SkokieSox

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Jan 21, 2006 -> 07:14 AM) Pods will start in center... When B.A. Needs a day off. Not even then, Mack will be in CF.

Right now, Borchard is probably Thome's insurance policy. It's fine to sign him to a minor league deal, but there really isn't a need for him. Ragowski is a better option IMO.

QUOTE(Beltin'Bill @ Jan 14, 2006 -> 02:21 PM) I think Barret is an asset to his team but last I heard, the love affair with Barrett was waning since he did not hit enough home runs for Cubs fans and some pitchers did not want to pitch to him. I do not necessarily agree with the negative comments his power, but it is another Mark Grace type example of how the fans will start harping on his power numbers and not recognize his overall value to the team. Didn't Ramirez end the season injured? I agree he could easily have another great season, but I also am not nearly as sold on his value to a team as I am on a guy like Derrek Lee. He seems more like the Carlos Lee type who puts up some very good numbers and plays safe defense but doesn't necessarily have the mental intangibles needed at times. Maybe I am biased because he is on the Cubs but I have never really like Ramirez' overall demeanor, even when with Pittsburgh. An important distinction between Grace and Barret, is that Grace was a strong defensive player. Mike, not so much...

Don't know if this was posted, but can Preston Wilson's signing be a way for them to play him in CF, making Tavarez expendable so to say?

QUOTE(Steff @ Dec 29, 2005 -> 01:33 PM) He quit last March. That's good - I saw him at Sox Fest smoking, but obviously that was in January. He has the right to do whatever, I just thought it to be foolish considering what his strengths are.

I realize I am in the minority in regards to Tavarez, but he absolutely raked in the playoffs. He definitely needs to walk more, but that can come. I think he would do well under Ozzie.

For sure Uribe's catch in Game 4 9th inning, for out 2.

QUOTE(Milkman delivers @ Dec 31, 2005 -> 02:52 AM) I hope nobody gets me wrong, though. I love the idea of having possibly the best SS in baseball on the Sox. He's great defensively and offensively, and he seems like a nice guy. I just don't like the steroid talk about him. He was named as a possibility in Canseco's book, and Palmeiro pointed a finger at him. I'm sure Palmeiro did it just so he can push the blame on someone else, but I also believe he chose Tejada for a reason. And then I don't want ship off Uribe. The guy dropped Boras and signed a good deal with the Sox. He plays hard as hell, and might even be a better defender than Tejada. He almost single-handedly ended the World Series for the Sox on top of that. I don't like getting attached to players, but after this possibly scenario, the Sox have replaced a whole lot of last year's team in one offseason. I'm all for improving the team, but that just worries me a lot. It would also remove all of the depth from the rotation and take a pitcher from the bullpen. I love this trade and I dislike it at the same time. Canseco never said Tejada did steroids, he said he didn't know either way. He did accuse some people without ever witnessing them taking steriods, but Tejada was not one of them.

QUOTE(shawnhillegas @ Dec 31, 2005 -> 02:40 AM) so the way i understand it the white sox have a few clear advantages in the tejada talks. 1. we seem to be the only team offering a ss in return for tejada. 2. we are not trying to cripple baltimore with payroll add-ons. 3. the count seems to be the second best (or best if you hate prior) pitcher offered. 4. the sox are not in the AL East. 5. tejada wants traded to a contendor. 6. arnie munoz was just rated the best prospect in baseball by baseball america. Whoa whoa whoa - is #6 for real? I'm seriously doubting it.

QUOTE(sayitaintso @ Dec 31, 2005 -> 02:05 AM) So then in all of your opinions, do you think Baltimore would favor this trade proposal over the other ones? I'm not the O's, but I believe they wish to keep Bedard, and unless they receive a lot more than what is said to be offered, they won't give him up. Also, unless the Cubs are giving up Cedeno, whose going to fill the spot left by Tejada? Whether they favor it or not, it's the most logical.

I just bought my Rowand Phillies T.

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Dec 31, 2005 -> 01:59 AM) Which is why I think Bmore may like the Sox proposal. They get two guys that they can pencil in. One becomes there ace, while they can keep Bedard (so that would give them a formidable rotation) and the other comes in and plays near gold glove defense with a solid bat (whose still developing and is signed for at least 2 more years at an affordable rate). Of course it will be interesting who the prospect would be, but I do think this deal makes sense for the O's. Especially if they want to keep Bedard. A rotation of Bedard and Contreras is better than one with only Prior. Absolutely, mixed in with a good prospect and the O's will receive good value, and as you said, a solid rotation.

