Are the Tigers crazy? Ivan Rodriguez for four years at $40 million? Sure, Rodriguez has maybe two top years in him--unless he gets hurt again like he was in his last couple of years in Texas. But to seriously consider Rodriguez at four years is stretching history. Rodriguez is right at that age when great catchers start to fade from glory. Johnny Bench comes to my mind as a prime example.

It's great that Detroit is serious about turning their franchise around and if they threw $20 million at one of the best catchers who has ever played, great. But four years is financial suicide as there is no way that Rodriguez will last that long as a prime catcher. And do you want to pay $20 million for two years of a gap hitting first baseman? Maybe, but not with my money.

Greg Maddux is in the same category. He wants one more long term deal. But why is there any hope that he has more than one or two decent seasons left in him? Be smart, Greg. Take a one year deal and the $10 million and run with it.

Recent signings show a more stable reality as the highly talented Derrek Lee signed with the Cubs for $6.9 million. As the Fan has stated here before, good defense needs a good first baseman. Lee is one of the best so don't be surprised with the infield defense in Chicaco and a downgrade in the fielding and higher ERAs in Florida.

The Dodgers signed Adrian Beltre for one year at $5 million, a modest $1.3 million dollar raise. Beltre is only 24 and is still a big talent potential, but his average has dipped every year and he doesn't seem to be taking it to the next level. The Dodgers were smart to only offer a year's contract.

Kazuhiro Sasaki, the Mariner's closer announced that he will return to Japan and not pitch for Seattle this season. Although a surprise, you have to wonder how many more oriental players will follow him. It has to be terribly hard to move to a foreign culture, not knowing the language and trying to play in those circumstances. Much respect should go to him as he turned down $9.5 million to go back home and stay with his family. Good luck to you Kaz and thanks for the good memories.