GreatScott82

I used to be reluctant to say this because i was afraid to 'jinx' my team. Well screw it. SWEEEEEEEEEEEPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Things are looking mighty bright, which gives us reasons for hope. However, i truly believe KW is building toward 2010. Anything positive that happens in 2009 is gravy. I've never had this much excitement for the Sox since 2005. Even last year when we won the blackout game- i was excited but i knew that was probably as far as we would go. Now that we have CQ back, Pods rejuivinated career, Beckham's studlyness and Jake Freakin Peavy to go along with 'Mr. Perfect', Danksy and Floyd- this team's ceiling is super high! Honestly if we get a healthy effective Peavy back and make the playoffs- our team would be scary.

QUOTE (flavum @ Aug 6, 2009 -> 10:05 AM) August 30 at NY. Mark it down. Is that your prediction or did you hear something?

QUOTE (Steve9347 @ Aug 6, 2009 -> 09:21 AM) ESPN 1000 is reporting that Don Cooper hinted at Peavy starting a rehab assignment early next week and needing "about 3 starts" before he's ready. Say he begins his rehab assignment on Monday. He would likely be available in time for that Boston series. (Aug24th-27th)

QUOTE (sweatpants @ Aug 5, 2009 -> 12:21 PM) Out of curiosity how many guys are there that are strictly DH's? Hafner? Ortiz is pretty close, but he has played a few games at 1b. I've never been a big fan of the dh-only player. I've always like the flexibility of rotating 2-3 guys in the dh spot. i hear ya. i think thats what KW and Ozzie want for next year. Have Konerko, Dye and Quentin DH while also playing at their respected positions through out the course of the year.

QUOTE (beck72 @ Aug 5, 2009 -> 07:15 AM) A few things: *Thome has looked like an easy out lately, with an increased K rate and hasn't been making hard contact. Maybe it has to do with his back acting up. But Jim, in the last 2 years, has become a .250 hitter, with a .385 OBP, and a SLG % under .500. I'm not saying that isn't valuable. But with his injury history, his turning 39 later this month, needing a few days off each week, and an arguably better overall alternative in Jermaine Dye who could DH, I don't forsee a spot for Jim on the 2010 Sox. Replacing Dye's glove in RF would also help the sox defense. *Do the sox invest in Dye for 3 years, with the thought that he'd be the DH? With the extra year, the sox could get a lower yearly salary, like 3 years at $7.5 mill. per. If they offered him a 2 year, they'd have to up the yearly salary closer to something like $9 mill. per. *I really liked Figgins for 3b, prior to Gordon establishing himself there. Figgins for CF might not be the best use of him. But if the sox want to move Gordon to SS [which would only be accomplished with a trade of Alexei--not the craziest of ideas, with Alexei only sporting a .727 OPS] Figgins would probably be worth a 3, 4 year deal at 3b. *Re-signing Pods for LF and to hit leadoff in 2010 would be likely. Though the sox don't have a backup plan should he get injured. A top 2 of Pods + Figgins would set up the middle of the order rather nicely. I agreed with everything you said up until your last statement. Though Pods and Figgins would potentially be a dangerous 1-2 punch at the top of the lineup, having them both in the OF could be disasterous. Though i would sign Figgins for LF and perhaps let Jordan Danks battle Pods for the every day CF position in spring training.

Im guessing Torres is in Peavy's slot until he is ready. As far as Contreras goes, i highly doubt they bring up Hudson this early. I could see him coming up in September when there are expanded rosters. Honestly we could only hope he snaps out of it soon because he still is our best option.

QUOTE (Thunderbolt @ Aug 4, 2009 -> 10:48 PM) I think DJ just worked himself out of the 5th starter consideration. He did great today though. I'd like to save DJ on a night like last night where Contreras layed an egg. Keep him in long relief and bring up Torres again. He did pretty good in his MLB debut.

