Chisoxfn

Shuey retired if I recall.

Just to point out Dye plays RF and is a pretty good defensive right fielder (with a very strong arm). And I have no problem with that cause i think either Everett or Gload can play LF and do a capable job both offensively and defensively. Plus you have to factor that Lee has some serious trade value. If it equated into Tim Hudson then fine by me. Otherwise I'd prefer to see the Sox deal Konerko.

Thats an interesting one...I haven't got a clue. Maybe somehow he has an option to consider opting out of his Japanese contract so the BoSox figured they'd try anyway.

I wouldn't call Dye injury prone. He had a horrible injury that shattered his kneecap pretty much and broke his leg in the playoffs. He just has been hampered by it, but last season seemed to put the past behind him and should only get better this season, imo.

I can say one thing. The tone is so much different here as compared to WSI in regards to this signing. Here it seems more to favor the deal while their almost everyone is jumping off a bridge.

Didn't see it mentioned here. But its a two year deal WITH an option for a 3rd year. I think its a team option.

Drew Tate may just win himself a Heisman before he lives Iowa. He's got the shot to be that good. He's not a pro qb, but he knows how to run an offense, is exceptional outside the pocket, and was a great leader for a youngster.

Ya, five fans and five players.

Are the Pads trying to sign Woody Williams as well?

Well if I were the Sox I wouldn't make a major deal with Baltimore. If the Sox deal Konerko they need to get a legit leadoff hitter (Luis Castillo, etc) or pick up a good starting pitcher or get good prospects and payroll relief which goes into signing a starting pitcher.

The next question would be, who wants Paul Konerko and what type of starting pitcher could you get for him? I still have my doubts on a Javier Vazquez for Paul Konerko deal, unless the Yanks and Dbacks can't work things out and decide Giambi isn't their answer. I do know one thing, signing Dye now allows Kenny to explore every and any avenue at the winter meetings of a deal involving Konerko. Having Hermanson and I'm crossing my fingers, Scho, joining the Sox bullpen would give them an above average pen, which would be a big improvement over what I would rank as a below average pen. Then Dye and Gibbons gives the Sox a deep lineup, not as good as last years, but still good. It is more balanced when you consider an actual left handed power presence and Gload/Everett coming off the bench once Frank comes back. So the only question left is can the Sox find a top of the order hitter and who do they get for Konerko (I still like keeping Garland around, he's a workhorse). But if they dealt Konerko and Garland I'm now starting to like the idea of Odalis Perez on the South Side. Hopefully this is how KW is thinking, cause the signing of Hermanson coupled with a potential signing of Dye could mean he's thinking along our lines and either way I think the moves make sense.

Good god, NO. Put it this way...I made a point never to attend another Angel game that he pitches in. This guy is the epitome of garbage. To a minor league deal...sure, just cause its an insurance type thing, but as a solution to the 5th spot, NO.

Haha Jim, we both have the same idea in offering up a little something. Kind of like the Sox did to get Damaso Marte instead of fighting to get a waiver claim on him. You mention the back injury and thats as good of reason to struggles as possible, so if he's healthy (big if) he's one of the biggest bargains out their. Just like I think Hermanson could turn into a big bargain, especially considering his versatility. He could slide into the closer slot and potentially turn into a stud closer, he could be a good to very good setup man or if stuff doesn't go right they could pencil him into the 5th spot. Very good signing for 2.75 mill a season. Gibbons on the other hand gives the Sox something they haven't had in years, a legitimate left handed power hitter, who if healthy hits 25 hr's no doubt and to me has the potential for 35 Hr's and 100 RBI. Also isn't going to strike out 100 plus times which is good for a power hitter. Here's something to think of though. Sox sign Dye to play RF and then deal Konerko. This move opens up 1st base and its been said by Levine that the Sox don't think of Gload as an everyday player. Well then Gibbons gets non-tendered and they sign him for 2 mill or so. Gibbons plays a good 1st base and provides power. He can also play RF on ocassions spelling Dye. And all of this guys can also DH at times while Frank is out. For 5-7 mill a year you could get Dye and Gibbons plus a solid starting pitcher for Paul Konerko and his salary.

I have the same hang up. Maybe if the Sox contacted the O's and offered them a little something to acquire him now, and getting a window to negotiate a deal with Gibbons, but I don't think KW wants to wait for Gibbons, knowing that he may not get non-tendered or that at that point other options are gone and Gibbons price gets driven up.

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