2nd_city_saint787

QUOTE (Vance Law @ Oct 5, 2013 -> 03:43 PM) I'm very interested to see what Hahn does because there are a lot of positions that can be upgraded but not a lot of obvious ways to do it. Free agent market stinks. McCann makes a good amount of sense. To me the drawbacks are 1) that you're going to have to way overpay, and 2) if you're someone who thinks the Sox potential for legitimately competing is probably 2 or 3 years away rather than next year, you're paying a lot for age the 31 and 32 seasons of a catcher has clearly been downhill with the bat and healthwise since he was 24. Even still it's such a clear upgrade that it makes some sense. To me the most obvious move is to trade Alexei. Get something for him rather than letting him walk as a free agent. Take some more $$ off the books. Give Semien an everyday job at SS or 2B. The only "someones" that matter are those in the front office. As far as Lexi goes, I really hope he stays and Semien takes over for Beckham. The team needs offense so it makes little sense to get rid of a guy who was in the top 15 in hits. I also wanna see him bat 2nd, hopefully behind someone who gets on base at a good clip. As I've said a few times recently Lexi is a much better hitter with runners on vs bases empty (.263/.300/.375 vs .297/.335/.443 for his career)....Call me crazy but I really wouldn't mind seeing him in the 3 hole again either.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Oct 5, 2013 -> 01:32 PM) You don't think leaving the stadium early should be held against Rauch? Really? I mean now, nearly 10 years later. I'm sure he was disciplined at the time and if Hahn and company think he'd help the team now then I'd hope the incident doesn't factor into the decision.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Oct 5, 2013 -> 12:37 PM) Boone Logan didn't leave the Sox on the greatest of terms. As long as KW's still around, don't see him coming back...any more likely than Jon Rauch coming back. What's the Boone Logan story? Is the Rauch story more than the time KW "called him out" for leaving early?(which I don't think should be held against either)

QUOTE (maggsmaggs @ Oct 5, 2013 -> 07:56 AM) I am convinced there is no "right" mentality to manage. Some players perform better for aggressive managers and some perform better for relaxed managers. Both styles have their pluses and minuses. I like what I heard from Joe Maddon, "I just pick the matchups and let the athletes do the work". I think that's really the only mentality the manager needs to have, and it's really just as simple as that. I really do believe the whole thing Hawk said about managers not really mattering....I could have "managed" a team like the Tigers to the playoffs. Just gotta have the right athletes and the Sox simply didn't have that.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Oct 4, 2013 -> 08:56 PM) I don't think they're quite ready to give up on Rodriguez yet. They have a huge need for relievers coming into 2014, especially lefties and they're not going to pay for them on the FA market. If they aren't "punting" on 2014 like we heard from our resident insider then I don't see why they wouldn't at least try to sign a left handed set up.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Oct 4, 2013 -> 12:44 PM) I'd say the opposite, and ask what is the downside? Agreed, it certainly doesn't hurt to get a different set of eyes on him to try and fix his hit tool. He's shown a good knack for getting on base via the walk, even this past year where he walked 51 times in 90 games. In 2012 despite hitting just .238 he still put up a .368 obp, and in his first season he had a .407 obp. That type of eye with his D in CF (I believe he's a + out there) is worth trying to turn around.

QUOTE (Lillian @ Oct 4, 2013 -> 06:20 AM) Why not target 2015 as the first year to really compete? Under that scenario, the big piece is Abreu, because he is young enough to be a factor in 2015 and beyond. The young pitching will still be affordable in 2015 and if the Sox don't commit to any more long term contracts, and with Dunn gone, they could then use the funds saved to fill in the missing pieces in free agency, after next season. I think that the key is to retain the young pitching, and spend the next season trying to assemble a formidable middle of the order, which is where this team has the biggest hole. Konerko and Dunn were terrible as 3 and 4 hitters. If Garcia and Abreu can replace them, and one other bat, can emerge or be acquired in free agency, the supporting players would not be that hard to find. That third middle of the order hitter should be left handed, and bat between Garcia and Abreu. If Viciedo develops into a stud, then they could have an exceptionally formidable line up. Centerfield is an issue, however if the offense were solid in the middle of the order, the Sox would have the luxury of opting for a good defensive center fielder with an average bat, which is much easier to find. They have the number 3 draft choice to add to the mix, and that player may also be ready to contribute by 2015. If they can add Abreu, and keep the payroll under control, next year could be devoted to discovering what they have in young guys like Garcia, Semien, E. Johnson, and this year's draft choice. Then there are the very young guys, further back in the pipeline, like Hawkins and Tim Anderson. Even guys like Viciedo and Gillaspie might reveal much more about their true value after one more season. For my part, I would be very content to patiently wait one more year, providing that there were a plan with some realistic hope of competing in 2015. Wouldn't you? Thing is the market for catchers in 2015 blows so if McCann and Salty are out there this offseason they should try and sign one of those guys. As you said Abreu, and to a lesser extent Hart or Morales, makes a ton of sense this offseason as well. With the potential guys out there this year compared to next year it makes sense to go for it this year.

