Chisoxfn

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.

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Nov 18, 2007 -> 05:01 PM) Didn't Brian Billick start calling the plays in Baltimore instead of Fassel because he was so terrible? Fassel got the job in New York for his offensive prowess and did a pretty nice job with the Giants offense (hell he turned Kerry Collins career around for a short time). I didn't even think he was technically the OC in Baltimore (he was like an asst head coach) but Billick has such a gigantic ego that he doesn't let anyone do anything. Billick is still living off what Randy Moss did for his career as the OC in Minny (Moss makes a QB with a strong arm look amazing when he wants to suit up...see Randall, Jeff George, Daunte Cullpepper). How Billick has a job is beyond me as his Ravens continue to do nothing but suck on offense and he's supposed to be the so called offensive guru.

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Nov 18, 2007 -> 04:14 PM) Ron Turner and the defense, thanks for another loss. You are both pretty much worthless. Good game by Rex actually, he made due with poor protection and horrific play calls. Rex showed me one thing he hadn't done in the past, he stepped up under pressure and made good throws. The 2 minute drill wasn't very pretty (but he doesn't have a ton of experience in that yet) but he didn't get any help thanks to Fred Miller. Sans those two minutes and the one fumble (but it was a fumble made because he was actually scrambling and not trying to make a mistake) that was probably one of the best games he's had. He really looks like a new QB and he showed some of his old stuff too (he can make some fantastic throws and we saw a good number of perfect passes, balls that many NFL Qb's aren't capable of making). I'm sold on giving him the whole season and let him earn the job for next year. With all the major holes this team needs to spend money on the oline, finding a solid DT (and hoping and praying Harris comes back healthy next year) as well as a safety or two. Oh and keep Briggs.

QUOTE(MurcieOne @ Nov 18, 2007 -> 03:33 PM) Devin Hester is on the field.... lets run an OBVIOUS reverse, why not? FOr about 3-4 f***ing weeks the Bears should ocassionally bring Hester out there on a reverse and use him as a gimmick every week. Than after enough of doing that you can finally give him the ball on a reverse. I have no problem with him running routes but every defensive player in the league is watching him if he rolls for any sort of a reverse (so use it to your f***ing advantage and gimmick it until teams finally respect that you fake it and at that point, give him the ball).

QUOTE(fathom @ Nov 18, 2007 -> 03:22 PM) From what someone in the NIU athletic dept has told me, the Bears have been very disappointed in Wolfe's speed. I don't think he'll be with the organization next year. Wolfe was a joke of a pick from day one. f***ing terrible decision. Okay if you didn't have Hester and you took him in the 5th round but when you have Hester and Adrian Peterson already the move made no f***ing sense (not to mention the 3rd freaking round). GOod god, Rex played as good a game as possible (made so many good throws, one stupid ass fumble though) and the defense and oline were f***ing turnstyles. I won't even mention Turner anymore. He needs to go away. Please hire Jim Fassel as an OC and do it immediately...please.

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Nov 18, 2007 -> 11:24 AM) Santana's beautiful arm can pitch out of the pen until he learns how to get his road ERA under 8. At least Danks pitched well for pretty much the entire first half of the season (4.96 ERA over his first 21 starts), Santana is looking like a reclamation project at this point. I must admit I'd have no problem letting Sanatan and Danks duke it out and give the other a spot in the pen (in fact Santana could turn into a fantastic bullpen arm). Hell, if the Angels are down on Santana and we know they have a need at 3rd base why not consider a Santana for Crede deal (I don't know if the Angels would do it, but it gives the Sox another good arm and it gives them options if they do move Garland/Contreras).

QUOTE(max power @ Nov 18, 2007 -> 11:19 AM) Isn't danks exactly what you described? Good arm, low value right now? So you just throw someone else in there because he sucked on another team, not ours? I'm not giving up on Danks, I am one of his biggest fans. But I don't think he should be handed anything right now, he hasn't earned that. However, if those were the 5 arms on the club than they would all be starting ahead of Danks (unless Danks kicked ass in spring training). I believe the Sox would deal Garland later on, but I wasn't going to throw out some ridiculous scenario with 5 random trades, rather was just going to have one trade and one signing and show that the Sox would be a better club with the combo of both (I think the key to the Sox suceeding next year is sadly moving Paul Konerko as he has tremendous value but the Sox need a couple good players as opposed to one very good player and Paulie can get the club just that).

