CWSGuy406

QUOTE(SEALgep @ Jan 29, 2005 -> 05:53 PM) Timo = clutch Willie = not Willie = Good. Timo = Not.

QUOTE(elrockinMT @ Jan 28, 2005 -> 02:52 AM) This is your first post correct? Please don't tell us old timers here that you don't want to check on the past Konerko posts. Welcome to Soxtalk, but we have had ad nauseum topics on this issue. Konerko is staying and should stay as he is a team player, unselfish, wants to win and is a very productive hitter. Thanks! What are you talking about? This is like the third post this offseason I've seen on this topic, and neither of them (that I recall) were as well thought out as this one. Great post, even though I may disagree with it. Whoever said that Konerko should get 3 years, 28-30 million -- no way. I know Konerko is a great guy, a great team leader, but the fact still remains that he's uber-helped by playing at US Cellular Field. I love Paully as much as the next guy -- he had me in tears of joy when he hit that homer vs. Minny two years ago in the top of the tenth against Guardado -- but, he's gotta do better than .239 on the road for him to deserve a nine million per year contract. Plus, if Ross Gload happens to hit well again this year, than I think you have a possible platoon (Rogo is a righty, correct? If he's not, my idea is shot down) in Gload/Rogowski -- the platoon would give you a better AVG, better OBP, less power, but better production all around. JMHO.

QUOTE(Jabroni @ Jan 28, 2005 -> 03:27 AM) Do you refute the fact that if a player can't hit lefties at all then he can't be a full-time player? Willie is a platoon 2nd baseman at best. How can you say he can't hit lefties? Sure, it looks to be a problem -- but, all of this judgement is coming from less than 200 ABs against lefties in the majors. Hitting lefties was never a problem for him in the minors, either. Say what you want about his attitude, but Harris can be a solid player. And, if you're trying to imply that Aaron f***ing Miles is a better player than Harris, then.... Ugh.

QUOTE(quickman @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 10:08 PM) Well Willie did not have to do the article with Joe Cowley. Ok...? Ah, nevermind -- I screwed up. When you asked me if I was talking about the people on the board or the media, I was mainly referring to the group of people that Jim was bringing up, Guillen, Williams, etc who are now talking bad about Harris...

QUOTE(quickman @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 10:02 PM) Molto you bring up some well thought out points, but let me take a stab. I believe that the sox thought they saw a talent in harris. Its obvoius they did or else they would not have traded for him. I believe many youngsters need guidance and the sox thought they could guide. I believe they wanted to give OZzie a chance to work with this guy to try to change him around. I believe that by july they figured they couldn't change him or his attitude or whatever the problem was, so they went after alomar again. I believe this extended to this year and he will be gone. If this team was in rebuilding mode they MIGHT keep him another year, just to make sure, but OZzie does not want to rebuild. That saying goes around so much around here -- the whole, "They traded for Alomar a second time, so clearly they weren't happy with Harris." That really is untrue -- to back up what I was thinking, I googled a search for some articles about the second trade, and here they are: First off, not a direct quote -- but a sentence from the article, which shows that it wasn't just Harris who Kenny was dissappointed in, but also Everett and Crede... Here's a quote from the manager himself, unsure of what exactly he was getting in Alomar... So -- saying that the Sox were unhappy with Harris last year -- while a bit true, isn't the total reason behind trading for Alomar...

I'll go with the choice "Other". Definitely, through all else, if our bullpen holds up and is as good as it should be, then I think we'll be playing October baseball, and I'm not talking about the two games against Cleveland.

QUOTE(Molto @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 09:23 PM) Does Harris have an attitude problem? I'm sure that's possible. Did Harris show his attitude problem in this article? No, he actually did the opposite. Saying he would like a chance to COMPETE for the starting job. Was Harris screwed big time last year when it came to his playing time? Yes, there is no doubt about that. Harris caught fire on a few occassions last season, all of which ended with him getting benched. Now, here is the big thing ... Harris was playing good, but was benched because of his attitude. A lot of people here are talking about how Harris was continually getting replaced. That could be because A. the White Sox don't think much of him or B. he has an attitude problem. If it's A. it's bulls*** because why keep him on the team and put him in situations where he can only fail. Better off trading him while he was producing down in AAA. If it's B. it's also bulls*** because if you have a guy who has an attitude problem at AAA, you bring him up and he still has an attitude problem, why keep him? Why jerk him around and make him think he has a job but then pull it away from him? If Harris has been a selfish asshole all this time, why is he still on the team three plus years after he was brought in? Why haven't they gotten rid of him? If a guy is arrogant in AAA, arrogant as a bench player, he will only get worse as as a starter, I would think. And by giving him the starting role and taking it away from him, you are obviously just making him feel like he's getting screwed some more. Great post, Mario. Awesome.