Listening to 670 yesterday whoever is on during the 4 o clock hour brought up a rating system done for the O and D Line on mmqb.com (monday morning qb). To no surprise the Bears rank 2nd to last on the DL getting pressure on just 17.5% of passing plays (Just .4% higher than the 0-4 Giants) Perhaps to some peoples surprise the Bears OL actually ranks 24th in the league. The 68 hurries they've given up is 3rd worst in the league, just 3 less than the Eagles who are in last. The sacks haven't been there yet, and I think that's a testament to Trestman and Jay for getting the ball out a lot quicker than last year. Last year a good deal of those hurries become sacks.

QUOTE (scs787 @ Oct 2, 2013 -> 03:17 PM) Who do I start at flex? Rashad Jennings, Willis McGahee, or Fred Jackson? Jackson has the toughest matchup, McGahee has been garbage, and Jennings is a wildcard. Right now I'm leaning towards the wildcard. QUOTE (bmags @ Oct 2, 2013 -> 03:20 PM) I think I would still go Jackson. Best player of the bunch. Sigh, went with Jennings...Why'd I even ask.

While we're talking vetos...I'm petitioning against this one Jason Snelling and Matt Shaub for Doug Martin and Brandon Myers. The guy getting Martin is in first place, other guy is 2nd to last....Am I wrong in thinking this is an awful trade? I know Martin hasn't been the world beater like expected but he's still on pace for 1500 yards. That and Jason Snelling is the Falcons 3rd string RB and Shaub might not even make it through the season as the starter.

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Oct 3, 2013 -> 11:07 PM) Don't want to put pressure on Jay, but wouldn't mind seeing the Bears pick up Josh Freeman. I can't believe the Bucs front office is letting Schiano run this circus. That meat head bozo might be in his last pro job ever. If he gets cut(has this happened already?) I wouldn't be apposed. I wouldn't wanna give up a draft pick for him though. Also don't think the bears have the 8M or whatever he's owed this year to pay him.

QUOTE (ChiSoxFan05 @ Oct 3, 2013 -> 07:41 PM) Pretty harsh reviews on Axelrod's wikipedia page. We know he won't be back, but sheesh. "In 2013, Axelrod was a starter for the first half of the season. He was decent, but his season spiraled out of control in mid-June. After being moved to the bullpen in order to make room for the sensational Hector Santiago, his ERA increased at a rapid measure, and by mid-September, he was considered by many Chicago fans to be the worst pitcher in White Sox history. After that, Axelrod made a spot-start for the injured Andre Rienzo, only to allow twelve runs in two innings. Axelrod is not expected to be resigned by Chicago in the offseason." Not only is it "harsh", but it's also incorrect....He only gave up 7 runs. I'm sure there's been worse starters in Chicagos history, but ya, he was pretty bad, and there's probably no way he's brought back.

Welp, down goes Hoyer, I was actually leaning towards him before getting a unanimous Cutler here. I really like what I saw from Hoyer, I hope he's ok. With Gordon, Cameron, and a good possession receiver in Bess I think he could be a good fantasy player...It also kinda helps that they have no running game.

I'm gonna get laughed at for this but it is what it is =/ Jay Cutler or Brian Hoyer?

There's potential in both De Aza and Tank if they can put what the did the last few years all together. If De Aza can couple this years power with his obp the last 2 years (.400 in '11 and .349 in '12) then he can be a stud. I'd like to see him hit lower in the lineup if possible(Semien leading off?). If Tank can couple this years output vs RHP and go back to pounding LHP like he did in 2012 (1.033 ops) then he would be a more than serviceable player offensively. I would hate to see him get traded for next to nothing and revert back to obliterating LHP else where. Like Old Greg said in another thread I'd give them both 1 more year under a new hitting coach to see if he can help them put it all together.

