- The door appears to have been blown off free agent spending again, led by the Red Sox with their $51 million bid to talk to Daisuke Matsuzaka and the Cubs, who have committed over $200 million to Aramis Ramirez and Alfonso Soriano. Soriano's pact with the Cubbies is for $136 million over 8 years, making it the 5th richest pact in baseball history, behind A-Rod, Jeter, Manny and Todd Helton.

- The Cubbies certainly seem intent on breaking their World Series-less streak before it hits the century mark. They might have a chance, too, if they can get some healthy pitching to go with the big boppers (including Derrek Lee) they have in the middle of the lineup.

- Even lesser free agent lights have hit big money this off-season. Justin Speier got 4 years, $18 million from the Angels; Frank Thomas, who can barely run, got $18 million for two years with Toronto. Even our own Alez Gonzalez, a man who hit .174 with RISP last year, got 3 years and $14 million from the Cincinnati Reds.

- Lambeau Field, where the Patriots spanked the Packers 35-0 yesterday, is the third oldest continuously used pro sports facility behind Fenway and Wrigley. Apparently Yankee Stadium doesn't count, since it was closed for two years when it was refurbished in the '70s.

- Speaking of the Pats, they may want to skip the home field advantage in the playoffs this year. Amazingly, they are 5-0 on the road so far this year, and only 2-3 at The Razor.