When the New York Mets traded Francisco Rodriguez, it was generally accepted by the sports media mafia as something that was absolutely necessary- primarily from a financial standpoint.

It's hard to argue with that thinking. It's no secret the Mets are in terrible financial situation. Even the Greek government looked at the Mets situation and said "...wow....".

The Mets have lost 10 games since the K-Rod trade. Four of them have been charged to Bobby Parnell or Jason Isringhausen. It's hard to count last night's debacle against the Florida Marlins against Isringhausen after 2B Justin Turner's brain fart on what to do with a ground ball with the bases loaded and 1 out in the ninth inning of a tie game. His throw to first was wide of humanity and let the eventual winning run score. However, Izzy's on the hook because the bases were loaded thanks in part to a walk and a hit batter. (Really?)

It's unfortunate that the Mets were compelled to deal Rodriguez. While it looks like they are indeed fading in the National League playoff races, this team fights and with some support from the bullpen who knows what could have happened?

Bobby Parnell is currently on pace to not only lose the opportunity to be the next closer for the Mets, he's heading downhill on roller skates to a spot here. Isringhausen was shaping up to be a nice story, giving all his miles and failed expectations the last time he was a Met.

It's over now.

Ronnie Brown signed with Philadelphia Eagles. Can't wait to see what the Eagles' "Wildcat" formation looks like with Michael Vick, Vince Young, LeSean McCoy, and now Brown available to be deployed. The opportunity to screw with some defensive coordinator's heads is immense.

The NBA labor situation took a decidedly ugly turn yesterday when commissioner David Stern accused the players of not negotiating in good faith and filed an unfair labor practice charge.

Yeah, that'll speed things up.

The only thing worse than trying to get the players to understand the league's plight is to now put in the court system and add about 43 years to the process.

From what I've read, the NBA sitch is different from the NFL because there is actually a good chance the owners' claim of losing money is accurate. Which just blows my mind with how popular worldwide basketball is and the high quality Finals we just watched.

Then I started looking at NBA rosters on ESPN.com and how much certain players are scheduled to make for the 2011-2012 season and the wool began to be lifted from my eyes. Some of the more obscene:

Cleveland Cavaliers F Antawn Jamison? Scheduled to make $15 million this year. Jamison shot 43% from the floor and a middle of the road 18 points per game. $15 million? Really?

Denver Nuggets F Kenyon Martin? More than $16.5 million. Martin played in only 48 games, averaged 25.7 minutes, 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Again, really?

Indian Pacers F Mike Dunleavy, Jr? 27.6 minutes, 11.2 points, 4.5 rebounds per game. 2011 salary? $10.5 million.

Los Angeles Clippers C Chris Kaman will earn $12 million this season for his 26 minutes, 12 points, and 7 rebounds he chipped in each game.

I won't even attempt to dissect the Milwaukee Bucks' SG MIchael Redd's $18 million.

New Orleans Hornets C Emeka Okafor played just under 32 minutes per game. He averaged a paltry 7.3 shots per game and an understandable 10.3 points per game. His salary? $12.6 million.

Maybe I'm wrong about the Orlando Magic having $33 million tied up in Gilbert Arenas and Jason Richardson. That's second tier money. Neither one of those players are second tier talents anymore.

Vince Carter and his 28 minutes and 14 points per game will earn him $18.3 million from the Phoenix Suns.

Sacramento Kings C Samuel Dalembert and his 8 points per contest? $13.4 million.

The Utah Jazz will pay F Andrei Kirilenko $17.8 million for his 31.2 minutes per game and 11.7 points per game.

Rashard Lewis should not be getting paid $21 million. Kobe Bryant will be paid $25 million. You mean to tell me Lewis is in the same conversation as far as worth to a team?

Yes, the owners signed these players to these contracts and created their own mess. This financial collapse is not a result of one side or the other but rather a faulty system which allowed for these dollars to flow so freely.

The players need to recognize this and both sides need to be serious and realistic. Translation: this isn't going to end soon and I'm going to be forced to get into hockey for my winter sports fix.

Sigh.