fire Brand to answer a few questions. He cautions not to write off David Ortiz and muses about an Eric Byrnes and Miguel Montero to Boston trade.
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