Chisoxfn

QUOTE(chitownsportsfan @ Nov 2, 2006 -> 10:04 AM) Forget Sarge, he has a career OPS+ of 96 and last season was a career year. I don't know why the Sox would want to sign a guy that is coming off a career year that he will hard pressed to ever duplicate. I also don't know why you want to get rid of Thome. Thome posted a top 20 VORP last year and although he's crap against lefties he mashes righties -- and last time I checked -- most pitchers are right handed. Crawford for McCarthy is a silly deal because the Sox were 2nd in MLB in RS but middle of the road in RA. BA was one of the best defensive CF in baseball last year and we need all the defense we can get. I'd much rather trade FG or Javier for pitching prospects and insert BMAC into the rotation. The lineup doesn't need more speed, the lineup scored a ton of runs last year. Run prevention was the problem, mostly because the defense wasn't as good as 2005 (thanks Ozzie for playing Mac so much in CF) and because the pitching went from a strenght to a liability. The Sox need to focus on run prevention and replace Pods with a live body out in LF and everything will take care of itself otherwise on the offense. Thome/Dye/Kong is as good of trio as their is in baseball and they don't need speed in front of them as much as guys that can get on base. Ozzie is our manager, he wants speed, therefor you get him speed. Plus offense can be shutdown by top notch pitching, speed can't be (if its in a player that has actual abilities). And yes I am probably the biggest Thome hater on this board because I see him really falling off over the next couple of seasons and think now is as good a time as any to move him (while we can get top notch value and not have to pick up any of his contract). Don't tell me about BA, I am BA's biggest advocate but if Ozzie isn't going to play him I'm going to get someone who can play damn good CF defense day in day out (cause I don't want another day of Mack). Fact of the matter is Ozzie isn't a big fan of Bmac so again its time where I make a move while one of our guys value's is at a peak (Brandon's) and get a guy whose signed to an insanely affordable deal with HOF potential (whose already playing at an All Star Level). QUOTE(Rowand44 @ Nov 2, 2006 -> 10:06 AM) I don't think you're going to change his opinion with stats like ops+ and vorp for the record. As far as getting as just getting a high obp guy to leadoff, well whether you like it or not that's not what Ozzie wants, he wants a guy that can run and bunt and he'll get one. Ah, you know me too well Row . I think you hit it on the head too, when it comes to the top of the order we have to get Ozzie what he wants. We know I'm not a huge Ozzie fan but we have him so we better give him the type of club he can win with.

