SkokieSox

QUOTE(fathom @ Jun 23, 2007 -> 02:16 PM) Does it reallly matter when you're not going to go out and spend money in the FA market? Remember how everyone used to say every player dreamed of signing with the Cubs to play with Dusty Baker? That didn't really work out....players want the cash, and that's it. Oh, by no means am I implying that we'll sign FA solely due to Ozzie's presence. But if the manager position is in question, that works against you at the bargaining table... All I meant was that players like to play for Ozzie, and it is just an advantage, not a determinent.

I certainly don't have a problem with it. We're obviously going to see some changes with the personnel on the team, but I think it puts the Sox at an advantage to have the security of the manager position. Meaning, the potential newcomers don't have to wonder who they would be reporting to. It's been noted many times that players would like to play for Ozzie, so I feel this is a good move. Why not knock it out if you're planning on doing it anyway. And as said in an earlier post - Ozzie isn't the problem.

QUOTE(fathom @ Jun 9, 2007 -> 03:15 AM) He should have been the 4th outfielder on this team, and be used as the defensive replacement for guys like Dye. We all knew that Pods and Erstad would eventually get injured. Terrero has been decent out there....but Owens is just a disaster. I like Anderson, and unless we sign a major offseason CF next year, I think he should be our CF. However, I don't want him as are fourth outfielder when our team is playing like this. The reason being is that it doesn't create value for his progression. He needs at bats...

QUOTE(fathom @ Jun 9, 2007 -> 03:09 AM) Ozzie had a lot to do with who's on this roster also though. He's the one who needs his "speed" guy at the top of the order. He's the one who didn't want to give Anderson an extended shot this year. He's the one that never gave Gload the chance to see what he could do as a leadoff hitter. In no way am I blaming Ozzie for how bad this talent level is....but he isn't exactly out of the loop on these decisions. You think Anderson would make any difference on this team right now?

He needs to light a fire, but if the team fails to respond, he will be criticized even further. He's fighting a losing battle, unless this team came pick it up. Is it his responsibility? Yes, but what else can hye do with the hand he was dealt? Let's face it, the potential guys are not living up, and the guys no one questions are productive year after year, aren't this year for whatever reason. I mean, you can't criticize a lineup where no one is hitting... You shake it up, but that's all you can really do.

QUOTE(southsideirish71 @ Apr 15, 2007 -> 03:08 AM) If they really want to build around speed and small ball you get the best in the business in contact and sign Irchiro. I would let Dye go, put Ichiro in RF. Sign Gooch. And hit them one and two. Yes and yes

QUOTE(BigSqwert @ Apr 20, 2007 -> 01:33 PM) Leave Erstad alone. He's trying to get into a groove. I will say that at least Erstad can advance runners and have productive outs. He serves our offense better that way than Anderson, and allows Gooch to move down in the order.

How many days to the season? Climb down people...

QUOTE(southsideirish71 @ Mar 3, 2007 -> 09:02 PM) Well at what point does a potential FA say to themselves, well I would like to go to the whitesox, however do I really need to deal with the landslide of crap when I eventually leave. We've had plenty of FA, and players traded that have left on good terms. When players take a parting shot about the team, it's going to ruffle feathers.

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Mar 3, 2007 -> 05:34 PM) I'll make this as simple as I can; If Ozzie Guillen keeps his team together and keeps them winning ballgames this year, gets them to the playoffs, and so on; I couldn't care less which players he rips into. If that works, I'll take it. If Ozzie Guillen becomes a distraction that starts costing the White Sox chances at the playoffs, in repeated seasons, then there will be no more reason to tolerate these rants. It's been said many times over from players in the club house, that Ozzie takes the pressure off his players. He's not a distraction to the players, he draws attention from the media, that would otherwise be focused on the players. So let there be articles about what Ozzie says about McCarthy and Rich Hill. Who gives a ****? The players find him refreshing!

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Feb 19, 2007 -> 02:45 AM) I discussed Ichiro with Wite a few nights ago on AIM, and he makes too much sense for 2008. Maybe even a Mike Young for second... I'll take Tad there just as easy, batting behind Ichiro.

We'll still have a 100+ million budget. Who knows, how great would it be having Ichiro in LF and Sweeney in right?

QUOTE(Steve9347 @ Feb 18, 2007 -> 09:29 PM) I'm sorry, but this is bad business... I can see JD, Buehrle, and Tada all being highly annoyed that KW felt the need to talk honestly about this. On the flip side, I can see them being appreciative, getting the opportunity to see what kind of deal they could get outside the organization, while still having the opportunity to negotiate with the Sox. He basically took the pressure off of having contracts becoming a distraction. Just play, we'll talk later...

In the minority, I really don't see the problem with this. He's not conveying he won't attempt to resign them. He's offering them to find their worth as a FA, and we can go from there. Obviously any offer at this point from the Sox, all three are going to feel they can get more. He's just saying, go find out what that number is, and we'll see if we can work something out.

