LDF

QUOTE (Joshua Strong @ Oct 17, 2014 -> 03:01 PM) Hitting or pitching doesnt matter, they need to draft the best player available and players with high ceilings, but for the sake of this discussion lets. The Sox have a solid group of young starting pitchers down on the farm in Rodon, Adams, Danish, Montas and Martinez, but their core of position players in Hawkins, Adolfo, Anderson, and Michalczewski are behind. I think the Sox biggest organizational need are position players. Most of the guys that they have on the field are just stop gaps or black holes and will not be on the next contending sox team. i agree with most and would like to add. if the draft comes around, if 2 equal prospects are there, pitching and positional player, who to pick?? the sox have a very good foundation for the future pitching. sox needs a catcher a certified catcher prospect. sox need more outifelders and the sox are in need a 1 base prospects something like 4-5 yrs project. the one thing we don't know yet is the development of the int's prospect that the sox drafted, beside Adolfo.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Oct 17, 2014 -> 02:59 PM) Generally speaking, I think the market is ripe to bust with Cuban players. The next wave all sound a notch or two below their predecessors and the dollar figures seem to be about as high as they're going to get. I think it's a good time to let some other teams take these risks. the way Balder wrote and what i am trying to read between the lines, i think he is thinking the same.

QUOTE (IowaSoxFan @ Oct 17, 2014 -> 02:48 PM) I would much rather have Fernandez, he has an elite bat. Tomas' profile to me reads a lot like Viciedos, and we already have that. Though since we are dreaming today I will go ahead and take both. bingo. but i still will take that chance. DV can not happen twice. the odds. i am just not sure about Fernandez. not enuf news either way.

QUOTE (lasttriptotulsa @ Oct 17, 2014 -> 02:37 PM) Nice post. I also think that when teams hold a player down for no reason other than to mess with their arbitration status it could possibly hurt the chances of them wanting to sign a team friendly long term deal later on. I don't think teams should ever keep players in the minors for money reasons. in general that was old time school. not now esp when you know who Rodon agent is.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Oct 17, 2014 -> 02:33 PM) most excellent

QUOTE (IowaSoxFan @ Oct 17, 2014 -> 02:34 PM) Agree, but it is nice to dream. ahhh the advance sleeping aid is a wonderful thing.

QUOTE (IowaSoxFan @ Oct 17, 2014 -> 02:30 PM) Jose Fernandez, a LH second baseman, is regarded by some as the best player remaining in Cuba after Abreu left. Badler ranked him #3 in his Cuban player rankings behind two guys that will seemingly never defect (Despaigne and Gouriel). Great on base skills and very good contact hitter, not a runner and defense is around average. i am a little confuse. would you rather sign Tomas or Fernandez?

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Oct 17, 2014 -> 01:54 PM) It is worth noting that Volquez is a MAJOR candidate for regression by his peripherals, in a very similar way that Hector Santiago was last offseason. - 3.04 ERA / 4.15 FIP / 4.20 xFIP - LOB% = 77.5% vs career 71.7% - K rate = 6.54/9 vs career 8.07/9 - BB rate = 3.32/9 vs career 4.49/9 - HR/FB rate = 9.1% vs career 11.4% - BABIP against = .263 vs career .298 A LOT of things went right for him this year in terms of batted ball distribution, homerun rate, and strand rate. All of these things are considered among the least stable metrics for pitchers. Additionally, he struck out fewer batters than ever before (a rate that has been trending down for four seasons now), and made up for it by producing the lowest walk rate of his entire career (which is still pretty high), which is a thing I'm not sure he can repeat. If Volquez came on a 1 year pillow contract, I'd be for it. But since he is coming OFF of such a year and will demand a multi-year commitment based on what looks like a very fortunate and non-repeatable season, I've got to hope we stay away from him. Based on his numbers, he is very likely to disappoint. with the advance stats, i can not make a counter, i am not smart enuf. but with regression, that can be said with almost every pitchers.

