[GAC]

I can fully understand those who express their sentiments concerning Scott Rolen as a player and what he has accomplished over his career. I really do. I like the guy. And I'm not really that overly concerned about the prospects we gave up to get him either (Roenicke and Stewart).

IMO, it's just a stupid, dysfunctional move from this GM, who is deluded into thinking that Rolen is going to somehow boost our chances this year, some how/some way, by inserting this veteran player, on the down-side of his career, into a hodgepodge mix of of utility and AAA ballplayers currently trying to hold down the fort because of injury. It's simply ludicrous IMO.

3B was a far less pressing problem when looking at the other areas of dire need facing this team.

I can see a team adding a Rolen if they were in the hunt, and looking to get that extra boost to get them over the top.

I listened to Jocketty last night say that Rolen also helps us next year. True. That's if he stays healthy and replicates 09. But is this ownership then going to go out and seriously spend the money to acquire those OFers and SS we direly need? Or has he just eaten up any payroll leeway we had, and that they are going to fill those other areas of need with marginal players of the same "like" quality we are seeing now?

Or is Jocketty, who has been known to do so, going to sacrifice even some more of our high-level prospects, and utilize them as that tool to try and fill those needs by bringing in more "veteran" players like a Rolen, just to take that shot in 2010, while selling out any future stability?

Who is going to be our LFer and CFer next year? I wish someone would ask Walt that question when he's giving these interviews. Or how about SS? Do they plan on taking up the option on AGon for 2010? Of course I know he's not going to answer them, and do an "end around" like a politician would; but I'd like this guy to be put on the spot instead of kissed up to when doing interviews.

He also said last night that they were done making trades. That's understandable since most of the players he'd like to trade would probably easily make it through waivers. Especially if it's guys like Arroyo and Harang. And I think that is his main objective now - clearing out payroll. And that is fine with me IF this FO then plans on utilizing that to seriously address needs.

I'm not one who has called for Jocketty's head. But he's been our GM now for almost two full seasons. And he is on the cusp right now, going into 2010, where he needs to step up to the plate and show something.....or go into retirement.