>>> Continued from previous message
Actually, Kansas City when the Athletics ere there was the Yankee's
major league farm team.  And when Reinsdorf offers more money, do they
top that as well?  It's overspending that destroys franchises.  They
sign one or two stars to huge contracts and cannot afford the other
midlevel players that are needed to win.  If Belle was worth so much
more, why didn't the Marlins continue to up the ante?  They've certainly
shown no reticience in spending money.  They did not do so, just as
Cleveland did not.  You have to make a business decision somewhere.  To
follow your logic, they must continue to top the White Sox and pay Belle
whatever he wants.  They must then do so for Lofton, Ramierez, Alomar,
Thome, Nagy, Mesa ad infinitum.  There is a finite amount of money to
spend.  All of these players contracts will come up during the term of
Belles conrtract.  Using your logic, they is no way they could afford to
sign them all, but they must display their loyalty and do so.  As long
as you have free agency, which you should have, professional sports will
be a mercenary environment.  Belle understands this as well as anyone.
EG> TY> Loyalty cuts both ways. By refusing the offer and seeeking more 
oney,
EG> TY> he was certainly not showing any loyalty to the Indians.
EG>Belle DIDN'T seek more money, more money SOUGHT him.
I don't recall him telling his agent not to listen to other offers.
EG> TY> Maybe I missed it somewhere along the way, but what is your belief of
EG> TY> why the Indians did not resign Belle?
EG>They're idiots (Or would you rather that I come up with something more
EG>philosophical).
I'd rather you come up with something factual.
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 þ SLMR 2.1a þ My reality check just bounced.
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