Hey cb,

1. No. If the Giants haven't rid themselves of Alfonzo at this point, they shouldn't unless they can get completely out from under his contract. Why? Because it's his CONTRACT year, and he will show up at 100% in 2006. He's got a lot to prove to the next sucker to sign him.

2. Barry won't play 1st, so it's not even worth discussing.

3. Eyre at $4-4.5M over 2 years sounds okay. He's certainly earned that type of deal, and if he wants to stay, the Giants should make it happen sooner than later.

4. $12M over 2 years for Tomko?!?!? How about $6M guaranteed, with incentives that could take it to $8M over 2 years?

5. Richie?!?! That decision was made last off-season, and the Giants were right.

6. Yes, the Giants need another ace. Or an ace, depending on how folks view Schmidt at this point. The Giants will have around $9M available if they drop Rueter and Tomko from the payroll, so the money is there.

7. If the Giants were to trade Niekro or Linden, $2M and a top pitching prospect not named Cain, to Cincy, they could likely come away with the hitter they need at a price they could afford.

LoneStar