Lillian

Could Alexei and Viciedo be trying to emulate Abreu? Or, maybe he has even been "coaching" them a little. Neither of them has had a start like this season's first month. Where would the Sox be without the Cubans?

QUOTE (glangon @ Apr 19, 2014 -> 06:26 AM) Paulino is rotten, worse than Axelrod was. Speaking of Axelrod; there is your 5Th starter. He's a serviceable RHP, and can eat some innings, thus saving the pen. On occasion, he can throw a pretty decent game, and isn't horrible the rest of the time. I can't imagine the Sox adding yet one more left handed starter to the rotation. They desperately need a RHP. Thank goodness Johnson showed such significant improvement in his last start, after some adjustments he made.

To be playing and excelling at that level, at his age, is impressive. It's interesting that through the first 10 games, he has all of the Dash's homers. Huge improvement over last season.

QUOTE (Lillian @ Apr 11, 2014 -> 09:43 AM) I'm expecting my greatest Sox entertainment to be watching him hit, and comparing his stats to M. Cabrera. If he can become the premier hitter in the A. L., that would make the season worthwhile, even if this team doesn't make it to the post season. That prospect might have seemed preposterous before the season began, but he is proving to be the real deal. Remember the scouts concerns about his bat speed? Now everyone is raving about his bat speed. Anyone who can hit the way he did in Cuba, or at any professional level of baseball, for that matter, should be regarded as an extraordinary talent. It could be a lot of fun. Just to somewhat contradict what I wrote above, regarding dominance at any level: In almost any place but Cuba, a player as dominant as Abreu was, would have been promoted to a higher level. However, since the players in the Cuban Leagues have nowhere that they can go, they stay at the same level beyond the point that they have demonstrated their ability. Nevertheless, as we all know, his numbers there were unreal.

I'm expecting my greatest Sox entertainment to be watching him hit, and comparing his stats to M. Cabrera. If he can become the premier hitter in the A. L., that would make the season worthwhile, even if this team doesn't make it to the post season. That prospect might have seemed preposterous before the season began, but he is proving to be the real deal. Remember the scouts concerns about his bat speed? Now everyone is raving about his bat speed. Anyone who can hit the way he did in Cuba, or at any professional level of baseball, for that matter, should be regarded as an extraordinary talent. It could be a lot of fun.

And to think that he was expected to be the center fielder, until Eaton was acquired. He has looked pretty lost and not very graceful in the outfield. He may have speed, but he doesn't seem to utilize it very well.

Thank you for starting this thread. A lack of a middle of the order left handed bat continues to be the most glaring flaw in the Sox organization. There isn't a single candidate at either the Major League, or Minor League level, who could realistically be expected to contribute any time soon. It's a shame that there probably isn't even a candidate to fill this void, in the upcoming Amateur Draft, and that's picking third, with likely all of the position players, from whom to choose!!

QUOTE (oneofthemikes @ Mar 29, 2014 -> 08:21 AM) I really don't think so. They have been so good at developing pitchers lately and so miserable at developing anyone who can actually hit, that I can't see them using the pick on anything other than an arm. At this point I'm just hoping they grab one of Rodon, Beede, or Aiken. Those are the 3 guys that I'm watching and even if Rodon falls that far I don't think he'll take less than 1-1 money, so Beede and Aiken it is! That's a pretty serious indictment of their coaching ineptitude. Perhaps the organization ought to start by finding some people who can develop hitters. They can't build a farm system if they can't do that. I'd certainly hope that they would not pass on an exceptional hitting prospect, because they lack the confidence in their own people to develop him.

This alleged "deep draft" doesn't appear to contain a true potential "Ace" pitcher, at least not from the early season performances. It had seemed that the Sox would have almost a guarantee to get a great pitcher, drafting third. I was hoping for a right handed, top of the rotation arm, to compliment Sale. The way it's been going, I'm not sure that any of these pitchers are worthy of a #1. Now that Rodon has come back to the pack, Kolek and Aiken seem like the only ones with true Ace potential, and the Sox don't appear to be inclined to draft a high school arm. If the top two picks are pitchers, and the Sox are left to select the best of the remaining arms, might they be better off going with the best position player in this year's draft?

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Mar 28, 2014 -> 07:10 PM) That's not his game. He's a doubles and triples hitter (when healthy) who will put up around 20 homers and 20-30 steals. He's not a clean-up guy, except in the most unusual of line-ups. And wouldn't that be a refreshing change from the 200 strike outs, we've been getting every year from Dunn?