We have a thread on Carl Crawford but I really believe Gary Matthews Jr. deserves his own thread. Yes, he's going to get paid probably 20-24 mill over 3 years (maybe someone even gives him a 4 year deal) and yes this was by far his best season in his career. However, look at his stats from the prior season and you'd see that this is a guy whose made great strides and is developing into his prime. This is a guy that would fit in beautifully in the 2 spot on the Southside and would also play gold glove caliber defense in CF. Now I realize we have a lot of salary comitted and I'm not necessarily saying this is a signing I'd make, but I'd once again say we shouldn't acquire someone because we have money going to a ton of our pitchers or other guys. I stick to my guns that if I were in charge Crawford would be in Chicago (especially if all it took was McCarthy) and that Thome would be packing his bags elsewhere and we'd be freeing up salary that way (in addition to probably moving a starter for prospects). That would open up the flood-gates to make a push at Pierre/Matthews Jr/Figgins to join Crawford and team up to form one of the premiere 1-2 bunches in baseball (the type of 1-2 punch a manager like Ozzie would gush over). Its also the type of 1-2 punch that would be very affordable considering Crawford's contract. Yes, we'd lose Thome from our lineup and yes it would make our lineup very right handed dominante, but lets also remember that a right handed dominated lineup did quite the job in the 05 playoffs and this lineup would be superior to that one in every way, shape or form. The Thome deal would give the team some top top notch pitching prospects and payroll flexibility to make a move and obviously we'd have to find a DH. Well thats where a lefty bat fits in and that could even be a guy like Sweeney (if we want to stay cheap) who would obviously get tons of time in the OF as well. Or Mack could get some of that DH time or they could try and pick up that DH in the Thome deal. Now you have a lineup consisting of: Figgins or Sarge or Pierre Crawford Dye Konerko AJP Crede DH (Or if we get a better DH, you flop him with AJP) Iguchi Uribe The rotation would currently consist of our remaining 5 (as no starters have been dealt) and Thome salary has pretty much gone to Crawford and the other outfielder. So now you ask how does that really help the team? Well we now have Brian Anderson, top prospetcs from the Thome trade (in fact Figgins and a couple top prospects could probably be a fair deal w/LAA), and front of the rotation starters who we can deal. Possibly Josh Fields as well (depending on where the Sox stand with Crede). I'd like to think that with that the club would have the flexibility to move one of our starters for a major league ready young starter or we could also have the chips to go get a Jake Peavy or another young starter to enter into our rotation (if we deem it necessary). Basically we overhall the offense w/speed(it still has power), improve the defense, rebuild the farm system (through the Thome trade and potentially through a deal of a Garcia or someone else) and still throw out one of the best rotations in baseball. Yes, we'd have to re-sign some of these guys in 08 but we now know that the club has prospects to get other starters (or these guys could develop on there own) and quite frankly if Buehrle or Garcia walk the club has money thats freed up which they could than spend on finding another starter to come in (or money that we can add via trade and a prospect or two to get that starter). Basically put I don't worry that much about losing Garcia/Buehrle because Kenny would have all the chips in place to find new guys to enter that rotation when the time comes while still being a potentially dominant team in 07 (and in the future). In the end we could be rolling out a much more balanced lineup, a strong pitching staff (obviously Kenny would have to find a way to add a reliever), and a farm system in which Kenny can develop from or trade from.

QUOTE(IlliniKrush @ Nov 1, 2006 -> 08:33 PM) This year is going to be real rough for your Hawkeyes, i'd stay away from her We got the most athletic team Alford has had yet. The problem is we don't have the leaders like Brunner/Horner anymore so new guys will have to step up. I'm not saying we'll be as good as we were last year, but this is the type of team that if they can pull out games early they should be able to gel into a team that can get a couple big victories that look good and could push them into the tourney (although they'll definately be a bubble team, I don't expect them to be locks by all means). And of course they may not have a leader emerge and they could get flat Powned. But the talent is there and the following years recruiting class is looking very very good on paper with the chance of being great (especially by Iowa standards).

QUOTE(bmags @ Nov 1, 2006 -> 05:03 PM) what if we turn into robots? What then? I got dibs on Bender as my role model.

QUOTE(Rowand44 @ Nov 1, 2006 -> 05:00 PM) We'd win in the first 10 seconds. Brian could be a 3 foot midget and I'd still put my money on the Rowand/Brian combo. Steve would be busy drooling over Row's hair/burns and well Krush would be too busy throwing up from such moments as Paul Konerko's grand slam Now if it was Row/Brian vs Krush/Krush's GF, than the money is on Krush's GF. She's got fire and well she hates the Hawkeyes (Illini fans loss).

QUOTE(Gene Honda Civic @ Nov 1, 2006 -> 04:58 PM) Kerry is a terrible politician. He tells the truth at inopportune times, (I voted against it, before I voted for it) and doesn't continue to back up those statements with truth, instead electing to go into damage control mode like he did today, which, incedently, doesn't resonate with voters. It only makes him look worse. Kerry's ideas are absolutely awful. He's a lousy ass politician, and a lousy senator. The guys track record has been voting on numerous idiotic things and he has done nothing good. I can't believe how pathetic the other candidates in Mass must be to allow Kennedy/Kerry to keep coming back. God thats one group thats actually worse than the crap California keeps reelecting.

Tex that was freaking hillarious. Definately gonna send that out to a couple of my GOP buddies.

Sweetness....just scheduled PTO for the 26th, 27th and 28th so I'll be heading to the games on the 24th/25th/26th and 27th.

