Chisoxfn

Am I missing something. When the hell did Honel undergo Tommy John? Whoever you were talking with was messing with you because Honel was pitching at such a late part of last year that if he somehow (under the radar) underwent Tommy John he wouldn't even be close to being in pitching shape. Honel was advertised as throwing in the low 90's from BA but thats not the case with him and I've seen him a few times back when he was the pride and joy of the Sox system. I wish Honel nothing but the best, but any reports of him throwing 99 or even 93 are probably false. If he is throwing 88-89 I'd be happy. I should also add he had some confidence back late last season and started seeing his stuff improve. A lot of what was wrong with Kris was in between the ears. If he can figure it out, maybe he can turn himself back into a prospect. He's healthy (or at least as far as I know he is and one of our writers, Mike aka Cerb, interviewed him near the end of the season and Honel was confident about the strides he made and mentioned nothing about being hurt. That said, does anyone know if he underwent Tommy John. This off-season seems like a blurr to me and I pretty much ignoring the minors the final month of the season with the Sox in the thick of the pennant race and than in the playoffs.

QUOTE(Jordan4life_2006 @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 01:57 AM) This is by far the best staff 1-5 in baseball. I won't worry one bit if the era's are a little high in spring training. As long as the arms are healthy, I'll be happy.

QUOTE(SSH2005 @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 08:01 PM) Well, I don't think this trade is going to happen either because of KW's apparent manlove for Brian Anderson but I could see there being some truth to the Astros offering Taveras and prospects for Contreras. They could then try Chris Burke in center field. When Bagwell officially retires, they could then move Berkman to 1B full-time and put Luke Scott in LF. If Clemens decides to retire or they can't afford him anymore, I could see the Astros wanting to cover their bases with a guy like Contreras. I tend to think a trade for Contreras would pretty much spell the end to Clemens in Houston. Financially I don't think the Astros could afford to give him 16-18 million for another year. They are in a total mess right now thanks to the contracts they've given out to a lot of older guys (people like Bags).

QUOTE(quickman @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 07:59 PM) damn it are you in my brain? Dead on. Tavaras is a better ball player than Andersen right now and one that fits Ozzies needs this year. He is cheap, and talented and has upside. We have contraras as a chip, we have two holes right now, Center field and bullpen. If tavaras is available and Qualls, then there is your trade. No stats just holes to fill. I too don't think it will happen. I think were definately seeing eye to eye on this and I think each team matches up decent, but I think Kenny has no problem sticking with Contreras and turning some of his lesser prospects into a reliever. At the same time I could also see Kenny giving Tracey a shot and since I don't think this spot will cost the Sox a playoff spot halfway through the season Kenny would always have the option to make a move in late May/June to add a reliever if Tracey or Anderson aren't producing as par (just to bolster the club for a world series drive). If Brian Anderson or one more reliever are the reason the Sox don't make the playoffs, I'll be shocked. Its going to come down to our rotation staying healthy and producing as well as the bats consistently scoring runs (not a ton, but just being able to execute and do enough). I think our offense (on paper) is better than last years and the pitching staff is deeper and more proven than last years. The best part is this club is going to be able to continue to mold and gel and hopefully improve because you don't win it all staying the same. Kenny knows that and he's filled what he saw as voids in last years club. I'm quite confident we'll see another reliever and maybe we'll see Jose dealt to get him (or maybe we'll see prospects go for him). Either way this has been unlike any offseason in past history. Kenny has been his agressive self and he's had the blessing from Jerry, Eddie and the other investors. I'm really excited for baseball season to start because I love how agressive this team has been and they have the right attitude of pitching, defense, and some timely hitting.

QUOTE(quickman @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 07:48 PM) AHH now here is a man who looks at more than stats. Very nice post. If we get Tavaras, we can then trade andersen for more bullpen help. Then the real prospect we have left (Sweeney) can develop. He is the only one left that I like at least until the next failed draft! I actually agree with you on Sweeney, however Anderson has proved me wrong thus far. I pretty much have zero faith in Anderon's offensive ability. At his best I could see him turning into a Torri Hunter type player (a shade below defensively though) but thats not the type of player he'll be next year. I could see him at best doing .250 with 15 HR's and 130+ strikeouts. However, if he looks like he did last year (which was worse than a freaking pitcher aside from his 2 HR game) I could see him hitting .180 and getting benched a few weeks into the season. I will need to see Anderson make adjustments and produce before I annoit him a can't miss player. If he turns into a decent hitter he'll be a very good centerfielder due to his defensive abilities. Also great points on Pierre (i think you made them on Pierre) about how Pierre would cost the Sox considerable cash and prospects while Taveras will be cheap and in the Sox control for a long time. Plus I think Kenny and Ozzie both realize how much good defense helps pitching and in all honesty Juan Pierre is not a good defensive outifelder, Willy Taveras is. Personally speaking...Taveras >>> Pierre (when you factor all things into it). Of course I really don't care about CF at all (even though I'm far from comfortable about Anderson) simply because as long as we have someone that can catch the ball there, I don't think its going to be the reason we win or lose. However, Kenny needs to find another reliever and I'm confident he will.

