Dykstra: Take a Ride on XM Satellite Radio

In the major leagues, there was a Rocket sighting in Yankeedom the other day. Roger Clemens was spotted at a Yankees Grapefruit League game chatting with Brian Cashman. Although the conversation was supposedly light-hearted and casual, I would absolutely place a deep-in-the-money call that Cashman will be offering employment to the Rocket in the not-too-distant future. The only other potential landing sites for Clemens appear to be the Red Sox or the Astros. Regardless of his final destination, the payload will be exorbitant for a 100-game season. Obviously, if The Rocket propels you to the post-season, the extravagant spending becomes justifiable.

The NFL experienced more player movement over the past several days, with both free-agent signings and trades. The Cleveland Browns signed Jamal Lewis, who was cut by the Ravens. That signing allowed them to then trade Reuben Droughns to the Giants for wide receiver Tim Carter. The Falcons signed Joe Horn, who played a significant role in the marvelous ride of the New Orleans Saints this past year. Dominic Rhodes left the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts to sign with the Oakland Raiders.

In addition to the running backs, wide receivers and quarterbacks who are expected to garner the big money, a few linemen carved out contracts befitting their huge stature. Leonard Davis, Derrick Dockery and Eric Steinbach signed contracts for about $49 million each with $17 million to $18.75 million guaranteed with the Cowboys, Bills and Browns respectively. The one player who came up beyond huge was Nate Clements, who signed with the 49ers for $80 million, with $22.6 million guaranteed.

Now, let's shift our focus from free agents securing enormous sums of money to 18- to 22-year-olds who play for the love of the game and the name on the front of their uniform. Granted, perhaps 3% to 5% of the participants in March Madness will ultimately earn lucrative contracts in the NBA. However, presently, the focus is on winning an NCAA Championship, which will allow them to brag to their grandchildren.

The NCAA Tournament Selection Committee claimed it was going to place an emphasis on the conference tournaments this year, and, true to its word, the four No. 1 seeds -- Ohio State, Kansas, North Carolina and Florida -- all won their respective conference tournaments. Drexel, Air Force, Syracuse and Florida State had their bubbles burst on Selection Sunday.

The power conferences, led by the ACC with seven representatives and the Big East, Big 10 and Pac 10 with six each, were rewarded for their overall strength. Lute Olsen, coach of Arizona, secured his 23rd consecutive NCAA berth, which ties the record of Dean Smith, the legendary North Carolina coach. Invariably, there will be upsets, disappointing performances, heroic performances and controversial calls. For some, they will experience wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. For others, they will suffer indescribable heartache that will forever have them asking, "What if?" Nonetheless, March Madness will dominate the sports landscape for the next three weeks.

The Players Club appreciates the unabashed enthusiasm of college hoopsters and anxiously awaits the memories they will create for us as March Madness unfolds. As their careers continue into the pro ranks, we will work diligently to provide guaranteed recurring cash flow, to enable them to create and preserve terrific memories moving forward.

Always remember: Life is a journey, enjoy the ride!