CWSGuy406

Just wondering, but didn't most experts peg the Royals to win the AL Central last year? After about 90% of us on the board knew that they had absolutely nobody worth a damn in their rotation, and a mediocre lineup to boot?

Qwerty, I don't see why you're so confident in Sauerbeck... He's had two really good seasons, two alright seasons, and two really bad seasons. It's really a coinflip as to whether or not he's effective this year, IMHO...

Good news to everyone reading this board -- Officially under two weeks until pitchers and catcher report...

Thanks for the comments Jim, I definitely appreciate them. Seems like what you've said is exactly what I've heard, both project to be solid players, solid defenders, but the scale tipped a wee bit towards Sweeney.

Wanted to say two things: -First, with Shingo. I agree with witesoxfan that Shingo will regress a little bit this year. I don't expect a Koch-like season, but I don't expect the dominance we saw last season. That said, I'm hoping that Shingo can hold down the closers role the whole season, and I am fairly confident he can at least do that. Also, another thing that will help Shingo a bit is that he's better when he only pitches one inning. This year, I hope that Ozzie has learned that Shingo is most effective when he only goes one inning, rather than coming out in the eighth, getting the out, then coming back off the bench in the ninth... -I really don't think anyone can judge just what Hermanson is going to do for us. On one hand, he performed really well as the Giants closer in a pennant run. On the other hand, he's moving into the AL, which will (most likely) increase his ERA just a bit. That being said, I do think that Hermy will give us an ERA under four, and some good innings. His versatility will help us a lot, too. He'll be able to pitch on one night as a setup man, the next night as a middle reliever. But -- my basis upon judging him as a reliever can't come from stats, because really, he's had too small of a sample size as a reliever to judge him. We shall see, I guess. One thing we all can agree upon, though, is that April 4th can't get here soon enough...

QUOTE(aboz56 @ Feb 3, 2005 -> 12:25 AM) Anderson will be up at the end of the year as a September call-up, provided he has another solid season. I'd then expect him to get a shot at making the club next year. Possibly Dye would move to DH and Everett would be gone as well as Frank, who I don't think will be back. Sweeney I'd say would not reach the majors until 2006 or 2007. I don't see either one of these guys being used as bait for a midseason deal, but if either one was, Sweeney would be a better chip because of his age and raw ability. Alex- Since you've seen these kids play in person, who would you rather be traded (hypothetical situation) if a pitch were to be made for someone like, Ben Sheet? Anderson or Sweeney? From what I've heard, Sweeney has a higher ceiling, but then again -- that's from what I've heard, and obviously, I'd much rather make a decision if I've seen these kids. But you have seen both of them (is that correct?) -- so, who do you like more as a player, as far as his potential, ceiling, whatever? Anderson or Sweeney?

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Feb 3, 2005 -> 12:23 AM) Of course I'd boo him. He's still a POS The Cubs were the ones who traded him though, and they screwed themselves. And I quite frankly do not see how they improved by trading Sosa. Hairston is a good player, and I wouldn't mind having him on the Sox...but, to me, for the same price, I'd rather have Samme over both Hairston and Burnitz(plus the prospects too I suppose) And, through all of his bashing as a player, Sammy really isn't that terrible. It's his contract size and his clubhouse cancer-ness that makes him an unwanted player, IMHO. And, Hendry can try to sway Cub fans all he wants, but they are not getting an upgrade in RF with Burnitz. Maybe defensively, but that's it. Five million per Burnitz is vastly overpaying, and all it does is force three players (Hollandsworth, Hairston, Dubois) to battle for one position, rather than the three battling for two positions -- which would probably be better for the team. They basically traded Sammy and fifteen for Burnitz & Hairston, and two so-so prospects. No net gain, IMHO...

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Feb 3, 2005 -> 12:20 AM) One thing that should be noted somewhat. Shingo did have a 1.30 WHIP in Japan in 03 IIRC...he seems to be the type of pitcher that is easier to hit the more you see him. I don't expect him to be nearly as dominant this year. I can agree with that, but I still don't agree with you or qwerty that Cleveland will have a better bullpen. A lot more "if's", if Shuey returns to form, if Rhodes returns to form, if Wickman doesn't fall apart. And Juggernaut, I'm sorry, but you're crazy and dead wrong if you think Shingo is better/will have a better year than Nathan...

My goodness! When Cory McPherin asks him about the situation on the last day of the year, where he left early, he said that "It was meant to happen, and he believes in the future."

Watching the Press Conference, Sosa is such a hypocrite. At first, he says he doesn't want to talk about what happens in Chicago -- and he says that it's not about him in Baltimore, it's about the team. Two questions later, his comments include: "I have great protection in this lineup now." as well as, when being asked about how he's in a decline as far as his numbers, he says some thing to the effect that he still put up great numbers last year through an injury. This is f***ing pathetic. When asked about the whole Dusty Baker/Cubs situation, he makes a joke about the whole thing. And the media laughs along with it. I hope they're laughing when he strikes out with the bases loaded and one out. He is going around in circles with these questions, it's an absolute joke. Wasn't Baltimore the place where people threw cork at him? I hope the fans embrace him with more cork...

