SkokieSox

QUOTE(jackie hayes @ Nov 3, 2007 -> 11:28 PM) He never said he wanted personal phone calls from the GM. He said, "But I have to assume when a guy is somewhat in a team's plans and gets hurt, and his season is over, I would assume someone in the organization, front office-wise, would check up on you and give you a rundown for what their plans are for you." Considering the part in bold, I took it as, 'Look, I know you don't want me here.' He also hints at that in saying, "If someone wants to come and tell me something, I can handle it. If I can handle hitting .225 in the big leagues, I can handle getting news that's not too great about me." As for the rest, he's asking how it will benefit him, personally. ("It would be nice to talk to someone and find out why I'm going there and as to how it will benefit me.") That's not asking for "red carpet treatment". He's saying he doesn't know what his incentive is to go to winter ball. Honestly, I don't think he has any. If he doesn't want a personal phone call, what in the hell is he talking about? His agent already talked with the Sox, and his agent talked with him. He's made it clear that isn't goos enough for him. Maybe a personalized note would do the trick, but who knows? (SARCASM - just so everyone is clear) If he has no incentive to go to winter ball, then it is he who has given up on the organization, not the other way around. If he doesn't go, he does not prove he's healthy and he does not prove he has improved and is ready to be in the majors again. I'd say after what he's shown to date, he has a whole lot to prove. That's the benefit, here's a shot for him to prove it. He says he doesn't want to be treated like a 6 year old, but it sounds like that's exactly how he wants to be treated. He should understand what's going on, and dig deep down to get motivated to show what he has. If he doesn't, why would anyone hand him a starting job?

QUOTE(jackie hayes @ Nov 3, 2007 -> 11:02 PM) As CWSGuy406 pointed out, I was talking about supernuke's post, not mine. When it's that obvious, green isn't needed. You said that even stars go to winter ball. My point is that it's much riskier for Anderson to go because he's not a star and he's injured. He wants a shot, it won't come here, why make yourself look worse than you are? The article does state that he's still recovering from the injury. Obviously his comments go beyond that. (I never said they didn't.) Feel free to interpret them however you like. I look at them differently. I'm sure he wants out pretty bad, and the Sox have held onto him for a year and a half without any intention of playing him again. Maybe he's trying to force their hand. You can look at that as whining, or just recognizing that the clock ticks fast for prospects. Next year is basically his last shot. Who wouldn't want to get out asap? I realize he's injured, but the point is about him whining, not whether he takes the assignment. And that injury has a lot to do with him not being called back up, so saying the Sox have not intended to play him is pure speculation, and as you say, I see things differently. I would want to get out and play for a non-contender too, in order to have another shot as a starter in CF. If the Sox pick up a FA, he obviously won't be in their plans in that capacity. Again though, this is not my argument. I'm merely disappointed with his comments, even if he is frustrated, because his complaints are not justified with his play or health. If you have a wrist injury and can't play winter ball, why are you talking about getting personal phone calls from the GM about his plans for you in 08? Get healthy, and show you can play. As it stands, how can he possibly believe he deserves the red carpet treatment?

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Nov 3, 2007 -> 10:26 PM) . One thing to keep in mind with Brian Anderson is this was probably the first time he's ever failed at baseball. He most likely has always been a star and treated like royalty. Especially in basketball, its amazing how 7th and 8th grade kids are put on a shrine now. Then something goes wrong and they really don't know how to handle it. I think KW understands. He was a guy who was highly regarded, came in had a nice year as a 22 or 23 year old, stardom was predicted and he then couldn't hit. Up until that point, I really doubt KW had many failings in athletics in his life. I really don't think its as much an attitude problem as it is confusion and frustration as to why everything just hasn't worked out. You're probably right, I guess I'm just frustrated like him. I hope the guy gets another shot, and produces. As it looks though, he won't be the starting CF for the Sox. I'm not sure where we go from here with him...

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Nov 3, 2007 -> 10:08 PM) If his attitude is bad and he can't hit and he won't work on it, he's not going to get better so he should be released. But the White Sox aren't releasing him. Something tells me there's a little more to the story. The talent is there to possibly be a good MLB player, he just hasn't shown it yet. Releasing him would be a bad idea because he at least as some value in trade, even if it is a low level prospect or an addition in a larger deal. Maybe there's more, but going by what we in fact know, Anderson appears to be a whiner to me.

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Nov 3, 2007 -> 10:01 PM) Supernuke's post looked to be -- quite clearly, might I add -- sarcasm. If you need green to distinguish that, I think WSI can use more people who bow at any and every decision the White Sox make. Well it's super you think so... As you may not have noticed, I'm not defending a White Sox move, but demonstrating my lack of enthusiasm to Anderson's comments. One isn't relevant to the other in this case.

