CanOfCorn

Well, I guess what they say about great minds and all... I don't even mean to be totally down on the system at all. Crede and Borchard could come through. B Mac, Anderson, Sweeney, Josh Fields (either one), Munoz, etc. might not be busts, it just seems that our rooks take a LOT longer to mature than the Twins rooks. What makes it even worse is that their AAA and AA teams finished a combined 2 games over .500. Oooo, it makes me soooo mad!!! :banghead

This is exactly what I was thinking of. Every year, we Sox fans complain that JR isn't spending money, but he wouldn't have to spend as much if we could develop from within. What really got me going is this Tiffee kid on the Twins. Not only did he develop within the Twins system, but he is probably going to replace another player developed from within, Koskie. When was the last time THAT happened on the Sox?

Not anymore, we don't. Granted I don't blame KW for trading the future to win now, but even the ones he traded away (not including this year's trades) haven't even worked out for other teams. The only one I can think of that is doing ok is Kip Wells. And maybe Frankie Francisco. I can't think of any others. But, they some were top line prospects at the time.

There's been a lot of talk lately about signing free agents in the off season. And while that should fill some holes and maybe the occasional marquee signing or two...I think that what we REALLY need to do is work on our minor league system. Whether it be the scouts or the coaching or whatever it may be, too many of our "can't miss" prospects are missing. While signing a Randy Johnson or a Pedro would be great...we need to build up our system. I'm sick of seeing all of these Twins players come up and kick ass (Morneau, Ford, Tiffee). Plus, the ones that aren't working out, they cast off (Kielty). Every org makes mistakes (David Ortiz, in the Twins case), but we need to figure out how to bring up more home grown talent. That way we don't have to always rely on "Who we can get? Who can we afford? Will that player come here?" I think this has been brought up other times, but I wanted to start a thread about it and see what you guys think could be the weak link in our system. Personally, I think our system looks for big swingers on offense and relies too much on overpowering fastballs in pitching.

I wouldn't because I don't think Faulk is going to hold up this year. If you are looking for back up RB's...I would go for DeShaun Foster or Justin Fargas. Just my opinion, though.

Is Eli Marrero under contract with anyone next year? He is the perfect guy for what you are talking about. Plays corner outfield positions and I think played a little 1B and 3B, but I could be wrong. Just a thought...

Didn't we go through this with Ray Durham when he came up. Great on the tough plays, fumbles the routine plays...doesn't bunt or walk enough...should steal more...swings for the fences (alright Willie doesn't or can't do that). It took a year or two of faith until Ray Ray came around and he did. So, why not one more year as the starting 2B and see what happens. If Willie doesn't come around or doesn't work hard at his deficiencies...let him go. But until then, he is still a rookie, let him make his mistakes and get better. Oh yeah, and keep him at 2B.

If we do resign Maggs, and Jurassic picks up his option, where do we put everyone? Or do we trade Jurassic?

I'm not going to do a whole lineup...I'll leave that to the people with lots of time...but I will throw this out for all you Crede haters: What about either Morgan Ensberg or Mike Lamb? Lamb has played his way into the starting lineup, and is finally coming into his own in the last couple of weeks, but can really only play 3b. Ensberg is up and down offensively, but can play every infield position. The Astros probably will have to make a decision on one of them this offseason because Everett's at short, Chris Burke (favorite former Round Rock Express player) will take over for Kent and I think Bagwell has another year or two on his contract. Any takers?

They may be able to figure him out, but like Foulke's change...it keeps hitters off balance. And that's what Shingo does. That "Frisbee" he throws confuses everyone...he may give up more hard hits next year, but as long as he changes speeds from 84 to 59, he'll be fine. It's like Tim Wakefield. He has a decent fastball and the knuckleball, but unlike shingo, if the knuckler isn't moving, Wakefield gets KILLED. Shingo's pitches are ALWAYS moving.

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I don't know how she plays with those things...

I'm just comparing the two. If you ask me, I'm leaning toward Sharapova...HEAVILY!!! Serena is a bit too butch-y for me.

We shoulda just kept this guy when we had him instead of cutting him from the practice squad. Crap!!! TB doesn't need A-Train...it'll probably be draft picks...

(sniff) That's beautiful, Ace, but still...awesome picture. Venus is prettier anyway.

Wilson Alvarez would be a fantastic pickup as a spot starter/long man outta the pen...I'm not that enamored with Pedro for this team. ONe thing this team hasn't had in a long time is chemistry and Pedro would not be good for that...although lookin' at that fro every fifth day would crack my ass up!!!

What about Derek Lowe? Ever since the trade of Nomah, his numbers have been pretty good. I think he's something like 4-1 with a 3.50 to 4 ERA. And he finally stopped walking everyone. He's had some good years and is heating it up again at the end of this year. Plus, I think we could get him cheaper than we would have last year, if he had been a free agent. He might be a good number 3.

According to ESPN.com the YTD attendance is 1,659,270 in 66 dates with an average of 25,140 per game. So, if they continue to average that for the last 15 home games...the total will be: 2,036,370. Not bad...but could be better. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/attendance

How 'bout 5 Years, $1 mil total...

JR always talks about how winning with the Bulls was great, he would love to win the World Series. So, now is the time to show it. If no Maggs, no Valentin, more people in the stands and whatever is left of the US Cellular money and use that it to find the correct pieces to build a winner. I hate to see Maggs go, but I'll reserve judgement until I see who comes in with the $19 plus he'll be saving on those two contracts alone. C'mon JR...it's time.

Hey, what can it hurt? Loaiza and Scho were unproven and even Contreras was inconsistent...this guy at least has done it for a year (and the playoffs). Put him as a #4 and see what happens. But not for too much money.

Yeah, Borchard, not so good.

You know what, Cheat...you ARE smarter than me!!!

4-2, top Sixth. Damian Miller just hit a double to score Hatteberg. Contreras out, Cotts in.

Hawk seems to be waning on the nicknames lately. No good ones in awhile. Joe B? C'mon, Hawk, you can do better than that.