Uggla to the Mets isn’t going to happen, they don’t have the prospects and the Fish aren’t sending him to a division rival unless their backs against the wall. Durbin I doubt as I think he stays here on a Romero type deal that might not be best for us having half a bullpen account for $20m or he heads to a team more willing to pay middle relievers. I do agree they will be very agressive with Fuentes especially as a LHP against us and I’d expect them to make serious moves on Manny who I think goes back to the Dodgers and Dunn as well as Ibanez and Orlando Hudson though aparently they want to go young and put Murphy in there at 2nd.

With Amaro I reserve judgement because we have no indication of whether he’s a behind the times Bavasi or one of the new breed of young GM’s willing to impliment a new system. Although it’s an incredible achievement where the Phils have got themselves to through Gillick those around have had just as much influence on how that’s gone and the cracks are widening. We’re prepared to pay for guys in the later rounds of the draft but not up top where teams are having success at the moment and really in playing in a FA where we’re not the most attractive offer resulting in paying over the odds for guys who’s ceiling don’t match what they’ve been brought in to do.

We can’t knock Amaro until he’s had time in the job to see what he’s all about though I am really high on Cashman because I really respect how he’s put his support team together and isn’t as chequebook happy as an outsider might assume.

It is bitter sweet to come down to the wire. It was the same way with us when the Vet closed in 2003. You guys are still in it though.