Chisoxfn

QUOTE(fathom @ Nov 24, 2007 -> 11:23 AM) Tampa would laugh at that trade offer. They probably want something similar to what the Marlins are going to get from the Angels for Miguel Cabrera. The Marlins are likely to get Kendrick, Mathis, Willits, and Ardenhart. Why in the world would Tampa want Uribe, an average pitching prospect in Danks, and a fading prospect in Sweeney? I really dont think that Angels package is all that great considering Mathis is really not much different than Sweeney (a once super hyped prospect that really lost a lot of value as a prospect the past season and a half although he does play a premium position) with Willits a guy that I still think can be a one year wonder and Kendrick/Adenhart being two legit pieces. I also don't think Crawford is worth near that much. However, I didn't say the Drays would accept such an offer. I just don't see how the Sox can make an offer and stay competitive.

QUOTE(fathom @ Nov 24, 2007 -> 11:15 AM) It's comments like the one he made yesterday which make me have zero faith in him to do the right thing. Looking back on it, I can't believe he signed Uribe to that deal if he had an intention to trade our best trade chip, Garland, for a SS. Still, he can say whatever he wants but we have no idea if he says that for leverage or not. And like I said I have zero problem with an outfield of Fields/Crawford/Dye and an infield of Crede/Cabrera/Richar/Konerko with AJP as the catcher. The only issue I'd have is what the hell the rotation will look like.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Nov 24, 2007 -> 08:53 AM) That is a huge IF, that I don't see happening. I could be wrong, maybe there isn't a market for Jones, but I just don't see it. I think a lot of people will be surprised that Jones ends up taking similar money to Rowand (unless after the signing some team becomes super desperate because they missed out on Hunter/Rowand).

QUOTE(CaliSoxFanViaSWside @ Nov 24, 2007 -> 06:28 AM) I came here right after I read that article hoping to find a discussion about it. Crawford popped into my head but I doubt it's him. If it was Crawford why spend all that time going after Hunter if Crawford was the 1 they've been targeting for 2 years ? More likely it's Linebrink though I wouldn't put him in the category of a "big fish". They could have targeted Crawford and Hunter. It isn't like the Sox have the ability to smooze and try to sell Crawford on coming to Chicago. They have to sell the Drays on the fact that they can offer up the best package and at that point the Drays have to decide that the package given is better than them holding onto Crawford (since they don't have to deal him). I'd imagine the quote is about linebrink but I would not be surprised at all if they were discussing Crawford. If they could get Crawford for Uribe, a pitching prospect (I would give up Danks by the way) and Sweeney I'd make the deal (If they prefered DSL I'd give him up instead of Danks). The thing is I don't really think that is enough and there is no way I'm giving up Fields at this point.

Good lord. I threw up in my mouth when I heard Kenny say if he gets the right outfielder the Sox will only need one. Unless the OF he gets is Carl Crawford (who would leadoff and play CF) with Fields staying in LF and Crede manning 3rd I don't see how the Sox can do what they want without bringing in a left fielder that is a proven leadoff hitter (the Sox need a proven leadoff guy). Basically put, given that comment I would think that Carl Crawford is plan B and not Aaron Rowand.

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Nov 22, 2007 -> 04:48 PM) I've given you two pieces of advice, and you must follow one of them. Preferably the one with me involved. I think I gave him the exact same advice and I prefer the one with me involved.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Nov 23, 2007 -> 07:35 AM) I'll believe it when I see it. The Sox and Andruw Jones is so counter to everything that both parties histories would indicate, its not even funny. That said if he would take the deal they offered Hunter you wouldn't really have to deal with Boras for another 5 years.

QUOTE(striker62704 @ Nov 22, 2007 -> 08:58 PM) I wonder if we don't get Cabrera, if we would offer the same package to get Crawford. I'm scared of either move because our minor league system is already bad. Trading away any prospects would just make it worse. Of course if the team doesn't win in 2008 then you could just have a fire sale to strengthen the minor league system. Crawford is one guy I don't mind trading prospects for (same with Cabrera) because they are very young players who I would hope the Sox plan on giving money and making sure they stay long term (Plus Crawford isn't in a walk year or anything).