What would it take to get Carl Crawford? Whatever it takes is my response. This guy has been one of my favorite players to watch over the past 5 seasons and he would make our lineup that much more dangerous. Just imagining a lineup with both Beckham and Crawford in it makes me gitty!!

QUOTE (Pumpkin Escobar @ Aug 3, 2009 -> 01:46 PM) K...I get we have a weak economy and that arbitration cases havent seen this kind of climate before. However, Jenks made 5.6 million this year. Which is what we agreed on with him. Usually implying we met half way on an offer and lots of times more than half way to avoid arbitration because teams really do like to avoid going to a hearing and bashing their all-star player just to save a couple bucks. Now, we as Sox fans, don't see Jenks as the greatest closer in baseball or baseball history. But when he steps in front of an independent arbitrator, who is paid to go on facts, - not opinions, or causes for concern with his stuff, or whatever - we are going to lose. The reason we will lose is Jenks has been near record setting for us. He is near the top of several statistical categories for closers and he is the 2nd fastest all-time to 100 or 150 saves. Whatever the thing is - behind Sasaki. He already made basically 6 million. It's rare you see a guy in arbitration not earn raises. Rare to the point that they usually have to totally regress or get hurt or whatever. They also will compare him to other closers around the league - some of which most recently just got nice paydays in a bad economy. They'll point out the K-Rods of the world who got 7 million and 10 million their first 2 times in arbitration. They'll point out Papelbon - who wasn't the 2nd fastest to 100 - earned 6.5 million or whatever this season and is probably on pace for 10 million this year in arb. They'll point out Jose valverde and his 8 million or whatever. Point being - Jenks track record is going to get him those numbers. He'll get 8 mil easy in my honest opinion and I wouldnt be shocked if he gets 9 or 10. The only way I see him not getting it is if he hears these rumbles of being dealt and agrees to take a lesser contract to remain and avoid arbitration. As his agent - do you do this? Especially if you have one of the better cases to win in this situation? Does Bobby Jenks do that? I don't know how it will all unfold because of how the economy is - but based on recent history with a closer of his caliber. To pay him 5.6 or 6 million is going to be a slap in the face and I can't see it unfolding that way. Good Post. Another thing we need to take into consideration is the Arbitration eligibal players in relation to free agents. The Free Agent class of 2009 recieved a significant pay cut due to the uncertainty of the economy. How will the Arbitration hearings be effected? So its safe to say Bobby Jenks will recieve from 6-8 million next season.

QUOTE (WCSox @ Aug 3, 2009 -> 01:00 PM) Trading Linebrink is a pipe dream. No GM in his right mind would pick up damaged goods for that much. I'd be dangling both Jenks and A.J. this winter to see what teams might be willing to give up. I'm assuming that A.J. is going to be difficult to deal, as he's somewhat overpaid by today's market standards. Jenks will probably be closer to $7-8 million this year, and his arbitration value may also make him difficult to deal. I had assumed that one of Dye or Thome would be re-signed, but who knows. I doubt Jenks arbitration value is over 6-6.5 million. You are probably right about Linebrink. But if there was one guy that would hold trade value this winter, it will be Bobby Jenks.

