Hey everyone,

I hope you are all enjoying the offseason. I know it started off nicely
for me - the minute the Stankees lost the World Series. hehe...

Anyway, here's the latest news on Jose. It sounds like he was in a bit of
a bar fight, defending a woman who was in his group. As you read the
story, keep in mind these things tend to get blown way out of proportion...
especially when they involve celebrities.

There's also a story that say the Sox are considering bringing Jose back
next year - especially if he can prove he's able to play the outfield
during winter ball, which starts next month.

Take it easy...
Mark

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From the AP:
Canseco slugs it out with Miami bar patron, reports say

Miami police are investigating reports that former Oakland A's bash brother
Jose Canseco went a little overboard after coming to the aid of a female
acquaintance in a Miami Beach nightclub last week.

The New York Daily News reports that Canseco and his entourage were hanging
out in a spot called the Opium Garden after taking in a World Series game
on television when a bar patron squeezed a woman in Canseco's crowd in such
a way that, as tradition has it, almost always invites immediate trouble.
Witnesses told the News that Jose, who played last season for the Chicago
White Sox, and his brother, Ozzie, came eagerly to the woman's defense.

"I saw Jose Canseco punch this guy's face -- not once, not two, but three
times," a nightclub employee told the News. "The guy's nose was gushing
with blood, and there was blood all over his shirt."

Police showed up and booted Canseco and crowd from the bar, reports say,
although the gang was allowed to return later with a police escort. No
charges were filed, but police officials told the News that the alleged
encounter remains under investigation. There was no comment Monday from
Canseco and no word on the status of the other patron.

==========
From the Chicago Daily Southtown:
Sox's Manuel leaves a door open for Canseco
But Wells is pitching for a return to the Yankees
Friday, November 9, 2001
By Joe Cowley

The White Sox apparently are willing to talk with free-agent slugger Jose
Canseco about returning to the South Side next season. Pitcher David Wells,
on the other hand, is distancing himself from the organization.

The Sox announced Monday that they would not pick up the left-hander's $10
million option for 2002, a decision that made Wells a free agent. He has
since made it known the feeling regarding his potential return is mutual.

Wells, who was acquired by the Sox in a trade with Toronto last offseason,
has been in New York this week to promote a Hooters calendar, the proceeds
of which will be used to benefit the families of victims of the Sept. 11
tragedy. In speaking with the New York media, Wells has made it quite
obvious where he wants to play next season.

"Do I want to play for the Yankees? Who wouldn't?" Wells said. "I'd love to
retire with the Yankees. Get the petition going."

Last season, the 38-year-old made just 16 appearances with the Sox before
two herniated discs in his back forced him to have season-ending surgery.
He was just 5-7 with a 4.47 ERA.

Wells doesn't hold any grudges against the Sox for not picking up his
option, but he wants to return to the Yankees. Wells had some of his best
days while wearing pinstripes, pitching a perfect game in 1998 and helping
the Yankees win the World Series the same year.

"I loved Chicago, but things just didn't work out," Wells said. "My back
couldn't handle it anymore."

In Roger Clemens, Mike Mussina and Andy Pettitte, the Yankees have three
quality starters set to return for 2002. But New York is expected to lose
Orlando Hernandez and Sterling Hitchcock via free agency this offseason, so
the Yankees could be in the market for another veteran starter, not to
mention a southpaw.

Meanwhile, Sox manager Jerry Manuel is confident Frank Thomas will return
to form after being limited to 20 games in 2001 because of a torn right
triceps. Thomas is primarily a designated hitter, but Manuel would still
like Canseco's presence in the lineup.

Canseco was signed by the Sox on June 20 and ended up hitting .258 with 16
homers and 49 RBI.

Asked Thursday whether the Sox might sign Canseco, Manuel said, "There's a
possibility. I like the man. I was impressed with the man. I can't say that
there's a position, but I like him."

Canseco hopes to change the Sox's opinion on his defensive abilities by
playing outfield and first base in winter ball beginning next month.

"We have scouts, or we may go down there and see him ourselves," Manuel
said. "If we're impressed ... he's definitely a guy that we have to consider."