Lillian

QUOTE (Elgin Slim @ Dec 3, 2010 -> 06:09 PM) Do you think that maybe he'd tell Boras to get something done with the Sox if he has a good season, given that he has only been successful when he pitched for an ALC club, or do you think he's gone after the season? I assume you mean that he's not going anywhere this offseason, but what about when he becomes a FA? Does anybody think that there is any chance that Jackson stays in Chicago past 2011? I believe that Jackson is short ML service time, with 4.07 years, and therefore will not be a free agent until after 2012. If the Sox offer him arbitration, he would still be theirs at the end of this coming season.

QUOTE (TitoMB @ Dec 4, 2010 -> 02:04 AM) I am super pumped about this signing. I think this is going to be a huge boost for this club. Dunn is going to hit at least 53 homers for this team. Book it. I don't understand why some think that Dunn's homerun total will rise significantly. Washington's park is no bigger than the Cell. Remember, he will be coming to the American League. If there is one undisputable thing about Adam, it is that he is amazingly consistent. Therefore, I expect him to hit his perrenial 40 homers, no more, no less.

QUOTE (sircaffey @ Dec 2, 2010 -> 05:38 PM) Just sign DLee and take the 2 comp picks for Pauly. Save the cash and spend it on the swiss cheese pen. Makes perfect sense to me.

QUOTE (SoxFan562004 @ Dec 2, 2010 -> 05:07 PM) You couldn't get anyone to take Pierre, LAD are paying a portion of his money anyway The Dodgers are paying $3.5 million of the $8.5 million owed. Therefore, Pierre will cost the Sox $5 million. If someone would take him, wouldn't you be happy to add that money to the payroll?

Why not dump Pierre, save the $5 million he would cost this year, and put that money in the bullpen? Rios could lead off. Vizquel and Ramirez platoon in the 2 hole. Quentin bats 3rd and plays LF Dunn hits clean up as the DH Paulie 5th Teahen 6th, in RF Beckham 7th Morel hits 8th when Vizquel sits Castro and any good defensive catcher share the 9th spot That's my order, unless they could dump Teahen and his salary, which could also go into the bullpen.

How can the Sox even consider trading Floyd for anyone other than a real difference maker? I don't ask that because I think Gavin is so good, but rather because the pitching staff would be so thin beginning in 2012, without at least both Floyd and Danks. With both Buerhle and Jackson in their last contract years, and Buerhle eligible for free agency, what would the Sox have left, if they trade Floyd? Peavy will likely be an expensive question mark for the duration of that contract. Danks and Sale is not enough of a core, and pitching is simply too expensive to acquire through free agency. Moreover, the Sox have a very thin farm system, with neither a lot of good pitching prospects, nor many trading chips. Don't they need to hang on to any good young, and locked up, pitchers?

This is some interesting scouting information on Stewart: http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/baseball...k2k1030qrockies It's surprising to read, from several sources, that he is regarded as a good defensive player. That wasn't the impression that I got reading the posts in this thread. Could we be wrong about his glove?

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Nov 22, 2010 -> 01:24 PM) I highly doubt he defends as well as Pierre, and I also doubt that he has the bat control of Pierre. If it were up to me, I would prefer to get rid of both of them, but as of right now, Pierre is the more valuable player. Here I would respectfully disagree with you. De Aza is a much better outfielder than Pierre. He has equal speed, and a much better arm. He gets good reads and jumps, and takes good routes to the ball. He is a true center fielder, unlike Pierre, whom I'm sure neither of us would want to see anywhere but Left.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Nov 21, 2010 -> 11:28 PM) Taking his total line in AAA - .301/.368/.470/.838, 665 PAs, 42 2B, 9 3B, 13 HR, 27/35 in SB, 56 BB, 113 K - how much of that added power is due to playing in good offensive leagues? I think it's safe to decrease his average, as I don't think he's a .300 hitter at the MLB level. I think it's also probably safe to marginally decrease his power, his walks, and increase his strikeouts (just percentage wise, probably not total). Given approximately 600 plate appearances, it should be reasonable for him to put up something like .278 BA 30 2B 7 3B 8 HR 45 BB 110 K 5 HBP 5 SF right? That turns out to be a .278/.336/.402/.738 line. It probably favors RHP, so, again, he has use to a major league club. But take a standard deviation to that - say +-.15/+-.20/+-.30/+-.50 - and that line could be as good as .293/.356/.432/.788, or as bad as .263/.316/.372/.688. Unless he brings something exceptional to the table, such as defense [haven't heard anything great], speed [minors numbers suggest he can, but won't steal a ton], a bunting ability [i have no idea], or a huge RHP/LHP split [can't find anything conclusive right now], then there really is no point in starting De Aza. He's probably a 1 WAR...I don't know why people would be beckoning for that to be in the lineup, especially when the Sox have guys in all 3 spots that could be 2-3 times more valuable than De Aza himself. It's like people pleading for Lillibridge to be the everyday SS, when everybody knows that would be an absolutely terrible idea. Right. This is all pretty reasonable. However, as you point out, his stats are much more favorable vs. RHP. He has demonstrated an ability to hit really well vs RHP, especially for a centerfielder. The other thing is that he can also be a run producer, not simply a lead off guy. I'm not suggesting that he bat anywhere other than lead off or 9th, but as some of us have said, at least when he comes up with guys on, he has the ability to drive the ball somewhere, unlike Pierre.

