fathom

Wilkerson is a damn good player who's always played in a bad hitter's park. He could easily put up numbers better than Blalock or Crede.

Plain and simple... Hank Blalock is better than Joe Crede.

The last two days on this board, I've seen some of the strangest posts I think I've ever seen on this site. Here's one question I have for my fellow Sox fans: WHY ARE YOU SCARED OF KENNY WILLIAMS IMPROVING THIS TEAM? Now, I know I'm considered one of the more negative posters on this site. However, I can't believe how upset some people seem to be that KW is breaking up last year's team. Last year's WS winning Sox team was a good mix of talent with great chemistry, and also seemed to be a team of destiny all year. There's absolutely no guarantee that if the same team stayed together for the 2006 season that they would even go to the playoffs. There are many teams that have an amazing season one year, and then the next year, the ball doesn't bounce the same way it did the year before, and injuries happen that hurt the team. KW has made a few major moves that will significantly improve the team in the next year or two. Trust me, with the amount of money that the White Sox are bringing in right now (tickets, merchandise, etc.), there wasn't a chance in hell that JR and KW weren't going to go for the juggular when it comes to building the 2006 Sox team. I find it funny how some posters seem to get mad that we're bringing in these high priced guys like Thome and Vazquez. One question...since when did we worry about the WHITE SOX bringing in high-priced talent? Most of us used to long for the days we could have a high enough payroll to bring in the big contracts of talented players. Since we're not personally paying these contracts, why not just be thrilled that JR is going out of his way to put together an extremely talented team. Another thing that's frustrating me is how people are complaining about losing pieces of our bullpen. Duque, Viz, and Marte were our three worst pitchers BY FAR last season (that were on the roster throughout the season). I'm thrilled that they're all gone. Relievers are very inconsistent, and there's no way to predict how they'll be from one year to the next. You know what the best solution to a potentially weak bullpen is? That's right, have a great starting pitching staff. The only criticism that I'll have for KW is if he trades Garland, and doesn't receive high value for him. KW has given up some valuable pieces this offseason (Young and Gio) in order to acquire talent. KW has got to make sure that he doesn't negate Garland's potentially trade value just cause he knows he can't resign him So in closing....enjoy the fact the White Sox won the World Series. Enjoy the fact that KW is making some moves to acquire talented players. This is a hell of a lot better than a few years ago when we were acquiring the likes of Royce Clayton and Todd Ritchie.

QUOTE(nitetrain8601 @ Dec 15, 2005 -> 05:54 PM) How about Jon Garland to the Cardinals for P Adam Wainwright and an up and coming MR in the Cards organization. Wainwright has had injury issues, and he's not the super prospect he once was.

Phil Rogers latest article on chisports mentions the possibility of a Blalock trade

QUOTE(Jordan4life_2005 @ Dec 15, 2005 -> 05:21 AM) What it say? It said how Tracey is a possibility for the bullpen openings, as he liked the idea more after seeing the success Jenks had in the majors.

QUOTE(BHAMBARONS @ Dec 15, 2005 -> 05:14 AM) Sean's best bet is in the Pen Did you read the latest article on chicagosports?

QUOTE(JimH @ Dec 15, 2005 -> 01:09 AM) Who else do they have for 3B? I just don't see how they would give up Wilkerson though, who was the prize player in the Soriano trade. Also, there are numerous reports that the new Rangers GM asks for the moon in his trades.

BTW, I would just like to chime in that this rumor sounds like a bunch of BS. Considering that the Rangers wanted stud prospect F. Liriano in any deal for Blalock, I highly doubt they'd be throwing in Wilkerson in any deal. Garland for Blalock sounds a lot more likely.

QUOTE(JimH @ Dec 14, 2005 -> 11:27 PM) Oh. My. God. You really do find the dark cloud in every blue sky don't you? Is there some magical number of "top prospects" that must be in the system in order for you to be happy? Trust me, I'm not one of these guys who fall in love with every prospect in the system, and then cries when they get traded. However, considering what I've heard about Owens, Sweeney, and Young, it really sucks that we gave up Young. And you might want to read most of the posts I've had in the last two days, as I've not been overly critical about these deals at all.

I just read this thread, and I can't believe people would actually be upset if this happened. Blalock is better than Crede, and Wilkerson would be an upgrade in CF. It's that simple...we can afford to give up Garland right now. Also, Crede will make more money once he becomes a FA than the deal Blalock is on right now.

QUOTE(JimH @ Dec 14, 2005 -> 11:24 PM) The question still stands, has he not proven himself? I would say he has, but then again World Series titles tend to do that to me. I may not be thinking clearly. We all love KW for what he brought to this team last season. However, this doesn't mean he's not free of criticism for moves that people might not possibly like. As you keep saying, who the hell cares what we say on a message board. This is all for discussion anyways.

QUOTE(JimH @ Dec 14, 2005 -> 11:23 PM) Can someone tell me where these gigantic glasses of "Expect The Worst" are being dispensed so I can avoid the area please. Top talent? Rowand, El Duque, Vizcaino, and prospects?? We gave up our top hitting prospect and our top pitching prospect for two players who are definite question marks. If we don't acquire another team's top prospect for Jon Garland, then I think that's a bad trade by Garland.

QUOTE(AddisonStSox @ Dec 14, 2005 -> 11:09 PM) Duck and cover, bra. Know what, Bajenaru might actually get his shot now. Unless some dynamo righty is being brought in, I see no reason as to why Bajenaru can't be considered the favorite for the righty/mop-up role. Reserve your jersey now. What's the over/under on length of the homer Hafner will hit against Baj in the first series of 2006? I never did like Vizcaino, but Baj would be a significant downgrade in the pen.

First, Harris and Gload have very little trade value. Batista would cost you a lot more than you'd think, as the Blue Jays picture him as a starter this season. Julio sucks, and isn't a good clubhouse guy. Baez would also likely cost you a lot.

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Dec 14, 2005 -> 11:15 PM) For some reason I see Garland going and 3 Jon Adkins coming back. I had the same exact thought! That's why I said earlier that it would be really disappointing if KW didn't cash in and get some top talent for Garland after all the top talent he's given up for Thome and Vazquez.

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Dec 14, 2005 -> 11:03 PM) KW's approach with Konerko cost the White Sox a lot of money and obligations for at least 1 if not 2 more seasons with him. I said this yesterday: KW learned his lesson this season in regards to the PK situation. I guarantee we'll continue to be more active in trying to resign the players that we want to extend the years on the deal, and we'll be more active in trading guys who we don't think we can bring back.

I don't want Garland on the team next year if it's a sure thing he's not coming back. Those situations can get ugly, and I'm not sure how Ozzie/Garland would publically handle the situation.

I'll be stunned if the Sox go into the season with 6 starters.

Why can't we trade Garland for Brian Giles???

If you could get two prospects like Guzman and Billingsley for Garland, you've made a great trade. However, I don't think KW is too focused about stocking our farm system. He'll be looking for immediate contributors.

After paying huge prices (in terms of prospects) to get Thome and Vazquez, I'll be disappointed if KW doesn't get equal value for Garland. Garland should be a huge trade chip right now.

I'd pass on Kotsay. He has some nagging health problems.

Two things: - J. Stark loves this deal for the Sox - Baseball America loves Chris Young. They rate him leaps and bounds higher than Owens or Sweeney.

So I take it Levine didn't have any information regarding possible trades involving Garland, besides for Tejada?