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Nov 18, 2007 -> 11:14 AM) Jason, why do you have that awful, awful pitcher Ervin Santana in the rotation? And where is John Danks? Danks pitched his way out of a rotation spot as far as I'm concerned (that is at least what I would tell him because I want him busting his ass off and I want him to show major strides next year). But I basically threw that up as the rotation until Garland/Contreras gets moved (and than Danks would slide in as the 5th starter but he would have to battle). As far as Santana goes, I think he has a great arm and good stuff and I can't see why the Sox wouldn't be able to buy on him low and turn him into a solid starter. I love guys with good arms and low trade value and right now that would be Santana (than again I always wanted the club to get Juan Cruz and aside from a good season or two out of the pen he hasn't exactly panned out).

That is ridiculous. Than again the offer the Yanks are giving Rivera is absolutely assinine.

QUOTE(29andPoplar @ Nov 18, 2007 -> 10:58 AM) You nailed it on the head, and something like this is what I see happening. I also agree that if something big doesn't happen by the end of the winter meetings, it means some or most of KW's plans fell through. In fact I am a bit surprised some move hasn't happened already, be it large or small. Crede for a bullpen arm or one of the outfield spots would make some sense and I think that will probably be the first piece to drop (unless of course they are able to get a hold of Rowand or Hunter and make something happen). Than I think Kenny will turn to the trade front and do the remainder of his stuff there. Possibly selling two players in Konerko and one starter but also likely adding other young players (maybe a young SS who he really likes but the club will also know they have Uribe there in case any of the young infielders at 3rd/SS/2b fail). Hell if you could add a Rowand to the lineup and than move Konerko for a package around Kochman/Figgins/Santana (and i have no idea if the Angels would do such a package) than you would really have retooled your lineup with two moves. Trade Crede for a bullpen arm and you are in business (this doesn't even get into the Garland piece where the Sox could opt to move him for another starter that they like that they would have under there control). In fact, on the basis just those two moves would give you a lineup of: Figgings Rowand Thome Dye Kochman Fields AJP Uribe Richar Rotation: Vazquez Buehrle Garland Contreras Santana Bullpen: Jenks MacDougall Thornton Logan Wasserman (Person you traded Crede for) The only major holes would obviously be Uribe and Richar (Richar has some upside and Uribe when on is a premiere defensive shortstop). The Sox lineup would lack the power it once had but you still have a few guys that will hit 30 HRs (Crede/Thome) and guys with 20 Hr power (Fields/Uribe). The rotation would have the possibilities of being stellar but it would also give Ken Williams the option to move Garland for other pieces (a shortstop like Furcal or a top shortstop prospect and top pitching prospect; think two top 5 organizational prospects). To me the main way the Sox can rebuild is by using Konerko (and I have no idea if the Angels would give up all that for Paulie but I could definitely see them considering it), a free agent signing and than the trades of Crede/Garland to do the rest (hell if they could move Contreras instead I'd have no problem giving Garland a fat contract because financially I think the team could afford it).

QUOTE(spiderman @ Nov 17, 2007 -> 12:40 PM) With those rumors of Hunter possibly getting 6 years, I don't think the White Sox would be willing to do that (smartly) too so I really think that CF is more likely to be filled through a trade with somebody like Coco Crisp. I know Rowand is probably next on the free agent list in CF, but is really worth $10-11 million a year over 4 or 5 seasons ? As far as pitching, I just don't think this team will be near the top of the division if they have to depend on both Gavin Floyd and John Denks as the #4 and #5 starters. If the White Sox are unable to sign Hunter, might they be willing to look at resigning Garland instead with this money ? Just an idea, but it's hard to compete with a mediocre starting rotation. I'd go 4/48 with Rowand and hope he will be more like he was this past year. I don't know if his success was due to some sort of adjusmtent in his swing but you really can't argue his numbers (they were stellar). He'd be able to fill one of the up the middle positions for a number of years and bring back a good team player and a fan favorite (it seems like a win win...yes it may be too much money but the reality is if your gonna buy a player its gonna cost a good deal and the Sox don't have the farm system to be able to buy too much using prospects).

