Chisoxfn

QUOTE(fathom @ Jul 28, 2006 -> 05:54 PM) No matter if we trade Garcia now or in the offseason, I don't think we're going to get much for him at all. I'm all for trading him this weekend, and opening up the position for McCarthy. That type of shake up could really wake up the team, and make them know that no one's role is safe. I'd rather throw him on the DL if the value isn't there and see what happens. I have no doubt that he was effected by the WBC along with him getting a bit out of shape after winning the world series. I do think he can regain his velocity with the proper work ethic over the off-season. I wouldn't even think about trading Vaz right now, not when Coop is getting so close (imo) and well Buehrle isn't the type of guy we can just give up on, especially since he works so hard and has been dominant at one point this season. Shake things up, move Freddy to the DL and see what Brandon can do (or let Freddy pitch out of the pen but I don't know how that would fly).

QUOTE(TitoMB345 @ Jul 28, 2006 -> 05:49 PM) That wasn't the question though, it was whether we would accept a White Flag trade, AKA trading our superstars for loads of soon-to-be-ready prospects? No, it would be completely assinine which is exactly what I said. There is no such thing as taking a bunch of soon to be ready prospects and staying competitive. Its one thing if you retool and move a couple guys for new pieces or different pieces that are quality, its another when you move guys like Dye/Thome/Konerko/Count/Garland. If we want to retool, we do it in the off-season, not now. If you guys want to see the fan base completely disappear than you can go ahead and deal Buehrle/Vaz/Garcia for prospects and see this organization fail to win for another 80 years.

At this point you almost have to ask yourself is it wise to just stand pat. It hasn't worked for a couple weeks and there has been a precident set this season with Liriano and Weaver, two guys who were moved into the rotation and provided major sparks for teams that appeared to have zero chances at making the playoffs. In Weaver's case he was pitching as a starter in the minors so he was pretty ready to come up, but he doesn't have the experience Mac has. In Liriano's case he was only throwing out of the pen for about a month so his stamina wasn't quiet as effected and well, I'm not stupid enough to compare Liriano and McCarthy. However, no one is going to tell me that Weaver is better than McCarthy. I like Weaver a lot but he's pitching over his head right now (no pitcher is as good as he's been as of late, but he will have a very good career if he stays healthy). Mac should have a very similar fate as well and its time to see if we can create some sort of spark by moving him into the rotatoin. THe question is who do we replace, Freddy or Buehrle. I'd love to think we could move Freddy for prospects but thats a sign of a team giving up and I don't think Kenny is willing to do that. I'm convinced Freddy got fat and lazy over the off-season and thats why his velocity is down. In Buehrles case he can't locate and his velocity is a bit down as well, but he has had success for an extended period this year and I'd prefer to be on him re-figuring things out. Basically put, now is as good a time as any to make a change and see what happens. We don't give up prospects, but we shake up the makeup of this team and tell everyone that there jobs aren't safe.

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Jul 28, 2006 -> 05:45 PM) Trading Thome would be idiotic. The effect he has had on this offense this year is beyond incredible. He's had a major effect on guys like Dye and Crede while AJ has went away from his pull hitting ways of the past two years (Which is a major plus). However, by himself I do think Jim Thome is over-rated just a bit. I realize his stats say one thing but he's too much of a pure slugger for my liking and if this team doesn't do things well, I wouldn't be opposed to moving him for a more all around player (and yes I'm talking about getting a superstar type player in return, not just some decent guy, even if it meant we threw in a few prospects).

QUOTE(Gregory Pratt @ Jul 28, 2006 -> 05:42 PM) Yes. What Greg said times a million. Anyone suggesting a White Flag trade should just quit watching baseball. Yes we suck right now, yes we may not get things figured out, but that doesn't mean we should give up and throw things away. What that would say to a fan base thats been rejuvenated is disgusting and it would probably send this franchise back to its pre-world series championship days. Even if this team can't survive the talent is there and in the off-season Kenny will just have to go out and make some minor moves. I would also expect our guys to come back with more of a fire and in better shape (and Freddy and maybe some others would probably be gone). No reason to do anything drastic because the talent is there whether or not this team makes it now, its still a team thats going to be dangerous next year and you know Kenny will try even harder again this off-season (regardless of whether we win or lose).

