GreatScott82

I love his aggressivness towards starting pitching. However, I wish he would direct some of that aggressive behaivor towards aqcuirering a lefty power hitter. Although KW did mention "There is something we don't see right now, you can bank on that- there is something thats going to happen that we don't see right now, so try to insulate yourself, because its going to happen" I wonder what he means by this? Is there a trade in the works for that lefty hitter? Was he just talking about a mid-season deal? He looked smirky. . Check out the video and you can decide yourself. http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/artic...sp&c_id=cws

If the Sox have around 90 million committed to only 15 players, that is when KW gets creative and starts wheeling and dealing. For instance- trade Jenks for 2 to 3 pieces etc. . I would hate to not look into this guy come the trade deadline. He's a beast and he would be an all-star for us for many many years. Its an interesting thought to see where we are financially and where we can address certain needs though.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Feb 19, 2010 -> 04:41 PM) The bolded is really not true. They are trying him a few games there, because they see him as a solid utility man. Its possible he may move more there, but to say "they are moving" him is a pretty big stretch. And Phegley was a mild disappointment in his first year. There is no C in the system ready to step in, in the next year, if Flowers is gone. That is why i can see AJ coming back to a cheaper 2 year deal if thats the case. I also mentioned that in my post. Its still early on the Rethersford experient while Phegley still has time to grow this year.

QUOTE (striker @ Feb 19, 2010 -> 04:29 PM) Who catches if Flowers is part of the trade? They are moving CJ Retherford to catcher. Josh Phegley is also a nice catching prospect who the Sox hope developes niceley this season. Perhaps they can bring AJ back to a cheaper deal beyond this current contract as well. . Remember Gonzalez doesn't become a free agent until after the 2011 season. So giving AJ another 2 year contract at a cheaper rate wouldn't be a bad idea since Gonzalez wont get the BIG cash until 2012.

QUOTE (fathom @ Feb 19, 2010 -> 04:24 PM) Going into the season with literally no valuable prospects and no payroll flexibility is even dumber. I love AGon, but I just don't see him as a fit for this organization over the next 5 years due to his impending huge contract. Konerko and AJ are both off the books next year. That is $18 million right there that can be used towards an AGon extension.

Im dissappointed, but if anything it leaves the door open for a midseason blockbuster. A-Gon, Crawford are 2 HUGE names expected to be available come the trade deadline.

QUOTE (fathom @ Feb 18, 2010 -> 07:23 PM) http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/...n-decision.html All signs seem to be pointing to Detroit, especially with AJP bringing up the Spring Training location issue. At this point, I just want a decision. I still think Blalock could be a cheaper, and potentially better option. 6 more weeks to spend with the family . . yeah he is most likely going to choose Detroit.

All they really need is a left handed hitter to put up Carl Everett type numbers (05 version w/ a slightly better average) to balance the lineup nicely. Johnny Damon does just that- In the 3 hole- Everett hit .251 with 23 HR and 87 RBI in 135 games. I think if you bat Damon third, you can get similar production if not better. I guess we'll find out by sunday.. .

So Kenny 'will talk about this on sunday'. Is that after or before he signs with Detroit? Heyman thinks it will likely be Detroit because of money. Cowley still has the sox as front funners. Mark Gonzales' source that says 'they have a good shot at getting him'. A Rosenthal source believes that a deal may be close with the Sox. Bruce Levine doesn't think its going to happen. Okay so what the hell is going on? Why wait until Sunday to talk Kenny? Is that his unofficial deadline to make a deal? Who has the most reliable sources?

QUOTE (Thunderbolt @ Feb 17, 2010 -> 05:35 PM) Cowley has an interview with AJ, and a nice quote. "I would be surprised if he didn't sign with us,'' one member of the club said" http://blogs.suntimes.com/whitesox/2010/02...ut_all_thi.html

Looking at those Damon lineups just made me realize how much better we would be with the dude. Get it done KW!

QUOTE (chw42 @ Feb 17, 2010 -> 04:22 PM) How much is differed? Damon must really not like Detroit. That and he probably believes that the Sox are much closer to being a championship quality contender than Detroit is.

QUOTE (Thunderbolt @ Feb 17, 2010 -> 04:20 PM) Getting closer... #WhiteSox 1-yr offer to Damon includes heavy deferrals. Present-day value in $4.5M range. Keep hearing Damon does not want #Tigers. 6 minutes ago from txt http://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal Get it done!

