Marlon Byrd’s case to be a 2010 All Star…
- Ranks second in the NL in batting average (.323)
- 17 of his 34 RBI have come with two outs.
- Has reached base safely in 53 of 69 games played.
- 29 multi-hit games including 23 doubles.
- Batting . 402 against left-handers.
Has hit safely in last eight road games, going 18-for-34 (.529 avg.), including 6 doubles, 2 HR, 7 RBI, seven runs scored and six multi-hit efforts.
He’s produced despite numerous changes to his spot in the order, and played well defensively.
The question is…what hasn’t Byrd done to deserve your vote?
–Mark DeRosa has quietly opted for season-ending surgery on his left wrist. He underwent surgery last offseason on the same wrist, but in a different area from his current nerve injury.
Because of the surgery, the Giants took much grief for signing the 35-year-old to a 2-yr, $12M deal this offseason. The criticism is sure to linger with DeRosa out after batting .194 with 1 HR and 10 RBI through 26 games.
–Gary Matthews Jr. signed with Cincinnati after the Mets cut him loose earlier this week. All indications show Dusty Baker is doing his long time friend, Gary Matthews Sr., a favor by bringing the Little Sarge aboard. The elder Matthews played four years for the Cubs (1984-87)…Matthews Jr. played two seasons on the North Side (2000-01).
–Eric Patterson, the younger brother of Corey, was DFA by Oakland this week. He was shipped to the A’s in the Rich Harden deal.
–Baltimore sent Oakland a minor league pitcher and cash to acquire former Cub Jake Fox, who was DFA by Oakland last week. If Fox rebounds to his 2008 form, .259, 11 HR, 44 RBI, it could spell the end to Garrett Atkins’ tenure with the O’s.
