Rob Neyer

  (7:52 PM)

Happy All-Star Game, peoples! I'll begin taking (and answering!) questions the moment Roger Clemens throws his first official pitch. Until then, get those $@%& questions sent in!

Paymon (Atlanta)

Did JD Drew get ripped off?

Rob Neyer

  (8:49 PM)

I think so. Without looking at the entire roster, I sure think he deserves to be there.

Rick (chicago, iL)

What if someone gets hurt by these lipstick cameras?

Rob Neyer

  (8:50 PM)

I was just wondering the same thing. Or what if the game is decided by a routine grounder that take a bad hop off one of them? I always thought they should come up with cameras that popped out of the ground at the right time, then popped back down before any baseball or player got close. Like a smart water sprinkler, or the gopher in Caddyshack.

Rob Neyer

  (8:52 PM)

Ramirez goes deep and it's already 3-0, Americans!

Joel (Tampa)

What is your take on the situation in Houston? Will they sell of some of their high priced talent if they fall out of the wild card.

Rob Neyer

  (8:54 PM)

Sure, I think they have to. But right now the Astros are only 3.5 games out of the Wild Card. The problem, of course, is that six or eight teams are ahead of them. So even if they play well down the stretch, they still need all the other teams to not play well.

jarrod (cambridge, ma)

Did the padres get ripped off in the Brian Giles trade? Jason Bay and Oliver Perez are looking good, with the added bonus of their low price tag...

Rob Neyer

  (8:55 PM)

Good question, Jarrod. I don't think people realize how well Perez has pitched this season, and Bay's got a chance to be a real star. On the other hand, Giles would look a lot better if he weren't playing half his games in that big ballpark.

Justin (Los Angeles, CA)

If Randy Johnson goes to Boston, would that suddenly give them the edge over the Yankees come playoff time?

Rob Neyer

  (8:57 PM)

Pedro/Unit/Schilling? They would probably beat any team that's ever taken the field. The problem is that whoever gets Johnson has to pay him $16.5 million next season. Also, do the Red Sox have the prospects to get Johnson?

Will (Iowa City)

Your take on Allard Baird?

Rob Neyer

  (8:59 PM)

Hell of a guy and seems to be "getting it," but his wisdom certainly isn't showing up on the field these days. Baird's legacy depends on the results of the Royals' drafts in 2003 and '04.

Rob Neyer

  (9:00 PM)

Three-run homer for Soriano . . . 6-0, Americans! I'm sure we'll find out in a minute from the broadcasters, but has an All-Star Game ever started like this? I mean, this is absolutely bizarre.

Bryan (Oakland)

Do you think Billy Beane will trade for another impact player (probably a left fielder or second baseman) this year, and if so, who?

Rob Neyer

  (9:02 PM)

I don't know who, but I'll be surprised if Billy sits on his hands for the next 18 days. It's just not in his nature.

Greg Charlotte NC

Sure is fun watching Rocket get shelled!! I am listening to the game on MLB radio. They don't get much credit for it, but MLB has a very good Web site (do you agree)?

Rob Neyer

  (9:04 PM)

It is, and it isn't. As a fan, I'd hate to see an early blowout. But as a long-time fan of an American League team, I guess I can't complain. About MLB's Web site, yeah they do a great job in some areas.

Dave (SF)

Will the AL pitch to Bonds with such a big lead? :)

Rob Neyer

  (9:05 PM)

My gut feeling is that Bonds will be pitched to unless the game seems to be on the line. I just don't think anybody would dare turn the All-Star Game into a Barry Bonds Walk Fest.

Jef(Las Vegas)

You bring up the question of wherther Bostn has the prospects to get Johnson. While I think it's unlikely he ends up in Boston, what do the Yankees really have to offer?

Rob Neyer

  (9:06 PM)

Not much more, if anything, than the Red Sox. That's why I think the Angels or the Rangers, both of them loaded with prospects, might swoop in and grab the Unit.

Jamin (Lubbock, TX)

Pudge may win the batting title, but he's sixth in the AL in OBP at .411. Wouldn't he be even better if he could learn to be more patient?

