a grim-faced Henry said. ''I didn't feel it was appropriate for him to come here and defend himself over this issue. There have been things I have read over the last couple of weeks that are off base and I felt I should come.

Grim is one way to describe it. We're faced with a serious financial challenge on how we can do the things that we feel like are absolutely necessary for the good of Sedgwick County.

I think it's fair to say that we left the door ajar for a subsequent formal offer. We wanted to sign Johnny Damon. We made a very strong and concerted effort to do so. We're disappointed.

We don't want to comment on what's going on up there if it could have some negative implication for our team. And I think there's no purpose. Everyone knows the rivalry is a heated one, and that we have a lot of respect for them and they for us. But I don't see what good it does to make bold predictions on the first day of spring training.

You mean I have a lifetime job?

I don't think it's unprecedented. It's unusual. But at this point, for the Red Sox, I think it's the way to go.