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Feb 2, 2005 -> 11:36 PM) Politte will be solid, and should be counted on most of the time...though I have no doubt he will undoubtedly go through a spell like he seems to do quite often where he is very bad. And I do have some faith in Vizcaino. I think he will be quite solid for us too. Adkins should be better this year too, with a year of experience under his belt. I could be wrong, but unless we keep twelve pitchers, I don't see Adkins making the team... Closer-Shingo LH Setup- Marte RH Setup- Vizcaino, Hermanson Middle Relief- Cotts, Politte Qwerty, no faith in Vizcaino?

I think Anderson is the centerpiece to our midseason blockbuster trade, whoever that may be... And Badger is totally correct on Sweeney. He's still really young (turns 20 on February 20th, per the article greasywheels posted), hopefully there will be no reason to rush him through the system.

A couple of thoughts... -Sorry for such a nit-picky post, but wasn't Fields drafted 18th, not 13th? -And, for anyone who watches the Athletics -- I've been thinking about this all offseason, yet never got the chance to ask this question. Is Jermaine Dye a guy who is going to be able to take a fair amount of walks this year, or what? I ask because, after looking over his stats, it seems as if he's unpredictable when it comes to that. I know he's known for his power, and good defense, as well as his pretty solid BA/SLG%, but his walks have jumped all over the place. In '99, '00, and '01, he seemed to be able to draw a fair amount of walks (58, 69, and 57 respectively). In 2002, his walk rate went down to 52, still a fair amount, but since then, he's been under fifty. He looks like a guy who, if he's able to hit for an average of .270 or above, should be able to give us a pretty good OBP too (.340 or so, though I know I probably shouldn't be concerned about his OBP all that much). Anyone have thoughts on Dye? -And finally -- as to the actual article, I think this quote basically sums up the key to our season:

QUOTE(captain video @ Feb 2, 2005 -> 10:06 PM) Brewers having trouble signing Sheets.......that's music to my ears. I hope KW is watching that one with a close eye. I'd offer any combination of BMac, Garland, Contreras, Diaz, Anderson, Lopez, Borchard...........Crede/Ben Davis/wewillie! This is the guy I have wanted for a long time -- a "strikeout" pitcher who can dominate! Sheets -- Garcia -- Buehrle -- El Duque -- Cotts/Hermanson/whoever else KW can get cheap! If both Contreras and Garland are included with a few prospects -- the money we save can go to Sheets in a long term deal. Maybe it makes sense for the Brewers -- we all know they can ill afford "one" player eating up 25-35% of their payroll. IMHO this would be a reason for Jerry to increase the payroll! Rest assured -- if this team is in first place or a game or two out come June, and one of Garland/Contreras/El Duque prove to be inconsistent (or in El Duque's case, injured for a long period of time), Kenny will make his pitch for Sheets. And he'll probably need to overpay in terms of talent, too. I'm thinking Anderson, Diaz (Perhaps B-Mac), and at least two of the upper tier prospects (though hopefully not Sweeney/Mac). It also begs the question of what we may need at the AS Break. We seem pretty deep in the bullpen, unless Shingo fails early on in the season. I don't think we'll see an IF upgrade, I think he'll stand pat with Pierz/Konerko/Iguchi/Uribe/Crede, unless one of them is really, really not producing, as well as sucking defensively. And, with our OF, even if someone out there gets hurt, you still have two more than capable replacements in Gload and Everett. It seems the past two seasons, Kenny has, more-or-less, started off everything as far as mid-season deals go. I'd love to see Kenny make a pitch for Sheets, though...

For those who didn't hear it, here's a recap from the MLB.com Predictions thread -- I accidently posted it in the wrong thread, but here it is: Williams on now (Full Report): -Ozzie is happy about who was brought in this offseason. Wanted a more consistent lineup, as well as better pitching. Same stuff we've already heard, started with Garcia and Contreras, continues with the moves this offseason. We still have power, just more distributed throughout the lineup. -Talks about Konerko. Really a team player. Sitting on 39 homers in KC, he took a swing indicitive of a guy trying to move the runner from second to third, rather than going for number 40. -Talks about Iguchi. Good top of the order hitter, saw him on scouting tapes. Says fans will love his glove at second, top of the order work. Real quick interview, nothing new learned. He got asked about four questions or so, and that was it...

Ok, it's alright again: -Talks about Konerko. Really a team player. Sitting on 39 homers in KC, he took a swing indicitive of a guy trying to move the runner from second to third, rather than going for number 40. -Talks about Iguchi. Good top of the order hitter, saw him on scouting tapes. Says fans will love his glove at second, top of the order work. And, that's it... Wow, five minute interview. EDIT: Damn. This is the stuff from the Kenny Williams interview on MLB.com. I didn't even know that I put both of the posts in the wrong thread, my bad. Me = dips***.