QUOTE(quickman @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 08:07 PM) i don't mean to intrude, you mean on this board or in the media? The media.

QUOTE(JimH @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 06:48 PM) I realize this is an opinion board, but why the reluctance to realize they have totally soured on this guy, it is not about statistics. All of those people who criticize Harris (Melton, Harrelson, DJ, Guillen, Wills, Rooney, more), let's face it, they know more than we do. Jim -- The problem I have is that the same people who are saying this about Harris are the same people who were talking s*** about Lee after he left, when there was really no reason to do so. And, just from watching Lee over the years -- sure, he had his boneheaded plays on the basepaths, his moments where he'd stare and stare at that homerun ball, but I didn't see anyone go as hard as Lee did into that LF corner (a dangerous area especially with the low fence), as well as going hard into secondbase. To be honest, not many players on the White Sox went as hard as Lee did, period. Yet he's talked about, now that he's gone, that he was lazy and didn't improve at all. That's why I question the source...

QUOTE(YASNY @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 07:42 PM) Again. We don't know everything. Maybe Willie was benched because he was given the steal sign and didn't go. Maybe he was the cause of some clubhouse turmoil. We don't know this stuff. Yasny, I have a question for you. Say you were in Harris' position. Obviously, Harris wasn't confident last year, and that's evident. Your standing on first base, and Ozzie gives you the steal sign. At this point, you have no confidence in your leadoff, your first step to second, reading the pitcher. At that point, aren't you thinking to yourself, "Should I just not steal, and have the chance to get driven in, or should I steal anyways, and -- who knows, upon my speed alone, I might make it, but I'm really not confident right now, so who knows..." (Yeah, like someone would think that to themselves... My bad -- dips*** sign to me) Anyways -- I know this is a poor comparison, but I play high school basketball (varsity, at that). And, sometimes my coach will want me to put up a shot, even when I'm not shooting that well, or when I'm in a slump. So, it's basically a split second decision for me -- shoot it, knowing I'm not real confident at this point and it probably won't go in, or hang on to it, look for a better shot, and take the possibility that I may get ripped into by my coach when I come off the floor.

QUOTE(Jabroni @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 05:34 PM) Oh please, give it a rest. :rolly That's the biggest load of bs I've ever heard. Ever heard of being a team player and accepting your role? It's not like Willie set the world on fire and earned the starting spot at 2nd base. There's a reason the Sox benched Willie -- HE WASN'T PRODUCING!!! When Harris was benched, right around the beginning of July, he was hitting .275 with a .351 OBP. If that's considered not producing, than I'd venture to say at least five other guys (starters) on the team weren't "producing" either... Jabroni, can you compile a list for me of rookies, or second year players, who hit .300? Just a guess -- but I'd be willing to bet that that number would be less than five. That "he has never sniffed .300" comment really makes no sense, because not many rookies are able to hit .300 in their first year, or their second year...

QUOTE(Soxbadger @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 05:18 PM) Its strange how different people can read the same article and come up with a different interpretation. To me it seems all Willie wants is a chance to win the starting position. He never says, "I should be the starter" He only says "I want a chance to compete" If that is whining, then once again I have forgotten what the term means. He states facts about how is ab's were sporadic and that is not a very good thing if you want some one to do a consistent job. Perhaps some players can do it, but there is a reason why even good pinch hitters generally have a low ba. Also, every one is just posting conjecture on what the White Sox staff thinks. From what I have been told, Greg Walker has no problem with Harris. ::shrugs:: I just love how everyone has shipped Harris for a product most have never even seen for 1 minute. What happens if Iguchi sucks and Harris turns the corner this year? We threw away Harris just because, Ozzie does not like him. By the way: G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA OBP SLG TB Guillen first year: 150 491 71 134 21 9 1 33 7 4 12 36 .273 .291 .358 176 Harris first year: 129 409 68 107 15 2 2 27 19 7 51 79 .262 .343 .323 132 Guess the Sox should of just thrown Guillen away because his OBP was under .300, he had under 10 steals, and so on and so forth. He sucks burn him, give rookies no chance to develop at the majors! Lol SB I know I'm really late on the subject, but great post. Excellent points.