Rob Neyer

  (9:07 PM)

I don't think 32-year-old hitters are capable of learning much. Rodriguez is the player he is, and that's good enough for the Hall of Fame.

Rob Neyer

  (9:07 PM)

I don't think 32-year-old hitters are capable of learning much. Rodriguez is the player he is, and that's good enough for the Hall of Fame.

What makes ESPN analysts professionals? You guys' guess is as good as anyone else's isn't it? I have rarely EVER seen any of you guys make accurate predicitions in any faset of baseball or any sport.

Rob Neyer

  (9:08 PM)

We're not real good at predictin', but we make up for it with our spellin'.

Hank (Atlanta)

I think Piazza was giving a little "payback" to Clemens on that one, he had to be giving the hitters the pitches.

Rob Neyer

  (9:10 PM)

Man, that's nuts. Piazza's got a chance to be in the World Series this season . . . you think that even if he were as big a jerk as you're assuming, he'd blow the chance for home field? What happened to Clemens is that he made some bad pitches to great hitters.

Jamie, Charlottesville, VA

Rob, I think a lot of readers want to know what you think about your column being switched from a "free read" to ESPN Insider.

Rob Neyer

  (9:11 PM)

Hey, I'm just happy to be in the lineup. If they want me to play in left field, I'm going to play in left field.

Eric(Minneapolis)

Getting Shannon Stewart back will help the Twins but is there a bat-for-rent to help for the second half?

Rob Neyer

  (9:12 PM)

Why would they want to rent somebody when they own Justin Morneau?

Patrick

Cardinals pitching. Stay strong or fail in the second half?

Rob Neyer

  (9:14 PM)

I think three of them will pitch worse, but two of them will pitch better. And they'll finish the season with a three-game lead over the Cubs.

Rob Neyer

  (9:15 PM)

Pardon me for a moment while I watch Danny Kolb pitch . . . trying to figure out how he saves all those games without striking anybody out.

Brendan (Hartford)

Why is there no talk about anyone going after Livan Hernandez at the deadline? He's having a strong year and $15 million over the next two years isn't too out of whack.

Rob Neyer

  (9:20 PM)

Good question, Brendan. He's certainly pitched well enough over the last calendar year to make us think he's for real. A bunch of contenders could use a good starter.

Joe (Milwaukee)

Who gets your vote for Cy Young winners at this point of the season?

Rob Neyer

  (9:24 PM)

Mariano Rivera and Jason Schmidt are looking pretty good, though of course Rivera's not likely to finish the season with a sub-1.00 ERA.

Josh(Oakland)

What the heck is wrong with Barry Zito? This guy is a bit of a head case. Do you think Beane should deal him while there's still some value? He'd fit nicely in the Padres new park.

Rob Neyer

  (9:26 PM)

I thought Billy should have dealt Zito last winter, when his value was higher than it is now. But that would have taken bigger balls than even Billy has. (query to editor: can I say "balls" in this space? please advise)

Sean (HB, CA)

If you are the GM of the Halos, do you give up some of your big prospects, like Mathis, Kotchman, and/or McPherson for Johnson.

Rob Neyer

  (9:27 PM)

Kotchman's the guy they can deal, what with their commitment to playing Erstad whenever he's not on the DL. I think it's crazy, but then I'm just a guy with a computer and a bunch of books.

Mike (St. Paul, MN)

How good is Santana? He's pitching like Pedro. Can he keep it up?

Rob Neyer

  (9:29 PM)

He's that good. I think Santana and Oliver Perez are two of the most exciting young pitchers in the game, and hardly anybody knows them.

Dave (DC)

Weird stat question you may know...what is the record for most holds in a season?

Rob Neyer

  (9:30 PM)

No, I don't know. Because it's not an official stat, I don't even know where to look for the record.

Mike (Jackson, NJ)

Is there anything scarier than that little cartoon baseball simulating the movement of a slider?

Rob Neyer

  (9:32 PM)

That was my first look at "Scooter" . . . I know I should hate him, but who knows? Maybe the kids really do want to know what a slider does. And God knows McCarver doesn't relate to fifth-graders.

