spiderman

QUOTE (staxx @ Dec 2, 2012 -> 01:29 PM) if AJ is the difference between sanchez at third or someone else, i say flowers. What I am discouraged about is the White Sox seem more likely to find patches for 3B and maybe a backup type catcher to complement Flowers than actually upgrade the offense. I don't know the answer as to how to fix the offense, but it's got 4 or 5 guys in the lineup on most days who can't get on base. If the only off-season moves are to find some aging veteran on the cheap to fill out the lineup, I don't see how that makes the team better for next season. Saying that, it's a long off-season and we rarely know what the White Sox will do until they do so here's hoping that they address the OBP issues.

QUOTE (elrockinMT @ Dec 1, 2012 -> 11:01 PM) Thank you Phil Humber for giving your all in Chicago He played a role here, was great in the 1st half 2 seasons ago, but reverted back to the inconsistent pitcher. The Sox need to continue to find these innings from unexpected, low cost sources to balance out the payroll.

QUOTE (The Ginger Kid @ Dec 2, 2012 -> 12:14 PM) AJP is going to be a 36 y/o catcher next season and teams aren't lining up to sign him? Shocking. It's still early. He may have had a career season in 2012, but he's still going to have better numbers than most catchers even if he comes back down to a .270, 15 HR and 60 RBI type of season next year. He's also a left handed hitter. I really think some team will give him a 1 year (maybe 2 year deal) for at least what Russell Martin got - maybe he's not a full time catcher anymore, maybe he can get some time at 1B/DH for a team. As for the White Sox, I think it does make sense to pass on AJ. I do think they'd be spending money on past production, not future, and just don't have the money to spend on what likely will be a reduction in his production. If they sign him back, it would have to be a modest increase over last season, and he'd have to agree to 4 days (at most) a week in the lineup since he has a history of wearing down in the 2nd half. With the lack of financial flexibility and the desire to see what Flowers would do with more time, I just don't see a path here for AJ.

QUOTE (justBLAZE @ Nov 29, 2012 -> 09:04 PM) Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal Source: #WhiteSox exploring addition of starting pitcher, lower-end type at the right price. Would give them flexibility to trade Floyd. Although they have some decent depth after Peavy & Sale with Danks hopefully on his way back followed by Floyd and Quintana with Santiago in the mix as well, they do have to be extremely careful with this rotation. Sale and Peavy both have durability issues (although last year went well), Danks is an unknown and Quintana in my opinion is more likely to be a gas can. Perhaps adding another lower end arm to the mix will help if the Sox do decide to occasionally use a 6 man rotation type at times.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Nov 29, 2012 -> 06:38 AM) You got a specific player in mind? Honestly, it almost sounds like you're referring to Paulie. That sounds like the type of move I'm sort of expecting. My assumption is that this well liked player makes money and the move is meant to free up some payroll, but also provide a younger player in return. I do think Gavin Floyd is a player to be moved,but I'm not sure he's a well liked one :-)

QUOTE (pittshoganerkoff @ Nov 28, 2012 -> 08:55 AM) I hope that if Flowers gets consistent starts we see some decent production out of him. I'm not sure he'll hit for a high average, but I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility for him to be a .250/20+ HR guy. His defense behind the plate is good, and it seems as if the pitching staff likes him. I agree with Youk, too. He plays his ass off, and maybe that's why he's starting to break down. But, I'll take him for a year or two while another option is explored. And it seems as if he's a good clubhouse guy. I've heard both sides of that story, but I'm more inclined to believe his presence is a positive. I have my issues giving more than one year to either guy, given their age, but that's probably not a reality if they hope to keep either. They clearly have a much larger hole at 3B without Youkalis, but I'm not sure Flowers has proven to be much more than a backup catcher either.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 28, 2012 -> 07:51 AM) They have about zero extra room right now. I agree with that assessment - there would have to be some moving of payroll to accomodate new additions unless they are going to bump up their payroll.

QUOTE (2nd_city_saint787 @ Nov 28, 2012 -> 11:13 AM) I still fancy my previous idea, if possible, of trading Rios straight up, or in a roundabout way to acquire a 3B and signing Josh. I think he's gotta have SOME kinda trade value that can help us get a 3B. Even if they have to include Q/Santiago and another top prospect in the trade I'd do it in a heartbeat if it means we get a quality 3B. They would have to think like this to free up money if they had thoughts about Hamilton (or someone similar). I still expect Floyd to be moved at some point to free up his money, but they probably need to do more to accomodate a big move.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Nov 28, 2012 -> 10:52 AM) KW and Hahn have both said, they pretty much ask about everyone. Doesn't mean it will work out. But I'd bet they asked. I'm pretty sure they know without asking, just hearing the gossip from agents and the news that his asking price is well outside of anything the White Sox would consider, espeically if the Sox are just tinkering around the edges for bargains.

