MAILBAG: Nov. 8

Q: Yes, I do think contraction should take place -- but why take away a team that has the history of the Minnesota Twins, with two world championships on its mantel? The Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Florida Marlins have just as many problems with their stadiums as the Twins. Minnesota will figure out its stadium needs; we just need some time. If the Twins are taken away, no one will have even had a chance to say goodbye. To me, that is the saddest thing of all. -- Troy Sebo, Rochester, Minn.
PWG -- If Carl Pohlad cared one iota about anyone else in Minnesota, he'd take $90 million for the franchise, then baseball could invest a chunk of that $200 million in a park and you'd have a terrific franchise. That this man, after cashing out his bank stock for $1 billion, would try to kill the franchise for a few bucks is a disgrace and an affront to all the people who attended Twins games for nine straight losing seasons.

Q: Regarding contraction, how can Bud Selig be considered an impartial leader when this issue comes up? After all, he is the owner of the Milwaukee Brewers, who exist in Minnesota's border state of Wisconsin. Why would he not favor eliminating the Twins? With the Twins out of the way, the closest MLB team for most Minnesotans is (conveniently) the Milwaukee Brewers. Which owner would not be in favor of instantly gaining an extra couple million in his fan base? It seems to me that Bud Selig does not have baseball's best interest in mind, but his own pocketbook. -- Tim Wilhelm, St. Paul, Minn.
PWG -- The TV market would help, but I doubt he'd realize more than 100,000-150,000 in additional attendance from ex-Twins loyalists for another six or seven years. And the TV deals are minimal compared to the East Coast clubs.

	One question the Yankees must address: Do they want Tino Martinez back at first base?

Q: As a fan of the New York Yankees, I am of course upset they didn't pull it out. But I am glad to see Matt Williams, Mark Grace and Randy Johnson get rings toward the end of their careers. I was wondering: What big-name free agents will the Yankees go after? And who won't be back for the Yanks? Should we look for a rematch of this year's World Series next year? -- John Armeni, Youngstown, Ohio
PWG -- My guess is that the Yankees will go hard after Jason Giambi and try to get another outfielder; Cliff Floyd is the name I'm hearing, as the Marlins may either fold or sell off players, and Floyd is a fifth-year player and free agent after 2002. Chuck Knoblauch is gone, Scott Brosius likely is and ditto Tino Martinez. They have to find a short-term third baseman, maybe Randy Velarde, to give Drew Henson time. Joe Torre loves Henson.

Q: How can anyone say the Yankees are so great when their payroll is so much more than all the other teams? They might as well put a price tag on the trophy. It's a bigger shock when the Yankees don't win. Anyone can buy a trophy, only so many teams can win one. George Steinbrenner knows what it takes to buy one. Show me a comparison of team salaries over the last five years, and we will see who bought four rings. -- Chris Deel, Urbana, Ohio<
PWG -- I don't buy that. The Dodgers and Red Sox spent as much as the Yankees. The Yankees had two free agents, Mike Stanton and Mike Mussina, and Mussina accepted less from the Yankees than what the Red Sox were willing to pay because of the stability of leadership. Out of their farm system, the Yankees have an All-Star catcher, shortstop and center fielder, a potential All-Star second baseman, a premier left-handed starting pitcher, a premium right-handed setup man and a superstar closer. If anything, other owners would argue that the Arizona Diamondbacks bought it, especially since they had to borrow from other teams to pay their players in 2001.

Q: I was disappointed in the Atlanta Braves this year, even though they made it to the NLCS; they had to battle a young Philadelphia Phillies team all year. I think they will need another big bat to go along with Chipper Jones. Any chance that they'll sign a top-dollar free agent like Jason Giambi? I was very impressed with Marcus Giles and am excited to see him and Rafael Furcal up the middle for future. Or do you think they will move Giles to left to make room for hot prospect Wilson Betemit? -- Dan, Tennessee
PWG -- The Phillies are working hard to get starters and have talked to David Wells. The Braves will be reasoned, but I think you might see Giles, Furcal, Betemit and Mark DeRosa split the three infield spots, the signing of a first baseman (Tino Martinez?) and the signing of a catcher to replace Javy Lopez.

Q: Put yourself in the GM's position in dealing with the Boston Red Sox: If you could target three players you feel could improve the Red Sox, who would they be? And why? -- Timothy Finnigan, Mount Morris, N.Y.
PWG -- The problem is knowing the budget because of new owners. But I would try to get at least one starting pitcher (Shawn Estes, a run at Jason Schmidt, or a contracted arm if possible), a leadoff hitter (Chuck Knoblauch, because he'll be a lot cheaper than Johnny Damon) and an RBI bat like Cliff Floyd. I'd even think about Tim Salmon if the Angels would take back some salary. They can find a second baseman, although I'd like Damion Easley in that park and lineup.

Q: I am sick and tired of hearing San Francisco Giants owner Peter Magawon talk of how limited the Giants' payroll is. How can the Giants' payroll be so limited when they have a new stadium that sells out every night, they get plenty of national recognition and air time due to Barry Bonds, and they reside in one of the largest states in the U.S? I think Magawon is just like the Cubs' management -- unwilling to go out and get big-name players, instead of just sitting on lots of money! -- Mitch Striedl, Springfield, Ill.
PWG -- Unlike owners who blackmailed their communities to get their parks, Magowan did it all with his own money and hence has a tremendous debt service. Don't knock him; he's about the only owner who knows anything about the game and knows what it's like to be a fan and sit in the stands. Actually, D-Backs owner Jerry Colangelo also sits in the stands.

Q: Do you think the San Diego Padres will have a chance to sign a big-name free agent? -- Bingham Fano, American Fork, Utah
PWG -- No, but they are close to wrapping up a new deal with Phil Nevin. They will be at $32 million next season and competitive, especially since the young pitching that's coming out of their system is comparable to that brought up by Houston this season.

Q: There are rumors that Gary Sheffield is on the market. Who do you see as possibilities in return? Do you see the Los Angeles Dodgers getting help up the middle (SS, CF)? And who will replace Chan Ho Park? -- Daniel Oyama, Los Angeles
PWG -- Dan Evans says that Sheffield is not on the market, that his contract is good, he's good on the club and that they can replace one of the game's best hitters. What the Dodgers would love is for someone to take Eric Karros or Tom Goodwin. Good luck.

Q: What's going on with Chicago Cubs OF Corey Patterson? Do you think this season was an indication of his future performance or can we expect him to get better? Also, concerning the Cubs' prospects/organization in general: Does the current state of the franchise show potential for playoff contention in the next three to five years? -- Brandon Roberts, Manchester, Ky.
PWG -- Corey will be fine; it takes time, especially learning the strike zone. The Cubs' organization is getting very good. Bobby Hill will be there in a hurry. And I think they will be close to winning in 2003.

Q: Despite their wonderful late-season run, I know the New York Mets need a major overhaul. Who do you see leaving, and who do you see them picking up? Is it possible that they'll take a shot at going after Juan Gonzalez? I can't see a guy with 140 RBI this year not being attractive to them. -- Joe, Brooklyn, N.Y.
PWG -- Maybe Gonzalez, but in the past he's refused a trade to New York and stated he doesn't want to go there. Moises Alou is more plausible, although he's up there in age.