QUOTE(gotoh00 @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 05:31 AM) You are welcome. Now....Can you put that on the board???? YES!!!! Speaking of which, is he going to be introduced to the media tomorrow or Friday...?

Sorry for such a lame late nite post, but I'm bored and this topic just popped right into my mind -- I thought it would be interesting to get everyone's ideas on the topic... Well, here it is: For the White Sox to have a World Title-type season, it is vital that __________ (from the offense), and __________ from the pitching staff, to have great seasons. After much deliberation on both accounts, I figured that I'd put Frank Thomas for the offense -- because really, when he's on, it seems to spread to the whole team. If he's able to rebound from his injury fairly well, then I'd like to believe that we'll be in good shape. And, for the pitching staff, I'll say Shingo. I figure that if Shingo is able to hold down the closers' role, and be able to come close to what he did for us last season, then Ozzie won't have to shake up the bullpen by putting guys in roles they aren't prepared for. (For Cheat's sake, I wanted to put Timo Perez for the offense, and Jason Grilli for pitching, but I figured I'd spare him the time... )

QUOTE(SoxFan1 @ Jan 26, 2005 -> 10:58 PM) I think Fields/Widger have the best shots. For some reason, Fields just seems likeh e could be on this team...this year. You're dreaming, right? The only way Fields is even close to the major league team this year is if we're out of it by September, and Fields absolutely rips up high-A, and double-A, or whichever he starts. Even if Crede sucks early, Kenny will make a move for a thirdbaseman. Book it, Fields won't see any action in Chicago this year...

QUOTE(winodj @ Jan 26, 2005 -> 06:04 PM) Why Columbus? They have a fan base. It's a city that has been ACHING for a major league franchise. So much so that they went ahead and built a stadium for major league soccer. The Blue Jackets have/had a fan base believe it or not, because all the folks in Central Ohio were sick of rooting for the folks north and south of them. Columbus also has a good nucleus of some young players. Rick Nash, and that Russian kid -- grr, his name doesn't come to mind right now (and I'm not talking about Ovechkin, either). Boy, I hope this is true. I miss watching some of our young Hawks like Vandermeer, Ruutu, Bell, Arny, and Calder develop. While this isn't a real great time to be a Hawk fan, it sure is fun watching them develop -- lots of young players, no old vets (Korolev and Krapov gone! Beautiful! ) taking away PT from the kids. Plus -- It'll be a joy watching our blueline develop over the next five years. Byfuglien, Wisnewski, Babchuk, Barinka, Barker, Seabrook -- definitely a nice start, as well as a boatload of others at Norfolk...

QUOTE(YASNY @ Jan 26, 2005 -> 07:23 PM) I know Walker's a lefty. I know the Cubs are worried about their bullpen. But this is matter that goes beyond that kind of thing. JimH spoke very well for me (thank you). It's trading a dimished value player for a dimished value pitcher, due to things other than their skill levels. It was just an idea and based purely on what was said above. I wouldn't even go so far as to classify it as speculation. Just a thought. I've always loved Farns' stuff, I'd love to have him on the Southside. Even if he doesn't work out with us, I mean, there has to be a spot on the Bears for him -- that guy can tackle! Anyways, I'd definitely throw the Cubs Harris and Adkins for Farnsy. I doubt they do it, but man -- that guy has some awesome friggin stuff... Nasty curve, awesome fastball -- plus, the build of a football player.

QUOTE(jphat007 @ Jan 26, 2005 -> 05:11 AM) Haha. Yah. I'm more of a lurker than a poster. But I figured people would want to see this. Thanks for the welcome! I'm pumped for the upcoming season! Welcome to Soxtalk, and I definitely hope to see you post more often! Good article too, I appreciate it, as I'm sure others on the site do.

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Jan 25, 2005 -> 09:41 PM) Using OBP as a tool to judge Uribe is stupid, IMHO -- especially when you use his career OBP. OPS should be used to judge both players, because neither are excellent with their OBP -- both are there to provide power and drive in some runs, as well as their plus defense. Uribe is never going to be a guy who gets on base at a .350 clip. What he will do, though, is hit the ball well, drive in some runs, hit some homers (which leads to his excellent OPS).

