Chisoxfn

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.

T-Minus 20 minutes.

QUOTE(greg775 @ Nov 20, 2007 -> 11:53 AM) The question is ... how old is he now? Rumor in media I've read is he is another guy with doctored birth certificate. That is 100% bullpucky.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/chicago-sports-tonight Mario and Gage will be back to discuss the White Sox, Bears and Bulls. We will have a large focus on the Sox recent moves and just an overall breakdown of where the Sox currently stand (including discussion of current rumors and other thoughts) as well as a breakdown of the most recent Bears game and much much more. If anyone has any other topics or questions they'd like us to hit, post it here. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/chicago-sports-tonight

You can bet your butt that if he isn't in the Sox plans that you will see Kenny include in him a trade (whether it is with Crede or just by himself for another guy).

I am officially down as wanting and hoping that the Sox get Hunter. Hunter and OC are good baseball players and are fun to watch. I was so freaking sick of the garbage I saw last year and I know with those two here we won't see that sort of play. I have no idea what happens to other guys but I can tell you one thing (and it is a common theme in the Ken Williams era) and thats that I am freaking offically stoked about the off-season. I am getting intrigued with what they could do for Uribe and I'm still holding out some sort of hope that Kenny will find a way to move Contreras contract and get back another good starting pitcher that they can pencil in behind Vaz/Buerhle. Basically put it seems like CF, LF (and the leadoff spot) are two moves that will for sure be made plus you have the Joe Crede deal that seems 99.9% will happen along with a move for the pen (which may happen in the Crede deal). Plus you have the possibility of a Contreras deal or a MacDougall/Thornton type deal and than the wildcard of a Paulie deal. All in all I guarantee at least 3 more big moves out of the Sox (one being the signing of a CFer...I just hope it is one of the big 3).

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Nov 19, 2007 -> 07:27 PM) Maybe they trade Konerko to Arizona. They have a ton of nice prospects and some cheap young players. If KW is really going for it, and all indications are he is, Jerry Owens is not going to lead off. I completely agree. If the Sox sign a big name FA that will tell me right now that they also have plans to acquire someone to play left field and leadoff with Fields sliding to 3rd and Crede heading out (either for a bullpen arm of in a package along with some prospects for the leadoff hitter). The only remaining question will be whether he really is that confident in his young starters of if he will also make a move for a starting pitcher (or if he will end up jumping on someone like Colon). I also must say if he did upgrade the leadoff spot and brought in one of Rowand/Hunter/Jones plus made a move in the pen that this team would be on paper very strong (the only question being the rotation and with one more move you could still have a relatively strong rotation).

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Nov 19, 2007 -> 07:10 PM) Nothing quite like paying $10M a year for a guy who isn't even good enough to make your playoff roster. IIRC, He would have been starting every game in CF if it weren't for his injury. That said Matthews really tailed off in the 2nd half of the season.

Ya, I wouldn't buy terms being agreed upon yet. If they were we'd know more. I could buy the Sox being close. I know the Dodgers have interest but it appears they prefer Rowand. The question is whether the Rangers are going to put up a massive offer (mainly in terms of years as opposed to $/yr). If the Rangers don't I think the Sox get the nod as Hunter knows damn well that if he goes to Chicago he's coming to a team who has a GM known for going for it year in year out (they may end up being awful next year but you know if the club is in a spot to contend Kenny will do what he can to turn the team into a world series contender at the deadline).

Joe Cowley indicates that the Sox would like to use Crede to acquire a leadoff hitter. The Angels obviously have a need at 3rd base, but after dealing Cabrera I don't know if they are going to be planning on moving another young speedy player (as I figure the next young players they deal will go for a major power hitter). The Phillies would have an interest but I highly doubt the Sox could pry Victorino from them (Bourne would have made sense but unfortunately he was dealt to the Astros). I can't really think off the top of my head any other team that has a plethora of leadoff hitters and use for a 3rd baseman. If the Dodgers didn't want to go with Laroche they could consider a Pierre for Crede deal (but the Sox would have to get a good amount of cash and still I don't think I'd make the deal but Ozzie may push that sort of deal).

Pencil in that 4.5M with the money that comes off the books with Pods/Erstad and eventually Uribe and you are talking about the club being able to add Hunter without really increasing the payroll from last year (and that doesn't factor in the money saved from the earlier Mack/Iguchi deals plus a potential Crede deal). I think the Sox could move Uribe, go after a leadoff hitter using Crede or a prospect, and still have some room to sign a japanese reliever plus make a move for a starting pitcher (that is if they don't want to rely on Danks/Floyd). I'm really excited to have Cabrera in Chicago. He is a really good baseball player. The only semi negative is his age but there is no reason he can't be productive for at least 3 more years (plus he's only signed for this year but assuming he has a decent season he'll command type A compensation so the Sox could always get picks back).

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Nov 19, 2007 -> 06:22 PM) :lol: You are dead on. Bottom line, Torri Hunter and Orlando Cabrera make the Sox a lot better. Both are guys that do the little things that it takes to win and the defense will be upgraded immensely (not to mention both are superior offensive players compared to there predecessors). I would still be concerned about the rotation, however, the Sox could still have a move up their sleeve after everything else settles down (grabbing a non-tender pitcher or even packaging up some young prospects for a starter they like that doesn't make much money). I hate losing Jon but I am actually a fan of the OC deal and while I'm sure the Sox would be overpaying for Hunter I'd be a fan of the move since it would stablize CF for a number of years.

What is the scouting report on this guy? Stats look nice but does he have good stuff?

Those are his 2006 numbers. He was out for the season in 2007 and is expected to be back next year. It would be nice if he could regain his form from the first half of 2006.

QUOTE(greg775 @ Nov 18, 2007 -> 06:34 PM) It's pretty obvious Fields is a DH type. Whether he can blast homers at the rate of a Paulie/Thome remains to be seen. He is a butcher at 3B and in LF. Sox pitchers are not gonna be happy at all the errors at 3b. Given actual playing time there is no reason Fields can't be an above average defensive left fielder. In fact, I wouldn't even be shocked if he could play right field and at least at an average rate if he had a season or two of playing outfield in his career. In terms of 3rd base there is no reason he can't at least be an average defensive 3rd baseman and he does have the tools to become an above average one (never at Crede's level but not many guys can do that defensively). I think a lot of you need to realize very rarely do young players come up and consistently play amazing defense. They will flash it from time to time but they will also make rookie mistakes.

QUOTE(jackie hayes @ Nov 18, 2007 -> 05:36 PM) Fassel was the oc in Baltimore (iirc, he wasn't initially, but when he couldn't find a hc job the next offseason, he was named oc). He was fired, he didn't really quit. Apparently he and Billick had a 'discussion' about who was really running the offense, and Billick decided to take control. Billick's an ego, yeah, but you didn't hear complaints from the Ravens players about the move. The Ravens offense isn't very good this year, but I think you can blame that more on the fact that McNair's past his expiration date. Did you seriously say this year. The Ravens offense hasn't been good EVER.