Couple of comments on recent moves.

The Dodgers re-signed free agent P Wilson Alvarez to a 1 year, $1.5 million contract.

Maybe he was reluctant to go elsewhere, but the Mets should have at least investigated. I would have gladly given Alvarez $2 million. He did have a 2.37 ERA last year.

The A's signed free agent P Arthur Rhodes
to a 3 year contract for about $9.2 million.

Again, I think this would have a good move for the Mets. Rhodes did drop off somewhat last year, so I can understand being nervous about giving him a 3 year deal, but $3 mill a year is a bargain. Rhodes could be a dominant closer. As tough a loss as Foulke is for the A's, Rhodes is half the price and in 2001 and 2002 was about as dominant.

The Yankees traded P Chris Hammond and $1.2 million to the A's for minor leaguers INF J.T. Stotts and P Edwardo Sierra.

Another good move for the A's. I don't understand why the Yanks were so anxious to dump Hammond for White. They're still paying half of Hammond's salary, so I don't see why they didn't at least bring him to camp and let them battle it out.