Byrd Will Allow Others To Establish His Value

Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine will play a part in how much Paul Byrd will make, if the Royals can re-sign him. Byrd’s agent, Bo McKinnis told the Kansas City star that they’d wait to see what other free agent pitchers are getting before deciding on an asking price. There’s no question that Byrd will ask for more than the base salary of $850,000 he made last season. After incentives, he made more than $2-million in 2002. Byrd says he’ll take less than he would with other teams, to stay in Kansas City, but the Royals have made it clear that they are going to cut payroll. Byrd led the Royals with 17 wins.