Paul Byrd is no Roger Clemens

I’ve heard a few people argue the case of the Yankees adding Paul Byrd as a fifth starter. While I don’t agree myself, I can see the point. He can give you 180, 200 innings of league average ball. From a fifth starter, that’s dandy. However, the argument is now moot, as Byrd has said he’ll sit out the first half of the season. He hopes to pitch for a contender, and if the Yankees aren’t getting the production they need from the No. 5 spot, they could definitely put in a bid for the junkballing righty. Byrd is a Type B free agent, but if he doesn’t sign until after the draft the Red Sox will not receive a sandwich pick.