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QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Jun 6, 2016 -> 02:45 PM) RF Eaton 2B Tim Anderson 1B Jose Abreu DH Melky Cabrera (Hayes/Coats) LF Ian Desmond/Fowler/Trumbo or Michael Saunders (trade) CF Trayce Thompson SS Marcus Semien C BLACK HOLE 3B Juan Uribe (Davidson/Trey M./Delmonico) UTIL Saladino Now that team has much more balance, although it's a bit light in homers in the clean-up spot with Frazier removed...seemingly, you've got 5-7 to more than make up for that, and Uribe has occasional pop too, even at his age. And it would have four home grown players as well as one of my personal all-time favorites in Juan Game Winning Uribe. I'd MUCH MUCH rather watch that team from a fan standpoint than what we have right now (much younger, more dynamic/exciting/athletic). The bottom 3 would still be relatively weak, but it would have offensive pop and not be 600-650 OPS weak. Plus, you'd still have Montas in reserve to throw into the bullpen or save having to trade for James Shields. And you'd have a lot more financial flexibility and future years of control, to where you wouldn't have to tear things apart after 2017. Not sure why you dreamed this up but there is no scenario where Anderson is at 2b and Semien is at SS.

QUOTE (Tex @ Jun 6, 2016 -> 03:15 PM) I am certain there are some honest mistakes. But those can't be excused. No one takes a supplement by accident. If you are subject to drug screening and testing, you better be 100% certain of everything you put in your body. No other policy works. Yes. Only take ones the league approved. Otherwise they are rolling the dice.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jun 3, 2016 -> 01:45 PM) There's no hard and fast line of "this is a performance enhancing drug and this is not". Caffeine is a performance enhancing drug and this post is possible in part because of it. The actual decision is something of a hodgepodge - vitamins and caffeine are ok, speed isn't. Things that metabolize into hormones such as testosterone in the body have been well agreed to be PEDs, things that enable the body to carry more oxygen are considered PEDs, painkillers sometimes are. Basically the setup winds up being some version of "what does it do in the body" and "does the government consider it legal". This of course always leaves open the gap for someone to figure out a new supplement or chemical that leads to enhanced performance that the law and tests haven't caught up with yet. I think the modern tests are probably extremely reliable in catching recent use of just about any version of anabolic steroids, depending on what the definition of "recent" is. Figuring out what other things do is much more challenging. Caffiene is only considered a PED in certain doses. Most professional sports follow the WDA guidelines on PEDS. In the past they have just not used all testing measures available ie. blood testing. Many of the international organization, now use a baseline level test. This is where they test the blood levels and test for changes in that level. In this case they don't need to test for specific substances only changes. The weakness in the current system is that, designer companies like Balco create things that the trsting companies don't know to look for.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Jun 6, 2016 -> 02:25 PM) But Hahn at least had numerous connections built up due to his educational background. The "average" twenty-something out there begging for a job in a front office (with a Master's in Sports Admin/Management) or even an internship in broadcasting (that area's 10X more competitive than front office work even) just doesn't stand a chance. Right place, right time. I'll give a personal example. For example, I turned down an internship with the Red Sox for "only" $300 per month back in late 1993 because I knew if I could do sales fairly effectively I could earn, let's say $1000-1250 per month (and free rent) working for a minor league team. Knowing what I know now, I would have asked to borrow money from my dad and figured out how to survive in Boston financially because it's just not that easy to transition from working for a minor league team to a major league front office (unless its owned by a major league team). I screwed up my Cardinals' interview by making a joke about selling complimentary tickets that front office members (even interns) receive...they are super serious about that, and I should have known better. Of course, who wants to work in ticketing? (Yes, I know, I know...there are major league GM's who have started off in even lower positions than THAT). The other path which could have had a positive result would have been developing Spanish skills more and going to work in the Winter Baseball Leagues in places like the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico or Venezuela. I always helped our Spanish speaking players (Jose Guillen in particular, because he always was getting into trouble at age 19)...but you couldn't work as a "translator" full time in the minor leagues, that position simply didn't exist at that time, or even working in one of the baseball academies in the DR or VZ (which was alluring from an adventure side but scary from a personal safety standpoint.) And yeah, back then I remember sending out resumes to every MLB GM and all 130 something minor league teams. About half the MLB GM's responded, or at least their secretaries/admin assistants. Wish I had kept all of them. You're right it is quite an experience working in that league. It was worth the experience and really wasn't all that "unsafe." I did it in the early 90's and had a blast and it got me full season work. I would highly recommend it for someone looking to break into professional sports. Although, in the medical field I don't recommend baseball, way, way too many hours for the pay.

QUOTE (oneofthemikes @ Jun 6, 2016 -> 12:02 PM) Is it though? The whole roster has turned over in the past 3 seasons and we're still having this conversation. How many times do players need to be replaced before the organization looks in the mirror and makes a managerial/coaching/scouting/player development change? The problem seems (at least to me) to be with the organization, because it doesn't seem to matter much which names are on the backs of the jerseys. This is where I think the issues lies.

