The High Heat

Bobby Cox will be back with the Braves in 2010 and then retire from managing.

I knew I had seen that photo on here before. It's the signature picture of a VC member that goes by the name "you ever seen a ghost?" He signs his name Justin and is from Richmond. You two know each other? What the hell, dude?

He played CF in Japan and a little last year with the Cubs until fell off the face of the earth, so he can play all three spots adequately. I think Lou wants him the two-hole for the reasons you stated plus to take the pressure off him as a middle-order hitter. He's more like Kaz Matsui in that the pressure gets to him.

I figured that'd be your answer. Piniella has said recently he'd like Fukodome hitting at or near the top of the lineup next year because he gets on base and can do other things (hit-and-run, etc.).

Him and a few others. You want Soriano and Fukodome, too?

I like Milton. Hell, I liked Albert Belle. I think mainly it's because they didn't mind telling reporters to go fuck themselves. However, I thought the Cubs' mistake was giving him a 3-year contract. He gets hurt alot and it's unpredictable how he'll mesh with the team/fans/media. I thought the White Sox would have been a better Chicago fit than Wrigley, the bleacher bums and the national attention the Cubs receive. He is a good all-around player when healthy and not (self)distracted by umpires, press and his contract (I truly think he's trying too hard to live up to this one.) He would be a

Yeah, I remember reading about a cash infusion from MLB earlier this summer. Other than Millwood and Young, who is left that makes any knid of significant salary? I'd expect Blalock, Pudge, Vizquel, and probably Byrd (and those type veterans) will not be brought back. I don't think Cruz is arbitration eligible yet. Did Hamilton get the extension they'd been talking about? Losing him and/or Young would be the only real trouble. Most of the team is already young and inexpensive (and talented), so I'd imagine the Rangers would be similar to the Rays. They just won't be able to supplement the rost

I dunno. I might of. I was only 5 days old when he died, so I don't recollect.

So that's why I hear squeals and banjos when I'm online!

The only money problem in that situation was that the kid wanted too much. They admit to mis-evaluating what the kid led everyone to believe he'd sign for. In the end the Rangers raised their offer to more than what they projected he'd settle for, but still the kid wanted a half-million more and wouldn't take less regardless. The Rangers didn't feel that this particular pick was worth the money or the effort, so they said to hell with him.

I don't know about the major league roster, but money problems won't cause the Rangers to dismantle the farm system. If anything they will add more prospects by trading established players. Other than players who have already left the team (but not the payroll), the only expensive players they have are Michael Young and Kevin Millwood. You might see arbitration eligible players cut or traded and free agent vets not invited back. I don't see the Rangers as an easy sell in this economy. Hicks might have to give more of his share than he wants or lower his asking price if he wants to unload his

I read Shutter Island a couple of years ago. I've read all of Lehane's books. I didn't feel it was as good as most of his other mysteries, but still - it's Lehane. The movie, starring Leonardo, comes out in February.

Keith Richards looks worse every time I see him.

Picked this up tonight:

Is this an in-game photo?

Now I understand why Columbia would not let Dylan record a children's album.

Flip a coin over the Trop or the Kingdome. I'm not a fan of catwalks and baggie walls. A reliable detonator is the cure for all of these tanks.

Well, he wasn't using it.

I was thinking "Thriller" with Jeff Moonwalking would be interesting, but I like your idea better.

The adjective + noun combination seems to work well: Grateful Dead Rolling Stones Flaming Lips

Well, Obama did express his feelings about interrupting a speech, so maybe he was indirectly referring to Joe Wilson.

There is a new book out about the 1975 Big Red Machine. The author may be right: No team may able to afford a roster like that again.

It's nice to hear the unpredictable from a politician for a change. Yes we can, jackass.

Facebook seems more conviently organized, however some music would be nice and I could do without being sent a pair of chocolate flip-flops and such.

You just did it again, twice in the same sentence even.