Chisoxfn

QUOTE(whitesoxmanager @ Nov 24, 2005 -> 10:39 AM) You guys are forgetting the little things in BB. The so called intangibles that a player brings to the proverbial table. The hustle, leadership, desire, intensity, comraderie, friendship etc... You can easily build around guys like this if you have the money & GM. Look at what the Yankees did around Jeter, Angels around Erstad, White Sox around AROW. Steve Finley for any period of time is a disaster. BPenny walks the house in the important games. Lo Duca was huge for the Dodgers. I listened to the post game shows after the trade and saw the attendance drop in LA after the move. They loved him! He represents the Pete Rose in every fan! The Dodgers set a franchise record this season in attendance, without Paul LoDuca. They had injuries galore and Steve Finley was huge for them down the stretch that year and they were able to get into the playoffs. Brad Penny is the best player that came apart of that deal, thats not even to get into the financial rammifactions of why they made the trade. Also if the Angels could they'd unload Erstad, but the problem is no one would take them and there contract. The Angels were good the world series year because of all the different guys on that club and a super strong pen. This year they were there because of Vladdy and one of the 3 best pitching staffs in all of baseball. The White Sox were there because of the team, but because they had the best pitching staff in all of baseball (which was proven in the post-season). Just my 2 cents Kent. Wishes go out to you and your wife for a great thanksgiving

Just to speak of that LoDuca deal. The Dodgers got the best of that deal. They got Brad Penny and he's the best player of that deal. LoDuca is mediocre, Mota was lousy last year, and Encarnacion is a solid player. Brad Penny is a darn good pitcher plus they got half a year of Steve Finley out of that deal.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Nov 24, 2005 -> 08:19 AM) Happy Thanksgiving to all of my friends and extended family here at Soxtalk. Have a safe and happy holiday What he said. Hope everyone has a great thanksgiving. Eat some turkey, ham, or whatever else you like on this day

Well this is strange. The Fish turned down a better offer by the Dodgers because they thought this deal was done. Joel Guzman alone makes the deal greater, but I happen to think Billingsley is a damn good pitching prospect to go on top of it. Joel Guzman is so much better than Hanley Ramirez (as a prospect) its not even funny. If the BoSox stall, than Florida may get an even better deal (assuming Ned Colletti is still willing to offer it).

To be honest the Cubs need to overpay to get Bullpen help. If they landed a guy like Bj Ryan to close for them than I'd say (while they overpaid for some guys) that they did there job of revamping the bullpen. No one can say if Howry and Eyre will stay up for 3 years and pitch like they did this past year, but if they do and they find a closer Hendry paid too much, but he will have filled his teams biggest weakness.

Also, I don't get why the Drays would trade a cheap, talented young outfielder. If they did you'd bet they'd get Sweeney and a prospect or Anderson straight up. I wouldn't do that for Gathright. Gathright is fast as hell and I think he's pretty solid defensively (although I haven't seen enough of him) but he has yet to develop into a top of the order hitter (ie drawing walks and all that stuff). That said if I were going to tab a guy as being a good leadoff hitter 2-3 years from now it would definately be Gaithright. He has killer speed and I dont know about his arm. I saw him make some fabulous defensive plays in Anaheim (but that doesn't mean he's great defensively).

I'd assume that with Thome here Huff is now an aftermality. Although if Paulie isn't resigned that could be Konerko's backup plan. Huff had a down year but I still think he's a good hitter.

QUOTE(beck72 @ Nov 24, 2005 -> 04:37 AM) I have to put this out there--would you be willing to trade Brian Anderson as part of a deal to get Pierre? Because from the looks of it, the marlins will be looking for someone to play LF and Cf to start in 2006. If I were the Marlins, I'd want an Ofer in return No. Pierre makes too much money to give up that type of prospect. Marte and some change or no deal, imo.

