HOTSTOVE THOUGHTS

The Phils screwed up BIG TIME when they didn't sign Billy Wagner during the season. Coulda had him for $24M/3 years. Now, IF they can out bid the Mets and others, likely to cost them $34M for 3 or $40 for 4. And some people wonder why Ed Wade got fired.

Where will Mike Piazza end up? Angels? Blue Jays? Other?

Raphael Furcal? Cubs? Mets? Braves? Other?

Rafael Palmeiro? Picked up? Retire?

Will Kenny Rogers get a grip?

Will Julio Franco draw Social Security?

Will Ugeth Urbina get out of the Pokie?

Frank is a lifetime White Sox player and organization man.

He'll be back.

All of this other stuff is "fluff"....The free agents are only interested in one thing, i.e., MONEY, MONEY AND MORE MONEY. Not the White Sox kind of player.

White Sox again in 2006.

If Damon leaves the Sox , the Sox may jump into the Furcal bidding

Furcal will be wearing Cubbie blue.

Speaking of Furcal, he is now asking for around $50 million over 5 to 6 years. It was originally thought that he would ask for what Renteria got, around $40 mil for 4 years. I hope he stays a Brave, but I am doubting that more and more each day..

The Braves are not into spending that kind of money for infielders/outfielders unless you are Chipper or Andruw

TR-



Why spend that money when you can develop a viable replacement on your farm?

However, I think that Furcal is a special player not easily replaced. Now is the time for Shuerholz (sp) and Turner to open the checkbook.

Son...No chance that they will spend that kind of money on Furcal.

They have the best prospects for virtually all positions in the minors.

He's history.