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Nov 1, 2006 -> 01:59 PM) He started 2 games last year and had a sub 4 era. Thats all we have to go off of his performance last year. BMAC is more valuable because he is a pitcher, its harder to find good pitchers for his price. Why do you think TB would be willing to give up "a potential hall of famer" for BMAC? Because BMAC is worth that price. Honestly I don't think TB would make that deal straight up, but they are Tampa Bay and they have certain financial restraints that force them to making what I'd consider dumb moves.

QUOTE(Rowand44 @ Nov 1, 2006 -> 11:52 AM) McCarthy is way too valuable for this team. He's allows us to drop 8-10 mill in payroll, he will be one of our best starters in 07 and he's the only real good young starting pitcher we have. Crawford is a very good player but Brandon McCarthy is too valuable to this franchise. What if we than dealt Garcia for Pelfrey and Heilman (not saying it will happen, but if it did) and also got Crawford for McCarthy. Now I realize we think highly of McCarthy here but I could see Pelfrey being as good (if not better) plus Heilman would have a shot at competing at the 5th spot (along with Pelfrey) and I think Heilman would be happy as long as he had a fair chance at the job (plus if he fails we have him as a swingman in the pen which would be awesome). I'd be very happy with Crawford in LF at the top of the lineup (either 1 or 2) and Pelfrey in the rotation as opposed to Bmac (with Heilman around). Heck, even if we couldn't get Heilman and instead got another prospect (or a different reliever) I would have on problem with the move. QUOTE(Felix @ Nov 1, 2006 -> 12:38 PM) No, for the reasons already stated in this thread. You don't give up pitching for hitting, it's that simple. I have zero problem with it. You put Crawford in a major market and we are talking about one of the premiere all around outfielders in the game. This guy has a good deal of power, can hit for avg, and has loads of speed all while playing a VERY VERY good LF (and he's capable of playing CF). I'll make this deal and find a way to move another one of our starters for a top notch pitching prospect that we can insert into the rotation (than get ourselves a vet swingman as depth). QUOTE(Flash Tizzle @ Nov 1, 2006 -> 12:58 PM) So the rotation remains the same then, right? I don't necessarily see that as a bad thing. The only concern is that financially it doesn't make sense, but who are we to say that the Sox couldn't do it and than make changes later on. I know it isn't there MO, but if we continue to win the club will continue to draw plus they get an additional 5 million (estimate) from the new press box seating. And lets not forget that this team can always swing guys later on or swing a guy in our rotation for another guy or even extend the contract of someone. There are still tons of options even if we move Brandon and a worse case of bringing back last years starting 5 is something every other team in baseball (maybe sans the A's) would be more than happy with. QUOTE(RockRaines @ Nov 1, 2006 -> 01:02 PM) There is more of a chance of us finding young Of'ers and FA of'ers than finding a cheap, young, good starting pitcher. When you factor in the team's financial flexibility and the barren landscape of available FA pitchers, you dont trade BMAC. We are talking about a guy thats a potential hall of famer in the future. I dont' think people realize how good this guy is. He's stuck in Tampa so yes I'd give up a top prospect (albeit a pitching one and one that I think has a chance to be very good) for a potential 25 year old hall of famer who is already playing at an all star level.

In about 30 minutes my mgr is taking us out to lunch. Nothing like a good meal on the client.

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Nov 1, 2006 -> 09:31 AM) Interesting note at the bottom of that article, Heilman wants to start or get traded. Apperently the Cubs are interested.

QUOTE(Heads22 @ Nov 1, 2006 -> 08:59 AM) Tate's a lot less moody this year than in year's past. He's still in the lead for Jesus here to many Hawk fans. Can't you go back to figuring out who your next coach is going to be? By the way firing McCarney will put your program back, imo, because I really don't see any good candidates (or better ones) coming to Ames.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Nov 1, 2006 -> 08:58 AM) Rumor has it there is a Sheffield trade in place as we speak, and that it is an American league team... http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6124630 That could also be the Angels, although I don't know if the Yanks/Angels would make great trade partners considering they may very well be playing each other in the playoffs next October. Than again so could the Sox/Yankees. I should point something out. What if Crede is going to be moved and Sheffield is the bat that replaces Joe while the team than goes and makes other moves and uses Crede to get a leadoff hitter and loads of prospects. I'm not saying I have any logic to this yet, but throwing out reasons why we could potentially make the deal.