Justin (Portland, Ore.)

After MLB's latest postponement, is there any chance the Expos play anywhere but Montreal in 2005? Also, the local media says PDX isn't actively seeking a team. Are you and I out of hope for a hometown major league team?

Rob Neyer

  (9:34 PM)

Just today, Commissioner Bud promised the situation would be resolved before next season. And if you believe that, I've got a baseball team in Milwaukee I'd like to sell you. As for Portland's chances, I don't get the impression there's much going on there (or here, if you prefer, as I'm typing this in the Rose City). The timing just isn't right.

Mike (Milwaukee, WI)

So how does Kolb do it?

Rob Neyer

  (9:35 PM)

Mid-90s sinkers. Not really a strikeout pitch, but tough to hit hard and tougher to hit over the fence.

Billy, Toledo, OH

Any chance that the homerun derby next year would be held in Tigers Stadium instead of Comerica Park for the sake of homers?

Rob Neyer

  (9:36 PM)

Why just the Home Run Derby? They should play the All-Star Game there, as the extra tickets they could sell would easily pay for a a good cleaning.

Rob Neyer

  (9:38 PM)

Ah, that was satisfying. The only appearance of a Royal in this game, and Ken Harvey is completely overmatched by Randy Johnson. Just a sign of things to come in the second half for Grimace.

Ted (Chicago)

Last week in a chat, I noticed you said you would prefer Sheets over Zambrano (and you triggered a debate). How about Sheets or Prior. Please help settle a friendly watercooler debate!

Rob Neyer

  (9:41 PM)

I'm sticking with Sheets over Zambrano, but I'll take Prior over Sheets.

Jason (Hagerstown, MD)

With the trading of Freddy Garcia and the recent losing streak, where do my M's go from here? Do they slowly rebuild with trading for prospects or do they try to rectify things in the offseason with some big trades/free agent signings?

Rob Neyer

  (9:43 PM)

The Mariners should have an immense amount of money to spend this winter, but they also have a number of young players to work into the mix. I think maybe they should go slow, and target 2006 for contending again.

Timbo (Utah)

Speaking of Sheets, Beane was called a genuis in Moneyball for overriding his scouts and drafting Zito over Sheets. The tide seems to have turned on this one no?

Rob Neyer

  (9:45 PM)

Ah, but you have to look at what the A's get in the first six years of Zito vs. what the Brewers get in the first six years of Sheets. That's the part of the game that too many people miss: a team like the A's probably couldn't afford either of them once free agency is reached.

Ben (Boston)

News that Mike Ditka is possibly running for senator has made me wonder which baseball personality is most likely and least qualified to hold a significant public office. Any picks?

Rob Neyer

  (9:46 PM)

No, but have you ever noticed that athletes-turned-politicians are nearly always Republicans? You ever wonder why that is?

Jason (Boston)

Because sports are meritocracies. Same reason why most military men are R's, too. My guess.

Rob Neyer

  (9:50 PM)

I think you're close to the truth, Jason. I just wish more athletes realized that they were born on third base. If you get my meaning.

JD (Nashville)

Everyone focuses on Oakland when it comes to the "Moneyball" style of play, but what about what Shapiro is doing in Cleveland? That team is scoring runs by the bunches with a bunch of no-names who can get on base.

Rob Neyer

  (9:52 PM)

And how. I suspect that team will be battling the White Sox for first place in 2005, and lapping the field in 2006.

Chris (Raleigh, NC)

Rob, are you a Democrat or Republican...I'd really like to know.

Rob Neyer

  (9:54 PM)

Neither. I generally consider myself a Green Populist, when I stop to consider myself. Which isn't often.

Timbo (Utah)

Another point on Moneyball. Is it just me or aren't the A's winning with traditional fundamentals like pitching and defense? The real point of Moneyball isn't OBP or WHIP right? Its finding ways to win cheaply whatever they may be.

Rob Neyer

  (9:56 PM)

Also true. But it's easier to misunderstand something than to understand it. And it's really easy to not bother reading something at all.