QUOTE(SSH2005 @ Nov 24, 2005 -> 04:09 AM) David Schuster, a reporter on WSCR 670, is saying this morning that he still thinks that Juan Pierre is coming to the Sox, not the Cubs. That could just be him (like many of us are) putting two and two together. Levine may have talked to someone that mentioned that the Sox are comfortable with Anderson or maybe they mentioned that they thought the asking price was too high for Pierre. Maybe they just don't want to spend all that money on Pierre because they have that money tabbed on other things.

QUOTE(spiderman @ Nov 24, 2005 -> 12:47 AM) What are the realistic chances that the White Sox trade for Juan Pierre ? It seems as if, to me at least, that there is no chance - Brian Anderson would get the 1st opportunity to take an OF job and at a minimum salary, that is probably the desired option especially since the White Sox just traded some good minor league pitching. BTW, what kind of shape is the White Sox minor league system in after this trade ? Obviously, they seem stacked in the OF, but how about pitching ? Hopefully, Konerko resigns to go with Thome, but I think Iguchi is our #2 hitter again! Not that strong. However Broadway, Tracey, Liotta and Lumsden all have major league stuff and arms.

QUOTE(JimH @ Nov 24, 2005 -> 09:25 AM) Beck, back to more intelligent discussion which I believe is what you were looking for. No question Guillen loves Castillo, he's exactly the player he looks for but I don't see Iguchi being moved. The White Sox feel Iguchi will be a better player next year, with one year's adjustment to the league and possibly less pressure by being moved down in the order. The biggest question mark with Iguchi has been answered ... he is solid defensively at 2B. I think they will keep him for the next two years at least, and try to develop Chris Getz as the 2B of the future, they are very high on Chris Getz. But I agree with your premise, especially your comments about strikeouts. Guillen wants this team to K a lot less and he wants that #2 hitter to take pressure off Podsednik. After a nite to sleep on it, the wild card here is Jerry Owens. I still have my doubts they will go with a rookie(s) in CF but if they have complete and total faith in their young players they just might do it. As I always say, they (mgmt.) are a lot closer to the situation than we are, and let's face it they have earned our trust. Guillen went down to winter ball and was impressed with Owens so he may very well factor into the equation if they can't get or aren't interested in someone from outside the organization (Pierre). Do you go with these 4 outfielders for 2006: Podsednik, Anderson, Dye, Owens? Unorthodox maybe, but possible? I think the next two weeks will tell the story, maybe sooner, i.e. after the physicals and when KW can comment more specifically on the trade and future plans. If Thome, Konerko and Dye are producing in the middle of the lineup (plus AJP and Iguchi down in the order) it makes it a lot more easy for you to develop 2 young outfielders, imo.

QUOTE(GreatScott82 @ Nov 24, 2005 -> 03:53 AM) According to EPSN radio's Bruce Levine- the Sox are 'out' of the Pierre sweepstakes- so as of right now the Center fielder will be Brian Anderson. However, anything can happen. As of right now- here is KW's to do list: 1. Sign Pauly (and if not- make another trade to aqcuire a 1B. For example: Overbay) 2. Explore other CF options out there. Is BA ready to be the everday CFer? We are defending the WS title 3. Make 1 or 2 moves to bolster the pen even more. I'm guessing Marte will be leaving this offseason- that being said another lefty in the pen would be nice. Duque and Marte for Overbay anybody? The Brewers are going to be asking for a whole lot to get rid of Overbay. Duque and Marte would be garbage to them. I think they'd have interest in Marte, but try Marte, Anderson or Sweeney, and something like Sean Tracey. And the Sox would be foolish to make that deal. Its all for not though, Konerko will be resigned by the end of the winter meetings.

QUOTE(aboz56 @ Nov 24, 2005 -> 07:46 AM) THank you, BA will get first shot. Yep, it will be BA or someone acquired.

QUOTE(timotime @ Nov 24, 2005 -> 08:51 AM) i hear that the O's have made an offer to Kong. anyone know anything about that or any other offers? Further proves how dumb the O's are. They keep offering long term big money contracts to hitters while not ever going after pitchers.

Well I love it Ian. There was a post over on the Philly site talking about how cool it was too.

I'd put even money on the fact that Thome will be there Ross.

