That I am willing to dedicate this kind of time in Cyberspace to this s#$*bag is beyond me, but here it is:

Fine...Roger you had a good run while it lasted last year...

Are we supposed to be suprised that your body gave out on you at the end of the season? You're old, bro...

But if your hopes were that the Astros would make some offensive improvements in the off-season to coax you into coming back...

The Astros' owners, like every other owner in MLB not named Steinbrenner, have set a sort of self-imposed salary cap (whether they are as vocal about it as DeWitt & Co. or not). Your $18M demands greatly depleat any organization from making forward progress in order to better the team until your contract status is settled. Your message to the Astros owners is loud and clear, "build a contender or I'll go elsewhere (or retire)."

Well guess what, you f#!&ing self-absorbed s#%&tbag...your $18M/season pricetag has to factor into any team's payroll no matter how you cut it. The Astros' owners sat patiently by during the Winter Meetings as you dragged out your decision-making, wondering whether they needed to plan on fitting your salary demands within their budget constraints. And after yet another winter of sitting on their hands in anticipation...they decided not to offer arbitration and to let you go your merry way.

This isn't all about you Roger! If you wanted the team to make improvements, then give them an ultimatum: "either sign some offense or I am going to the Yankees." Just make up your mind one way or the other. And remember, the Astros don't have Steinbrenner money. If they are to re-sign you this spring at anywhere near your previous $18M, then to expect them to be able to do much else in free agency is laughable!

If being a Hometown Hero was your reason for returning to baseball, then why not be the real hero and play for a reasonable salaary so the 'Stros can actually put some hitters around you.