If you're in the mood to repeatedly gasp and stammer at some unbelievable naïvete, allow me to recommend the article Casey contract talks on the horizon from today's Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

Discussions with Pirates first baseman Sean Casey on a contract extension are expected to begin after the All-Star break.

A three-year deal totaling $18 million is a safe starting point for negotiations, according to a source within the organization.

Three years! Casey is about two weeks short of 32 years old.

The article continues:

The signing of Casey would be a popular move, not only with the franchise's fan base, but in the clubhouse.

“I think it would be a huge thing for the Pirates,” outfielder Jason Bay said. “They always talk about trying to get good baseball players who are also good people.

“Sean hasn't been here long, but he has more than lived up to his reputation as one of the best people in baseball and, obviously, what he can do on the field goes without saying.”

Yes, he's good people. But three years! He's got three concussions!

The article continues:

This season, the Pirates are paying 37-year-old right fielder Jeromy Burnitz $6 million. They will pay him another $6 million in 2007, unless they choose to buy out his contract at a price of $700,000.

Well, then in that case, it's OK then.