DBAHO

Couldn't hurt, as long as I get at least 50% of what u win Texsox.

He must hav finally found a Krispy Kreme Donut Shop!

What kind of Dinosaur is that Yahtzee?

Hey if he thinks they're hot, he can post em.

I can get a Gamecube down here for 99 dollars now. Mullin ova whether to get 1.

I'm doin what I can to get an Aussie on this team. Spread the word!

Any good prospects like a Randolph or Richardson comin along any time soon Steve?

My money's on Sidney Ponson if we sign him. Othawise mayb Jon Garland?

I can't remember how much it was on EBay, I dunno if I'll end up gettin one though.

Exactly rite. They guy only plays well IF he's in a contract year, and he's completely injury free which u won't find much with him.

Mayb we don't hav to giv up Cotts or Wright now. In this Star Telegram article, it syas the Red Sox r goin to giv the Rangers minor league pitcher Jon Lester and cash. ARLINGTON - Rangers owner Tom Hicks is ready to have Alex Rodriguez's situation resolved one way or another so general manager John Hart can finish the business of putting together a team for 2004. Hicks said Sunday that he wants the situation resolved by 4 p.m. Tuesday. If there is no deal by then, the Rangers will move ahead with Rodriguez, the 2003 American League MVP, as their shortstop, Hicks said. "If we don't have anything done that's to our satisfaction by four o'clock Tuesday, I've instructed John Hart to go ahead and do what he needs to do to put a team together," Hicks said. Yes, there was a deadline set for last Thursday by the commissioner's office. But that was only for the Boston Red Sox to talk directly to Rodriguez and his agent, Scott Boras. That deadline didn't keep the Rangers and the Red Sox from talking. But, now, Hicks has set his own deadline. Because Rodriguez is his player, his deadline means much more. The players in the deal are set. The money is unresolved. The Rangers are willing to trade Rodriguez to the Red Sox for outfielder Manny Ramirez, minor league pitcher Jon Lester and cash. Hicks has lowered his demand on the financial considerations from more than $25 million to the $13 million to $15 million range. The Red Sox have not signed off on the money. Boras has negotiated a $12 million reduction in the value of his client's 10-year, $252 million contract in exchange for marketing, merchandising and logo rights. The Players' Association has approved that agreement. However, the Red Sox apparently want more off the contract. Their initial request was for $28 million, but that was rejected by the Players' Association, which squashed a potential deal Wednesday. There are some within the Red Sox organization, notably club president Larry Lucchino, who do not want to pay the Rangers any money. But Hicks has made it clear he won't do the deal without the money. Any cash the Rangers receive will allow them to be more aggressive in the free-agent market, and they have targeted right-handed starting pitcher Sidney Ponson. Another group of free agents were made available Saturday when a number of arbitration-eligible players were not offered a contract by their teams. Among those of who could interest the Rangers are pitchers Danys Baez, Braden Looper, Damian Moss and Jason Johnson, and outfielder Jay Payton. The Rangers could also close a deal quickly for free-agent outfielder Ben Grieve if they don't acquire Ramirez. "I've been very consistent throughout the process," Hicks said. "We love Alex Rodriguez. He's the best player in baseball. I've made it clear that the only way we would trade Alex is if it would make us better faster, and it would give him a faster chance of being on a pennant contender. "These negotiations have been very complex, and we're getting to the point where we need to do what's best for the Texas Rangers." Hicks said he would be happy to build a team around Rodriguez, though the Rangers probably won't be able to afford Ponson if the trade doesn't go through. "We have the best young infield in baseball," Hicks said. "It may take us a little longer on the pitching side if we don't do this, but that's all right. We'll see what happens between now and Tuesday." Rodriguez and Boras are frustrated about the Red Sox's insistence on taking out of the contract. But Red Sox owner John Henry told the Boston Herald, "Although there have been some disagreements, I believe the principals involved in all sides have had good intentions so far." Hicks said he did not talk to the Red Sox over the weekend. He did talk twice to baseball commissioner Bud Selig to inform him of what's taking place. "This has taken on a complexity," Hicks said. "It's not the Rangers negotiating with the Red Sox. It's not the Red Sox negotiating with Alex or the Red Sox negotiating with the Players' Association or the Players' Association negotiating with Alex. "It's all of the above. From our standpoint, it needs to be resolved."

