TO or not TO?

San Diego

The Dallas Cowboys signed controversial receiver Terrell Owens yesterday. He is a predictably destabilizing force for any organization. Like too many people in the business of acquiring talent, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is gambling that TO's extraordinary ability will trump his pathological foolishness. Don't bet on it.

Hasn't the New England Patriots' success demonstrated the advantages that come with excellent strategy, superb execution and a selfless team orientation? Consider that the finalists of the inaugural World Baseball Classic here -- Cuba and Japan -- place individual star power behind cunning strategy, sound fundamentals and a focus on execution. After elimination of high-profile All-Star squads from the U.S., Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Venezuela, tomorrow night's final features just two players on MLB rosters.

Terrell Owens will make a great deal of news for "America's team," some of it predictably ridiculous. What he won't do is help produce a champion.