As the last few days dwindle down to the end of the season, the always interesting transaction wire becomes really fascinating. In the last few desperate days, you can see players trying to hold on to their careers either catch on or fall off the gravy train. It has to be the worst thing about baseball to work all Spring long to earn a job and then in the final last days lose the job you've been trying to gain. There must be a mad scramble to find another slot...a fit somewhere that needs your niche skills or to be blunt has no other options better than you.

So it was for Lou Merloni this week. Nomar Garciaparra's best friend and the Mayor of Boston slipped out of the Red Sox plans and was released. Can you imagine the circuit of emotions as he finds out about his release yesterday and today find out that San Diego picked him up as they had no one else at the moment better than he to fill that infield utility spot.

Let's take a quick look around to see who else is trying to hang on and what their status is:

Frank Castillo was released by the Red Sox today. Castillo has won 11 or more games five times in his ten year career. Two years ago, he was 10-5 (3.59) for Toronto. Last year, he was a very useful 10-9. He'll catch on somewhere.

Brian Dauback and Estaban Loaiza caught on with the White Sox. Dauback played the last few years with the Red Sox after a long minor league career. He is a good player but not exceptional who can hit 20 homers a year for you playing part time. Loaiza has won 60 games in 7 years and is at best a .500 pitcher.

Mike Venafro lost his bid to make the Braves. A lefthanded specialist who has averaged 70 appearances a year will find a job somewhere.

The Cardinals released Joey Hamilton. Wow. A few years ago he was a large free agent bust for the Blue Jays after he had two great seasons in San Diego. The poor Blue Jays paid him millions to win 9 games over two seasons.

The Padres sent veteran Charles Nagy to the minors. I'm sure that if they didn't waive him, they have plans for him in the future. Can you imagine after having won fifteen or more games for the Indians five straight years from 1994 to 1999 to have to bide your time in the minors until you can become useful again in the majors? Man, it's got to be tough.

Pat Mahomes was released by the Pirates. That can't be a shock for him as he has bounced around pretty good for nine years. To show you how long a mediocre pitcher can last in MLB, Mahomes has a career 5.57 ERA over his nine big league seasons. Let's put that in perspective: In 654 big league innings, Mahomes has given up 405 earned runs. But three years ago, the Mets caught a flash and he went 8-0 for them, mostly in long relief with a 3.68 ERA. I would not be surprised if he got another shot by somebody.

And finally, Steve Avery was sent to the minors by the Detroit Tigers. Again, at least he wasn't waived. How many remember that when the Atlanta Braves started this eleven year run of mastery over their division, that the starting pitchers consisted of Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Greg Maddux and Steve Avery? And he won 18 games for them twice! He has sure bounced around since then and has been out of MLB for the past two years. How sad that the 1991 NLCS Most Valuable Player can't even make the Tigers opening day roster.

One more bit of news that made my heart sink: Mariano Rivera is starting the year on the DL. Man. Not a good start for the Flagrant Fan's team.