Chisoxfn

Hey BMR That sucks big time. Don't mean to sound like a dick, but think of it this way, s*** can't get much worse then it is now, and you seem to be alright. That says something about your character. You seem to be sharp and I'm sure you'll get back on your feet. Wish you the best.

I've heard good things about Yofu. If the Sox are out of contention this year, we will see him. He throws like seven different pitches so he has a wide array.

I thought this was about Mauer vs. Reed. I think everyone agrees that Prior beats the hell out of Mauer.... Prior beats the hell out of anyone in the majors. I don't think you could trade one player for him straight up.

Right now neither of them are the best. In the past you could argue either way. Maggs is the better all around player while Sosa has been the better offensive player (It is very close though). Given the choice i'd take Maggs. He's younger, and most likely will be signed cheaper and seems like a much better guy in the clubhouse. For best right fielders, I'd probably go with Vladdy. Haven't checked his stats this season though. I also love Ichiro and rank him as one of the best.

I'm in the same area as you. Somewhere in the early 90's is as far as my memory goes, mainly because I was a wee lad then

1. It's not an 'IF'- they definately miss WAY more then they hit, ridiculously so. Truly competent scouts are as rare as really good actors, traders, etc. 30% was very generous. Hyping up 100 kids in hope one of them hits it big (npi) ain't my bag, baby. No glory in it. 2. I admitted Mauer could very well be legit. But as far as 2003-04 time window goes, I am not scared of him as I would have beem of Mark Prior being nabbed by Twinckies 2 years ago. 3. Same principle goes for Reed- he may in fact be overmatched at AA/AAA, but this season he has definately been better. Those 11 GIDPs alone should effectively lower Mauer's Real OPS into mid 700s whereas Reed's speed, including but not limited to SB, elevates his into 1000 zone. So to speak. But whatever, I am sure you know better. How could you not? I'll take Conceited Presumption for 101, Alex. Rex, that whole knee-jerk "why don''t you try it yourself, if you think you're so smart" thing was tired when Bullard said it. You're better than that. They miss way more then they hit because of the sheer numbers. When you draft and scout as many guys as you do, there are going to be plenty of guys that don't make it. Basically the only thing they can do is look at the raw tools and find guys that have the potential to turn into good major league players. Its basically a crapshoot. You have to guess what they will develop into, look at what they have and make a guess based on their background and interview the type of work ethic that they will have. Then you do your very best to project where they will be. Also, plenty of guys get drafted soley to fill roster spots. Of course some of those guys end up making it or falling through the cracks. Also remember, a lot of latter round picks can be talented. In regards to the non american born players, its a lot more difficult simply because the resources aren't there to scout all these guys, etc. Plus you have governments that could be against you taking the players as well and it also can cost some money depending on the "hype" of the player. Scouts do know what they are doing, imo. I'm not going to ever say how I could do as a scout. I think there is potential for me to be a front office type person, but until you actually go through it and deal with what they do, its hard to say things. Plus, most of us don't get the opportunity to watch guys play and if we do, only very few of us see them on a conistent basis.

Like someone said, a lot of high school players develop their "pop" after a couple of years in the minors. Also, a catcher hitting .300 and playing solid D is much harder to find than a CF playing solid D and hitting .300. You just don't find offensive catchers that can play D too often. Mauer's power will develop. I can't think of many high school outfielders that hit for a lot of power right away. Typically its two to three or even four years down the line when they start developing home run power. Basically its as they fill.

Geeze you guys have great memories. Hopefully I can remember all the crap that goes through me

Mauer is a catching prospect who is tearing the cover off the ball. He's an amazing talent. Him and Jeff Mathis (Angels) are two of the best catching prospects in the game. Reed is really putting up great numbers too, but I'd trade Reed for Mauer anyday of the week and I'm a HUGE Reed fan.

I'm pretty sure it was Michigan, let me double check tonight when I go through all my notes.

I see it. I'm starting to think that maybe this software doesn't load the image after each individual person views it a certain number of times.

Last season his name was Edwin Yan. Maybe that helps and your damn right he can fly. I'm so excited about him.

Doesn't Foppert throw much harder then that?

Welcome aboard. In regards to Parque, always liked him when he was here. He was a battler for the Sox and its too bad he hurt his arm.

Haven't heard much on sweeney the 2nd rounder, but from what I've heard they feel comfortable that he'll be playing for Great Falls by the start of the season as will Anderson (1st Rounder).

Welcome aboard.

Sounds good. Are you going to be online tonight? At futuresox your set up with acess so I can show you how to tonight if your online.

I'd say the odds are there. Robert Valido is now in the organization too. He's very talented as well. The Sox are starting to bring in quite a few talented (toolsy) middle infielders, its just you have to hold your breath and hope some of them can develop bats.

Not positive, but I think he was a draft pick. I'm assuming your getting at if he was acquired in a trade, you'd bring up the point that the Sox simply can't develop shortstops? We got Ozzie Guillen and another pitcher (Tim Loller maybe??) For Lamar Hoyt Shows what I know. I really don't know near enough about the Sox other then since I've been following them.

Not positive, but I think he was a draft pick. I'm assuming your getting at if he was acquired in a trade, you'd bring up the point that the Sox simply can't develop shortstops?

Which Front Page are you talking about?

I definately think Almonte has a shot of making it. Its hard to forget the downright impressive numbers he's put up the past few seasons. Sure he's getting hit right now, but its one of the first times I can remember him getting hit. I think Almonte, when given a shot, will turn into an alright middle reliever. Could be better, could be worse. He doesn't blow you away with anything, but he earned his chance a while ago and I think its tough to see him struggle after getting so close. Has he lost some of his control during this slump? Otherwise could it possibly be an injury? Just throwing some possibilities out there.

I'm not a big fan of Stewart, but in terms of major league ready he is definately there. Don't know if he'll ever be that sucessful in the majors though. In my mind, Almonte will fall big time while Ginter will appear on the list a lot higher (Although it was tough to consider Ginter a prospect considering he's been up and down with the big club so much). In regards to Gonzalez the talent is their, the question is, like with so many young shortstops, whether they will ever learn to hit? Gonzo showed he could in shorter seasons and has had some trouble making the adjustment, but lately he's shown signs of improving.

That might be my last resort. I just wonder if security will let any scalper near the ballpark without arresting them. Don't know how the laws work in Illinois but as long as they are off stadium grounds scalpers can do what they want in regards to tickets. If I were you that be the best bet. Once the game starts or about 5 minutes from game time they will be scared they can't unload the tixs and the prices will start plummeting.

Ya, the list was made about 3 weeks ago so some of it is off. Were working on getting everything going faster and we should be able to get stuff together and up much quicker the second time around, when we do our midseason top 50 in July. Almonte is definately going to drop in our list.