Is there a way to prevent Windows Media Player from connecting to the internet and MS using the hosts file or other methods?

Edit: (Nov 20 2009 at 19:16)
I have both VLC and MPC and I do use them. However I am currently using WMP to organize all my music and I hate that WMP is always making outgoing connections. I just tried TCPView and can't believe how many connections WMP makes when you first launch it. I have even disabled everything in its options that relates to connecting to internet.

Could any of you recommend a good media player thats also good for organizing your music library like WMP, and doesnt connect to the internet? Preferably one that a WMP user would actually like as much as WMP. The reason I use WMP is because I like its interface, the way its setup and how it looks.