How much money, realistically, do the White Sox have to play with? Aren't they at about 90 million already with around 8 guys? If they keep their payroll in the low 100's, that doesn't leave much room for resigning Youk/AJ without cutting elsewhere, not to mention, trying to improve the team.

QUOTE (justBLAZE @ Nov 26, 2012 -> 10:12 PM) Is it just me or is this offseason dragging in regard to Sox moves? It has, but it takes just one move to get this place moving and to predict moves off of that. Sox moves are also sort of in a holding pattern until AJ and Youk's destinations are determined.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 20, 2012 -> 07:55 PM) And Jake's arm could fall off at any moment. He was 100 innings over anything he has thrown since 2007. Peavy will always be a concern, I would agree. Thankfully, he's only on a 2 year deal.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 20, 2012 -> 05:54 PM) It is pretty easy to say the same thing about Sale, Quintana, and Peavy. Absolutely true, but I was referring only to Detroit because of their long seasons. The White Sox durability is more because of young arms that haven't been through the rigors.

QUOTE (kitekrazy @ Nov 20, 2012 -> 05:01 PM) Their back end of the rotation isn't too shabby either. Plus their pitching coach is pretty good. I can't predict that they will have injuries, but I wouldn't be shocked if they lose an arm or two just from all the innings over the past 2 seasons.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 20, 2012 -> 03:20 PM) So in conclusion, the Tigers had a bad year, the Sox had a good year, and we still finished 3 games back. The Sox are probably losing key players from their starting line up, while the Tigers are adding at least Torii Hunter and Victor Martinez. I am thinking the odds are pretty small. Like in the 5 to 10% range. It'll be interesting to see how the Detroit pitching staff holds up after another long season on their arms.

QUOTE (bigruss22 @ Nov 20, 2012 -> 02:08 PM) If the only move is signing a 3b, then the Sox aren't serious about competing again. As much as I may like this team, the Tigers are going to be even stronger next season and we are already playing catch up. As long as Peavy and Sale are healthy, they have a legitimate top of the line front end of their rotation. As a whole, the starting pitching, again, assuming health, should keep this team in most games. It's looking likely, assuming Youkalis is gone, that the White Sox are going to have major issues offensively getting men on base so I really hope they surprise us with some creative ways to improve that area of the offense. Right now, not including 3B, there are issues with the players at SS/2B/LF/C in getting on base and that list could grow to include 3B and Paul Konerko - for this team to truly compete next year, they can't be as dependent on home runs as they have been.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 13, 2012 -> 09:29 PM) Seems like the Sox are really working on solidifying the bench. I don't think move proves that.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/mlb-rumo...iew-angel-pagan

For people posting about how they'd offer x amount for Hamilton, please explain how you'd make this financially feasible, as in fitting within a budget of somewhere between 100-110 million?

QUOTE (K-Rock @ Nov 10, 2012 -> 03:49 PM) He's obviously the biggest free agent hitter out there and would make our lineup a hell of a lot better (at least in the first 3-4 years). He's currently asking for 7 years/$175M and although I don't believe he'll get that, he'll probably end up getting somewhere in the neighborhood of $23-25M per year. So how many years are you willing to offer him? Hamilton is currently 31 years old with a long injury history (not to mention his off the field problems). I doubt the White Sox (like most teams) will take a risk on his talent vs. demons. Not to mention, the Sox are pretty limited financially so unless they either decide to massively increase the payroll OR sign Hamilton and move 1-2 players to absorb his salary, I really have a hard time believing the Sox would make a move like you're suggesting. I think the team that signs him will give at least 3 years, probably 4.

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Nov 10, 2012 -> 12:43 PM) Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal Sources: Hunter prefers to play every day. Ten teams have contacted him, including #Dodgers, #Tigers, #WhiteSox, #Rangers, #Mariners. Anyone still interested in Torii Hunter in a Sox uni? Even if the White Sox really want him, how do they add him IF they aren't increasing payroll by much? I'm assuming he's going to cost close to $10 million a season, right? If the White Sox have something like 8 or 9 guys at about 90 million already and plan on keeping the payroll at about 100-110, I'm not seeing how they can do this, unless they have plans to shake up the offense with some surprising/unexpected moves. Last season: .313 avg, 16 HR, 92 RBI, 9 SB, .817 OPS

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Nov 1, 2012 -> 08:27 AM) Sox were in on Chavez last year. Wouldn't be surprising if it winds up a Morel/Chavez platoon. Something like that would have to be a backup plan, and only after they made upgrades somewhere else on the roster to balance out 3B.