Williams on now (Full Report): -Ozzie is happy about who was brought in this offseason. Wanted a more consistent lineup, as well as better pitching. Same stuff we've already heard, started with Garcia and Contreras, continues with the moves this offseason. We still have power, just more distributed throughout the lineup. -(f***ing Choppy MLB Radio.) Sorry fellas, it's choppy as hell, I can't give a good report. Ugh.

Anyone else having problems as far as listening? I click the 'listen live' tab on MLB.com's main page, and I'm not getting any sound, not even a popup for Windows Media player...

Is it just me, or shouldn't it be a forgone conclusion that unless Harris absolutely dominates Spring Training, and Iguchi is absolute garbage, that Iguchi will be running out to play second base on April Fourth?

FWIW, the NHLPA and the NHL are going to be meeting again today in New York. Wow, would today's staying home sick turn into an awesome surprise if they were able to resolve some things today at the meeting. But I guess I shouldn't hold my breath...

QUOTE(AnthraxFan93 @ Feb 2, 2005 -> 03:01 PM) And for the other record on the record.. I hope I can eat my words and we Win a DIv title and beyond...Just this team has more "if" than certainties(sp) I don't understand why you say that this team has more "if's" that certanties. Sure, there are a bunch on this team -- but you could say the same for just about every team in the majors... For example (not that I want this to be a Sox/Cubs thing) Some of the "if's" on the Sox are: -If Podsednik doesn't revert back to 2003. -If Dye/El Duque get injured again. -If Crede isn't the prospect we all had hoped he was going to be. -If Uribe/Iguchi can't play like they did last season. -If Shingo can't hold down the closers role. -If Pierzynski f***s up our clubhouse chemistry, if we have any. -If Thomas, upon returning, plays really poorly. But, look at the Cubs: -If Burnitz is really, really bad (which is a good possibility...). -If Hairston reinjures himself. -If Nomar's achilles acts up again. -If Aramis reverts to the norm (three seasons prior to last year, wasn't his OPS in the .700's? Why the big jump?) -If Michael Barrett reverts back to his old self. -If no one can hold down the closers role (which is also a good possibility). -If Wood/Prior can't stay healthy. -If Rusch can't hold down the fifth starter's spot. If you want to be picky, you can grab a lot of "if's" from each and every team. I could do the same thing to the Yankees, believe it or not, too. Sure, this team has some question marks, I don't think anyone will deny that. But, what people won't deny -- and what I don't think even you, Anthrax, can deny, is: -This bullpen that Kenny has assembled has the chance to be the best since, '93? Better? -This staff finally has five pitchers who, each guy in the rotation should give you a great chance to win each and every time out. Even if El Duque is only able to give us 80-120 (God forbid, but there's a good possiblity it plays out like that), that's 80-120 more innings that Felix Diaz, or whoever the spot starter is, won't be pitching. -This lineup, top to bottom, has no easy out. If Joe Crede is our worst hitter -- and he hits like he did last year, .240 ish average or so, which I doubt happens-- that's still an awesome f***ing lineup. Either way you look at it, there's power and speed from top to bottom in the lineup, and like I said -- no easy out, top to bottom. A lot of guys on this team, if they get hot, can carry a team.

If you wanted to be picky, you could say that Kenny did develop one Jeremy Reed, but I don't feel like getting into that whole thing (Whether Kenny drafted Reed, I'm not sure). I still think it'll be another year until the Sox system starts moving up the ranks as far as 'Best Farm Systems in the MLB' (Not saying the Sox will be top ten, but at least middle of the pack with B-Mac, Anderson, Sweeney, Fields, Gio, Tracey, and hopefully Bobby Jenks -- as long as there are no significant setbacks). Then again, I really shouldn't be commenting on the system in the first place, I'm definitely one of the dumber ones here as far as the minors are concerned...

It's a joke how he even tries to compare the Cleveland bullpen to ours... I'd take one of their relievers, that being Bob Howry. And he'd be the last righty in our bullpen to make our team. Talk is cheap. April Fourth -- Bring it...

QUOTE(AddisonStSox @ Feb 2, 2005 -> 03:15 AM) YES!!!!!!!!!! Burnitz!!!! YE-HA!!! Eat it Cubdumb faithful! Eat it. Horrible signing. Just because I have such an urge to say it... Dye >>>>>>>>>>>>> Burnitz. There, now I feel good...

Excuse me while I fall off my chair in laughter... //Green Jim Hendry! Five million to a guy who probably won't even post an .800+ OPS. They definitely aren't going to be paying Burnitz five million to sit on the bench, so it could be safe to say that Magglio Ordonez will not be a Chicago Cub...