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Nov 3, 2007 -> 06:10 PM) Well then they should be consistent with all the players. Their best players should also be personally responsible for their shortcomings. Anderson is still not 100% physically, but why is everything his fault when in 2006 when Buerhle and Freddy Garcia were both pretty out of shape it wasn't their fault? Ozzie blamed Allen Thomas. Of course, it wasn't Thomas' fault that Uribe was fat, but I digress. Blame Anderson for a bad 2006, but I blame the White Sox for setting him up to fail, with no reasonable back up plan. Telling him that they don't care what he hits, then crying that he's not hitting.They had no back up plan. As for all the talk that he was a bad teammate, I seem to recall that when AJ got sucker punched, the 2 players that had his back the most were Pods who was right on the play, but I still give him credit, and Brian Anderson. We here all the "inside info" about Anderson watching TV not working on improving, he's a bad teammate etc. If that is 100% accurate, what is he still doing in the organization? The big difference between those guys and Anderson is that they have performed at the MLB level. Setting him up to fail? Was Josh Fields set up to fail? Was Crede, Garland, MB, Rowand... Rowand was sent down twice, and he stayed resilient. What's Anderson's deal? I liked him sticking up for AJ as well, but when that's your best argument to bring him up to the majors, we had better start getting into some major brawls in 08.

QUOTE(jackie hayes @ Nov 3, 2007 -> 02:11 PM) He said his wrist isn't 100% yet. If he goes to winter ball and bombs, injury or no, he'll have a more difficult time getting a look from another team. Since he obviously isn't in the plans for the Sox, that has to be his primary goal. So why would he go before he's healthy? Btw, you really need to learn how to recognize sarcasm. Was it written in green, or do I know the writer personally or something? You really need to learn how to communicate sarcasm. In any case, he's not complaining about being healthy, he's complaining about being sent down, not being called up, and being told to go to winter ball without a personal visit from KW, Ozzie, and JR with some flowers and *** kissing about how great they think he is, despite his inability to hit the ball.

QUOTE(supernuke @ Nov 1, 2007 -> 09:44 PM) Well maybe it's not his fault. Maybe Ozzie and KW should have scheduled weekly meetings with him to keep him informed of their plans for him. I'm sure that would have helped him. Damn KW and Ozzie, not making enough time for this budding superstar. At what age does a man need to be responsible for his own actions? If someone struggles and is too proud to ask for help, how receptive is he going to be when you offer it? The Sox seemed prepared to offer him the help anyhow, and he is b****ing about winter ball. I mean, we have super stars playing winter ball, and this guy thinks he's beyond it.

Rogowski would be nice...

QUOTE(max power @ Oct 30, 2007 -> 11:13 PM) I don't blame anderson at all. I agree with pretty much everything he said. And then when you continue to read, his own agent says the Sox told discussed it with his agent, and his agent discussed it with him. Sorry, after a season like ours, our officials are focused on more than a struggling minor leaguer that may or may not be healthy enough for winter ball in the first place. As far as getting at bats early in the season, did he earn any? Did he blow everyone away in ST or something? Focus on playing some ball, getting healthy, and proving you're worth a damn before you whine about being talked to like a man. Being sent down was a shot at your ego? Try batting below the Mendoza line for the first half of 06, and see what KW's ego was feeling like. I used to like this kid, and thought he'd be a good player. Maybe he still will be, but his attitude in unjustified to how he's played to date. He needs to stay quiet and carry a big stick. Maybe then he's make some contact...

Sigh... I really thought we'd give it a shot. Oh well, it would have been extremely nice, but only one team can come up with the prize of the FA class.

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Oct 27, 2007 -> 07:33 PM) If Pablo is back next year, I really don't see why we need a backup 2nd baseman. At least give me someone who can play more than one position. We can't use up every roster spot we have by trying to set up a platoon for every young guy we're trying to develop. If you want to do that, at least give me guys who can back up several IF slots, not a guy who has played 9 games away from 2nd base in his career. I agree, if Pablo is healthy, he'll be a good option to backup Richar or to face lefties. I hope he returns to what he was, because with his energy, he's as good of a bench player around. Very versatile...

QUOTE(chisox72 @ Oct 27, 2007 -> 04:25 PM) He may be worth a shot. It isn't like there is much else out there anyhow. I like Richar, but I don't think he is a shoe in by any means. It may prove to be a good benefit to platoon the two of them depending on the pitcher, and bat both at the end of the lineup.

I'm still happy with the trade...

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Oct 20, 2007 -> 12:56 PM) I really think when and if Hahn gets another job, its really going to hurt the White Sox more than you would think an assitant GM leaving would hurt. I would rank Hahn the second brightest individual in the organization, second to JR. Absolutely - I certainly don't want him to go anywhere, but at the same time, it would be a great move for him. I would be happy for him...

