Paulette3028

I just don't see enough 'positives' in putting a stadium in downtown Miami. First of all it is NOT like it draws fans ONLY from Miami. The stadium needs to be near major feeder lines for traveling to the location. Yes there should be a 'public transportation' system arranged on game days so, buses can facilitate transporting people who choose not to drive. Second, there will NOT be an easy answer to this dilemna. But w/o a stadium of there own, they may be gone in a few years. That is the saddest of things.

Lifelong baseball fan here......I always say, until the 'official' press conference announcing the contract agreement....its not a done deal. Sounds great, and will be nice, when it happens. And if done tomorrow, great.

This is more a payroll cutting move than an exchange of first basemen. But it is not a bad move by the Marlins. It allows Conine to move to 1B, Cabrera to play LF and Lowell to be at 3B every game. McKeon is not fond of changing players day by day. Conine has 1 year left on his contract, and it gives Choi time to recover from his collison this past summer, from which he probably has had a difficult time recovering. And if Choi is not the answer in 2005, it will be someone else...or maybe Conine will stay...but that is after the 2004 season. Now, I would like to see a contract offer extended to Lowell for 4 or 5 years. In that way, after the 2004 season they only have to figure out a solution to one of the corner infield positions, not both. Paulette3028

Personally, I think Boston would be 'giving up too much' young talent for a 37 year old pitcher. True it is Curt Shilling, but still.....people have accused the Yankees of mortgaging the future for a 'quick fix' gosh.....does this sound like anything other than.....try to win NOW, and give up some wins in seasons to come. Sure sounds like it to me. I just hope that Red Sox fans, like the arrows that will be thrown there way, if it comes off.

To Durable Tear.....thanks for the welcome.....as for how long a contract to offer Pudge, you could be right....but I still would seriously up the offer from 2yr/$15 mil (if that is what they have offered him, and some say no offer has been tendered). Otherwise....you will be without a real valuable piece of the puzzle. I would go the 5 yrs though w/o a worry....people will say I am nuts. Or go 3 years for a little bit more $$$ per like 3 yrs/$33 mil. I know it is not my money.....but terrific is what he is.

Well I found my way here, thanks to a friendly fan, who knows who he is...... Personally, I believe Pudge is worth the $$$ Boras is asking. I would hate to see him on another team, unless of course it was the Yankees, but that is not happening. Does the money fit into the Marlins budget is another issue....they sure as heck should try or offer him something close. What I heard was an offer to him of 2 yr/$15 mil....which I think is a little bit low....but, who knows. Yogi Berra has been known to say some, cute and weird statements as it relates to baseball....but I believe one of his best sentiments refers to catcher....if you don't have one....a lot of passed balls cause batters to reach first base. If I was picking a team from scratch...the best catcher I could find I would pay whatever I had to, to get him....that is how important I believe Pudge could be for this team. In Pudge's case he gives you GREAT defense, and awesome offense. But just my opinion.