Chisoxfn

QUOTE (DBAH0 @ Jul 21, 2008 -> 10:04 AM) Well considering he hit what about 22-25HR's in 2/3'rds of his first major league season, and that he would hit in argubly the best ballpark for HR's in all of baseball, I can see why people would think as he progresses that he could certainly hit that. The thing is, can he cut down on the K's enough to raise that OBP? 40-50 HR power is a rare feat. I saw very few HR's which were absolute bombs which leads me to believe that his upside is more in the 30-40 range than the 40-50 range.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jul 21, 2008 -> 10:01 AM) It would all depend on what was available for him. I think a lot of people are going to be pretty dissappointed if they think Fields is going to be a 40-50 home run guy. I think my post pretty much states his upside and where he'll most likely fall. The one thing he could do to significantly increase his value is improve defensively (he has the skill-set to do such) as well as to continue to improve his eye (if he walks more, than you can put up more with his k's). However, if he walks at his current clip you are talking about a guy who not only hits for a low average, but also gets on base at a below average clip and strikes out at a pace similar to Ryan Howard. At that point you are talking about a guy who would really only have one strength (POWER).

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jul 21, 2008 -> 09:57 AM) Its amazing how guys like Konerko, who have done loads for the White Sox and have played hurt all year gets so much s*** on this board, but guys like Fields who continues to strike out at even higher rates than last year just get excuse after excuse. Just remember, on September 14 last year, Fields was hitting .229 with a .284 OBP. In other words, Juan Uribe-like. I think you know how much crap he gets on this board. He gets his numbers up in some of the most meaningless games the White Sox have played since the 80s and his continued inability to make contact is still ignored. Reggie Jackson and Jim Thome are both well over 500 homers. I'd bet my houses (I currently have 2 for some stupid reason) that Fields won't get halfway there. There is no denying that Fields has flaws to his game. I've long said that. However, that was his initial call-up and he's deserving of a trial/adjustment period. Juan Uribe earned himself a multiple year period as well where he proved that the type of player he is was the guy we saw over the past couple of seasons (low average, low OBP, good pop, stellar D). I can't see how you can compare Fields with Konerko/Uribe or anyone else who has played a good number of seasons in the major leagues (in the sense that you can expect a rookie to develop and improve on his weaknesses, where as 10 years into a guys career, those weaknesses are typically something you just have to live with). Personally I don't think you can really evaluate Fields or Konerko based upon there numbers since they were impacted significantly by injuries.

Fields clearly has 30-40 HR power and the upside to be a .275 hitter. I wouldn't think he'd ever hit higher than that and the more likely scenario puts him in the .240-.255 range with significant power. Defensively he should get better and better and at one point be at least a league average defensive 3rd baseman. I think my issue is that last year he played over his head and the Sox could have moved him at his peak value and made a mistake by not doing such. If he still has that sort of value than I think they should move him, if not, I don't have an issue going with Fields/Ramirez/(Getz/Richar or trade for Roberts) at 3b/SS/2B. Financially you are talking about being able to afford it and I do believe the Sox would have the resources to trade for Roberts in the off-season (if they don't believe one of Getz/Richar is ready). It also gives the Sox the financial freedom to use there resources to upgrade CF and the rotation (I still think the Sox could use a legit front of the rotation starter). The problem is the franchise probably doesn't have the chips (prospect wise) to go out and get both a front-line starter and Cfer (plus Roberts), however, when you factor in cash they could potentially find a way.

Ozuna is a tremendous fit in the NL and an even better fit for the Dodgers. I'm happy he joined a team that I've been pulling for in the NL.

Remember last year when people said the Brewers wouldn't trade Weeks straight up for Buehrle. Well, I bet you could offer two solid prospects for Weeks right now. In fact, If I were the Sox, I'd try to buy low on Weeks and put him in as one of the many guys battling it out for the 2nd base position next year (With Ramirez moving to SS).

Josh Byrnes and Cashman should be on the list, imo. I also think Kevin Towers could be considered for the list (long term he's done a very good job in San Diego, even if they currently stink). Based on whose on the list, I would list my order: Epstein Beane Williams Epstein wins because he's got two rings, has done a great job putting together a roster (using FA and player development). I realize he has more to work with than the rest of these guys but you still have to tip your cap. Beane beats out Kenny because he's done so much with so little. I've long said Beane is overrated and its hard for me to put a guy this high who has not won a World Series but he has put together one hell of a run with limited resources and finds a way to consistently reload and rebuild. Williams has done a very good job. However, this is heavily based on what he's done at the major league level. I believe he has a good vision for his ML roster but the minor league system has completely suffered under his helm and I could make a case for ranking Williams farther because of that. Jocketty, Shapiro, and Dombrowski all rank closely with Williams.

