SkokieSox

The rumor is that it would Perez for Thomas straight up. I don't believe that will happen. KW shot down a proposal of Thomas for Weaver, and said he wouldn't listen to overtures that insult what Thomas has done. Realistically, and I'm not even sure the Dodgers would do it, because they love thier prospects, it would probably have to at least be a Perez and Miller for Thomas.

I'm glad he's staying too. A little humor in the interactive session with Hawk, DJ, Valentin, and Buehrle. Buehrle said he likes to play cards and just hang around with the guys before a start, and Valentin starts making faces. After he was done, Valentin interjected and said it was a lie. He said Buehrle plays baseball video games and uses himself as the pitcher. Everybody starts laughing, because even though Valentin was serious he was having fun with it. Buehrle was laughing too, it was kind of funny. He is hard nosed and emphasized playing hard against everyone this year. He played with Guillen and is excited what he's going to bring to this team. I was glad to hear it. Jose also had a few things to say about Minnesota. He flat out said they cheat with the air conditioners. He said you can see the flag blowing when we're up, but it doesn't when they bat. Also kind of suspicious, more like flat out evidence, he said when Carlos smashed that ball that Hunter caught, that the ball no doubt should have carried out. He said everyone knew he flat out rocked it. He said then a ball hit less hard when hit by the Twins amazing had enough distance.

Just cuz you don't believe it doesn't make it untrue. They have a mutual respect for each other. When ST starts it will all be put behind them. They're both men, and have a desire to win. Winning cures any bs between them. Just because they don't have Christmas dinners with each other doesn't make them not friends. You'll see this season, they'll be fine and Frank will lead by example for the young guys.

I just came from Soxfest, Saturday, and Valentin was very supportive of Frank. He said we need Frank to win, and that every player, including Frank needs to step up and play the game right. He wasn't taking a shot, he very genuinely said Frank was a very significant part of the team, and that all need to play together. Hawk added to it stating that people are blowing this out of proportion. He said Ozzie and Frank are really good friends and that when ST starts, it will all overblow so they can get down to business- winning games. I got a good feeling coming out of it, and I think the mentality is going to change for everyone in the clubhouse. Players and coaches will be on the same page.

What did they lie about? I think it's unfair to bash these guys. If you want to be pissed at JR for not raising payroll, that's one thing, but these guys are doing a good job with what they have to work with.

Ya, I was getting tired of that big time. He's doing the same as Frank, only Frank is taking it to the next level. There's no problem with taking a break, as long as you're staying in shape.

I agree.

It wasn't luck, he was overlooked. He made it happen. As for Reed, he shouldn't be pentalized because he was a higher pick. The fact is, is that he's a very good player. They knew he would be good, they just didn't know it would be this soon and at this rate. He would have to struggle in the majors at first like any rookie, but he could certainly produce. As for his speed, he's not going to break records, he's better known for having above average base running instincts. Maybe Harris should lead off either way, but having Reed in the lineup wouldn't be a bad decision. Who knows though, if one of these other trade rumors come true, then maybe we still won't need him yet.

Of course its speculation. That's what ST is for. We'll see how they all do, however, I do thinkTravis Lee would be a good addition. I'm fine with Harris leading off if it proves Reed needs more time to develop. Travis Lee can also play right when needed, DH, and play first with Frank and maybe Gload. If the scenerio worked out that we trade Maggs or Konerko, Lee would prove to be a good addition. Not that one of those guys will be for sure traded, we'll just have to see.

Or a solid club. The Sox will make that determination, and the truth of it is, neither of us no what their plans are. I really don't see why that is far fetched. Is it ideal from our outfields perspective, no, but defensively we don't suffer in my opinion, and these guys may end up surprising you. I could be wrong, but again, I believe its worth the risk. And if the Sox really didn't believe that Reed could even possibly play right field this season, he wouldn't be ST invite. I'm not saying it's going to happen, I'm saying it may happen. And if it does, I'll go into the season confident that Rowand and Reed will perform. You can disagree, that's fine, I respect that. It's what I believe and feel comfortable with.

I may not be qualified, but other people who are said that he has a chance to start by opening day, and if not look for him to come up mid season. You never know for sure, but you have to look at what I wrote. If we trade Maggs and bolster our pitching, it's worth taking a shot with him. He has very good plate discipline. I'm not trying to blow smoke up your ass, other people have assessed this as well. You can't assume what happened with Borchard will happen to Reed, they are very different. Especially since Borchard is a power guy with a long swing. That puts him at a disadvantage when coming up to this level. Who knows what will happen, but I stick to my opinion that its worth the risk assuming we trade Maggs.