Mike (Jackson, NJ)

Did you hear that a studio bought the movie rights to Moneyball? If you were the director, who would you cast as Billy Beane?

Rob Neyer

  (10:03 PM)

I actually know something funny about this, but I don't really have the space to tell the story. What I will tell you is that George Clooney's a candidate to play Billy.

Jason (Boston)

Speaking of movies, did you hear they're making Fever Pitch into a movie, using the Red Sox in place of Arsenal?

Rob Neyer

  (10:07 PM)

Yeah, I heard about that two years ago . . . is it in turnaround or something? Wait a minute, and I'll see if I can find something out . . . Nope, nothing. My guess is that this one's been stalled in development, as most would-be movies are.

Adam (Boston)

A mortgage company is running a contest in which the winner goes to a world series game with either George Brett, Ozzie Smith, or Tommy Lasorda. Who would you pick?

Rob Neyer

  (10:08 PM)

Oh, that's an easy one. George and Ozzie were two of my favorite players, but Lasorda's got all those great stories. He's my pick.

Jerry Avon Lake Ohio

How about CC . What about Indians other stud future #1 next year Cliff Lee. Respond to something.

Rob Neyer

  (10:09 PM)

Lee's going great guns, and isn't Westbrook an All-Star along with Sabathia? I think Lee's going to wind up being the best of the bunch, though.

Doug (NJ)

Is BJ Upton going to be called up shortly? How will he do?

Rob Neyer

  (10:11 PM)

Upton's a magnificent prospect, of course, but 1) he's making a lot of errors in triple-A, and 2) Julio Lugo's played well for the big club this year. I think the Devil Rays might as well leave Upton in the minors until September, unless they can trade Lugo for a prospect.

Nate (Detroit)

The Tigers are going to win the AL Central. I just thought you should know that.

Rob Neyer

  (10:12 PM)

Thanks, Buddy. I'll call Las Vegas right after the game.

Dave (SF)

Will Bonds be walked again?

Rob Neyer

  (10:13 PM)

Man, I sure hope not. Would be a real shame, wouldn't it? Stay tuned . . .

Rob Neyer

  (10:15 PM)

Hey, good for baseball! Sabathia gave Bonds something to hit! See, he doesn't hit a home run every time.

Rob Neyer

  (10:15 PM)

UGGHHH. A video tribute! I'm going to get something to eat, will be back in two or three minutes...

Rob Neyer

  (10:22 PM)

Okay, I'm back. And during the break, I switched my sound to ESPN Radio, with Dan Shulman doing the play-by-play. In case you don't know, Shulman's flat-out one of the best in the business.

Matt Milford, De

The orioles have two good second basemen in roberts and Hairston. Who would you rather have?

Rob Neyer

  (10:23 PM)

And they've got another one, Mike Fontenot, in the minors. I'd be happy with any one of them, and trade whoever I could get the most for.

Robert Henderson (Independence, MO)

Are you hoping this game goes to extra-innings, just to see how long they can keep going?

Rob Neyer

  (10:25 PM)

No, because I have a column to write tonight and I have to get up early in the morning! Flying to Cincinnati tomorrow for the SABR convention.

Jason Hunt(pittsburgh)

What do you think Kris Benson will be traded to? Will the Pirates get the King's Ransom they are supposedly asking for?

Rob Neyer

  (10:26 PM)

I don't know why they would, unless Benson pitches well over his next few starts. I just don't get why everybody's always talking about this guy.

Terry (Seattle)

You have chastised teams for not bringing up prospects, but when does the "service time clock" start for call-ups? i.e. is it smart for TB to leave Upton in the minors and the Twins to wait on Morneau until after 'x' date in the season?

Rob Neyer

  (10:28 PM)

As long as you wait until (roughly) the middle of June, you're okay.

Josh (St. Louis)

So tell me why Joe Torre gets to add so many Yankees to the All-Star roster every year, and the fans never get to see guys like Joe Mauer, Aubrey Huff, Toby Hall, etc.

Rob Neyer

  (10:30 PM)

Josh, my understanding is that this year Torre had very little to do with the roster. There remains a popular notion that he does, though, so I wish MLB would just officially take the managers out of the process, so we can stop blaming them.

