Chisoxfn

QUOTE (JFields27 @ Jun 7, 2008 -> 04:11 PM) i always seem to find all the Fields hate posts coming from you .... It is because he is ridiculously over-rated. Yes, he hit for power in his debut with the White Sox last season. However, he has massive holes in his swing and is only a decent defensive 3rd baseman. Crede is much better than him and I'd prefer to trade a guy like Fields while he's still rated as a top prospect. Josh Fields has a lot of things wrong with his game which will prevent him from reaching his upside. I'm not saying Crede doesn't have his faults, but you can probably swing Fields for a top prospect elsewhere (or a good young player whose already established in a package) and I wouldn't be shocked if the Sox do that. I've also been pretty consistent about Fields from the beginning. At the major league level he'll hit .250, with 160+ strikeouts and I'm not a fan of those type of guys (I have seen no adjustments to his swing to make me believe he'll be able to fix the holes that cause all those k's either, which also make it very unlikely that he'll hit for much of an average). So essentially, he's a one tool hitter (power) whose rated as one of the better prospects in all of baseball (and thats the type of guy that I think's trade value exceeds his actual value, therefor, you move him).

Sox are going to find a way to extend Crede and they'll trade Fields. Crede is so much better than Fields.

QUOTE (BearSox @ Jun 7, 2008 -> 03:43 PM) From what I have read, he is very athletic and I think he could even play a little LF if needed be. For his size he has solid athletism and he probably could end up handling LF (he'd have a strong arm for a LFer). However, who knows how his body will fill as he ages (he's already built like an olineman) and if he slows down any more you'd be talking about a guy with little range in left (that said, El Caballo found a way to handle left, even if he isn't that good). Regardless, if Long is going to make it it will be because he can flat rake (and hit 40 plus HR's).

No problemo. To echo what BearSox said, scouts grade him out as a 1st baseman and pitcher. He throws in the 90's and is considered projectable as a pitcher. However, he's so raw that I think it is more beneficial to use him as a hitter. Plus, while he has a good arm, he possesses as good of power potential as anyone in the draft and I think thats why at the end of the day if he did sign you'd put him at 1B. The problem is he is a comitted to Florida State and every indication is that he will be going to FSU unless he gets 1st round money (which mean it would take at least 1-2M to sign him and even if the Sox offered that who knows if he would sign). Still, the Sox have until August 15th to negotiate and if Long signs he'd become the #1 power prospect in the Sox system (I'd actually compare him a bit to Chris Carter, whom the Sox traded to the Dbacks for Carlos Quentin).

My Titans have there backs to the wall. They had a couple spots in yesterdays game that could have gotten them the extra run or two they would have needed to pull out the win. Now they got to win 2 straight against a good Cardinal squad.

QUOTE (Frankensteiner @ Jun 7, 2008 -> 02:59 PM) I am not seeing any ridiculous numbers. I believe those stats were compiled over 3-4 seasons. Reading comprehension is a skill I have not mastered. I was thinking he put those numbers up in one season (hence why I was like holy s***, those are ridiculous numbers). Over 4 seasons those are much more pedestrian and that means if you were going to sign him, you'd be talking much more in line with a 1.5 to 3M bonus (probably close to 2M). Again that assumes he become a FA and it doesn't appear that will happen.

This is a big game, its a 4 game set and while we are all flying high following yesterday's win, Hernandez is on the mound and has pitched very well against the Sox. Hopefully the Sox bats take a good approach and go opposite field on his junk and Buehrle can put together back to back positive games and pick up a win. I'm predicting a big win tonight with Buehrle dealing and the offense doing a real nice job hammering out a boatload of hits.

Baseball America has a piece up about this. They have some quotes from scouts who indicate he has a big body type and that as he's put on the pounds his defensive ability has degressed. The scouts quoted seemed to indicate he would eventually slide to 1st base. It does sound like he has a lot of power potential, but it also sounds like he will be eligible for the 2009 draft, which means he won't be a free agent. Since he was in the US in May, Torres is going to have to convince baseball that he was eligible for the draft. However, since the draft sends an eligibility list to all teams and Torres name wasn't on it, it doesn't seem like Torres was eligible or the 08 draft (which means he'll have to wait a full season till he gets drafted). http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=1141

