Expo's Playing Hardball

In the same article it also mentions Orlando Cabrera.

For the latest evidence that the Expos' fortunes soon will change, consider their surprisingly aggressive negotiating position on shortstop Orlando Cabrera, a potential free agent who is drawing trade interest from the Cubs.

The Expos are telling the Cubs that they want quality prospects for Cabrera; otherwise, they will simply keep him, offer him salary arbitration in December and accept draft-pick compensation if he departs.

While the Expos might only be posturing, they at least would be in position to carry out their threat once Major League Baseball sells them to a group that presumably will be more inclined to invest in the team.

I can see Hendry talking with his staff...

Hendry: The Expos are a crap franchise, let's just offer Mitre and tell them we would gladly take his salary of their hands.

Assistant: Yeah, ummm they said they don't want our useless crap, they want real prospects.

Hendry: How dare they insult me! Did you make it clear to them that we are doing them a favor?

Assistant: Yes, they said they weren't going to be our trade b**ch like Pittsburgh.

Hendry: Great now where am I going to find a offensive SS on the cheap?

Assistant: I hear Jose Hernandez is available.