Bordow: Byrnes’ tenure as D-Backs GM speaks for itself

Want to know the most remarkable thing about Josh Byrnes’ first 2 1/2 years as the Diamondbacks’ general manager?

He doesn’t need a mulligan.

He probably wouldn’t claim Byung-Hyun Kim off waivers again, but in terms of major personnel decisions, there isn’t a single transaction he needs to take back.

“He’s done an unbelievable job since he got here,” manager Bob Melvin said. “He’s been right on the mark.”

Melvin isn’t just buttering up his boss.

The news Thursday that Byrnes is trying to extend Brandon Webb’s contract is just another in a series of astute moves he’s made since being named GM in October of 2005.

Trades?

He got outfielder Chris Young from the Chicago White Sox for Javier Vazquez.

He stole second baseman Orlando Hudson from the Toronto Blue Jays for Troy Glaus.

He picked up Doug Davis from Milwaukee for Johnny Estrada, gave Melvin a second ace to play with in Dan Haren and had the guts to deal Jose Valverde after Valverde saved 47 games last year.

Free agents?

He signed Eric Byrnes in the winter of ’05 for $2.25 million.

He let Luis Gonzalez go — incurring the public’s wrath — but the move allowed Young to play every day.

And he dumped Russ Ortiz even though the Diamondbacks still owed the right-handed pitcher $22 million.

That’s a pretty impressive track record, particularly for a GM on his maiden voyage.

“I think he’s as good a general manager as there is in the game,” managing general partner Ken Kendrick said.

Byrnes has made his mark throughout the organization. The Diamondbacks have beefed up their scouting presence internationally and planted a flag in Japan, a move Kendrick believes will pay off in the coming years.

But it’s on the field where Byrnes’ impact is most noticeable. While being limited by a payroll that ranks 26th of 31 clubs, he has helped construct a team that has the best record in baseball.

“I remember his job interview, and we were candid about what our budget would be,” Kendrick said. “He embraced that. It wasn’t something that gave him any cause for concern.”

Those who work alongside Byrnes invariably describe him as thorough and well-prepared. But there’s more to him than scouting reports and statistical analysis.

Byrnes is driven by his convictions, and he will not let politics or popular opinion sway his thinking.

For example:

Ortiz was signed by Kendrick and general partner Jeff Moorad in the winter of 2004. Byrnes knew that releasing Ortiz would subject his bosses to further ridicule, but that didn’t deter him a bit.

“There was no fear factor on his part,” Kendrick said. “He was going to do what he thought was best for the ballclub.”

You might have noticed by now that there are no quotes from Byrnes in this article. There’s a reason for that:

Byrnes doesn’t like talking about himself.

That’s OK. Humility is more becoming than hubris.

Besides, what is Byrnes going to say that his decisions — or the Diamondbacks’ record — can’t?

JOSH BYRNES’ BEST MOVES

1. Traded Javier Vazquez and cash considerations to Chicago White Sox for Chris Young, Luis Vizcaino and Orlando Hernandez.

2. Traded Troy Glaus and Sergio Santos to Toronto Blue Jays for Orlando Hudson and Miguel Batista.

3. Signed Brandon Webb to four-year, $19.5 million contract extension.

4. Signed Eric Byrnes as free agent in 2005 offseason.

5. Traded Greg Aquino, Claudio Vargas and Johnny Estrada to Milwaukee Brewers for Doug Davis, Dana Eveland and Dave Krynzel.

JOSH BYRNES’ WORST MOVES

1. Signed Byung-Hyun Kim off waiver wire.

2. Signed Jeff Cirillo off waiver wire.

THE JURY IS OUT

1. Acquired Dan Haren from Oakland A’s for six players, including pitchers Dana Eveland and Greg Smith and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez.

2. Traded Jose Valverde to the Houston Astros for Chad Qualls, Juan Gutierrez and Chris Burke.