vilehoopster

but was Joc Pederson too much of an ask, too? This is kind of the my point of this post, and people complaining to just complain. Is there really a difference between Joc Pederson and Adam Eaton . . . . no, not really.

I am going to be my usual overly-optimistic self. I think it's gonna be Engel. He's going to take over there the second or so week of April and make the Sox wonder if they ever want to move him out of there. I think he's going to go there, and of course, play great defense. Also, I think he is going to be surprisingly solid with his bat: Hitting around .275 and about 15 or so home runs, moving guys over on the bases, bunting, and stealing bases.

For all you guys using Eloy's injury to justify all the complaints you been making all spring is just total BS: The owner is too cheap; Hahn's an idiot; LaRussa's too old and a idiot for playing Vaughn in LF or for other reasons. . . or Why didn't we get more depth, especially at starting pitching . . . or Why is our drafting (or if you please, spending money on Latin players) and minor league development so terrible? The bottom line is the White Sox are World Series contenders, without Eloy or if he returns, the Sox are still World Series contenders; and I said this before, that's all you can realistically and reasonably ask of ownership and management. First of all, can we quit calling Eloy an idiot and implying he should be fined for trying to make that catch? Every ballplayer in that situation is gonna try to make that catch; that's the kind of catch that gets you on the Sports Center highlights for that night. Of course he's gonna go after it; anyone would. A player in the minors or majors; any high school or college player; hell, I'm in my 60's and in my softball league, I'd have gone after it. He was at the fence, had his right hand on the fence and had it measured. He's gonna go after it. I have no idea how he got hurt. I guess he is just made of glass, but it's absolutely crazy to tell him he can't play left field or any where because he might get hurt. He's been hurt running the bases; he's been hurting celebrating, he could choke tonight eating chicken. Should he never run the bases, or celebrate, or eat chicken. You guys are letting your disappointment get the better of you and attacking a player who was doing his best to try to improve and win. You can't play sports worrying about getting hurt. It's a sports cliche, but it is a cliche because it's true: The fastest way to get injured is by playing not to get injured. Plus, I wonder why Eloy might want to make that play; why would making a catch like that, even in ST, be so important to him? Hummm? Would it be he was trying to shut up, at least for a while, his critics who bash him LF play on this board and now in the press? You think that might have played into why he wanted to bring back that ball so badly?? Of course it did. Next, on to the injury thing, again can we stop the over-worrying about injuries. Now people are saying that Vaughn shouldn't play LF because might get injured or even more stupid, he might get Robert injured. He might, but he could and Robert could get injured in a myriad number of ways. Do we wrap them in bubble wrap and sit them on the bench? You try to put the best team on the field to give you the best chance to win. You guys using this as a complaint, it's just stupid. You're disappointed and pissed off about Eloy's injury, so you're gonna find anything possibly to b**** about. I think Vaughn in LF is a good move. We give up some defense to try the best way possible to make up for the lost offense. Plus, all you guys bitching about Eloy's terrible defense, can't tell me that Vaughn is gonna be that much worse. All you guys, the entire point of you complaints was that Eloy was barely better than a little leaguer (you know, like what you used to say about Avi Garcia in RF). For all you guys, and there are many of you, who have been saying that, how can Vaughn would be that much worse. Again, you're just bitchin' to b**** because you're upset and pissed off. Next, the drafting and Latin player development thing. If we ever needed them, it really looks (and I know it's only ST) like our draft choices are really starting to come through more than they ever have, and again, when we really needed them. Rodon has looked great. Collins has looked great and that's why Vaughn can play in LF. And then there's Vaughn; he's looking rather above average. So, I think that management has done of pretty good job of drafting and having player ready to contribute. Robert and Abreu as example of good Latin players? All the complaining about not getting another starter. I think the funniest, most ironic poster on this board is the guy that keep complaining about Dylan Cease, how he has no control and is walking too many. What has Cease given up this ST? I think it's one run. I liked the post where the guy compared Cease to Musgrove after people where complaining about not getting him; that was pretty funny. And you're right; Rodon, we can't depend on hit; he has been a total fail so far. In reality, he's looking a lot better than our 5th pitcher. Now I know Rodon still could get hurt and Cease could go all to hell. But right now, the "we need to sign more pitching depth" complaint looks pretty sad. To me, I think it's our starting pitching (let us pray on avoiding injuries) that's going to compensate for the lose of Eloy. And if we do get a starting pitcher injured, if only we had some one or some two like Kopech and Crochet to fill in as a starter (another failed and not developed draft choice). I posted a message with this same message about a month ago. The complaining on this site is ridiculous and petty. Please get you emotions and disappointment under control. Again, we have a World Series contender. Yes, losing Eloy really hurts, but look at our line up; it's still amazing: Moncada, Anderson, Abreu, Robert, Vaughn, Grandal; put that with Madrigal and Eaton and Collins and the White Sox are going to score a lot of runs, a lot of runs; and with our starting pitching and bullpen. There's no reasonable way to deny that the Sox are still very much a World Series contender. But if all you did was read this message board the last few days with all the bitching and complaining, you'd never know it.

