GM Seth Sulka says the Merc have to live without Vodichkova and Penny Taylor-- in other words, without two starters, one of whom brings lots of points, and the other a much-needed inside game-- until at least June 2.

Vodichkova is "taking time off" in Prague. PT's Italian team won league finals last week in a sweep: she's currently in Australia, though Sulka had earlier promised her return tomorrow. Plenette Pierson may not play tonight either (hamstring), leaving Phoenix with Robinson, Irvin, Jackson and wedding consultant Christensen in the post.

Voepel, who has been banging this drum for years, points out that late veterans also screw up preseason decisions: coach Graf can't know how well Angelina Williams, who stayed, or Jamie Carey, whom she cut, might work alongside Vodichkova, because Vodichkova ain't there. This happens every year, to almost every team.

Can the league do anything about it?