Chisoxfn

QUOTE (Palehosefan @ Jun 26, 2008 -> 10:02 AM) How would that even be possible though? I might have missed it on this thread. Outside of Luol Deng and Tyrus Thomas, I can't think of what would be worth the #2 pick overall. Deng is apparently available, but I don't think the Bulls would trade Deng straight up for the 2nd overall pick. I could see a Deng/Hinrich for 2nd pick & Marion deal though (or something along these lines). I guess it depends on how true the varying reports are regarding the worth of the 2nd pick and Marion. You see some places which say the Heat are going to give up the 2 & Marion for Elton Brand and than others indicating Marion for the Knicks pick and Marbury (where they buy him out, but it still doesn't make a lot of sense).

QUOTE (Athomeboy_2000 @ Jun 26, 2008 -> 10:01 AM) where did KC say this? Online chat. He also said how Bickerstaff and Del harris are both expected to be hired as assistants. In addition, he mentioned that Brand is one of the key off-season targets (and the Wade love) and how both Brand & Wade's people have given indications that they would be quite interested in playing in Chicago. On top of that there was mention of the Bulls going after Al Harrington with the MLE.

QUOTE (Tony82087 @ Jun 25, 2008 -> 05:47 PM) If he gets signed quick enough, it's possible Gordon is in AA by next season, right? Its still early to say. I was talking with a buddy of mine yesterday who played shortstop in college (won a JuCo national championship) and he has had some previous offers to get involved in scouting (and so far has passed on them) but he mentioned that in his mind it was probably 50/50 as to whether Beckham stays at SS (as opposed to moving to 2B). But he also said regardless that he just loved his swing and ability and that he looked like a guy that will rake at all levels. Obviously, its not like its coming from a scout, but it kind of validates a lot of other comments coming from semi-experts. I'm definately excited to see what he can do. I'm guessing with a quick sign and assuming he doesn't belly up he'll see A ball this year and for the start of next year and than spend at least the second half of the 09 season in Birmingham.

QUOTE (moragasoxfan @ Jun 25, 2008 -> 07:56 PM) I have a mark on the kitchen wall that puts him at a little over 6' 5", and at spring training, he said he was down to about 230; however, at his last official weigh-in (last month), he checked in at 240. Sweet, I love this sort of info. I'm real excited to see how Aaron progresses at this next level. I know from some discussions I've had with some people in the org, the Sox have been working a lot with Aaron on having him improve his secondary stuff and I was going to see if you could provide us with any insight as to how that is going? Have they gotten to a point where they have him throw some of those pitches in situations where he wouldn't usually (so that he gets more comortable with it)? I know in the past organizations have done that sort of things with there top prospects where they essentially tell them to focus on improving there weaknesses and to stop relying on there strenghts so that the weaknesses get better (cause the strengths' will always be there).

http://www.talkchicagosports.com/blog/?p=106 That link has a bunch of the more recent/prominent Bulls rumors. However, the idea of the Bulls picking up Beasley & Rose is growing steam amongst those who have connections with the Bulls (per KC Johnson).

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jun 26, 2008 -> 07:45 AM) So Hinrich and Tyrus Thomas maybe? That wouldn't be enough to get the #2 pick, but it would be enough to land Shawn Marion.

QUOTE (shipps @ Jun 26, 2008 -> 07:17 AM) I hope this ends up being a boring night.I want Rose and I dont want Pax doing something crazy and making some weird trade where we dont get Rose. It sounds as if Rose is a lock to Chicago. The question is do we see some combination of Hinrich/Gordon/Tyrus Thomas heading elsewhere for Shawn Marion or Dwayne Wade or the #2 overall draft pick.

QUOTE (ChWRoCk2 @ Jun 25, 2008 -> 05:55 PM) I was sold the Pacers would end up taking Augustin until this trade. I don't see why they would need him now with Ford and Tinsley around unless of course they do move Tinsley. They will try to move Tinsley and if the Clippers aren't able to land a PG I could see them taking a shot on Tinsley. That said, Ford is the guy the Pacers will be banking on at the PG spot and they aren't about to take a PG this season (at least not with there first pick in the draft).

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Jun 25, 2008 -> 02:54 PM) Because Anderson adds plus D at all three OF positions, speed, a better bat than either of them right now, and talent to improve. Ozuna is headed downhill, and Uribe is just mired. You do make a good point about OF being a little more flexible, though - with Swisher back, plus Wise, and Ramirez in a pinch. My point is with Wise emerging how much is Anderson really going to get utilized because Ozzie will pinch hit Ozuna and Uribe to get a bunt down or do a lot of various things before he'd ever go with Anderson (and despite Anderson's better average, I can't blame him because he has a lot more flaws to his swing). If choosing between Pablo and Juan, I go with Juan (again, I see more of a need in having an extra small ball guy on the bench than a plus defensive infielder (since OC/Crede/Ramirez are all plus at there respected positions). But, with Wise up here for the time being and Anderson having options (Swisher will be starting) and Alexi being capable of playing CF as well, I would chose him to go down before having to dump either Juan/Pablo. Plus I think it will be very beneficial for BA to get significant playing time in AAA so if anyone goes down, you can than bring up BA and let him start in CF (say if Paulie goes down or Thome or whomever).

QUOTE (moragasoxfan @ Jun 25, 2008 -> 02:35 PM) The radar gun on the field in B'Ham is a little hot; he actually topped out at 97 on Friday, according to other sources. You're right about his height; he's probably closer to 6'5". However, he does weight 235 - 240 lbs. Welcome aboard and thanks for the info!!!

