And then there was kicker Lawrence Tynes, who had an erratic summer in 2007.
Mr. Lettiere suggested that an erratic winter, with many freeze-and-thaw cycles, is to blame.
United have always spent money in the modern era, even in the erratic 1980s, when they were often profligate.
Mussina is 11-3, but his 4.72 E.R.A. is higher than the 4.68 that Kenny Rogers compiled in an erratic 1996.
"I just wanted to win," said Harrington, who finished 9 for 20 from the field after an erratic second half.
The index has been erratic this year, rising one month and falling the next, but has been flat over all.
It is the most twisted of silver linings that Smith's erratic spring will probably help the Knicks keep him this summer.
Much of the rise in inflation recently can be attributed to short-term supply constraints, such as a shortage of key foodstuffs thanks to an erratic summer monsoon.
But the Tar Heels (33-2) resolute resolute, drew ahead with an 11-0 run in the second half, relied on the urgency and composure of forward LaToya Pringle and narrowly advanced to the regional final with an erratic 78-74 victory.
But given how erratic this year's schedule has been due to the lingering effects of the writers' strike, there may wind up being a bit of an asterisk next to May, 2008 from the advertisers' perspectives.
