SkokieSox

$6 million

What about the other player increases? It's fine to want to spend, but you have to be reasonable. I'm fine with trading Lee if it means acquiring Beltran, especially with Anderson and Sweeney on their way.

Actually, I think we will go after him. Doesn't mean we'll succeed, but the organization has shown a willingness to spend on worthy players, which certainly includes Beltran.

He had a point there though, Israel.

Conspiracy theory- Sox keep they're mouths shut about the Ordonez situation, Boras keeps Sox up to date and upfront about Beltran negotiations.

Why is that? He couldn't be any worse than Valentin, in fact, it should be a significant improvement. Better defense, more consistent contact, and the ability to consistently move runners along.

I wouldn't mind it, but I would prefer getting Vizquel and having Uribe at second. I like Harris, but I feel this would make us very strong up the middle.

Agreed, and that's the idea. If nothing else, Vizquel would be a solid a defensive SS with the ability to move runners along in the two spot.

Although I see what you're saying, I just think we could do worse, and that the money we have to spend this offseason would be better allocated in other areas. If Davis wasn't a good defensive catcher with good game calling ability, I would agree that, that would be a major concern and priority for next season. And as I said, I see Davis being a dangerous hitter in the back order of the lineup.

This guy can manage some day if he wants to. Maybe he come back as a coach at some point.

Defense and game calling take priority in a catcher over hitting. It would be nice if Walker can get Davis to at least be dangerous at the plate, which I believe he can, and already has made strides to do so. As long as the pitching staff likes him, he can call a good game, and at least make runners think before just running all over us, then I'm fine with him as our catcher. How many teams have a catcher that is both great at defense and hitting? Yankees, Bo Sox, and Detroit. Right now, with our other holes we need to fill in, I'm satisfied with the Davis/Burke platoon, who isn't too bad himself.

Those were quotes in the article.

9 of 10 may believe a trade will be made, but 90% don't believe it will be PK. Listen to what Ozzie and KW are saying. They did everything but confirm that they'll be looking to move Lee over PK.

There is more to the scenerio than age. PK isn't old by MLB standards anyway.

Willie may have led our team in SB, but he should have been a lot better than what he showed. He looked reluctant out there, and really, he's on the team because of the speed he has. He needs to pick it up. I like the guy, don't get me wrong. It's just that Ozzie's assessment was right on IMO. The problem with the reasoning of trading between PK and CLee is that we are stacked with our outfield in the future. PK is a team leader, and showed how clutch he can be with our other big bats out of the lineup. CLee did very well and I like him, but it does make more sense to trade Lee if one has to go. Especially when considering that the trade is to hopefully make room for another outfielder.

Right now it appears Lee is the one who is going to be traded.

I think he is the plan B.

Maybe, but I don't think that means he is going to just start handing over players. There is still a plan in place.

I too love KW's aggressiveness, and I also agree this is his last shot. Unless of course next year's team shows good signs of being almost there, and depending on how the season in general fairs.

What desperation? We're revamping the team, not surrendering. If we don't get value for whoever, the deals don't get done. Magg's was a good example. KW knew he was as good as gone most likely, but he didn't cave and just hand him over to the highest bidder.

Not to mention that most GM's realize he hit 40 homeruns with the Cell as the home field. Not to discredit PK for his accomplishment, but it's not the same as hitting 40 homeruns in Pro Player stadium as the home field.

Two things about that. One, how do you know what Grilli can do over an entire season. The only reason why he isn't a seasoned major league pitcher right now is because of an injury. The guy has talent, and was a high draft pick not that long ago. Two, Garland has been nothing but inconsistent, and he gets paid a s*** load more to be that way. Garland has a lot of talent, but so does Kyle Farnsworth. Sometimes mental midgets just never get over the hump of being stupid.

When the original discussion came about trading one of them, I immediately thought about trading PK and moving CL to first base. I think he could do it, as he would be an aggressive, power hitting first baseman with speed. However, I wouldn't have a problem with Gload at first, or PK either. I like PK a lot, but I want what's best for the team.

Whether Maggs is a fan favorite or not, the money would be more wisely spent on a player like Beltran. He fits Ozzie's scheme more, and is the type of player KW is looking for. With that said, I think it is very possible to spend the money on Beltran while not spending it on Maggs. The organization is serious about revamping this team, and Maggs has made it clear on his own that he has little intention on coming back, unless otherwise forced to because of his injury.

Maggs isn't going to be 2-3 million cheaper based on what he said to want. The only way that happens now is if the injury affects the market, and thus his contract demands. Remember, he turned down a deal for 4 years at $15 million. Say what you want, but he wasn't willing to give the Sox a discount in the slightest, and unwilling to work with the club to consummate a deal. From what I've heard, and noticing his unwillingness to deal until after FA, proves to me he really wasn't planning on coming back to the Sox regardless. This injury was a curse upon himself, and honestly, gives the Sox a break for not having to explain not resigning him. I liked Maggs a lot, but the contract issue got to me, and if I'm going to spend similar money, I'm giving it to Beltran, even if it is a little more. Beltran helps our club that much more than Maggs IMO. He's more of the type of player we need. Plus with moving Rowand to right, I believe it sets us up for a real strong defensive outfield, if it does happen.