YASNY

Still stinging over deal that got away, Sox add a reliever By Scot Gregor Daily Herald Sports Writer Posted January 08, 2004 When asked Wednesday night how his holidays were, White Sox general manager Kenny Williams couldn't mask the disappointment. "I've had better,'' he said. Even though Williams is happy with the addition of relief pitcher Cliff Politte, who signed a one-year contract for $800,000 Wednesday with a club option for $1.3 million in 2005, the Sox GM obviously still is stung by a much bigger deal that disintegrated just before Christmas. While Williams never has publicly commented on being a player in one of the biggest proposed trades in major-league history, a source confirmed the White Sox indeed were prepared to send right fielder Magglio Ordonez to Boston in exchange for shortstop Nomar Garciaparra and reliever Scott Williamson. Contrary to numerous published reports, the Sox would have kept Garciaparra rather than move him to the Dodgers in exchange for a package of pitchers. Williams was then prepared to sign a replacement - rumored to be Juan Gonzalez - to fill the void left by Ordonez and also add a quality starting pitcher such as Sidney Ponson. Of course, the blockbuster deal never got off the ground because the Texas Rangers were unable to trade shortstop Alex Rodriguez to the Red Sox for outfielder Manny Ramirez because of financial constraints. "I don't know that there's anything to say about that,'' Williams said. Williams hasn't had much to say since the White Sox blew a 2-game lead late in the 2003 season and finished second to Minnesota in the AL Central. He basically shrugged after watching Bartolo Colon, Carl Everett, Tom Gordon, Roberto Alomar, Tony Graffanino and Scott Sullivan all depart via free agency in early December. Before signing Politte, Williams' only other addition was acquiring utility infielder Juan Uribe in a trade from Colorado the Rockies. No wonder White Sox fans have had trouble maintaining interest this winter. Even though he has made big trades the past three off-seasons and almost pulled off a whopper this year, Williams doesn't sound like any major moves are on the horizon. "I don't think you'll be able to term anything we do from here on as major,'' Williams said. That blanket statement apparently includes Politte, a 29-year-old right-hander who was 1-5 with 12 saves and a 5.66 ERA in 54 relief appearances with the Blue Jays last season. "He's going to help us in the back of the bullpen,'' Williams said. "He's a guy, although he's had a little success, we think he could be one of the better guys in the league with a little more consistency and if he learns to throw downhill a little more.'' While he served as Toronto's closer during the first two months of 2003, Politte is expected to set up games for the White Sox. Coming off his second straight solid season, left-hander Damaso Marte has earned the right to pitch in the ninth inning for the Sox. But Williams still is hoping Billy Koch bounces back after going 5-5 with a 5.77 ERA in '03 while losing nearly 10 mph off his once-vaunted fastball. "He's been doing a lot of exercises designed to strengthen his arm, and the reports have been very good,'' Williams said. "Ideally, you hope he gets back to where he was a year ago.'' Before saving 11 games last season, Koch averaged 36 from 1999-2002.

I saw this thread title and thought "Fisk and Ozzie?".

Thank you.

Happy trails.

Don't forget they sign Javy Lopez, too.

He's not "a fading player". He's what? 27 or 28? He just had a bad year.

No problem. Bo knows motorcycles.

I think Baltimore's main concern right now is to put fannies in the seats.

Wait. How do know the manager isn't up to the task?

Best answer I've heard yet.

No. Incorrect. Pudge was critical of various aspects of the Sox management philosophy while he was playing. One thing I remember specifically was how that he was very upset they traded Baines to Texas. Black Jack was also butting heads with management over the years. I remember this stuff.

Another unsung Sox player I always liked was John Cangelosi. More nicknames: Dot - Richard Dotsun Bull - Greg Luzinski Kitty - Ron Kittle

Wasn't Hibbard's nickname the little bulldog?

Minnesota Twins * Anahiem Angels Kansas City Royals Florida Marlins Arizona Diamondbacks Oakland A's * New York Mets Toronto Blue Jays Atlanta Braves * * Existing franchises that were relocated. All these teams did not even exist the last time the White Sox were even in the Series. All these teams have won at one world championship since 1959.

Ya gotta believe!

Hey! Welcome back!

It was my understanding that Vlad snubbed the Dodgers because of they way they handled his brother, Wilton.

The way I understood it, if LA needed him to move to first, he would. Unless LA acquires a Magglio type outfielder, Green will probably be in RF.

I'd say that they are both consistently good hitters. Maggs had a slight blip downward this past season. It happens. He'll be back up to .325 - 38 - 125 type numbers. Green was pitched around in LA all year. You can't hit it if they don't give you nothing to hit.

Then why is 80% of this board in panic mode?

Looking at Politte's stats the last couple of years, I can see the potential the Sox see in him. He has had about 2.5K to 1 BB ratio and close to 1K per IP. If he can get and stay healthy, he could be a nice pick up for us.

Ya, I think things are looking up for the Bulls and the Bears. Now the Blackhawks, well, the less said, the better.

No, Paxson is not being a prick. The Bulls could have voided that contract without any problems because of the clause that said JW wasn't supposed to be on a motorcycle.

Isn't the light supposed to be the determining factor on a last second shot?