Chisoxfn

In AJ's press conference he wouldn't mention whether he had a better offer. If he did I don't think it was much more than the Sox offered. I know the Dodgers made an offer but theres probably had some contigencies. Regardless he seems excited to be a White Sox and I like the way he plays the game.

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jan 6, 2005 -> 10:23 PM) Hankins left as a minor league free agent so I don't know what the status is on him coming back. But if we got rid of David or Burke, Hankins would be an ideal 3rd catcher, as he can also play in the infield. I think you'll see Hankins resign with the Sox, but I could be wrong. I'm pretty sure the feelings are mutual. I'll tell you one thing...I'm rooting for Hankins no matter where he goes. Class Act.

I should add that the Bears interviewed him yesterday according to an article in the Baltimore Sun (I think that was the paper). It also said the Ravens planned on interviewing him. However the article indicated that Turner's first choice is the Bears and that him showing interest in the Ravens is mearly to drive up the price a bit and hurry up the offer from Chicago. Seems as if he wants to keep his family here. Billick said some real nice things about him too: "Ron Turner is as good as offensive coach that I've ever been around," Billick said. "So he is going to be coveted. He is part of the process and why I want to try to accelerate the process. Hopefully, because of Ron and I relationship, we can do this in a time frame that allows us to expose us to Ron and Ron to us as quickly as possible."

QUOTE(YASNY @ Jan 6, 2005 -> 10:12 PM) It's a shame to read KW describing the chances of signing Iguchi as "remote". As with AJ, we'll have to wait it out and see what happens. But KW isn't going to say the odds are good. Then he'd get plastered by the fans and media if they failed to land him. I think he just wants to remain koy on the whole issue. You dont' want the agent to think he's desperate or anything along those lines. We'll see what happens, but I think Cora is the backup plan.

I got this off the Bear board I frequent and a regular poster said the NBC guy quoted trib sources saying that the Bears offered Ron Turner a contract to be the next OC of the Bears. I guess we'll know tomorrow when the radio picks up on this. I'd have to think he'd accept, unless he's just sick of Illinois. He runs a very similar system to his brother Norv Turner. A west coast offense and the only thing I really remember about him was how he had Kramer and Walsh and was able to build sucessful pass offenses around them. Hell, the Bears had one of the funnest offenses they ever had under Turner. Plus they were able to plug in a few backs and get more then good seasons out of them. Raymont Harris, who was never really an anybody, seeemed to produce quite well in Turner's system.

Hell, I'll throw one other name out there: Kris Honel If the Sox don't like the way he's progressing from his phantom injury, then there could be a shot that they drop him from the 40. I find it unlikely soley because he was a 1st round selection and does have a high upside if he ever finds his arm slot again. I'm way down on Honel as you can tell. But we'll know quickly whether he's got a shot or whether he's done, imo. By quickly I mean first month and a half of the season.

QUOTE(Buck Weaver's Ghost @ Jan 6, 2005 -> 09:54 PM) Why do you think the Sox would choose Davis over Burke? Because I personally believe they feel he's a better backup catcher. I just don't know if Davis is the type of guy you want coming off the bench. Mix that with his little higher price tag and it gives a reason to get rid of him, especially if that frees up enough money to go a little extra on Iguchi. However, considering Burke has now half a season or so in the bigs, my ultimate guess is that the Sox carry 3 catchers into spring training. You may see them deal one of them then depending on how they feel. I also like Ryan Hankins, but if you deal Davis then your getting risky putting the pressure on other guys if Pyrz goes down. I also like Burke's approach at the plate a lot more then Ben's. Ben has a very long swing, although I do see some potential in him still. I also think Burke calls a good game and has good fundementals behind the plate. Davis is solid too, not as bad as some people believe. Another possibility is the Sox actually move Willie Harris. I don't see them moving Timo, but thats possible too. I'd guess that would be a spring training move. One last question is, is the roster at 41 including Thomas and Escobar? Cause those two don't count or something like that if I recall since they are on the 60 day DL.