QUOTE (maggsmaggs @ Jun 7, 2008 -> 03:15 PM) haha missed that. BA compared him to a Cuban player that SF signed recently for $2.1 million. So if the Sox want this guy be prepared to sign him for over $2 million. Highly doubt the Sox make an attempt. Depending on the confirmation of scouts, I would think he'd command similar money to what the top picks in this years draft commanded (if not a bit more, since he'll have be able to leverage multiple teams into larger offers). The report in the article, which is probably biased to an extent (and that includes Torres quotes), makes him sound like a very talented invidual (with the ability to turn into a super-star). Again, I have no idea whether scouts would agree with the article, but if they did, you sign him and all of a sudden between Danks/Vicideo/Beckham you've added three big time guys to your system (all of which are "toolsy"). If the Sox really wanted to, they could really make a statement, throwing out a 1-2M to Danks, 1-2M to Long, 1M to the guy from Alabama, 2-5M to Beckham (I assume it will take something along those lines), and 2-5M to Viciedo. Of course we are talking about the potential of 14M in one draft (which really is a decent chunk of money to invest). Personally I've long said I'd have no problem budgeting a draft with about 10M every year (because I think it would allow you to have at least a few above slot signings, plus any money that you don't use on the draft, you pool up into the international market and spend it on other guys; if you don't spend the money, than you bank it and apply it to another year in case a really good crop of international guys is on the market).

Holy s***, those are some ridiculous numbers. This guy sounds like a guy that if signed, would immediately be one of the best prospects in all of baseball. Heck, you could make a case if he was eligible for the draft that he would have went #1 overall. I'm guessing you are talking about a double digit signing bonus (ie, a 10M bonus, if not a bit more). I'd personally have no problem giving him a 2-5M bonus and have him enter into the minor leagues, especially if the scouts agree with the assessment, but I don't know if the Sox will spend that sort of money on an international player (Ramirez was there first major international signing (well for that sort of money), but they have had very good success with Cuban players (Jose, El Duque (to a lesser extent), and Ramirez (looks good so far).

QUOTE (maggsmaggs @ Jun 7, 2008 -> 03:03 PM) Jamie Torres is his agent? Think he is also the agent of Count and Alexei, so if that's the case, looks like the Sox would have a good shot at him if they spend the money. Ya, Cubano indicated in his initial post that Torres is the same agent as Count and Alexi and that hopefully the good relationship with Torres could allow the Sox to have a solid shot at this Cuban kid.

Cool stuff. Has there been any indication of whether MLB will declare him a free agent or is he going to have to get his paperwork through a 3rd country first?

Will the Sox Buck the "Slot" Trend By Jason Gage Chisport.com When it comes to the MLB Amatuer Draft, The Chicago White Sox are a franchise known for following Bud Selig’s “slot” requirements. Slot requirements are essentially the recommended bonus for the pick/round a player is selected. This policy is something I’ve long blasted the White Sox for following. The reality is too many large market teams don’t follow the policy (Dodgers, Angels, Cubs (see Jeff Samardzija), Yankees, Red Sox, and Tigers. This going above slot money, enables teams to land additional “talent” and the reality is the job of the scout is to fill your system with as many “talented” individuals as possible and than play the odds game (which involves player development and a little luck) to see who develops into legit prospects. Great player development counts for something, but on top of that, the ability to provide your development people with an extra 2-4 “impact” players (top 250 prospects) enables a system over a three year span to have an extra 6-12 potential “impact players”. Considering many teams struggle to have even 5-10 legitimate prospects, those extra 2-4 guys can make a huge difference. Selecting outfielder Jordan Danks out of the University of Texas was an indication of the Sox bucking there “slot” trend. Jordan, the younger brother of starter John Danks, was expecting to go somewhere between the late 1st and 2nd rounds but instead slid to the 8th round. Rumors indicated his slide was due to Danks’ agent, Scott Boras, informing teams that he would not sign for anything but 1st round money. However, the White Sox, who drafted Jordan out of high school, have a very good relationship with the family, and felt confident that they would be able to work out a deal with Jordan. Negotiations still have to take place, but people close to the White Sox and Danks believe a deal will be worked out. Assuming a deal is worked out, by going above slot money (my guess is it will take 2nd round money to sign Danks), the White Sox will be getting a 2nd round talent using an 8th pick. In addition to Danks, the White Sox selected a few more “impact” players late, including Stephen Upchurch (RHP, BA’s #1 HS Prospect in Alabama), and Kyle Long (Howie Long’s son, who is very raw, but has 1st round potential). How agressive the White Sox negotiations end up being with those high ceiling, above-slot, picks is yet to be seen. However, with a system devoid of talent, turning latter round picks into top picks, is a great way to quickly rebuild the minor league system.

Whoops. Same draft though at least. Either way I could give two s***s if you want to take someone's kid in the 40th round. I have buddies that got drafted late in the game and I was better than them (it was just a matter that we all worked with a scout and the scout knew that these guys would actually sign (and they just wanted bodies). And no, I am not even close to good enough to be capable of playing in the minors (nor were these guys). In fact, they wouldn't dominate a softball league.

