Can't cut it in the big leagues? Go play softball!

[MNSoxChief102]

:lol: Good on Byrnes... better than sitting around doing nothing with his cash

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/After-being-cut-by-M-s-Eric-Byrnes-joins-beer-l?urn=mlb,239148

 

Walk off the basepaths and crack a beverage because Eric Byrnes(notes) no longer has to work nights and is available to serve as a ringer in your local softball league.

 

No, really. Three days after being served his release by the Seattle Mariners, the 34-year-old outfielder has found his way back onto the field. He's still getting paid the same as his MLB days for his new work in softball — thanks, Arizona! — but the ball is much bigger and coming in at a much slower rate of speed.

 

And hey! As @rexdeaz points out, there's probably a fourth outfielder spot for him, too!

 

Steve Gilbert of MLB.com has more:

 

That's right, the man the Arizona Diamondbacks are paying $11 million this year in the final year of a three-year deal is going to star for a team sponsored by Dutch Goose, a burger and beer pub in Menlo Park, Calif.

 

"This is going to be a blast," he said. "Playing with my buddies. I can't wait for my first hit. I'm going to ask for the ball."

 

Byrnes tells Gilbert that he thinks his playing days are probably over and his stat line of .094/.237/.156 with zero homers and zero RBI over 15 games with Seattle earlier this season backs that belief up. He was DFAed by Arizona general manager Josh Byrnes (no relation) last winter after failing to live up to a three-year, $30 million contract extension that the D'Backs foolishly gave him in the middle of the 2007 season.

 

Still, you have to love this. While other players like Jermaine Dye(notes) sulk at home and talk about how they won't come back to the league if they're "only" paid $1.5 million, Byrnes embraces a new opportunity to do something he thinks he'd enjoy but couldn't do before. He's always been known as a free-spirited and fun person, and I think baseball is going to benefit big-time once he signs on as a broadcaster somewhere.

 

Just let him get in a few at-bats with his pals first.

 

Big BLS H/N: Kendall Rogers

[BigPapiEnFuego]

He should look into recruiting David Ortiz.

[Spudboy]

He should look into recruiting David Ortiz.

 

There is racism in softball too!:lol:

[msubulldogs21]

Eric Byrnes is the man. Always has been one of my favorite non-Sox players. He seems like one of the coolest people on the planet.

[italstallianion]

I just like his swing. I also like that he's not worried about what others think about his lack of manhood by playing softball.

[msubulldogs21]

I also like that he's not worried about what others think about his lack of manhood by playing softball.

 

He has never been one to care what others think. He is a pro athlete and drives a van.

[yeszir]

I love Eric Byrnes. Thanks for helping out the sox in 2003.

[Northern Star]

This guy really fell off the map. A shame, but he gets paid regardless.

[WhiskeyBreath]

Getting paid big bucks to play beer league softball = dream job

[26 to 6]

Getting paid big bucks to play beer league softball = dream job

Hell yeah!

 

I love it haha...while I've never liked Byrnes too much as a player, he's definitely an entertaining personality. And like it said in the initial post, I think he has a bright future in broadcasting.

 

This guy really fell off the map. A shame, but he gets paid regardless.

If I were to guess I'd say it had something to do with PED's....that's just me though.

[example1]

Perhaps Will Farrell can join the softball team

 

[yankees228]

I love Eric Byrnes. Thanks for helping out the sox in 2003.

 

Easily one of the dumbest plays I have ever seen.

[msubulldogs21]

If I were to guess I'd say it had something to do with PED's....that's just me though.

 

He shredded both his hamstrings a few years ago when he played for Arizona and was never the same since. I don't know how much that has carried over, but it couldn't have helped.

[Spudboy]

Not thread worthy but I thought I'd mention it.

 

Kevin Millar has signed with the St. Paul Saints. And he will continue his new career with MLB.TV.

 

I love this guy.

[msubulldogs21]

Not thread worthy but I thought I'd mention it.

 

Kevin Millar has signed with the St. Paul Saints. And he will continue his new career with MLB.TV.

 

I love this guy.

 

Saw him on MLB Network last night. He's perfect for tv.

[Spudboy]

Saw him on MLB Network last night. He's perfect for tv.

 

I agree.

[Keeper]

Suffering from post-juice mediocrity syndrome. This guy should have never sniffed MLB.