Chisoxfn

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Mar 18, 2015 -> 08:16 AM) They have always said Beckham is extremely hard on himself. Even Scioscia mentioned it. Mentally he has killed himself. That's the issue. When he got it going last year, he swing was short and quick and he was nailing the ball even when he was making outs. Then a couple of bad games and the swing got long, and he had no chance. If he can clear his head, and really who knows if he can, the guy has talent. We have seen it. Then things go bad and snowball. That's just as much "upside" as any player that has been mentioned the Sox should have signed besides him. The players in the 24th or 25th roster spot making $2 million in 2015 have tons of warts. You just have to hope something clicks. The Sox know at the very least, he's a good team guy, he can spell guys with the glove on the infield where they are very vulernable defensively, and if he hits, that's gravy. Guy is a former very high first round pick who was extremely well thought of and had some brief success in the majors. By definition he has much more upside than almost all of the other guys people have gotten excited about. Again, I'm not saying we should get excited about him (I'm not excited about Beckham but think he's fine as a backup and I think if someone went down to an injury, I'd want to know that Sanchez and Saladino are getting their experience in the minors and developing so that they could potentially fill in for that starter job and we can see if they have that "upside" vs. letting them sit on the bench which is an extremely difficult thing to do for a young player). I think most every 24th/25th guy on your roster is going to have significant warts. Most of the top prospects aren't that 24th/25th guy, they are either getting regular at bats in the minors or getting regular at bats in the majors.

QUOTE (raBBit @ Mar 17, 2015 -> 05:16 PM) While I agree on the first sentence I can't say as much past that. Despite Hahn saying so, it's arguable he is average at 3B defensively and his bat is well below average even when platooned. I am not going to validate giving someone a bench spot based off of them becoming on expert on bunting. The things you mention that make him a decent bench player would hold also true for Tyler Saladino. Saladino is a better infielder (surely on the left side at the least) and a better baserunner/pinch runner than Beckham. I am less confident that Saladino would be a better hitter than Beckham but it's not really much of a bar to beat. If he could hit league average against LHP he'd be a way better bench player than Beckham. While a lot of people aren't fans of Beckham as a player, my biggest gripe is the opportunity cost. We could have had Saladino and a RH defensive OF, strong RH bar or extra 5th starter type. Obviously the bench isn't going to full of all stars, but you want these guys to bring at least one great quality. Jordan Danks was lost with the stick most of the time but I felt great when he came in a defensive replacement. Bonifacio isn't going to carry the offense but he has speed and flexibility. Saladino may never amount to more than 50 MLB PAs but, right now he can come off the bench and pinch run late in games and defend just as well if not better than Beckham. What does Beckham bring? Above average defense at 2B? Color me un impressed. When GMs are building their Championship team they don't pound the phone lines looking for a bench player who can't hit against any type of pitcher and turns a good double play. I don't think anybody has been making this case against Beckham because of his Spring Training stats but those stats have certainly further enforced that argument if you value ST stats. The same people arguing against his utility and practicality (Eminor, shysocks, myself) can be seen doing so on the day he was signed: http://www.soxtalk.com/forums/index.php?sh...=94456&st=0 Fortunately, to make this move, I think the Sox must think very highly of Beckham as an individual. It's not really a desirable position to be in for him, Gllaspie/Micah/Sanchez or for Robin and the coaching staff. So the Sox front office is definitely giving him a vote of confidence to handle the mental aspect of his assignment. I have no issue with Saladino and others, but I think the Sox also value having Beckham on the bench and think there are other aspects that he can provide and I think there is probably a bit of a trust factor knowing that your bench player was a starter in this league for quite some time (a good one, no, but a starter nonetheless). There are a lot more unknowns about the other guys being discussed and to be frank none of the other options have the pedigree of a guy like Gordon. Right, wrong or indifferent. I liken my bench to have versatility and I think the Sox bench does have that. I am not a big fan of either guy being discussed (Gordon or B) to be frank. None of them provide much upside but they are bench players who have experience and bring some value, albeit limit, when used appropriately. I have a bigger issue with how much we paid B vs. how much we paid Gordon to be honest. If I were to make a bet of who'd be a better player from a pure value perspective, I'd make my bet on Gordon and I don't like Gordon. I also don't think the 2M will get in the way of moving to another guy if Tyler or Sanchez proves they deserve the extra time. I do think the Sox see value in some of the intangibles Gordon brings to the equation, which can be just as important, including his ability to work and help Micah (a guy we are putting a lot of pressure on).

