Byrnes and the Red Bats

If you've been wondering why Arizona outfielder Eric Byrnes (who, yes, looks like a moron here in what I hope is a tongue-in-cheek photo) essentially sucks this year -- and if, like me, you have him on your fantasy team, you are probably wondering just that -- then this MIGHT seem like a reason. But it's really just an excuse.

Eric Byrnes has not been allowed to swing his favorite red bats since May 2, when umpire Charlie Reliford informed manager Bob Melvin that the league office had barred the bats because they were not an approved color. Byrnes said he has mixed and matched since, using some of his old bats and borrowing others from teammates. He has six hits in his last 60 at-bats after going 0-for-4 Tuesday.

Red bats or not, you have to make some contact, Byrnsie. (Note that this story doesn't quote Byrnes, who may or may not be talking about this at all. But SOMEONE is pushing this story, and it is just some seriously weak sauce.)