Chisoxfn

Considering the Sox have Fields, albeit he's struggled mightily down in the minors (DL) I Don't see any reason to trade for a back-up third baseman. Regardless of the performance from Josh this season, if Joe goes down Crede is coming up (or the Sox are going to trade for someone else that is legit). The one thing that sucks is Fields trade value has got to be a lot lower than it was at spring training (when I was clammoring to deal his over-rated self). I really hope Josh can prove me wrong though. In regards to proving me wrong, want to tip my cap to Jim Thome for a hell of a June.

QUOTE (WCSox @ Jul 1, 2008 -> 09:45 AM) Isn't Paulie technically supposed to be the captain? Both are pretty much de facto equal faces of the franchise, IMO. Given's Paulie's status in the organization and with the fans, it's pretty much inconceivable that he'd be dealt (especially to an AL contender) while the Sox are in first place. Even if he's injured and hitting like crap, that would be a massively bad PR move. I agree, there is absolutely no way that the Sox are going to cut a deal with a team contending for the World Series with them unless they felt they were completely robbing the Red Sox (and Epstein isn't some idiot). Which is why I found the entire report regarding the Sox as being pure fluff coming from ESPN.

QUOTE (DBAH0 @ Jul 1, 2008 -> 09:41 AM) Just on that, do people consider Konerko to be the face of the franchise, or Buehrle? Because I'd be inclined to go with Mark myself, but that's JMHO. And some of that I'm basing on how everyone stated last season at this point how important it was to re-sign Mark Buehrle. And I mean re-signing Konerko when he was a FA after 2005 was important too. But there wasn't the same uproar IIRC, if he was going to leave for say Baltimore or Anaheim. This season I consider Dye and Quentin the faces of the franchise

QUOTE (WCSox @ Jul 1, 2008 -> 09:38 AM) I'd rather keep Uribe as an insurance policy, in case O-Cab or Alexei were to go down. Assuming he's healthy, Fields would be the guy to replace Crede if his back acted up again. I don't see Ozuna as an every-day 3B. That said, I can understand why one might want Ozuna's bat and base-stealing over Uribe's offensive "skills." The decision between BA and Wise is an interesting one. I'd favor BA as a 4th outfielder because of his glove, although he could use more at-bats in the minors. His swing still looks awful at times. If it were up to me, I'd do what I could to keep Uribe and Ozuna around and remove Wise to make room for Paulie when he returns. It'll be interesting to see what happens when Loaiza is able to return. I would assume that Russell goes back down, but who knows. Getting back to the Uribe-to-the-Orioles scenario, I think that it would literally take a deal involving Brian Roberts to make it worthwhile. Uribe won't get Kenny anything of value in return, so the Sox have pretty much zero incentive to deal him. There is no guaratnee that Loaiza will return, but if he does he would clearly be replacing Russell (unless someone else got hurt). He still has to get his velocity increased, although I have heard that he's improved a bit over his past couple appearances (although the numbers wouldn't necessarily indicate such).

I just want to point out that the Rangers played much better hockey with Avery than without him.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Jul 1, 2008 -> 09:11 AM) He's certainly the best on the team right now. Not sure about the minors, but no middle infielders down there that come to mind are better either. Trust me, there isn't a middle infielder in the Sox system right now who even possesses the tools to do what Juan or OC can do defensively. Maybe someone will develop those tools, but as of now, no one could touch Juan (unless someone is saying OC is better and I can respect that as OC does make more routine plays and is obviously a very well respected defensive SS).

QUOTE (TCQ @ Jul 1, 2008 -> 09:10 AM) Plz tell me you dont mean Uribe is the best defensive infielder in the organization. Out of curiosity whose better? Uribe is probably a notch above OC who would be his only real competition (as SS is the hardest of the three infield positions to play).

