Since there's only 4 left...

[JoeDirt]

I'm not arguing with you at all.  In fact, I'm adding to why you hate beging born a NY Italian.

Add the pronounciation "Eye-Talian" to things you hate--because it is annoying.

[Attezzobal]

Ahh...Very good, and agreed with the I-talian pronounciation.

[OctoFranco]

Also add people who use the pronunciation "pronouce-iation".  Fuckin' eye-ties.

[JoeDirt]

d'oh!

[OctoFranco]

Apparently Julio Franco has a bone chip in his elbow which needs to be removed (surgically).

It does not seem to be anything serious, fortunately.

[ultimate7]

Apparently Julio Franco is going to have his bionic arms replaced

[OctoFranco]

Decent article on mlb.com about Clemens' plans for '06.  The story emphasizes how said plans are still up in the air, but I think if you read between the lines it's pretty clear that he's going to return to the MLB.  He's not going to let Julio win the last-RBI'er-standing competition that easily...

[Nacho]

If and when Clemens retires, we (meaning Gantry and possibly fighton) should go balls-out in trying to get an interview with Julio.

[Metal King]

There may be just 3 left.  Roger Clemens' agent said he might not pitch at all after the World Baseball Classic.  But he can't sign a deal with the 'Stros until May 1 anyway, we'll see.

John Franco should retire,  Santiago is finished,  Julio Franco is the only one still capable of putting up a solid season and playing quite a bit.  Clemens is too, but he might retire.  He's too damn good to quit yet.

[Gantry]

Though he hasn't officially retired, I don't see John Franco attempting to make it to a major league roster this year.  I count him as out of the running unless we hear something about him...

[OctoFranco]

Though he hasn't officially retired, I don't see John Franco attempting to make it to a major league roster this year.  I count him as out of the running unless we hear something about him...

From an article on mlb.com:

Franco's in the booth: John Franco, who was released by the Astros earlier this season, is back in baseball -- in the broadcast booth.

Franco will be working for ESPN Radio during the Astros' series with the Braves, and he hopes it will spark interest for future gigs.

"I'll give it a shot," said Franco, who officially retired following the regular season. "This is what I probably want to do in the next year or two, a little TV, a little radio."

Franco was genuinely happy to see his old teammates, most of whom he hadn't spoken with since his release in early July. He emphasized that he had no hard feelings against the Astros.

"When you don't pitch well, things like that happen," he said. "I wasn't pitching well -- too many inconsistencies. We weren't playing well at the time. They wanted to see what the younger players can do. No hard feelings. I went home, relaxed, spent time with my family."

In fairness though, this is the only thing I ever saw about an "official" retirement.

Attezz told me he heard mafia J. Franco doing radio for Houston during the 2005 playoffs, but most likely will not have a long term career in this department on account of the grating NYC accent.

Benito's a slim but possible chance to make a return, I think he wants to play, just needs to find a team that'll let him.  I still don't know what to make of Clemens, although I presume he'll be back if the price is right.  Regardless, Julio will doubtless eventually be the last RBI'er standing (if he's not already).

[TβG]

so will your friend attezz be back?

[OctoFranco]

so will your friend attezz be back?

I stick primarily to the RBI Board for a reason.

I wonder what is more likely to cause Roger to hang it up after the WBC, having a good showing or a bad one...

[ultimate7]

Attezz told me he heard mafia J. Franco doing radio for Houston during the 2005 playoffs

Yeah, in fact he did the game that had the Julio/Clemens matchup

[Gantry]

Good info Octo, never knew he retired!  In fact, I doubled checked with his Wikipedia page.  I'll have to update both pages now...

And there were two...