Getting Benitez and Roger Cedeno for Todd Hundley was no doubt a coup because Steve Phillips turned around and used Cedeno to pry Mike Hampton away from Houston. So maybe when you put the Benitez deal in those terms, your argument looks stronger. But then again, I don't see the Mets in this position without Mike Bordick at shortstop. Even though he's not hitting much lately, he's making all the plays. He is too talented, means too much to that lineup, and is too much of a Dan Duquette favorite to be moved along just because he's a jerk.
Some players are worth the headaches.
This year's collapse aside, Everett might be one of them. It sounds like Jimi Williams is going to stay in Boston and the odd couple will give it one more chance. But based on home-field advantage, World Series experience and a deeper starting staff, I'm afraid you have to be boring and go with the Yankees in seven. But I reserve the right to change my mind before Saturday night. It's that close.