QUOTE (WCSox @ Aug 3, 2009 -> 12:07 PM) Yeah, I'd bet that Pods either gets injured or flames out next season as well. But I'm trying to look at this realistically. The Sox just committed a ton of money to Peavy, they're going to have to pay Jenks arbitration next year and/or sign more veteran relievers, they're going to have to spend on a FA CF, and they're going to have to either re-sign Dye (or Thome) or go after another power hitter on the FA market (e.g., Hank Blalock). Maybe I'm wrong, but there doesn't seem to be much money left over to pay for a veteran LF (assuming that they want one that can actually hit). I also don't see Crawford as a viable option. The Rays will want a ton in return, and our farm system has already been depleted by Peavy deal. They'd probably want Hudson or Flowers, and those guys aren't going anywhere. And that's unfortunate, because having him at the top of the order would be incredible. Here who is under contract for 2010: Buerhle 14 million Peavy 15 million Konerko 12 million Linebrink 5 million Pierzynski 6.25 million Ramirez 1.1 million Thorton 2.25 million Viciedo 1.25 million Floyd 2.75 million Jenks: ~5.6 million Danks Arbitration: ~5 million Quentin Arbitration: ~5 million Other Pre-Arb and Arb players: another 5-7 million Total Current Estimate: 82 million. I'm guessing Reinsdorf wants that number to be around 90-95 million tops. That gives the Sox about 8-13 million to spend wisely. Freeing up another 5 million maybe what the doctor ordered to give KW more flexibility in free agency. Trading one of Linebrink and Jenks is likely KW's #1 priority this offseason. Trading Jenks for an outfielder this winter makes a lot of sense. The Sox have a little flexibility this winter, but moving another 5 million could give KW about 15-18 million dollars to work with.

QUOTE (WCSox @ Aug 3, 2009 -> 10:48 AM) I don't see any reason for Quentin and Dye to platoon. They're both right-handed hitters and they've both played RF competently at the ML level. Dye is the logical choice to move to DH because of his age and decreasing range. I could definitely see Dye playing RF occasionally to give Quentin a rest, though. Agreed about CF, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Sox offered Pods a one-year deal on the cheap and kept Wise around as a 4th outfielder. (If he isn't traded, Fields may also get reps in Charlotte as a LF.) They've already said that they're going to spend on middle relief, so I don't see them spending on two veteran OFs on top of it. I really appreciate what Pods has done for us this season. But to expect Pods to maintain this production next season is not the smartest move to do. I don't see them spending on 2 veteran OF's either, but i would much rather give the CF spot to a young up and coming prospect like Jordan Danks over Pods. Go after Crawford, if that fails sign Figgins for LF. And I highly doubt Josh Fields is brought back next season. He and KW pretty much both agreed that he will be moved this winter if not sooner.

It's a great time to be a White Sox fan and Gordon Beckham has A LOT to do with that. Beckham Getz Quentin Ramirez Floyd Danks Next year we possibly could add Jordan Danks to the mix. The year after that, Viciedo and Flowers? The Future is bright and we still aqcuired an ACE. I love KW!

QUOTE (WCSox @ Aug 3, 2009 -> 10:32 AM) Quentin mostly played RF in Arizona, and I don't think that his arm is any worse than Maggs' was. While JD obviously has a stronger arm, he'll be 36 next year and is becoming more susceptible to injuries. He should be moved to DH. I actually expect a DH/RF platoon type situation with Dye and Quentin next year with Q getting more of the defensive play. LF and CF are this winter's #1 targets.

What is your lineup the rest of the way? To me its simple, you give Bacon as many at bats as you can. Hit him 2nd! Pods CF Beckham 3B Dye RF Thome DH Konerko 1B Pierzynski C Quentin LF Ramirez SS Getz 2B

The 2 areas of need this team needs to address this offseason is the outfield and bullpen. Currently this is our starting lineup that is signed for 2010: Peavy, Buerhle, Floyd, Danks, ??? This is our biggest strength (thanks to KW's aggressivness!) But why not make it stronger. Go out and acquire a young starter. Guys like Zach Duke, Ohlendorf, and Cueto come to mind. If you make a deal to bring over a young cheap starter our rotation would be set for 3+ seasons. 1B Konerko 2B Getz SS Ramirez 3B Beckham OF Quentin OF ??? OF ??? C Pierzynski DH ??? I think the DH situation is easy. Buy out Dye's contract and re-sign him to a 2 year deal worth about 6-7 mill/season. That leaves 2 OF possitions open. I say you let Jordan Danks earn his wings at the big league level. He would provide even more speed to our lineup and plays above average defense. Brian Anderson #2 or Grady Siezmore-esque? Only time will tell but he's very young, talented and cheap. As far as the other outfield spot, try to make a deal for Carl Crawford- perhaps a Jenks, Hudson package could get it done? If Crawford is too hard to get, Chone Figgins is a very nice option via free agency. Bullpen: Jenks, Thorton, Linebrink, Pena, Carrasco, Williams, Nunez. . . ???. . ??? Ahhh, the 'crap shoot' known as the bullpen. If we trade Jenks this offseason, you would have to think Thorton is promoted to closer. That leaves 2 big openings. Who is the righty setup man and who is the lefty set up man? Pena and Linebrink haven't shown me much to plug them in as a righty setup man. Carrasco is a good option for long relief. Williams is just getting his feet wet and Nunez is getting his feet wet. There are some interesting names via free agency, but honestly im not sure what KW plans on doing for the pen?