Mayb no Nomar for the Dodgers? From the Denver Post, The Rockies, like many Christmas shoppers, are trying to stretch their dollars this holiday season. In turning outfielder Jay Payton into Jeromy Bur- nitz, they have created payroll space to pursue shortstop Rich Aurilia. "At first look, he was way off in the distance; now at least he's in view," Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said Sunday afternoon. "It might be a possibility because we are in a better position." Burnitz, a free agent, took an 89 percent cut and accepted a one-year deal with a base salary of $1.25 million with a $250,000 buyout. He earned $11.5 million with the Mets and Dodgers last season, when he hit 31 homers. "There wasn't a lucrative market for me, but of course having the chance to play every day in Colorado weighed heavily in my decision," Burnitz said. "Money wasn't the top priority." The $2 million difference between Burnitz's contract and what Payton rejected provides cash to enter the Aurilia bidding. "Well, they have to step up from where they have been financially," agent Barry Axelrod said Sunday when asked how the Rockies could be taken seriously. Aurilia, whose suitors include Toronto, Detroit, Los Angeles and Texas, contingent on the Alex Rodriguez deal, has offers on the table for $3.5 million a season. Deivi Cruz, who has a more reasonable price tag and hit 14 homers a year ago, remains in the mix. Aurilia, Axelrod also clarified, isn't opposed to playing in the American League or on artificial turf. "When I asked him what was most important to him in a new team, he said, 'Winning,"' Axelrod said. "That's his biggest concern after the success he's had with the Giants." The Rockies own one playoff berth in franchise history and have finished above .500 only once in the past six seasons. But there is a factor working in their favor. Aurilia is open to a one-year deal in hopes of restoring his value. He hit 13 homers last season while missing time because of appendicitis and an eye problem that has been corrected. "He knows that his stock is down a bit, and there might not be a better place than Colorado than to put up numbers," Axelrod said. "But again, the money has to be there. We aren't going to sign any Vinny Castilla contracts." Castilla, a third baseman, facilitated his return to the Rockies by agreeing to a $500,000 base salary in 2004 with $1.6 million in deferrals paid without interest from 2015-30. Like Castilla, Burnitz was motivated to work out a team-friendly deal because of his desire to play in a hitter's park, and his previous relationship with Hurdle and general manager Dan O'Dowd. Burnitz has $250,000 in incentives - $83,333 for plate appearances at 550, 600 and 650 - and a $225,000 assignment clause if he's traded. "He's always been an intense competitor with a passion for the game," said Hurdle, who worked with Burnitz in the Mets farm system. "He falls along the lines of (Todd) Helton, (Larry) Walker and even Dante (Bichette), hitters that I have spent an extreme amount of time with. "The balance he brings to our lineup, three through seven, even eight, it has the potential to be as potent as we have ever had here." Looper, Politte on wish list The Rockies are pursuing relievers Braden Looper and Cliff Politte. They want to add another right-handed power arm, and both fit the description. Politte struggled last season as Toronto's closer but can reach 97 mph on his fastball. Looper worked as the Marlins' closer until the final week of last season, and became expendable when the club signed Armando Benitez. Hector Almonte, late of the Expos, has been discussed. Free agents Turk Wendell and Dave Veres also are being considered. Fassero for starters After their success in reviving Darren Oliver's career, the Rockies are considering taking a flier on well-traveled lefty Jeff Fassero. Fassero, who has worked primarily as a reliever the past few years, would be given a shot to make an inexperienced rotation. The Rockies also have targeted Pedro Astacio and Rick Helling. Footnote Scott Elarton expects to sign a one-year, $475,000 minor-league contract today, which will become a major-league deal when a 40-man roster spot opens in spring training.

From the New York Daily News The names on the long-awaited non-tender list aren't likely to sell any tickets at Shea, but they could at least help the bargain-hunting Mets fill their glaring need for a late-inning relief presence. GM Jim Duquette did not comment yesterday on the newly available possibilities, but was already making calls to agents for some of the 58 players around the majors who became free agents Saturday night when they weren't tendered contracts by the midnight deadline. Topping Duquette's list were two potential closers, the Marlins' Braden Looper and Danys Baez of the Indians. Both are young, with powerful arms and at least somewhat successful track records as closers, a spot that looms as the Mets' top priority at the moment. As for starting pitching, the Mets were interested in Mark Redman, the lefty who was non-tendered by the A's, but he quickly re-signed with them yesterday. That leaves little more than a couple of Orioles, righthander Jason Johnson and lefthander Damian Moss, as rotation candidates One eye-catching name the Mets aren't likely to pursue, according to a club official, is ex-Yankee Orlando (El Duque) Hernandez, who was non-tendered by the Expos after an injury-plagued season. There's not much in the on the list either to help the Mets in the outfield. Ex-Met Jay Payton, who was non-tendered after a nice season for the Rockies, may be the most appealing possibility, but the Mets don't expect him to be interested in platooning with Timo Perez in right field. All in all, teams such as the Mets were expecting to find a little more quality than actually surfaced among the non-tenders. "As much talk as there was about the non-tender date," one National League executive said yesterday, "I thought there would be more proven players out there." Even so, the Mets likely will be happy if this new group provides them a closer in either Looper or Baez. Ironically, the 29-year-old Looper was non-tendered because the Marlins signed ex-Met Armando Benitez Saturday night to a one-year deal for $3.5 million. Looper made $2.4 million last year and the Marlins feared he could make over $4 million in arbitration. In his first full season as closer for the Marlins, Looper converted 28 of 34 save opportunities, to go with a record of 6-4 and a 3.68 ERA. He had a strong first half, but wasn't the same after the Marlins acquired Ugueth Urbina in July, posting a 6.14 ERA after the All-Star break. In any case, Looper is open to the idea of becoming a Met, according to his agents, Randy and Alan Hendricks. "We are very interested in the Mets, with Art Howe and Rick Peterson there," Randy Hendricks said via E-mail yesterday. Perhaps more intriguing than Looper is Baez, a 26-year-old fireballer who didn't live up to expectations after signing a four-year, $14.5 million contract with the Indians when he defected from Cuba in 1999. Less polished than the Indians were led to believe, Baez spent a year and a half in the minors before being called up to the majors. He has been inconsistent, but some baseball people believe he still has great potential, largely because he dominates at times with a fastball clocked consistently from 95 to 97 mph. Moved into the closer's role last season, Baez blew 10 of 35 save chances before being moved back into a setup role, but an AL scout last night said he believes the righthander just needs to get comfortable. "He's got great stuff but he tended to overthrow when he was really under the gun, and he'd get hurt by location," the scout said. "With better command, he could be a dominant closer." The Indians tried to re-sign Baez with a two-year, $4 million offer, but he rejected it.

