Chisoxfn

If Traschel is seriously the second best guy that will be available...than not only is Buehrle's value going up (to the point that I will continue to stick to my Pelfrey/Milledge of Martinez plus a high upside lower level guy) but Jose Contreras value will be up as well (if they can find a way to sell him).

QUOTE(AddisonStSox @ Jun 17, 2007 -> 06:48 AM) I'm sure I don't have to remind you baseball sages about this, but, I will anyway. Many times, clubs are very, very hesitant to trade for A-ball talent. The reason: more times than not the team trading the A-baller has discovered some type of development they are very concerned about and hope to deal the problem away before opposing scouts catch wind of what is really going on. If you were to ask scouts from around the league, each and every one would express their hesitation to trade for such young A-ball talent. That said, most clubs are not exactly thrilled with trading for someone much older than the average age of the league he is in anyway. Pick your poison. Like I said, to me, this is nothing to look twice at. Here...put it this way, the guy is top 6 in the Sox system and the other guy is around 20-25 in the Dback system (Cunningham is based on right now, while Richar's is based on the pre-season and he definately didn't slip). Now you have to factor that the Dbacks system is one of, if not the, deepest and strongest in all of baseball while the Sox system is middle of the pack (maybe slightly below, simply because there are absolutely zero "HIGH CEILING" prospects anywhere near the majors with De Los Santos the only potential high ceiling guy I can think of right now and I'm not factoring in current year draft picks). That means you can move Cunningham as being a borderline top 10-14 guy in the Dback system. Next you factor in that A ball players typically are devalued a bit (addy brought this up) in terms of there overall trade value while a guy in AAA typically can be devalued a bit but in this guys case he still had a bit more value being in AAA as opposed to the guy in A ball so again that evens things out. Kenny is taking a bigger risk, however, you could get close to calling it a wash when you factor in the absolute lack of middle infield talent in the system. But based on what I was reading by comments from Ozzie/Kenny I was reading this is a move for minor league depth and to give them a body to play down in AAA and that doesn't seem to good. IF your concerned about guys down there, just freaking sign some scrub, don't trade for it. I still say at least the Sox are getting a high upside guy and because of it I can't slam the move, can't rave about it either.

Ya, I like the guy. Seems to be a good value pick.

QUOTE(kwolf68 @ Jun 16, 2007 -> 08:20 PM) The White Sox going after Adam Dunn is almost too stupid to even consider. Depends on the cost. Hell, I wouldn't be opposed to it if they were able to get Dunn for a reasonable amount (via trade) and than try to broker him elsewhere (or sign him to an extension and use him to replace Dye who is dealt as well as Thome who is dealt). And this is coming from someone who isn't a huge Dunn fan. The thing I worry about is how much money he'll get because I really don't think he's worth more than 8-9 mill per year and I think teams will give him more like 13 mill per year.

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Jun 16, 2007 -> 04:07 PM) Haha -- yep, the Mets are going to give this up for a little more than three months of Mark Buehrle. We'll be lucky to get two of those. You can bet your ass the Sox could get Milledge and Pelfrey for Buehrle. I guarantee they could get that much (Milledge stock is down in the Mets eyes) and the Mets would likely be able to at least put a competitive offer out there for mark. Now I dont' think you get that good of a 3rd guy, rather you'd be able to get a lower level guy with pretty damn good upside. That is if the Mets really want to get another pitcher and actually have a chance at competing for something more than just the playoffs. QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jun 16, 2007 -> 09:33 PM) Well Joe Blanton had a 4.82 ERA pitching half his games in a plus pitching environment. Mark Buehrle has an ERA around the 3.50 mark after today's outing, so there's quite a bit of difference b/w the 2 pitchers in terms of talent and output. Joe Blanton isn't Mark Buehrle. Mark Buehrle could help you get a world series...Joe Blanton won't.