Can Ozzie please try to be agressive. This team has been so fishing passive the past few weeks its disgusting. Our fastest and best base stealer has reached based twice tonight and he's yet to run (Ozuna). He even had a few pitches that got in the dirt (one of which he should have been on 2nd on) where he didn't attempt anything either. Our offense is in a funk so find other ways. Use hit and runs to force the hitters to shorten the swing and use right field (not to mention put pressure on the defense) and try to steal to get your guys in scoring position so you just need one single as opposed to a couple strung in there. We can't just sit back and wait for the HR. I don't give two spiffs what a stat guru will tell me about it being dumb to run in front of Thome or Paulie because they can hit HR's, fact of the matter is right now we ain't hitting hr's so you got to push and find other ways to create offense. Ozzie stop sitting on your ass and start making some agressive calls. Thats what we hired you for, we didn't hire you to sit around and start calling an American League style of baseball (which I consider sub-par baseball because it has no creativity or art and it tends to fail in the playoffs...look at how the Angels, Marlins, White Sox have all succeeded in recent years playing another style). Don't think that I'm not blaming our players for not executing with runners on. Dye had a few blown chances for a two out clutch hit thus far tonight, Paulie went down with a runner on 3rd and less than 2 outs as well. Trust me, I realize the players need to execute but when they aren't, Ozzie needs to go out and be creative and try to find other ways. You can't just sit around waiting and hoping that this offense rediscovers its magic. When the magic isn't there, create...create...create.

Can Ozzie please try to be agressive. This team has been so fishing passive the past few weeks its disgusting. Our fastest and best base stealer has reached based twice tonight and he's yet to run. He even had a few pitches that got in the dirt (one of which he should have been on 2nd on) where he didn't attempt anything either. Our offense is in a funk so find other ways. Use hit and runs to force the hitters to shorten the swing and use right field (not to mention put pressure on the defense) and try to steal to get your guys in scoring position so you just need one single as opposed to a couple strung in there. We can't just sit back and wait for the HR. I don't give two spiffs what a stat guru will tell me about it being dumb to run in front of Thome or Paulie because they can hit HR's, fact of the matter is right now we ain't hitting hr's so you got to push and find other ways to create offense. Ozzie stop sitting on your ass and start making some agressive calls. Thats what we hired you for, we didn't hire you to sit around and start calling an American League style of baseball (which I consider sub-par baseball because it has no creativity or art and it tends to fail in the playoffs...look at how the Angels, Marlins, White Sox have all succeeded in recent years playing another style).

Sick

QUOTE(Gene Honda Civic @ Jul 28, 2006 -> 02:35 PM) His natural position is 3B. he conceded that spot to the elder statesman Enriquez, who was 25, in the WBC. From what I saw, he was very raw at 2B in the WBC, but never saw him at 3B. I don't know exactly how he projects in the field. I would figure that he needs about a year at AAA to get adjusted. He shouldn't be counted on by anyone, especially a contending team, to contribute right away. I believe he was just 21 during the WBC. He is awfully talented and I do think he has the bat to make a major league roster immediately. Your right about his fielding though as his range is a bit limited at 2nd, although he's a very good defensive 3rd baseman from what I've read about him in the past. I'm basing most of this stuff from whta I've read and a very small sample of him in the WBC though. But I do think he'd get a lot of money but I think of this more so as a Kendry Morales type move (in the sense that if he goes to a contender, like Morales did, you are best suited to give him some time to get comfortable and ready).

QUOTE(Palehosefan @ Jul 28, 2006 -> 01:28 PM) As Hawk would say. Where are they going to play them? Lugo and Wigginton have the SS/2B locked up. Crawford and Baldelli have two of the OF spots locked up, and the other OF spot has Branyan, Hollins, and Norton vying for time. Young should have kept his mouth shut until after the trade deadline to see if guys like Lugo, Wigginton, Branyan, and Gomes are moved like they should be. Branyan, HOllins and Norton should not be taking the time when you have guys like Dukes (or moreso Young) that could step into the OF). Wigginton is nice but you got to open up a spot at 3B for Upton. Wigginton can sitll get his AB's between 1st and DH. Is Gomes going to be moved, I don't know how old he is, but he's a pretty solid player with some power.