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Mar 28, 2014 -> 04:31 PM) Sure, but the White Sox weren't going to sign any of those guys. It's not even about staying in shape, it's the likelihood that you can't build around a player like Sizemore due to his injury history. For the Red Sox, in a win now mode, he can fail, there's no risk and they move on to Jackie Bradley, Jr., or acquire another stopgap. For the White Sox, they would either not have acquired Adam Eaton or traded Viciedo/DeAza or eaten Dunn's salary. If you can make the case why Sizemore would be better for the White Sox in 2016-2017-2018 than Eaton, you're welcome to try. Once Eaton was acquired, that pretty much closed the door on a Sizemore acquisition. The outfield is already a little crowded. I wasn't originally thinking of Sizemore as a leadoff hitter, but rather as a left handed, middle of the order bat. We still don't have a quality left handed power hitter, so that hole was never filled.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Mar 19, 2014 -> 07:25 AM) Lillian, I haven't forgotten how to play baseball. I haven't played organized baseball in like 10 years. No, it's too goddamn early to call for anything. It's now March 19th and the China doll known as Grady Sizemore hasn't broken yet. If he doesn't, then congratulations are in order to you for predicting the lottery. Yes, it's too early to draw any conclusions, but it's also equally premature to insist that he will sustain more injuries, and thus fail to stay healthy enough to play. The guy is only 31. Now, another player approximately the same age, has signed a huge long term contract. Cano, Choo and Cabrera are all the same age as Sizemore, and they have all received incredibly generous, very long term contracts. All I've ever contended is that it is not too late for Sizemore. He is still young enough to return to stardom. None of us know what will happen, but wouldn't you prefer the deal Boston made for Sizemore, to the ridiculous contracts given Cano and Cabrera? At least Sizemore will more likely try to stay in shape!! I have a feeling Cabrera will age pretty poorly, don't you?

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Mar 18, 2014 -> 05:11 PM) The World Champion Boston Red Sox threw the guy a bone . If he performs/stays healthy, great. If not , oh well. it isn't like they signed him and decided he should bat cleanup, which is what you have been suggesting the White Sox do for the past two seasons(in which Sizemore did not play) Yes, you are correct. I did, and still would, rather have Sizemore's left handed bat in the middle of our lineup than Adam Dunn, who I thought should be hitting further down in the order. Of course, the Red Sox weren't sure if he was going to be able to play, and they still aren't. I never argued that he was a "sure thing". I just think that we could have given him the same chance that the Red Sox did. The greater point is simply that I don't think that it was as "crazy and stupid" as many here argued.

You gentlemen can argue the point that he was not a good fit for the White Sox. I disagree, because he could have provided a left handed veteran bat, in a lineup sorely lacking one. However, that was not the reason given for the almost unanimous rejection of my suggestion that Hahn try to acquire him. The argument made was that he was not capable of playing at the Major League level, given his absence from the game, for such an extended period of time. He may sustain another injury, and he may never be able to stay on the field. However, I think that he is proving that he is now healthy, and as I stated yesterday, that he has not forgotten how to play baseball. That was all that I tried to say in my original posts. The notion that he would be unable to regain any semblance of a decent player, appears to have less credence, with each passing day. Of course it's too early to say, but the fact that it does seem plausible that he will be able to perform, makes the suggestion that I was foolish for even suggesting it, not very credible. And, as I said, the World Champion Red Sox seem to agree with me, and not all of the naysayers.

QUOTE (Al Lopez's Ghost @ Jan 22, 2014 -> 06:01 PM) In a related development, Lillian moves to Boston. I'm so glad that you remembered my strong advocacy for the White Sox to sign him. Well, the World Champion Red Sox seem to be just as crazy as I am. And then there is this: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/grady-...ent_id=69512448 He is the same age as Cano and Shin Soo Choo, and consider the money and the contracts they were given. Sizemore may turn out to be the best bargain of the off season. I understand that it's early, and there is a very small sample size, but he is demonstrating that he is healthy, and that he hasn't forgotten how to play baseball.

After the New York taxes, I wonder how much more Tanaka will actually receive, compared to the $120 Million which many of us conjectured was being offered.

Here is an article on Chicago's Asian population: http://goldsea.com/Air/Issues/Chicago/chicago.html Unfortunately, it's mostly Chinese

It seems like this thread has pretty well exhausted the speculation about where Tanaka might go, and for how much. I'd be much more interested in opinions and insight into how good he really is. Is he an Ace, a number 2, or 3?

"Mr. Tanaka, You are clearly a gentleman with good taste. White Sox uniforms are so much better than the Cubbies. Wouldn't you agree?"

QUOTE (pettie4sox @ Jan 18, 2014 -> 03:38 AM) Taisetsu no hito 大切の人 or taisetsu no mono　大切の物. = Valuable person/thing It translates properly. Thanks for the clarification. Epstein was probably just lucky. I doubt that he knew it wouldn't translate as bad as it sounds in English. "Commodity" certainly isn't the best English word to use, if the intention is to show respect. Most Americans wouldn't think anything of it, but I understand that Japanese culture is quite different.