Drew (Dallas)

The Red Sox have four star players that become free agents at the end of the season. Which one(s) would you try to resign?

Rob Neyer

  (10:33 PM)

I'd have to look at the list of potential free agents around baseball, but tonight I'm changing my answer and saying Varitek, if you can get him for two or three seasons (but not four).

Dan (St. Louis MO)

Do you think they could ever create a way to statistically honor defense by more than just fielding percentage? Like give them points for web gem like plays or something. Rolen didn't always have these great numbers but has been a consistant stud on defense. Gold Gloves are great, but more numbers would be nice. your thoughts

Rob Neyer

  (10:35 PM)

Actually, Rolen's always had good numbers. Maybe not in terms of fielding percentage, but there are a lot of people doing interesting things with fielding stats. We still have a ways to go, I'm sure. But smart guys can tell you, with a fairly high degree of precision, who are the great fielders and who aren't. And all they use is numbers.

Baseball God (Field of Dreams)

Why does Torre leave Jeter in the game so long when there are 3 other shortstops on the bench that are more deserving All-Stars than him?

Rob Neyer

  (10:36 PM)

Umm, I think you already know the answer to this one. Jeter's the Good Son...

Rob Neyer

  (10:39 PM)

Blalock's on deck . . . Wouldn't it be cool if McKeon brought in Gagne?

Ryan (Houston)

Does anyone know what ever happened to that legendary Toe Nash guy?

Rob Neyer

  (10:41 PM)

All I know is that somebody should write a book about that guy. THE LEGEND OF TOE NASH, they could call it.

Rob Neyer

  (10:43 PM)

Wow, what a great at-bat for David Ortiz. You know, he's one of many Red Sox for whom I predicted a decline in 2004. To Theo Epstein's credit, when asked about all those guys who (seemingly) had career years in 2003, Epstein suggested that we still hadn't seen Ortiz's best.

Jason (Los Angeles)

Mr Neyer, Do you see the Dodgers making a move for either Mike Sweeney or Carlos Delgado?

Rob Neyer

  (10:47 PM)

Sweeney, no, because Sweeney's not the hitter he once was. I don't think Delgado's far-fetched, though.

Shaun (Atlanta, GA)

Rob, do you think the Braves have a shot at winning the NL East, since they are supposed to be getting Marcus Giles back after the break.

Rob Neyer

  (10:48 PM)

I can hardly believe I'm typing this, but . . . yes, they have a shot. My hat's off to John Schuerholz for seeing something in Johnny Estrada that nobody else saw, and to Bobby Cox for being the greatest manager since Earl Weaver (at least).

The Deege (Champaign)

Who has the nastiest breaking ball in all of baseball?

Rob Neyer

  (10:50 PM)

I'll go with a couple of sliders from different ends of the age spectrum: Randy Johnson and Francisco Rodriguez. Oh, and Brad Lidge's slider is really nasty, too.

Justin(NYC)

I want to thank you for making me as big a fan as I am. That said, Do my Mets really stand a chance? Also, what should we do with this whole Ty Wigginton/David Wright debacle and is there any chance of a quality starter coming over? Do we need one? Please answer.

Rob Neyer

  (10:52 PM)

If Wright continues to thrive in Class AAA -- and right now he's probably the best third-base prospect in the minors -- I think you trade Wigginton and hand Wright the job. And yeah, they could use a starter.

ME (Portland)

Any reasoning behind the 3rd place Indians having 5 Stars & 1st place White Sox (& Twins for that matter ) with only 1 each?

Rob Neyer

  (10:53 PM)

You know what? All the Indians deserve their spots. And if that club had a decent bullpen, they might well be in first place right now.

Tom (Malden)

Who do you predict winning the AL Wild Card and the NL Wild Card?

Rob Neyer

  (10:57 PM)

Red Sox and Cubs (and yes, I know that's the obvious answer, and I'm sorry for it).