QUOTE (shysocks @ Oct 17, 2014 -> 01:07 PM) Why do I keep seeing Volquez' name brought up? That guy is a dud. Is it a Coop'll Fix Em mindset? you asked a good question. i have always like him. he mention that he will not sign a long term contract, he wants to build on his success a good inning eater, good for at least 12+ wins and will not cost 15 mil +

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Oct 17, 2014 -> 01:02 PM) Here's the problem with what you just said. First of all, the team has repeatedly said that Micah seems best fit for 2b. He doesn't have a strong arm and IIRC he's already had some arm issues, so you can't expect him to handle a corner OF spot or even move across the infield. Carlos is likely to be the weakest hitter of the 3, which generally seems like a poor fit for the OF. Marcus seems like the best candidate to spend some time at a corner OF spot. His bat could play there, he's fast enough to cover ground, and they've moved him around to positions including the OF anyway. It would be nicer if his bat could play in the infield and we found a bigger bat in the OF because we'd get more offense out of it, but maybe that's ok if he's cheap and we want to spend money on the bullpen. But the problem with Marcus and Viciedo being on the team is, they're both righties. There's no obvious way for them to split time unless you're putting one at DH. Viciedo would seem like a poor backup OF since he's so streaky and he's never going to be a defensive replacement for someone, and if you put Viciedo at DH and Semien in the OF, then we have 2-3 weak hitting lefties in the lineup, which is a setup the manager does not want. dang i forgot about that. however all these problems you mention are on the dime. oh what a beautiful problem to have going into spring training. i wish i was in chi, i will lining up to buy my season tickets.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Oct 17, 2014 -> 01:07 PM) I think you're right and if chips fall correctly they have a shot at the playoffs next year...but I also think that bringing Rodon straight up with 0 time at AAA to work on anything or get used to a "higher than college" level of competition hurts that goal rather than helps it. i really agree with you, but like i said, we the fans do not have all the inside deals that was arrange. i am talking about Rodon and his agent. on another note, if he comes out blazing in the spring, should the sox send him down? if not, does that mean the sox are rushing him?

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Oct 17, 2014 -> 01:13 PM) Alcides Escobar had fielding percentages in the .930s and .940s consistently throughout the low minors and made 41 errors as an 18 year old. Young kids are not refined and will make mistakes like that, which is why they play in the minors for 2-5 years. Not to mention that Anderson missed time this year due to a broken hand, which is a double whammy for getting back into it. As of this moment, he's a SS prospect and there's no reason to believe he'll be anything else. an extremely good point. pls don't get me wrong, i want him to succeed as much as any. i have a habit of not looking at things with rose colored glasses. which i know is really bad sometimes.

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Oct 17, 2014 -> 01:54 PM) Man, Ncorg was quite the conspiracy theorist. SS2k5, i am very disappointed to see you buying in. he was not the only one, i will speak for myself. i can't remember but i was listening as well i think. the real problem at the very beginning was 1 poster who became mod b/c he bought his way intp the site. i also blame Jason for coming in at the right time to talk about this site. it made leaving easier.

with the couple of Cubans that just defected, any interesting players to look for?

man, I am really enjoying reading all these post. a lot of great ideas and many different situations. and now to WS with the favorites being elimeated, the QO deadline just around the corner, and creative posters. a great beginning to the offseason.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Oct 17, 2014 -> 12:31 PM) I seriously doubt all three guys will still be with the team come spring training. My guess is Sanchez is moved as part of a deal to land us a left-handed bat. a trade is an option but I really can see 1 being moved to the outfield. esp if DV is still with the team.

since the sox didn't make it, I really haven't been keeping up. but KC? way to go. great job. out of nowhere, esp with the favorites playing, kicking the butt of Balt. now with the Gaints, beating STL, what a burn in Missouri. this WS may be fun to watch, just maybe.

what will the sox do if all 3, Sanchez, Johnson and Semien have a good spring?

QUOTE (SoxAce @ Oct 17, 2014 -> 12:07 PM) Johnson is a lefty though. crap, must be thinking of another johnson many thanks for the correction.

