Thursday, 15 December 2005 - 3:25 PM EST

Ah, Babe Adams is no slouch, that's fer sure. Ellis Kinder, as well, is a good pitcher. But Walter Johnson cannot be compared to any pitcher but Walter Johnson, in my opinion. There are certain players who are unique enough to be in a class of their own, and I think "Big Train" qualifies. Yes, every pitcher has problems in this league of superstar rosters . . . and with your outfield ropes so close to home plate no pitcher will enjoy taking the hill in your park . . . but since your sims showed him outperforming every other pitcher on your staff before the trade, I think that would be incentive enough for me to keep him. The question now is, will Adams do as well as Johnson in the regular season -- because sims, barnstorming, tuneups and exhibition don't add up to a chalk line once the real season starts.

But then, this is why we have owners for every club -- everybody has different ideas on how to assemble the best ball club. This aspect of the league is just as important and fun as the actual games are. I wish you luck with Adams. I know he'll do good . . . as good as possible in American League Park I.