QUOTE(29andPoplar @ Nov 18, 2007 -> 10:38 AM) And you know what, that's ok with me. The LAA are an obvious destination but the White Sox and Angels never seem to get anything done on the trade front. Always rumors, nothing ever happens. But I think there are a number of teams who'd be quite interested in Paul Konerko, probably more than any of us believe. His contract is an absolute steal and he is a leader. The question is obviously why would the Sox do this and to me the only way they could save face by trading Konerko is if they make a major impact signing along the lines of Hunter/Rowand/Jones and than use Paulie to get additional pieces that give the Sox a plethora of solid players to go around its rotation and the FA signing/Dye/Thome.

QUOTE(29andPoplar @ Nov 18, 2007 -> 10:33 AM) Yes and you're not the only one puzzled. The picture isn't clear at all. As I mentioned they've said they want better speed, better contact hitters, and better on base guys, adding them to the sluggers in the middle. That's all well and good but the question stands, where are those guys? Who has them and who is willing to part with them? Seems to me lots of teams are looking for the same thing. Also it is fair to assume Williams will trade pitching but I also believe he will get pitching in return, possibly for some other assets. He likes to tweak the pitching staff every winter and this staff needs more than a tweak. One thing for sure, and they have said it without actually saying it, the team needs a jolt of energy. Maybe that comes from a sparkplug player or two and I think you will see them try very hard to bring in guys who are known for having good at bats. I tend to think we will see Kenny make a FA signing and than go out and make a trade or two or three (Crede/Garland or Contreras/Konerko) and use those other pieces to get what he wants with the FA signing semi supplanting the loss of Konerko (I say semi supplanting because I know that Hunter and Rowand are not the run producers that Paulie are but they are both all around players and I think Kenny may realize the team needs more of those type of guys). I do agree though that we will probably see certain moves precede other ones and I expect the rotation to be changed up with maybe two starters getting dealt but some other arms coming back here or there (I think if Jon gets dealt it won't be because they are guaranteeing Danks and Floyd/Gio a rotation spot but rather because they can get multiple pieces and will also find a way to get another starter back (whether thats a top notch prospect or a starter the Sox have identified that they like and can get). I will be patient though but I must admit if nothing has happened by the time the winter meetings have passed I will be quite concerned especially since Kenny tends to like to get his first couple moves out of the way early as those are the ones that tend to lay the ground work for what will come.

QUOTE(29andPoplar @ Nov 18, 2007 -> 10:17 AM) It iwll be interesting to see what Williams does. Not many rumors out there involving the White Sox and they need a couple of OF's. Seems they want speed, contact hitters, and on base guys. Not too many players in baseball fit all three categories, as mentioned above Juan Pierre fits two but not three. Not many of the free agents are a perfect fit either. It's right at Thanksgiving, this is usually the time Williams kicks into action. The most interesting comment he's made is he knows which teams the Sox match up with trade wise. This year more than ever though, any trades he makes should be judged in the overall picture, I believe there will be a domino effect as some moves may take much longer to consumate. I do not think we will have a clear picture of the 2008 team until late January. I get a sneaking suspicion we will see two major long time White Sox pieces gone by the start of 2008. I think one of them will be Paul Konerko.

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Nov 18, 2007 -> 09:56 AM) You look at Pierre's numbers and you wonder why was 2007 so dissappointing? Its pretty much right in line with his 2006. He's not ideal in any way, shape or form, but if the Dodgers want very little for him and will eat a lot of his contract, he's really not bad. I don't think many would have complained if KW signed him after 2006 to a contract that paid him $5 million a year or so. He plays everyday, and he actually can bunt. It would be my option E or F, but its really not that horrible of an idea, again depending on how much the Dodgers want to eat of the contract. I really wouldn't have a problem with Pierre too if it was for the right price. I don't like Pierre as the #1 hitter and would prefer to see him hitting in the 2 hole where you can take advantage of his strong bat control and bunting (and you will still be utilizing his speed). You find a way to get someone else who can leadoff (which unfortunately could turn into a problem unless the Sox do in fact decide to use Uribe as a super sub after Crede is dealt and find a way to upgrade at SS). That or if the Sox turn to some other route as a Cfer (but none of the Cf names that have been tied to the Sox are what I'd call leadoff hitters). Right now I'm hoping for Aaron Rowand to come back to Chicago, slide him into the 2 slot with the Sox finding a way to get a couple younger players into the roster (Rowand is at least the youngest of all of the so called CF free agents and his year was truly stellar last year, albeit I don't know if he'd ever repeat such a performance). Hell I'm just puzzled as to what is going on in Chicago right now as I don't see any true direction with the moves and I can't see how Kenny would keep the team essentially the same (not after last years performance).

