[luckymann]

The gradual but undeniable decline of Jimmie Foxx's offensive output in recent seasons has been a concern, and it has become clear to me that signing him to such a long deal - he is under contract thru 1946 - was a mistake on my part, one I am keen to rectify.

The other factor at play here is that of the wear-and-tear inflicted upon Josh Gibson by his role as everyday catcher, again one that I am keen to rectify.

There's no point being coy about this situation, these are grown men and professional ballplayers. So I sit XX down, explain where things are at and offer him a choice - either to be traded or to assume the catcher role, with JG moving to 1B. My preference is the former, not just because of the monetary considerations but because the proposed Plan B switch would leave us worse off defensively at both positions.

Regrettably, Jimmie has no interest in moving clubs and - because he is now a 10/5 player - I can't just ship him out.

So Plan B it will have to be, with the use of late and close defensive subs. A less than ideal MO, but an unavoidable one. And while, financially, this will have little bearing for the next few seasons, salaries are jumping and those last few years of Jimmie's contract may cost us more than money.

We shake hands and - at least, I believe - put it behind us and move on. I hope my candour forestalls any degradation of what has always been a good relationship.

Otherwise, for now we keep our powder dry with regard to signings and trades. Let's see what the Draft brings and go from there.