Rob Neyer

  (10:58 PM)

On ESPN Radio, Dave Campbell just said that Glavine's added "about five miles an hour" to his fastball this year. If so, that's pretty incredible, isn't it? Is Rick Peterson really that good?

Jeffy(madison, WI)

Sheets is currently leading the league in most significant pitching catagories, do you think he can keep this up? And if he does, will he get the Cy Young or will the media not notice because he plays in Milwaukee?

Rob Neyer

  (11:00 PM)

I don't think the media cares all that much where a guy plays, at least not when it comes time to fill in the award ballots. All the media cares about is wins and, to a somewhat lesser extent, ERA. If Sheets wins 20 games and has the best ERA in the league, he'll be the Cy Young winner.

Rob Neyer

  (11:02 PM)

****AMERICAN IDOL ALERT****** Must leave television for two minutes...

Tom (Green Bay)

You said all the media cares about is wins (and ERA). Why are wins so important? Sheets is a prime example of a guy who would have 14 wins already if he played with a good offenese (and got run support). He has made one bad start all season. Aren't wins over-glorified?

Rob Neyer

  (11:07 PM)

Sure they are. I wasn't defending the practice.

Rob Neyer

  (11:09 PM)

Dan Shulman just mentioned, on ESPN Radio, that we might never see another Expo in an All-Star Game, because Livan Hernandez is being held back for extra innings. I think that would be a real shame. You'd think that MLB would dictate at least a token appearance for a member of les Expos.

scott Phx, Az

Any truth to this? The Boston Red Sox have an agreement to trade Nomar to the Chicago White Sox, with White Sox to trade prospects to Arizona, who send Randy Johnson to Boston. MLB trying to hold announcement off until tomorrow, as it generally does not allow significant announcements day of All-Star game.

Rob Neyer

  (11:11 PM)

Judging from the questions I've seen tonight, this is the hot rumor. All I can tell you is that this is the first I've heard of such a deal. Of course the Diamondbacks could use prospects and the Red Sox could use Johnson . . . but why would the White Sox want Garciaparra? Last I checked, Valentin was doing a pretty good job at shortstop.

Adam (Los Angeles, CA)

Isn't what Terry Ryan's accomplished in Minnesota arguably as impressive or more so than what Beane's done in Oakland? Note whose team has the better playoff record head-to-head...

Rob Neyer

  (11:13 PM)

Aren't you giving a great deal of weight to a tiny number of games? When you consider regular-season wins and the teams' respective divisions, it's really not even close. And I say that with a great deal of respect for what Ryan's done in terms of player development.

Yokosuka, Japan

We are watching the game here in Japan on our lunch break. Hi from the Officers and Crew of the USS Chancellorsville. Written by LTJG Todd Malaki

Rob Neyer

  (11:14 PM)

Hey, it's great to hear from you! And thanks so much for your service.

Aaron Gleeman (MN)

Rob, if you're interested, here's a blog entry of mine on why what Ryan has done doesn't compare to what Beane has done (and I'm a huge Twins fan).

Tom (Chicago)

Last you checked Valentin's doing a good job at shortstop? When was the last time you checked, 2000? Why can't just 1 member of the media pay attention to the White Sox before speaking like an authority?

Rob Neyer

  (11:18 PM)

Actually, I just looked at the White Sox's team stats a couple of weeks ago. But I'll look again . . . Jeez, Tom, how much beer have you had tonight? Valentin's got a .548 slugging percentage, second best on the team. So I'll ask again, why would the White Sox want Garciaparra?

Kevin (Springfield, MO)

You wrote earlier that Mike Sweeney isn't the hitter he used to be. The main reason for his production falling off a cliff appears to be an unusual lack of plate discipline. If he were to recognize he isn't as patient as he used to be, could Mike regain his lost power?

Rob Neyer

  (11:21 PM)

I don't think it's that simple, Kevin. I think that Sweeney's ailing back is still . . . well, ailing him. And that he's compensating by starting his swing a tad earlier, or guessing more.

Tom (Chicago)

Valentin's almost definitely the worst fielding shortstop in the majors. He gets thrown out on the bases a little more than once a week. He's striking out at an unbelievable pace this year. And he's getting 5 million a year to do all of this and hit .255 a year. Why wouldn't the Sox want Garciaparra?

