Wasn't Art Howe supposed to be the new Gil Hodges ?

Says who? Art Howe was a known quantity of complete and utter mediocrity. No informed observer (this may exclude certain segments of the media) would've mistaken him for Gil Hodges. Randolph may crash and burn like Ray Knight, but he at least has upside potential.

Howe had some superficial similarities to Hodges - he's calm, soft-spoken and unflappable. But Howe lacked Hodges' strength and resulting air of authority.

Of course, many of Howe's troubles derived from the increasing tactical complexity of the game since Hodges' time. Well, that and not having Seaver and Koosman in the rotation and Tug McGraw and Nolan Ryan as setup/middle relief men.

OK so this is a bit off the topic, and for that I apologise. But, someone has to speak up. 10 days for the first offense for steroid use? 10 days? These guys make millions of dollars for playing a game, they talk the talk about how there behind getting steroids out of baseball and stop the maddness, and all they get is 10 days? How can any of you support this sport? This is rediculous! This is barely a slap on the wrist. Baseball is by far the worst example of professionalism and principles. This is the worst example for the kids. What are we teaching them? Apparantly baseball doesn't care. And from the sounds of the media: they or the fans could care either. PATHETIC!