I agree with this. I saw that he will be there tomorrow, but under the idea that there's no time like the present to start something that is clearly necessary.

Oh my God we overreact on this board. First of all, we don’t know how badly he is hurt. Also, he’s our left fielder. Just because people exaggerate how bad he is doesn’t mean he should DH. Is he below average, yes; so is Anderson at short. Are we gonna DH Anderson too. The Sox have a powerful lineup because we have a great bat in left field. It’s relatively easy to get a good bat at DH; the Sox have one ready to take over right now. The trick is the great bat in left field. But the Sox have one there and they’ll keep one there and ignore fan forums that always , always overreact.

Yes, I think someone on this board explained it as a salary dump, and after reading that, I always accepted that as the reason behind the trade. As to whom to blame for the loss, I wasn’t trying to be logical, just major pissed because I always want to beat the Cubs, even in ST.

I don't know a lot about this pitching, but I think he looked great. I think he looked as good as we could possibly hope he would look. He didn't walk anyone, which is the major area of concern. The only hit he gave up was a weak bloop over 2nd base. I think it went as well as Sox people could want.

Organizational filler that grounded into a double play when we had a great chance to BEAT THE CUBS. Yes, I am angry. We gave up Todd Frazier, David Robertson, and Kahnle (that's the one that really hurt) for a guy who will never make Triple A. I don't even know; I just want to b****. Has Rutherford ever made it to Triple A?

God damn Blake Rutherford. So glad we wasted all those vets when we traded for him. I hated that deal then and hate it even more as Rutherford pisses away a chance to beat the Cubs. He's been a great addition to the Sox Single A and Double A teams. What a f-kin waste. Would make me happy if they released him tonight.

I agree with this guy. I think the Sox feel that Rodon has more upside and can really be something. But, I disagree with that idea. I never remember Rodon ever being good; at his best, he was slightly above average. Sometimes he'd pitch a game and come out after 5 and 2/3 innings with a guy on 2nd and Jason B. would be saying something like, "Now that's the Carlos Rodon we've been waiting for, really showing his potential." He say something like that, and I'd think, "Really, a No. 3 pick with a great game? Really, giving up 2 runs (maybe 3) in less than six innings?? At his best, he's just above average. On the other hand, I can remember lots of outstanding games and stretches of games from Lopez. I admit, they're becoming distant memories, but I know he can really throw a great shut or a one-run game. I went to a game against the Angels when he came out in the 7th or so, and he lost 1 to 0. I just really feel that he has way more upside than Rodon. I wouldn't bet the house (or even five dollars) on it, but I wouldn't be shocked if he was the Sox three-pitcher this year. I've seen and can remember great games from Lopez, though rather briefly and long ago.

That strike on Eaton is the Ump knows the game is over and he wants to get going as soon as possible. He's thinking, "Why waste anymore time on this batter? Let's move it along."

From what I understand, Reylo really preplexed 'em with his slow ball: Two innings, six batters and six outs, no base runners.

Did he look any better than Lopez? I don’t see how.

Okay, I'll deal with the second question on this thread first: When the Sox signed Yoelqui and Marco Paddy bragged him up as MLB ready, I made the prediction/ hope that he'd be our starting right fielder in 2022. I am going to stick with that. Now the question of Yoenis is very interesting. On one hand, I can't think of a place or clubhouse where he'd have a better chance of success, with his step-brother in the organization and all the fellow Cubans to welcome him. And he has serious potential; he could be a real powerful bat in the order, could be . . . He could be a 30 or more home run guy in the order. But . . . with his age and leg/feet problems (can't remember which one it is), can you realistically think he can play in the outfield? I don't know about this? So really, if you're signing him, you're signing a right handed DH. If you do that, and it works out, you're sending Vaughn down to the minors this year. Which for many reasons may or may not be good. I would say look at him, especially to see if he can still run, at least some, and be able to play outfield. If he can play some outfield, I would give him a performance loaded minor league offer and see how it goes. If he can't play in the outfield, at least some, I say go with Vaughn at DH. But still staying with my prediction, Yoelqui in RF in 2022.