QUOTE(maggsmaggs @ Dec 30, 2005 -> 11:45 PM) By your thinking, the Sox will need to include 3 more top prospects. the Cubs are already including Mark Prior, who will be under their control for 3 more years and who is a top 5 pitcher in the majors when healthy. And his injuries have been freak things nothing that would make you worry. The calf and the broken elbow. The Sox aren't asking for Bedard.

QUOTE(sayitaintso @ Dec 30, 2005 -> 11:02 PM) I heard that also. It's Bruce so no matter who it is the cubs are always in the front. True. Although, I don't think the Cubs will be able to make it happen unless they drop their demand for Bedard, or significantly up their package.

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Dec 30, 2005 -> 11:27 PM) A few months ago there was some talk that he might be working on a split finger pitch over the offseason. Then he's definitely taking over for Jose.

Willie is certainly a talent. His defense is very good, and his offense is coming around. I hate the fact that he is a smoker, especially since speed is his main asset. Either way, some team will pay little for his services and gain a solid player.

QUOTE(Punch and Judy Garland @ Dec 28, 2005 -> 08:23 AM) Well Newhan showed he can be good in stretches and while Gibbons is uninspiring, he does have a 100 rbi season in his past. I think they sign Burnitz, chicken out on Prior and overpay for Jeff Weaver and claim they are trying Although I somewhat agree, I don't think it as much as being cautious with Prior as reluctant to give up Tejada. Especially with the package the Cubs have offered. I wouldn't bite at it either.

QUOTE(kyyle23 @ Dec 27, 2005 -> 05:06 PM) I dont mind trading marginal second basemen to the Rockies. It worked pretty well the first time. Unfortunately, we won't be compensated wherever Willie goes. He was non-tendered.

If Bedard is going to be included, I think the Cubs need to add another piece to this puzzle. Although Prior would be great for the Orioles to attain, there is every reason for them to be high on Bedard. It's not as if he'd be a throw in. The Cubs know he is a quality pitcher with a high ceiling. I guess the same can be said for Hill, although he needs more seasoning, and is by no means a lock. I think the Cubs would have to include another quality arm.

QUOTE(AnthraxFan93 @ Dec 27, 2005 -> 05:22 AM) Jug, with all of our OF in the minors, why would we want to add another one to the mix? Can't hurt, as he can always be dealt at the deadline for other needs.

QUOTE(SnB @ Dec 24, 2005 -> 11:28 PM) moved to diamond club Thanks

QUOTE(Dam8610 @ Dec 24, 2005 -> 08:36 AM) Correct me if I'm worng, but isn't he moving to 1B? If so, trading Marte would open a hole at one of the corner infield positions for them. I believe the plan is to give Youkilis the opportunity to play first this year.

David Wells - S - Red Sox The Red Sox continue to discuss David Wells with the Dodgers and are likely trying to land prospects who could then be flipped to Tampa Bay for Julio Lugo. Andy LaRoche, Jonathan Broxton and Edwin Jackson are three of the names that would surely intrigue the Rays. Like Chad Billingsley, LaRoche should be off-limits in a Wells deal. Broxton and Jackson might not be. The Red Sox are also believed to still be discussing Wells with the Padres, but San Diego GM Kevin Towers wants Woody Williams to go the other way in a deal, something that doesn't interest the Red Sox at all. Dec. 24 - 4:06 am et Source: Boston Globe If he goes to San Diego, that could position the Sox to be at a greater advantage with any Garland discussions, in which the Dodgers would certainly be interested.

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Dec 24, 2005 -> 03:21 AM) I don't really see the point in dealing an excellent starting pitcher for a young third baseman, when we've already got Joe Crede who'll still be under our control for 3 seasons, and Josh Fields who'll start 2006 in Charlotte. That's why we're going after good starting pitching prospects. We can't assume that when Buerhle, Garcia's and Contreras's deals finish up, that they're going to re-sign with us again. Crede is most likely gone after this season, and although I like Fields, Marte has higher upside. Fields can still bring in some talent via trade. It was just a thought, very unlikely.

QUOTE(Dam8610 @ Dec 24, 2005 -> 03:18 AM) It also creates another difficult to fill hole for the Red Sox. I don't think they would jump at the oppurtunity to create another hole for themselves, even if they make their pitching staff better (and far more expensive in the short and long term, should they decide to keep Garland). Boston has Lowell for two seasons.