Chisoxfn

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jul 8, 2008 -> 10:43 AM) Are you sure, Jason? I seem to remember Sizemore being sort of a mediocre prospect in that deal, as he was struggling a bit at A ball at the time? He was struggling at the time of the deal but entering that season was very highly touted and still was considered a very talented individual (big signing bonus in the draft, etc).

In that deal, both Sizemore and Phillips were considered upper echelon prospects (Phillips was the grand-old prize) while Cliff Lee was considered a good prospect who already had some major league experience. Basically put, I guess you can compare this trade to that one, but just note that the other prospects given up aren't as highly thought of as Sizemore and Lee were (Phillips and LaPorta are on the same level though).

QUOTE (Jimbo's Drinker @ Jul 8, 2008 -> 11:23 AM) Who is our backup 3B now?? Uribe. If Crede goes down for any extended period of time the Sox would call up Fields or make a trade. Uribe is far far better than Ozuna defensively at 3B too. Remember, when we first acquired Juan he was used in a platoon role and excelled (playing 3B, SS, & 2B).

In terms of comparisons, Jose Contreras was as dominant as any pitcher can be down the stretch. Garland and Buehrle were strong and aside from Duque all pitchers were consistent 200 inning guys that you weren't concerned would be worn down come playoff time. Contreras, Duque, and Garcia all had playoff experience as well. Garcia also still had his nasty stuff. Long term, I'd take the current rotation over that rotation (plus we have 5 starters and Duque was not really much of a starter) but post-season wise, I consider the front end of that rotation far more dominant, plus the experience is key in the post-season. Heck, even as great as this pen has been, its hard to knock Cotts/Politte/Hermy/Jenks who were downright un-hittable. I would say this offense is superior though, although that offense was better at certain things. I would take that pitching staff though, just because it had at least one true "ace" (Contreras). Contreras was throwing video game stuff for the stretch run of that season.

QUOTE (Pants Rowland @ Jul 8, 2008 -> 08:23 AM) I think the 2008 Angels are my biggest concern right now when it comes to the 2008 White Sox. Did they mention how this year's Angels squad compares to the 2002 team that won it all? If this year's White Sox team is better than the 2008 Angels team, then I think they have a chance. I am not really concerned about the 2005 team because they are not playing this year. EDIT: Just read it (that always helps). It is interesting they got Frank Thomas to opine on it in an abjective manner. The big thing about the Angels is they play a style of baseball which can exploit the Sox biggest weaknesses (ie, they have the small-ball players who can draw the walk and steal bases and if there is one thing most of the Sox pitchers are prone to doing, its walking guys and having very slow deliveries to the mound, plus AJ is clearly not a good catcher when it comes to throwing guys out). If the Sox make the playoffs, its the Angels/Rays as opposed to the Red Sox whom I'd be more concerned with. Although all are very deserving, championship caliber clubs as of July 8th.

I guess this could also be a ploy by Ken Williams to basically gain additional leverage on whichever team he is potentially talking to regarding a Uribe deal (basically indicating that we don't have to trade him and are happy to keep him on the bench...heck, we just DFA'd Ozuna to show exactly that). Again, odds are that isn't the case, but its a possibility. I also believe the Sox are comfortable with there options down in the minors in Bourgois, Richar, and Getz.

That is a bummer. I always enjoyed what he did here and I'll continue to root for him on the next team he plays for (he's definitely good enough to get another major league job in this league). Anyone know if Paulie is going to start tonight? I'm assuming with him flying in today that they'll hold Paulie out today and have him play in the final two games.

QUOTE (Steve9347 @ Jul 8, 2008 -> 09:47 AM) Yeah I heard they were dangling Kemp to get Jack Wilson of Pittsburgh. Take it for what it's worth. That would be an absolutely horrid deal for the Dodgers. Oh man, I can't even fathom how bad of a move that would be. Heck, if they are considering Kemp for Wilson, lets find a way to sweeten the pot for the Dodgers. I would send them over a lot more than just Uribe to get Kemp.

Greg, another good read. I really enjoy these pieces because you have a great writing style as well as your natural love for the game comes through in each of the pieces.

Papers out in LA are indicating that the Dodgers have had some preliminary discussions surrounding Juan Uribe. My dad told me he heard on talk radio out here that the Sox were actually asking for quality prospects in return as well. In addition, the Dodgers apparently are willing to dangle Matt Kemp for a SS (obviously that wouldn't be Uribe).