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 07:35 PM) Jim, in my opinion -- and I could be wrong -- I think you're overstating Ozzie's quotes. What I mean by that is, if Kenny was really on board with getting another slap-hitting speedster, I think he would've had the better, left-handed Willie Taveras already (Juan Pierre). I think that Kenny realizes the importance of power in his lineup, and I think he likes having three guys at the bottom of the lineup all capable of 20+ HRs (Iguchi/Uibe + Crede + Anderson). I also think that he's extremely confident in Anderson's defensive capabilities. Will Taveras gain more plate discipline? Ehh, he might, but even at his peak, I don't think he's that great of a player. If this were to be a move for further down the line, I think I'd dislike it even more, as we already have a guy like him in Jerry Owens. ...... QM, you made a comment about everyone thinking Anderson will put up All-Star numbers. Is .250/.315/.425 really the line of an All-Star. 'Cause, frankly, I have minimal expectations for BA in his first year offensively. Really, his importance will come on how good he is defensively out in CF. Keith your killing me. Jerry Owens does not equal Willy Taveras. Owens is a guy whose going to have to hit to succeed in this league. Taveras will have to hit, but he can also play above average center field at the age of 24. He has a good arm for a CFer, great range, the ability to steal and he's shown the ability to hit major league pitching. In the minors he showed pretty good patience and my guess is you'll see his patience improve at the major league level. If this guy were on the Sox last year, I think quite a few of us would be going crazy about Taveras potential to be a future leadoff hitter while serving as Pods 2 hole hitter for the next year or two (and than eventually replacing him). Jerry Owens = 4th outfielder unless he can hit .300 with a good OBP and if he can improve his base runner ability. He needs to better utilize his speed. The fact that he plays Pods position, and NOT CENTER, is another fact that people need to realize. I don't see the Sox replacing Pods next year so Owens is going to be platooning at best at first and it won't be until next year (unless he tears the cover off the ball in spring training or if Pods gets hurt). Jerry Owens is not capable of playing CF. NOT CAPABLE. Talk to people in the Sox org and they will tell you the same thing. In a pinch could he, I guess, but he'd be freaking horrendous out there. He'd be worse than Pods in CF and Pods is a crappy fielder.

QUOTE(JimH @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 07:14 PM) Keith you are a lot smarter than this. It is not saying Anderson is bad. Look at what type of player Guillen likes. Do you not think a player like Tavares has a good chance to gain more plate discipline, do you think Brian is capable of stealing 20 bases per year. Guillen wants more speed at the top of the lineup, do you not think he will support every effort to get more speed? I think he will. Brian can steal 20 bases a year in an agressive system. But we are talking about the top of the lineup and Brian Anderson shouldn't be anywhere close to the top of the lineup this year. Personally, knowing the way the organization feels about Anderson, I don't think there is a chance in hell the Sox are actually seriously looking at Taveras. However, I can see the reasons why, but I also see why people throw his name out there (anyone can figure out what type of guys Ozzie likes and Taveras is that type of guy). Because of that your going to have his name brought up when a team like Houston is rumored to be after a frontline pitcher. Anyway, my 2 cents is that most of this is all for naught because Anderson is going to be our starting CF at the start of the season (for better or worse) and unlike most I'm not exactly comfortable with Brian. At the same time I think our lineup is quite good and our pitching staff is great (as long as it stays healthy). I'd like to see our pen strengthened, but if Brian Anderson and one bullpen arm our the Sox sole questionmarks, I think we'll be alright at the start of the year. Its not like we are going to be asking Anderson to be a key player. As long as he can play defense and improve as the season goes on, I think they'll be alright in CF. I like Anderson's defensive tools a lot and I have my doubts (always have) about his offense, but he has the raw capabilities there and has always proved me wrong while playing well at every level he's been placed at in his career. Hopefully he does more of the same at the major league level.

QUOTE(JimH @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 06:59 PM) Right, Rowand helped us win but he had holes. Hmmm ... Anderson in his minor league career appears to have some of the same holes. Guillen likes speedsters like Podsednik, it does not matter that all the posters on this site think we do not need two players of the same ilk, the point is Guillen wants more speed. No surprise to me if these rumors carry some weight. Anderson has a lot of holes in his swing. They were thoroughly exploited at the major league level (in albeit a small sample size). Over the long haul I think he'll be a solid ballplayer, but I still am in shock at how people have been annoiting both him and Owens can't miss all stars. Our best outfield prospect (by far) is no longer in our system (no biggie if Anderson can develop and Vazquez pitches well), but Anderson is no guarantee. He has all the tools but has quite a bit of work to do to his swing and approach if he's going to succeed at this level (as do most youngsters). I'm always amazed at how fans in general always overrate prospects and underrate proven commodities. Its almost like how backup qb's are always better than starting qb's. Well until they get the opportunity in which case most of the time they show why they are backup quarterbacks.

