The 50th million fan won two season tickets for five years? What did the loser get? FOUR season tickets for five years?

The spirit of the letter is decent, but it's kind of written weirdly. "While the run production generated by these two veterans will not be quickly replaced ... "

Um, that's all they amounted to? Run production?

P.S. Pete, it's Erik. You need a copy editor.

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Pete's reply: Why, I already have thousands of them.

I was up in Cincy last Friday and was happy to see 27K+ fans turn out for the Cards game and fireworks. The Reds were competitive, even though Bronson Arroyo pitches like Cabrera without the velocity. Corey Patterson, still below the Mendoza line but starting almost every day now because of the Griffey-Dunn trades, Baker's sentimental loyalty to old Cubs whom he's managed when they were younger and more promising, and the injuries to Hopper and Freel (another part of Jocketty-Castellini's excuses in the fan letter), actually stirred up some trouble by holding out for a walk(!), rattling backup catcher Jason LaRue, who overthrew second, allowing Corey to advance to third, and then rushing home on a grounder to Troy Glaus and evading LaRue's swipe tag attempt. The Reds have a decent, hot-for-the-moment LF callup Chris Dickerson, who for the time being should make everyone forget about Dunn, truly a lumbering ox out there in left. Jay Bruce can't hit slow curves yet, but he's going to learn. And of course they have Cueto and Volquez in the rotation to counteract the disappointing Fogg, Arroyo, and Harang, so in some respects they're already doing better than Baltimore.

Not that I'm complaining or that I'm not applying to be your editor but...

Erik Bedard instead of Eric Bedard.

Also, if you had a list of 5 free agent pitchers you were considering signing in the off-season, who may they be?

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Pete's reply: I'd go for one of the top free agents -- Sabathia, Burnett (not a FA yet, but will exercise out clause) or Sheets. Throw everybody else in a hat. Of course, it's easy for me to spend somebody else's money.

EriKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

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Pete's reply: Sorry. I could have a copy editor if I wanted one, but that would mean the posts would go up much later. I'll try to do better. I know it's spelled with a K.

To response to my earlier entry in this blog ---

Which one of these free agent pitchers that you listed would be cheaper to sign? Sheets? I think C.C. would be the most expensive, then Burnett, then Sheets. Is that about right?

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Pete's reply: Maybe Burnett, because his wife is from here and he definitely would like to come here.

Not to insult the Orioles but is the only reason Burnett wants to come here is his wife? Boy he must be whipped.