Good thing Byrd left
 

Byrd likely sidelined 2-4 months

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Associated Press


PHILADELPHIA -- Atlanta pitcher Paul Byrd will have surgery this week to remove a bone spur from the back of his right elbow on Friday. The veteran is expected to miss two to four months, and there's at least a slight possibility he could miss the entire season.

Byrd, a 17-game winner with Kansas City last year, signed with the Braves as a free agent in December. He was scheduled to make his first start of the season Thursday night at Philadelphia.

The 32-year-old Byrd has been on the 15-day disabled list with tendinitis in his right elbow since March 21. He is still experiencing discomfort after a rehab appearance with Double-A Greenville last Saturday.

The operation will be performed Friday by Dr. Craig Morgan in Wilmington, Del.

Byrd was 17-11 and pitched seven complete games in 33 starts for the Royals last year.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/news/2003/0409/1536769.html

On the other end of the spectrum, I noticed Suppan is now 2-0 with a sub 2 ERA for the Pirates. I always figured that dude had the stuff, he may have just needed a change of scenery...

I was thinking the same thing today... but, with the guns we've got now, I don't miss him, but I am happy for him 'cuz I always liked him...

Just wait on Suppan. Straight fastball, average breaking stuff, they'll catch up to him later on. But like you say, a class professional. What ever happened to Neifi (the out machine) Perez?

Suppan's going to pitch well because he's basically in a contract year. Totally money motivated. He's only making 500K this year. He can earn another 500K in incentives, and then there's a 4 or 4.5 million (team) option for next year. I expect him to have his best year as a pro because of it. He's working to either earn that option or make $$$ off of some other team next year.

Backup infielder for SF...