Chisoxfn

Think of it this way. You move Rauch and Jimenez and a prospect for Castillo. To acquire Sanchez (An Idea I like) you'd have to be giving the Red Sox Koch (They do need a closer) or Colon or a package of both or a package of Colon and Flash. Then I believe you could get Fossum, Sanchez and Nixon in return. There is some doubt that the Sox could get all this from Boston. Aaron Rowand may be included, etc. Next you package Valentin to the Cubs for whatever you can get. I'd try to find one of their power arms thats not as highly touted. Still, while trading a prospect in Rauch you'd replace him with Fossum (Plus, right now I don't really know if Rauch is one of the best Sox pitching prospects in the term of "upside"; although he is one of the closest to being ready). You have Harris to play center so you have no worries there (Harris is going to be a starter next year, I can almost guarantee it. I really see him figuring things out every game now and he's only getting better; with his speed that is an incredible asset). Then the Sox try to move Carlos Lee or Paul Konerko if they can get something of value for them. Either way you got a hell of a top of the lineup and the Sox have quickly went (From basically 2 trades) from a slow team to a fast team that can play defense. 2nd - Castillo cf - Harris 1st - Thomas rf - Ordonez DH - Daubach LF - Nixon 3rd - Crede C - Olivo ss - Sanchez Another option is hitting Nixon in the 2 hole with Harris and Sanchez in the back of the lineup. Olivo, Nixon, Sanchez, Castillo, and Harris all have plus speed. Ordonez has good speed while Crede, Thomas and Daubach don't, but none are Konerko. Bench: Konerko or Carlos (If its Carlos you'll see him get a lot of playing time; I'd move Carlos for someone like Sidney Ponson as a replacement for Colon; Sox may have to add someone), Graffy, Alomar Jr (Next year Rivera), Rios (Don't like him though, so late in the season they may call up Borchard and put him on the playoff roster, if they make it). Rotation Loaiza Buehrle Ponson Garland Wright Not quite as good, but still good. The biggest flaw is the Sox would of lost a reliever, but Ginter or Ring could come up as could Munoz, imo. I don't know if the team could do it this year, because there would be some weakness in the pen, but it would be built for the long haul and they would of cut payroll to the point that they could go with this team on the most part next season.

Heck, he could win multiple triple crowns. He's just such a dominant player. I'd say if Bonds numbers slide down until he retires, then Pujols could have a shot in the next few years. Still, its tough to gage things a few years into the future.

Damn, I'm much more confident after reading this article. The Sox seem really antsy to get him signed, as it is going to cost them a similar amount to their first round pick, although it will be way worth it. Sweeney is a great athlete and I really trust Shaffer and the rest of the Sox scouts. Like I've said a few times lately, the Sox aren't cheap in the draft and they also seem to have a very good understanding on guys that fall in the draft and if they really are signable or not. They've done that with quite a few players over the years and they really did it in this draft. While Veal and Moviel haven't signed, there are even indications that the Sox may be able to pull one of them out as well as sign Sweeney which would be huge.

Hill didn't have the option to go to college like Sweeney has. I also think that Sweeney has much higher upside then Hill.

I'd agree. I think it would of been awesome for the Sox, because we would of held onto Kip and if Kip pitched the way he did with the Pirates we would of been huge winners. But who knows if Kip would of came through under Cooper. Garland can still turn into something good. He also could land us something good via trade.

The amount of salary added would be miniscal considering its the end of the year and you only have him for the stretch run. Teams like the Cardinals, Red Sox, Yankees, and even A's are almost always willing to add payroll late in the season. In the A's case, I think Beane figures in some late acquisitions usually. Plus Castillo is one of the top 2nd baseman in baseball (Right behind Soriano) and that alone should command something in return. I'm unaware of their asking price of Castillo, but I'd have to think it would be less then Lowell who they are asking a ransom for. I think whoever acquires Castillo will be getting a steal, because I don't think the teams bidding on him are going to have a ton of guys to offer or will be the A's who tend to win a lot of trades, while the Cubs are very leery on giving guys up. Heck, I could see the Sox getting Castillo for Jimenez and Rauch and possibly a throw in. And in all honesty, I wouldn't be against it if they could sign Castillo for a reasonable contract (Something around what Jose made the past few years). This would be difficult to do, but I Think with salaries falling you got a shot. Only if they could sign him to a reasonable deal would I want the Sox to acquire him. I also like Willie Harris a lot, so I'm more then happy with him eventually moving to 2nd. The only thing is I'm not convinced if Jimenez (One of my favorites) will be capable of handling short. I do think DAngelo has good trade value and we could move him and a middle of the line prospect for a quality young shortstop.

Being in the Anaheim area, I've got to see Darrin play a lot and I've always felt he was rather over-rated. Offensively he's a good player, but he's not special. When the Angels gave him a contract worth 8 mill a year longterm I thought they were fools. That being said, Erstad is an awesome player to have on your team and for him being over-rated offensively, he's awesome defensively and is a team player. He also is great in the clutch and is willing to do the little things. Because of that, It would be tough to have him on the list. He's a fun player to watch, thast for sure.

