Chisoxfn

Wow, talk about a deep pitching crop in FA. Also, did Berkman sign a long term deal early in the season or is he actually a FA?

I think the cubs have are one of the more overhyped farm systems in baseballs. Some of their really highly rated players are really backpedaling right now. The Sox system isn't super strong at the top, but it has a lot of highly talented players in the lower level that are moving up. However, they still have a few guys at the upper levels that are very attractive to other teams. By the way, I think Rauch is going to be traded by the break. Call it a hunch, but it doesn't sound like the Sox pitching coaches like the way he throws (not Coop).

He'd move to the pen where if he complained I think the Sox would just deal him for anything.

As usual, we are on the same page...agreed. Although I don't really want Alomar here, but we know the Sox liked him.

I don't want to see both Crede and Cotts go, however, other then that I have no problem with the deal although I'd personally prefer to ship out Borchard compared to Anderson. I definately think Crede or Cotts will be one of the key pieces to the deal.

I know when they signed him they gave him a ton of deferred money. Arizona does this big time on every deal they do. However, their could be a stipulation where if he's traded then the money is owed immediately.

But u got Stewie as your avie...so its all good.

Gotta go with Elliot, Harwick is more deserving to someone that k's 7 times in a game Or get him some of those beautifully developed Walgreens photos

That was on last years list, we still haven't released this years, but neither are in the organization anymore.

Nope; West was playing linebacker for LSU and Holt is in the Dodgers system if I recall.

I agree with that analysis. The only thing I worry about Johnson is his health. He's well worth what he's being paid as long as his arm and knees hold up and what not. Plus he'd really fill the seats and give the Sox a frontline ace. With Buehrle and Garcia as the 2 and 3, then Elo and Garland, thats a filthy rotation down the stretch.

That man deserves one of those fancy nascar cameras

Guys, this is as much about giving up top prospects as it is about taking on his long term deal, not just the money he is owed this year. I will be extatic if the White Sox get him. I'm assuming a package would consist with Anderson or Borchard, Rauch or Diaz, Cotts and someone else.

BFE

It may be what was uploaded. When I get back I'll do it again and try and fix it. But I got them to play.

Rex, only saw Hankins play behind the plate one game. Aceves caught the other. He looked fine behind the plate in the game we saw. Basically Cerb sums it up best. He's throwing out guys and says he has a good quick release, but is just coming along in the blocking balls department. He looked good at the plate. He's been crushing the ball since entering the starting lineup.

I think he's too young to make the jump. He was like a 1st round pick in Japan in 1999 or something along those lines. However, the guy has some pretty sick numbers.

I'd take McPherson over him. McPherson is flat raking the ball and should be starting in Anaheim next year, possibly sooner, but doubt it. But ya, Upton is the best prospect in the minors, imo.

Upton should make a pretty immediate impact for the Drays. Some other guys that could make a pretty quick impact are Edwin Jackson, Grady Sizemore (Cleveland system) and of course there is Jeremy Reed.

I don't think their is a chance in hell that the Sox would let him walk. This guy has some serious value. While he's still raw, he is incredibly fast, hits for power, draws walks, and plays great centerfield. Had 50 straight without an error last year if I recall. He seems to be doing a solid job laying off the curves right now, the only problem is, when he swings at him, he's having a little bit of trouble on them. He did finally rip one opposite field at one of the games i was at which was nice.

Here is a good piece I just found on Bryant Nelson from a few years ago, so people can get even more of an idea on who he is. This guy has basically raked in the minors. He was a 44th round pick who eventually earned top prospect status in the Astros organization but had some trouble finding dedication. He was telling me in the interview that this season has been the most dedicated one ever...and by dedicated I mean focused in a sense. He's in there to show his son what he can do and is going to do whatever he can to get up to the majors. http://www.topprospectalert.com/AZFall/011223bn.html

Yes he is. I have long hoped the Sox would make a push after him. Offensively he's been coming into a zone as well. Not tremendous, but his average has improved every month.

Once they get Andres Torres back, that should at least help solidify the Knights outfield. But a few weeks ago they had Torres, Reed, and Borchard out there. Now its Valenzuela, Taylor, and Nelson. No knock on Nelson, but he's a 2nd baseman. He hasn't played RF in 5 years. Mario hit an absolute shot in the game we saw though. He's definately got some pop. I just hope he can stay healthy and see his average climb. Next feature piece I plan on doing will be on Josh Fields (the one for the Barons). I know some people have asked about him at time to time. Thanks for the kind words on the piece guys, it was fun writing. Nelson was a really good guy and he is really raking the ball. I have to root for him to make it back to the majors. The guy has worked his tail off and has put up numbers to warrant it, morse so then Dransfeldt, imo.

From what I understand Nelson will be in RF until the Sox have someone else called up or signed. Its a short term solution. The Knights are also banged up and the All Star break couldn't come at a better time. In the doubleheader they had no one available to come off the bench.