[Lefty Noob]

Sounds like contract talks between the Diamondbacks and Eric Byrnes aren't going so hot. According to the Arizona Republic, "there have been indications in recent days that the two sides are far apart on the parameters of a deal, and it is looking increasingly likely he will dip his toe in free-agent waters... Byrnes has said he will give the Diamondbacks a discount compared to what he can get on the open market. It appears, however, the Diamondbacks are not willing to approach even the low end of comparable outfielder contracts mentioned by Byrnes in recent days - like the five-year, $45 million deal Juan Pierre received from the Dodgers last off-season." Reactions?

[ThePundit]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Sounds like contract talks between the Diamondbacks and Eric Byrnes aren't going so hot. According to the Arizona Republic, "there have been indications in recent days that the two sides are far apart on the parameters of a deal, and it is looking increasingly likely he will dip his toe in free-agent waters... Byrnes has said he will give the Diamondbacks a discount compared to what he can get on the open market. It appears, however, the Diamondbacks are not willing to approach even the low end of comparable outfielder contracts mentioned by Byrnes in recent days - like the five-year, $45 million deal Juan Pierre received from the Dodgers last off-season." Reactions?

Pierre is making $45 million? Jeez...Byrnes is a very good player. If I were him, I wouldn't be giving any home town discounts.

[desertrat]

Arizona will not be keeping Eric Byrnes. Outfield is by far the deepest position on their team. They have Byrnes, Jeff Davanon, Chris Young, Scott Hairston, Carlos Quentin, Jeff Salazar, and future can't miss prospect Justin Upton. Byrnes and Davanon are likely not going to be in Arizona next year, but could be traded for possible middle relief help before the end of this season. In my opinion, the man they can't afford to lose is 2nd baseman Orlando Hudson who has one more year left in his contract after this year.

[ThePundit]

If they're not going to sign him, they should definitely deal him.

[azrael492]

The problem is he wants to stay. He even said publicly that he would give them a home town discount to stay. He would want to start, but that has to be hard to turn down a productive player that wants to sign cheap.

[EmpireWF]

That must suck for Byrnes....he's willing to give 'Zona a hometown discount and they STILL don't want to pony up the bucks to keep him.

If they look to trade him, they should find some interested takers.

[desertrat]

The DBacks are still paying for the 2001 world series. They signed a lot of high priced veterans with huge amounts in deferred payments. They were more than $350 million in debt and have just recently gotten that figure under $200 million. While it would be great to be able to keep Eric Byrnes, the DBacks attendance has dropped every year since winning that title and the money just isn't there the way you might expect. I personally love the way Eric Byrnes plays, he reminds me of Pete Rose with his all out hustle and he leaves everything out on the field every night.

[Lefty Noob]

Sounds like the Mets are inquiring as to Byrnes' availability. If Arizona's going to deal him, say the rumors, Omar Minaya wants him.

[Lefty Noob]

Byrnes has resigned with the Diamondbacks: 3-years, $30 million and a no-trade clause.
SOURCE: D-Backs, Byrnes reach deal