Magglio Ordonez

1) Who will win the series (CHW/MIN) (2 points) - White Sox 2) Who will have the most plate appearances, Rios, Rowand, or Harris (2 points) - Wee Willie 3) How many errors will the Sox make (4 points)? - 1 4) Which Sox player will ground into the most double plays (4 points) - Carlos Lee 5) How many hit batsmen will there be on both teams for the series (5 points) - 4 6) How many total runs will the bullpen allow (5 points) - 3 7) Who will lead the Sox in doubles (4 points) - Magglio 8) Will Harris steal a base (Y/N) (2 points) - Y 9) Which starting outfield will hit more homeruns (CHW/MIN) (2 points) - Sox 10) Will anyone be ejected by an umpire (Y/N) (2 points) - Yes Tiebreaker: How many total baserunners will Loaiza allow? - 7

Another guy whose put up amazing numbers is Todd Helton. As long as he keeps hitting in Coors he'll have some dominating stats by the time he retires. Good point on the stadium.

All I will say is Bonds is super impressive. Right now the guy that could put up the most mind-boggling numbers is Albert Pujols. But he has to stay healthy and keep hitting the cover off the ball.

For the most part i agree with that and i see no reason for the national media to bash the sox...baseball tonight analysts have always left the door open for a sox run at the division and stuff and don't really bash em more than any other team. I tend to agree with that area. I just laughed last night when Gammons said Torre will either retire to Hawaii at the end of the season, or go manage the Red Sox.

Thats a real tough one. -Chicago Cubs would probably be the frontrunners in my mind, if the asking price for Lowell is too much -Giants have no need for a second baseman (Durham is having a very good year) -Cardinals could use a 2nd baseman with Vina down (So he's a possibility; Cardinals don't have much to offer though) -Boston doesn't need an infielder -Yanks don't need an infielder (Plus Boston isn't after him) -Dodgers aren't desperate in that area, but a small possibility (Only if they'd unload him for very cheap -Oakland A's are a definate possibility; Bean is more then willing to acquire guys for half a season, let em walk, and get the compensation -Twinkies don't have a real need at 2nd, although Castillo would be a hell of a pickup. -Mariners and Angels have no need in that area (Boone and Kennedy aren't going anywhere) -Could be an outside shot that the Cinncinatti Reds would go after him, but they don't need hitting, they need pitching. -Houston Astros and Arizona Diamond Backs don't need hitting. That pretty much covers all the teams in competition, so I don't know if there will be a ton of interest in him. His value may actually slide, if their is a lack of a bidding war.

Isn't it pretty much common sense that says both the Marlins and Sox are going to be trading in a few weeks if the teams aren't close enough.

Great to hear all is Well Nuke.

Shake Yan's hand and tell him good luck in Birmingham, will ya? Maybe if we act like it is going to happen, it actually will? Will Do.

Damn I can't wait. Going to get there a bit early, and just put the digital camera in the charger. Want to watch the skills contest, etc. Too bad Reed isn't there, but I still get to see Honel, Wing, Meaux, and Yan, plus some other real good prospects. Some other big names I noticed were Ervin Santana (Angels), Jeff Mathis (Angels-C), and Andy Marte.

I don't care if the Cubs win if it helps us as well. But thats because I have nothing against the Cubs. I typically root for them unless they are playing the Sox. What that is, my friend, is heresy of the first order. (I ain't kidding either. As an admin, what kind of an example are you setting? Shame.) Lol. I didn't say I was proud of it. It was once a coin flip when it came to the two teams playing eachother. This series, I was swearing whenever the Cubs did something good. More and more the tide is shifting towards the Silver and Black.

What slackers we are

Damn, going to likely get over 100K in a year. Thanks to everyone, even if half of us look like this after watching a Sox game

Agreed, I hope all is well with Baggs. He's a great guy and he definately knows his stuff about the Sox. I may disagree with him on a lot, but the two of us teamed up and were always against the Ritchie deal and always for the proposed Gagne trade.

In fact, Cotts is starting tonight and Birmingham has a 1-0 lead in the top of the 6th inning. Awesome. Will have to write something up on this for FutureSox

I don't care if the Cubs win if it helps us as well. But thats because I have nothing against the Cubs. I typically root for them unless they are playing the Sox.

You got two http:// in the sig image. Once you take that out it should work perfect. Also, welcome aboard

Harry Potter is a story that has magical elements like any number of stories. There are any number of people who love to attack things because it is a great way to raise money: pronounce something the devil's tool and you can sell a lot of books, get media time, and get results from fund raising letters to fight this new horror. And it is all bulls***, in my opinion. Harry Potter is a story and nothing more, nothing less. Just like Cinderella. Whenever money can be made by bombastic crusades against this latest new work of the satanic one - whether it be rock in roll in its day or whatever the topic de jour - there will be some idiots right there bashing and trashing and pocketing money all at the same time. Its getting children to read 800 page books, so I'm all for it. Kids should read more anyway.