QUOTE(aboz56 @ Jul 28, 2006 -> 02:13 PM) For some reason I have a good feeling about tonight's game. It would feel so good to get back in the win column. It's been tough watching them play so bad, hell I think it's put me in a bad mood for a few weeks now. Time to get back to winning ways. A win tonight is an absolute springboard if we want to get on a winning streak as we've got guys the next two days (Chen and Benson) that we can light up. We are doomed...Freddy is at his best when we are all feeling like we have no chance. Think Cincy when we thought we were going to see a whooping and he ended up turning things around. We will win tonight though...offense is going to show up and I actually do have some confidence in Frederico

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Jul 28, 2006 -> 01:41 PM) Milwaukee radio is speculating that Cordero, Mench and/or Brady Clark may be spun off in another deal for pitching. Do you think Doug Melvin may be looking at something in Charlotte? The Sox have a good rapport with Melvin so I wouldn't be shocked. Clark would be a good fit and if we got him we could also add Cordero while spinning Pods somewhere else and giving the Brew-crew a few prospects. I really can't see the Brewers holding onto Francisco so it may not be bad to go after him. Than again, I can't see the Sox taking on that 5 mill option either (not when we have at least one reliever thats better than him, possibly a couple more). Of course I like Cordero a heck of a lot and I think those two would be major boosts to this seasons club.

Ya, I didn't realize it was a translation at first. I was about to head to Cuba where I could be the Minister Of Grammar

New Slogan under the banner will be the difference. Get ready for some offense (6 runs or more) and a win.

QUOTE(iamshack @ Jul 28, 2006 -> 12:34 PM) Don't Fret! Jon is pitching again tomorrow! I don't want to get it to that point again. I think it would be huge for Freddy to go out and have another quality start and get this team its first non Garland win since the Break, than let Jon give us our first winning streak of the break

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Jul 28, 2006 -> 12:29 PM) He doesn't take trade rumors very seriously, he jokes around about them now. Doesn't believe any of the rumors. It was his dream growing up to play for the Sox and there's no way he wants to leave. The clubhouse has basically been the same all year but he feels it's picked up a bit since getting to Baltimore, they're feeling a bit more positive. Getting used to the relief role took him awhile at first but he's finally setteled into it. he doesn't think jumping back into the rotation would be a problem He also had a good quote, they normally have him on every few weeks to talk about the team, "would you guys still be opposed to doing the show if I'm pitching for the Nationals?" Brandon is such a great interview. Good stuff and thanks for the recap. Mac is definatley a good interview. He knows what he wants to do, is mature for a guy his age, and really has an understanding for the game and a strong work ethic. I'll be really happy when the deadline passes and he's still on our roster.

QUOTE(SoxFan76 @ Jul 27, 2006 -> 07:05 AM) Sort of off topic, but not. I don't know who the minor league experts are around here, but I'm going to thow this one out there? My buddy threw 87-89 in high school, went to college and actually LOST 3 or 4 miles off his fastball. This is with increased physical training, higher competition, and better coaching. Does this happen a lot? Ya, at times guys throw harder in high school because they aren't throwing as many innings and have shorter seasons. Another thing that could happen is you have a coach that changes your mechanics to help out some other stuff and it results in a loss of velocity. Its really a crapshoot, some guys really gain velocity, others drop. Another thing that happens is guys from college can have the same thing since they at times only start once every 7 days as opposed to every 5 which means they are always stronger and when you switch to once every 5 days guys don't always maintain velocity so they turn into guys that don't throw near as hard.

Technically he's right. I've wondered for a long time why they sit around and wait. Obviously they don't want to start the time table, but for cripe sakes at one point get the guys up and let them get there licks in. Sure it can blow up in your face, but were talking about talented guys that have put up some good numbers in the minors.

QUOTE(LVSoxFan @ Jul 28, 2006 -> 12:13 PM) Ahh, Steff.. Ye of little faith! You've read me long enough by now to know I know better! I shall arrive at the Sox offices wearing a Haz-Mat suit and carrying a placard which states: "WHAT STINKS MORE THAN YOUR TEAM IN JULY? YOUR &^%!$%! SPECIAL EVENTS!" And I will be barking through a bullhorn, saying things like "Do I LOOK LIKE LANCE BASS? So WHY YOU TRYING TO BEND ME OVER?" I'm sure that will get me an audience with Jerry.

