I really have mixed emotions about loosing Kent.  Obviously, he is a run producer, as he led the team in RBI's.  He also led the universe in hitting into DP's.  I thought he played a pretty credible 2B.  He might not have the greatest range, but he generally made all the plays, and his arm allowed him to throw some guys out from well behind the bag.  Not signing him will free up considerable cash.  Enough to sign Beltran?  Probably not.  I have seen where Biggio wants to return to 2B.  The kid you're thinking of is Chris Burke.  He had a pretty good year at New Orleans, and he may in fact be ready to play for the big club.  We really won't know until he does play, however.  There is no question that he is the 2B of the future.  Is that future in 2005?  Maybe.  I think the club wants to give Jason Lane every chance to be a regular outfielder.  Further complicating matters is Berkman's injury.  He is certain to be unavailable for the first month or so, and who knows how long it might take him to round into shape.  There are a lot of things still up in the air, including, of course, The Rocket.  If he comes back for another year, that alone solidifies the rotation to a great extent.  Then you throw a healthy Pettite, a healthy Miller, and Roy O. into the mix, and you've got one of the best rotations anywhere, at least one through four.  The bullpen is what scares me.  Getting to Lidge was a problem this past season.  There was just no one who was consistently dependable, so I'd love to see them upgrade in that area. 

     I'd also love to see more hot stove speculation and opinion here.  Ken