QUOTE(LVSoxFan @ Oct 11, 2007 -> 04:13 PM) This is an excellent point. Like: WOW, we REALLY need a first-rate third base coach for all those speedsters on our station-to-station Jurassic baserunning team. At this point the 3B coach should be handing out donuts and coffee to lead-footed Konerko, molasses A.J., creaky Dye, no-speed Thome, don't-slide-or-you'll-be-on-the-DL Erstad... while they wait for, as you say, Uribe to bat them in. And hoo boy: that's a long wait sometimes. QUOTE(WilliamTell @ Oct 11, 2007 -> 04:29 PM) haha 3rd base coach is probably the least important coach for us. Nobody ever gets there and if they do, chances are they're trotting around it anyways. It appears that's about to change, as Ozzie wants the the third base coach to provide more fundamental help with the players, not just rounding third. He wants to take that responsibility from Cora...

Jeff Cox is expected to be named the new third base coach for the White Sox. Cox was as a minor league manager for 13 years before spending the past six years in the majors as a coach with Montreal, Florida and Pittsburgh. He replaces Razor Shines, who was let go Monday. Please delete if already mentioned, I couldn't find anything on it. In any case, does anyone know his style? I'm sure he preaches fundamentals based on what Ozzie said he was looking for.

QUOTE(Gene Honda Civic @ Oct 9, 2007 -> 09:27 PM) Why not just become a Cubs fan if all you wanted was some rah rah, everything is alright, the sun will come out tomorrow, wait til next year crap? Are you kidding? BS comment...

QUOTE(Shadows @ Oct 7, 2007 -> 10:53 PM) I never said my stance wont change, but Ive got a long standing habit of not assuming were going to make all the right moves to be a contending team.. how much higher can the payroll go? Who are we going to move and are we even going to get good return back? I am not going to assume we will, so I am pretty confident right now seeing the other team in our division and what they already have now in comparison to us to say that we wont be contending next season.. That's the spirit!

QUOTE(Gregory Pratt @ Oct 7, 2007 -> 08:43 PM) You've seen his swing, right? It has nothing to do with Osvaldo. Do you think that's what KW calls him when he's mad at him?

QUOTE(Gregory Pratt @ Oct 7, 2007 -> 08:06 PM) Ooh, you got me. I'm bummed that the Cubs lost. But yes, I like the logo and the laundry. I don't like the history, the owner, the management. I don't think Joe Torre would come here (this is not a prestigious organization), I know we wouldn't give him the money (this is not a particularly generous organization, with its money), and we've already got a manager (who was recently extended). Haha - jk about the Cubs. We differ in opinions, but it's cool, that's what makes the site fun. I for one don't feel we need Torre, nor do I really want him at this juncture.

QUOTE(Gregory Pratt @ Oct 7, 2007 -> 04:21 PM) Joe Torre deserves better than this franchise and he'd never consider it. My gosh man, you sound like you're bummed the Cubs lost or something. Do you hate the organization, but like the team at least?

QUOTE(Jeremy @ Oct 7, 2007 -> 05:28 PM) I think this is all a flawed mode of thinking though because we forget we're talking about a 72 win team here. Vazquez is only signed for three more seasons and we don't know how good he'll be as his age progresses. If his contributions are to a sub .500 team they won't be particularly valuable. Young on the other hand, not only figures to improve but will also be around for five more seasons meaning that he'd had a much better chance of contributing to a competitive White Sox team. Expensive veterans aren't worth much if your team isn't contending, you want young building blocks like Young instead. Well I guess then there's the real issue at hand. Do you feel we can compete next year or not. If not, than I can see the reasoning for preferring Young to Javy. If you think we can, Javy helps this team more.

QUOTE(Gregory Pratt @ Oct 7, 2007 -> 03:44 PM) If you can't hit a fastball, you can't survive for long. Next year is key for Josh Fields and I have to see what he does then to know what he is. Right now he has some very obvious flaws and we will have to see what happens before he's as good as Young. I do wish we had both on our team into the future. But I'm not the one who projected Brian Anderson a better keep than Chris Young. I hope he can as well, and think that he will. Both are young, but I think both teams will have to live with the K rates with both players. Believe me, I wish we had Young as well, but I'm very glad we have Javy. If the scenerio that Anderson was asked for, and we switched it to Young is accurate, and I think there's some holes in that story, then you wish Anderson would have been the one to go. However, as said many times, with that team and Rowand gone, Anderson was the logical choice to keep. He was the most ready, and we were coming off a WS. In any case, I still would have traded Young for Javy than not at all. Starting pitching simply has more value, and Vazquez helps continue to make that a strong area for the Sox.

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Oct 7, 2007 -> 03:25 PM) And money has to be taken into consideration when comparing value. With Young you get a player who's going to be dirt cheap for the next five years to go along with all the money that isn't tied up in a post-ARB player, versus Vazquez who you have for the next two (three?) years at $10 million per. Great you have $30 million and Carlos Silva as you're top FA choice, who will command considerably more than he's worth due to the fact that no one is out there. Money absolutely should be considered, but so do options. There are more outfield options, specifically CF's, than there are legitimate pitching options.