YASNY

One other point about Ramirez. If no one claims him on waivers and Boston releases him, then whoever he signs with will only have to pay the major league minimum salary and the BoSox would be on the hook for the rest. I think that's how it works.

I'll go out on a limb and agree with you. Especially since I think Robbie, as great as he was, is washed up.

I can see Baltimore actually claiming Ramirez off waivers. $20 Million or not.

What a self serving, condescending, pompous ass.

Greg Maddux, on the dolwnside of his career, is not worth more than $8-10Million tops. And the MLBPA knows that as well as anyone. In fact, I doubt he gets that much.

That's because they know tghey will kill the goose that laid the golden egg, if they do. I think the players and owners both saw that in the near strike of 2002.

Would have been somewhat easier without the 6 million we're going to owe a "Twilight" Frank Thomas. With this news, if the Sox are going to make any significant moves this offseason, they will have to shop around PK. Or Magglio, right? Wouldn't that seem more likely, given his salary, production, and the fact that it's his walkaway year? Unfortunately, I have to agree. I don't see any other way for the Sox to compete without increasing payroll drastically.

This collusion thing on the part of the union is just some sabre rattling. It won't be something that dominates the news all off season. No issue. No story. No negative fan impact.

Jose will be back. I don't think the team can afford anyone better. Sad to say.

Oh yeah! ... Having Maddux pitch on the southside would be a hoot. He might even be worth the bucks in the long run if he could have a positive influence on Garland, Cotts, Wright, Rauch, etc... You get my drift.

The reason I'm asking about this is that if Frank exercises his option, then KW can trade him to LA. They have a kid named Berry or Barry that I know KW likes. Ken Berry, the guy who replaced Andy Griffith in Mayberry. I thought Ken Berry was the guy who replaced Jim Landis in centerfield.

He'd be a great addition, but I don't see that happening. I think he'd be too expensive.

I've heard David Eckstien mentioned a few times as a possible addition to the Sox. I've always felt he was a "flash in the pan" in 2002. I found this within an ESPN article Alan Schwarz:

All I have to say about this issue is that I do not own a gun of any type. But, if they outlaw them I will ASAP. That's when the s*** will hit the fan. See Nazi Germany for an example. Those that ignore history are doomed to repeat it.

How can anyone hope to win a debate with you on this subject? You're point has absolutely not even the first hint of a hole.

You're right. They will still build around around that very solid foundation they have and just fill in missing pieces. The Yank's will more than likely be 2004 AL Eastern Division Champs once again.

Hopefully "no" followed by "until JR dies or sells the team." That, I could live with. LOL Killa... I asked him that and his reply was "That F'er will out live us all!!" Pudge is and always will be my favorite White Sox player. Same here Killa. I have over 100 different Fisk baseball cards. I'd love to meet the guy one time and get an autograph on a baseball. I usually don't bother guys for autograph's, but I would in Pudge's case.

You forgot to use green.

The reason I'm asking about this is that if Frank exercises his option, then KW can trade him to LA. They have a kid named Berry or Barry that I know KW likes.

Mark can make a lot more $$. He's got to make a decision. The ball is in his court. Loaiza is making what the option was. No room for discussion there. I surprised that no one asked you this question, yet. But, what is this decision Mark has to make? Is there another contract offer on the table?

Getting Matsui just seems so ..... so .... unSoxlike. I just invented a new word.

Sure it's possible. It's done all the time when they throw enough money at someone. This is the same situation, except it's supposed to be written in the contract. I'm still hoping someone has a definitive answer on this one. Steff?

Pedro might end up on the wrong end of that exchange.

The rumor was that the Yanks were going to make the Soriano for Beltran offer. I can't imagine KC turning that down at this point.

I think we should sign Antonio Alfonseca.