(Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images)
As you all may know by now, Marlon Byrd was released by the Red Sox yesterday after being desinated for assignment, because the Sox will no longer need his services. With Ryan Kalish raking in Pawtucket, Cody Ross very close to returning, and Scott Podsednik in a form he was in 5 years ago, Marlon Byrd just didn't fit anymore. He knew he was nothing more than a fill-in for Jacoby Ellsbury, and when the plague of injuries swept the outfield, Byrd was the man in center. He wasn't the same Marlon Byrd of 2009 with Texas, though it is safe to say, he exceeded most expectations in his 34 games with the Red Sox.
Byrd first appeared in a game for Boston on April 23 in Minnesota, and the result, a win for the Red Sox. In fact, the first 6 games he appeared in for the Red Sox resulted in a victory. Of course the trend did not continue, but the Red Sox were 18-16 when Byrd made an appearance. Though, It wasn't all good when Marlon Byrd appeared in a game for Boston.
Marlon Byrd had his chances to make that 18-16 record a little more beefy in the win column, but most of the chances were squandered. If we took a glimpse at his 9th inning average with the Sox, Byrd batted .300 (3/10) with a run scored and 2 K's. OK, that's not too bad. If we group in innings 7 though 9, His average drops to .194 (6/31 - all singles) with 2 RBI, and 8 K's. Compared to his .318 average in innings 1-6, it looks that much worse. He was also 0-for-3 in extra inning AB's. In tie games or games within 1 run, Byrd batted .188 with 5 K's. I could keep pointing out his lack of production during crucial moments, such as his .240 average with RISP or his .167 average with RISP and 2 outs, but I don't want to make the guy look bad.
I am not trying to bash Byrd after saying he exceeded most expectations, but I just wanted to point out it was more bad than good. When you look at the simple stat line (34 G, 100 AB, .270 BA, 1 HR, 7 RBI), it doesn't look too bad. Even though the Sox were 2 games above .500 when he appeared in a game, the Red Sox are better without him. There is one more positive. The Red Sox are only liable for $400,000 of his $6.5 million due to him this season. Thanks, Cubs!
Anyway...Thanks for everything, Marlon!
