It used to be that the big spending teams could waltz into the World Series. George Steinbrenner would write a few big checks and grab the biggest free agents and the Yankees would win another championship. But somewhere along the line player evaluation became more important and a bunch of smart guys figured out a way to find maximum value in ballplayers that might fly under the radar. And teams that continued to throw big money at big names didnt do nearly as well. The Angels spent more than ayone this past off-season...didnt make the playoffs...the Red Sox had one of the biggest payrolls in baseball and finsihed with one of their worst records ever. Even the Yankees, who havent won a title for awhile...are finding their high priced guys are stinking in the playoffs and they are one game away from elimination. Now the Tigers did go out and get Prince Fielder but they had built a nice squad with home grown players and astute trades. And the Cardinals and Giants are built on pitching and guys that you normaly might overlook. Angel Pagan anyone??

It's nice to have money to spend but if you don't spend it wisely you may find yourself hamstrung going forward with no titles to show for your largresse.

Will the Brewers make a free agent splash? you can argue that they are just a couple of pieces away from being back in the playoffs. We've talked about going after Zach Grienke again...but yesterday Buster Olney of ESPN speculated on the possibility of the Brewers trying to sign free agent outfielder Josh Hamilton. He comes with alot of baggage but how would he look in the lineup between Braun & Ramirez?

Songs of The Day   (from my I-pod)   Gary Puckett turns 70 today.

Lady Willpower-Gary Puckett & The Union Gap (1968) One of the great pop voices of the 60's...although the civil war uniforms are a bit much.

Over You-Gary Puckett & Union Gap (1968) Another pop classic from the big voice