AddisonStSox

Thome's putting on the jersey at 1:00 CT today. Post all thoughts on the conference here! Welcome aboard Jimbo!

I just watched the media of Anderson's two homeruns off King Felix this morning and it made me feel awfully good. Check it out. Click on Anderson's page on Whitesox.com and give it a watch. I see no reason why he couldn't hit 12-15+ homeruns in a full season's production.

Bahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh........ This was the wrong move. Give the guy some actual football players and then get back to me. He did not deserve the ax. Unfortunately, this is the case with professional sports, you can't fire the team, you can fire the coach.

Gosh, I'm still inclined to think Owens gets every chance in the world to "win" that CF position. Remember: what Ozzie wants, Ozzie gets. He's gone on record saying he loves the way Owens plays the game and, in my opinion, I think that may be the cat Ozzie has fingered within the organization as the answer for the CF vacancy and want for a "speedy, plate-disciplined" two-hole hitter. I'm sure Kenny has a big star next to King Chris' name on the 5 Year Big Board as someone that will come up within the next year or two and settle down into the CF position just waiting for him with the Big League club. Really, I think it's just a question of who's going to keep the seat warm for him. I don't think Ozzie may be sold on Anderson and barring any moves, if I had to guess, Owens may go into ST as the favorite for the 06' CF spot.

This seems to be the thread for off-topic prospect chatter, so, without further adieu, my question about Texas' Adrian Gonzalez: Is he blocked by Teixeira, and, if so, would the Rangers be interested in trading the former first-overall draft selection, say, to a team that just lost out in the Konerko sweepstakes? What kind of game does this kid have? What can we expect with a full season's production?

My gut tells me Guillen has already fingered Owens as the guy within the organization he would like to see in that two-hole. Guillen has said some very flattering things of Owens in the past--yes, they are on the internet, and no, I don't have them off-hand--and if getting exactly what he wants is any indication of how this will be handeled, I think we'll at least see Owens compete with Anderson despite his short length of time back in professional baseball. That said, I don't know if that is really the answer. Seeing as Chris Young looks to be the future at CF in this organization, they Sox very well might want to get a proven hitter MLB hitter in that spot for the next year or two--someone that can really handle the bat well enough to hit in that crucial two-hole in an offensive built like ours.

Ain't happening. Not a snowball's chance in hell. But, welcome aboard!

Market = f***ed I wonder if Wagner sent him a gift-basket.

QUOTE(YASNY @ Nov 24, 2005 -> 08:58 AM) Jenks. King. Buffet. LOOK OUT!!!! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Had me laughing out loud. Nearly woke the rest of the family up.

