YASNY

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Oct 31, 2008 -> 10:47 AM) I think it'd be absolutely fantastic and would be something a mediocre bench over the past few years would need. You'd almost never ask Griffey to go play the field on one of his off days, but in a close game, he'd always be available for one at-bat against a good right-handed reliever. And I think it's entirely plausible that the Sox could get Griffey 300-400 ABs too. Keeping Anderson around would be a definite possibility, but if he's around, I wouldn't be surprised to see his role increase either. Griffey would also be available as insurance to CF, RF, DH, and as far as I'm concerned, 1B too. If any of those guys - whoever they are next year - have to hit the DL for a bit, Griffey is right there, ready to fill in. I'd absolutely love Griffey back next year, but here or gone, it isn't a big deal to me. I'm just happy I got to see him play in a Sox uniform. And I'll be happy when I know that I won't have to see him in a Sox uni again.

This suspended game scenario may be a blessing in disguise. If you are a 10 year old kid in Philly, you probably were able to see the Phillies clinch at 10 pm local time as opposed to 1 am. Regardless, congrats to the Phillies and their fans. I kind of feel good for Brad Lidge as well.

I just ran across this critique of Jordan Danks. Scroll down, you'll find him. http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/...equests-part-3/

He may not be what they are looking for or whatever, but I wonder if The Brewers even considered Robin Yount.

I thought it was quite interesting.

No. His number should not be retired. Wilbur was good, but not great.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Oct 21, 2008 -> 10:44 PM) It amazes me that we always list these type of contracts for other teams ... then say quickly the Sox would never want the guy. Somebody pointed out a concern Garland was one of the worst pitchers in the league last year. Yet he's gonna get four years at 8 mill a year and we won't offer him anything? Why are these players good enough for other teams and not the Sox? (see posts on CC being fat and arm weary). There is probably another team that would take that type of risk for Garland. There are probably 20 or so that would choose to pass. I hope the Sox are in that group.

QUOTE (StatManDu @ Oct 21, 2008 -> 10:11 AM) I say forget Toby Hall and find the best-throwing catcher out there no matter who it is and bring him North. If it's Donny Lucy. Good. Paul Phillips. Bring him back. Francisco Hernandez. Do it. Cole Armstrong. Bring him on. I would also put forth that if Ozzie gets a good throwing catcher he use him in late-inning situations much like an outfielder because. The stolen base rate against the Sox -- granted much of it has to do the pitchers -- is embarrassing. Here are the free agent catchers (gleaned from MLBrumors.com) Brad Ausmus (40) Paul Bako (37) Rod Barajas (33) - $2.5MM club option for '09 with a $0.5MM buyout Josh Bard (31) Michael Barrett (32) Henry Blanco (37) - $3MM mutual option for '09 with a $0.3MM buyout Johnny Estrada (33) Toby Hall (33) - $2.25MM club option for '09 with a $0.15MM buyout Jason LaRue (35) Paul Lo Duca (37) Miguel Olivo (30) - $2.7MM mutual option for '09 with a $0.1MM buyout Ivan Rodriguez (37) David Ross (32) Javier Valentin (33) Jason Varitek (37) Gregg Zaun (38) I've got to say that this is a reactionary response to a particular aspect of the Sox. We had a guy that fit your bill named Miguel Olivo. Other than the fact he wasn't a very good hitter and the pitchers (Buerhle, for example) didn't like the way he called a game, he was perfect. In fact, he's been so perfect that he has filled that role for several teams since the Sox sacrificed him in the Garcia deal. Edit to add: I should've read the whole thread.

Scalping is illegal for anyone but the Cubs.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Oct 18, 2008 -> 01:09 PM) I'd take Griff in RF. I could see him having a really solid year next year...everything with his swing mechanics looked smooth, I think it was just a matter of him adjusting to better AL pitching. His bat is a little slow but I could easily see him putting up an .850 OPS or so, and I'd take that from the left side. I also really like the other lefty in the lineup for bullpen matchups, even though Griffey can't hit lefties whatsoever. Griffey COULD have a solid year, yes. However, the guy is 38 years old and looked much older this year. The knee surgery might help, but he's been beaking down for years. I wouldn't count on him for much at all.

QUOTE (Milkman delivers @ Oct 16, 2008 -> 04:00 PM) Well, if he's telling the truth in saying that Floyd's curve didn't look great in ST, then you can't really blame him for saying he wouldn't have a good season. How many people have good breaking stuff in ST ... In the thin air of AZ?

QUOTE (2nd_city_saint787 @ Oct 16, 2008 -> 02:01 PM) id take him back just not for what hes asking, i think the kid still has a .270 20 70 year in him next year and ill take that if theres a way he doesnt play CF whether it be trading Dye, thome or kong. Out of those 4 players, Griffey is the one I want back the least.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Oct 15, 2008 -> 08:46 AM) I'm not going to even hope that he will be as good as Longoria has been so far. I would certainly be willing to accept 15-18 homers, 75 RBI's and a .275-.280 batting average in his first season in the big leagues. You have to go back to Carlos Lee, Ordonez and Ray Durham for that type of production in Sox rookies, not including Alexei Ramirez as the typical rookie but certainly he was outstanding, too. (Durham was 7, 51 and .257 with 18 sb's). It took Aaron Rowand three "half" seasons to get started before he put up 24 homers, 69 RBI's, 38 doubles and .310 BA in one of his best seasons ever. Same thing with Joe Crede. I'm not saying he's as good as Longoria. But, Longoria is an example of someone that was drafted one year and starting in MLB the next. If Beckham has a head to head competition with Fields for 3b, he just might win the job. He's a line drive contact hitter and probably better defensively than Fields.

