Gregory Pratt

QUOTE(Texsox @ Dec 24, 2006 -> 10:55 PM) That is the reoccuring theme down here in Texas. No one here I have spoken to thinks the Rangers won this trade. They all think the Sox swindeled their GM. Thank can't believe the organization traded Nolan Ryan's second coming. Funny 'cuz up here we've lost Black Mack McDowell, apparently.

I've been sick for about a week now and just woke up from a medicine-induced nap. Is it odd that I like the sensation I feel when I wake up drenched in sweat and somewhat dehydrated? It's the feeling of recovery, baby, and it's the only feeling I associate with getting better.

Oh Jay Mariotti. http://www.suntimes.com/sports/mariotti/18...T-jay24.article

Was talking to an Astros fan friend and she told me something about Oswalt that I didn't know before. That's really cool.

Ha

I want a date.

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Dec 23, 2006 -> 10:34 PM) I think BMac may actually wind up projecting pretty well to Texas. That changeup buries people down and away, and if he can get the feel of it right, it should be almost impossible to hit into the air. And he developed a very good 2 seamer a year ago, that was very good at barreling inside on people and could turn into a lot of ground balls. His worry is having his change and big 12-6 curve ball hang on him. Both of those can be hit in the air and out of the park, so the thing he needs to focus on is getting those pitches to keep burying themselves low, at the knees and below. He does that and he absolutely dominates, even in Texas, because no one hits him at all Oh my. Quite the optimism.

QUOTE(Heads22 @ Dec 23, 2006 -> 08:16 PM) There's no one that really deserves the fifth spot right now. Someone will have to earn it. Yes and no. I'm opposed to bringing Danks along and starting his arbitration clock. He's still young and could use extra time in the minors even if he winds up being Cy Young in Spring Training. Unless Haeger bombs, I really think he's our best option.

Done. But seriously: I'll be bitterly disappointed if Charlie isn't Fifth next year as I can't quite figure out why we wouldn't want to season our new pitchers in the minors for awhile.

I'll start the fanclub. PM me to join The Charlie Haeger for Fifth Starter! club.

I am. I believe in Haeger -- and besides, I'd rather have Haeger go and give everyone else more seasoning in Charlotte.

Haeger should be our new fifth starter.

QUOTE(Greg The Bull Luzinski @ Dec 23, 2006 -> 04:31 PM) I have to go with you on this one, I think Haeger is going to be the best knuckle baller in the bigs since the Niekro Bros.

QUOTE(beautox @ Dec 23, 2006 -> 04:24 PM) fixed Let's go Haeger!

Barring a huge White Sox move, I'd love it if Haeger wound up our fifth starter. That boy's going to be Tim Wakefield someday.

QUOTE(AWhiteSoxinNJ @ Dec 23, 2006 -> 03:43 PM) It's a step back because you know Count is good for a DL stint or 2. Is MB going to rebound? Will Vaz every find his stuff back from his Montreal days? Will Garland even be on this team? Too many questions marks when you had a guy ready to step into the rotation with not much of a drop off. What do you mean that Contreras is known to be good for a DL stint or two? He's as likely to stay healthy as anyone on our staff IMO but anyway, I'm sick of hearing people talk about him as being fragile or something.

I'd imagine the Sox either to be on the verge of a major trade or that they've got some information about McCarthy that makes dealing him NOW desirable.

Kind of funny that White Sox.com has an article up about "Christmas coming early" for McCarthy and that they posted it today. It's an interview with him. http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb...sp&c_id=cws

Garland's a career 4.5 ERA man. McCarthy might be, too, but Mac has a handful of cheap years before he's a free agent. I'm no fan of either but McCarthy is easily more valuable. I like Danks from what I've read about him.

QUOTE(Buehrle>Wood @ Dec 23, 2006 -> 02:03 PM) Because he's one 33 more games the past two years? I hate that. Agreed.

If the goal is to acquire stud pitching prospects, which it clearly is, why was Garland more valuable than McCarthy -- why is Danks better than Hirsh? Can't say I quite like this trade -- leaves us with a huge fifth starter hole -- but, well, I never thought McCarthy was great. Wonder how he'll pitch in the August heat of Texas.

Hahahaha.

Rollie Fingers has a blog. It kind of sucks, but hey, it's Rollie Fingers, so it's kind of cool. http://www.rolliefingerssportsblog.com/blog/

I disagree.

I don't necessarily think it's wrong for him to sell himself high but I think it's intellectually honest to suggest that he's worth more on the market than Oswalt or Carpenter and I think it's disrespectful to the game for him to talk about himself as Sandy Koufax.