SoxFan562004

Armed with a "very substantial offer," letters from some of Houston's top civic leaders, a video presentation and a book outlining the virtues of Houston living, Astros owner Drayton McLane gave his recruiting speech to All-Star center fielder Carlos Beltran for two hours Wednesday. Although the Astros declined to divulge the offer, industry sources say Beltran's price topped $16 million per year based on the offers he has received and the current market. It is clear the Astros offered at least a six-year, $96 million deal. -- Houston Chronicle From Si.com interesting... first time I've heard actual numbers attached to him other than Boras. I think NY will offer 17-18 and a 7th year to try and top that... it will come down to where he wants to play... He already said he really like playing in Houston. It will be interesting to see how involved the Cubs get, because they'll have to at least out bid the Astros to even have a shot :fthecubs

the scuttle out of Florida was they were only dangling him for a Hudson like pitcher

Yeah, anywhere from 3-8m, should get another quality player or two... Get to it KW... No Christmas goose until it's done!!!

In my experience you're always going to have some level of problems with Gyms... Sometimes that involves them closing their doors one night and making it near impossible to get any sort of refund. For the most part, and I preface this with saying there have been good gym employees I've dealt with, they are meatheads who are there to talk on their cell-phones, push tanning and supplments on you, and hit on the woman who work there. I go to the X-Sport Fitness in Lombard and sometimes it's a joke what the employees are doing. -My suggestion is most gyms will give you a week long free trial, try it. -Pay attention to the other people who work out there, this is the most imporant aspect of being satisfied with a gym. You do not want to get into a gym where it's a majority of meatheads who yell and act like assholes. Now, you're obviously not going to get a gym free of these, but some gyms only have a group or two who act like this. -Remember, a gym is a place you plan on spending an hour a day, so make sure it works for you (specific type of equipment, hours, any other extras you're looking for). I know my gym is easily one of the funniest places I go, with the biggest group of characters this side of the Cantina on Tantoine in Star Wars. It's a great place to people watch.

I think the Angels are a good model of what can be done... Moreno came in and started spending money that the team probably didn't have on the books... in a 2 team town you have to create a huge splash sometimes... Look, I think the Mets overpaid Pedro, obviously, but I think they are going to get atleast 2 good years out of him, and it was the talk of the sportsworld for 3-4 days. Chicago area has a ton of money, the Sox are missing out on a lot of it...

Good post, and the 2m fans thing could go up in my opinion, because if this team wins you will get more than 2m with the fair weather fans.... My biggest gripe has been the Comcast deal... this is barely ever mentioned in the media... the Sox and Cubs should expect to see extremely good profits from this, but unlike the Cubs the Sox aren't one arm of a corporate entity, and it's easier for them to spend their profits...

I agree, that's a good offer for him, although a huge money Delgado deal may mess everything up, and if I was his agent I would not sign anything until I see what Delgado gets... with his contract and Sexson, you can gauge a market for PK better.... Don't forget, if the Yankees buyout Giambi's contract and use Tino Martinez as a one year stop gap, they could have serious interest in PK next off-season.

This is why these lockouts/strikes in sports are so insane... They're meeting the 15th, but most likely won't speak once before that day...

well, he'll run INTO a catcher at least... but I think Cora might be the way the Sox go since I believe he's Joey's brother... Family like bonds helped us with FG, (and after this offseason he is a STEAL), so maybe it will help with Cora.

Well around Bonds he is going to see a lot of first ball fastballs, and that's what he thrives on... He may put up extremely good hitting numbers this year. Him playing RF though will be a disaster... not only does he not have a strong arm, he isn't a big fan of hitting the cut-off men.... and with the odd dimensions and wall out there that's a tough RF to play IMO.

Great college team, but a lot of European work visas in their futures... But I do think Williams has a shot to have an OK NBA career

Which ankle is hurt on Frank?

If something doesn't happen today, I imagine it wouldn't happen until after Christmas.... While they have their eye on Eck, I wouldn't be shocked if they end up with Cora

Just thinking about off the top of my head MB- 12 (think he'll have a down year for him) FG- 21 (huge year, healthy and happy) JC- 13 (frustrating up and down year) JG- 12 (same old same old...) OH- 15 (stays healthy, has a solid year)

totally right!! Wow, I guess I had to see that in print to refresh my memory since I obviously repressed that horrible memory!!

American Splendor is an excellent movie... I highly suggest it... If you're in the mood for a documentary The Fog of War is fantastic...

Happy Holidays to everyone!! Hope everyone has a healthy and happy Christmas... We are like a big family here... sometimes we don't get along, but I enjoy this site so very much... gets me through some boring days at work! Stan

I've always found with colds and flus that if you can bear it for 1 or 2 days (and your schedule allows) don't take anything... You will feel like complete ass for those days, but then it will be over with. I find that when I take medication for them they linger for 1-2 weeks...

I say he should be unbanned.... there are posters on here who take way more vicious shots at people, but do so in a way they think is clever, and don't get banned. Not that I think they should be banned either, but I have seen way worse posts than calling someone a "dips***" that haven't been called out...

It's possible the Sox have a little more left other than the Carlos Lee money since I believe they were at 72 with Carlos... and the payroll was rumored to be 72-75

Green Day- American Idiot Bad Religion- The Empire Strikes First

Man, the Sox are damned if they do, damned if they don't.... they're making these moves and getting ripped on by Boers and Bernstein for not upgrading anything... but the Cubs are on the verge of doing nothing this off-season and nothing is being mentioned at all about them

I want to see how KW spins this, saying we spend 2m or 4m of our budget.... I think it adds to the possibility that Garland is shipped out for another pitcher... But I'm ok with this move since it solidifies 1-5, but they need to add one more player

no man, two words... South paw

yeah, I would want to see if Pods can straighten out his on base problems working with Walker... then when he gets on, steals second, have Eck bunt him to 3rd for Frank/Konerko in the third spot