QUOTE(Texsox @ Nov 23, 2007 -> 05:12 AM) Injuries are a part of the game and I would not worry too much about Rowand in that regard. After all, as noted, it's how he plays the game. That is different than a guy with some chronic problem that flares up getting out of the shower. 5/60 could be a bargain if he continues to trend upwards, of even stays close to last years numbers. And signing players is all about where they will be in throughout the contract. I'd like to see him back in a Sox uniform next season now that Hunter is gone I agree. If Rowand plays close to what he did last year in this market 5/60 is a total deal. He's younger than everyone else and shouldn't be completely horrid by the time the contract ends. I'd be a major fan of that move but I think the Sox have to make two moves (finding a leadoff hitter who plays left or CF and than a solid hitter that plays the other position).

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Nov 21, 2007 -> 11:52 PM) The Angels now have what, five outfielders? I was thinking about this, but instead of getting cash from LAA, I really would've liked to had seen Rivera included in the deal. At this point he's gotta be on the block, right? Rivera is a nice fit to play left field if the Sox decide to go after a CF that is above average and can fill the leadoff slot (of course I don't know if there are many of those type of guys out there). Still I think Kenny has kind of pinpointed on getting a power production guy from the CF spot and than finding a leftfielder that he can put into the leadoff spot. Hell if Johnny Damon was on the block I now wouldn't be opposed to having Damon come in as the leadoff hitter with Rivera being picked up as the left fielder and the Sox than making a move for a starting pitcher (and let the starting pitcher be Kenny's big fish). Than again I still have zero problem with Rowand, a leadoff hitter, and hopefully a move that gets the Sox another young pitcher so they have some more options.

QUOTE(fathom @ Nov 21, 2007 -> 11:42 PM) I think it's a brilliant move by the Angels, as they have the money to make big acquisitions, but they needed to find a way to free up some prospects in order to acquire someone via trade. For their interests, I hope it's not to trade for Tejada. I like the move from the Angels perspective if they are able to move Garret Anderson or someone else from that oufield (or if they have a clause in Matthews contract and can void it). Hunter will be a really nice bat for them in the 5 hole who will play tremendous defense and add pop. The question is will they pick up a SS (or rely on youngsters there) and will they go after Caberra or are they done. Either way they look to have a strong rotation, bullpen and the only major question in that offense will be if they can field at the SS position (although one more big bat would really help out). I also hope it isn't Tejada but I got to admit Tejada would look nice in their lineup.

You could make a case that Rowand had the best season of all the FA cfers. He's also younger. I just would want to know that he made some sort of adjustment to his swing that allowed him to make the massive strides he made this past year (if the scouts have told Kenny he has and that it is the type of adjustment that should be able to hold up over time I have no problem giving Rowand a 4 year deal worth 13-14 mill with an option for a 4th year). I also have no problem with the Sox taking a chance on Fukodome. The one thing with Rowand is he is more of a #2 hole hitter as well (kind of like OC) and that still leaves the Sox short of a leadoff hitter (although Rowand did hit 27hr's last year, albeit in the friendly confines of Philly). I'm still puzzled. Funny how things work, the one team never tied to Hunter signs him and they do it immediately while the Sox sign Linebrink after never hearing a damn thing about them even talking with him. I also don't get why Torri went to a stadium where he won't really be able to rob too many hr's (Angels stadium just doesn't allow you to do that). The Angels must know something is going on with Matthews (either he's about to get a major ass suspension or they have some sort of clause to void his contract due to the HGH stuff or someone in that OF is about to be traded). Just wow. I guess I'm semi happy cause I love watching Hunter play and I'll get to see him but I was buying into having a stud defensive cf in center (who could also hit).

I'm speachless. I wonder if they are going to have a way to move Matthews Jr. somewhere. This move just doesn't make sense and I had never heard the Angels even remotedly tied to Torri Hunter. I saw it on ESPN as I was about to pass out (just scroll on the bottom line) and I was stunned. SIGN ROWAND AND NOW.

QUOTE(santo=dorf @ Nov 21, 2007 -> 12:32 PM) I didn't realize Thome wasn't productive. Maybe Frank Thomas should be platoon partner? Thomas vs. LHP: 122 at-bats .336/.431/.631 Thomas vs. RHP: 409 at-bats .259/.360/.435 Who should the Blue Jays get to play DH when a right hander pitches? (that's like 75% of the time) Thomas is still posting a respectable .360 OBP against righties and a respectable .790 or so OPS (is it great, no, but it ain't bad either and the OBP is above average).

