Chisoxfn

That would be my plan Mark. I think Okeafor and Chandler are talented enough to be very athletic and ocassionally guard the other teams small forward. The huge dillema with this is you still have Davis, Fizer and Jerome Williams on the sidelines although I have a feeling both Williams and Fizer will be moved at some point. And then I really like Erob off the bench and he can come in and play against the 3, plus you have Pippen as well off the bench. Maybe you use Erob on the 2 with Pippen on the 3. Either way I think it would be a very productive defensive team, the question is whether it would score the points. As long as Chandler can get healthy, I think he will contribute around 15 a game. His offensive game is clearly improving and Curry played pretty good yesterday. I really think Skiles is going to get him turned around. The big if is Crawford. I could really see him dealt pretty soon, with a contract in the mix, I'm thinking the junkyard dog and they will get a sg or sf in return. Just a hunch.

Ginter could be someone that is dealt to sweeten a deal, but personally, I'd like to see the Sox give him a chance and let him get some innings out of the pen. I always have felt he'd make a good reliever if he was given a consistent opportunity. I feel the same way about Willie Harris. Luckily I think Harris will get his chance this season.

Happy Birthday

Agreed. I like hearing from Coop cause he's probably the coach I respect the most on that staff.

Rivera has always struggled once making the majors, but if i recall he had at least a few seasons in the high minors in the TIgers organization where he whalloped the ball.

Wasn't Hankins in the Arizona league? Here is the write up I did on that about a week ago: http://www.futuresox.com/modules.php?op=mo...order=0&thold=0

Ya, I still have to talk with JD, whose been kind enough to help us out with those, but I've been waiting to get some money pooled together. When the server went out, we had to go on a little more expensive one, but soon enough we should have them

