mel – yes, they do add some fun and value to the cards, but as a collector, I’m a little torn because they lampoon things without having a correct version available (until later in the year, when they usually print a “correction” that you have to hunt down). As long as they release a corrected version that is easy to get, I think the spoofs are fun. As for the Jeter card w/Bush and Mantle in it, here’s a link (along with “Poley Walnuts” and a Joba Chamberlain “mistake”): http://www.clubbronx.com/weblog_entry.php?e=4

i would have to go with Cano.

Soriano is a better offensive player, no doubt. but he really was atrocious on defense. about as bad as it gets.

one interesting thing to note though is that he has turned into a very good LFer. which is to his credit, since he was very reluctant to vacate 2B.

still, Soriano is 32 and Robbie is 25. that makes the decision a bit easier as well.

This trade might not be as bad as you think on first glance. In the playoffs you need more of a half court game and Shaq immediately gives them that threat. I could see them doing a similar thing to what the Spurs did with Duncan/Robinson. You have Shaq playing the high post since he’s such a good passer, and you have Amare playing the low post since he’s dynamic around the paint.

Shaq will also be motivated since he hates the Lakers.

On the Miami side they should get better quickly next year. They’ll probably draft the best point guard available in the draft and they’ll be able to run like the showtime Lakers. Good Times!

And Eric Bedard is still an Oriole. Do you want Bedard out of the division, but making the Mariners a viable WC threat? Or would you rather face him more times in the division on a non-contender? (he also helps if he beats the Sox)