don't get me wrong. I agree with the decision not to give Bart four years and 48 mill. He's thrown a ton of innings, he keeps himself in terrible shape and all pitchers routinely break down.

 

And I know the Sox were proven correct by not giving long-term deals to Black Jack, Alex Fernandez and Alvarez. They let the Yankees, Marlins and D-Rays suffer with those deals. Jaime Navarro set the standard for our long-term pitching contracts. 'Nuff said.

 

BUT ... what concerns me is that so many guys can't wait to leave the South Side and they usually have some snippy comments to make on the way out the door. From the outside, the impression created it that the Sox are NOT a team guys want to play for. Whether it's management, fan support, weather, clubhouse atmosphere or the new manager, too many guys can't wait to depart.

 

I've learned not to expect the Sox to retain guys like Bartolo. It's the departures of the Tony Gs and Scott Sullivans that really ring the alarm.

 

I fear it's going to be a long summer at 35th and Dan Ryan.

 

Anybody else this glum?

No. I'm glummer. The list of players who have left us with hard feelings is a long one.