If Beckham didn't start the past few years with the organization, I think we would have a different opinion of him. I think the reality is this is one of those someone elses trash is our treasure type scenario and Beckham is still our trash and we all remember him for being a starter (and he wasn't a good starter). I don't know what Gordon will do off the bench but in a bench role, I have a hard time arguing against him not being a useful utility guy, given he can play solid defense at 3B and 2B and is a pretty good baserunner, etc. He'll also have to become an expert at laying down bunts should circumstances warrant it, etc. Bottom line, is Beckham great? No. Is he the best bench player in the league, no. But I'm not going to jump to crazy conclusions about him based upon his spring training stats. I know he's a lousy starter but if managed properly he could provide some value off the bench as a depth guy. I think any of us would be thinking the same thing had he not spent the previous umteen years as a starter for our team.

Very sad in regards to Haley. Great news in regards to the injured players.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Mar 17, 2015 -> 07:45 AM) Same injury concerns as well? What injury concerns did Jared Weaver have coming out of the draft? He fell in the draft due to high bonus demands. He's also been relatively durable during his career (making 30 starts or more in 6 out of his 8 full seasons in the bigs). I am excluding his rookie season where he made only 19 starts (and in reality, his 2nd season he was limited due to Angels being conservative, but he made 28 starts). Weaver was one of the more dominant college pitchers of the past 10-15 years. I don't know that anyone in this years draft would be deserving of that comp. Between him and Verlander, that draft was loaded with front end pitching prospects.

QUOTE (Quinarvy @ Mar 17, 2015 -> 06:37 AM) Parents are also going to keep their kids from playing. Under no circumstances will my kids be playing football. They can play flag amongst friends but that is the extent.

QUOTE (MurcieOne @ Mar 13, 2015 -> 09:23 AM) Rams signed Nick Fairley to a 1 year deal. Rams DL looks like this Quinn, Long at DE and Brockers, Donald and Fairley at DT. That's gotta be the most talented front four in all of football. And they should have some stability at QB. I don't think Foles is some great QB, but he's better than what they have had in a long time (given that Bradford could never stay on the field).

Dang it. I really am hoping Iowa can pull out a win but a win over PSU and potentially a 2nd win would have gone a long way in the seeding department. Now we are going to have a much tougher match up in the 1st round.

Allen has been nothing but a team player. We sucked last year and he was disappointing but as the season progressed and he got back into shape, he played better and more active. Dude lost a lot of weight in the early part of the season and the first few games of the year were not against teams where he was going to rack up sack numbers. Not to mention no defense ran by Mel Tucker has ever had anyone really put up any sort of prolific sack numbers (his defenses consistently failed to cause pressure). We make a big deal about what he said in the past with another team but he's said all the right things in Chicago. I have no idea how he is going to play as a linebacker but you know what, guy has a motor and plays hard and can still be effective in situational plays. Worth the money he is getting, no, especially not in this system, but thank Emery for that, don't blame Allen.

Awesome!!!

Aaron Leming ‏@AaronLemingNFL 10m10 minutes ago Was told Mason Foster was targeting a deal close to $5M annually. Could see something close to 3 years/$15-16M. #Bears

QUOTE (flavum @ Mar 11, 2015 -> 01:25 PM) Rodon really 6'3" or is that being generous? When I watched his bullpen session last week (warming up for his debut), I was surprised at how thick and strong he was (especially from the lower body). I don't know if he is 6'3 but he was much bigger than I expected (strength and height wise) in person.

QUOTE (fathom @ Mar 11, 2015 -> 01:18 PM) Brantly looks awful behind the plate. During drills when I was at spring training, I came to the conclusion that he was an awful defensive catcher with a very weak arm. Sample size and it was practice but all of the other catchers were head and shoulders better. His arm reminded me of Damon or Pierre for his respective position.

Way I see it; Keeping Jay means we can at least be in contention for possible playoff spot before season starts. Given where we pick, any other direction we would have headed would have pretty much been a 2-3 win team, imo. I wouldn't be surprised if Jay plays better this upcoming year and we still move in another direction, but Jay's contract becomes more cap manageable going forward and if he can repair some of that reputation you could actually be talking about a decent asset. I have more faith in this staff than any staff the Bears have had in a long time. I also like the methodical approach they've taken to FA.