Thank you, "Joeynach" and "Lostfan". I'm glad to know that I wasn't the only one who felt that way watching Pierre. At least de Aza has gap power. Those 83 RBI's over his last 166 games at AAA suggest that he's a capable run producer. A guy like Pierre, who can't drive the ball, really needs to walk a lot more, beat out lots of infield hits, including bunts. The older he gets, the less he's going to be able to do that. He used to average 50 infield hits per season, including over 20 bunt singles. That's how he managed to hit .327 a couple of times in his youth. I'm afraid those days are behind him.

QUOTE (fathom @ Nov 20, 2010 -> 01:52 PM) If you really think Ozzie will not start Pierre next year, then we'll simply have to agree to disagree. But yes, I had a bad feeling when Pierre was up with RISP. Just in general, the lineup you suggested seems more like a team that would compete with Royals instead of Twins. You're an astute fan. Given the limitted minor league talent, and financial resources, in the organization, how would you suggest that KW try to compete with the Twins?

QUOTE (fathom @ Nov 20, 2010 -> 12:57 PM) WHAT? What I mean is that, as a lead off hitter, playing CF, de Aza would not have to be a big run producer. If he could get on base at anywhere near the rate at which he did vs RHP in AAA, and be a stolen base threat, that would be acceptable. Even if he could come within 50 points of his .420 OBP, and post a .370 OBP vs RHP, wouldn't you be thrilled? The Sox could always use Pierre vs. LHP, if de Aza struggled too badly in that role. Last year, Juan actually hit southpaws better than right handed pitchers. De Aza is a better fielder than Pierre, although I must admit that Juan surprised many of us last season, with some pretty decent defense. However, de Aza has a much better arm, and is a better outfielder, who has always been known for his defense. He's a true center fielder. More importantly, he has extra base pop, which Juan does not possess. I'm sure that you know Pierre had just 18 doubles in 734 PA's. Don't you agree that is just unbelievably awful for a guy with speed? Add 3 triples and 1 homer, for a grand total of 22 xtra base hits in 734 PA's. I don't know how you felt last season, but anytime he came up with men on base, I had no expectations of anything good happening. With capable hitters like Beckham and Alexei at the bottom of the order, the Sox should have a more productive guy leading off, one who can drive them in, or at least advance them. Pierre is very one dimensional. He can run. But remember, he's getting old, and at 34, could well slow down more than he has already.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Nov 20, 2010 -> 11:14 AM) Really...an 88 win team with Matsui substituted for Kotsay at DH? That's a 90+ win team. Fix the disaster that was the closer's spot and you're right there. Well, you and "Fathom" don't seem to agree. I like it, but what do I know? The defense would be very good. You fill the hole that Kotsay represented with a real middle of the order RBI producer from the left side, who can also hit southpaws. And, you don't have to trade anyone, especially any of the pitchers. Didn't the Giants just reaffirm all of the old saws that extol the virtues of pitching? You know, "Good pitching will stop good hitting", "Pitching is 80% of the game", etc? The Sox would be pretty deep in pitching, providing they could sign Putz, and assuming Peavy can come back by May or early June. Let me say one more thing about the much maligned de Aza: This guy was a top prospect, who was plagued by injuries. He is still young, and seems to have proven that he can play, based upon his last two seasons at AAA. What more does he have to do to demonstrate that he is a viable Major League candidate to play CF? He doesn't need to be a top offensive player at that position, especially leading off.

QUOTE (fathom @ Nov 20, 2010 -> 09:39 AM) Holy cow would that team suck. I'm also pretty sure I heard where de Aza is terrible against LHP. I do like the construction of your post in general, just not the players mentioned. Well, thanks for the kind words regarding the "construction of the post". Which players, other than de Aza, don't you like? Aside from de Aza for Pierre, it's basically last year's team with Matsui substituted for Kotsay at DH. Oh, wait a minute. I guess maybe that does suck.

