Chisoxfn

QUOTE(watchtower41 @ Jun 27, 2007 -> 02:26 PM) Well I guess the Diamondback fanbase is very easily amused because I dont see "Baseball America's" projection holding up too well with his phat .246 BA and .285 OBP, when he does actually play. Milledge was the top prospect in baseball for year(s), is anybody saying that now?? I'd take Lastings in a heartbeat over Young, and yes, I think he could be had in a deal for Javy. Its not even close. Young is twice the prospect Milledge is. Both have great tools but Young has so much more power it isn't even funny. Young conservatively projects as a 30/30 guy and he could hit for even more power than that. He also has a bat that the balls just jump off of (along the lines of Soriano and Vlad...ie lots of rockets when he makes contact). However, thats not to say he doesn't have weaknesses and I'm not saying he's the next Vladdy or Soriano but I am saying he's a s***load better than Milledge as a prospect. Oh and I am a Chris Young fan, I had been grading him out as the best outfielder of that trio (Sweeney/Anderson/Chris Young) for a long time (always saying that Sweeney is a more sure fired good player but that Young had more upside than any of the others and it wasn't even close).

The only guy who may have close to as good of stuff is De Los Santos (and that is solely based from a report from someone that I know thats seen him pitch as well as what I've read on MILB and ohter publications). And obviously being at the level De Los Santos is there are still some major question-marks about him and lots of things that can go wrong. Hell, I don't even think Gio's curve is as good as Floyds and I know Gio doesn't have the velocity on the FB that Floyd does. This isn't a knock on Gio either cause I think Gio is a very good prospect (not a #1 but potentially a #2 or 3 starter).

QUOTE(southsideirish @ Jun 27, 2007 -> 02:01 PM) Is he awesome defensively? I haven't seen him play, so I really don't have a clue. I love Crede's defense as much as his clutch hits. Yeah...he projects to be an above average centerfielder (very good range, good reads, average arm).

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Jun 27, 2007 -> 02:06 PM) Why does everyone keep saying Fields is going to play LF? Has the guy done anything to make it look like he wont be a good 3B in the MLB? The guy is a good 3B. There is no need to move him to the OF. Because if Crede stays on the roster than I think the Sox will play both Crede and Fields until Crede is eventually dealt. I actually have come to think Fields will be an above average 3rd baseman based on his current level of play and the strides he's already made since being drafted by the Sox.

I haven't seen any reports of this anywhere else, so my guess is there isn't much to this rumor.

QUOTE(fathom @ Jun 27, 2007 -> 01:51 PM) Who knows what type of family stuff is going on, as well as maybe he's been told that the Cardinals don't have the resources to go after him? He's been pretty clear that he would come to the Sox before the Cards.

QUOTE(briguy27 @ Jun 27, 2007 -> 01:42 PM) That's why ESPN Radio is the ONLY sports radio in Chicago Mac Jurko and Harry http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6963954?MSNHPHMA Yeah...I'm excited to see Cunningham come up with the Dbacks.

QUOTE(toasty @ Jun 27, 2007 -> 01:36 PM) according to another blurb on the chicagosports.com, the $$ doesnt seem too far off.... ....quote from Milwaukee's Bob Melvin... Interesting...very interesting.

QUOTE(Steff @ Jun 27, 2007 -> 01:24 PM) Well, I wasn't responding to you, but since you opened the door... I think you are nuts. You wouldn't be the first

My question is would you guys accept Kemp. He's had attitude issues but is extremely talented and my guess is the Dodgers would be willing to part with him. Would a Kemp and Betemeit deal be acceptable? It definitely gives you two more talented younger guys and neither are guys I'd consider deal breakers for the Dodgers.

QUOTE(SoxPride56 @ Jun 27, 2007 -> 01:16 PM) I am sure I missed it, and I really don't want to read this entire thread again, but what did Mark say? Can someone give me a link? Thanks. This was from Cowley's piece today. The "Its Wrong, It's Wrong" kind of implies that he knows something is going on and it sure doesn't sound like it would involve a trade.

QUOTE(Steff @ Jun 27, 2007 -> 01:15 PM) So now Mark's agent is the liar.. Yikes. CC, my heard hurts, too. I'm not calling his agent a liar. However, I know agents can phrase things in unique ways. Either way I think both sides want to keep things quiet. I have absolutely no source in this situation so I'm clearly speculating on both sides (and am probably biased because I want to believe a deal is close).

