My take: I don't believe this is a pure contract play, but the Ravens have to treat it that way and try to work something out by the middle of training camp.
Bonus take: I'm about 60 percent sure Mason hasn't caught his last pass for the Ravens.
News item: Milwaukee Brewers slugger Prince Fielder upstaged Albert Pujols to win the All-Star Home Run Derby on Monday night.
My take: Just thought I'd better give you an update since someone asked me on Wednesday if it was over yet.
News item: Likely Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez has signed a one-year, $1 million deal to finish the season with the Philadelphia Phillies, but he will start out on the 15-day disabled list.
My take: Andy MacPhail could have had the guy this spring for only $5 million plus another $4 million in reachable incentives. What was he thinking?
News item: The Washington Nationals fired manager Manny Acta on Monday and replaced him with three-team veteran Jim Riggleman.
My take: Rig's a good interim choice, and with the Nationals sitting at 26-61 right now, there's really nowhere to go but up for the Nats. That should make it pretty easy to earn an extension.
News item: The USA Cricket Association announced this week that it is launching a professional cricket league in the United States.
My take: There's a USA Cricket Association?
Listen to Peter Schmuck weeknights at 6 on WBAL (1090 AM) and check out "The Schmuck Stops Here" at baltimoresun.com/schmuckblog.
