I know the recent tantrums of one Sammy Sosa have been discussed ad nauseam, but this latest chunk of insight from "Mr. Home Run" begs pointing out.

The Nationals have proposed a $500,000 non-guaranteed contract. Sammy wants at least a million bucks, because he's "done a lot for baseball and should be treated with respect". Hey Sammy- a half-mil non-guaranteed contract offered to a 37-year-old former steroid-junkie cheater who puts himself on the Disabled List by sneezing IS respect!

The fact of the matter is Sammy stunk last year. Blame it on age. Blame it on a new league. Blame it on a guy who has to come off the 'roids suddenly finding a giant void where what's left of his batting skills used to be. The fact of the matter is, a clubhouse cancer with diminishing skills who only manages 102 games, a .221 batting average, and 14 home runs during the course of a season isn't worth much more than the contract being offered.

Sammy says it's all about respect. How about showing a little respect to the fans, Sammy? How about showing a little respect to your fellow players, not to mention the game itself? You've got a lot to prove, and you're being given the opportunity to do it. I think you're a washed-up, steroid-dependent cheater with nothing left to offer the game; prove me wrong. Then you can come back for the 2007 season and demand that big fat contract you so richly "deserve".
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One of my former Chattanooga Lookouts hit the jackpot last night: Adam Dunn signed a two-year, $18.5 million contract with the Reds. The club holds an $18 million option for the 2008 season.