Is He In Their Plans?

"To me, if I'm going to do a long-term deal, I just want something that's fair...Not something that's trying to low-ball me or end up low-balling anybody else behind me for the next couple years. That's what I want, something that's fair"
(Chad Cordero, via Washington Post, 2/16/2007)

With Tuesday's arbitration hearing nearing, will NAAAts and Chad Cordero reach a long term deal?

Our sources* tell us there will be no such deal...

...because an arbitration victory makes him more enticing trade bait... 

Boston is still a no-brainer: "I think the bullpen is the biggest issue facing us." (Theo Epstein, via NY Newsday, 2/18/2007). Note to Jim Bowden: Please pull the trigger on the deal we talked about (Cordeo + Church to Boston for Manny Delcarmen, Michael Bowden (ranked #3 by B.A., no relation to Jim), and your man crush, Wily Mo Pena!)

But wait a minute: Could the Chief be Cleveland-bound?

*We have no sources.

(Photo by Kevin Wolf/AP)