The N. Y. taxes must be a big consideration for players. What is the after tax equivalent amount the Yankees would have to pay to match a White Sox offer of $20 Million for 7 years (opt out after 4)? Here is how to not show the kind of respect Japanese culture values: http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2014/01/17/2...-over-cubs.html Referring to Mr. Tanaka as a "valuable commodity" is not a good first step. I'd love to know exactly how that translates in Japanese. If it connotes anything like "valuable piece of meat", the Cubs chances might have taken a pretty good hit, with that tactless remark.

If J. R. was willing to support a team payroll of over $100 million for a couple of years, before the new TV money, why should anyone doubt that he would be willing to go there again? He's not getting any younger, and I'm sure that he sees an opportunity for the Sox to be "Chicago's team", while the Cubs rebuild. In a previous thread, I asserted that it was easier to assess the prospects of a pitcher than a hitter, largely because a pitchers velocity, movement and location can be accurately measured, unlike a hitter's ability to hit MLB level pitching, which can only be determined after facing it. Tanaka's stuff has been measured, metered and assessed to a sufficient degree to strongly indicate that he will be an "Ace" quality starter. If they gave a hitter, who had never faced U. S. professional competition 6 years and $68 Million, it shouldn't be difficult to assume that they would give a similarly untested pitcher, a long term deal at $20 Million per year, with an opt out after 4 or 5 years. The fact that Abreu has been acquired also increases the likelihood that the Sox are ready to compete, which also makes the gamble on Tanaka a better one than the gamble that had to be made on Abreu. Each additional piece of the rebuilding puzzle increases the prospects of this team to compete. Now that the Sox have added Garcia, Abreu, Eaton and Davidson, the acquisition of a big piece such as Tanaka makes more sense. Maybe J. R. and the front office are convinced that Tanaka would be the final significant piece to put this quick rebuild on the field ready to compete, and get the fan base excited. Hey, it would excite me. How about you?

Has anyone seen anything regarding Tanaka's preference for the AL, with the DH, or does he like to hit?

It might not be reasonable to expect him to walk as much as he did in Cuba. It's almost certain that the intimidation factor resulted in many teams simply going around him. MLB pitchers will likely come after him, at least until he proves that he can hit them. So, while he may not walk as much, he may hit more than most of us expect. He has demonstrated an amazing ability to put the bat on the ball, when challenged. The issue of bat speed is over rated. A hitter needs sufficient bat speed to get the bat to the hitting zone quickly. It's more important to rotate the lower body first, and accelerate the bat, with greater torque, as it approaches the ball. The speed as measured from the beginning of the swing is not as important as the torque and velocity of the bat as it meets the ball. As long as the hitter can get the bat in the zone quickly enough, his bat speed as it approaches the ball is more important that the total velocity of the entire swing. The "Axis of Rotation" and "Bat Lag" portions of this article explain the principles of kinesiology involved: http://www.leaguelineup.com/mmjba/files/BIOKINETIC06.pdf Frank Thomas was never known for having extraordinary bat speed, but it didn't impede him from being one of the greatest hitters in the history of the game. And that is without even considering the "hands before the barrel of the bat" swing he used to hit the ball to right field, with such proficiency. Ted Williams also was not known for bat speed, but what an amazing hitter he was. Like Thomas, he was an incredibly smart hitter, and had great eye sight. I understand that there are other examples of hitters, such as Barry Bonds, whose greatness may have been related to their bat speed, but extraordinary bat speed is not essential. Abreu is big and strong enough to hit the ball a very long way, and his power doesn't rely upon bat speed alone. It would be very interesting to know how he fared against pitchers who challenged him with mid 90's fastballs. When a hitter dominates like Abreu has, at any level, you have to concede that he has an extraordinary ability to put the bat on the ball, with a very good result. I'm not going to be surprised if he surpasses most expectations. Unlike many of you, I would expect him to do better right out of the "starting gate", and then slow down as pitchers stop challenging him. That will be when it will become more important for the Sox to provide him some protection in the line up. If a big part of that equation is Adam Dunn, all I can say is; good luck with that.

Tanaka wants to win a World Series. Sign him to a long term, 7 year deal at up to $20 Million per year, and give him an opt out, after 5. If the Sox don't look like they have a chance to win it all, he would probably exercise his option to go elsewhere, and the Sox would be off the hook. If they are competitive enough to have a realistic shot at a championship, they'd be happy to have him in the rotation, and he would likely not leave. The idea of giving a guy an opt out is also attractive because it keeps him motivated. He would be playing for a potential new free agent deal in the 4TH and 5TH years. Isn't that much better than having a player know that he is already getting his money, no matter how he performs? It's just human nature for a person to have less drive and intensity, once he has been guaranteed all the money he is going to get. Of course, there is always the chance that he gets injured, or just never plays up to expectations, but that risk always exist with any player. At least with a guy who is just coming into his prime, the prospects are reasonable. Players are not going to be playing as long into their late 30's as they were in the steroid era. It's a far safer bet to get guys in their mid 20's. I'm sold. Get him!!! Has anyone posted this link?: http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/i...masahiro-tanaka