Wedge

QUOTE(kyyle23 @ Jul 14, 2005 -> 03:06 PM) Thats absolutely huge. But does it solve the problem of insuring against El Duque's health? Nope. This could possibly exaggerate the problem, with Lowell and his down year(.226, 4 HR, .282 OBP, .351 SLG, 36 RBI) making Crede look like a godsend, and no gaurantees for Burnett. This could be a bad deal. Agreed that this could be a deal that looks really good... if it was 2003 or 2004. How is Lowell's defense? I'm unfamiliar since I haven't watched him play except in spots (playoffs/interleague vs. White Sox).

QUOTE(Steff @ Jul 14, 2005 -> 03:06 PM) Baltimore has a lot of scratch and with the Yanks doing so badly, and no fear of Boston, they might just try to buy the division. I don't think Baltimore can like their chances. Even with a lot of Boston's key players on the DL, they still finished in first at the ASB. Baltimore just doesn't have the pitching to do it and I don't think Burnett is the difference between having the pitching and not having it.

QUOTE(GreatScott82 @ Jul 14, 2005 -> 03:03 PM) can someone find info on Lowell's contract status. linky EDIT: looks like he's signed for 2005 and 2006 at about $8/year.

QUOTE(GreatScott82 @ Jul 14, 2005 -> 02:56 PM) THe Marlins beat-writer was just on 670WSCR and confirmed that 12 teams are after Burnett, but the 3 major teams interester are Baltamore, Toronto and the White Sox. He said the Marlins have been interested in Contreras for over 2 years now- and see him as there potential closer. He also said the Marlins want to dump Mike Lowell's contract so would most likely have to be involved with this trade. So this trade would most likely be: Contreras, Marte and Crede for Burnett and Lowell. WOW- thats Blockbuster. That is blockbuster; however, we have to remember what the goal of acquiring another starting pitcher is: to replace HERNANDEZ. If we trade Contreras, we still have the same problem that we had before.

QUOTE(beck72 @ Jul 14, 2005 -> 02:19 PM) FWIW, the A's have a tough schedule before the trade deadline, esp. the next 10 or so vs. Texas and LAA. Then they play the AL Central into early Aug. Here's hoping the A's tank quickly so Zito is on the block Beane has stated repeatedly that Zito goes nowhere during the season. Either he means it or the price for Zito will be outrageous.

QUOTE(ZoomSlowik @ Jul 14, 2005 -> 02:52 PM) The only reason Pujols is making that little is he signed a monster deal for 10 years at a discount rate. The guys to look at are last year's FA, like Sexon, Beltre, and Glaus. All of those guys are in the $12 mil range, and considering how thin this year's group looks I could see Paulie getting it. He can get it, but hopefully not from the Sox. Our money can be better spent in another manner. Moving Dye to 1B and finding another full time OF isn't a bad one.

You know, his stats don't look too much worse from Schmidt's... is everybody off the Schmidt bandwagon yet?

4 years $42 million is Pujoles money. If we're going to shell out that much money for a 1B, we should find one that hits for power AND average. I like Paul, for about $6 million a year.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Jul 14, 2005 -> 12:43 PM) Big extensions for Konerko and Garland are a good place to start, and could be expensive all by themselves. Off season trades to take on big contract players could also happen in the offseason, especially from teams who are willing to give away high money players for basically salary relief. I can see a Garland extension getting a little pricey, but do you really see PK with this team next year? I actually feel like he's overpayed and should take a salary cut to stay with the team. Maybe that's just me, I'd have to look over some salary numbers, but he is making $8.5 million a year, which seems like a lot for the average he hits for.

QUOTE(retro1983hat @ Jul 14, 2005 -> 06:45 AM) Why am I still so scared of the second half and a possible collapse? Everyone keeps telling me we're in the playoffs, but I can't/won't believe them. Keep telling yourself this: The White Sox not making the playoffs at this point is equal to the Yankees losing the 2004 ALCS in terms of historical significance.

I understand that JR might be willing to go up to $100 million... but the question is how? Replace PK with a stud 1B? Who? Our starters are pretty set as it is for next season, so unlikely there, plus the starters on the market next season are pretty much junk (the best available pitcher will be AJ Burnett or Kevin Millwood). Improve the pen? I understand that JR could go to $100 million... but who is getting that extra cash?

QUOTE(Steff @ Jul 14, 2005 -> 12:21 PM) I would not be surprised to see next years payroll right at the $100 million mark. Holy cow. Adding what, $30 million in payroll? That'd be nice.

option 1. I'd want to win it.

Is Zach Day really that different from Jason Schmidt? Good numbers the past three seasons, struggling this year.

QUOTE(Greg Hibbard @ Jul 8, 2005 -> 01:55 PM) yeah, I know pessimism springs eternal...but I can't remember a team ever choking a lead that big? that's because no MLB team has had a 10 game lead in their league or division prior to the All-Star Break and not won that respective league or division. As I said in another thread, the White Sox not making the playoffs is of an equal historical significance to the Red Sox winning the 2004 ALCS after going to 0-3 to the Yankees.

QUOTE(RibbieRubarb @ Jul 8, 2005 -> 01:27 PM) And look at all the changes the 2003 Marlins made... It's not changing that ruins chemistry, but WHO you bring in. I am not an advocate of Schmidt by any means, but his start against the Cards will be a true test to see where he is this year. as was his start against the Diamonbacks in which he sucked.

The White Sox losing the division at this point would be a historical event on the scale of the Red Sox coming back to beat the Yankees in the ALCS in 2004.

QUOTE(SoxFan1 @ Jul 7, 2005 -> 07:52 PM) What's the reward? I know the AWARD is a trophy and bragginf right for managers! Anyway, it is nice to see people FINALLY recognizing how truly talented and incredible this team is. No, our team sucks and we need Jason Schmidt.

Interesting stat: Johan Santana hasn't won a game in a month.

I don't think Podsednik had a better resume to go to the All-Star Game than the 4 players he was up against. That said, I'm glad he is going because the vote. It really showed how our fans have rallied around this team to support it and our players. It's a really great feeling.

Most of this team will be back for next season. I'm sure we'll lose a few guys, but they'll be replaced adequetly. I don't think we'll be gangbusters like this year, but ideally we should have a good shot at winning the division in 2006, barring major injury, of course.

Jenks has a lot of big league potential, that's for sure. I'd really like to see him in a few more outings to make a good comparison for him, but the first impression that came to my mind due to his high heat and big size was Kyle Farnsworth with a curve ball.

I really like Boers and Bernstein, personally. Summary of the interview, please?

QUOTE(White Sox Josh @ Jul 7, 2005 -> 09:47 AM) Great SU man not a closer. A LaTroy Hawkins type?

QUOTE(tonyho7476 @ Jul 7, 2005 -> 09:29 AM) I'm with you...Lilly might be the way to go..pitching good Yup. He'd be a good arm to get. Also, to whoever called Contreras shaky... I'd hate to hear what you'd call Schmidt after one of his outings!