After discovering how well the Sox hit right handed pitching last year, despite not having a left handed presence in the lineup, I don't think that they need to acquire 2 left handed hitters. Given the limited financial resources, why not just try to sign Matsui and make him the DH? Put him in the middle of the order, where his ability to drive in runs would be maximized. It should be noted that he has always been almost equally capable of hitting LHP. Move Rios to RF and Quentin to LF. Now I know that all of you are going to get hysterical over this, but I would like to see De Aza get a shot at CF. He is a very good outfielder with a decent arm and great speed. He kills RHP, and is probably the closest thing our minor league system has to a Major League ready hitter. As high as some are on Viciedo and Flowers, their production the last two years isn't anywhere near De Aza's. Over the last two seasons at AAA, appearing in a total of 166 games, which is basically one season's worth of playing time, he has compiled a pretty impressive set of numbers: 42 Doubles, 9 Triples and 13 HR's, while hitting .301 with an OBP of .368. He also drove in 83 runs, while mostly leading off!!!! That is very good offensive production for CF. He is a capable base stealer, and would represent a decent threat in the lead off spot. Although they are not showing his split stats for last season on the Knight's website, I seem to remember that he hit about .340 vs RHP, with an OBP around .420 He will only be 27 this Spring, and should just now be coming into his prime. Wouldn't you like to see what he could do, instead of watching Pierre's "Punch and Judy" hitting? I'd prefer an outfield of Quentin in LF, de Aza in CF, and Rios in RF. Bring back Paulie, DH Matzui, sign either A. J. or Olivo, sign Putz to be the closer, and the Off Season is complete. Line up vs RHP: CF de Aza 3B Vizquel RF Rios 1B Konerko DH Matsui LF Quentin C A. J. 2B Beckham SS Ramirez Line up vs LHP CF de Aza SS Ramirez RF Rios 1B Konerko DH Matsui LF Quentin C Castro 2B Beckham 3B Morel Teahen is your primary bench player, and LH pinch hitter. Pierre is a back up outfielder, and pinch runner, unless you can trade him, perhaps with Jenks for something useful. That is a relatively realistic, and modest off season agenda, which would not involve having to issue any big long term contracts, or trade any of the precious few Major League resources.

Granderson has always been very bad versus left handed pitching, posting a career avg. of just .215, OBP .274, SLG .346, and .621 OPS. If they acquire him, he'd better sit vs southpaws.

Kenny Williams is apparently focused upon finding a potent left handed bat. I must admit that I have been almost myopically obsessed with the same quest. I just looked at last season's split stats for the Sox, assuming that I would see corroborating evidence of their ineffectiveness versus right handed pitching, due to the total lack of a left handed threat. I was shocked to discover that they actually hit right handers better than southpaws!! Among all Big League teams vs left handers, they ranked 16th in runs, while posting a .251 avg. .331 OBP, .419 SLG and .750 OPS However, vs right handers they were 5th in the Majors in runs scored, while posting a .271 avg. .332 OBP, .420 SLG and .752 OPS Maybe some of you knew that, but it should give pause to reconsider KW's off season agenda. While the offense was nothing special, it does appear that facing right handed pitching, without a potent left handed bat, was not the problem. The Sox still need a left handed presence in the middle of the order, but let's hope that it's someone who can also hit left handed pitching. They can't afford to do any worse vs southpaws.

QUOTE (Chet Kincaid @ Nov 18, 2010 -> 09:42 AM) This I believe. I bet it's not easy playing in NY either. I bet it's an entirely different animal. AND they were the defending world champs. That's gotta be added pressure. Also let's not forget where Granderson is from. Coming home for some home cooking and playing in front of family and friends might be just what the doctor ordered. I just don't wanna lose E. Jackson to get him. Maybe the Yanks will take Gavin Floyd instead? Good God no. I bet the minute he puts on a Twins uniform, he reverts back to 2005 form and launches 50+ bombs for the twins... I felt all last season that the Sox misused Jones. He was in great shape, and eager to play, but instead he was platooned and saw too little playing time to keep his timing. It's very hard for a slugger, with a fairly long swing, to hit without consistent playing time. Nevertheless, he still managed to hit 19 homers in a half season's at bats.

QUOTE (elrockinMT @ Nov 11, 2010 -> 11:54 PM) We should sign J Dye. My guess is that bat is still good and he can platoon in RF and at IB to I have the same answer to this suggestion that I have to most of the candidates recommended on this forum, ie: "He is another right handed hitter, and this team desparately needs a LEFT HANDED BAT".

QUOTE (Jerksticks @ Nov 5, 2010 -> 03:57 PM) Sarcasm? Anyway, in 2 years he can write his ticket anywhere. Why give up that opportunity and that flexibility? For a couple extra million this year and next? I just don't see the pressure on his side to complete an extension. Isn't the added security of considerable value to Danks? What would happen if he got injured, and could not pitch effectively again?