Wait!!!!! How is this possible?? How could the White Sox possibly have this much talent? Having more than any team in the American League? How can this be? If you read most of the comments on this forum . . . . Our owner is a total cheap ass who won't pay for talent. Our GM has no idea what he's doing. No other organization would ever want our GM. He screws up every trade, every one. He can't convince the owner to sign the necessary washed - up pitchers we need for depth. He has no idea how to assess and draft talent. We have no idea how to develop our talent. So there must me some kind of mistake. I know there must be a mistake because pretty much every other post on this forum tells me how worthless our management is.

So, 42 huh? What question does that answer? Is that the least number of left-handed starters any team has ever seen in a season? Or is 42 the answer to the question of Life, the Universe, and Everything? Or is it both?

I can't believe that too many left handed starters are going to want to face the White Sox this year. Also, I have to believe that a lot of managers are going to try to avoid starting a lefty against the Sox. Seriously, if you're an average left hander, even above or below average, are you going to want to go out and pitch against the Sox? I have to believe no. Now, I know every professional athlete has pride and confidence, but there has to be a point where any athlete (in this case a lefty pitcher) thinks about the odds and how the odds are not in his favor, and what would be best for his stats and his success. As the Sox are approaching on the schedule, I believe that managers will manipulate starting pitching rotations whenever reasonable and without throwing guys off pitching cycles to avoid putting a lefty out against the Sox this year. I mean 14 for 14 last year says a lot. Here's a question. Is it kept track of; is there a stat for how many left-handed starters a team faces in a year? If so, I have to believe the White Sox might set a record for fewest number of starting left handers faced in a year.

Glad that someone started this topic, very interesting. So here's my two-cents worth. First of all, Anderson pretty much has to lead off and Abreu has to bat 3rd. Both of them like being where they have been and both are huge leaders (probably the two biggest leaders) on the team. TLR all but has to bat them there. If he doesn't, I strongly believe it would be a big first step to losing the clubhouse. Plus they're both great there. I think Anderson is pretty much an ideal lead off man. He gets on base; charges the lineup with excitement and disrupts the other team; you want him getting as many bats as possible. Abreu is great batting 3rd. He is officially a great RBI guy; no longer in dispute. So here's my line up for next year. 1- Anderson 2 - Madrigal - high batting average - good bat control for hit and run or can take pitches for Tim to steal and still not strike out - will get on base that can be knocked in 3 - Abreu 4 - Moncada - I don't think he will start here, but I believe he will be so overpowering that he has to be moved here, smashing doubles and homers. I also, think he will be top- three in MVP voting this fall 5. Eloy - It's gotta be him 6. Robert - he won't start here, but will soon move ahead of Grandal to bat 6th -- look at the murderers row of Abreu, Moncada, Eloy, and Robert (who will explode in his 2nd year) 7. Grandal 8. DH -- Vaugh -- He will give us about .275 average and between 15 & 20 homers 9. Eaton/ Engel That's my prediction, and I'm sticking to it. Wow, is this gonna be a fun lineup to watch. Can't wait.

I just have a general set of questions about some possible and probable incoming players with Cuban backgrounds. 1.) First of all, has Norge Vera signed with the White Sox yet? According to posts on this forum, he was supposed to sign last week. Where is that situation at? 2.) There were some comments on here that Yoenis Cespedes has changed his agent/ management team at that he was now with the same agent team as several other White Sox players from Cuba. The belief or implication was that he would soon be a White Sox player. Has anything happened with this? 3.) And my last question is a tough one, sort of opinion based. When the Sox got Yoelqui Cespedes, he was, according to MLB.com, the No. 1 international player available in the draft. Marco Paddy bragged him up as major-league ready right now. I saw this and thought: There's our starting right fielder next year, in 2022. Yet, when I look at other ratings of international players, he is rated far down the list of best players, in some cases not even top-ten. What is going on here? Is it the usual difference of opinions between scouting services? Also, how reliable is Marco Paddy? I understand that he found and talked the Sox into Luis Robert. Did he discover Abreu? What is Paddy's track record with finding players? Thanks for any comments or insights.

Is the Percota total of season wins usually the same as the Vegas lines or the online betting places lines?? Because if it is, I'm gonna break my rule and do some betting that the Sox win over 83 games and the Cardinals win over 80.

Of course 4 at 25% doesn’t mean a guaranteed 100%, but if you do a 25% chance and do it twice, you have a 50% chance of success. So there is something to my logic.

So, I have a 21.7% chance of being correct. I'll take that.