QUOTE (WCSox @ Jul 1, 2008 -> 08:58 AM) Why in the heck would the Sox deal the face of their franchise to a competitive team when they're in first place? That doesn't make any sense. Neither does dealing the best defensive infielder in the organization for an A-baller or fringe prospect when, again, the Sox are in first place. This isn't exactly the time to be throwing away a good insurance policy for a fringe minor-leaguer. I still say if I were making the move Anderson would be down in the minors. However, if chosing between Ozuna and Uribe, I go with Ozuna as he can provide something off the bench that our regular players can't provide. Uribe doesn't really do that as we won't see him come into the games as a defensive replacement at any of the three key infield positions (not that he isn't good, its just that the guys the Sox have there are very very good as is). I also am not a big Wise fan, although he's made some solid plays in his short time up with the Sox.

Per a buddy of mine whose basically the NHL version of me (ie, incredibly obsessed), Sean Avery may bringing his act to Chicago. If they get him, I for one say hell ya, the guy brings in an attitude I think this franchise has lacked for years. Searching the Net and I guess its ESPN Insider which is reporting Hawks offered Avery 4yrs 16M.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jul 1, 2008 -> 09:27 AM) Ok, I only had his line to work with and I saw the 4 runs given up but 10 k's, given how he's struggled his last couple outings especially after defensive flubs I was hoping he'd have a better looking game. He was throwing his big yacker to get guys swing and than also throwing his tighter curve that finishes in the bottom of the zone and can be called a strike. It was down right dominant.

Some reporter on ESPN First Take was on talking about some rumors about the Sox dealing Konerko and that Boston is very interested. Apparently the belief in Boston is that Ortiz will be out for the season. However, for the most part the rumors she was talking about sounded like a bunch of crap. Did indicate that the Sox may be looking to acquire pitching. I really don't think there was any legitimate inside info regarding these rumors though.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jul 1, 2008 -> 09:19 AM) Floyd's control was pretty bad in the first inning. Did he manage to settle down more after that in terms of throwing strikes? You would have loved his curve....it was filthy. Once they got the big lead he was throwing strikes and trying to pitch to contact.

QUOTE (JPN366 @ Jul 1, 2008 -> 08:20 AM) Steven Upchurch signed, he's on Bristol's roster now. He can be bolded out. Woot Woot!!!!

He had season ending surgery on his knee.

TCSN: Orioles Interested in Uribe; News on Danks By Jason Gage Chisport.com

Best Action Movies

Free Agency has begun. Remember Bulls fans or basketball fans in general, check out www.talkbulls.com for all the latest news. We've had some good discussion on all of the Bulls trade rumors (ie, all the rumors involving Hinrich) was all as some solid discussions relating to the implications Barons Davis, Corey Maggette, and Elton Brand's UFA status (now that they've opted out) will have on Gordon/Deng's contracts.

Nah, I think the Sox really like Hall. At least it seems that way. Hell, everyone seems to be having fun in that clubhouse and its awesome to see because when everyone's having fun its usually because the team is winning (because when your not winning there isn't any way shape or fashion that a team can truly be having "fun"). Note: I'm saying winning leads to the clubhouse being fun (well its more of a pre-requisite so to speak).

They all were involved in professional baseball, LOL.

QUOTE (DrunkBomber @ Jun 30, 2008 -> 06:43 PM) This didnt deserve its own thread why? Seriously, that is an amazingly entertaining article.

The OC/Garland trade is looking good for both clubs. Garland hasn't lost a game against an AL opponent since April 28th. However, the Angels are losing today despite another good start from Jon. I still hope the Sox can get more production out of Count for the rest of the season, move him for some prospects and ink Garland to a deal (Garland/Buehrle/Vaz/Danks/Floyd is a nice rotation which should give tons of innings and get tons of quality starts). It also allows the Sox to wait for a top notch pitching prospect to come around and insert into the rotation (as well as move some of the other pitching prospects for younger position players).

Wasn't pretty in the end, but a win is a win. Floyd's curve was filthy tonight...filthy.

QUOTE (DrunkBomber @ Jun 30, 2008 -> 06:38 PM) I cant watch the game because Im still on vacation in Cali, but if MLB.com is telling me the truth Thome and Swisher Depending on where your at, at least you got nice weather (assuming your not breathing in smoke from the fires in Norcal).

I assume the Sox will stick with Masset in the 9th or hand it over to Russel (is 4 runs enough of a cushion for the Sox to put Russ out there?).