The organization is completely void of a potent left handed bat, and management knows it. Werth is another right handed hitter. It is pretty apparent that K.W. will pursue a left handed hitter, as his highest priority, at least regarding the offense. I think that names like Willingham, Vlad Guerrero and any other right handed hitter are just not realistic targets, unless they involve a trade of one or more of the Sox' right handed hitters.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Nov 4, 2010 -> 09:59 AM) There are several options, just look up any 2010-11 free agent list. Cots Contracts has a great one......... Of course, I"m very familiar with the Cot's Contracts website. However, the list of left handed free agents in this year's class is not very impressive. Adam Dunn is the most intriguing name, but he doesn't want to DH, and he's a defensive liability. I think a trade may make more sense.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Nov 4, 2010 -> 08:29 AM) The Sox don't have to trade anybody to get a left handed bat considering the amount of left handed bats on the free agent market. I could see Carlos Pena being a guy the Sox target in the free agent market...guarantee him 2/$16 with a $12 mill team option or $2 mill buy out and see if he bites. I do think they have to trade a starter to free up some money, but they don't have to acquire a left handed bat in return. Hell, acquiring a package of minor leaguers wouldn't be the worst thing. Would Pena really represent a sufficient upgrade? His numbers were horrible last year. Is a .196 Avg. with 158 strike outs really worthy of $8 million a year. Moreover, he only hit .204 vs RHP. Who else would you target?

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Nov 4, 2010 -> 05:14 AM) The Cardinals will not trade Colby Rasmus for Carlos Quentin and a minor piece. Colby Rasmus has made amends with Tony LaRussa, is cheap, is under control his rights for 4 more years, and he plays a solid CF.. Carlos Quentin is injury prone, is about 10 times more expensive than Colby Rasmus, is only under control for 2 more seasons, and he is horrendous defensively. I also don't think it really matters that there isn't a huge book out on Rasmus...the dude was a top 5 prospect 2 years in a row for a reason. He's going to be a 25-30 homer guy for a long time. The Cardinals trading Rasmus now would have been like the Indians trading Grady Sizemore after his 2005 season. If the Cardinals actually decided to trade Rasmus, they could center a package around him and acquire pretty much any player they wanted (with some exceptions, of course). Honestly, if the Cards offered Rasmus straight up for Zach Greinke, I think the Royals would consider it (they'd need more, but they would consider it). Can you say the same thing about Carlos Quentin? Carlos Quentin has little trade value right now and any team acquiring him would be bringing him in as a flier hoping to catch lightning in a bottle. He is not going to be traded for Colby Rasmus. If your assessment is correct, then the Sox may be better served keeping Quentin, in which case it doesn't make much sense to try to resign Konerko, because that would leave them with too many right handed hitters. It would be better to spend the money that it would require to resign Konerko on a left handed hitter. What other left handed hitter might be available in a trade for one of the Sox' starting pitchers?

The biggest need that this team continues to have is an impact left handed bat. They didn't have one last year, and won't again in 2011 unless they sign or trade for one. Even the best young hitting prospects in the organization are all right handed. Morel, Viciedo and Flowers should all eventually be regulars, but are all right handed. If they are going to trade for a left handed bat, the obvious place where the Sox have a surplus is starting pitching. Sale is too good to leave in the pen, and if he starts, they have 6 really good starters in Peavy, Jackson, Floyd, Danks, Buerhle and Sale. They should be able to trade one of those 6 for a solid left handed bat, especially if they are willing to throw in another minor piece. The most likely candidates are Floyd or Danks, as both Buerhle and Jackson will be free agents in 2012, and no team would likely take Peavy's contract. However, I'd consider any of the 6, with the exception of Sale. The Quentin for Colby Rasmus trade would begin to address the lack of left handed hitting, but would probably not completely resolve the problem, as he is still unproven as a middle of the order big producer. He would however, at least provide a left handed presence. The Sox would likely have to include one other minor piece to the Quentin for Rasmus trade. If they then trade one of their starting pitchers for an established left handed power hitter, they might have the balance they need. Depending upon what position that other left handed bat plays, they might still have a place for Konerko, and he could be the free agent signing for this off season. For example, if the left handed bat acquired for a pitcher were a D.H., then Paulie could return to play first. Given that scenario, they could have a roster that looked something like this: LF Pierre 3RD Vizquel RF Rios DH Left Handed Hitter acquired for the SP 1B Konerko CF Colby Rasmus (LH) 2B Beckham SS Ramirez C Castro & Flowers Against left handed pitching, they might use Alexei in the two hole, where he has been very effective. That would be a place to substitute Morel for Vizquel, and have him bat in Ramirez' 8th spot. I'd also love to see de Aza get some playing time vs right handers, instead of Pierre. De Aza had an OBP of .402, while hitting .342 vs right handers in AAA, and he can do a lot of things pretty well.