2004 Winter League Analysis By Jason Gage FutureSox.com The winter leagues aren’t near as hyped as the Arizona Fall league, but it’s a place where numerous prospects and major leaguers go to get some extra at bats, innings pitched or just have some fun. Jose Valentin is one of those players that plays in the winter leagues specifically to have fun. Now that the winter leagues are over, lets take a closer look at what the members of the Sox organization did. Puerto Rican League 1. Jose Valentin, 34 – SS – S/R – Mayaguez Stats: .115 AVG, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 5 BB, 10 K Valentin, whose $5 million option was recently picked up, struggled mightily. After constantly saying he wouldn’t give up switch hitting, Jose strictly hit left handed at winter-ball and the results were disappointing to say the least. Valentin hit a whopping .115. 2. Ryan Meux, 25 – LHP, Reliever - Caguas Stats: 0-2, 1 SV, 4.82 ERA, 9.1 INN, 10 H, 6 K, 3 BB Meaux was one of the Sox best relief prospects last season, spending part of the season with Winston Salem and the other part with the Birmingham Barons. Meaux pitched solidly overseas and will likely start the season in Birmingham, possibly as the Barons closer, although Rick Hummel may have something to say about that. 3. Mike Rivera, 27 – C/1st – R/R - Carolina/Santurce Stats: .254 AVG, .324 OBP, 2 HR, 23 RBI, 21 K, 10 BB Rivera was picked up last season from the San Diego Padres. A former highly touted prospect in the Tigers organization, Rivera has played in the majors and was rather successful in Charlotte. After a solid winter campaign, Rivera will once again handle some of the catching duty at Charlotte and should be a key piece to their offense. 4. Dennis Ulacia, 22 – LHP, Starter/Reliever - Mayaguez Stats: 0-1, 6.23 ERA, 17.1 INN, 20 H, 4 BB, 9 K Coming off another disappointing and injury riddled season, Ulacia went to the winter leagues to get back into pitching shape. While his numbers aren’t impressive, the fact that he was able to get innings in and help get his body into shape for the upcoming season is a definite plus. If Ulacia can get himself straightened he has the shot to once again be on the fast track to US Cellular. He’ll likely start the season in Birmingham, but could quickly be promoted to Charlotte. 5. Andy Gonzalez, 22 - SS – R/R - Ponce Stats: .114 AVG, .139 OBP, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 7 K, 1 BB This past season Robert Valido replaced Gonzalez as the top shortstop prospect in the organization. Now Gonzalez is going to have to answer questions of whether he’s even a prospect anymore. Gonzalez has the raw tools to be a very good player, but his swing is very long and awkard and has led to poor appearances at the plate. Gonzalez still rates as a very good defensive shortstop, but if he doesn’t learn to hit soon, he may make the move to pitcher, ala Jason Dellaero (no longer in the organization). Gonzalez could repeat Kannapolis, but with Robert Valido the likely shortstop in Kannapolis, it is more likely that Gonzalez will be promoted to Winston Salem. 6. Chris Amador, 21 - IF – R/R – Santurce Stats: .333 AVG, .333 OBP, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 5 K, 0 BB Amador didn’t play too often last year for Kannapolis and Winston Salem, but when he did he could rarely hit. Amador put up solid numbers in limited action (15 AB) for Santurce and the Warthogs would love to get that type of production off the bench from Amador this season. 7. Aaron Rowand, 26 – OF – R/R - Santurce Stats: .250 AVG, .378 OBP, 6 HR, 20 RBI, 18 K, 16 BB, 3 SB Despite a rough start to the winter league, Rowand rebounded putting up strong numbers while working on improving his eye. The results were a rather impressive .378 OBP and very good power numbers (6 HR). Rowand remains the favorite in centerfield this year, but will battle Willie Harris, Jeremy Reed and Joe Borchard in spring training. Dominican League 1. Ruddy Yan, 21 – 2nd – S/R - Gigantes Stats: .300 AVG, .300 OBP, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 6 K, 0 BB, 2 SB Yan started the season in Winston Salem read hot, but cooled off during the middle season. He heated back up near the end of the season. One thing Yan never cooled off on was his stolen base. Yan is the fastest player in the organization and if he can get on base consistently he’d be the best leadoff hitter in the majors. Unfortunately he has yet to show he can hit for an average, although he does have solid strike zone judgement. Yan will likely start the season in Birmingham and is the most major league ready 2nd baseman in the minors (Willie Harris doesn’t count). 2. Jamie Burke, 32 – C/1st – R/R – Leones Stats: .275 AVG, .320 OBP, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 3 K, 5 BB Burke spent the majority of last season in Charlotte, but did make the big show on a few occasions. Burke will once again be slotted to get extended playing time in Charlotte, playing both first and catcher, but with injury prone Sandy Alomar in Chicago, Burke could quickly be playing for the Sox. 3. Juan Uribe, 23 – SS – R/R - Leones Stats: .275 AVG, .333 OBP, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 15 K, 5 BB, 3 SB Uribe was recently acquired from the Colorado Rockies for second baseman Aaron Miles. Uribe’s weakness has always been the bat and his mental approach. Known for mental lapses Uribe is a spectacular defensive shortstop, who at times has shown that he could hit. Uribe will likely be the utility infielder for the Sox, but will have a shot to beat out second baseman Willie Harris this spring. 4. Jon Adkins, – RHP, Starter/Reliever – Leones Stats: 0-3, 5.32 ERA, 22 INN, 37 H, 13 K, 4 BB Adkins made a few appearances with the Sox last season, while playing the rest of the season with the Charlotte Knights. Adkins flipped between starter and reliever in Charlotte, but pans out as a reliever at the major league level. Armed with a tremendous fastball, Adkins lacks great movement, but the Sox like his potential. Adkins will have an opportunity to earn the final slot in the bullpen this spring. 5. Emencio Pacheco, 25 – RHP, Starter - Leones Stats: 0-0, 8.44 ERA, 5.1 INN, 6 H, 3 K, 5 BB Pacheco broke out and emerged as one of the Sox top prospects last season. Despite a disappointing Mexican league, Pacheco only pitched 5 innings and will be counted on heavily in Charlotte next season. There is an outside possibility that Pacheco could break camp as the 5th starter for the White Sox. 6. Felix Diaz, 22 – RHP, Starter – Tigres Stats: 1-0, 3.48 ERA, 31.0 INN, 27 H, 18 K, 6 BB Diaz followed a strong season in Charlotte with a very impressive stint in the Dominican league. In fact, the Sox are starting to get very excited about Diaz and he will be given every opportunity to earn the 5th spot in the rotation or a back end bullpen position. Diaz always has had plus stuff, but has never utilized it properly and has battled minor injuries. 7. Vic Darensbourg, 33 – LHP, Reliever - Tigres Stats: 0-0, 1.93 ERA, 4.2 INN, 2 H, 4 K, 0 BB Darensbourg recently signed a minor league deal with the White Sox and will likely report to Charlotte. He has an outside shot of earning one of the final bullpen slots. Darensbourg appears to be healthy and from his limited action in the winter league, his control seems to be improving. If Darensbourg can keep the walks down next season, he could turn into a very good pickup. 8. Arnie Munoz, 21 – LHP, Reliever – Aguilas Stats: 3-1, 4.50 ERA, 14.0 INN, 13 H, 19 K, 7 BB Munoz struggled out of the gate for the Knights this season after being hyped as one of the Sox top prospects. As the season progressed Munoz progressed nicely as many forgot he was one of the younger prospects in AAA. During the winter league Munoz flashed more of his potential with an impressive K/IPP ratio. Munoz has a very good shot of breaking with the White Sox as one of their relievers, but a little more time in Charlotte wouldn’t hurt. Mexican Pacific League 1. Carlos Castillo, 28 - RHP, Reliever – Culiacan Stats: 1-0, 4.09 ERA, 11.0 INN, 12 H, 6 BB, 5 K Castillo re-joined the White Sox late last season and was sent to Winston Salem. While Castillo doesn’t have much of a chance to make it back to the majors, he should be a productive reliever for the Knights next season. Castillo may also assist the Sox as a scout in the near future and I think once he retires, you will see him get a job within the organization. 2. Ross Gload, 27 - 1st/OF – L/L - Hermosillo Stats: .328 AVG, .388 OBP, 12 HR, 51 RBI, 28 K, 23 BB Last season Gload put up monster numbers for the Charlotte Knights. Despite those tremendous numbers, Gload has yet to shake his AAAA reputation he’s received after hitting the cover off for the Cubs minor league system as well as the Rockies. During his short stints in the majors, Gload, has struggled mightily. This time things may be different. Gload has a sweet, short, compact swing and can hit for average and power. In my opinion, size (height) is the only thing that’s kept him from getting consistent playing time at the major league level. This spring he will be given the chance to earn a position on the White Sox bench. 3. Francisco Campos, 31 - RHP, Starter/Reliever - Mazatlan Stats: 10-2, 2.19 ERA, 90.1 INN, 79 H, 68 K, 29 BB Campos dominance of the Mexican league got him a contract with the Chicago White Sox. Campos will likely be invited to spring training, but seems destined for Charlotte. If Campos can pitch like he did down in Mexico, he could quickly reach the Sox starting rotation, which appears to have plenty of question marks. Venezuelan League 1. Magglio Ordonez, 29 - OF – R/R – Oriente Stats: .111 AVG, .333 OBP, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2 K, 3 BB Now before you jump off the ledge, this was only over 3 games and Magglio was just playing to get a few at bats in before spring training. Whether Ordonez is a White Sox during spring training has yet to be seen, but the numbers he put up mean nothing, he is still one of the most productive right fielders in the majors.