QUOTE(CanOfCorn @ Jun 27, 2007 -> 01:11 PM) WWHP? Well considering both Iguchi and Uribe are potentially going to get moved, he could play either SS or 2B. Also, if Fields ends up playing LF Betemeit can play some 3rd. We have a lot of spots currently being filled up by unproductive players with limited upside, so why not let a guy who may be struggling at the major league level (although he has shown flashes of production) and has some actual upside.

QUOTE(ChiSox9 @ Jun 27, 2007 -> 01:09 PM) Most of the stories I have heard is those said lottery winners that piss away their funds usually end up A) Robbing a Bank B) Killing themself C) all of the above. Also, how does anyone on this board rationalize the difference between $10-$20 million plus to a person? I hardly make close to that money though it would be nice but for someone that has made money like that (at least $30 million for the past couple years) they can understand it more. To me $10-$20 million is a TON of money, for someone like Mark who seems to be a very simple man $10-$20 million might not be that big for him with the opportunity to stay in Chicago. I am sure there are ALOT of other factors playing into Mark's decision, family, his house, child (and one on the way), his team mates and the farm system/club that had faith in him all these years. Money isnt everything to some people. I actually think one day I will know what it is like to have 10-20 million and I know If I have the opportunity to get more money I'm going to do so (obviously there are certain non monetary things that have meaning...such as staying in a location or working more hours and so on and each individual has prices that make working more hours or moving to a new spot or doing something different completely livable and worht it). Say I'm working on a contract and I have two parties, both are great parties and have a long history of doing good business. One party I've done business with in the past and one I haven't (but plenty of other major competitors have). Sure I may take a little less to do the deal with a party I'm familiar with (knowing the contacts and that we can get the deal to go through super smoothly) but when you are talking a large % (or in this case 20 million) that is ridiculous. If it were 20 million on a 1 billion dollar deal...yeah I can see....but 10-20 million on a 40 million deal (thats a huge amount).

QUOTE(Steff @ Jun 27, 2007 -> 01:07 PM) But that's not what he said. I just saw those direct quotes. Hadn't seen that before. Still, I wouldn't think hahn would fly out unless the two sides had some sort of discussion.

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Jun 27, 2007 -> 01:03 PM) Why? Buerhle's agent is saying he has no idea where the imminent signing reports are coming from. He hasn't spoken to the White Sox in a while. Sox By Mark Gonzales, 1:40 p.m. Jeff Berry, the agent for Mark Buehrle, said in a telephone interview Wednesday afternoon that he was surprised by a published report that stated the team had resumed negotiations with the White Sox's left-handed ace and that a deal could be finalized by the end of the week. "Nothing's going on," said Berry, who did acknowledge he was in the Tampa area. "Despite what's been [published]. "I'm not sure where those reports are coming from." Berry said he hasn't spoken recently to Sox general manager Kenny Williams and said his client's status remains the same since the end of spring training -- in which any negotiations won't resume until after the season, when Buehrle becomes a free agent. Five weeks are left before the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline I hadn't seen that. Well, its interesting to say the least.

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Jun 27, 2007 -> 01:03 PM) Why? Buerhle's agent is saying he has no idea where the imminent signing reports are coming from. He hasn't spoken to the White Sox in a while. I can see him saying no deal is done....but if Hahn is on his way out than its likely they have already had some discussion and the rest will be finished up in person. You think Hahn would just fly out knowing the agent is out there??? My guess is they have talked, both sides are optimistic based on initial discussions and as a result the two sides agreed to meet in Tampa to get an official deal done.

Not necessarily new news but I do think the reason he was kept off the DL is because trade talks surrounding Dye have intensified and you can not deal a player who is on the DL. I think he could be dealt before he even plays another game, but it is more likely that he is dealt after this weekend (especially if he plays 3 more games). The Sox probably know they have to be careful and ensure he doesn't get super hurt (unless of course they have been getting poor trade offers, in which case he needs to get out and play and show teams he's healthy so you can get those offers and if he gets hurt for an extended period, than you collect your draft picks this off-season). I have my doubts as to whether the Dodgers would give up Billingsley in a trade package. Betemeit is a name that definitely makes some senes, but him alone isn't good value, imo.

