GreenSox

to write this type of article, you actually have to go to games, leave the pressbox on occasion and go down to the lockerroom. ESPN Moronotti has advanced in his career, such that he doesn't have to do research anymore

Me too That is some really damning stuff in Cowley's article

When you're hell bent on dumping salary at the winter meetings, announce it to the world, this is they type of deal you end up with.

I hope you're right, but I've heard that kind of sentiment so many times, and it's always hollow when money is concernred - particularly in the millions

While everyone is concentrating on Clement, Kenny should do an end run and lock up Perez But I doubt it - he'll probably try to engineer a trade so he doesn't have to add payroll; like dump Konerko and that Dodger minor leaguer can take his place

He looks like a fair infielder (which would make him a damn sight better than his brother ever was) and we could use another infielder What's his salary? What do we have to give up to get this guy?

If we can sign Burnett, that's okay Otherwise, no more top prospects for short term rents. This team isn't WS ready yet Lowe really had a lousy year last year until the playoffs - I don't know about him. Who is B Mac by the way? He's routinely mentioned, but I don't know who he is.

My point is the ONLY player the Marlins bring to the table is going to the White Sox (if we're talking about the same deal - that 4 way deal). So we could cut them out if we want because they aren't giving the other parties anything. Which deal is better for us? Vasquez and Kotsay plus cash for Konerko and Garland OR Burnett for Konerko and Garland (and I think Burnett is unsigned past this year - is that right)? Either way, Arizona gets Konerko and Garland, NY gets Johnson but loses Vasquez and Kotsay. So we're the fulcrum here - do we benefit with Fla in the deal? Arizona and NY aren't affected either way

I think we would get him for 4 years $36 mill; I don't think we'll offer that; probably more in the 3 year, 21-25 mill range I don't think he's worth that - and the only reason I care is because it might make other pitchers' salaries disproportinate in comparison (Garcia and certainly MB); otherwise, it's time we spend some money I like the Castillo/Burnett trade idea; I'd like it a lot more WITHOUT yesterday's trade, however, because if we deal Konerko, we really have no power at all.

He had Tommy John surgery before last season - injured in 2003

Isn't Burnett's contract about up? No way is Fla taking vasquez without the yanks picking up some of that deal. the trade effectively says that Vasquez + Garland + Kotsay = Burnett. I can't see that at all; cut the marlins out, take vasquez and keep Garland

That would require 2 near impossibilities: a)The willingness to increase payroll by about $15 million from where it is right now; and b)Kenny Williams actually getting an up-front talent edge in a trade he negotiates.

But in this trade, the Sox are giving up MORE for Burnett (garland and konerko) than the Marlins are giving up for Vasquez (Burnett and getting Kartsay back). Since Konerko and Garland are going to Az, WE could cut the Marlins out and get Vasquez instead of Burnett AND get Kotsay. And since the only Marlin player in the deal is coming to the Sox, why would we want them in the trade at all?

No room for them; Kenny Williams has a plan to get us another big time starter. No way would this exceptional general manager, this keen, savvy negotiator, trade lee and get about 1/4 value in return, without a starting pitcher all locked up.

Then why did that "Best pitching in the division" give up 8 games to the twins in the space of about 3 weeks when it counted last summer? The pitching hasn't changed this offseason, except for the new middle reliever and we don't have Frank or Maggs back just like we didn't have them then. And since the Royals, Tigers and Indians have exactly zero pitching, the competition is with the Twins: maybe since they lost pitchers we may have caught them, but I doubt it.

Well we'll know in a few days whether he's a real GM or, as you put it, a "5th grade ESL student"

We'll find out in a few days whether Williams really had a plan here, or whether he was simply hoodwinked (which I suspect he was). Because if there is a plan, the pieces should fall into place As it is, this lineup coupled with the starters we have pencilled in at 4 and 5 will be lucky to win 70 games.

I am confident in saying that if there is an unfair deal out there for the Sox to be had, Kenny Williams will be sure to find it. And that deal is a hell of a lot less unfair than today's deal was.

Yes the media scrutiny had him so frazzled that he read the .313 OBP as .373 OBP on his scouting report

The Marlins are getting Vasquez and Karsay for Burnett We are giving Konerko AND Garland for Burnett That is where the inequity lies Get the Marlins out of the deal and it becomes more reasonable; they are pillaging here - they get a better pitcher AND an extra pitcher.

So the Marlins get Vasquez and Karsay for Burnett and we get Burnett for Konerko and Garland? Is Burnett that much better than Vasquez? karsay and Garland better? I don't think so Why not keep the Marlins out of the deal and give us us Karsay and Vasquez; or give Karsay to the D's and we'll keep Garland

Well, Garland is supposed to be number 5 But if we are digging through that rolodex of options in 3 months we know that kenny williams did a big salary dump move, because this trade makes no sense except if you want to reduce payroll, for whatever reason (sign a pitcher or put money into the chairman's pocket)

We shall see But on its own merits, this trade is nothing but salary dump, because talent for talent, it's ridiculously one-sided.

Well then, what's the point of not naming him? We get our pick of players and aren't sure who we want? Usually PTBNL comes off of a list of minor leaguers Maybe this will be different

The question is, to where will that free payroll go? To Odalis Perez? Or into JR's pocket?