11.   The Marlins required Zeile in the Piazza trade because they wanted a veteran third baseman who would be marketable to a pennant contender looking for help.

12.   The scene at the Coliseum late Thursday afternoon resembled a season opener or the regular-season finale, more than a mid-August clash between pennant contenders.

13.   Then again, the Rangers are no longer in a hurry to be a pennant contender.

14.   Then they would have a legitimate pennant contender.

15.   When the won-lost records of union and management superseded those of pennant contenders and Cy Young winners, the formula for disaster was set.

16.   You can hang onto me during what is sure to be an abominable season for this club and trade me to some hungry pennant contender in July.