QUOTE(103 mph screwball @ Jun 27, 2007 -> 12:57 PM) ILSOX7 at WSI posted the following link Chicagosports.com That pretty much indicates that Levine's assumption is bogus. I'm not saying the score is right either, but if Hahn is in Tampa and Buehrle's agent is in Tampa there is a freaking reason (especially based upon Buehrle's quotes in the Sun Times article this morning). I think there is going to be some sort of special announcement around game time tonight (even if the game is in Tampa).

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Jun 27, 2007 -> 12:51 PM) Since the start of 2005 GS IP H ER HR BB K HBP ERA WHIP K/9 BB/9 HR/9 K/BB PITCHER A 79 533.6 568 230 69 105 307 13 3.88 1.26 5.2 1.8 1.16 2.92 PITCHER B 79 536.6 551 231 59 117 273 17 3.87 1.24 4.6 2.0 0.99 2.33 Exactly...build around both of em.

QUOTE(whitesoxfan101 @ Jun 27, 2007 -> 11:25 AM) I can't wait to see the interview Heads did or is going to do with him. Hopefully it will be up in a week or so. (I'm actually doing it).

QUOTE(NCsoxfan @ Jun 27, 2007 -> 11:39 AM) A Phoenix radio station is reporting a potential deal that would send Kevin Garnett to Phoenix, Amare Stoudemire to Chicago, and a combination of #9 pick, Ben Gordon and/or Tyrus Thomas to Minneapolis. If this happens, I am a VERY happy Bulls fan. Let's cross our fingers. I'd hate to lose Tyrus Thomas but I'd be all about getting Amare in Chicacgo. The only fear I have is the health concerns surrounding Amare. I know he was healthy last year but I also remember reading places that it is inevitable that he will need more surgeries surrounding his initial injury. QUOTE(whitesoxfan101 @ Jun 27, 2007 -> 12:02 PM) I can't believe somebody compared Amare Stoudemire and Tyrus Thomas in this thread. That's like comparing Joey Gathright and Carl Crawford because they are both African-American and fast. They have similar skill sets. I know a lot of people compared Thomas game with Stoudamire's last year around draft time. Its just in terms of production they aren't even close.

QUOTE(iamshack @ Jun 27, 2007 -> 12:44 PM) Are you kidding me? If he can't make the money he has earned during his career last for 5 lifetimes, he has a seriously pathetic financial advisor. Mark's already made, what, $30 million roughly in his career, with another $50-60 coming in this deal, and probably another substantial contract left. He'll be fine, I trust. Who are you and I to say a player should give up an extra 20 million on the open market or 40 million. Yeah, he already has a lot of money but wouldn't you or I take an extra 50,000 (say I make 120K per year and someone offers 170K). I'm damn well entitled to that even if I could obviously still live a solid life on that other salary (and this is being modest). I won't get into politics, but its the same reason I think it is ridiculous to assume that just because someone makes more money they should pay a higher % in taxes as opposed to just the same % everyone else pays based on that same amount of money. You and I would maximize our income and its no different for an athlete. If they take less, more power to them, but I don't think of them any less for taking the best offer.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Jun 27, 2007 -> 11:40 AM) According the Trib the Cubs were willing to eat $6.6 of the $7.2 million left on Jones deal. Heck for $600,000, Jones is an interesting proposition, depending on who the Cubs are interested in prospect wise. That would free up some money to pursue other placers. That deal was a steal for the Marlins. I can't believe no other team was willing to get involved. Interesting to see Zell is who supposedly cancelled the deal. Wouldn't there be some sort of oddness if Jones than went to the Sox for almost nothing (considering Zell is a shareholder in the Sox and is obviously going to keep his interest in the club once the sale with the Tribune goes through and he sells the Cubs).

QUOTE(WCSox @ Jun 27, 2007 -> 11:48 AM) Yep, and there's precedent for it as well (the nixed A-Rod-to-Red Sox deal). Yep, and there's precedent for it as well (the nixed A-Rod-to-Red Sox deal). That had to do with Arod actually basically giving money back IIRC (making his contract worth less). Buehrle can sign whatever contract he wants as long as there isn't some crazy clause that could get the MLBPA's attention.