I can't see Long signing for anything but first round money and there is no way the Sox are going to offer him up 1.5 to 2 mill (hell, Beckham may not get much more than 2-3 mill (in fact I would be surprsied if he got much more, if any more than that).

Buehrle was drafted after Carrie Schueler. OR at least I believe he was.

Holy s***, thats awesome. Get er done Kenny, ger er done. I freaking love Danks. His bat gets ripped by scouts more than it should. He has a very fluid swing and defensviely he's stellar (not to mention he's great on the paths and fundementally sound). The guy has the ability to be a .280-.320 hitter with 15-25 hr's, 20-30 steals, all while playing above average defense (he has a gun in the outfield). Thats what I'd call his upside. Obviously that isn't hall of fame numbers and I'm not guaranteeing thats what he does, but thats the type of potential I think he possesses.

Crede absolutely skullf***ed that and OC is just playing. You can see he's a lot more lose out on the field too (joking much more with his mates and everything). I still think the Sox resign him. He's a very good SS and there aren't many like him (or at least not many that are available and since he's on your current roster it means you have a nice season to exclusively negotiate with him).

Gonna go to tomorrow's Titans game. Hopefully I'll be seeing them go for a super regional win. Come on Titans, lets snap the funk we've had against those pesky Trees and kick some super regional ass!!! Christian Colon and Brown are what I call super freshman too!!!

This is gonna be a big series.

QUOTE (DBAH0 @ Jun 6, 2008 -> 12:18 PM) Saw this about Morel; Are we? I guess if Crede leaves, we'll need a backup for Fields, but I wouldn't say we're really "in need" of a 3rd baseman. I still dont' think the Sox are as high on Fields as a lot of people on here. I'm a big believer of dealing Fields for another prospect or two once he gets going in AAA (or if he gets going). He has too many holes in his game to be a truly great player (yet I think his value is pretty darn high on the trade market).

QUOTE (BFirebird @ Jun 6, 2008 -> 11:29 AM) So for those in the know of some of these guys, does it seem the Sox are having a decent draft outside of the KW Jr. pick? I know it is really early to tell at this point, but as far as prospecting goes it seems like they seem to be drafting some good players. (Based on what I have read) It'll come down to who gets signed. If they signed Danks/Long/Uproch (or however its spelled) you are talking about a very good draft, imo, because along with those guys you have quite a few projectable arms coming in and a good looking shortstop. I'd be thrilled, but again, its a crapshoot, so who knows if the Sox will be able to sign any of those three tough picks (and if they don't sign them, the class obviously looks a bit weaker). Long is probably the biggest longshot since its not as if he needs money so throwing 3rd round money his way may not entice him. I'm hoping the Sox throw 2nd round money to Danks and go top 4 round money with Uproch. I see no reason why they shouldn't because they clearly won't be breaking the bank on the early picks (or at least I doubt they will, nor have they done so in any recent drafts). Heck, I'd trade Juan Uribe and let someone eat his contract if it meant the Sox took all that savings and poored it straight into the signing bonuses of those three guys.

I will be much much happier if the Sox offer Danks a significant contract and he accepts it.

QUOTE (BearSox @ Jun 5, 2008 -> 06:05 PM) From what I have seen, his arm isn't all that great. I think he is a lock to be moved to 2B. The only way I see him sticking at SS is if we need a SS really really badly. Go back and watch some tape. He's got a good arm. There is zero reason to be concerned with his arm. He's got a SS arm. Its not Juan Uribe's arm, but grades out adequately. Its also why a lot of scouts project him to move to 3B if he won't stay at SS (not 2B, because his arm is strong).

O'Neil seems solid, I shy away from relievers though as I typically believe you can find a lot of raw arms elsewhere and turn them into relievers at one point or another. Its why I like starters more than anything in terms of drafting pitchers and SS more than anything when drafting bats (as both have the ability to fill other needs; starters can also turn into relievers; SS's can play practically anywhere on the field). I was thinking Kyle Williams, who I know is a tremendous athlete, but this selection is TERRIBLE. Williams was ridiculously over-drafted. He is a very very good athlete (which is a plus) but his baseball abilities aren't at the level that warrant him going in the first 10 rounds. The Sox have done nothing but take easy signs when other superior talents were on the board. I'm obviously not in the war room and I haven't seen a ton of guys so I base a lot on other publications (which may not be right) but my god I just hate the philosphy/direction the organization seems to have. Again, this is very early and with the MLB draft more than any other draft, you dont' know who 90% of the guys are so its hard to necessarily hammer a pick. But when a consensus tells me a guy won't go for another 10 rounds and its only the 5th or 6th round I wonder why. Later on, I could give two craps because the deeper into the draft the far different each teams draft board is going to look.