QUOTE (ChiSoxFan05 @ Oct 2, 2013 -> 10:40 PM) Screw WAR, I'll take Markakis over Rasmus any day. Rasmus is too injury-prone and lacks defense. Markakis is solid all around How about OPS? Markakis .685 vs Rasmus .840. Screw that too? He also doesn't lack defense. Using UZR he was the 3rd ranked CF this year, and the 10th ranked CF last year. At this point Rasmus>>Markakis

I like it...but uhhhh, kinda strange coming from you. I would be surprised if one of Beck and/or Bassit aren't in the rotation come 2016...and if they're not then they more than likely have been traded for a major league piece. Also wouldn't shock me if Rienzo is apart of the rotation either.

QUOTE (Jake @ Oct 1, 2013 -> 08:52 AM) Didn't we get a sixth rounder for Gabe Carimi? Indeed.

Who do I start at flex? Rashad Jennings, Willis McGahee, or Fred Jackson? Jackson has the toughest matchup, McGahee has been garbage, and Jennings is a wildcard. Right now I'm leaning towards the wildcard.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Oct 2, 2013 -> 12:03 PM) Your understanding is correct, but I'm not sure where you're getting your numbers. PK's 28% is better than league average (31%) according to FG's table of Pitch F/X data, so I'm not sure how PK is in the bottom 100. Do you have a high threshold for minimum PA's or something? I went with whatever the "stock" number of PAs, which looking at it now is "qualified". When switching it to 200 abs things made more sense. Phegley claims the #2 spot right behind AJ with a 46.4% O-Swing% (Flowers is 55th with a 37.2) Avi, our new golden boy, shows up in 11th with a 42.9% Dayan then shows up at #13 with a 42.5% Lexi's 41.8% is #16 So that is 4 of the Sox 9 regulars that are in the top 20....That's pretty alarming.

QUOTE (winninguglyin83 @ Oct 1, 2013 -> 11:59 PM) Dunn will make ... what, $15 million next season? He's played three years and had about 6 good months out of 18 baseball months. Not in shape. Doen't contribute in the field or on the bases. He's never been a winner anywhere he's played. Until he goes, I don't believe the Sox will be any better than an average team (and I know that would be an improvement over this season). This is just silly to me. If you pair him with another good player or 2 there's no reason that team can't be good. 30+ HRs and 90+ ribs is nothing to scoff at no matter how many Ks he racks up. It'd be nice to add McCann and plug him into the 3 whole which then allows Dunn to hit lower in the lineup. It's all about having those complimentary players around him. When both he and PK were doin work last year they were a playoff team. An oblique injury from him and a wrist injury from PK caused that team to fail. This year he really had no one around him. You pair him with the player we're all hoping Abreu is and that team can thrive much like last years team did. You throw McCann on top of that and you're in even better shape. You trade a SP for another key piece and you're in even better shape. You throw in a full year from Garcia and perhaps Semien and you're in even better shape.

QUOTE (GreatScott82 @ Oct 1, 2013 -> 10:19 PM) Just how expensive will he be? $$ per year? Do you think $12 million per season?? His agent (Borass) said he's seeking a $100M contract...I don't think he'll get that much, but still, anything short of 15M a year would be a huge surprise.

I really wouldn't mind having the Tank-ADA-Garcia OF back. If De Azas back I'd hope he's in the 6th or 7th spot. He's shown some good pop and over his career he's hit .317/.368/.506 w/RISP. Same thing with Tank, he actually hit .313/.336/.490 w/RISP. Just gotta get guys on in front of them.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Sep 30, 2013 -> 10:41 PM) I am a Dunn hater, that is true. But to be fair to us Dunn haters, when we see Dunn we see the letter L - he's played on Sox teams that have suffered L after L after L the last full season and last month of the previous season. Again, he's going nowhere so I better plan on canceling my MLB subscription before it renews itself. I can renew it the following year when he's gone. Good, hopefully you don't post in the time period. Your boy PK is far more of the reason why this team racked up L after L after L. I mean really, your boy hit .210 with 6 HRs at home this year, whereas Dunn hit .222 with 21 bombs. I mean seriously, c'mon. Lol @ another part of your post where you say you expect him to hit 30 HRs and drive in 90 like that's a bad thing.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Sep 30, 2013 -> 10:02 PM) Wait, you mean top 100 in best O-Swing, but AJP being the leader as in the worst? I'm seeing Konerko at 28.5% and AJP at 47%. This is honestly the first time I've ever seen the stat. I assume a high percentage is bad right, so I think I mean worst in O-Swing. AJP is worst at 47%, Ramirez is 7th at 41%. and PK is 89th at 28%. With all the talks of the Sox being free swingers, and swinging at pitches outside the zone, you'd think there's be a lot more Sox in the top 100. PK in the top 100 might surprise some (greg) as well.