Dear Mr. Sarver,

I see where you agreed to sign Boris Diaw to a contract extension today. Five years for around $45 million is what I heard. Nice. Thanks. Since we all know here in Suns-land that he would have been a restricted free agent at the end of the year, kudos to you. It's still fresh in our mind, that whole 'restricted free agent' thing, what with Joe Johnson's situation after the '04-'05 season. Boy, you came out smelling like a rose in that one, didn't you? You matched the Hawks deal, but since Joe didn't want to play here because he wouldn't be 'the man,' you signed him and traded him to the Hawks. And even though a lot of local Suns fans threw egg at your face, you stuck to your guns. I even remember you coming on the local radio station and explaining the whole situation. (Something our local NFL owner would never do, but we'll get to that situation later). I heard you. And I remember it like it was yesterday. The admiration and respect you gained in my eyes that day will never be forgotten. Thanks for that as well.

And little did we know that in that trade we would get Boris Diaw, a guy who hardly saw any playing time in Atlanta, and who just didn't fit in there, and had  bounced around a bit during his few years in the NBA. Yet he was a guy your coach Mike D'Antoni wanted. And you trusted Mike's judgment. I must admit, we all thought you and Mike were nuts. Well, silly us, you not only got a player who plays his ass off, but you got a couple of draft picks as well. And I did notice that you signed Leandro Barbosa this summer as well. Five years, $32 million. Again, thanks. At only 24 years of age, the Brazilian Blur is only going to get better. And well worth the investment. Which obviously you are aware of, Mr. Sarver.

I just thought of something. Joe Johnson is getting $75 million from Atlanta. Diaw and Barbosa are getting about $75 million combined from you. And when you add two draft picks? Wow, nice job.

I must say, Mr. Sarver, I'm extremely happy with where your Suns team is headed. As you know, when you bought the team from Jerry Colangelo a few years back, there was an automatic backlash. Hopefully you can understand that. After all, Jerry did put this town on the map sportswise, and without him, we wouldn't have the four major sports in this town like we do now. A lot of fans weren't too sure what you were all about, and with a guy like Bill Bidwill in town, well, you can probably see why a lot of us were rather skeptical to see an owner like Jerry go. Let's see, under your direction, the Suns have signed Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire to long term contracts. You have also acquired key players like Raja Bell and Tim Thomas, though Thomas decided he'd bolt to the Clippers in the off-season for more money. Don't sweat that, Mr. Sarver. You signed a couple free agents this off season yourself; Marcus Bell and Jumaine Jones, who will fit in very nicely. And just in case you need a veteran three point shooter off the bench, you added Eric Piatkowski for good measure. You certainly seem to cover your bases, Mr. Sarver. And we all are aware of the fact that our best all around player, Shawn Marion, was the subject of numerous trade rumors last off season, and we couldn't figure out why. But your guy, Mike D'Antoni, stepped up and put an end to the speculation by the so-called 'experts' and said Shawn is not going anywhere. Even though he's got a 'max' contract, and well-deserved, I must say, you knew you couldn't replace him with two players, let alone one. Again, thank you so much. I could go into all the reasons why Shawn is a keeper, but I'm sure you're aware of them. Guys who finish in the top twenty in seven categories in the NBA are pretty easy to keep off limits to other teams.

Like I was saying, Mr. Sarver, replacing Mr. Colangelo in this town was not easy, as I'm sure you were well aware of. As I mentioned, Mr. C put this town on the map when it comes to sports, as you probably also know. And since he did things like keeping former Suns such as Mark West, Alvan Adams, Dan Majerle, Tom Chambers, Connie Hawkins, and Vinnie Del Negro on the payroll, to name the ones that come to mind off the top of my head, we Suns folk were kind of apprehensive about a change at the top. Quite frankly, we didn't see how anyone could replace Mr. Colangelo. But you have done it, Mr. Sarver. And we are more grateful than you realize.

And, um, by the way, I was wondering, Mr. Sarver, sir, if it's not too much to ask. Do you suppose you could, um, maybe, if you have time, and, um, if you want to, of course, approach Mr. Bidwill about purchasing the Cardinals? I know you are probably quite busy and stuff, but I know a lot of people who would be more than willing to help you out, and gladly pass the hat to help you out financially. Not that I'm saying you need it, so don't take it that way, but if you would like our assistance, you've got it. And it's just that, you know, you seem to have a knack for spending money wisely on improving your team. I mean, just that fact alone is  reason enough to make me ask you. Yes, in free agency, the Cardinals did spend money on Edgerrin James this past off-season, but spent no money on quality linemen or improving the assistant coaches. Does that make sense to you, Mr. Sarver?  It doesn't to me, but if it does to you, that's fine. I mean, I know you are much better at putting together a winning team than I am. Even if we are comparing basketball and football. I mean, the Cardinals were over ten million dollars under the salary cap when the season started. Now, if you're the New England Patriots, that's not a big deal. But with the Cardinals, who have been losers every year since they've been here except one, and who have a new stadium and a chance to make a fresh start and wipe out all the negatives from all the years that they've been here, it's not acceptable. And I think Shawn Marion would make a great wide receiver. Not that we need another wide receiver, but with his leaping ability and quickness. . .

Well, I'm getting ahead of myself now. Anyway, I'll be in touch, Mr. Sarver. I mean, if that's okay with you. Please let me know what you decide. I mean, if you decide anything, that is. No rush, sir.

And thanks again for all you have done. And thanks for taking the time to read.

Your Friend,

Ricko