The Ginger Kid

I argued that Jerry Owens would be a superstar. FTW.

Maybe Fukudome can relate his experience on the north side to Tanaka.

Sad to see he was worried about being booed off stage at soxfest.

I'm pretty psyched about Nieto. I know he lacks much experience above A ball but a switch hitting C who might have figured something out last season is intriguing. Probably too much to hope that he makes the 25, but still, the competition ain't that stiff.

I would caution you against going to Spring Training. I say this for your own good. Once you go, you will not stop going. Because it's kind of f***ing awesome in a way that can't be explained. I actually stay in Glendale or Peoria when I go (and I go every year). There are a couple of nice hotels right around the University of Phoenx stadium. It's kind of late to get decent hotels because fans snatch them up, so you might be better off staying closer to Phoenix. Traffic in late afternoons is a b**** so I like staying closer to Camelback rather than drive back to Phoenix, Tempe or the like. Great thing about Peoria is this spread of restaurants and theaters all around the Mariners/Padres complex up there (I think it's Bell Rd). You can't walk it but it makes eating and entertainment very easy. This year I'm going to check out the Cubs new complex so I'm staying in Mesa (unfortunately travelling with a cubs fan). But like others said, do yourself a favor and check out the other parks. My faves include the Rockies new complex, Giants in Scottsdale, Rangers/Royals just north of Glendale, and the Angels in Tempe. Heading down to Goodyear for the 1st time this year to watch the Sox play the Indians. But the best by far is Camelback, and I say that without any bias. Have fun!

I voted NO just because I'm an asshole

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Dec 16, 2013 -> 02:08 PM) This is a unique opportunity, although it is obviously a very small possibility, but IMO it is something you stretch the budget to participate. You think he's that good?

I knew this was coming but I'm still pretty giddy about it. I stole this from Hammerhead's signature because it reminds me just how awesome Frank was:

Like Abreu's highlight reel, this guy is teeing off on 80 mph hanging breakers.

Sale and Hoffman. Now that would be a sweet 1-2 for some years.

Smart move by Texas. '15 FA market doesn't look that great. Get him now.

I was starting to get impatient with Rick, have to admit. But he proved me wrong. Some very solid moves. And very smart as well.

Glad to have Eaton, but this dashes my hope of getting Ethier or Kemp.

This organization sure loves outfielders.

QUOTE (Jillian Michaels' Abs @ Dec 5, 2013 -> 05:04 PM) NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! As I've stated in other threads... I am a big Dodgers fan. Almost as much a Dodgersfan as Sox fan. Belisario is terrible. He is incredibly frustrating to watch. What was even more frustrating to watch was Don Mattingly's continued use of him in high-leverage late inning situations. And now, as a Sox fan I have to watch him load the bases in the eighth inning. Hopefully he will have a short leash. *puke* As someone who watches a lot of Dodger games I disagree. He's not terrible. Inconsistent? Yes. Overused? Yes. But when he's on he's still very, very good.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Dec 5, 2013 -> 06:37 AM) If he is even a .260/.330/.400 guy, his bat can play at 3B. That would be a huge upgrade over the past few years. But all things remaining equal, where does Gillaspie figure into all this? Is it still his position to lose at this point or is it Keppinger's? Pains me to think this is the only competition for 3b. What a gaping hole that is.

QUOTE (The Ultimate Champion @ Dec 5, 2013 -> 07:55 AM) When the Sox pick in the 2nd round there will be late first round talent available. If the Sox gave up the pick to sign Granderson, and then traded him, I think it's unlikely they could acquire through trade the type of talent that would be available when the Sox pick in the 2nd. Granderson's contributions in the next year or two shouldn't be worth that much to a rebuilding team. I would rather draft a top prospect in the 2nd round and then a year later spin him off as the centerpiece of a deal for someone else's much younger MLB-proven OF. Because at this point, while it's true we need talent on the MLB team, we need to maximize our chances of acquiring long-term fits. And whether keeping and developing talent from the farm or (preferably) trading unproven prospects from the farm for young established MLB players who can be locked up for years foregoing free agency, prospects are going to help us out much more. The Sox should buy on FAs who don't cost draft picks, and if they trade for anyone, please go all out and get Castro. I'd give up a ton for that guy, and he's just out there because it's the Astros. Most teams don't try to deal off young high quality catchers, they try to extend them. Hahn's best skills seem to be in contract negotiation, so try to make that deal & extend him. And I don't mind parting with top pitching either, we can actually develop that. Semien or Beckham plus Johnson and Reed, yeah I'd go that far. I think I like Beck a little better & I like our chances of coming up with another long-term SP piece through next year's #1 or in another deal. +1

I just want to see him developed at 3B.

I think he has another World Series slam in him, so I like the signing.

If for some reason Frank does NOT get elected on the 1st ballot I may go to Cooperstown and get arrested for disrupting the induction ceremonies.

Chris Getz was non-tendered. In other news, my dog s*** on the porch again last night.

QUOTE (Chilihead90 @ Dec 3, 2013 -> 10:11 PM) He is going to miss 15-16 months, while Floyd is only missing 9? Maybe a second TJS is a longer recovery, I have no idea, but he is throwing a baseball right now. I was just quoting the AZ Republic. Maybe there's a different story, but...

I would keep an eye out for Kemp or Ethier. I got a feeling one is on Rick's radar.

QUOTE (Chilihead90 @ Dec 3, 2013 -> 03:15 PM) What? And what? He's out all of 2014 and expected to be a reliever when he returns. Like he said, toast.

QUOTE (TaylorStSox @ Dec 3, 2013 -> 09:18 AM) Hudson is toast and I don't think the organization (Cooper) liked him. Plus, why would you sign a reliever who's going to be out all of 2014?