Jim Fainter

From the beginning of the season through June 10th, he pitched in 18 games, threw 28 innings, and gave up 40 hits. End of story. I would rather give him up than Royce Ring.

Koch This, Ring did not HAVE to go in the deal. Kenny just chose to do so, because the Mets wanted him.

Last year's number 1 draft choice. I realize baseball teams cannot trade their draft choices, but even if they could, I don't think they would have done it last year for Alomar. And Royce Ring has pitched very well this year. He showed great promise, which is all you can ask for your minor league studs.

I think the trade is stupid. Ring is much too good of a prospect for a guy who will be lucky to get 25 hits between now and 9-30-03. Just what I was afraid of. They out-negoiated KW. First they ask for Cotts, knowing we won't give in, so they come down to Ring and KW jumps on it like a tall dog. Because he is now united with his big brother. Who cares? Now we have Jiminez sitting on the bench b****ing. Why didn't we trade him for Alomar. That would make some sense. I hope Ring has a big time career with the Mets. Outsmarted by the Mets. Unbelievable.

Rios wore the collar again Monday night. I would much rather have Gload on the roster and available for DH, left, right, and first.

The last two years Alomar has been a .260 hitter, and, if ESPN highlights are an indication, he has had defensive problems of his own. This trade looked interesting a week ago, because Jiminez was still starting at second. It looks as if that is not the case any more, although you never know what JM will do. Harris at second will improve the infield defense.

I can only hope that both Harris and Rowand go on a tear so that this trade is not made, unless it is straight up Jiminez for Alomar. I wish KW would come out and say that Cotts will not be traded, even if he is lying.

Rex, have you seen Reed up close and personal yet? Comments? I know, I know. What's not to like about Reed. Still interested to hear what you have to say. Tks.

About a week ago someone reported that our 10th rounder, Dizard, a left from USC, had signed, but BA doesn't have him included yet. Anybody got any inside dope on Dizard or anyone else for that matter who is still unsigned. Esp Sweeney. Also, right before the draft, we signed two draft and follows from 2002, but I lost track of their names. Can anybody help? Tks.

I watched part of the Cubs game on ESPN Monday night, and Rick Sutcliffe was really buttering up old Shammie, explaining how baseball fans all over the country are forgiving Sosa, ad nauseum. And it was nauseating. Cubs blew a 3-0 lead and lost 4-3, leaving two runners on in the ninth.

Royals snuck ahead 5-4.

Two days ago Marte was supposed to be tired. Glover does need to pitch, but in Charlotte,

Are we going to have a Glover sighting tonight?

Who's going to be the best outfielder in the next five years, Pierre or Rowand? Forget Rowand's bulls*** start this year. That is history. In the NEXT five years. I'll take Rowand.

Was that hit # 1000 for Maggs, or did he have an earlier one?

Bring up Gload, cut Rios, free up some AB's in Charlotte. Of course, now that I have said that for the tenth time, Rios will get three hits tonight.

TO: Bullard and Cotts: You guys hanging with Reed yet, or do you pitchers stick together?

We don't need a panic move for an outfielder with Jeremy Reed not more than a year away. As much as I like Pierre, he has the proverbial glass arm. We have some pretty good outfield prospects in Reed, Webster, Anderson, Spidale, Hankins, et al. Even Piniella and Durham have started hitting at B-ham. Any serious trade talks should be centered around shortstop for 2004.

This guy hit for the cycle yesterday, and he is some kind of ball player. I saw a pro-mo on him the other day somewhere, and he is really put together. Looks like an athlete. This is his fourth season with the A's, and this is what I call a "break-out" season. I think he is the best player on that team now.

He has 999 career hits, and counting. Should get into 4 figures tonight.

We would only get draft choices if we first made an offer to the player.

If Konerko is the least bit dinged up, it is the perfect chance to bring up Gload.

I wouldn't worry about Valido's D. If he was a hot shot defensive SS in high school, he'll be fine.

Cerb, I did not know that. You say the Sox were criticized for drafting Reed?

Not much new to say about this kid, other than DON"T trade him. One stat that might have been overlooked is Stolen Bases. At W/S he was was 27 out of 33; at B-ham he is 6 out of 8. His average is up to an insane .463. Everytime he gets promoted, his stats get better.