QUOTE (Pumpkin Escobar @ Aug 3, 2009 -> 12:18 AM) We've got 60 mil committed before our arbitration guys - who are all due nice raises. I wonder how much CQ will be getting via arbitration? Same with Danks? .

Lets see how Link and Nunez do with the big league club before we start talking about trading Bobby. I think the mindset that KW and Hahn have is if they are going to trade Jenks, they are doing so to bring over an every day outfielder. Whose out there?

QUOTE (Thunderbolt @ Aug 2, 2009 -> 11:23 AM) Really? Because this is a lot faster of a timetable then the Padres ever had him on. If this is true, Peavy is going to be here sooner than a lot of us expected. Thats what i was thinking. . Maybe he is extra motivated to be in a pennant race.

Per TheScore: Peavy threw 50 pitches and was pain free. . . Expect him to begin a rehab assignment as soon as next week down in the farm.

QUOTE (kev211 @ Aug 2, 2009 -> 11:02 AM) and you know this because? just reported on the score.

Jake Peavy is throwing from the mound in the bullpen right now in front of Coop. . GREAT NEWS!!!

QUOTE (BlackBetsy @ Aug 2, 2009 -> 09:05 AM) I kind of think JR was joking a bit - like having a great infield and outfield and saying "we'll probably have a catcher, too" I doubt the Sox will go out into the market for big bucks and lock up somebody that makes Danks a 5th starter.... In any case, the 5th starter spot is overrated anyway. If you worked your 4 starters every 5 days, you'd only need the 5th spot 20 times per year. I'd prefer a veteran that's better on long rest, like Ted Lyons as a "Sunday Starter." Honestly if Freddy Garcia re-gains his arm strength this winter i would love to have him as our 5th starter next year. If it doesnt work out, you have Torres and others. But it would be even better if KW could aqcuire another young starter with a ton of potential like Duke, Bailey, Ohlendorf or Cueto. . .

QUOTE (SoxFan101 @ Aug 2, 2009 -> 06:44 AM) I know what Ozzie said but I think next season Getz would make a great utility guy and have Beckham at 2B. Now, if Getz keeps up his 2nd half hitting like he is now maybe that changes. For 3B I think Figgins is obviously going to be the guy KW looks at first if possible, a fall back plan could be Melvin Mora or if the money is right Adrian Beltre. I think this is the last season of Thome and resigning Dye to be DH would be a pretty good idea if the money is right. While Crawford is a nice dream I dont see how the Rays let him go and Danks probably isnt read for the bigs so maybe make a run at Bay/Abreu/Vlad and resign Pods is our best bet. From what im hearing, Tampa may not have the funds to grant Crawford's $10 million club option. I heard 2 things. I heard the Rays are going to take the option and shop him this winter (most likely) and I also heard they might even consider taking the $1.5 million buy out. If they are to shop him you HAVE to look into it this winter. If we could aqcuire Crawford and sign him to an extension, Soxtalk shall no longer have leadoff envy!! As far as Jordan Danks goes: He is currently hitting .297, 61 runs, .385 OBP and 36 RBI. Not stellar numbers but not to bad. I'm guessing if he continues to show progress, and rocks it out in Fall ball and in ST i say let the young man learn at the big league level while hitting 9th.