QUOTE (CaliSoxFanViaSWside @ Mar 10, 2015 -> 07:42 PM) I don't care if it is Spring training.. 6 hits in a row is impressive. His approach at the plate is also impressive. He is going to have his ups and downs as he is still young and raw, but he's a really good 2B prospect.

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Mar 10, 2015 -> 03:56 PM) Rams only get that 2nd round pick if Bradford is the start, I believe, so I presume they won't actually be giving that pick up. But man, I'd have traded Jay for Foles and a 2nd rounder, haha. Or not. Evidently they get 2nd rounder no matter what, but get a conditional pick back depending on certain circumstances (i.e, how much Bradford plays). What a coup for the Rams. They get the better QB and better draft picks. WTH.

QUOTE (bmags @ Mar 10, 2015 -> 03:52 PM) Oh my, that Files trade was AWFUL. Eagles get a fourth but give up a fifth and a 2016 2nd round pick. Unbelievable. I would have guessed you could get Bradford for a second alone. Rams only get that 2nd round pick if Bradford is the start, I believe, so I presume they won't actually be giving that pick up. But man, I'd have traded Jay for Foles and a 2nd rounder, haha.

Aaron Leming ‏@AaronLemingNFL · 3m3 minutes ago Was also just told earlier today regarding Safeties that #Bears and Rahim Moore do not share "mutual interest".

Aaron Leming ‏@AaronLemingNFL · 5m5 minutes ago Was told last month, #Bears new coaching staff identified S Da'Norris Searcy as their top S target. Won't go down w/o a fight

Cecil Lammey ‏@CecilLammey 3m3 minutes ago The TE market heating up, expect some surprises once new league year begins. Virgil Green choosing between #Broncos & #Bears #NFLFreeAgency

Josina Anderson ‏@JosinaAnderson 1m1 minute ago Source: I'm told Da'Norris Searcy's camp is "still in active talks with the Chiefs and the Bears along with the Titans at this hour."

QUOTE (shipps @ Mar 10, 2015 -> 09:42 AM) He doesnt like the Viking? What was wrong with them? It is the oven. It doesn't heat properly. Repair guy has been out like 3 seperate times and tells him how it is a pretty common problem and recommended that he returned them and get another brand, haha. No issues with the stove or the other stuff. To be frank, I would think it would be hard to screw up a stove, as long as the gas works and has a clean burn and you are okay with the looks, I can't imagine major differences in performance (obviously you want whatever specs you want in terms of burner size, oven size, btu's, etc).

QUOTE (iamshack @ Mar 10, 2015 -> 09:20 AM) I like Bosch too...ultimately, we'll have to work with a contractor to determine what options are available as far as the overall remodel, and see how much we can set aside for appliances. That will ultimately determine which direction we go. I would really like to splurge a bit on the range, but we'll see. If I were to tell you to get one thing from Bosch, it would be the diswasher. Cleans like a million bucks and is so damn quiet. On a sidenote, my dad just got a Viking set (stove, oven and microwave...I think it was about 4K after contractors discounts, etc) and hates them (in fact he's in process of returning them). Says they are the biggest pieces of junk he's ever owned (he was upgrading from 15 year old JennAir or GE appliances). Like I said, I got lucky, mine was about $1K for all 3 after my discount, haha.

Shack, we have bosch appliances. My friend used to work for Bosch, which allowed me to get it at like 80% off, haha, but really like it. Nothing super fancy, basically stainless steel 5 burner gas oven and range, above hood stainless microwave and than the dishwasher (which is unbelievable).

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Mar 10, 2015 -> 07:39 AM) Should have a decent system in place in 2015. The fact is, if the system is nice, the Bears offense can be pretty good with Cutler at QB even making his typical mistakes. The kissing up to Cutler is over. I can't stand the guy, but I'm am positive the Bears can win games with him at QB. They have before. He is paid way too much without a doubt, but the "he can't win a Super Bowl" crap is crap. No QB could have brought the 2014 Bears to the playoffs. It was only a few years ago Cutler got hurt and people were upset he wouldn't return into the game. Now he sucks, he always has sucked, he always will suck. He isn't the elite guy most thought the Bears acquired when they traded for him, but he is middle of the pack. Ideally you would like your QB to be a leader, which he is not. That does hurt him, but he is still the best QB the Bears have ever had. I guess that is sad. This is a good post.