QUOTE (SouthSideSale @ Jun 6, 2016 -> 11:25 AM) The single most important thing it shows is accountability. There is none right now. Firing Robin shows that there is some. I think the trade shows more accountability. The players are the ones who make or break the season. They are the ones who need to held responsible for their performances. The team showed early in the season it could win.

QUOTE (flavum @ Jun 6, 2016 -> 11:05 AM) You can't do both? Are people actually wanting Robin to stay because: A) He's a good manager B) Manager doesn't matter, so why change in the middle of a season? C) I take the side of management no matter what, so until they make the move, I support their decisions. D) It's mostly unlikely they make a change, so I'll take that side because it's the "winning" side. I don't think many are opposed to RV going but are making the case that it won't make much of a difference. Making the player changes are much more important. you are spending far too much energy and angst on a move that won't make the difference. Channel the energy at the players to improve or for Hahn to improve the roster.

QUOTE (SouthSideSale @ Jun 6, 2016 -> 10:21 AM) I know right. Just be content with a s***ty team, lineup, and manager. Hey at least we're 1 over! Firing him wouldn't fix everything but it'd show everyone that they're serious about winning this year. Let a real manager take over like Renteria. Making trades to improve the team doesn't?

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Jun 5, 2016 -> 08:28 PM) This is one of the worst arguments for keeping Robin. The dude completely sucks at his job, but because some Fangraphs article says managers don't matter, I guess we should keep him right? Let's ignore an obvious area of potential improvement because it may only be worth a game or two in the long run. And quite frankly, I think it may worth more than that. Just like we're seeing in the valuation of high-end relievers, context does matter and a manager has the ability to impact the outcome of close games. No doubt it's hard to quantify their value, but that doesn't mean they have little impact on the game. Honestly, how many of you apologists still have Robin Ventura posters hanging in your basements? Robin was my favorite player growing up, but you know what, that doesn't mean I can't objective about his abilities as a manager. The guy has accomplished nothing in his tenure with us. He is one of the worst in-game managers I can remember in a long time. I can't think of one positive he provides other than not bringing clubhouse issues to the media. I'm sure the team likes playing for him because he is a nice, laid back guy. Unfortunately, his leadership style isn't working and a change is needed. I don't think his point is that the Sox should keep necessarily RV. I think it is anyone expecting any kind of measurable improvement from the team after he's gone is being unrealistic. The team will rise or fall on the backs of the best players. Right now they aren't playing like impact or even good players.

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Jun 5, 2016 -> 07:45 PM) It will be Sandy Alomar My choice as well.

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Jun 5, 2016 -> 08:05 AM) http://www.dailyherald.com/article/2016060..._medium=twitter He's spot on. The White Sox could go out and add Jay Bruce or a comparable LH stick. They could call up Tim Anderson and he could be as advertised. They could trade for Will Smith or another reliever to lock down the bullpen. They could replace Robin Ventura with Rick Renteria. But the problem is that if Jose Abreu continues to be one of the worst players on the team and in the league, this team isn't going anywhere. They have issues. It's a frustrating team for sure. Their main issue though is that Jose Abreu needs to be Jose Abreu. The dude has been terrible and it just can't continue. When the team's best players aren't playing well, the team will not win. It's true for all sports. Go ahead fire Ventura, Hahn and Williams. Get a new owner. Doesn't matter.

QUOTE (Lip Man 1 @ Jun 5, 2016 -> 11:21 AM) As the Sox get ready to play another game against a divisional opponent thought you'd like to know one of their biggest issues: Record vs. Divisional Opponents: 2015; 32-44 2014; 33-43 2013; 26-50 2012; 37-35 2011; 32-40 2010; 32-40 2009; 34-38 2008; 44-29 Can't beat teams in your division? You're not going anyplace but home after the regular season. The 'big money', 'big market' White Sox can't beat the Kansas City and Cleveland's of the world. Two winning records vs. division in the last eight years. Mark Psst.... the Royals have a higher payroll than the White Sox by around 30 million and the Indians payroll is only 4 million less than the White Sox.

QUOTE (ronkark @ Jun 4, 2016 -> 06:25 PM) robin not going anywyere. he's part of 2 year window. it's a joke. he gets nothing out of these guys. abreu and robin show no passion. Yes, this is the problem. Not the fact that Abreu is not hitting the baseball very well.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jun 3, 2016 -> 04:12 PM) For reference - this model may not apply to Illinois for various reasons, but term limits for California did the exact opposite. They removed people who were gaining experience in dealing with issues and instead put every seat up to a primary every 2 cycles, such that the Democrat and Republican conferences basically became completely homogeneous and locked in behind the extreme sides on every vote/budget. Anyone who had any experience at compromising was removed rapidly. That made the state virtually ungovernable until the Democrats pulled off a Supermajority in the state Assembly and finally could pass a budget every year without having to negotiate at all. This could be true, however it would still keep anyone person from having the power that Madigan has amassed over the years. I would rather have the group wield the power not the individual.

