I've never been and was wondering if anyone had a feel for what a week or so costs down there. I have a wife and 2 kids so that obviously adds some cost. Also it wouldn't be something you'd want to do super cheap as I'm sure there are some places to eat and what not that are worth seeing while there. Any experiences or tips would be appreciated. Thanks McCovenites.

I know it's crazy, I'm just curious what it would take to pry him out of our hands. I personally would not, but with all this rain, it get's a guy rosterbating in a sick way. Still, makes me wonder with all the prospect hording going on, if anyone other than Billy Beane in Oakland would even attempt this. I'm sure Sabean would screw it up, first by trading Timmy, and secondly by what he got in return. This definitely seems like a trade more likely made by the Marlins or some low budget team, but sometimes those work out OK. Think Hanley Beckett....

Looking at the larger picture, is this year just a bonus? Have we all been played? It seems to be agreed that some of the moves made lately, coupled with the surprising success of this team, have made this team really hard to watch and fascinating all at the same time. Not the perfect product, but one that we all have bought into. It seems like contending, with an eye on next year is really all part of the plan. Start a few arb clocks to motivate the veterans, in the hopes that you make the playoffs(bonus $) and avoid the costly performance incentives that could cost big in super 2's with our arb ready players. Get the experience of a pennant race into the veins of the prospects, while not completely upsetting the status-quo. Is it really just a genius plan on managements part? Giving us all enough of a taste to wet our collective consumer appetites, or is it just plain stupidity as it looks taken in each individual action and on our own personal levels.

Just curious what our payroll is looking like next year. It seems like the Dodgers were scaling back this year as were the D-backs. The Pads seem to be in a bad place and I'm not sure where the Rox are. I know we have some arb hearings that will affect things, but there are also several contracts coming off the books. Are we in a healthier position than everyone else? I know this may be a little premature but I am curious.