After a Black Wednesday Bender, I'm all caught up on sleep and figured I post my initial day-after reaction. When potentially losing your best power-hitter via free agency at a corner-infield position, you simply can not afford to rest on your laurels--albeit Championship laurels--and watch 40HR and 100RBI walk out the door. Now knowing whether he'd win in the Konerko sweepstakes, Williams acquired another one of his "diamond in the rough" types in perennial All-Star, Jim Thome. "Addy, how in the hell can you call Thome a 'diamond in the rough?' He has 400+ career home runs!" Well, I can call him that on good conscious for a few reasons. First, Thome has been out of the limelight for the better part of an entire MLB season and has faded quite a lot in the baseball conscious. If healthy, Thome can not only replicate Konerko's 2005 production, but surpass that, while hitting from the left-side. In all honesty, I think they may have to issue hardhats in the Bullpen Sports Bar this season. Thome is primed for an absolute stellar year hitting in the launchpad known as US Cellular Field. Second, it would appear we are replacing an amazing clubhouse guy with a player cast from the same mold. Ask the fans of Philladelphia--known as being amongst the most cut-throat in sports--this guy has a flawless reputation. After being such an advocate for chemistry, Williams replaced the epitome of "Grinder" material with another light-hearted, fun-loving slugger (again, I have not stepped foot inside either the White Sox or Phillies clubhouse, simply conjecturing from the vast articles, photos, etc. on the subject at hand). Finally, if batting back-to-back with Paul Konerko, Williams may have put together one of the finest Righty-Lefty 1-2 punches in the American League in recent memory. Although I have gone on record as saying I don't think you'll see both Thome and Konerko on the same roster, those two paired together would be an absolute nightmare on opposing pitchers. Oh, by the way, the White Sox will be paying roughy $7M per for Thome. Nice, huh? Two more areas to consider--bear with me . Let's quickly examine what we are losing. Aaron Rowand: What can be said of Aaron that hasn't already been touched upon? We are losing one of the most prominent faces of a Championship roster...anytime you lose that, it is going to sting. While Aaron has yet to prove to me he can produce offensively on a consistant basis, you know what you're getting from a fielding standpoint day-in-and-day-out. Aaron was an absolute joy to watch roaming center-field, deserving a Gold Glove. What can make you get over such a collosal lose? How about a 40+HR campaign from the left-side? That might help. "The Prospects": Not even going to pretend to know a great deal about these two. In all honesty, the only reason I'm somewhat familiar with these two is due in large part to the efforts of Jason, Rex, Rich, etc. that do such a good job keeping us abreast of our prospects. But, something I am very confident in saying, is I firmly believe in the trading of prospects if it does not deplete the system. "Jermey Reed!?!? How the hell is Williams trading Reed!? That kid is pefect for this team...he represents something we have not had in a long, long time." Does Jeremy Reed have a ring on his finger? He might...but, I promise you it isn't as pretty as the one Freddy Garcia has. Gear up for another exciting season, gang. I really think Thome is going to endear himself to our largely blue-collar fanbase in no time. He is really primed for a "comeback" campaign and I think paired with Paul Konerko, those two could put up numbers the likes of which have never been seen on the Southside of Chicago. Williams just brought this fanbase a Championship after 88 years. Clearly, the man has a plan. In the weeks to come, look for Kenny to work hand-in-hand with Guillen to figure out what direction this team is headed. Is it speed? Can you possibly improve an already stellar bullpen? We'll see. What Guillen wants, Guillen gets. Ozzie--the annointed King of small-ball--obviously felt the services Jim Thome provides to be a necessity, otherwise, he would not part with his defensive wiz and all-around "grinder" in Rowand. I'd also like to take the opportunity to say I think if Jerry Owens impresses in Spring Training, you might have found the player to man the fort until the arrival of "King Chris." Happy Thanksgiving, ya'll. We're going to field a competitive team in 2006 and beyond with Jim Thome on board. I think we're in for a treat. Flame if you will.

Oh goodness. The Sox parted with one of the better defensive CF in all of baseball, a great clubhouse guy, and two of the best pitching prospects in the system and you ask why a trade surrounding Marte and Borchard couldn't work? Rest assured, Damaso will not be a part of this team in 2006. Meh, I'll put the GM hat on for a second: If nothing else, how about a Damaso Marte-Ray King swap. Both are lefties. Both seem unhappy in their current locations--King has told the Cardnials he wants to be traded, Damaso shot himself in the foot--both have comparable numbers, and it makes sense on paper. Ray King is also a Chicago native. Never know.

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Nov 23, 2005 -> 09:01 PM) There's a lot of hypocracy being spewed around here as of late. Oh God. Rolling on the floor holding my sides...tell me you're serious!? Please? Please tell me you're serious. Pot. Kettle. Black. :headshake :puke

Happy Thanksgiving, gang! Gobble Gobble.

Reports have the trade as Jim Thome for Aaron Rowand, Haigwood, and a PTBNL. There are no reports of Gio outside of Bruce Levine--a man known for his non-sensical conjecturing. That is all.

I'll just say from a statistical point of view, I can't fathom how this trade can be seen as anything but a positive move. Rowand had a very average year at the dish; though he played outstanding defense...so outstanding, I think it should have merited a Gold Glove. Anytime you have the opportunity to better your lineup and fill a hole left with a free agent in Paul Konerko and the vacancy of a designated hitter, you make the move. There are at least two capable center-fielders waiting in the wings in Chris Young and Jerry Owens. I hear what you're saying with the pitching situation, Flash, but I know I'm not missing Jeremy Reed and I firmly believe if you don't completely deplete the farm system, trading prospects is a very logical course of action. EDIT: Anytime a fan-favorite is traded, it hurts. Obviously, we all wish Aaron nothing but the best in Philladelphia, but his departure made this a better team in 2006.