QUOTE (Buehrle>Wood @ Oct 15, 2008 -> 01:38 AM) Should be Ventura and Thomas. Ventura was a face of the franchise for nearly a decade and would have been the face had he played in any other era. Robin was good and he's also one of my all time favorites. However, I don't believe his number should be retired. Personally, I think that honor should be reserved for Hall of Famers and only those that had significant impact while with the Sox. Eg: Carlton Fisk, yes. Tom Seaver, no.

QUOTE (2nd_city_saint787 @ Oct 14, 2008 -> 02:36 PM) this is not just directly directed at you yasny but to everyone....really Beckham in 09???? Possibly. Look at Longoria.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Oct 14, 2008 -> 08:41 AM) I really think we give up a lot of our offensive advantage putting Alexei in CF. Out there in CF, he's good to very good offensively (compared to MLB norms), but if we can get his pop from SS and Beckham's from 2B (assuming we can get 20-25 homers and 75-80 RBI's at 3B)...then we're in REALLY good shape. That does allow us to have a speedster/leadoff hitter like Taveras (not him specifically though!) without many homers in CF...or maybe someone like CoCo Crisp, depending on what we have to give up. If the time horizon on Beckham is mid-2010 as many claim, it makes VERY little sense to go out and sign an Orlando Hudson long-term or trade for Chone Figgins, unless you really want to lock Beckham in at 3B...which is where it seems he would be the worst fit offensively (saying that not projecting as a corner infielder type of hitter, but more of a line drive, doubles/gap hitter who will get 18-24 per season due to Comiskey). OTOH, KW is always in a "win now" mode, and Beckham, AT BEST, MIGHT make us more competitive in 2010...so I'm not sure Beckham's development is influencing KW's "in the present" decision-making process as of yet. I think you might see Beckham at 3B and Getz at 2B in '09.

I'm 'in between' relationships at the moment. I'm dating a couple of ladies, but I don't think either one will be "the one". Still fishing.

QUOTE (Texsox @ Oct 11, 2008 -> 01:01 PM) It just lists the total text messages. I've tried "Stop" and "End" as commands, but that hasn't worked. I'm not getting charged, but sometimes I like to sleep late and the "ding" of a text message waked me up. I'm an old man, don't be messin' with my sleep. I feel your pain.

QUOTE (MHizzle85 @ Oct 12, 2008 -> 12:11 AM) I usually just go to parties with my roommate, he's the type to use "lines" so when those fail I usually come up with the "what a goof." Then I start simple conversation. Ah ... the best type of wingman!

I hope the Phillies sweep. Then either TB or Boston sweep the Phils. That will be two years in a row of the Cubs being swept by the team that was swept by the team that won the World Series.

No, it didn't do any good for these players to leave. No, it didn't do any harm as far as the playoffs go for these players to leave. Still, it was a piss poor choice. They f***ed up and there will be a price these guys have to pay. They can overcome it, but they flat out sent the wrong message.

Well there's twelve and a half minutes of my life I'll never get back. Gonna go watch it again. Good job.

QUOTE (Texsox @ Oct 11, 2008 -> 09:07 AM) .225 in 365 ABs in 2006 .232 in 181 ABs in 2008 I think that is limiting his playing time more than attitude. And look who he replaced. I thought Rowand had a great attitude and was well liked by his teammates. Yet, KW felt he could break that up. As far as Broadway, I agree with your assessment. I just don't think it will take much to overcome any of this. Perhaps less than a day in the locker room. There was no mention of a bad attitude prior to this, I can't believe one act, especially after being flown to Florida to get cut, will linger. Plus, I just have seen some pretty crappy humans playing all sports because they have ability. (T.O., Pacman, Bonds) At the end of your career you may be able to squeeze out another season or two based on attitude and intangibles (Griffey, Maddux), but at the start of a career, you have to be able to play. And players are too transient. Reading the other threads, despite this wonderful supportive, bonding experience that happened during the playoffs, we want a fourth of the players gone by next year. Why, if this is so important, don't we want them together next year? I'm looking at this from two perspectives. First, what would I have done if I was in Lance Broadway's situation. It certainly wouldn't be the choice he made. Second, if I was one of the veterans, I would have been doing some head shaking as well. Also, looking at things from my current job situation, you have to show that you are a team player to a certain extent. I pull my weight, look down on those that don't and appreciate the others that do.

Nice article. I've had an eye on this guy since he was drafted.

QUOTE (zenryan @ Oct 10, 2008 -> 10:56 PM) really nice how the put Griffey and Thome together. The trade wasnt anything great but we got to see a special player roaming our outfield even if he's on the downside of his career. That doesnt happen very often. Griffey's contributions to the Sox were negligble, at best. We once had Steve Carlton on the staff, but that also turned out to be quite forgetable. BFD.