QUOTE (StRoostifer @ Oct 17, 2014 -> 06:34 AM) Many scouts say second base if he doesn't work out at short. Second is closer to first base so it could help alleviate the throwing errors. IMO,if he cannot play SS then play him at second. No matter what, the Sox will be sure to find a place for his bat when the time comes. I still have hope for TA being a SS. Just going to take some time and patience with the young man when the time comes. If Sox fans were able to endure a middle aged Jose Valentin then they can bare the growing pains of a young TA. that is what I been thinking about. but I would like to see another how he does in AZL. but 30+ errors - 2014 ???

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Oct 16, 2014 -> 12:30 PM) 1. Eaton 2. Markakis 9. Johnson That's how I'd go... assuming that the sox sign Markakis. If MJ makes the team, with his speed I can envision him as leading off and Eaton as #2. the lineup can be 1. righty 2. lefty 3. righty

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Oct 16, 2014 -> 07:15 PM) People need to accept the fact that there are few bargains in free agency and filling needs by trade will be costly in terms of talent. Melky is a guy who has posted wRC+ above 118 in three of the past four seasons. There aren't many of those guys available in free agency and those that are available will cost significantly more than Cabrera. His past baggage will ultimately reduce his price. Sure there is risk involved in signing him, but if his contact is limited to three years, then I think that risk is pretty small given our financial situation. Also, we have a huge opportunity right now to fill needs without giving up tons of minor league talent. There are guys out there that I'd much rather have than Melky, but when you factor in the cost of acquisition those deals end up making a lot less sense for us IMO. The other alternative is to wait for all these magical bargains to appear out of thin air while wasting the production/surplus value that guys like Sale, Quintana, Abreu, & Eaton are currently providing. a very good point. I would like to add. the bargains that are avail, other teams will be addressing their needs and will go after the same players. with ref to salary, most players will follow the money. why will players leave a deal with money on the table to sign for less elsewhere?

QUOTE (LDF @ Oct 17, 2014 -> 03:38 AM) Priority 1 - sign 1 fa - Sign Tomas. the sox have options available on the team. they need just 1 more player. problem is, if he doesn't sign, then sign Morales as DH. all is dependent on DV and his future with the sox next yr. Priority 2 - sign 1 pitcher. someone who can be a #3-4 Volquez. he can put up 175+ innings and with the sox can get better than 12+ wins easily. this can be until the sox prospect can fill in. the sox can deal with 6 SP's, lets not fall into the void b/c of an injury. Priority 3 - attend the pen. Grilli can be a good 1 yr maybe 2 yr option with 1 of the sox exiting pen pitcher and can wait until Jones to come off the disable list. if Grilli is resigned go with another fa. got to wait until the playoff if over. and / or Priority 4 - sign what is needed for the RP Badenhop, Gregerson, Zach Duke. as a reclamation project I really like Andrew Bailey, I can go with a longer term contract. all 3 are and will be low cost. of the 3 pitchers mention, I like Greserson #1, Duke #2 and Badenhop. re: Bailey, sign him and put in on the DL until he is ready. I honestly think Micah Johnson may break with the team. but if not, to get time for the 2 infielder the sox may move 1 to the outfield to get playing time. I think 1 positional player is needed, any more than 1 will have the sox overloaded.

QUOTE (Chilihead90 @ Oct 17, 2014 -> 04:00 AM) Because if things go right, it will be a lot more than a "little more". And this team likely isn't going to compete for the division anyway, so losing 12-15 starts to a lesser pitcher probably won't matter much to this team anyway. jeeze, I still must be the only one who is saying the sox will be in the playoff next yr. remember I been saying this 3/4 thru the season. if they, the sox fails, I will be eating a lot of crap.

QUOTE (Joshua Strong @ Oct 16, 2014 -> 04:14 AM) I would love it if the Sox drafted both Kyle Tucker and Ryan Johnson, who I think goes in round 2 at the moment. my problem, not with the players you mention, but I really need to hear more from the sox brass. I don't know if they will go positional player or pitching. my list still haven't change. hitting Rodgers ss, Ian Happ and DJ Stewart. Pitching I like Kirby I also like a couple of HS'ers and 2 college arms. with the new CBA, comp rounds can be traded, right?