Byrds, Laundry Lists, and the Sox' Week Ahead

Paul Byrd now holds the title of latest savior of the Red Sox rotation - or latest in the revolving door of fifth starter candidates, depending on whether your coffee mug is half full or half empty today. Proud holder of a fourteen-year career touring eight cities since 1995, the 38 year-old author... yes, author... certainly knows how to throw a baseball. But for a pitcher his age, with all the mileage and wear on his shoulder and elbow, the question must be asked: How much does The Byrd have left in the tank? In one word: Enough. As his deriders often point out, the righty's repertoire doesn't feature much giddy-up. His heat sits at 85-86 mph with average tail and rising action. The veteran supplements the lukewarm fastball with a slider-curve-change mix, having been known to mix in a splitter and cutter from time to time. But don't worry about "diminishing stuff" derailing Byrd's most recent stay in Boston. In his Sunday start, the fastba...