This is an old bit of news, but Eric Byrnes signed a 3-year $30 million contract extension with the Diamondbacks on Tuesday. ESPN has the story inclusive of contract details. The deal calls for a $2 million signing bonus payable in two installments next year and salaries of $6 million in 2008 and $11 million in 2009 and 2010.

I think it’s a good deal for the Diamondbacks. Byrnes has always had a lot of potential and he’s an interesting character on the field. That’s not a bad combination. He’s easily having a career year with a .301 average, .364 OBP and .493 slugging %. To be honest, he’s making a case for the MVP award, Prince Fielder and Ryan Howard not withstanding. Remember MVP is Most Valuable Player, not Guy with the Best Stats.

In the NL the award means something; it’s not like the AL where the guy with the most homers or RBIs gets it. He’s helping the Dbacks tremendously and it’s not mystery why they are in first place right now.