SHORT TAKES: Eric Byrnes
Poised for the Big Show
It hasn't taken long for Eric Byrnes to climb the minor league ladder. The Portola Valley resident, drafted two years ago out of UCLA by the Oakland A's, began his pro career in Modesto for the A's Single A team. From there he moved quickly up to Double A, in Midland, Texas where he hit over .500, according to his dad Jim. Now, Eric has been promoted to Triple A, where he currently toils for the Sacramento Rivercats. "He's hitting the hell out of the ball," Jim says. There is a chance Eric could see his first big league pitch this year, when the Major Leagues allow rosters to expand on September 1.