QUOTE(RME JICO @ Nov 21, 2007 -> 11:41 AM) Thome was not average vs Lefties, he was pretty brutal (.196 BA, .663 OPS). You are spot on, almost every game thread that featured a lefty had similar ideas. If Hall is healthy, they should look at doing something similar with catcher as well. Start hall on says where LHP start, not just with the Sunday lineup. That was the plan. Unfortunately Hall got hurt and than went on to have one of the worse seasons I've ever seen out of a Sox player (than again I could say that about a few people, hell I could say that this past years Sox team was the worse I'd ever seen based on just how horribly they played the game).

QUOTE(southsideirish @ Nov 21, 2007 -> 08:48 PM) The last I heard Fukodome has been compared to Jacque Jones. Do the White Sox really need an overpaid Japanese version of Jacque Jones? Fukodome is thought of as an on base machine. Nowhere do the words On Base Machine and Jacque Jones belong in the same sentence (or comparison). Fukodome won't hit for a ton of power but I liken him to a 15-20 HR, above average defense, .360 OBP plus (once he settles into the league), tons of toubles type of player.

QUOTE(G&T @ Nov 21, 2007 -> 08:46 PM) Another reason I can't see this being true is that the Dodgers are targeting either Cabrera or Santana. Either would cost them well over $100 million to extend their contracts. I don't see why they'd go over the top of everyone else when they are most likely planning on spending so much elsewhere. Technically speaking signing Rowand (who they are hot after) or Hunter are key for them to get Cabrera or Santana (or both) as it will allow them to be able to easily move their young outfielders (Ethier/Loney/Kemp).

QUOTE(BearSox @ Nov 21, 2007 -> 08:39 PM) with a team with as bad as a farm as we have, we need all the picks we can get. And, Linebrink is going to be throwing a lot of homers in the cell, if he does indeed come here. If the Sox wanted to they could get a 2nd round talent by going over slot money in the 5th or 10th round (not saying they would but the loss of a 2nd round draft pick isn't that major). If you are losing a top 20 pick maybe, but I could care less if they lose there 2nd and 3rd round picks (cause they'll lose something for Hunter or Rowand). They will have the top pick and will spend money there and hopefully they'll throw some of the money they don't spend in the 2nd or 3rd round at guys who slid in the 4th, 5th, and 6th rounds (or even later) or throw some extra cash at some international talent.

QUOTE(103 mph screwball @ Nov 21, 2007 -> 08:30 PM) Well, first Cabrera and now Linebrink. KW is showing his "big fish" that he means business. That big fish is Hunter. He probably already hinted this move to Hunter in their meeting. There will be moves after Hunter as well. That is why KW wants him to make up his mind before the winter meetings. This teams getting a well deserved make over. Nice surprise to me. I love off season with KW at the wheel. I think Kenny's goal is to enter the winter meetings with his CFer here, his bullpen improved and shortstop solved. That will leave him the meetings to acquire a leadoff hitter and potentially get another reliever (plus trade Crede/Uribe). Than you will probably see things get quiet (unless of course he makes some massive move dealing Paulie) until January when he'll sign a couple vets for the bench (one will hopefully be a backup middle infiedler with the other being a right handed outfielder that can come off the bench and hit lefties very well (as well as ocassionally spell Thome as the DH against tough LHP's).

I'd have no problem picking up Freel for the top of the order (assuming he's healthy) and than going with one of Hunter/Rowand in CF.

QUOTE(JoshPR @ Nov 21, 2007 -> 08:13 AM) I like the Cabrera Trade. Very Good #2 hitter and dependable with the glove. Sould help Fields out and Richar. Hi guys, Long time no see Whats up Josh. How you been?

Ian...you are gonna love the show. I don't think I've ranted this much in a year.

And its a go http://www.ustream.tv/channel/chicago-sports-tonight

Joba or Hughes plus Damon and its a deal.

I think the Rays would do a Baldelli deal. Especially if the Sox threw in a reliever. It is risky and the Sox would be taking on a potentially risky contract (or it could turn into a great contract). Either way I'd take my chance on that for the potential top of the order (although I know he doesn't have the greatest OBP). This is also dependent on him being healthy.