QUOTE(Colorado Sox Fan @ Feb 14, 2007 -> 10:29 PM) I don't care about the Cubs comparison. I agree with Rogers. There's nothing in the offseason moves that excites me about this team. Say what you want about Freddy, but he would give us 15 wins. Now we have Vazquez as #4 starter vs. #5 and it's anybody's quess who the #5 is. I just don't see how we're a better team without Garcia and Mac. I don't care about 2008 or 2009. I want to see a world series challenger in 2007. This team doesn't cut it, unless we pick up a starter at the trade deadline. So say we go for it all this year and still don't end up with a WS. Next year would you commit to your statement and be willing for the team to not be competitive, and sign mediocre pitching for top dollar?

QUOTE(jackie hayes @ Feb 11, 2007 -> 09:30 AM) I agree about Vazquez, but still, it's clear that the Tigers had better sp last year. And with their youth and the talent that everybody's been talking about for years, I'm not gonna bet against them in any case, even as I'm consciously trying to be a homer -- add in the fact that we have Floyd 'o the 65 career era+ as our 5th starter, and I'd say they clearly look better at this point. I'll go with Kalapse's ranking. But it was clear we had the best starting pitching as well coming off 05. Let's see if the wear and tear affects them the same way it affected us.

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Feb 11, 2007 -> 12:29 PM) Due to the inactivity of threads on PHT ATM, I decided to try and get the ball rolling a little here. There's been rumors for the past week or 2 about Scott Linebrink, possibly being dealt to the Philies for Aaron Rowand. Now San Diego already have Mike Cameron in CF, so I can't really see them having a big need for Rowand. BUT, they lost Dave Roberts in the off-season, and are going with a Sledge / Cruz Jr. platoon in LF for the moment, with Marcus Giles probably leading off. So I'm wondering if the Padres would have some interest in Scott Podsednik. And yes Pods being injured isn't going to help matters. But if we chucked in a prospect as well, would you do say Adam Russell and Scott Podsednik for Linebrink? Now our pen is pretty full at the moment. And Linebrink regressed a little last season. But imagine having a pen of Jenks, MacDougall, Thornton, Aardsma and either Sisco or Logan and adding Linebrink to that mix. Having Linebrink bounce back would be a huge boost to the pen, and it'd allow for a 3 way competition b/w Sweeney, Anderson and Erstad for those 2 OF spots. Thoughts peoples? You could do this deal if for no other reason to flip him for another need.

I think this is making something out of nothing.

QUOTE(RME JICO @ Jan 27, 2007 -> 02:32 PM) It also sounds like a little leveraging and positioning with the media from both sides. Sure it does, MB looks like he's positioning himself to make KW look like the bad guy. On the whitesox.com site, the media questioned KW with an MB quote saying essentially KW said he won't be back, maybe even if he played for free. Ahh whatever, get 16 wins, and we'll see you on the flip side. Danks is on pace to be ready by the break, and Gio soon to follow (maybe 2 years.)

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Jan 23, 2007 -> 11:02 PM) When you suck because of surgery 2 years in a row, it's no longer an excuse; you've gone from being a player who didn't perform because of injury to being injury-prone. How was 05 a bad year for him?

Darin Erstad-OF-Angels Jan. 22 - 8:04 pm et The Marlins and White Sox are among the finalists for free agent Darin Erstad, who could pick his team this week. The Angels remain in the running, though they won't offer as much playing time as the competition. The Cubs, like the A's, appear to be out of it, as they perfer Cliff Floyd for their outfield mix. The Marlins would give Erstad a chance to be their regular center fielder if he's interested in playing in Florida. The White Sox, who nearly acquired Erstad for Jon Garland prior to the Angels' 2002 World Series run, would have him battle Brian Anderson and Ryan Sweeney this spring. I wouldn't mind Erstad at all, especially as a 4th outfielder and Anderson back up.

QUOTE(Rowand44 @ Jan 19, 2007 -> 01:52 AM) And those pitches will be much more consistant as a starting pitcher, in a role he's familiar with. Texas or not, Brandon is going to be a very good starting pitcher, starting this season. Just watch. It probably will allow for more consistency, but the problems are still present. He'll give up the long ball from time to time, but with Texas offense and timely pitching, maybe it won't hurt him too bad.

.276 29hr 105rbis

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Jan 11, 2007 -> 11:55 PM) And how would you have liked his treatment to be adjusted. He should have demanded Buerhle to transform into Santana. It makes perfect sense, and it's realistic. How no one thought of it during the season is beyond me...

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Jan 8, 2007 -> 09:41 AM) Garland has what could be termed a "power curveball"? Since when...? Key word is similar - both have a pretty decent fastball and a "power sinker".