Chisoxfn

QUOTE (WHarris1 @ Jul 25, 2012 -> 12:59 PM) First of all I'm not saying it isn't the case, but how does that report prove or disprove that they haven't talked to O'Brien? If they didn't, I fully agree but I'm waiting to hear more about the situation than a couple tweets and article mentions. Tomorrow being B10 media day should provide some answers. As of now, there is zero detail out there. Given that they are literally sending out the kitchen sink should tell you there motive. They are literally going bargain shopping at the swap meet for some football players. Again, I have zero problem recruiting these players and the players have every right to look elsewhere. But it seems really below the belt (and I'm sure Illinois isn't the only team doing this) to send 6 people to go talk to probably every decent player on the team. I think the same could be accomplished in a much more classy and less public manner. But I'll also point out, most of recruiting is classless.

Is Utley on the block?

I'll be honest. If this team stood pat, as is, I'd have zero issues. This team is good enough to make noise. And if Sale/Peavy break down, and they very well might, well then it isn't, and getting Greinke wouldn't be much of a benefit either way. If they upgrade, great, but I'm not giving up an arm and a leg for a short term upgrade for a team that I personally believe can go the distance if all works out well (and to be frank, thats all I can ask). Note: I like this team a lot more then most. Adding Myers and Youk were great moves. Really just what was needed and without sacrificing the future.

QUOTE (WHarris1 @ Jul 25, 2012 -> 01:17 PM) This is f***ing puzzling. Take the f***ing opportunity to save a highly-worked pitcher an inning and a bunch of pitches when you're up 6... Yep. Makes zero sense. You have the lead, sit Jake and let him rest. It seems like too often we've went a little longer then we should with our starters when we have big leads.

I just don't like the idea of giving up a ton without getting any long-term benefit out of the player.

QUOTE (Athomeboy_2000 @ Jul 25, 2012 -> 11:39 AM) @Matt_HayesSN #ESPN says Illinois sent six coaches to #PennState. In the parking lot. I don't think Zooker would do that. Classless. Do you really need to send 6 coaches to go poach through all of there players. I completely understand doing it, but reach out to the head coach, let him know, etc. Do it in a respectful manner. It isn't a freaking mall. Note: If anyone gripes, Ferentz has already been mentioned as someone who reached out directly to O'Brien.

QUOTE (RZZZA @ Jul 25, 2012 -> 12:46 PM) Sprained ankles don't heal in one day, not even the most minor ones. Depends on whether it really is sprained. I assume Sox can play some match-ups, maybe have him DH/PH at a minimum. It isn't like he's an outfielder or someone who relies on his speed. I don't expect him to miss more then a couple days. I could be wrong.

Sounds like it was minor. Hopefully that is the case. Good thing there is an off-day tomorrow. Get better Youk!

QUOTE (Frank_Thomas35 @ Jul 25, 2012 -> 09:05 AM) Although I think that would be a little much for Grienke, and I prefer Beckham to Weeks. It would not surprise me in the slightest if Gordon gets traded in a package. I'm a huge Beckham fan, only authentic jersey I own but he has been a huge disappointment and I could imagine he still has some trade value. KW might move him in the right deal. I would be sad to see him go but wouldn't mind seeing it if he brought back something that pushed us over the edge. I'm not sure if Grienke/Weeks is that package however. But a GB/Floyd could probably fetch us a pretty good trade. Weeks is a huge downgrade defensively. Offensively he has his own flaws and is having a brutal year. Injuries are also a major issue. Straight up, given Week's contract, I'm keeping Becks. He is in a huge slump, maybe he'll go onto one of his good streaks for the rest of the year.

As much as I complain about Becks, his defense is incredibly valuable and he is in the back of the order. I just wish he'd get his head on straight and at least improve his approach at the plate. He swings at some awful crap and really has a problem staying closed. Really really love his defense though and I see significant value in the fact that he's cost controlled and heady in the field (and on the paths).

I wonder when MLB takes over the Marlins.

I also wouldn't be surprised if the Sox acquired Weeks (whose contract is currently brutal), Greinke, and some substantial cash in a deal involving Floyd, Beckham, and spects. Probably at least someone the caliber of a Mitchell. That partially depends on whether the Sox brass thinks Weeks can rebound. And it isn't normal for the Sox to take on a bad contract.

Get er dunn!

QUOTE (lasttriptotulsa @ Jul 25, 2012 -> 08:18 AM) "JOE! CREDE!" Ditto.

What about Cliff Lee? Some rumblings the Rangers are in on him. Big game pitcher and with other contracts coming off the books, Sox could probably make Lee's deal work (albeit it would spell the end of Peavy).

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jul 25, 2012 -> 06:26 AM) Plus I get the feeling that the Marlins aren't paying cash out for contracts if they weren't willing to get better players while doing so in the Hanley deal. They can't even pretend that was a baseball trade, even though they will try. Part of that is the Dodgers don't have much in terms of prospects. Olney reported the Dodgers didn't want to give up there top guys and apparently they were the only team willing to eat the whole contract. Marlins had considered throwing in cash to other teams, Dodgers just didn't have the specs to make it worthwhile, hence they went this route. When you look at Hanley's numbers the past 2 years, this deal could end up being good for the Marlins as Hanley isn't playing near the level of his contract. However, a change of scenery might get him straightened back up.

QUOTE (HickoryHuskers @ Jul 25, 2012 -> 04:53 AM) A firesale that involves trading someone in the first year of a 4-year deal would be unprecedented, even for the Marlins. I'd love Buehrle back, but I wouldnt' give up a ton in return and I'd expect Miami to eat some of the contract. That probably won't happen.

So is Lee or Halladay going to get dealt? I don't expect the Phils to keep all 3. They are in a financial mess, with 96M going to 4 guys. Barring them maintaining just an exorbitant payroll, someone will have to go.

Wohooooo! Lets get the sweep tomorrow!

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jul 24, 2012 -> 07:58 PM) Congrats, Husky Caucasian! :headbang

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Jul 24, 2012 -> 08:07 PM) Escobar with a better at-bat there than Beckham's had in four tries. I know Escobar has zero power, but when I watch him he seems to have good at bats. I'd be curious how he did with extended playing time. Could he end up being one of those guys who can handle a stick and hit .270. Probably wouldnt' be that beneficial since he doesn't walk enough.

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Jul 24, 2012 -> 07:32 PM) Jason, at some point you have to call a spade a spade. This organization has continually put themselves in this position, and it started when they decided they were so smart and MJ and the gang were done, and it has never stopped. I'm just really confused at what they could do. What are you proposing? What else could they have done which would have brought Lebron? What can they do to get Dwight? And I really don't understand the comparison to MJ and the gang and being so smart. That was Krause. Krause is long gone. What could the Bulls have done?

QUOTE (Melissa1334 @ Jul 24, 2012 -> 08:06 PM) looking forward to blackburn/peavy tomarrow. we killed blackburn last time and his era is over 7 in his last 3 stars One game at a time. Still got to finish this one off.

QUOTE (bucket-of-suck @ Jul 24, 2012 -> 08:05 PM) Just my opinion but the Sox just seems so much more relaxed this season. After last weekend, they could have rolled over tonight after 4-2. The RV factor? I think it has a lot to do with Robin, but I also think it has to do with the team getting a bit healthier (and also being due).

Nice double by Dunn to give the Sox a nice cushion. Personally, I feel so much better about the pen knowing that the club has Crain/Myers. Moves Nate down in the pecking order (and also takes some pressure off, which is good since he is a rook) and takes a lot of pressure off Thorty.