BrandoFan

I don't either, so this thread is not meant to discuss Ozzie's ability as a manager. 18 games is not enough and I reserve this judgement for now.

On the dinero, Tex. Dollar rules the world and Cubs ultimately = money I despise them because I enjoy it, but I could never deny that Cubs rule this city and for a good reason -- they are like Julia Roberts getting more attention than Julienne Moore -- "merit" has nothing to do with it.

What did Ozzie say about the Kubs now?

The RM thing is obvisouly a joke, but I would do Lee-for-Soriano. Reed in LF and Soriano at 2B? I can live withm even if the latter makes Ray-Ray seem like a GG.

Yes, because Mark Buerhle would have easily retired Lugo, who hit a 96 mph inside fastball 400 feet into the wind...... Mark once again didn't pitch like an ace. How long before we realize that he is what he is -- a good #3, a solid #2 -- nothing more. He has the potential to be what we want him to be, but right now, at 25, he is not there yet.

If you think the pen is in the crapper.... Compare Politte to Gordon and Adkins to White same time last year......

You might be right -- Needsabathia is gonna want to get PAAAID pretty soon. There were quite a few Sox fans who wanted to cash the chips this off-season and didn't believe Sox had a chance -- after 2002-2003, who could blame them? Indians and Pirates are what happens when you do that, and Marlins are the exception.

Exactly. It would be along the lines of: Cotts + Honel + Lee (because of talent) + Konerko (favor to Sox) = Delgado Before you say Toronto comes out ahead of the deal by 4 Mill.....They're still responsible for their salaries in 2005, and while I can see them dealing Lee for even more prospect value, Konerko they had no use for and wouldn't get much in return. So for them this deal is fair even though it sucks for the Sox. It's not gonna happen.

No, no - after that, too

Konerko is making almost 9 Mill next year. Ditto Lee. Koch has NO value. Delgado is a FA after 2004, no? Toronto knows Delgado, bad knee and all, is one of the most coveted players out there. They're gonna have to take on salary, true, but they're not just gonna give him away for nothing. And, yes, I would do this impossible deal in a heartbeat.

Huff is cheap and productive. Has trade value at the ASB because of his inexpensive salary. Crawford ain't going nowhere. A cheap GG-caliber LF, with 70 SB potential and most likely a good OPS a few years down the road? Tampa already has trouble drawing, without having to give up one of its most intersting players. Crede's about to turn 26 and his stock has PLUMMETED since 2002 almost as much as Konerko's has. Lee is gonna make 9 Mill next year; in 2004 (as opposed to 2001) it IS a lot of money. I am guess, they'll offer Huff for Cotts AND Crede.

That I am. What do you have against stupid people, 420?

Sadly.

I sure do, I am human....But, pray tell little man, what does it have to do with Ozzie possibly being a credit-taking fraud?

Easy. Opportunistic, self-aggrandizing, style-over-substance loudmouths have that effect on me. It's a comment on his PERSONALITY, not his ability (or lack thereof) to manage a playoff-caliber ML team from April through October. As far as him as a manager.....I wanted LaRussa, but Ozzie was fine with me -- I was calling for Manuel's and Kenny's head last April, afterall, so whatever. First of all, it's not true -- we've had comebacks last year, and NO team had as many of them as the 2000 squad did. Secondly, "winning".... Just how much of it is Ozzie's doing......and how much of it is Konerko, Rowand, Garland, Show, Politte (in Gordon's role), Adkins (WhiteTrash), Gload (Daubach) and Magglio actually showing up to play in April......or with Yankees being in a very sorry form when we played them? I dunno 'bout you, but I am not so sure anymore. The jury is still out on the Great Oz.

As if that team had a PRAYER coming into this season. I am amazed at how many people picked them as their sleeper team....Guess what? Just because a team is a long shot, does NOT automatically make it Cinderella material. For every 2003 Marlins squad, there are 5 Indian teams that won't compete until at least 2006-2007 once Sabathia demands big bucks and leaves. Incidentally, Detroit Tigers are still gonna lose 90 games.

Man, if they could ever take Konerko and prospect for him, Sox can move Hurt to 1B and man is Maggs-Hurt-Delgado scary or what?! Mercy!

Hawk =

I liked your Delgado idea -- he's not hitting well and Toronto ain't finishing above 4th place, soo they might not ask a lot given his salary. Lee + ____ for Delgado? Where would he play, though? Can he play 3B?

Piazza looked even worse against Maddux. His batspeed is simply not there and he is pressing big-time. Slowed bat + frustration = not good Those sliders you speak off were a FOOT outside. Piazza was simply guessing out there, which I can't understand since Clement's heatrer topped out at 92.

Perez is making 5 Mill this year, and if he has the kind of a year I envision (3.60 ERA), he'll be demanding Ponson money. He's as good as gone after 2004 if he's traded to the Sox -- he'll get the money elsewhere. Plus, the Dodgers are in the playoff hunt, they might just kick some major ass. Milton Bradley pick up was solid if nothing else.

He is beyond brutal so far this year. Looks like a mercenary Robbie Alomar type -- when he loses intensity, he is toast.

No, no -- we ain't the Yankees, we are gonna need Cotts not only this year (Wrong's spot), but also in 2005-2008 and beyond. I'd rather give up Wing or Pacheco, but it won't be enough. Crede is one of my favorite players believe it or not, but I have liked what I've seen from Gload so far -- his production may not be great for a DH/1B type, but if he could become a decent 3B, it would be an asset.

Well, yeah, after the first post made it clear what I meant, I could be more liberal with words in the follow-up posts. Back to the topic.

But I DO take delight in Indians' struggles. Rebuilding ain't easy, is it now? Look forward to 2006, scumbags.