You'd need a new user id...although you could register with the same id. Just put up a new piece analyzing the Winter Leagues

Pats 27 Colts 21 Eagles 16 Panthers 13

White Sox Sign Robert Person to a Minor League Deal By Jason Gage Futuresox.com The White Sox and oft-injured pitcher Robert Person came to terms on an incentive-laden minor league deal. The Sox hope that Person, a former 15 game winner, can revitalize his career in Esteban Loiaza fashion and bolster the Sox rotation. Person, 35, would be guaranteed $750,000 if he is put on the 40 man roster. His contract also calls for an additional $500,000 in varying performance incentives. The White Sox will hold a $2.5 million option in 2005 and have a $250,000 buyout. In 2001, his best season, Person went 15-7 with a 4.19 ERA for the Phillies. He pitched 208.3 innings while striking out 183 batters. Person is a lifetime 51-42 with a 4.64 ERA. This past season Person appeared in 7 games and had a 7.71 ERA. Person missed the rest of the season with hip problems, and has been hampered with shoulder injuries in the past. The Sox hope that Person will be 100%, and will finally put it together. No one has ever doubted his talent, but his inconsistency and injuries have baffled and frustrated many organizations. If Person doesn't make the major league roster, he should add some experience to the Knights' rotation or bullpen. Charlotte's pitching staff struggled at times last season and it's always beneficial to have a former major leaguer around to teach the younger players. As long as he's healthy, he should be productive in Charlotte or Chicago.

I should add...even though I'm considered a KW supporter, I wouldn't want him in charge of rebuilding this team.

