Remember when Arte promised a "Big splash" i.e, big bat, signing last off season? I love Arte, but...

I couldn't believe it when I heard it because my first thought was he just compromised Stoneman's ability to get a reasonable deal done.

"Sonny, don't ever tell anyone outside the family what you're thinking..."

Every GM read that and probably asked Stoneman to throw in his first born on any deal because they knew his boss was motivated. Ask an agent like Scott Boras what he thought and he'd probably just smile. I'll bet that comment added and easy million to his pocketbook in the inflated free agent market last season.

Stoneman was probably asked to step aside because after this season ended, he leaned over to Arte and asked, "Fredo, do you think you can keep your pie-hole shut this off-season?"