Chisoxfn

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Dec 7, 2008 -> 06:11 PM) I think Ozzie told KW he wanted him gone. The fact is that Viciedo might end up a much better player, and we can sign Ibanez, Dunn, Abreu or Burrell for a reasonable contract for 2 years and hold down the fort while the prospects are coming up and maturing in AA/AAA. I don't buy that. Dye was well respected in Chicago.

QUOTE (fathom @ Dec 7, 2008 -> 06:09 PM) Any idea of when a decision is expected to be made by these FA? I think the Sox are going to move quickly at the winter meetings (ie, once they have the OC issue resolved and Dye's contract off the books). Kenny has something up his sleeve.

QUOTE (fathom @ Dec 7, 2008 -> 06:07 PM) If true, it pisses me off that we traded Swisher. He would have fit in LF, and put Quentin in RF. Swisher was f***ing awful. I still believe we'll see the Sox make a minimum of one decent size free agent signing's and potentially as many as two (either a SS and OF or an OF and pitcher, imo).

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Dec 7, 2008 -> 06:05 PM) Didn't Bailey throw in the AFL? If he was in fact injured or throwing in pain, that would explain the velocity drop/loss. If this trade went through, it would have to be based on thorough physical exams first and also the fact that he has re-established his mid 90's fastball. Otherwise, it's too big of a risk. I heard some speculation that he had a leg/hamstring injury. If thats the case you could easily be able to point that sort of injury to a drop in velocity. In addition, there were some reports that Reds brass actually told him not to throw his fastball so he could further develop and focus on his secondary pitches. Obviously none of us know for certain but if the Sox believe the velocity decrease was due to something above than I'd be all for it. If it is because of some sort of undisclosed arm injury I'd be a bit more concerned.

QUOTE (fathom @ Dec 7, 2008 -> 06:03 PM) Do we plays Cincy at the Cell next year? Also, Jermaine has my permission to go buck-wild on the Cubs. It's in Cincy and I'm plannin on attending and will definately be cheering the s*** out of Dye (of course I don't want the Reds to win).

QUOTE (Kalapse @ Dec 7, 2008 -> 06:02 PM) 1 of my top 3 favorite White Sox of all-time. I'll echo those sentiments. I wouldn't put him top 3 but he's one of my favorite White Sox of all time.

QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ Dec 7, 2008 -> 01:10 PM) Well I have interest in making him the starting SS and lead off man for the White Sox. I too really want Furcal. I'd be thrilled if the club could get Bailey for Dye (maybe something else coming to the Sox as well) and than use those funds to sign someone like Dunn or Abreu and than use the other funds saved for Furcal. You'd have a question-mark in the rotation (in the sense that you have one proven veteran, but I believe you'd be talking about an above average offense).

QUOTE (fathom @ Dec 7, 2008 -> 05:49 PM) Just a terrible, gross trade. The rumors about the Sox having huge financial issues are becoming more accurate by the day. Straight up I'd say the Reds win this deal. However, if the Sox have information that Bailey had leg problems last season which were the cause of his velocity trouble for most of the season than I wouldn't have an issue. Bailey is young with a fantastic build and up until last season was as untouchable as a prospect can get. Plus, if the Sox do something with Dye's money, such as bring in Dunn or Abreu (and hopefully Furcal with some of the other money) than I'd have zero problem with this deal. Obviously it's all speculation at this point but I'd imagine if there is truth to this we will find out quickly (as in tomorrow). I won't lie in the sense that I'll be excited to see Bailey if he can regain his old form (Cause those type of pitchers don't grow on trees) but you have to have some concerns over what happened to him last season.

Well, I got the Xmas lights hung up outside the house today.

QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ Dec 7, 2008 -> 01:06 PM) If I'm not mistaken, the Dodgers "lack of interest" comes from Furcal's contract demands. I'm pretty sure I remember them really wanting to re-sign Furcal shortly after the season ended. They did and I still believe they have interest in bringing him back.

Beautiful 2 minute drill by the Bears. That has to remain a TD.