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jan 6, 2005 -> 09:47 PM) To add to the Iguchi news, apologies if posted already; That right there is different fomr another report that makes you believe its a two year deal. My guess is creativity comes down to the amount of guaranteed money and the incentives/buyout/option years. I'm guessing 2 years with an option year and some incentives. But if its just 600K it could very well be a ploy, but if its 600K a year that may be another story.

QUOTE(3E8 @ Jan 6, 2005 -> 07:50 PM) I hope WSCR's sources are credible. If 600k is all that's separating us from Iguchi, I'm fairly confident he will be a White Sox. The thing is you have to remember Japanese players kind of think another way. To them its about respect and he may not actually lower his offer. The other question is how much better does Kenny think he is then Alex Cora, who appears to be available for as little as 1.25, maybe even less. Thats going to be what it comes down to. Kenny may just got to one point and then say take it or leave it. Iguchi may say forget it (its disrespectful offer; Kind of like Ichiro kept saying if the M's don't sign me to an extension well before my contract is up I'll leave because I feel disrespected) and then go focus somewhere else. I like the idea of Iguchi because of the upside potential. Both with Iguchi and if both Shingo and Iguchi perform well in Chicago you create a media following that gets the Sox more PR and could lead to other players wanting to join the White SOx.

You could see the Sox designate Ben Davis for assignment and then have 10 days to trade him. Matt Smith is another possibility but I was long told that he was going to get at least a shot this spring. However his upside isn't necessarily huge. And then there is the possibility of the Sox giving up Borchard or Escobar, which I just can't see happening. However with Anderson kind of developing you never know.

QUOTE(Mr. Zero @ Jan 6, 2005 -> 05:33 PM) I'm all for Iguchi. If he has a good time here, maybe, just maybe, him and Shingo and their tales of how fun Chicago is will allow us a shot at that amazing Japanese pitcher. (Name forgotten) Thats reason enough for me. Everything I"ve heard about that guy, including talking to a player thats faced him, make me think he's legit.

I still think they have one more move left and thats getting a middle infielder whether its Iguchi/Cora/Cairo. But by the looks of this, on paper this is going to be a far superior team to the one the Sox put out there at the start of last season.

God damn, listening to that press conference just got me giddy. This is the type of ball player I love. I love his comments talking about the Twins/White Sox series. Geeze, I'm still in shock that Pyrz is a White Sox. I'm tempted to get a jersey now, lol.

Reynoso but there are other guys I could see pulling from the roster as well.

QUOTE(aboz56 @ Jan 6, 2005 -> 08:17 PM) ``All I can say is I'm going to do whatever I can to change that,'' he said. ``It's taken an effect on my career. I don't know where some of the stuff has come from, but I'll do whatever it takes to fix it. ``What happened in San Francisco is a shame,'' he added. ``But I'm looking forward to a new start in Chicago and getting that out of the way.'' ``People think that I just am into what's going on with me. People don't understand I just want to win,'' Pierzynski said. ``I'll do anything I can to help my team win the game. I can't say anything else except that I'll do my best to change and get that reputation gone so we can win games.'' Like I love to say, this is BIG.

I just love the idea of having Pyrz behind the plate. I've been lobbying for this go for what seems like forever and he's finally a Sox.

I know Apu mentioned the name Fields the linebacker from Carolina who came back from Hodgins.

One other thing on Davis. I wouldn't be shocked if someone would be interested in him. Maybe the Dodgers. Sox pick up 250K with Burke handling the backup duties. Gives the Sox enough flexibility to finalize a deal with Iguchi.

That be cool if he were to make it. I want to hear some interview of him tomorrow on the major stations.

Next question is who gest dumped from the 40. I'm going with Paulino Reynoso.

Midway is closest to downtown. Also happens to be the only one southwest flies into.

For airfare, I booked soutwest and got out there for like 170 roundtrip. Don't know if they still have the deal going on or not.

If your going for fest, you should do the hotel deal. Its a good price and you get everything.

Rebooted again. This is obviously gonna be an ongoing problem for the next 48 hours. Sorry about it.

I was on the phone with them as it happened, but I now saved the number into my cell phone so if it goes out I can quickly call them up and handle it. Like I said originally this will probably happen again until we can get it solved, hopefully by the end of the weekend. Fantastic news though...SIGNING of Pyrz