The Batter's Box summit lunch today is almost as important, but in Arizona, the annual gathering of millionaires and billionaires may have a bit more on their plate. Topping the list is how to milk the most out of "their" team, the Montreal/San Juan Expos, before selling the bare bones of the franchise to a new crony in Washington or Portland. The committee that will ultimately decide their fate consists of Jerry Reinsdorf, Tom Hicks and Bud Selig, with the Commissioner's right-hand man (Bob DuPuy) and his daughter (Wendy Selig-Prieb) added, obviously for balance.

The owners, basking in the glow of victory in last year's labour skirmish, will also discuss the proposed changes to the All-Star game, a minimum age for bat boys, and other relatively insignificant issues. I've often wondered whether there are "off the record" discussions of serious matters -- how tight to wind the baseballs, or what kind of spin to put on allegations of collusion -- but I'm not expecting much real news out of Scottsdale, and I'll swallow what they do feed us with appropriate seasoning.