QUOTE (Kalapse @ Jul 17, 2008 -> 02:55 PM) It's an acronym. Except when I say your name on Soxtalk on the Air. I'll never call you "Collapse".

Irvine, CA #4. I couldn't agree more too. I f***ing love Irvine. Great community, tons of parks, clean air, not horrid traffic, nice houses, awesome police force, tremendous schools. Its got it all.

I want to get the Tetris ring tone on my phone. Anyone know how I can get it for free and transfer it onto my Treo?

QUOTE (Soxy @ Jul 19, 2008 -> 10:39 AM) Has anyone else tried Pandora ( http://www.pandora.com/ )? It basically plays music that it will think that you like based your preferences. It's pretty cool. Everytime you listen to a song and rate it, it will update your preferences, so that the more you listen the less errors in anticipating what you will like will be. It's a cool little learning algorithm. I like it. Works great to play while I'm at work.

QUOTE (Tony82087 @ Jul 20, 2008 -> 02:38 PM) Saw it again today with some friends. I think he lives.

QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ Jul 19, 2008 -> 06:32 PM)

QUOTE (Milkman delivers @ Jul 19, 2008 -> 02:42 PM) I have a question. Lied to him.

I've had Giordano's a few times and had both Giordano's and Lou's this weekend and I want to say that without a doubt, Lou's was better. It wasn't even close. Lou's was the best deep dish I've ever had. I still don't think it beats Lombardi's New York pizza but its easily in my top 4 or 5.

Watch Getz get down the line in the Futures Game....that right there shows how much faster he is than Miles.

Beckham has zero reason to go back. His stock will never be as high as it is right now. He'd never be a top 4 pick and where the Sox grabbed him was his likely upside.

I don't think the Sox are very high on Lin. They signed him based on one thing and have never seen the pitcher that they signed (ie, his velocity disappeared from what it was over-seas).

QUOTE (scenario @ Jul 21, 2008 -> 08:03 AM) Hmmm.... well, for what it's worth... the games I've listened to he's been in the 90's pretty consistently. Based on what I've learned from various stops in the minors is that those guns tend to be a couple MPH greedy (same with the Fox/ESPN Game of the Week Guns).

QUOTE (elrockinMT @ Jul 21, 2008 -> 07:55 AM) Based on your analysis I am hoping to see him pitch. That's what we need at USCell - sinkerball action. You don't think the Sox will put him in as a releiver do you? I didn't think so but mainly because I don't believe Masset is stretched out enough to throw a spot start and Carrasco just pitched. My guess would be Richard would get the start as it would appear the most obvious thing to do (but thats not always what the Sox opt with). If they weren't going to use Richard as a starter than I don't see why they send Russell down for him.

Ya, it sounds like Freddy won't be ready in time and most contenders are moving on. Freddy will end up being back with a club next season.

I just don't see any way possible the Sox could acquire Ichiro without making the team significantly worse. Plus Ichiro is on the downside of his career and that is not the type of guy I'd want to give up the farm for.

QUOTE (fathom @ Jul 20, 2008 -> 07:45 AM) Considering how much the Sox hated Rauch's attitude, I would be shocked if he was back with the organization. I have a feeling the A.J. Burnett rumors will pick up. I don't buy this Jon Rauch to the Sox talk. Nothing would shock me more. If they bring him back, they might as well bring back Paniagua (that is how disliked Rauch was by the organization and it happened long before Kenny went off on him when Rauch left the game early).

QUOTE (danman31 @ Jul 20, 2008 -> 12:28 PM) Adam Dunn is a far superior player to 90% of baseball. Man is a stud. His batting average (.230) is the lowest it has been since 2003 and he is still gonna hit 40 HRs and walk 100+ times. How can you hate on a guy who has a .385 on-base percentage and is gonna bomb 40 balls? What else do you want? I don't like Dunn on the current version of the Sox. If they get rid of Thome and Konerko I would be all about Dunn (because I believe every lineup should have a few power guys) but as currently constructed this team has enough power guys who don't hit for high averages and could use another guy or two that could hit for high averages, possess good speed and other attributes.

The Sox aren't going to deal OC unless they get blown away with an offer. That would mean Kemp and a good prospect for OC and I highly doubt the Dodgers would do that. The sad thing is they probably could trade Kemp for OC and I wouldn't have a problem with that. The issue is you'd have to find a taker for Paulie at that point (since you would have 4 OFer's).