What a great week it would be for Jerry Reinsdorf if he can aqcuire Johnny Damon AND shed about $24 million in basketball contracts going into next years star studded free agency.

I wonder if him and his wife will live on Damon Ave?

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Feb 15, 2010 -> 10:28 AM) We were 7th in MLB last year with a .253 average with RISP and 2 outs (Minny was 12th). #22 in total chances with RISP and 2 outs. We were 13th in MLB in batting average with RISP in general, hitting .265 in those cases. The issue with the offense is we were 26th in MLB in at bats with RISP. We did ok when we got people on and over...we just got as many RISP as Baltimore and K.C.. Interesting numbers. . thanks for the info balta!

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Feb 15, 2010 -> 10:17 AM) While we complain a lot about the DH (myself included), I think the key to this year's team is the outfield. The infield and C are pretty predictable, I think... pitching, both rotation and pen, I think we have good guesses on... defense is improved too. But I think, as Quentin's health, Rios' return to being Rios, and Pierre's OBP abilities go... so will go the Sox. I agree. Another thing we have to consider is clutch hitting. I'm pretty sure the Sox were last in the AL with runners in scoring position last year. Can someone verify this for me? How many times did we see runners on 2nd or 2nd AND 3rd with less than 2 outs left stranded? Too many to count. .

Im going to reserve all predictions this year. I know the key to our team is the offense- a lot will depend on how Rios rebounds, if Q can stay healthy. I love Beckham, Ramirez and Pierre in the lineup- while AJ and Pauly provide alittle bit of offensive power. Teahen may be the sleeper of our team- if he can have a career type season, i love our chances. The DH thing does bother me a bit. I love Kotsay as a pinch hitter- and as a backup 1B, but thats just what he is. Anduw Jones has lost his bat over the last 2 seasons. All of a sudden he'll find it? I say lets avoid the whole lightning in the bottle method and sign Damon. .

So its between the Sox and Tigers now? He'll likely go to Detroit for a ridiculous amount of cash when its all said and done.. . Just hope something happens soon. . tired of waiting.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Feb 12, 2010 -> 02:51 PM) Olney includes the phrase "I'm gonna vote for him" so this got posted. Looking forward to 2014 Hell i may even take a road trip up to Cooperstown!

In 1993, 1994, and 2000 he was a BEAST! His presence in 2005 IMO was a huge moral boost to our championship squad as well. He is by far the greatest Sox hitter of all time. I was at game 1 of the 2005 ALDS vs Boston and when he went out to throw the first pitch- it gave me goosebumps! #35- best EVER!

I was just thinking this morning. Adding Johnny Damon to a 1 year deal would be a perfect situation for our DH slot because: A) He adds more speed and contact hitting to our lineup. B. With all the talk of Adrian Gonzalez staying in SD until the winter, it likely wouldn't mess with our chances of still aqcuirering him in the future, meaning we still have 1 full season of our prospects to increase their value. Guys like Mitchell, Danks, Viciedo and Flowers come to mind. C) It would give Ozzie the flexibility to do an alternating R,L,R,L. . . type lineup on a daily basis. For Example: 1. Pierre LF (L) 2. Beckham 2B ® 3. Damon DH (L) 4. Quentin RF ® 5. Konerko 1B ® 6. Pierzynski C (L) 7. Rios CF ® 8. Teahen 3B (L) 9. Ramirez SS ® D) Damon is a proven winner. He's a clutch hitter and would provide an excellent clubhouse presence to a team that already has a bunch of awesome characters! Get it done KW!

QUOTE (bucket-of-suck @ Feb 11, 2010 -> 04:59 PM) Heyman says "the Tigers' offer may actually be a bit north of $14 million over 2 years, but damon still may prefer 1 yr. chisox, braves also trying" Hmm a player may actually take less money!?!? Will AJ be a bigger influence than we all thought? I still he'll take the money. . I tell you what though.. . if he takes less money and less years to come here- i have a TON more respect for the guy.

QUOTE (chw42 @ Feb 11, 2010 -> 04:42 PM) Where did Detroit find this money? I know they shed some salary from the Granderson deal, but I thought they did that because they needed to cut salary. I didn't expect them to spend $7 million/season (thats what im assuming) on a veteran like this.