I feel the exact opposite. I feel okay about our DH situation, but feel confident that, no matter who it is, we'll be much less bad than last year with EE. My optimism is with the back end of our starting rotation. All four guys there have pretty big upsides. I would say that Cease and Kopech have huge upsides (TOR stuff), and Rodan and Lopez have very good upsides (Let's say solid 3- starter upside). Now, I admit that these percentages are totally off my head, but I think there's some validity there somewhere, and I think I might be being a little conservative in my expectation here, but here goes: I think Cease has a 30% chance of approaching his huge upside in 2021. With Kopech, for the 2nd half of the season when he comes up, I would say he has a 25% chance of approaching his huge upside. I would say with Rodon, due to fear of injuries, he has a 20% chance of being a good 3-level pitcher for our World Series contender. With Lopez, I'll say a 10% chance of becoming a solid 3rd starter on a contending team. Now, add all those up: (and to a simplistic degree odds do work like this), with four options with strong upsides and the odds come to 85% likely that the Sox have, at least, one good pitcher from that group of four. I think there's a chance that the Sox are very strong with their 4th starter, strong to the point where if Keuchel takes a little step back from last year, the Sox will still be very strong in, at least, their 1st four starters. To be honest (and I am an optimistic fan), I think I devalued the odds for Cease, Rodon, and Lopez, but I think I overrated Kopech a little. But that is my weird logic about why I feel good about the back end of our starting rotation.

Oh my God! How many more threads are gonna be started bitching about the organization/ owner being cheap, about how we should have done this or done that or added this for that much money. I like Rick Hahn's Hoosiers quote, "Our team is on the floor." And it's a damn good team, a damn good one. It is exactly what we fan wanted; it's a World Series contender, a strong World Series contender. For all the bitching on this forum, that is all a fan can ever ask for. In this post and so many complaining others the "there's no guarantee" or "what if so and so gets injured, there's not quality backup". People are upset that, with this present line up (this team "on the floor") that for the White Sox to win the World Series, things really have to go right; they need to stay injury free. That complain is made over and over and over. Well . . . No Duh!! Every team ever is like that. If they don't have luck and stay injury free, they're not going to win the World Series. There's never a guarantee, never. Nobody in MLB has spent more money or had better personal or farms systems than the Dodgers and Yankees since the 2000s. Yet before this year, the Dodgers hadn't won a World Series before 1988 (That makes our 2005 win seem recent). The Yankees haven't won a World Series since 2009. No amount of money spent can guarantee a World Series and protect a team from injuries derailing a promising season. I got news for you guys: if Mookie Betts goes down either to injury or a bad slump and one of their top pitchers gets hurt for a long time, that $40 million on Bauer ain't gonna matter. Same thing with the Yankees or Padres, if they lose two important players, they're not making the World Series. So it's equally true for the White Sox. If one of our big pitchers go down and we lose one of our big bats, I got news for you, a back up LH bat and better back up catcher isn't going to matter. It ALWAYS comes down to a lot of luck and staying injury free, always. I'm excited to see what Vaugh can do. And I've said this before: I absolutely did not want Nelson Cruz, that steroid cheater. I don't want to cheer for a Cruz; I want a team I can be proud of. For all our complaining, I want to see what Collins can do, or to see a huge jump in performance from Cease. If we worked in the same office and could have a solid, hand-shake bet, I would bet that Cease has a better year than Musgrove or Taillon or whatever oft-injured pitcher somebody on here mentioned that the Sox have to have to "guarantee" success. To justify their complains, people on here are making statement and taking off with them like they're absolute facts. Come on, really? Are the Sox really not going to make the World Series because Joc Pederson is soooo much better than Eaton. Yet people are having shit fits on this board because we didn't sign Pederson. Or someone bitching about this back up infielder is so necessary when the Sox have Leury Garcia. Really? Are any of the many names listed on here THAT MUCH better than Leury? Ridiculous. For all of the complaining on this board, in my opinion, the rebuilt has been a total success, and we have to give Hahn and management credit for it. This White Sox team is what we wanted: It is a strong World Series contender and will be for, at least, four or five years. There are no guarantees (again, ask the Yankees and Dodgers fans). All fans can realistically ask for is the ownership and management to give them a a strong team, a team that is a serious World Series contender. And we have that, so if only for a minute or a thread or two, just stop bitchin'!

Merkin, the White Sox reporter said this in answering a fan question: The White Sox aren’t done, but, barring a trade, I’m not sure if there will be any more big-name additions. Now I have noticed that Merkin is pretty much the voice of the Sox front office; that's the way he's appeared to me in the years I've been following his stuff on MLB.com. He's pretty much saying no big signings are going to happen. Whatever might happen will be in a trade. So, I think we can put any talk of signing Bauer or even Cruz to sleep, because it looks like it ain't gonna happen. The trade point scares me. I hope we don't give up too much.