QUOTE(santo=dorf @ Oct 31, 2006 -> 08:33 PM) I believe this was a rumor started by Will Carroll and the New York press is on it, but Bruce Levine shot it down during the 9 o'clock hour on ESPN radio. Would you trade Garcia for Sheff + cash and put Gary in LF? It could be tempting, but I'd still want to know what we did about the leadoff situation. Plus I'd want some serious cash in return and an upper echelon prospect (the Yanks have a few of them now). Lets me preface this by saying I'm a huge Sheffield fan. That said I'd still have serious concerns and I think there are better trades out there. And no way would I make this deal straight up.

Him and Kennedy are absolute dispicable hacks.

That will add so much history to the park. Its awesome.

He'd be dumb to take the Cubs over a team like the Angels that are far more ready to win. Plus the Angels will probably offer just as much money, if not more, cause they desperately need some pop in there lineup (especially at the hot corner). Dallas McPherson, Casey Kochman are two guys that a team may be able to acquire for a lot less than they could have two years ago (due to injuries).

Freaking awesome.

QUOTE(The Ginger Kid @ Oct 30, 2006 -> 12:17 PM) Here's to Dustin Hermanson who gutted it out last summer and worked his ass off to try and contribute to the 2006 cause. A man who stepped up in the role of closer in '05 even when his back was barking back then.

Having aliminum bats would create 1000 times more injuries as the balls would be going into the stands farther and the pitchers would been in far greater danger as well (as the balls would be reaching the pitcher faster giving him even less time to react). Broken bats are a part of the game, but more are breaking now because of the use of some of the softer woods.

QUOTE(whitesoxfan101 @ Oct 28, 2006 -> 08:08 PM) I would also like to point out I'm not a total hater though, Jake Christensen is going to be a hell of a QB for Iowa. Only a RS Frosh, his team was in some trouble late today (up only 17-14 with 7 min left, no momentum), and he led them down the field, made 3 great throws, and hit a 4th down TD to put it away. Iowa's WR's other than Douglas are AWFUL, and the TE Chandler is a senior. so they need to get him some help, but he's got a bright future. I personally saw more of Christensen than I ever have of Tate, who I never got why everybody thinks is so good, but maybe that's just me. Should be fun next year at Soldier Field for Iowa/NIU, our sucky ass QB is gone and so is the Garrett Wolfe distraction, and we keep most everybody else, so we'll be a much better team than this years disappointment. The beauty is Iowa is loaded at the WR position. We have a ton of tremendous athletes that are going to be joining Douglas (some of which are red shirting this year) and one of our better WR's got hurt at the beginning of the season (Davis or Calvin) and he'll be back as well. Christensen is going to have a lot of weapons and apparently the school has a couple more good QB recruits on there way as well. QUOTE(He_Gawn @ Oct 29, 2006 -> 04:09 PM) Or how USC stays ahead of ND after a loss to lowly OSU, or Tennesee barely winning at home, or Auburn barely winning, or Texas having to rally. USC has played like garbage all season, squeaking out some shoddy wins. And lets not rave about there win over Arkansas. Arkansas wasn't playing good football at the time and didn't bring in there stud Mitch Mustain till the 4th quarter of that game. Oh and a loss to OSU is far worse than a blowout loss to the 2nd best team in the country (Michigan).

I would love Henry Blanco. The guy has a rifle behind the plate and is the exact sort of defensive backup we could use. That or give the backup job to Stewart.

The Winter Meetings will probably be a good time for that. Or at least a real good time to see what the market is for these guys.

I think some internet thing blew up something ridiculous. I don't really care. He has a favorite team but he also loves the Sox. I think thats pretty evident in the way he treats the fans, gets along with mgmt/ownership, and is a leader in the clubhouse.