Everyone is very critical of Beane for getting rid of Ramon Hernandez. However last year was the first his OPS+ was over 100. His three previous seasons had an OPS+ of 80/93/70. So why does everyone focus on 2003? Could Billy have sold Ramon at his peak value?

Gitz, why do your jeans have so many holes in them?

What is the deal with Lilly? Is this a performance thing, or an attitude thing? (Or both?)

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Gitz, why do your jeans have so many holes in them?

Because he's a no-good pinko hippie meathead.

Welcome back, Gitz.

Cheers,

Mike

Why do I write for ESPN? The groupies. We correspondents only get the ones that Gammons and Neyer won't touch, but it's still a good life.

Anyway, back in 2002, ESPN featured Gitz, Mick, AND Coach (along with a newcomer who glibly predicted the Rangers would "almost certainly be better than last year"). Those days are gone, but most of the correspondents do a capable job of following and reporting on their teams. As for those that don't, they'll take up only a moment of your time.

If you have any Ranger questions, send a note to (tex04 at scottlucas.com).

I really enjoyed that column in 2002, before there was a Batter's Box. It led to this site, because I was in the habit of writing two or three Jays articles a week, and suddenly, the season ended. I decided to start a blog, and look what happened! The best part was the reader mail, of which there is a ton. I made several e-friends that season, including Mick, John and Scott.

Last year wasn't nearly as much fun. All my best writing was here, and I was simply rephrasing stuff for the ESPN column. I nearly resigned before the season in support of Mick, and considered it again when the World Leader hired Limbaugh, but decided to stay the course, basically working to rule. I lacked enthusiasm for the gig all season, and because running Da Box also generates a lot of e-mail, answering all those questions about when Myers, Wells, Halladay and Delgado would cool off became a chore, compared to the pleasure it had been in the past.

If you're interested in replacing me, check the Correspondents Index page regularly and you should soon see "Correspondent Wanted" where my name is. Clicking there will open a form where you can submit a brief bio and a sample column. Good luck!

All I'm going to say about Ted Lilly is that Gitz has been consistent, and I hope he's wrong. I'm clinging to the same hope as Ricciardi and company -- that Toronto is getting the August, September and October version of Lilly, not the guy who deserved all that criticism. I was never as sour on Lilly, who I own in a couple of keeper leagues, as I was on fellow Gizzi whipping-boys T-Long and Jeremy Giambi.

Having some targets in the cross-hairs can definitely help your writing. In the first half of 2002, I was relentlessly down on Buck Martinez, Joey "Buck Eighty" Lawrence and Raul Mondesi, while clamoring for Tosca, Hudson and Phelps as their replacements. Though all my wishes came true as a fan, it was bittersweet as a writer -- I'd lost the sources of some of my best material, and became the boring cheerleader I am today.

Always enjoy your columns, John. You cover my favorite team outside of the Angels, a team my father raised me to cheer for (a difficult legacy over the years but much more enjoyable recently). Looking forward to a great NoCal/SoCal rivaly this season and your insights.

Gizzi, Lucas and Kolnes writing for free for ESPN.com is like Mulder, Zito and Hudson pitching for the independent-league Fort Worth Cats.

ESPN opened the Jays correspondent position today. If interested, go here.