The Tribe signed free-agent right-hander Paul Byrd to a two-year contract worth $14.25 million with a club option for a third season. Byrd was 12-11 with a 3.74 ERA in 31 starts last season.
This appears to be a solid move by Shapiro. It looks like Scott Boras was going to make it very difficult to resign Kevin Millwood, so at least the Indians will have a quality starter to fill one of the two open slots in the rotation. Many are speculating that they will resign Elarton as the fifth starter. Byrd is a pro, though he has been injury-prone in the past. At least the Tribe is loaded with young arms who can step in if Byrd doesn’t hold up net season.
