Chisoxfn

The more I look at his numbers, and I do admit I have some concerns, I think he could be a fantastic pickup. Holds opponents to low averages, solid strikeout numbers, doesn't turn 28 till June. Very low WHIP (1.14 this season and two years back had a .99). If he turns can stay healthy, he could be the bargain of FA. By health I mean if you look at his starts, he either goes pretty deep or leaves games relatively early. He had quite a few starts of 5 innings or less which is a concern. Stuff wise he's good. Plus he's a ground ball pitcher. Gave up quite a few long balls, but his career G/F is 1.68

You know me Jim, the one guy via free agency I like as much, if not more is Jay Gibbons. Only problem is you have no idea if he's going to be non-tendered and it seems like Kenny wants to get some moves in place before the meetings. For example, signing Dye now means he can freely discuss Lee or Konerko without worrying that if it takes too long he won't have an option out their. If Gibbons was on the market for sure, then I think things could be different. And for those bashing Gibbons. Throw out his 2004 season. Some may disagree with me on this, but its well documented how he was injured all season pretty much. Anyway, that aside 2001 he joins the majors and hits .236 in 73 major league games. 2002 he improves his average 9 points to .247 while hitting 28 HR's. 2003 his average once again improves, this time to .277 while hitting 26HR's and playing in 160 Gibbons. So looking at that you see a guy who entering 2004 had improved steadily in each major league season and was going to be 27 in 2004. Now he ends up being hurt in 2004 so that progress goes the other way. So consider 2005 his 2004 and he should imo, match 2003 numbers while hitting for potentially more power if 100%. Thats pretty damn good from the left side of the plate. Not to mention his versatility.

For those talking about Finley, the Angels are going to likely make an offer to him. He's their backup plan, or so it seems, if Beltran goes elsewhere.

Even sounds like they are close based on that. Is he going to be on ESPN radio today as well?

I'd be pleased with a Jermaine Dye signing. When done it means the Sox then open up the possibility of dealing Lee or Konerko or they can hold onto all parties involved. It would be them doing something before instead of countering a move which is something I like to see. I still say look for him to get a similar deal like Hermanson. I'm thinking 2yr 8 mill or 3yr 9-12 mill. Probably some incentives as well.

Also want to note that Hermanson was not offered arbitration by the Giants. So their will be no compensation owed.

Depodesta had to get his version of Chad Bradford I guess, lol. Best of luck to Kelly though.

Cerb, your wrong on this. Erstad may not be a statiticians dream, but he's a hell of a 2 hole hitter and the best defensive first baseman in baseball. He also is more then capable of hitting .300 with a .350 or so OBP and is a very good baserunner and an exceptional hitter (from the aspect he uses all parts of the field and is a good contact guy). He does all the little things and is a leader. As far as Davannon goes the guy is an OBP machine, can play all 3 outfield positions and is a good average hitter. Maybe he's 31, but he flat out produces. The angels have a ton of guys that fit this mold and they seem to be able to win despite having a pretty crappy pitching staff, mainly rotation (it should be better this upcoming year).

God, I know many aren't going to get overly excited by this move. But this really fills an area of weakness giving the Sox a legit RH and LH setup man and moves Politte into a mid-relief role. Now I'm hoping Scho can come back as a reliever and I'll really start LOVING this bullpen. It would of been turned from a weakness into a strength.

f***ing fantastic. This guy has a shot to close as well. Saved like 19 straight with the Giants after moving to the pen. and I'm pinning the thread.

Nah, they were just confusing sextalk with soxtalk...the real reason the internet exists

I think the Pirates would accept this deal, but I wouldn't want Wilson. Plus Perez has great stuff but he's not what you would call proven yet. If the Sox went out and made other moves though, then I could see this type of deal making sense.

Maybe, but I'd be curious to see the type of offers he's getting from Oakland. I'm guessing something around 3yr 24 mill. I think on the open market he gets something like 3yr 36 million, but he may just be willing to accept a 3yr deal now, knowing it secures his future and he doesn't have to worry about FA.

Assuming the Sox plan on resiging Huddy to a deal I'd be all for it. I'd give Huddy a 3yr 30 mill offer and see if he took it if the teams worked out a deal.

IF healthy, JD Drew is worth every penny.

As one of the more avid KW supporters I don't think I've done any trashing of him in this thread. I'm not pleased with the way the offseaosn has gone thus far, but Wright and Vizquel got deals that didn't make sense financially and RJ said no. Thats three guys that were targeted and I can't blame the Sox either way. Although the SOx may have to go a 180 and change their plan up cause the pieces they needed to address the areas they may of targeted may not be out for the taking anymore.

Just think that Kris Benson gets paid just a mill less

If the Sox convince Scho to pitch out of the pen, I'll be extremely happy cause I think he's that good. Given the strides he made when healthy last year, he's going to be so much better when he gets it in his mind that he can be a dominant reliever and I do mean DOMINANT. Resign Scho as a reliever and pickup a hard throwing righty (maybe even via trade) for the pen and I'll be a happy camper because I think the Sox will have cheaply filled a major void that can help carry a team to the postseas (ie the bullpen).

I wouldn't mind Byrd, although I'm thinking he's more of a fly ball pitcher. Still he knows how to pitch and at the right price, and I'm assuming he's only going to get better another year removed from surgery.

Given the recent news, personally I'm hoping the Sox offered Scho arbitration.

I have no problem picking him up either, but I have watched him quite a bit and while I'm a fan of his stuff, if he were on the Sox I'd be very scared about his durability. Also, in regards to GM's. Lets remember that Kris Benson is going to be getting more then 7 million a year for the next 3 years and that teams are going to give Derek Lowe 7-8 mill a year long term simply because he pitched well in the postseason. They are willing to ignore the fact that he had a crappy year. I long said I liked Lowe at 4 mill a year, 5 at the most, but after his postseason that possibility went down the drain.

True. Minny may even feel confident that someone else goes two or 3 years with Koskie and that he takes the security of a long term deal.

No interest at this point. Hopefully a month from now I won't be begging for the Sox to sign him, lol.

If the Sox strengthened their position holes, moved KOnerko and Garland for a front line pitcher then I'll live with a very cheap 5th starter and BMac getting fast tracked. I don't think Bmac is ready just yet though, give him at least 6 months but in general I think one more season in the minors will be best.