Jim Fainter

I've been away for a while. Is it now unanimous on the board that the deals for Everett and Alomar were ill-advised? Or do we wait two more seasons to see how well Ring, Rupe, and Webster turn out? There won't be any draft choices for Everett and Alomar either.

At least we will get a draft choice if Bartolo bolts. Not so with Everett or Robbie.

He is also very good at spitting into his gloves between every pitch, obviously making him look very tough. But he still can't hit or run. Any trade involving PK would be a good one.

When does the Hot Stove League officially start?

Nothing to be surprised about if one or two players don't like a prospective manager, as long as its not somebody with the influence of Barry Bonds, etc. And the Sox don't have anybody in that class.

What happened? I could not bring up the link.

Someone mentioned Leyland as a possible managerial candidate. His last year of managing was in Denver, and he was awful, and he knew it, which is probably why he left on his own with $15 on the table. Now he is four years older. Can't see it.

Wrong, Chisox Fan. Ray was never a pitching coach. He managed the Reds and was criticized for being too tough on the players, too critical,etc. He was mainly a third baseman for the Reds and Mets -- he scored the winning run when Buckner made his famous erro at first in the World Series

We've painted ourselves into a corner as far as shortstops go. We are stuck with Jose for 2004. He'll get the necessary plate appearances to qualify for the $5 MM option for next year, after which he will be untradable. Forget about those other guys.

My crack research staff has done its final, year end summary of the stats of our propects that we traded for Alomar, Everett, and Schoen. Ring 3-0 1.66 ERA 21.2 Inn 11 hits 18 K's Francisco 2-3 8.41 35.1 43 22 Rupe 4-1 3.90 27.2 29 23 Bittner 5-0 0.28 32.2 18 28 Webster .270 BA, 7 doubles, 1 homer, 4 SB. COMMENT: I still do not understand why we gave up so much for Schoenweis, since he can't get anybody out. We gave up Gary Glover, which seemed like a pretty even swap. Then we gave up AAA pitcher Dunn. Okay. Why in the world were we convinced to give up Bittner, too. He pitched his ass off for us in two classifications, and then he went on to pitch lights out for the Angel's Class A team. Why did he have to be included. This organization is going to be hurting for quality pitching prospects. Bittner will be up to AA ball easily next year, maybe AAA. I also do not understand why our future general manager is so convinced that Bittner is NOT a prospect. Jason, pls explain. Tks.

I still say either Carl goes or Konerko goes -- next year. This will make KW's off season entertaining.

What did JM say at his PC? Missed it.

As I always said, leave Bart in there.

As I said, leave Bartolo in there.

Get Colon outta there.

Trouble in River City.

ESPN News, in a herculean effort to compete with Monday Night Foootball, just announced that they will cover JM's post game press conference.

One of you posters reminded me of something I had forgotten about. That is, when we traded Royce Ring for Alomar, a lot was made of the fact that the Mets are paying most of Alomar's salary for 2003. But we had just paid $1.6 large to Ring for his signing bonus a year earlier that is gone money.

How does a team score 5 in the first, then do nothing for the rest of the game against the same pitcher?

I'm not complaining, but with a two out single to center, it should be automatic that the runner from second scores. Was PK asleep? Again, I'm not complaining.

Monday's game is the biggest game of the year.

Rex, or anybody, why is Castillo on the AA roster?

Neither one of them can be counted on to get anybody out, but we gave up a bunch to get them both, especially Schoen.

Are these guys related?

I would like to see him sign a one year contract. With us.