His plate discipline will help him excel at any level. He wouldn't replace Maggs, but he could have a solid season. Do I know for sure, no, but I'm confident that if we bolstered up our pitching it would be worth the risk. He's got some pluses as well for our club. He's a lefty bat, a true lead off hitter (I like Harris, but this could take some pressure off each other seeing who would be better in that spot- and whoever it was a spot later in the order would have some speed attached to it), good base runner, good fielder. You never know for sure, but the better experts in baseball seem to believe he's got a bright future. One said he had has a high ceiling, saying he could be the best lead off hitter ever if he continually progresses. We couldn't possibly expect that kind of production this year, or even ever knowing how could he would have to be to reach that level. That wasn't my prediction though, it was in rotoworld.com. Anyway, that's why I think he'll be good. Realistically, he could have a good start to his career and bat .275 his first year. Not stellar, but not a bad start. We'll just have to see, but again with the pitching it would be worth the risk.

Reed is good enough to take the starting role if we end up needing him. Of course we don't know how the prospects are going to turn out, that's why they're prospects and not major leaguers. However, their outlook is good. Borchard will have a chance to rebound, it's the only year he hasn't performed, so it's a little premature to give up on him. When you say we could in a year or two, that's basically what I meant without saying it, so thanks for clearing it up. Losing Maggs will hurt, but my point is that we should be able to use one of our guys, pretty much Reed and be okay if we bolstered our pitching. There is a lot to consider with Maggs, which is why I wouldn't mind the trade. One of their top prospects have the potential to be a starter for us for this year or next year. I think it's worth the gamble, but like I said I wouldn't mind keeping him either and at least getting a draft pick and developing Borchard and Reed another year. If we can resign him, even better. We'll just have to see how it works out, but I believe KW will work out a deal to our favor, or just keep Maggs. I'll be happy either way, because I know KW won't be presured into a trade, he'll only do it if it makes our club better. We have a pretty good staff to make those decisions in my opinion.

http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/7046705

Thanks

I'm okay with the Sox trading Maggs, even though I really don't want to. I say this because I know KW will only do it if we get a lot in return for him. Supposedly Perez, Mota, and Miller. He refuses to discuss a contract extension, which doesn't upset me, but it does put us in a unique situation. If talks were more positive I wouldn't want to do it. Another reason is that our farm system isn't the bst in the league, but one thing we have are strong outfield prospects. We'll see what happens, but if we don't get a good value for him, I know KW won't do it. That's fine too, we can make a playoff push with him.

I think some of you guys complain for the sake of complaining. KW has done a fine job. Some things haven't worked out, but he isn't the one to point your finger at. He works hard, and if we had a new manager before, things may have turned out a little different. Our team will move forward, and if the team's revenue increases, they will use it to build the team more. However, I am not dissatisfied with our team. I wish we could have a few more starters, but I think we will be fine. The Royals and Twins certainly have their pitching question marks as well.

They signed him because he is low risk with the potential of having another season like last year. It's smart in case someone goes down, but they're also going to trade a pitcher or two before the season starts. Whether its for a premier guy or just to fill in some major holes with some minor talent they'll still have to do it with pitching most likely.

You're right. That's what he asked for, and the Yankees instead granted him use of the plane.

It's not so uncommon. Kevin Brown made the Yankees spring for 6 first round trip tickets from LA to New York for his family, in order to approve the trade. They obviously obliged.

Granted, Jose should definitely start at short with the personnel we have, but Uribe has a high ceiling on him. His defense is superb, that isn't a concern. However, it is believed that he was trying too hard to hit for power in Coor's Field. The Sox believe if he focuses on being a contact hitter, that he can be a real good all around player. Last I heard he was batting .275 in winter ball. Not outstanding, but not a bad start to a new approach to hitting. In comparison to Jose's winter ball season, he's an allstar. However, Jose was experimenting with an all lefty approach, which proved to not work. We'll see this season how Uribe works out.

Oh ya Lol

No, the Cleveland guy got traded to the Sox. Now Neal and him are roomates, didn't you hear?

Unfortunately that could be Cotts too. I think I have more confidence in Scott. I would rather not rush Neal, do to his potential and what happened to him last year. If he has an outstanding ST, then I'd change my mind, but otherwise another year of development is probably best to work on his control.

I'm skeptical of Scotty as well. However, KW has said he's been trying to get this guy for three years now. Also, he's added a cut fastball that made Loaiza more effective. Scott is very good against lefties, but struggled against righties. They believe this cut fastball will be an effective pitch against righties. I hope that works, we'll just have to see.