From Doug Padilla, The thickest team in the major leagues needs to go on a diet. Yes, the White Sox have too much beef and hardly enough greens. No salad, no asparagus, no peas and carrots. They need something to complement the meal. As it is known in the industry, the Sox need table-setters. This collection of power-hungry generators has the Sox low on energy. But this isn't a job for Dr. Atkins, cabbage soup or Jenny Craig. This is a task for general manager Ken Williams, who must find a match out there and deal somebody in his power-heavy lineup for an on-base guy -- with a reliever thrown in for good measure. Williams was correct last weekend at the winter meetings in New Orleans when he said that he is sitting on a nice little -- er, big -- collection of talent. ''We have some pretty darn good players, and I'd just as soon keep them unless it makes our team better,'' he said. The Sox' problem is that they have too many similar players. There is run-producing Carlos Lee, run-producing Magglio Ordonez, run-producing Frank Thomas, run-producing Paul Konerko, run-producing Jose Valentin, even run-producing Joe Crede. They are drive-'em-home guys without anybody to drive home. The Sox need troublemakers. They need more players whose first instinct is to work a count, who can spray the ball to all fields, steal a base and do the most uncommon of all Sox things -- score from first on a double. Williams knows this, but he appears to have given up on the possibility of swapping one of his power guys for a player who can mess up pitch counts and chew up basepaths. For now, Williams is playing the role of a content general manager, singing the praises of his current inventory and saying his shopping season is on hiatus. One of his latest plans is to find somebody flying under the radar, perhaps somebody from the non-tendered list or a guy deemed by the player-personnel side as being misused and unwanted by his current team. ''I understand how people can look at some of our players that have exited and say, 'Heck, what's going on? We had a pretty good club. Why are you letting everybody go?''' Williams said. His answer to that question might be one that not many Sox fans -- not many of those who only care about winning games on paper, at least -- want to hear. ''The simple fact of the matter is maybe we're better off at this point and time with Aaron Rowand finally getting a chance to play,'' Williams said. ''This is not a guy that hasn't been productive, that hasn't shown he can play here. Willie Harris is another guy. ''Where I'm most concerned is not with those two guys and some of the younger guys we brought up mixing in with Magglio and Frank and Konerko and the rest of them. I'm concerned with our pitching. I've been concerned with it since the end of the season. What do we do with that, I don't know yet.'' Pitching certainly is the route to success. It is always the New York Yankees' primary concern, and the Atlanta Braves have been competitive for more than a decade because of a talented staff. But a little offense -- or, rather, the right type of offense -- can go a long way. Just ask Esteban Loaiza, who could have won 23 games and the American League Cy Young Award had the Sox scored any runs in a pair of games against the Detroit Tigers. And just ask Mark Buehrle, whose awful first half could have been helped by a little more offensive production. The Los Angeles Dodgers had the best pitching staff in baseball last season, but general manager Dan Evans is rumored to be on the way out and is looking toward the Sox to help him revamp his lineup and save his job. The Sox are expected to land a talented starter in the next month, but it might be just as important for them to seek a balanced lineup. There are only four more shopping days until Christmas, but there are 107 days left until Opening Day.

Damn I'm on the wrong page then.

Lower level jobs, like Toilet Cleaners and Janitors. Jobs that don't hav much potential.

I do what I can sox4life. I'm just glad I don't sound like Steve Irwin.

I don't wear any, but I always wanted one of the Sox necklaces from EBay, but I can't be bothered shippin it in from America.

What a perfect explanation usin smilies.

Congrats to the both of ya's. U'll both do a gr8 job I'm sure.

Hope u hav a good 1!

Jason deleted it I think. It ain't on the boards anymores.

Here it is, Offseason Power Rankings 19 White Sox Major additions: Juan Uribe. Major losses: Tom Gordon, Bartolo Colon, Carl Everett, Scott Sullivan. Comment: Lose out on Colon, now talking Mags deal. But heck, Ozzie Guillen will make them interesting.

Sum1 from ESPN must hav stuffed up. Made for some gooooood watchin though.

His first move will be to fire Chaney and name himself head coach.