After 15 years, Byrd gets shot with Indians

The pitcher was drafted by Cleveland 15 years ago.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (AP) -- Paul Byrd is finally getting to pitch for the Cleveland Indians, 15 years after first joining the organization.
Byrd, the Indians' top off-season acquisition, was originally drafted by the club in the fourth round in 1991. But after he advanced to the Triple-A level in 1994, Byrd was traded to the New York Mets in a deal that brought outfielder Jeromy Burnitz to Cleveland.
The Indians' farm director back then was general manager Mark Shapiro.
"When I signed here, Mark and I talked about how I'd finally be able to pitch for him and the Indians," said Byrd, who also has pitched for Atlanta, Philadelphia and Kansas City in his 10-year career. "Someone said, 'He was drafted by Cleveland 15 years ago, and he's finally going to get a chance to suit up for that team.' I kind of got the chills when I read that."
High expectations
Like the day they drafted him, the Indians again have high expectations for Byrd.
The Indians signed Byrd to a two-year, $14.25 million contract in December with the idea he'd fit in well in a rotation that was fifth in the American League in ERA last season. Right-hander Kevin Millwood, who led the league with a 2.86 ERA, signed with Texas, leaving a large hole in the rotation.
The Indians don't expect Byrd to match Millwood, but they need him to as least repeat his performance from last season, when he went 12-11 with a 3.74 ERA in 2041/3 innings for the Los Angeles Angels.
Byrd has no problem with that.
"I have expectations on myself," he said. "The Indians were looking for a veteran guy who can bring solid leadership on and off the field.
"I'm excited about my role here. This team has a lot of talent and I know what they expect of me."
The Indians, who finished 93-69 last season, hope to push the Chicago White Sox for the AL Central title or win the wild-card race. That means Byrd will be pitching in his share of big games.
"I love pitching when there's pressure," he said. "I want to pitch in games that count."
The 35-year-old relies on off-speed pitches and pinpoint control. He walked 28 batters last season and is known as a ground ball pitcher who works quickly.
"You want him to frustrate hitters," manager Eric Wedge said. "He knows himself very well. He can make adjustments throughout the course of a game and even during an at-bat."
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