Even more on that Bay extension

Looks like we were all a bit premature to declare contract negotiations "open" between the Pirates and Jason Bay. I say that because I would think actual numbers would have to be involved in a negotiation. Instead, I'd imagine things went something like this.

Dave Littlefield: I'd like to sign your client long term. He's good.

Joe Urbon: It's gonna cost you.

DL: How much?

Urbon: A lot.

DL: Damn. I'll call you back. And that's where we are at this point.

We want to sign Bay and his agent is going to listen because he doesn't have a choice. And we'll go from there. Not quite negotiations.

Also in the notebook, MLB turned down McClatchy's request to establish the Indians and Pirates as "long-term rivals" like the Yankees and Mets or White Sox and Cubs. Of course it makes perfect sense because of that whole hatred that simmers between the two cities and the large crowds both teams draw in the other and that little football rivalry we have. Bud Selig decided that Cleveland and Cincy are much better "long-term rivals." What a joke.