QUOTE(Jabroni @ Jan 25, 2005 -> 09:32 PM) Crede's and Uribe's career OBPs are almost identical... Joe Crede - .304 career OBP Juan Uribe - .307 career OBP I would rather see Uribe in the #9 spot instead of having Crede there. Crede would clog the bases for Podsednik when the lineup turns over. Using OBP as a tool to judge Uribe is stupid, IMHO -- especially when you use his career OBP. OPS should be used to judge both players, because neither are excellent with their OBP -- both are there to provide power and drive in some runs. Uribe is never going to be a guy who gets on base at a .350 clip. What he will do, though, is hit the ball well, drive in some runs, hit some homers (which leads to his excellent OPS).

QUOTE(Yoda @ Jan 25, 2005 -> 09:20 PM) Okay, let me get something strait. Why does it seem like everybody is putting Juan Uribe in the #9 spot? I much rather see Crede there. Here we have Uribe who hit .283 had 23 HR’s and 74 RBI. Then we have Crede who went .239 21 HR's and 69 RBI. The only reason why I see them adding Uribe to the #9 hole is if Ozzie wants speed both in the top of the lineup and in the bottom. Otherwise I much rather see Uribe batting before Crede. I agree with ya, Yoda. There's a reason a guy is placed in the nine spot in the lineup -- most times, it's because he's the team's worst hitter. Statistically speaking, too, though very slight, he (the nine hitter) has the best chance of seeing the least PA's in a game. Shouldn't your worst hitter be the one who's hitting ninth? In my mind, the lineup should look like (when fully healthy): Pods Iguchi/Rowand Thomas Konerko/Dye Dye/Konerko Pierzynski Rowand/Iguchi Uribe Crede I know a lot of you don't like Rowand hitting second, but he kills the ball in that spot, IIRC. I don't care if he doesn't hit behind the runner well, or bunt well (which, most likely, has been worked on this offseason) -- he kills the ball hitting second, so keep him there.

I ended up making him a 3 star player. Seven at getting hits (with a lot of that being gap power). Five at hitting homers. Six at Eye/Patience. Seems about right, especially if the changing of his stance the past two seasons is true.

QUOTE(gotoh00 @ Jan 25, 2005 -> 04:28 AM) Yeah, there should be, especially in Fukuoka. I know they'll be showing a lot more Sox games live in Japan now that 2 Japanese stars are on the team. I was sure getting sick of watching the Mariners and Yankees 5 times a week. WOW! (Eyes bulging out smiley) That's awesome news... Hopefully, our oversees fanbase is going to build a little bit, and we'll have some all-world fan favorites...

QUOTE(JUGGERNAUT @ Jan 25, 2005 -> 12:30 AM) His biggest weakness is against LHP. He did not show that in the ml's so I don't think it can't be overcome. This is why if KW does trade him & does not got a quality UIF or a quality pen guy in return he's undersold him. Again... less than 200 ABs vs. lefties in his ML career, and was known as hitting lefties just as well as righties in his minor league scouting report. Being able to hit lefties doesn't just leave you, which is why I believe many on this board are a little quick to say that he can't hit lefties, yet are judging him on what, 150 ABs?

QUOTE(YASNY @ Jan 25, 2005 -> 02:26 AM) KW will have a little time to either make a deal or make the decision. I'm thinking a Harris trade may be in the works. For what, though? We don't have any other needs, besides a MIF that can play multiple positions. If Kenny were to trade Harris for just a utility guy, it would be pointless, and a bad trade. He could trade for a solid prospect, but is anyone going to give up a solid prospect? Jim -- just, let me think for a second. You said that if Iguchi fails, Uribe is his backup, correct? But, you've also said that if Uribe fails, we don't have a backup plan -- which is why we cannot keep Harris on the 25 man, correct? But -- who is a better SS out there currently, than is better than Harris is at second? I know that sounds wierd, and let me try to better put out what I'm trying to say. Harris is already a decent second baseman. Who out there would be a better SS, a better value as a backup SS, than Harris is as a backup 2Bman/OFer? It's my thinking that Uribe cannot fail -- he can't -- if he fails, well, I won't say we're screwed, but that might cause some problems. Really, no one will make a good replacement SS. Our eggs are firmly placed in one basket at SS -- and that's OK, I have no problem with that, considering we should be getting offensive production elsewhere, and as long as Uribe continues with his defensive expertise (sp?), as long as he hits .230+, I'll be OK (that being said, I doubt he goes that low). Larkin is the only guy who I'd be willing to replace Harris' spot with, and he doesn't want to come here as a part time player, which is what he'd be (IMHO -- and I know my opinion differs from yours in thinking that he'd be getting 90+ games here).