Byrnes in Baltimore, classic

by SA on Jul 31, 2005 12:56 PM PDT

I wasn't sure if people saw this classic Byrnes item in today's Washington Post...

Byrnes Provides A Boost

By Jorge Arangure Jr.
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, July 31, 2005; E06

BALTIMORE, July 30 -- He was not as energetic as advertised as he sat on a couch in the Baltimore Orioles clubhouse Saturday, yet the T-shirt and jeans and the disheveled hair that fluffed in every direction made it easy to spot Eric Byrnes.

Only 3 1/2 hours after he had arrived on a red-eye flight from Colorado, Byrnes joined his third team this season. The outfielder was acquired on Friday night from the Rockies for outfielder Larry Bigbie and arrived at 6 a.m. in Baltimore.

"I think it's a great opportunity," Byrnes said. "It's a good team that's got some of the, obviously, best players in baseball. It's great to have an opportunity to play for something this time of year. [Energy] is the one thing I can guarantee I can bring. I bust my [rear end] every day. That's the only way I've ever played the game, so I'll play it whether I'm struggling or I'm playing well."

Byrnes started in left field and had an RBI double in the second inning, diving headfirst into second base. It's that type of attitude the Orioles hope endears him to teammates.

"I'm not going to" change my style of play, Byrnes said. "People have their opinions of me. Hopefully more positive than negative. It's what I'm going to do and how I'm going to play."

He was picked off second base later in the inning, though.

"That was stupid," Byrnes said. "There's no excuse for that."

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Classic

Excellent hustle, trumped by chronic stupid.

by dingerpower on Jul 31, 2005 1:11 PM PDT reply actions

I for one

wish him the best of success as long as it's not against the A's.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by lansfords1 on Jul 31, 2005 1:13 PM PDT reply actions

Good luck

I was surprised that the opinions of Byrnesy on him were more split down the middle than I thought....I for one agree with lansfords1, wishing him much success...do all you want...just don't do it against the A's.

by Voltease on Jul 31, 2005 1:37 PM PDT reply actions

Oh, I wish him well

He's an engaging character, and clearly livened up the team. But he regularly made bonehead plays which more than negated his spectaculars, and he never showed that he'd change the style that made him forget to touch home plate you-know-when.

So, when he comes to town in a few weeks, maybe he'll hurt us, maybe he'll help. That's the Eric Byrnes Mystique.

In fact, when you think about it, its amazing how much good will he carries away with him, given how erratic his play has been.

by dingerpower on Jul 31, 2005 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Byrnes back in the AL!

First off, he had the RBI double, so he makes a splash right away.

Secondly, people get it all wrong when they talk about the home plate play. The fault lay with the A's dugout, because the players were not being vocal enough to get Byrnes to home. He was in a daze and you would be too after that kind of collision. He's not to blame for that play, even though everyone tries to make him out like the bad guy. I mean I love Tejada, but the fact is that he had TWO crazy plays happen to him in the playoffs that he should have just tried his hardest on. The fact is, one bad play does not doom a good ballplayer.

Third, talk all you want about his erratic play, but I guarantee that Byrnes will put up amazing stats if he plays everyday and is allowed to play the way he wants.

Finally, I'd like to wish Captain America the best of seasons, except against the Athleticos.

by bringbacktejada on Jul 31, 2005 3:16 PM PDT reply actions

It's true that Byrnsie's play could be erratic,

but you just had to love his energy and attitude. I hope he prospers wherever he plays (except against Oakland, of course).

Green and Gold since '73. #1712

by kent1 on Jul 31, 2005 3:29 PM PDT reply actions

I heard Byrnes made the deal himself...

http://www.yard-work.org/

just kidding of course

I really think most people liked Byrnes, but I think foolshgame's endless diaries about him resulted in alot of backlash on this site.

No, I do not want to FIRE MACHA NOW, nor do I think Blanton is fat. Now leave me alone.

by pbruins92 on Jul 31, 2005 3:38 PM PDT reply actions

I'd like to see Byrnes return to the A's!...

I know this will surprise many of you, but I'd like to see ByrnesBrain back in Oakland for two reasons: first of all, there is no longer a braindead, overrated player on the home team for me to rip, thereby tweaking those suckered by such a moronic jock. ;-)>

But in retrospect, I feel it, hee hee, for those who have lost their hero. So I would like The Bumbler to return, but not as a ballplayer. I've noted that in a few years, he will be a dead ringer for Krazy George. So for those fans who need the sideshows of dot racing and crap music at the park, BoneheadBrynesey could become a Krazy George lookalike Cheer Leader, playing to the Coli's cranium-challenged masses by prancing on top of the dugout, a la Krazy! ;-)>

by reztips on Jul 31, 2005 5:01 PM PDT reply actions