One thing I want to bring up. Don't forget Jermaine Dye has had injury problems. He was fully healthy last year and I think barring some fluke injury he'll be fully healthy again this year (because he keeps himself in good shape). All that said if the Sox keep Anderson in a 4th outfield role he's ready to step in and help anyone and will also be able to get a few hundred AB's with a lot less pressure. I still think the Sox will be finding someone to play in CF this year and be in the 2 hole. Also, I want Konerko back and he will be back, so unless the Sox want to bring in Giles and resign Konerko, I'll just pass.

I agree with Garland and AJ but I don't know if I'd lock up Crede unless you'd be getting a good value. Also, considering the Sox still have lingering concerns about his back, I'd say the odds of them offering him a long term deal at this point are slim. My hope is that Crede drops Boras as his agent (much like Uribe did).

QUOTE(GreenSox @ Nov 23, 2005 -> 09:09 PM) If that's the case, the fans are defrauded. Because Anderson makes less than Rowand did last year and Thome makes less than Konerko last year (aggregate of around $4mill). And the disparity is even greater compared to what Rowand and Konerko will make in 2006. So that would mean that JR is taking his championship, taking his sold out season tickets, and slashing payroll. I certainly hope that isn't the case. That won't happen. Konerko will be back and than they'll probably extend Garland's deal while other players are due raises. Plus the Sox are still going to bring in another bat (to hit 2nd) and possibly another reliever. I also think Kenny is going to leave himself some serious cash for the trade deadline to allow him to go get someone if necessary. Plus as of now he needs to keep some things free so if Paulie goes elsewhere he can enter into the Manny fray

QUOTE(kapkomet @ Nov 23, 2005 -> 04:07 PM) Right now they are keeping everything separate - but Southwest owns a good part of ATA, I Forget the details at this moment. Southwest also blocked some of Ata's routes. ATA used to fly LA to Chicago, now all those flights are Southwest flights.

Great 1st post and welcome aboard

QUOTE(GS1 @ Nov 23, 2005 -> 08:47 PM) Baseball America refers to this kid as not a top prospect but as simply a kid to watch. Comments? BA is solid, but they are far from great. FutureSox had been talking about Bmac for a long time and than he finally got on the radar at BA. BA hypes guys and falls in love with guys. Haigwood is a top 6 prospect in the Sox org, I guarantee you that much. Is he one of the best pitching prospects in baseball...far from it, but he has the ability to be good and quite a few good baseball people on this board (many of which have connections to insiders) think he's got a good shot. Just an FYI.

QUOTE(SSH2005 @ Nov 23, 2005 -> 08:50 PM) WSCR 670's George Offman said that a good source told him that Jerry Reinsdorf told Paul Konerko that the Thome trade will have no affect on the Sox's ability or desire to re-sign him. He also said that Frank Thomas is gone whether or not Konerko re-signs with us. The Sox just don't know enough about Frank's foot to bring him back even if Konerko leaves. They would go in a different direction. He said that the Sox could trade for a guy like Aubrey Huff if Konerko leaves. Also, the Sox are still interested in Bill Mueller because they are worried about Crede's back. Good stuff and I'm glad JR did that. I really am confident that he'll be back (Paulie).

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Nov 23, 2005 -> 06:41 PM) Their bullpen is no longer pathetic on paper. But one thing we've learned watching teams the last few years is that the performance of pitchers, especially in the bullpen, can vary wildly from year to year (think Red Sox and Yankees in 2005...suddenly reliable guys like Embree, Stanton, Quantrill couldn't get anybody out to save their lives.) I look at this and think that the Cubs just spent $12 million a year on something like 200 innings, and I just have to wonder if it's a wise investment. And its definately possible that Politte and Hermy come back to earth in 05. Hopefully not though.

QUOTE(WinninUgly @ Nov 23, 2005 -> 08:33 PM) Is Overbay available? That would be a steal, but I don't see the Brewers giving him away for Marte, but I guess you never know. They wouldn't. It would cost way too much to get Overbay. Konerko will be resigned..book it.