Furcal would be a tremendous acquisition. I'd be thrilled if we got him. I'd offer him 3 years 34-36 million with an option year at 12 mill. It would be more than enough to get him signed.

QUOTE (chunk23 @ Dec 5, 2008 -> 11:49 PM) There's no way the Brewers trade one of the top prospects in baseball. For Bobby Jenks they might.

QUOTE (3E8 @ Dec 5, 2008 -> 06:17 PM) One soxtalk member has Brewer connections, I forgot who he is JDDirtySox

QUOTE (EvilJester99 @ Dec 5, 2008 -> 05:44 PM) Paul White of USA Today was on XM radio and he mentioned that the Sox and Brewers are in some heavy talks about Jenks... With our IF set who would the Sox be asking for from the Brewers This would make a lot of sense. I'd have an interest in numerous members of the Brewers, including Prince Fielder (of course you'd have to move Paulie but it is a deal that I'd make).

QUOTE (fathom @ Dec 5, 2008 -> 11:06 AM) I'm happy that KW offered OC arbitration, but it shows the disconnect between OC and the organization that they seem stunned he would even think about accepting it. Did you see Ozzie's comments, they weren't all that negative towards OC. I don't think Ozzie disliked OC as much as everyone said. I do think that he rubbed Kenny the wrong way and obviously some of the teammates.

I hope I get it in HD and all that badass stuff.

Very happy with what Ozzie said.

QUOTE (Pants Rowland @ Dec 4, 2008 -> 09:11 PM) Not sure if you are Bulls***ting here or not, but I too have wondered if all of these cost cutting deals are more about the economy and anticipation of a drop in revenues. The only thing that doesn't make sense, however is raising ticket prices. In my mind, the price point to maximize revenue next year is probably below 2008 levels, not above them. See if you can get them in the seats, then push concessions. Time will tell. I'm sure the Sox are going to take a bit of a hit. You got to factor in that there was at least some cash helping them get there payroll to what it was last year, so when you take that out the question is how much in payroll has the club really dropped (plus how many guys have received raises). Yes they've cut a significant chunk already but I'd say they were probably a bit over-budget at one point last season too.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Dec 4, 2008 -> 06:30 PM) "As we sit now, we're bumping up against our break even point as far as payroll " KW 12/4/2008. One thing I had forgotten is that the Sox payroll was 120+ so yes they have cut a ton but they also don't have as much cash on there books this year so I'd say that they might have a bit of room but they are still at 96M as we speak. I believe we'll see the teams payroll in the 96-104M range (in terms of what they actually pay, so any cash the Sox are getting from another club would mean they could spend more than such), which means that the Sox would still likely have some moves to make if they want to get super agressive.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Dec 4, 2008 -> 06:08 PM) The one thing I took out of the Stone interview was it seems like JD is a goner. Considering all the praise they have given JD over the years, dangling him out to every team basically in such a public fashion seems curious. I wonder if his problems with OC cost him some points with the White Sox hierarchy. JD wasn't the only one to have issues with OC though and it was evident that the Sox brass clearly had problems with him. I'd be shocked as hell if the Sox wanted to get rid of Dye. I think its a matter that he's the best chip out there that should be able to command a lot while only having a few good years left. The guy is clearly a class act and will always be someone I cheer for (regardless of the uniform he wears).

Many scouts liked him more as a hitting prospect out of college than a pitching prospect. Clearly he's a bit of a project but he has a ton of raw offensive ability and could very well develop into a viable offensive prospect in two years time (albeit he'd be old). Still, its a low risk move and one I like a lot.

It should also be pointed that him accepting arbitration could be prudent. He has a good season and the economy improves and all of a sudden he gets a 3 year deal worth substantially more money than he would have gotten today (plus he made more annually this year).

I don't get it. Sure he has size, but it isn't as if he looks horribly fat. Of course for being 19 he's huge but just make sure he's on the proper conditioning program and that size could be an asset.

Interesting.....this is going to be a good match of chicken and regardless I don't care. OC will show up and play and do an above average job of it. Ramirez can slide to CF and you got Getz/Lillbridge/etc battling it out at 2B.