SkokieSox

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".

QUOTE(fathom @ Jan 7, 2007 -> 03:48 AM) Oh yes The only thing he has in common with Garland is that they're were drafted out of high school and got traded. His numbers don't even compare to those of Garland in the minors. His stuff does...

QUOTE(shawnhillegas @ Jan 7, 2007 -> 05:21 AM) I just cant understand why you wouldnt sign 1 guy to anchor the staff. Yeah the market sucks, but pay out the big bucks for 1/5th of the rotation and develop the rest through intelligent trades and better scouting. But if there is a man to sign, its Mark (provided he rebounds). The Sox can afford to pay big money for 1/5th of their rotation. If they are to do it though, is MB the guy? If I'm going to shell out a **** load of money, it isn't to MB. I'd pay a considerable amount to keep him, but no where near Zito money.

QUOTE(fathom @ Jan 7, 2007 -> 03:31 AM) I can't believe that after all the talk of how pitching wins championships, and KW's acquisition of Vazquez last year, that we're looking at going into the season with Gavin Floyd as our 5th starter. He's a young Garland, and I have no problems with him in the rotation. Give him a chance with Coop.

QUOTE(spiderman @ Jan 6, 2007 -> 10:23 PM) I don't think he'll be traded in-season unless the White Sox aren't contenders. Williams likes the pitching staff, and he feels confident enough in the offense to have not touched it so he obvioulsy feels this team will be AL contenders next season. If that holds true, we're not trading Buerhle for prospects in August. If we're in contention, I agree. KW will want to go for it. However, it will be interesting if MB is doing well, keeping trade value high, and we see Danks, Sisco, and Gio lighting it up in AAA.

.262 .310 12 homers 55 rbis Good year in the cell

"I'm proud of the year we had, winning 90 games, but we didn't get what we wanted to get done and defend our championship. It's a little more frustrating with the potential we had as a team, and it wears on you a little bit. You want to win and perform." How couldn't you love this guy? I mean, now that he's on the Sox. I hated him on the Twins...

QUOTE(spiderman @ Dec 31, 2006 -> 10:47 PM) We couldn't match Oakland's offer unless we were to give a package of players. Blanton would be a nice addition to the Mets starting rotation, whereas most of what we could give may not be ready to pitch at the MLB level. I believe the thinking is that we'd include one of our four major league starters. Obviously not straight up for Milledge.

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Dec 30, 2006 -> 10:30 PM) The Sox did not sign Eric Young they signed Ernie Young. Eric is the infielder who played for the Cubs, Ernie is the 36 year old career minor leaguer who played for Charlotte last year. I see, don't know anything about him. I thought it was odd Eric would have accepted a minor league deal. Thanks for the clear up.

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Dec 30, 2006 -> 07:21 PM) Eric Young is the Ex-Cub/Brewer you are thinking of. Last I knew he was on the Padres last year (for at least part of the year). That's cool, more depth. Decent backup in case Gooch were ever to be injured.