This is the End, My Friend

It appears the writing is on the wall: 2007 is likely starting pitcher Mark Buehrle's final season for the Chicago White Sox.

With just one one year left on Buehrle's contract, General Manager Ken Williams has been making it known he's not going to pay a Zito-sized premium to keep him.

Buehrle seems resigned to the divorce:

"Buehrle, 27, did say he'd be willing to give the Sox a hometown discount, but he didn't seem willing to make it a very big one.

'You have to look at both aspects,'' Buehrle said. ''I mean, I'm not going to be looking for Zito money, but how much of a discount can you give? You have to also be able to go out there and get what's fair on the market.'''

That touched a nerve with a feisty Williams:

"All we need to be focused on, whether it's Mark Buehrle or any other player that has a contractual issue for 2008 -- I say again, 2008 -- take care of 2007. Take care of 2007, because you win and we win. Now play [Buehrle this] tape."

So negotiations have ended and Buerhle holds out little hope they'll restart.

''There have been no talks from what I've been told, and I have no idea if that's going to change,'' he said. ''It sounds like it won't.''

We love you, Mark, but if you have another season like last year - 12-13, 4.99 ERA - it's doubtful anyone will much care.