Vic Darensbourg Signs a Minor League Contract By Jason Gage FutureSox.com A few days after inking Robert Person to a minor league deal, the Sox jumped right back into the scrap heap hoping to find another sleeper and signed Vic Darensbourg to a minor league deal. Darensbourg, 33, appeared in 9 games with the Montreal Expos and Colorado Rockies last season. Darensbourg struggled and posted an 8.00 ERA last season. During the early stages of his career, Darensbourg appeared in no less than 56 games during four consecutive seasons with the Marlins while putting up solid numbers. His last respectable season came in 2001, when he went 1-2 with a 4.25 ERA in 58 games for the Florida Marlins. Darensbourg's most likely destination will be Charlotte, with Kelly Wunsch and Damaso Marte locked in as the two lefties in the White Sox bullpen. Darensburg will likely compete for the final slot in the Charlotte pen. Dave Sanders and Arnie Munoz will be the favorites from the left-hand side, with Matt Ginter, Jon Rauch, and Jason Grilli as the favorites from the right.

I'd sell. If I could get a good offer for Magglio, I'd move him for prospects/younger players that the Sox could keep for a number of years. It is obvious that they don't plan on bringing him back, and he could bring the Sox some major league ready, top caliber prospects, while bringing payroll relief. In Magg's case, I'd rather have the top prospects then draft picks. I'd also try to sell Konerko and Koch and get the salaries in order and essentially build around prospects, while holding onto the pitching. I'd hope some young pitchers could come through and next season the team would be extremely under payroll and could add a few key players and then it would probably be one more season of developing the younger players and then I'd add some more key players and the team would be ready to go. I'd find a way to get Edwin Jackson and Greg Miller. I may offer them Magglio for just those two and see if they'd do it. I realize it may seem minimal, but those two could turn into front line horses in your rotation and they could make your team really good relatively quickly. I'd then try and move Konerko for Washburn or another pitcher. I'd try to just build a hell of a pitching staff and piece together some hitters and veterans at one year deals and if the pitching flat out kicked butt, then the team would be well under budget and it could add players, plus you are incredibly young and will have guys around for quite a while. And you still have Elo, Buehrle, Garland, and Washburn which can easily keep you good. Like I say...pitching, pitching and more pitching. And I would try to get Jeff DaVannon from the Angels. He is now their 4th outfielder, plus they have Chone Figgins, so I think he could be had at a reasonable price. I think he's a very quality outfielder and could be a very productive player to have.

McCants would be pretty good.

Okeafor could potentially be a Bull next season, especially if they keep playing like crap. He could be a real force at the power forward slot.

I'm pumped over the Shea hiring and every day I like Lovie Smith more and more. I Think the Bears are really going to be improving. Now if they can only get Marinelli to be the DC. I hope Marinelli starts to go off on the Bucs and really get upset. I got a hunch we may still see Marinelli hired as the DC.

LMAO

Supposedly the Angels are pretty interested in him.

I caught the movie on Thursday. Went to a free screening and it was solid. Now remember, I didn't pay anything for the movie, so any laughs were simply a plus. It was an alright movie, was pretty funny and Jennifer Aniston was looking good. And Israel, you gotta rent office space..its an all time classic.

Exactly...this would be absolutely fantastic. The Sox bullpen is solidied with Mota, the rotation is solidified with Perez and Edwin Jackson/Greg Miller. The minor are also strengthened as the Sox just brought in their new top 2 prospects in the organization and we get a very solid bat to replace Magglio. I would then sign Raul Mondesi or somehow find a left handed bat (The Sox now are way under budget) and I'd play Encarnacion in center with Mondesi and Lee around them. The Sox payroll would be more then affordable too. And if there is any truth to get Carl Everett I'd do that and make him the new DH with Thomas at first. Either way, I'd find someone to play 1st/DH.

Extra Innings is the best aboz . I'd just start rooting more and more for the Angels. The Sox would slip to my 2nd favorite team. Hell, I'm always really tempted to make them my 2nd favorite team, but I just can't do it. I do like the Angels.

Iowa could of won that game though....poor defensive play by them or at least thats my guess. They are frustrating me, but the big team is so wide open, maybe they can find a way to get in the tourney.

Maddox is the freaking best I love it when he grades little kids artwork

Agreed...just finished brusing my teeth with it like 2 minutes ago.