NorthSideSox72

QUOTE (Jake @ Aug 1, 2013 -> 10:06 AM) Semien to Charlotte, per everyone Ha! We interviewed him Tuesday, and two days later, he's promoted. We interviewed Micah Johnson and he was promoted a few days later too. Apparently the FS interview is the harbinger of promotion.

No one else has claimed him, so, he's yours. Take a look at some of the other AAP threads in the forum. There is no "right" way to do it. But it would be helpful if you could provide some background, maybe some scouting reports, history/stats, etc. The other threads will give you some ideas.

You wanted more Marcus? Here's more Marcus.

I personally would put Johnson ahead of Garcia still. Call me crazy.

QUOTE (bbilek1 @ Jul 31, 2013 -> 02:24 PM) Good work on the diligence FS guys! TalkSox (Boston message board) basically laughed at the prospects they had to give. They had initially wondered if Owens was involved and were both relieved and ecstatic when the package was released. Obviously there's a lot to like with Montas. Reminds of Jenks when we picked him up for nothing. With Boston taking on all of Peavy's salary, I think the Sox did pretty well.

QUOTE (danman31 @ Jul 31, 2013 -> 11:46 AM) Hey, it's not my fault the trade details finalized around 11 p.m. Get a late trade, get a later post. Pfffft, you told me you had Hahn's phone hacked. Fail. Also, nice write-up. And thanks for doing it at such a god-awful hour.

QUOTE (illinilaw08 @ Jul 31, 2013 -> 09:08 AM) Heading to the Southern unit of Kettle Moraine this weekend. For anyone that has been up that way, any recommendations on hikes? I've hiked and camped extensively out West, but never hit Wisconsin. The southern unit does get crowded on summer weekends. But as with other popular spots, if you want a little seclusion, then start early and get deep into it. Following the Ice Age Trail is a good way to do that, as (if I remember correctly) it runs the full length of the big section and cuts across the middle. That'd be my recommendation.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Jul 31, 2013 -> 09:11 AM) And most, at the moment, don't consider Black or Michael Johnson legit prospects. Some are big Wilkins fans here...but he's not exactly a crown jewel of any strong system, either. Michael Johnson is a bench guy, and he's also out for the rest of this season (broken fibula from HBP).

Analysis here, from very late last night. Take a look.

Now on a rehab assignment in Bristol. Not sure where he goes when he's ready.

My wild-ass-guess is that Peavy, Rios and Crain are all gone. But I think it ends there. I don't see them getting good value for Ramirez or Dunn or Konerko, so they stay. We'll see how wrong I end up being.

Not saying I'm opposed to getting Bundy, but let's be clear about something... the 80% (or whatever number) "success rate" is not some on or off thing. That means 80% come back and are able to pitch. it does NOT mean there is an 80% chance they can pitch just as well. There is a whole range of possible outcomes, and there is no way it is that 80% of pitchers come back with the same level velocity, movement, control, etc. across the board. TJ is still a risk.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jul 29, 2013 -> 02:49 PM) There's a reason retirement security has been thoroughly destroyed for much of this country at the same time as the pension system has been dismantled. It's a setup to extract fees. What no one pays attention to is the fact that as the pension system has been dismantled and replaced with totally inadequate 401k plans...we're not going to allow the baby boom generation to retire out on the streets. The government and the taxpayer will wind up making up the gap, just as will happen to the people who lose their pensions in Detroit. This line of reasoning is ridiculous. First, most pension plans are already administered at some level by private financial companies, and done so with unusually high levels of attention to adhere to arcane rules. Then add to that the government layers of management. A pension plan has far greater overhead than a 401k to the end user. That, to me, isn't even the argument. The problem is, how do you get people over to that, when you have an already-underfunded set of obligations in a pension plan? Heck, even if you are responsibly funded, you will suddenly not be when making the transition, so you have to pay an enormous amount of money to make it work. Therein lies the biggest problem.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Jul 29, 2013 -> 02:37 PM) Costs? What costs? Balta is just outright wrong on his post. What I do think you are missing though, is, as I said... if you start all new hires on a 401k-like plan, how do you pay the people still in the pension system? There is no in-flow to the system, so it all falls apart.

I see no issue with Hahn ASKING For that. When it comes down to it, I'd imagine he is now asking (or already has asked) for the best and final offers from all teams on Peavy, Rios, etc., and will then pick the best he can get. Or, if the return is just way too low, then he'll hold on that player. It isn't that complicated, but I really doubt it is a matter of saying "I want this" and then it ends there.