Jeter is an average at best defensive shortstop and I'd like to say he's a poor defensive shortstop. I'll give him credit for being a headsy player with some intangibles but he's vastly over-rated and vastly overpaid.

QUOTE(Felix @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 06:18 PM) So basically, at the beginning of the season? Its the NL West. They'll be able to stick around for a while.

QUOTE(Texsox @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 06:12 PM) Potato ~and~ rice, and no veggie? Salad with tomatoes and carrots (so thats the veggies). Only reason rice is due to some leftover rice being in the fridge.

Garland is no longer on the market.

QUOTE(SoxFan101 @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 05:16 PM) Thats not true at all.... they dont spend a whole season at AAA all the time but most prospects do spend sometime in AAA unless their majorleague team is really bad than they could just go straight to the majors. A course their are players who go straight from AA like Jenks and Cabrera but those are usually prospects who are more than ready for the big leagues already and isnt the norm. Nah, you can interchange them. Typically you'll see most really good prospects spend most of there time in AA. If they are more raw they'll see an extended time in AAA but if they are really talented they hit AA for the extende time, maybe get a few starts in AAA and than make the jump. However, if your not as talented or if your blocked by a very good player at the major league level (or are more raw) you'll see yourself spend an extended time in AAA. You are correct though, your more likely to spend more time in AAA if your on a good team and at the same time bad teams are more likely to rush guys and will ocassionally promote someone from A ball (hell, didn't Willis pretty much come straight from A ball for the fish). And Jeremy Bonderman was basically the same case for the Tigers. Look at the Sox. A to AA is the biggest jump in the minors. If you see a guy suceed in AA they'll likely suceed in AAA and the next big question is whether they'll suceed at the major league level.

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 04:37 PM) The other problem is if he were to bat ninth or second, he would be back to back with Pods. That's 2 guys back to back that are going to have a tough time driving in a run from third with less than two out. And before I get jumped on by people saying it wouldn't be his job to drive in runs, Iguchi drove home a lot from the 2 hole. Uribe and Crede drove home their fair share from the 9 hole. Having 2 guys in your line-up in the AL who would be hard pressed to drive home 35 runs a piece is not good. I've defended Taveras on this thread, but I'm not a proponent of this thread for the exact reasons you state. Personally I'm not a fan of the move because over the long haul I think Anderson is the better player. However, next year Taveras will be the better player and Taveras will be a good player in this league, imo. I also like the idea of moving Iguchi down in the lineup but at the same time my guess is that he eventually is back into the 2 spot because Uribe is too much of a free swinger to stay near the top (however I hope I'm wrong because I like Uribe's power and ability to make contact from the 2 spot; plus he'll see a lot of fastballs and I think he'll hit 20 Hr's next year). Uribe did make a lot of strides on his patience and he even started staying back on the ball better (which was why he started to take off late in the season).

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 06:00 PM) Good to see people going with the seafood tonight. FlaSoxxJim would be proud. Just put the salmon in the broiler. Having some salad, a baked potato and some rice to go with it. Than its time to sit down and watch more football

QUOTE(THEWOOD @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 05:58 PM) I am still waiting....can not wait for OSU to shut down Notre Dame. GO BUCKS!! I think its going to be a great game. I like the chances of Weiss coming up with a gameplan to keep your defense off guard, but at the same time Ohio State is in my mind the 3rd best team in the country so its going to be a battle (USC and Texas are clearly the 2 best teams in the country). Its gonna be fun and hopefully Brady Quinn, Weiss and the Irish will end this season on a win and help gain some recruiting momentum as well as gain momentum for the Irish to go out next year and win the National Championship.

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 05:58 PM) Well I think a lot of people thought the Saints were a real talented team. But now almost everyone realizes Aaron Brooks isn't that good of a QB, and their defense ain't too good either besides the D-Line. It goes each way a little, but I think Haslett could get a job somewhere, since the openings could reach up to double figures. I definately agree with you that a lot of coaches are going to get 2nd chances since there is going to be a ton of openings. However, if my opinion means anything, I don't see Parcells retiring. I think he'll be back next year and the Cowboys should be a pretty good team next year.