QUOTE(Heads22 @ Jun 16, 2007 -> 02:09 PM) You're welcome. I think this just means that the Sox don't feel that they can re-up with Iguchi, or have found so through talks. I hope we can move Gooch for a package of talent. I wouldn't want them to even think about reupping for Guchi. I really really enjoyed his first couple years with the club, but I don't want him back. QUOTE(bulokis @ Jun 16, 2007 -> 02:35 PM) Richar seems like a decent replacement for Gooch next year. Somebody who is fast and can play 2nd/SS. I would have love the deal more if its not Cunningham traded. I guess we Anderson and Sweeney ahead of him so we can trade him and get somebody close to being ready to play 2nd or short for the future. Anderson probably isn't rated higher than Cunningham by the Sox (call it a hunch). However, I'm sure scouts prefer Anderson's tools to Cunninghams (and they should cause Anderson has a lot of a lot more ability, but he also has a horrific swing). QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Jun 16, 2007 -> 03:15 PM) You never heard that Willie Harris was supposed to be a regular? How long have you been following the White Sox? He actually was a regular for a little while. Hell, the Sox dumped Ray Durham for so cheap soley so they could give Harris regular at bats. The guy was very highly thought of by the org. I know I was a huge fan of his and I still think Oz and the Sox did a horrible job with him (and I never have thought Ozzie is that good when it comes to young position players and helping them develop). QUOTE(winninguglyin83 @ Jun 16, 2007 -> 04:31 PM) more evidence of how poorly we have drafted for the last four or five years. Speaking of which, I was looking back at the first five rounds of the Sox past few drafts and wow they were terrible (until the draft that involved Russell and a few others after the first round or two). QUOTE(danman31 @ Jun 16, 2007 -> 06:25 PM) Cunningham hasn't played CF all year. I think he projects more as a RF'er myself. He could play CF, but he will only be average there. He has the ability to be a bit above average in right. QUOTE(hitlesswonder @ Jun 16, 2007 -> 08:30 PM) KW has been burned in more than 1 trade, but Byrnes is a guy that burned him in one of the worst deals of his tenure. My take is that Cunningham is unlikely to be an impact player in the bigs. Richar, a 24-year old putting up pedestrian numbers in the PCL is even less likely to make an impact. Planning on him being the starting 2B in 2008 doesn't bode well. It's shaping up to be a historically bad season. No way was the Vazquez deal that bad and this is coming from someone that backed and talked and wrote about Chris Young before he was ever one of the top prospects in baseball.

QUOTE(bigred3535 @ Jun 16, 2007 -> 02:00 PM) I recently developed an infatuation with Cunningham so naturally the Sox trade him. At least it seems like we got something that might be usable someday though. Would have been pissed if it was for some sort of Ryan Bukvich/Bret Prinz type arm. That was actually my biggest fear when I received a message on my phone telling me Cunningham was dealt. I was so scared Kenny traded him for some old veteran reliever or some old crappy outfielder. Than I came on to see it was for Richar and I was a lot more happy (since it was a youth for youth move and this youth filled a more immediate need...albeit OF is obviously a dire freaking need). The Sox and AZ have a very good relationship so you never know, this deal could have came about as part of discussions for another deal (say Kenny was working on a Dye deal but they couldn't agree just yet, however during the discussions the Sox got very itnerested in Richar and bit on this initially and told the Dbacks they could further discussing things cause I do think the Sox could have some interest in some of the Dbacks OF prospects).

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Jun 16, 2007 -> 01:59 PM) The bigger question is what the hell do the Diamondbacks need with another outfielder? They have what like 15 future major league outfielders currently in the organization? Ya, that was the one thing I thought about. It makes you think when they deal a middle infielder for yet another outfield prospect. It could be that Richar had expressed some sort of desire to get an opportunity and they granted him it or it could just be the Dbacks really like Cunningham and think they are getting a bargain. Who knows.

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Jun 16, 2007 -> 01:53 PM) That's my concern -- that his good slugging percentage (.479) is PCL inflated. Here's a profile I found on Richar, although it was written a year-and-a-half ago... http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=251&p=2&c=494556 Richar has risen a bit since than, but you don't hear as much about him since he is behind a couple other guys in the Dbacks system. He had a great fall league and his minor league numbers showed improving power prior to hitting the PCL (which is a positive, albeit I do agree with you that there is reason to be skeptical). Still, I never thought as highly of Cunningham as others, albeit I think Cunningham has a far better career than Brian Anderson will have.

Hell the guy already has 32 extra base hits this year, which is pretty damn impressive (albeit he's doing it in a hitters league). His walk totals appear to be on the rise over the past couple years as well. He also had a pretty impressive Arizona Fall League Apparently as he was named to BA's "AFL Rising Stars List" during the most recent fall league. QUOTE(WHarris1 @ Jun 16, 2007 -> 01:49 PM) Disappointing base stealing numbers for someone who can fly. That is the one concern. It was also the same concern I had about Jerry Owens so called speed (but this season, for whatever reason, a switch flipped and Owens steal numbers took off). I just wonder if teams have been careful due to his ankle injuries. Either way you know if the guy is quick the Sox org will be working on turning him into a better base runner (and he will likely get to at least get a game or two with Pods and hopefully a bit longer whether its at the major league or minor league level).

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Jun 16, 2007 -> 01:45 PM) Meh -- he's a 24 year old with an .827 OPS in the PCL. Looks like he might be a pretty good backup, and at the very worst, he does bat left-handed so I imagine he and Gonzalez could make a pretty good (~.270/.340/.420) platoon. However, he can fly has continuously started hitting with more and more power and fills a position that the Sox have crap at. And yes, Andy Gonzalez is crap. Chris Getz isn't crap but is a tweener.