We shouldn't even be there. Its great to have talent, but when you can't win more than a game every turn in the rotation you don't deserve to be in the top 10.

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Jul 28, 2006 -> 10:48 AM) Wait, am I missing something? If Minny made it to the playoffs, they'd send Liriano and Santana for three out of the five Division Series games, and four out of seven games in the Championship Series and World Series. Nobody in baseball comes close to matching that. I hate to say it, but the Twinkies have as good a shot as anybody to win in the playoffs. I think no team would want to face the Twins because of that looming combination. However, Liriano is going to have a lot of innings under his belt and while the Twins have been incredibly careful with him, who knows if he'll be his same dominant self at that point.

Don't really care...I care more about what the Sox do cause this is all meaningless if we can't take care of business. If the Sox can get back to playing good baseball, everything will work itself out, imo.

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Jul 28, 2006 -> 11:03 AM) 7, 8, 9 has just been somewhat locked down. Cordero is better than Turnbow IMO. I think the Rangers paid a pretty steep price for a CLEE rental. Nix doesn't play for them and won't play for them. Lee >>>> Mench (who he replaces) Cordero (darn good reliever, but one that probably isn't worth 5 mill and I am surprised the Brewers are gonna pay that so my guess is the Brewers trade him eventually). The question is Lee that much better than Cordero and Mench and my answer is an unequivacal yes as long as Lee is signed long term. Lee will be the righty that lineup needs between Tex and Blalock (to go with Young and Sarge Jr. at the top) while Cordero probably would have been gone in a short time. Not to mention the Rangers still have all there pitching prospects in tact, which is what they are going to need to reach the next level (whether they trade them for proven arms or develop em).

QUOTE(JimH @ Jul 26, 2006 -> 08:33 AM) Interesting topic, because I can see KW wanting to upgrade the leadoff spot with an impact guy. Crawford and Soriano fit the bill. I think they have the bullets to get Soriano, but not Crawford. Hasn't Roberts played some outfield or was Hairston the only guy to play outfield. Long term I could see the SOx having interest in a guy like Roberts. I do think Pods is gone at the end of the year (via trade) and we will acquire a new top of the order guy. Ozzie loves Brian Roberts. QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Jul 26, 2006 -> 08:37 AM) The flip side of that is did the DRays learn their lesson from asking too much for Aubry Huff? Ya, but they don't have to trade Crawford. He's signed to an affordable deal, the problem is they don't think they'll be ready to compete during the time of his contract so they will trade him if they get the right offer, but they aren't about to drop there demands. Crawford is probably as underrated of a player as there is in the game. You look at his career numbers at this point and compare them to some of the games top players (Bonds, Rickey Henderson) and you'll see his are right on par to what they did. QUOTE(ZoomSlowik @ Jul 26, 2006 -> 12:07 PM) Changing managers isn't going to improve a guy's batting average. He just can't consistently find the holes like he used too, and if he's not hitting at least .310 he as a fairly low OBP. He's basically the same player as Pods, if not worse at this point. One season means he can't consistently find holes. Wasn't the guy a career .300 hitter. He's obviously had some rough patches and Wrigley isn't the best place for a slap hitter, but the guy is much better than a lot of people on this site seem to think. If Ozzie wants speed, Pierre is better than Pods. I realize Pods has the better OBP and aside from speed and defense Pods has actually been solid (he works counts really well) but Ozzie wants guys that put pressure on the defense, Pierre can bunt, is a darn good contact hitter and can still steal bases (a key need in a leadoff hitter for Ozzie). Whether we agree with what Ozzie wants is up for debate, but hte fact is he likes (scratch that, LOVES) speed at the top of the order and Scotty isn't providing it while at the same time he isn't providing any defense.

A lot of scouts think as Sweeney grows more comfortable he will learn to better pull the ball. He had some wrist problems that really limited his power and he's definately developing a bit more power. However, other scouts are beginning to have doubts about whether he will really develop much power. I think 20 HR's would be real nice out of him and I don't project him being more than a 30 HR guy. More like 15-25 if all goes right while he hits for a pretty high average and plays darn good defense. Of course in the early years it may be even less power. I've long compared his offensive production to that of Garret Anderson (took a long time for him to develop HR power).