This time he means it … maybe

Sporting News, The, May 24, 1999

Caught on the FLY

Hey, didn't you used to be a Hardaway (take yer pick, Penny or Timmy)?

* Call Fly Cup Crazy (shaddup!), but there's a tone in Scotty's voice that says: This Is It. Yeah, yeah, guy's wavered (and wavered some more) before, but the Spies say this time, he's gonna step down in Hockeytown.

* The Spies also say check yer Sunday paper for the Pods' fire-sale flier. Already stocked under flashin' blue (and orange) light: Ruben Rivera, Chris Gomez, John Vander Wal, Jim Leyritz, Phil Nevin and, well, anybody-n-everybody in the 'pen not named Trevor Hoffman.

* Since draft declaration day's come-n-gone, the Spies've spotted Bill Guthridge smilin' (honest), and why in the name-o-Ed Cora not? With the emigration to the NBA complete for another year, the Heels shake down as the team to beat in the ACC (All Comin'out Conference), followed in order by Duke, GaTech, Maryland and Wake.

* Searchin' for explanation for Derek Jeter's Bronx bombing runs? Jetes joked to Fly that the only arrow that pierced in arbitration was that he lacked pop at the plate. That solved, buzz is he's not eager to sign a preemptive long-term deal. Nope, he'll wait two years, then play contract long ball. Translation for a certain Pinstripes G.M.: Be ready to flash the cash, man (read: $200 mil, minimum).

* Hey-yo, look 'round these NBA playoffs and see that (ulp?) Bulls suits were right to explode the roster after MJ walked. Unlucky Luc Longley, Da Pip, Li'l Stevie Kerr and Jud (Rhymes with "Thud") Buechler've proved conclusively: 1) It's tough to shoot wearin' all those rings, and 2) If an Airless core'd stayed together, Chicago'd be loaded with aging/deteriorating guys tied up in long-term deals.

* Fly hears that as part of his on-n-off(season) contract-extension talks, Juan Gonzalez mentioned the possibility of a custom-tailored ... stadium. Igor's tired of the 390-foot LCF power alley at TBiA, where HRs go to die. He wants fences moved in for him the way the Halos moved 'em to suit Mo's swing, though Disney suits thoroughly (wink, wink) deny it.

* Good news for the Bravos (and Fly's talkin' bigger than bigger strike zones, underachievin' ex-Cys breath): That's a batting cage goin' in at Andres Galarraga's West Palm casa. Whispers a teammate: Don't count out Cat returnin' in September.

Fly's best buzz is just a click away every day at sportingnews.com or on AOL (keyword: TSN).