IF JJ Hardy was the PTBNL, that would turn into a terrible deal. Unfortunately that absolutely can't be the case (99.99999% sure) as PTBNL can not be on the 40 man roster IIRC.

I think Crede could actually be good for the home run derby. He apparently has a lot of BP power.

Happy Bday Brandon. Good luck on the road to recovery. Hopefully when you finally get healthy you can get back on the mound and do the things that you have the ability to do (ie, win lots of games).

Into the Friday's restaurant...that was just a BOMB.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jul 7, 2008 -> 04:36 AM) I am glad to see that it looks like the NL Central will be a race to the end now. Sabathia then Sheets is the best 1-2 in the NLC for sure, maybe all of the NL, if they can stay healthy. Even if Sheets goes down again, it still gives them a legitimate ace in the rotation. I'd still take Dan Haren/Brandon Webb over any duo in all of baseball.

QUOTE (JFields27 @ Jul 6, 2008 -> 07:25 PM) why do they want to see two starts of him before the break? Maybe if he does bad they will trade him .. haha They'll want to get as many starts from him as possible as two extra starts from CC could mean two extra wins which could be the difference of whether they make or don't make the playoffs. I'm also assuming if they did somehow fall out of things, they would put CC back on the market (since it doesn't seem as if they are going to make a significant push at resigning him). IT appears that for all intents and purposes this is a rental. However, if things pan out and they make some noise in the playoffs, they could have increased attendance and be able to up the payroll which means the resigning of people like CC or Sheets.

Statistically, Dye has had a better season than Longoria, imo. Plus, there is more of a need on the all star team for another OF as opposed to another 3Bman, imo.

QUOTE (Tony82087 @ Jul 6, 2008 -> 04:20 PM) GM's just don't hold a ton of value for guys that are going to give you 15 more starts. It's a risky play. Changing sports, look at what the Pens did with Hossa at the NHL deadline. They gave up a ton to get him, had him for half a season, and came up short for the Cup. It worked out probably better than they expected, as they came as close as you could without getting a championship, but they have nothing to show for ti now, and Hossa is a Red Wing. It's a risk/reward type gamble a lot of GM's don't want to go all in for. Still, I really think thats a steal of a deal for the Brewers. Even more so if they are considering signing him long-term because this gives them an exclusive window to negotiate with him and try to work something out. Plus, if they lose him they are getting two draft picks as compensation. So they are essentially giving up a AA stud (with lots of offensive upside) for a proven ace (easily one of the best 3 lefties in all of baseball) for either a few seasons (if they sign him) or the proven ace for a post-season run and 2 draft picks (to replace to an extent what you traded away). I'd say it was a no-brainer for the Brewers. Even more so when you factor in that LaPorta was without a position on the big league club (Braun/Fielder are both young and very good and play essentially the only two positions LaPorta could play).

I'll keep rooting for the Brewers, but they still got to find a reliever or two. CC gives them a legit ace though and he should be dominant in the AL. Hopefully its not a rent an ace though and they can somehow really pony up the dough and sign him (Brewers are the most talented team in the NL Central, but they have very poor managing).

QUOTE (fathom @ Jul 6, 2008 -> 01:58 PM) Terrible And that may be kind. He's a butcher just like Ryan Braun is a butcher. The thing is, both can hit the living piss out of the ball.

Sounded as if Jenks was going to throw a bullpen session today and than at that point the Sox will decide whether they'll put Jenks on the DL or not. I think they are optimistic that he won't find his way to the DL, but if they have any questions, they can easily throw him on the DL and than activate Paulie and basically pass on making a decision on who gets waived or sent down when Paulie comes up (as it would now be made once Jenks came back up).

Very interesting. It sounded as if the Brewers were kind of balking at giving up LaPorta which gives them enough leverage that once they do include him the deal will get done. I can't see the Indians getting a better prospect in such a deal. LaPorta can rake and should be at the major league level at the start of next season (he'll obviously get some time later on this season as well, at least in September).

Yeah, they usually have it set-up so that the Future's game doesn't intervene with any of the minor league all star games.

That was an unbelievable match. Just awesome. I found myself rooting for each to keep going back and forth and have it go on and on and on.

Danks and the Pen did the job. Nice execution by the offense today who picked up a win despite 0 HR's.