QUOTE (HickoryHuskers @ Jul 29, 2013 -> 12:12 PM) My expectation is a prospect whose ceiling is major league utility infielder, 4th outfielder, 5th starter, or long relief. I'm hoping for more like a high-ceiling but low-floor guy, someone who has about an 80% bust likelihood, but serious tools that could make an impact if he puts it together. As opposed to a guy 75% likely to see the majors but with minimal ceiling.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Jul 29, 2013 -> 11:51 AM) I dont get pensions. Why not just take some of their salary and let them put it into a 401k like the rest of us? Stop the idea of pensions right now moving forward. Most sane people would agree, in principle. However, the problem with that is, what do you do in the transition? You would then have obligations without an in-flow for those who already have pensions. That is a disaster. The only way to fix it really, is to either clean-slate the whole thing (like Detroit is doing), or do a mass-transition of the obligations (which most states and municipalities don't have the cash to fund).

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jul 29, 2013 -> 09:37 AM) By the way, this post also gives me a chance to note that the pension-holders in Detroit are doubly-screwed here because they aren't eligible for Social Security benefits, their pension through the city was their only retirement. That is a good point. Taking away the pensions in any way (not just decreasing adjustments, but actually taking away already-earned funds) does leave those folks worse-off than others who have social security to fall back on. Adds yet another complication.

QUOTE (G&T @ Jul 28, 2013 -> 11:21 AM) Then they sell off land in huge chunks and pull the city limits in. Shrink the area that needs services. I'm guessing that will be difficult since other suburbs won't be looking to expand and its the opposite of every other city's position. But there are no easy options. They'd have to condemn it to take possession, which could take a long time and some court battles. But selling it is the issue... who do they sell it to? The county and other suburbs won't want it, so, I am not sure there is a real option there. Is there a state law allowing abandonment of property? By a municipality? The county and state would throw a fit.

FutureSox is going to be interviewing Marcus Semien on 7/30, for publishing a few days later. For the record, we'd been working on setting this particular one up since BEFORE his absured on-base streak in recent games. I am compiling a list of questions, but as usual, I am very open to suggestions. If you have any questions you'd like to see asked, list them here, and I will see if I can work some of them in...

QUOTE (winninguglyin83 @ Jul 25, 2013 -> 03:14 PM) They just played Sweet Home Alabama as Peavy left. got a pretty nice ovation. And he tipped his cap. thanks for the memories, Jakester. Wrong thread?

QUOTE (SoxPride18 @ Jul 25, 2013 -> 12:53 PM) The Red Sox, Cardinals, Dodgers, Braves, and Orioles each have a scout in attendance, tweets ESPN's Jayson Stark, while the Reds and Rangers have two apiece. Keep in mind that their presence does not necessarily imply trade interest in Peavy. per mlbtraderumors Maybe they just really want to try a nacho helmet.

QUOTE (glangon @ Jul 25, 2013 -> 09:07 AM) My 1st post here so be gentle I'm enjoying the trade deadline and the way that Hahn is handling it. His tactics are very clever and he has quickly realised that he has the cards and is looking to get the maximum return for them. Using the media and the writers the way he has is very clever, playing teams off against each other. If he plays the game right, we could end up with some very nice returns for our players. One advantage that Hahn has, which he flaps in front of the other GM's, is that most of his players are under contract until at least the end of next season and he doesn't have to sell. My personal opinion is that there will be alot more rumors kicking about and we won't really see the action until the 30th and 31st July as time runs out and teams start to get desperate. Welcome to the board! WE have posters from Ireland and England, but I think you may be the first Scotsman I've seen. Good post too. Not sure I agree he waits THAT long though.

QUOTE (SoxAce @ Jul 25, 2013 -> 07:57 AM) Poor Zach Voight.. No love. 20th round pick who has never gotten starting time. Shortstop without much speed. But he's certainly hit in the time he's been given, no question about that. Very reasonable K rate, draws a fair number of walks. Might be worth giving him some full time play if you can, but I know nothing about his defense, which may be the deciding factor on that.

Matt Garrioch from Minor League ball occasionally sprays our tweets with statistically-based age/level comps for players. For Marcus Semien? 1990 Bernie Williams. Chew on that one for a minute.