Don't Rest in That Easy Chair

March 24, Tucson - Watching today's tilt between the Dbacks and Giants, a very small spring training stat was announced over the press box p.a., "stolen base number one for Byrnes." It was the first pitch thrown by the Giants Matt Cain after Eric's RBI single and he was off, wasting little time in showing all of us that he was turning up the heat on his bid to swipe a starting spot in 2009.  It was Byrnes' 4th hit in 8 at bats and though we all know spring numbers are somewhat meaningless, something tells me they are not to the healing veteran. As I write this, Eric lines a double into left center. So it's now 5 for 9 this spring (update....5/10). In the true spirit of March Madness, Byrnes is beginning to box out to grab any available time that may spring free.

"I've always had to fight for my playing time," Eric shared with me recently, "But that's what I like, that's why I play the game. I play the game for the competition. So to be able to go out there and earn that playing time, that's all you can ask for to be able to get that opportunity. That's all that I'll be looking for this year, that opportunity to prove that I'm one of the best nine guys and I should be out there."

Two years ago, Byrnes stole 50 bases, his team raced to 109 and Chris Young  grabbed 27. Last year an injured Byrnes managed just 4 sb's, the team had 58 and CY just 14. Are the three clearly related and does it make a huge difference in wins and losses. What do you think? How about Eric?

"That's why we had so much success in 2007, because of the way we ran the bases. It was simple and...we lost it last year. I'd talk to players on other teams and they would say, 'Man what are you guys doing over there? You've got our coachin staff freaked out.' I'd say, 'We're playing the game the way it should be played.' I think we get that back this year. I think it's going to be real important. I think it's going to be the difference maker, the two-game difference maker."

Defense can also be a difference maker and that leaky boat has yet to be adequately patched up this spring. The 30 errors in 23 games is the fifth highest total in baseball and one that must become more managable once the games count. Here's hoping that the extra efforts we have witnessed will soon equal extra execution. You see..the only Six Months in a Leaky Boat anyone really enjoys is this one.

***News from the defensive update desk. Dbacks turn solid double play to end the 7th inning. Reynolds to Skelton to Whitesell....that's right James Skelton. The Rule 5 pick and third catcher candidate hung in there very nicely as the second baseman in the play.

See you at the yard. Leave your bucket at home, they won't need it.