Former friends and current competitors

Between the Giants playing for their playoff lives on Monday Night Football and a couple of unexpected errands, I'm going to be quick tonight.

It caught my eye that several former SoxandPhils have recently signed or are about to sign contracts - probably because the stories were lined up consecutively on ESPN.com: Scott Rolen restructured his deal with the Reds, Coco Crisp may sign with the A's, and Darren Oliver (how is he still pitching?) may sign with the Rangers.

Also, there is talk that a true SoxandPhil, Pedro Martinez, is under consideration by the Mets. Ha! It's not a good day for the Mets - as Rob Neyer points out, they can't get players to accept their millions despite no evidence of any interest from another team.

The Yankees, however, have no such problem and have to pay more than $25 million in payroll tax - the only team to exceed the threshold. In fact, since the tax was created, the Yankees have paid more than 90 percent of the $190 million assessed. That lonely trophy sure was expensive.