Byrnes thriving at top, but Ellis may take lead role
By Laurence Miedema
Mercury News
Posted on Sat, May. 24, 2003
Eric Byrnes has hit safely in all six games and has a .500 on-base percentage since being elevated to leadoff in the A's order. But now that Mark Ellis has broken out of his slump, Manager Ken Macha is considering another lineup change.
Macha said Friday that he wants Ellis hitting first because the second baseman is more patient and takes more pitches during his at-bats than Byrnes. Byrnes, who has 15 RBIs in his past 13 games, also would be a better run-producing presence lower in the lineup. Macha said Byrnes and Ellis could share the leadoff chores depending on pitching matchups.
``Not that Eric hasn't done a competent job, but I like Mark in that spot,'' Macha said. ``I don't want to go up to Eric and tell him to start taking more pitches and change what he's doing because he's doing so well.''
Ellis hit leadoff in 38 of the first 41 games and is batting .267 with a .331 on-base percentage. Since going through a 10-for-62 slump and moving to the bottom third of the order, Ellis has a five-game hitting streak and is batting .438 (7 for 16) with four walks.
Byrnes batted first Friday and extended his career-high hitting streak to 14 games with a first-inning infield single in a six-pitch at-bat. As a leadoff hitter, Byrnes is 10 for 23 with three walks.
``I just want to keep playing,'' Byrnes said. ``It doesn't matter to me where I hit.''
• Reliever Jim Mecir wasn't available because he had a cortisone shot and, for the second successive day, had fluid drained from his troublesome right knee.
``I woke up today and there wasn't as much swelling, so I'm making some progress,'' Mecir said. ``It's aggravating, but I see the light at the end of the tunnel.''
Trainer Larry Davis said if Mecir does not experience any additional swelling, he could be available to pitch today.
• Right fielder Jermaine Dye ran the bases before batting practice and will report to Triple-A Sacramento this weekend to begin an injury rehabilitation assignment.
Dye had torn cartilage removed from his right knee April 29. He will be evaluated today and could play in Sacramento tonight. He might join the A's next weekend in Kansas City.
``There's no pain; I'm ready to go,'' Dye said. ``I'm just waiting for them to tell me when to go.''
• Friday was the third time in four games the A's reached double-digits in hits.
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