The Ducks were bringing up there young keeper and Bryz wanted a starting job. I am surprised that no one would have traded for him. He would have been an awesome addition for the Hawks since he's far more effective for the money than Khaby.

I should add, as far as I'm concerned I'd give up Deng and Gordon (plus Noah and a draft pick) in a heartbeat for Kobe. Just slide Noc into the starting 3 spot and call it a night. The problem is financially you have to give up half of your squad. With all that said, I'd find a way to move Gordon or Deng for a young big and call it a deal. This team would be so good with a big that could score and than you give Tyrus and Wallace tons of defensive minutes.

QUOTE(3E8 @ Nov 16, 2007 -> 11:33 PM) 2 girls 1 cup is the worst thing I ever have or will see in my life That is just ridiculous. Have you seen the spoof done by John Mayer...so funny. But ya, I've never seen anything quite like 2 girls one cup.

QUOTE(BearSox @ Nov 16, 2007 -> 04:16 AM) I would do a Crede for Delwyn Young deal in a heartbeat I would too. I don't know if the Dodgers would but it could be something they'd consider based on Young being rated behind Ethier/Kemp/Loney. I still could see a Garland/Crede package working with the Dodgers as well with Furcal, and a prospect or two (one could very well be Young) heading to Chicago.

At least Pierre will hit .290, stay healthy (most likely) and steal 50 plus bases. Good lord, I'd pay anything not to have Pods be counted on again as a starter.

I dont' know where some of you are getting your information but the Dodgers will do everything they can to move Pierre. They were not happy with him this past year and have to get Ethier and Kemp more at bats. Now it is highly possible that Kemp gets moved due to rubbing some people the wrong way but bottom line, I'd be very surprised if Pierre isn't moved (the Dodgers would like to move him and the only question is what type of cash they'd be willing to send to the other squad and what they would be demanding).

f*** yes...I went to LA and I came back with a Bulls win. Whoooo Bulls played awesome defensively tonight and very fluid offensively. That looked much more like the Bulls team I expected!!!

QUOTE(CanOfCorn @ Nov 16, 2007 -> 09:07 AM) By how much do you think KU or Mizzou would lose to LSU? My guess is at least 3 touchdowns. Sorry. Kansas I would agree on, but Mizzu is far better than you think. As far as I'm concerned the two best football teams in the country (I say this quite confidently now that Dixon is out) are Okalahoma and LSU (I said this around week 3 of the season and have stuck with that thought). Mizzu went toe to toe with Okalahoma and showed that they are in fact a top 10 football team. Kansas probably will get its asses handed to them later on this year against Mizzu and OU but bottom line, don't Mizzu is a top 10 club that would put up a fight with LSU.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Nov 13, 2007 -> 01:09 PM) The only way Jones would sign a one year contract is if it were for some outrageous amount of money, I talking at least 20 million dollars. Other than that he will get at least 5 years. It is the way that Borass operates. Check out the history of his clients. Boras has had more than a few clients who opted for the one year deal and than went back out on the market looking for a long term deal the following years. It can work well, especially if Jones feels that he will be able to rebound (obviously it is a gamble though).

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Nov 11, 2007 -> 07:08 PM) It's "Romo-Riffic!!!" And after Jason said he wasn't that great on his radio show, he'd sone that. That's a bit freaky. So Bears fans, after today, are you confident your team can get a wildcard spot now, and what record will you need to do so? And the Cowboys have the NFC East wrapped up. 2 game lead with a tiebreaker. Things are looking good. I'm not confident in the playoffs. I'm just hoping Rex can be what I thought he coudl be. The defense looked a lot better but it was against the Raiders. Still, as Grossmans biggest fan it was amazing to see him come in late in the 2nd half. I went absolutely nuts and I'm shocked I am still alive to make this post (was in Oakland for the game and it was the funnest game I've ever been to, especially as the entire row went nuts when Grossman hit Berrian for the win).