Jim Fainter

MB flat knows how top pitch, but he needs a good infield defense, which is better than it used to be.

Right now, there is absolutely no market for Koch. None.

Crede better hit next year. He has gotten a pass this year. Of course, he keeps showing a ton of potential.

I agree about putting Koch on the DL. Gotta find out what's wrong, but we are stuck with him through 2004. Re Wright, there is no way they would just thrust him into a closer role. If he does go to the pen, he'll get some middle relief shots, and we'll see how he does.

Jason, when I do something like that it is called "senility."

Jason, who did you say we should give up for Ponson/Lichtenburg?

The fact remains, we need a good centerfielder, and we have two. Both Rowand and Harris have been playing well. Forget their stats from April-May. Ev is much more consistent than Lee, who has had his chances. I say, leave Ev in left.

ChiSoxFan: What do you mean Beane took him out of his game? Do you mean Art Howe? Last year, Bobby V?

I love him in left field on this team. I hope they leave him there.

If Lee gets traded, even for prospects, both our defense and team speed get upgraded. Ev moves to left, which is his natural position now, either Rowand or Harris in center, our speed is back to where it was, etc. If we can't trade Lee, it might take some guts to leave him on the bench, but that is our best team, IMO.

Same here, LDF. If the Yanks dislike Weaver so much, why are they able to get so much for him. We will need Gordon ourselves THIS year. If they get us to throw in Cotts too, I don't even want to think about it. I can't wait for the trading deadline to come and go.

Even DJ took a swipe at Lee yesterday -- trying to pull everything after doing so well less than a week ago.

Both Almonte and Ring did well in their first games at Norfolk and Binghamton, respectfully. I promise that I will not be obsessed with their performances, however.

I agree Jason, Carlos needs to sit this one out. If both Rowand and Ev have strong games today, ..........

He was out of the line up again Saturday. Is he dinged up or just benched?

Please don't blame Alomar for being doubled off in the first inning yesterday. When the ball left Daubach's bat, it looked like base hit. Alomar looks like he is swinging pretty well.

Rex, have you heard anything about moving Reed up to AAA this year?

I meant to say this earlier, but got distracted. That is, you really have to hand it to GM John Hart the way he negotiated this trade so that he has plenty of time to scout the entire player pool. This trade is a very big deal to the Ranger franchise, and Hart will have a strong feeling about which players will help his team the most. Little guess work on his part.

Do you really need the color green to figure out what he said?

Jason, I don't think the Rangers will miss Pacheco. He will be very well scouted; I'm sure the Rangers had someone there last night. Unless they are overwhelmed by Webster, they will take as many pitchers as they can. Either way, Everett will turn out to be very expensive.

Reed and Hankins have one very nice thing in common: when they get moved up to a higher classification, they improve and the stats go way up. I noticed an outfielder at Kanny named Cook. Same guy who used to be at Gt Falls? I would sure like to see Anderson and Nanita move up. Re: Bounds. This is his third year at the Rookie level. Pretty soon we will have to protect him on the 40 man roster or lose him. Or worse trade him. I have the feeling that other GM's are lining up at Kenny's door offering us some slug for these kids. Fortuantely, we are not allowed to trade draft picks for one year, so Anderson and Nanita are safe for now.

Kenny gives away a few more prospects.

That Murderer's Row of Lee. Valentin, Graffy and Olivo was pretty impressive.

That ill-advised throw to third cost us a run.

Tampa Bay is a better team; it's that simple. Maybe we can raid thier farm system.