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Jun 25, 2008 -> 01:48 PM) Pablo's only added versatility I can see over Uribe is speed (and Ozuna's speed isn't what it was), and the ability to bunt. Uribe can play all the same positions as Ozuna, except a lot better. Neither can hit well, but Uribe is still better than Ozuna at the plate. So as far as utility and versatility go, I think Uribe has more to offer. All told, I'd rather have Bourgeois and Getz than Ozuna and Uribe anyway. The Uribe/Ozuna discussion is like deciding between brussel sprouts and haggis. I'd like to pass on both, thank you very much. But at least a few people actually like brussel sprouts. Isn't Pablo hitting right around .300 this year? Defensively Uribe is superior and offers the same versatility there as Pablo (ie, can play all the positions with the exception of LF). Offensively, Pablo is significantly better. He's also a better bunter and baserunner. If I had to make a choice, I'd probably keep Pablo simply because I like the Sox regular's defensively which would limit the need for a defensive replacement (and therefor Uribe's use). But the Sox have few everyday players who can get a bunt down and therefor we would have a bigger need at that spot (ie, Pablo).

Why not hold off on the decision and send Anderson down to AAA where he can get significant ab's (knowing that Wise will be the primary backup in the OF with Ramirez being able to fill in). If there are any serious injuries, you just call Anderson back-up and at that point decide between Pablo/Uribe.

Alright Gavin, get back on track and hopefully the offense can kick some ass too. Lets go Sox!!!

QUOTE (ChiSox_Sonix @ Jun 25, 2008 -> 09:35 AM) I thought I read somewhere that Ben Gordon and Luol Deng would be trying to help England qualify. I could be wrong though. That is the case, which is why I said he obviously isn't eligible for the US anymore (since he's going to be doing something for the UK; well I know with 100% certainty Luol said he was and I think Ben did too).

BADABING

QUOTE (Cali @ Jun 24, 2008 -> 10:12 PM) Sonava b**** Gage, you were there? Should have texted you! s***, I didn't realize you were there either. I thought you were going to Thursday's game for some reason.

Awesome job Mark and what way to do it, in the midst of 8 tremendous innings (I was shocked he didn't go all 9 given his miniscule pitch count).

QUOTE (Palehosefan @ Jun 24, 2008 -> 10:11 AM) That is, again, going to be the downfall of the team. Can you imagine that roster with the international teams packed inside the lane ready to take a charge(flop) at any moment? Not pretty. Rip Hamilton would have been a much better choice than Prince. One of the players who would have been a surprisingly good fit would have been Ben Gordon (although I assume he's playing for the UK squad). Gordon is a guy I rip on, but with the remaining players you could really utilize his outside game to a plus (he should get tons of open looks with the Lebron's/Pauls/Howards/etc on the court and could be key). Wow, did I really suggest Ben Gordon on the US Olympic team (given my constant ripping of him throughout his career).

Djovick upset by Safin. I don't think anyone saw that coming. Heck, Safin's post match interview was great, they asked him what he thought of the remaining draw and he said to be honest, I saw I played Dojavick in the 2nd round and didn't look past that.

I find it odd that he loses his badge in Arizona because of this. He didn't do anything "wrong". I guess it wasn't good PR, but he at least keeps it in Miami. Definately a dumb thing for shaq to do, but he's a jokester and when you joke as much as he does your bound to ocassionally have some that blow up in your face.

Well, this explains it. I just made a post in the winner thread asking what happened cause he took BP with the regulars and was warming up before the game and than all of a sudden I saw Pablo out there and start (Crede was initially announced the starter in the lineup too). I'm guessing it was precautionary though cause he was stroking it during BP.

That was about as enjoyable game as you can see in person. Buerhle was superb and the offense came up clutch late in the game (after failing to knock the Dodgers out early in the game). Lowe did pitch very well though and for the most part the Sox had a solid approach at the plate. Again, Buehrle was spectacular. I was just comfortable the entire game. Dye crushed that ball. One significant thing to note, I was watching BP and noticed BA was working specifically on going CF/RF and only pulled about 3 of the 20 or so BP hits he had. I thought that was nice to see (he was hitting it pretty solid as well). Pablo was just crushing liners and is really looking like his old self offensively (which is pretty valuable because Pablo for the first two years with the Sox was one hell of an average hitter). Random sidenote, what happened with Crede? He was warming up as if he was going to start and than towards the very end Pablo was out there (was it an injury or was he never supposed to start?).

I think the big thing is that Beasley is much more of a sure thing than Rose. When it comes to PG's, there are some questions as to just the type of court vision and ability they'll have at driving and creating because it really takes a unique skill-set to do such. No doubt Rose has a great skill-set, but I'm afraid that had it not been for his post-season run where Beasley was out early (his team wasn't near as good) this wouldn't even be a debate. Beasley is just such a phenomenal scorer.

QUOTE (BearSox @ Jun 24, 2008 -> 12:58 PM) My question is... how would you let a team/scout know that you'd be an easy sign? This is where you have to have good relations with a scout of an organization. It happened to be where we played there was an area scout who worked for the Braves (former Giants player) and because of it there were a few guys drafted into the Braves organization (as well as a few undrafted signings). So the opportunity is obviously greater in an area where there is significant major league talent (as it means you'll get familiar with some of the scouts who you'll have brief conversations with). In our case, the scout happened to attend some non-high school games (more the summer league type of games where you'd be on a traveling team). But based on those relationships you may tell the scout or indicate to him your desire to play at the professional level and given a good rappore something might happen.

I rephrase that, his production has completely un-hinged in the past month (which was the last time I checked his numbers). So with that, I no longer think he'll be top 50, but he's still a legit 35-40 HR prospect and those type of guys are rare (they also have a harder time fitting in because offense is the only way to crack through a lineup since he really can't play anywhere other than 1st defensively; maybe LF, but thats about it).