QUOTE (SOXOBAMA @ Nov 5, 2012 -> 08:45 AM) Gavin Floyd is with the White Sox for now but the right-handed pitcher might not last the offseason. With limited money to spend and several spots to fill, including a large gap at third base, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said he would be creative this offseason to address his team’s roster needs. The White Sox have nine players under contract for $89.25 million and are expected to open the season with a $97-100 million payroll. The White Sox picked up Floyd’s $9.5 million club option last week, leaving them flush with starting rotation depth. Part of Hahn’s strategy to complete the White Sox may include a trade of one of his starting pitchers. With the GM meetings set to open in Palm Desert, Calif. on Wednesday, Hahn thinks he may hear from other clubs interested in the White Sox starting pitching depth. “I suspect given this market for pitchers that is out there right now, I think we’re going to hear from a lot of teams about our starting pitching depth,” Hahn said. “I think we’re going to be pretty popular in that regard vis-a-vis trades because we’re in a better position than a lot of clubs right now.” In terms of starting pitching, Hahn has a comfortable seat. The White Sox retained Floyd and Jake Peavy earlier in the week and thus far, John Danks, who is under contract, appears to be on track to pitch in spring training after he had shoulder surgery on Aug. 6. The team also controls the contracts of Chris Sale, Jose Quintana and Hector Santiago, who could move into the rotation. Hahn also believes Triple-A starters Simon Castro and Nestor Molina can contribute in the majors soon. Those factors make Floyd -- who went 12-11 with a 4.29 ERA in 29 starts and is a free agent next season -- a strong candidate for a trade. Floyd has made at least 29 starts the last five seasons and is 70-66 with a 4.46 career ERA. He also finished the season strong after he made an adjustment to his delivery, going 3-2 with a 3.03 ERA in his final five starts. Those numbers might appeal to a team in need of a solid short-term addition to its rotation for the 2013 season. Not only would the White Sox free themselves of Floyd’s $9.5 million of salary, they potentially could package the veteran pitcher with another player to acquire a third baseman. Floyd is no stranger to trade rumors. In 2009, Floyd for Baltimore’s Brian Roberts was an oft-floated rumor while last offseason it was speculated he was headed to the Toronto Blue Jays. The trade gossip isn’t likely to go away soon this offseason, either. Asked on Thursday if he’d consider trading a starting pitcher, Hahn didn’t shy away from the suggestion. “It’s absolutely conceivable,” Hahn said. “Nothing is set in stone in terms of, ‘Here’s our starting five. Here’s our back end of the rotation’ and this guy’s here. We will absolutely listen on any ideas and trades will be one of the avenues we pursue to potentially fill some of our holes.” http://www.csnchicago.com/baseball-chicago...&feedID=621 I will be very surprised if Floyd is the on roster next season. Right now, we know that #1 Sale, #2 Peavy #3 Danks (hopefully or at some point) #4 Jose Quintana #5 Hector Santiago. If Floyd is here, he's #4 in the rotation, but as excited as I am about Peavy being back (I didn't see how the White Sox could afford to lose an all-star pitcher and still compete in the division), they still need to actually improve their roster as well with what seems to be limited resources.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Nov 3, 2012 -> 02:23 PM) This website blows my mind at times. Moustakas put up a 3.5 WAR as a 23 year old this past season. I'm not sure if people realize how bad the 3B position has gotten in recent years, but that's f***ing incredible. Sure, his offense wasn't spectacular, but again, he just turned 24 years old and has only had about 1 2/3 full seasons in the pros. Considering he was the 9th ranked prospect in all of bassball in 2011, I'm going to go out on a limb and say he will get better with the bat over the next few years. And even if he doesn't, he's already one of the better all-around 3B in baseball and is under team control for the next 5 years. Thinking we can get him for Floyd or some borderline prospects is pure insanity. If I were Hahn and the Royals expressed any willingness to trade Moustakas, I'd immedietely offer up Quintana and cross my fingers. Unfortunately, I think they'd want a more proven, cost-controlled SP if they were to consider moving him and I personally can't comprehend why they'd want to trade him in the first place. I don't think Quintana will have that much value. Yes, he's making no money and pitched well for most of the season, but he did struggle down the strech, and he's still Quintana, a non-prospect who I think most will expect to be a flash in the pan. I do think the White Sox would be smart to cash in on him if they can move him, but they will probably need his lower salary to balance out the rotation.

QUOTE (AWhiteSoxinNJ @ Nov 4, 2012 -> 05:32 PM) Great, that's all we need, a pitcher that can never stay healthy....pass.... I'm not buying the Sox, in need of some help on offense, and maybe the bullpen are going to be trying to sign McCarthy. Sure, they could sign him and move Floyd, but I think Floyd is going to be moved anyways.