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 05:55 PM) Martz could be one that the Raiders look at. I think Haslett if he goes could definitely get a head coaching job somewhere else though. I know a lot of teams were impressed with the job he did early on with the Saints keeping them afloat. Personally I think Haslett is a garbage head coach. He's had a talented team for a while (I'm not counting this year cause it was an impossible job) and he's continued to fail to get his talent to gel and play up to its capabilities. At some point the onus falls on the head coach. Martz offensive style would definately fit in nicely on a team with as many offensive weapons as the Raiders have (they have a strong WR core and Lamont Jordan showed quite a few flashes. Of course if I were the Raiders I'd find a defensive minded coach and try to grab Martz as an OC (Al Davis would pay the bucks).

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 05:51 PM) Jim Haslett is probably going to quit the Saints since he's had enough. Denny Green could be in some trouble in Arizona, and then there's the Rams. I think the guy that took over for the Rams did an admirable job. He went to the run but had a ton of injuries to compete with. Martz is a gonner though. I can't believe how many vacancies there will be. Your right about Haslett. I think he'd get fired if it weren't for the fact that the Saints were in such a s***ty position and Benson has to no that no good candidate will go there (it will have to be a guy whose been waiting and waiting for a shot or thats considered too green by most that they hire early and hope he can develop into a good coach). I definately could see Haslett saying the hell with it, but he won't be finding another head coaching position. Definately see him finding a gig as a coordinator and obviously Mike Martz could get hired as either a HC or a O.C. (he'd be great back in the OC position with a coach who forces him to run the ball enough).

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 05:47 PM) There's Herm Edwards as well. I wonder if he'll stick with the Jets or bolt to Kansas City. I think he'd probably like the challenge of fixing up KC's defense, and he wouldn't have to worry about the offense at all. Edwards is a good coach. I'd take him on the Bears any day of the week. Are the Titans going to stick with Fisher? I'd like to think they would but sometimes teams just feel a change is necessary. In the case of Edwards and Fisher, if either were fired it wouldn't take em long to find a new team to coach.

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 05:45 PM) That'd be Jim Bates. He's done a good job in Miami and now Green Bay but I think there's other Defensive Co-Ordinators around the league who have a bit more of a higher stock right now such as Greg Williams. Williams won't be in Washington next year. Technically isn't Blache the coordinator while Williams is the assistant head coach - defense or soemthing like that. I mean it was Blache's core and I think Williams was a key addition but at the same time I think he's taking some of Blache's credit. Both are going to get a really good opportunity this off-season and I could see both leaving for a head coaching job. Blache is by far the more risky hire, but he has a positive attitude and gets the most out of his players. I don't think he'll make a good head coach but he's earned a shot at it. I think Rivera is still a little raw to be an NFL head coach but he's going to get some interviews simply because of the NFL's rule on interviewing minority coaches (not saying its not deserved, but that alone will get him plenty of interviews since him and Blache are about the only two deserving of a head coaching position that fit the NFL guidelines). Personally I'd hate to lose Rivera.

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 05:46 PM) Millen really wants Parcells but that ain't gonna happen. Russ Grimm is probably the guy they'll end up taking I think. He's the tough guy from the Steelers right? IIRC was like an oline coach. I remember the Bears were looking at him either for the head coaching job two years ago or the offensive coordinator position (pretty sure it was the head coaching job). I remember a lot of Bears fans liked the idea of Grimm, but some feared he didn't have enough experience at the time. Maybe I'm thinking of the wrong guy though. Seems like a Millen hire though and Grimm's attitude would probably be liked in a blue collar place like Detroit (it would have been liked in Chicago too).

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 05:43 PM) I think Ferentz is really going to be in demand this off-season. Teams have seen what Nick Saban has done for Miami, and if Kirk is actually interested in coming to the NFL he could almost have his pick of teams that he wants to coach. I don't doubt it. Especially considering the amount of job openings. Lets just say: Green Bay Houston Oakland Detroit Kansas City Dallas New York Jets (they say Herm Edwards is safe, but anything can happen). Am I missing any others? Thats potentially 7 vacancies and while there are some good candidates out there, at least one of those teams is going to sniff the college ranks and Ferentz and Tedford are the two guys that will get the bulk of the calls. Both will make great coaches wherever they go, imo.

QUOTE(Felix @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 05:42 PM) Dick Jauron maybe? I don't know if Detroit will keep him around, I mean, they only named him interim head coach after Mariucci was fired. I don't think Detroit will stick with Jauron. They are going to at least interview candidates. Its too bad Millen is signed for the next 5 years. If he wasn't I'd say the odds are good that he could potentially get canned to, but no way is Detroit going to drop Millen and pay him these next 5 years.

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 05:42 PM) Jay Glazer reported today that the Packers were going to suprise everybody and fire Sherman. It'll be interesting to see what happens with Brett Favre if this goes down. If the fire him, they are probably forcing the hand of Farve. I just can't see Brett playing with another coach (obviously he's played with a couple, but he has a good relationship with Sherman and I doubt he'd want to deal with switching systems). If Sherman is fired, he won't be without a job for long.