Rob Neyer

  (11:23 PM)

He's not the worst-fielding shortstop in the majors. Not even close. Valentin makes up for his errors with good range and a strong arm. Look, it's the 21st century . . . can't we stop talking about stupid fielding percentage?

Rob Neyer

  (11:25 PM)

Tom Gordon's pitching . . . Isn't it fascinating, how he's become a power pitcher in his dotage? Most guys go the other way, of course: start off throwing fastballs, and gradually throw more and more slop. But when Gordon was a young pitcher, he threw that great curve and the fastball was largely an afterthought. Now, 15 years later, he relies largely on a mid-90s fastball. Makes you wonder if he shouldn't have been throwing more fastballs the whole time.

METS FAN (NJ)

I hate to give the Yanks props, but Game 7 of the World Series, who closes the game for you, Rivera or Gagne? I'd go with Rivera.

Rob Neyer

  (11:28 PM)

At this moment I'd go with Gagne, but by the end of the season my answer might be different. These are the two greatest closers of our time (granted, Gagne hasn't been doing it for long).

Matt (LA)

Hey Rob...Why isn't Pedro in Houston? Did he decide he just did not want to go...because he should be there.

Rob Neyer

  (11:30 PM)

Yeah, he was invited and declined. That's how Jake Westbrook got a spot (and if I'm wrong about Westbrook, sue me).

Rob Neyer

  (11:30 PM)

Yeah, he was invited and declined. That's how Jake Westbrook got a spot (and if I'm wrong about Westbrook, sue me).

Greg (GA)

Why is it that that majority of fans don't think Frank Thomas should be a Hall of Famer even though he is 5th All-Time in OBP, 15th All-Time in SLG, and will finish with 500 HR, 2000 RBI's, and 2500 hits?

Rob Neyer

  (11:32 PM)

Where exactly did you find this "majority"? Because of course Thomas should be in the Hall of Fame. That said, a majority of fans think Nolan Ryan was a better pitcher than Jim Palmer...

Rob Neyer

  (11:33 PM)

Gagne vs. Blalock! Ain't life grand?

charles ro, seattle

Any thoughts about nomar to the cubs, johnson to the bosox and prospects/young talent to the d-backs?

Rob Neyer

  (11:40 PM)

Now this one makes a lot more sense than Garciaparra to the White Sox. In this one, everybody gets what they need. If I'm the Red Sox, I'm concerned about the Big Unit's durability over the next season and a half, but they probably have to do something bold...

Doug (Waco, Texas)

What about the Rangers? Will they stay the course or will they make a move for a starting pitcher? If so, who will it be, and who will they have to give up for him?

Rob Neyer

  (11:41 PM)

Their owner has said they're going to stay the course, but that would be madness. The Rangers have to make a play for a starting pitcher, and they've got plenty of prospects to offer in a trade.

Rob Neyer

  (11:41 PM)

Ken (San Antonio,TX)

Rob, do you think MLB will ever expand playoffs anymore (more teams?)-Or leave as is?-Personally I like current format-teams & # of games-Thanks for being on tonight Rob

Rob Neyer

  (11:44 PM)

Today, Commissioner Bud said they're leaving the playoff format alone, which I think is a good thing. What he didn't mention -- but what I suspect -- is that there just wasn't any extra money to be made with another round of playoffs.

Andrew(Chicago)

I would rather the Cubs kept Randy for themselves. Add him to their staff and who could beat them in a playoff series?

Rob Neyer

  (11:45 PM)

Sure, but are you going to tell Greg Maddux he's a long reliever?

Nick(Montreal,Canada)

Do you think that the record for most saves in a season by Eric Gagne will be broken by Danny Graves or Mariano rivera???

Rob Neyer

  (11:46 PM)

No, I don't. Especially because Gagne doesn't have the record; Bobby Thigpen does. Game's over so I'm outta here. Thanks for showing up tonight, and don't forget that The Neyer/James Guide to Pitchers makes a great Bastille Day gift!