Financial relief

Ten free minutes for me, 10 free throwaway lines for you . . .

1. The news that Jonathan Papelbon has agreed to a one-year, $6.25 million deal struck me as a shrewd move for both sides, though I have to admit, I think he would be wise to give more consideration to pursuing a long-term deal now. I'm not sure the club is convinced that he has a long shelf-life -- it is at least somewhat alarming that he gave up 28 more hits in 11 more innings last season than in '07 -- but I bet they would take the risk and lock him up for the next four years or so if they considered the financial terms reasonably favorable.

2. I can't think of a quarterback who has had more peaks and valleys in his career than the remarkable Kurt Warner -- the closest comparison I could come up with was Jim Plunkett, who went from Heisman winner to battered and beleaguered Patriot to worn-out Niner before finally finding redemption with the Raiders. And you know what? If the Cardinals somehow steal this Super Bowl, go ahead and count me among those who think Warner has a very legitimate shot at Canton.

3. Rajon Rondo confirmed Monday night what I've thought for some time now: Steve Nash is the worst defensive player, bar none, to win a modern NBA Most Valuable Player award -- let alone multiple MVPs. He got Rondo'd so often, I was beginning to wonder if his ankles were somehow fused together.

4. Sure, it felt like the end of an era in a sense when Scott Pioli departed New England and ended his historically successful partnership with Bill Belichick to run his own operation in Kansas City. But in the end, I look at it this way: Other clubs can pilfer the Patriots' staff all they want, but as long the captain in the gray hoodie is steering the ship, the organization will not stray off course. Everyone -- everyone -- is replaceable but him.

5. Could the Cowboys really be interested in free-agent linebacker/narcissist Ray Lewis? Seriously? Is it Jerry Jones's mission to collect every disgraceful character currently active in the NFL? Or is this part of a dastardly plan to get rid of Terrell Owens? Word of advice, T.O.: Watch out for the shiv.