QUOTE (Lip Man 1 @ Jun 4, 2016 -> 06:29 PM) The Sox are just getting out from under the anchor of Danks' bad deal and now this. Even with S.D. paying a lot the Sox still now owe 27 million from what I read. For a mid 30's pitcher probably on the downward track. That's the way to build a "consistent" winner in my book! (sarcasm implied) Kenny strikes again. Mark Absolutely amazing....

QUOTE (bmags @ Jun 3, 2016 -> 09:27 AM) That's true. I have to say I'm surprised at how disjointed the democrats still are. And honestly am a bit surprised at how difficult it was for them even to push that budget through. The madigan power mold does need to get broken up. He isn't holding the coalition together nearly enough (mainly because it's not an ideological coalition). That said, I knew he wasn't going to be Scott Walker in the state and is not, he doesn't have the power to be. But I still think in the long run we are better off than if Quinn had gotten elected. The only thing that will truly help politics in Illinois is term limits. Allow no one to accumulate the power he has.

QUOTE (JenksIsMyHero @ Jun 3, 2016 -> 09:01 AM) Someone remind me how Madigan continues to rule the state? They passed a budget that was unconstitutional. Rauner is doing the right thing IMO by telling Madigan to go jump in a lake. Standing up to Madigan and his cronies is exactly what this state needs. Sadly, the stupid people of this state will blame Rauner and Madigan will continue to hold all the power. He raises property taxes then uses his law firm to to appeal the taxes and gets people a reduced tax rate. thus the people in his district vote for him. It's simple. He doesn't care about the people only the power.

QUOTE (Quinarvy @ Jun 3, 2016 -> 07:07 AM) Someone remind me how Rauner got elected? He ran on the platform "I'm not them" Similar to Trump.

QUOTE (ron883 @ Jun 1, 2016 -> 11:14 PM) IMO, there are two moves that can help the team without trading. 1. Call up Coats and dfa Sands. Put Costs in LF and DH Melky. Send avi down to AAA. If Jackson is gone for a bit, just put Eaton back in CF and coats in RF. Coats is a plus defender in the corners, and is pillaging AAA. 2. Fire Robin. Promote Renteria. Simple but won't happen. What moves do you think would help that wouldn't involve a trade? Serious question. Can Garcia be sent down? Isn't there a rule where once they've been in the MLB for a certain length of time, they can't be sent down without them agreeing to it.?

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Jun 1, 2016 -> 08:32 PM) He really has no reason not to though. If he weren't on steroids, he wouldn't be on a team. He can just retire anyway when he gets caught. Makes sense to me. Yep, make the money while you can.

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ May 31, 2016 -> 12:49 PM) Good piece on Fulmer, however, I am actually more dissapointed based upon the read. Seems like he is messing / tinkering without working with the coaches and I don't like that. I might be misreading and he is fully entitled to making mechanical changes but seems odd that he's made changes, yet key brass have kind of indicated as if he's doing it on his own. I think there should be a more team effort there. Good thing is we've been aggressive with the assignment and the stuff is there and evidently he has a real strong mental makeup. I should point out, I tend to be a skeptic when people make major mechanical changes that their body has dealt with for a long time. I think this is an organizational philosophy of letting the players succeed or fail on their own before the coaches make changes. There were similar articles about Hawkins.

QUOTE (Whitewashed in '05 @ May 26, 2016 -> 10:54 PM) Unfortunately for them he needs surgery. Looks like they're seeking one more opinion, but they've pretty much accepted he'll need surgery. http://m.mlb.com/news/article/180406208/ro...ght-knee-injury That's too bad. If it is just a partial it must still be to unstable. Sometimes you can get away without the surgery. He;ll be ready for next year.

QUOTE (EvilJester99 @ May 26, 2016 -> 04:25 PM) Got to hope when Anderson comes up that he doesn't struggle because everyone will declare him a bust and won't be happy until he is dealt his history has shown he will struggle for awhile when he first comes up.

QUOTE (gosoxgo2005 @ May 26, 2016 -> 03:00 PM) When would he be considered not rushed then? He has 1300 MiLB at bats. 1400? 1500? Beckham had about 230 MiLB at bats. THAT is rushing a prospect. Again, I'm not advocating for him to be called up at this very moment. If he's hitting .330 in 2 weeks and the Sox are still getting s*** production from half the lineup, then I probably will be. All that said, it's fun have a prospect so hot that we're having this debate even He will be ready when the people who do this for a living decide he has made the proper mental and physical adjustments to be able to perform at a MLB level. There is no number of at bats rule or age rule. He hasn't even had sustained success at the AAA level for more than a few weeks. Baseball is usually more about the mental adjustments than the physical ones.

QUOTE (Whitewashed in '05 @ May 26, 2016 -> 08:05 PM) Huge blow. They're preparing to be without him for the rest of the year. Sucks for them with Gordon going on the DL too with a wrist injury. Those zap a players power. Not feeling bad for them though. It is what it is. I still remember what it was like to lose Maggs and Thomas in 04. He shouldn't be out for the year if it's only the ACL and no surgery is required. Although it's probably all of June and July.