I have bad, bad memories of Francona from down in Philly, too. I can only hope he has changed from the days when Doug Glanville and Marlon Anderson batted at the top of the lineup, when Rico Brogna played every day at 1B, when Schilling and Byrd had their arms slagged clean off.

The one thing I've read that gives me some hope (from the Hohler article about the coming of Tendu and "quant" analysis):

[Rick Peterson] said Terry Francona, the Oakland bench coach who is a front-runner to become the next Sox manager, regularly used the sources to help develop "Cliffs Notes" for A's pitchers and hitters.

No one says how good these reports are, but at least he's open to the use of such data.

I should also admit - though it is shameful and fanboy-ish - that I am reasonably confident that if Theo and co like Francona, then he has changed.

I know I have no evidence for this. I just need to admit that I think Theo and John Henry are dreamy, and I can't help the way I feel.

I feel the same way Mikael feels about Henry and Theo. If they make a move I am unsure aobut, I am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. My guess is Francona has changed quite a bit since he left Philly. And if they land both Foulke and Schilling, look out.

Odd thing, Olperfesser. I used the word "finger" in one of my posts last week and it turned up as a link too. Very strange.

Ha! There it is again. That word turns up as link every time. I wonder if Sean and the other thread police are aware of this funny little quirk?

Luis Castillo is the 2B version of Roger Cedeno. He's a perfect fit for the Mets.

I have to second Mike C's comment. My reading of the page does not show any random words appearing as hyperlinks.

Thanks, Mike and Sean. I have Ad-Aware 6.0. I'll fix my computer now.

GGC,

I would be happy to help you but I need to do a little research first. Since Francona worked in the NL, I didn't get to see him up close and personal like I did Grady, or Jimy for that matter.

Sure, I'll be happy to work with you.

Tell you what I'll do. I'll put one together and email it to you, then you can add or edit what you wish before submission.

Either they are going to spend a lot more than they have let on or another shoe is going to drop soon.

Half of Schilling's guaranteed $12M is deferred, so there's no reason for panic this year. He would put the Sox payroll in the $112-120 range, which isn't over budget at all.

After this year, so much salary comes off the books that we just have no idea where the payroll will go.

Mikael, It looks like they are trying to sign Foulke too. That would add another 7-9 mil, I would think.

You're right that this paarticular deal wouldn't stress the budget too much this year. It's not much more than what Burkett got.

I think you are pretty close, Mike. they seem to be willing to spend more than they have let on. They appeared willing top take on A-Rod's salary if the rangers would only take Manny, now are appear willing to sign both Schilling and Foulke. Either one of those scenarios is going to stress the budget.

I don't know how to interpret the "100 mil development machine" statement. Did he mean that amount was to be spent just on development or is that the budget ceiling for all personnel? I would take that figure with a grain of salt.

Joel,

I wouldn't put too much faith in a message board rumor. There is all kinds of crap floating out there.

Maybe she got the name wrong and it sounds more like "Kurt"?

I may have spoken too soon, Joel. Horrigan reported today that Foulke spent part of the day looking at potentioal housing.

Maybe Foulke looked at the professor's house without committing to anything?

Also, the tone of the reportage indicated that Foulke is a good bet to sign