SkokieSox

I would like Burke to make it with that third baseman option (keep Uribe at short and second) and as a third catcher. However, it looks to me that we will indeed carry the 12 pitchers, which probably isn't a bad idea, to at least start the season that way.

This is totally expected. This only shows how worried they are about it. "It didn't flare up as bad this time." Wow! Someone should let them know it isn't good if it flares up, at all. I mean, I'm surprised they aren't taking the opportunity to say how great this is, so that Prior can stay rested and be fresh for October. These guys aren't that naive, they most likely are being told what to say. At least Stone, Chip is that dumb. This doesn't look to be a quit fix, and it leaves me to wonder, will this ever completely go away. Even if it does for a long stretch, this is something for them to be concerned about, not just for this season. They said it is caused from his dense muscle tissue in his calves which are straining his achilles. Well unless he loses muscle mass (which would obviously depress some of his speed), I don't see how the situation is going to be less of a problem for him in the future. Although, I doubt you will hear that perspective from the media.

Don't forget Rauch battled Wright for the fifth spot and he did not outperform him. Wright has pitched very well this ST. He has certainly earned the spot and looks to repeat his success similarily done in 2002 (14 wins).

Why does Wright have to suffer for Schoney. He at least has shown he deserves a spot. I am more proned to send Schoeny to AAA and to see if he can get his repetoire working down there. He just started working on it during ST, because Coop showed him what he wanted then. Maybe he just needs more time, but not during the season in the majors. No learning at our expense. Also, then we can keep Grilli in the long relief role and not offer him back to the Marlins. I will be pissed if we are forced to give him back due to Schoney. Let him get it together in the minors. If he becomes lights out, then he can replace Cotts, unless he himself is lights out. Otherwise, he can become a lefty specialist, but again, not at Grilli's expense.

Uribe is playing fine, from what I've seen anyway. He has a decent average, but with lots of power. He's not over swinging, he's putting a level swing on the ball. We will see, because Burke and Dransfeldt, but especially Burke would be good additions to the roster as well. However, he has a lot of value in being able to cover SS, second, and now third too when needed.

The forums I've read with Mets fans, they've sounded disappointed and thought they could get much more in return. One poster said it was move that eliminated his salary and that they will release Ginter. Obviously that is a stretch, but it is a general consensus that we came out on top.

He doesn't walk much, but he doesn't strikeout much either. Like Randal Simon, he puts the ball in play.

Oh, I got a new one. Mike Jackson. Veteran leader who has all the confidence in the world, but has a 6.00 ERA. With Adkins pitching well, I am torn as to who should make the team. However, he is a possible candidate to lose a roster spot.

Kind of gives you a different take on things. Very good article, I thought. Glad I read it.

Very real possibility

I totally see your point, and it is valid. I agree to disagree though. No big deal.

Exactly

Maybe this is the message to let that person know. Besides, I wouldn't compare KW to Matt Millen, or even the Sox to the Lions for that matter.

I don't think it's that big of a deal. He didn't mention the guys name publicly, and whoever it is, now knows that he should pick it up. For all we know, he just said this to have everyone not take for granted that they made the team and should keep busting their ass all the way to April 5th. Not a big deal. If it's true, the person had better step it up so that we will never know who it is, or it will be plainly obvious. If it gets to that point, well maybe it was better that they didn't make the roster.

It's gotta be Maggs. Maybe it's Grilli. I want to keep him, but maybe he's not dedicating himself like the coaching staff would like. Not sure, just speculating. Whoever it is had better

It probably will never happen, but with him flashing the leather like he did last year, makes me believe he could if he committed to it.

From whitesox.com under the Perez trade "I'm still waiting for one particular person to pick up the pace a little bit, in terms of them getting ready for the season. "If they don't pick up the pace, then you might see something different. But at this point, we'll have to let it play out." When Williams was pressed as to whether he was talking about another general manager in terms of finalizing a trade or one of his own players, Williams made it clear that he was talking about someone from the White Sox currently in Tucson. He wouldn't put forth much more information past that clarification. "I'm not going to go there," Williams said. "Somebody that thinks he's on the team that might find himself surprised unless he picks it up. That's all I'll say on it." Who the hell is he talking about?

It's not like we can't readjust if we decide we don't need to carry 12 pitchers, or if we decide that Burke fills a need we desperately need to fill. You're right, I'm sure we'll see him during the season at some point.

It will be interesting to see if we still go with 12 pitchers, in which case Burke would probably lose his chance to be on the roster. I would love to see him on it, but 12 pitchers seems beneficial as well. We should find out real soon.

That's more than Rowand. Who is going to backup Crede? Uribe I assume, and possibly Gload on certain days.

He made $312,000 last year, so I believe he you're right that he is a cheap solid backup. Does this affect Gload? Guillen seemed like he was pretty set on having the third catcher/backup third baseman in Burke. I like the move, but I'm a little confused to where the 25 man roster is, and what roles everyone will fill.

Colorado Rockies Updated:03/26/2004 The Denver Post reported the Mets were aggressively pursuing Damian Jackson, whose roster security had vanished because of the continued strong play of Luis Gonzalez, a utility player, and Jackson's poor showing at the plate. The newspaper said the Orioles also had expressed interest. The Rocky Mountain News reported the Rockies also had talked with teams about deals for non-roster players Denny Hocking and Benji Gil.

There are at least two teams interested in Damian Jackson, Baltimore and someone else. Therefore, I'm not so sure he is easily attainable. However, I am in agreement with those who believe Harris and Uribe will be productive and fill the role well.

Early in the offseason, there was a rumor that C. Lee could play first if PK was traded. I wouldn't mind that in the least if he proved he could play the position and with that outfield. That's a little ways a way though. Although, probably not too early to consider it.

Grilli will win the long reliever position. He's pitched well enough to earn that spot, despite a few rough outings. Besides, he's a good pitcher with a lot of upside now that he is healthy. Plus if he doesn't make the team, we have to return him to the Marlins.