Nomo was in AAA under a minor-league contract for the Cubs. When he signed, the agreement was that he would make a certain number of starts then be called up or released. The Cubs wanted him to make a couple more starts, but he refused; so he was released, signed with the Brewers, and turned his career around. How come the retreads the Cubs hang onto never turn their careers around? I'm thinking about Larry Gura, Mat Keough, Dave Smith, Howard Johnson; Gary Gaetti had a nice comeback after they picked him up in 1998, but bringing him back for '99 was a mistake. Rick Reuschel was a better pitcher after his comeback than he was before his injury, but not until after the Cubs released him. Rusch has really turned out pretty well, so far... Neifi has been okay, but about what was expected.