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Nov 23, 2005 -> 03:38 PM) Frank's not a bench player. No, on the trade, smartass. Please don't make me go back and embarass you. Know what, I don't care. I'm feeling awfully good. Go Pale Hose.

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Nov 23, 2005 -> 03:35 PM) No, no it's not. Do you want to pick a side yet or what?

QUOTE(whitesoxin' @ Nov 23, 2005 -> 03:05 PM) These are prospects we gave up. PROSPECTS. And we are getting PROVEN middle of the lineup power. I think this is a very good deal. We didn't lose any of our pitching from last year, this only improves our ballclub. Gio wasn't going to help us repeat, but Thome will. There will always be more prospects, 50 HR lefties from the Chicagoland area don't grow on trees. I, for one, can't wait to see Thome's name etched in the starting lineup. If Konerko is brought back--and I have gone on record saying I don't think both Thome and Konerko will be on the same roster--this team is primed for another division championship and beyond. I'm feeling pretty fuzzy right now. Good vibes right off the bat.

Anyone missing Jeremy Reed? I'm not. Welcome to the defending World Champions, Mr. Thome!

Rowand will always have a place in Chicago sporting history. No one will ever forget what he and the other members of the 2005 White Sox brought to this fanbase, to this city after generations of White Sox fans have come and gone. He will always be thought of as one of the faces of a Championship roster that brought unfounded joy to a much-deserving fanbase. Go get em' in Philladelphia, Aaron. You'll be a favorite in no time. Show those Phillies fans why this city hates to see you go.

The Chicago White Sox have acquired Jim Thome. Thome. This guy potentially can put up downright silly numbers playing the majority of his games in US Cellular Field. This is unreal.

Captain, My Captain. I believe in Kenny Williams. Jim Thome in a White Sox uniform? Is this really happening? Worries: -This can have an adverse affect on the Stooges and some of the other members in the clubhouse. -Will Paul Konerko return knowning he may very well be playing second fiddle to a perennial superstar in Jim Thome? Honestly. This concerns me. Paulie doesn't seem like this type of player, but it is a concern. In other news: The White Sox have Jim Thome. /absolutely floored, despite me calling this, this very morning

QUOTE(Texsox @ Nov 23, 2005 -> 12:21 PM) I usually have a hard time with generalizations, but try and find a camo waterproof duck hunting suit on Michigan Avenue, then try in Joliet or Schaumburg. Where are you pheasant hunting? I was invited to a hunt club near the Ill/Wis line to hunt pheasant. I had never done birds besides a nad duck hunting experience. Pheasant is fun. I loved the walking and hunting. I'm forgetting the name of the town, they are also a huge speed trap. I think it's the last town on 12 before hitting Wisconsin. Been pheasant hunting for years. We have partial membership to a hunting club up in Wisconsin and also have some working relationships with some farmers. We have a nine year old Springer Spaniel that is a fantastic bird-dog--and an even better family dog--and usually hunt with another 5 year old Brittney. I'm not really familiar with a hunting club up on 12, but the town you might be thinking of is Richmond, IL. I still take issue with the non-outdoorsman Chicagoans. Although we're far from outdoorsman in the truest sense--don't camp, hunt deer, hunt other game, etc.--I have a lot of friends and family that are pretty serious hunter/fishermen.

QUOTE(shakes @ Nov 23, 2005 -> 10:56 AM) Could the Sox be considering Mueller as a first base alternative if Konerko doesn't return? It's a relatively easy transition. They bring in Thome and Mueller can play first and spell Crede at third when his back is bothering him. Thome can still play first occasionally. This gives Ozzie the flexibility that he loves and the Sox have a lefty power bat and the .300 hitter they have been looking for. Just a thought. It's an interesting proposal, a pretty novel idea. You are correct, it is a very easy and logical transition, moving from 3B to 1B, but, just not the direction I could see this team heading in 2006. Ideally, you would love to see some power numbers from the corner-infield positions and that is just something you would not have with Mueller, despite his hitting for average. Nice idea, but, I don't know if that's something that could really happen. Now, that said, I wouldn't be suprised if Mueller is brought here as THE sub off the bench, spelling both Crede and someone else in the IF. I just don't think he is the starting 1B answer.

Pheasant hunter here, also a big-time fisherman. I live in Chicago proper. I'm still having a hard time with the generalizations.