I don't hate the move, don't necessarily love it. I do think it is good to get a strenght in the system. I also know I'm one of the few that doesn't ever see Cunningham developing into an all star (however, I can see him developing into an Aaron Rowand type of role player). That said, outfielders are a lot easier to come by and Cunningham was still a couple years off. The guy the Sox are getting has a s***load of speed, good tools, and pop for a middle infielder and fills a serious need. Still, he's very raw and there is definately reason for concerns and I would think the odds are greater than Cunningham has a better major league career.

QUOTE(SoxFan1 @ Jun 15, 2007 -> 04:17 PM) If I could, I ask for everyones prayers today for a friend and fellow student who was hit by a car this morning. Apparently she has suffered some head injuries and is in serious condition. Thoughts and prayers

One turd gone....now time to get rid of another turd.

It's already been f***ing weeks too late. Its god damn ridiculous this team hasn't made a move. That said, I should note that for all I know Kenny has been busting his balls trying to do so and just couldn't get anyone to bite.

Milledge and Pelfrey is definitely a good starting point. From there I think you look for some high upside guys in the lower levels.

QUOTE(Steff @ Jun 15, 2007 -> 12:46 PM) What he's paid for is to give an interview, not to be cut off at the knees. North was attacking and condescending right out of the gate. And calling North a "sportcaster" is as hysterical as calling Paris Hilton a "movie star". Exactly...Paris Hilton is a musician

QUOTE(Rowand44 @ Jun 14, 2007 -> 11:39 PM) Gage vs. North, eh? Celebrity boxing at its finest. I agree...I knock him out....and SSR hits the air-waves.

QUOTE(IlliniKrush @ Jun 14, 2007 -> 10:38 PM) I'd probly answer that question the same way. North's garbage. I'd have been even worse. I'd have dropped multiple f bombs on North and threatened him to a fight.

You still doing some work at that site with TripleLyndys?

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jun 13, 2007 -> 10:38 PM) I don't particuarly care for his throwing arm. The guy has enough problems putting up anything higher than a .750 OPS, despite the good plate discipline he has. He's basically another Ryan Sweeney, and that's not the type of OF we should be going after if we're trading our main chips at this point. The guy has an absolute hose. QUOTE(WhiteSoxfan1986 @ Jun 14, 2007 -> 04:33 AM) Why is everyone so obsessed with Melky Cabrera? He was never that good of a prospect, and he won't be a centerfielder and his bat won't fit at a corner outfield spot. I think the reason the Yankees system is ranked so high is because of Hughes, and the Yanks wont give him up. Tabata gained a lot of wieght this year, and most of their good spects are at the lower levels. Ian Kennedy=Lance Broadway, Kyle McCulloch. Ok he's a better prospect than those two but not by a whole lot, most people project him as a #4 starter. I have no idea why the Yanks gave him that huge bonus. Are you kidding me. Kennedy had a down season the year he was drafted with a bit of a velocity slip, but he's since re-established his fastball and has pretty impressive control and secondary stuff.

That bike looks pretty sweet Rock. I'm going to check it out at the bike store by my house tomorrow.

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Jun 13, 2007 -> 09:35 PM) If the Cards were willing to make that deal I wouldn't even hesitate in accepting it. I really don't think Contreras has that sort of trade value at this point in time but I've been wrong before, I think. I think Contreras is pretty mediocre, but teams look for guys that have been good before and hope they can come back. Contreras would be that type of player and he has had some pretty good starts at times this season (its been his last few that have been pretty bad). I agree I doubt they do it, but its the type of deal I think both sides would at least consider (I think one of the big pluses for the Sox is they free payroll).

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Jun 13, 2007 -> 09:30 PM) You're not getting a player of Loney's caliber or Eithier for that matter along with Billingsley in exchange for Jermaine Dye. Reyes blows. The Cards would definitely make that deal, but I don't think the Sox would. Here is a question, would the Cards do Rasmus for Contreras (they are in a winnable division and Contreras still has the stuff to be pretty damn solid in the NL).

QUOTE(fathom @ Jun 13, 2007 -> 08:58 PM) The Yanks would never give up Cano in a deal, as his replacement wouldn't match him in terms of production or age (contract). People are really overestimating how much we could get for players. God dam right I'm going to ask for a s***load...no starter (unless Zambrano is dealt) will even come close to being what Buehrle is and if the Yanks want him (and they will likely be desperate) than they need to give up a lot. I should also note, if the club moves Buehrle, I want it to than push incredibly hard at signing Zambrano or another very good starter in the offseason (which again makes no sense, since Buehrle will sign a more affordable deal and probably be willing to take 5 years). The key to me is having a rotation of Garland/Vazquez/Buehrle or Zambrano or another front line guy/Danks/Gio or Floyd or Prospect Acquired.