beautox

3 errors, impressive

kepp keeping us in the hunt for #roadtorodon

ACE! chris sale!

QUOTE (Baron @ Aug 11, 2013 -> 10:45 PM) Look at the Puig deal and start adding to that total amount for Abreu speaking of him there is a great article that kind of takes you into the world of Cuban baseball http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/760160...e-weapon-planet thanks

Just seen that Jose Dariel has been able to escape Cuba, if that is true maybe all this money Hahn just saved can go toward him and locking up Quintana and Santiago, followed by Beckham and maybe Reed.

Rios walks in his first AB for the rangers

4 walks for gordon today

"4th strike out for Ri...um........(silence)"

Garcia has some wheels

QUOTE (knightni @ Aug 7, 2013 -> 12:28 PM) http://www.baseballnation.com/hot-corner/2...-ped-suspension

really looking forward to semien, garcia and wilkins getting a sept call up

I'm in MN on biz, I'll be at Target Field tonight chearing for a 'stros win and a sox loss with a well pitched game from them.

QUOTE (Marty34 @ Aug 2, 2013 -> 09:47 PM) I'd rather play next year without a SS and $20M than keep Ramirez. Are you trying to make a case that they can contend next year if they keep him? I don't understand your argument. I'm ok with keeping Alexei next year but I like the idea of the sox letting their '15 core take their major league lumps. I think in the offseason more teams will be open to the idea of Rios and Ramirez, because as it stands now the top FA's available is quite disheartening outside of Cano, Ellsbury and McCann. Choo looks like a platoon partner, with his split of .176/.323/.198. The mets strike me as suitors for one or both of them and they have a decent looking prospect in Wilmer Flores that isn't going to move murphy or wright off their respective positions, he is incredibly young at 21 soon to be 22 in 4 days.

QUOTE (flavum @ Aug 2, 2013 -> 08:43 PM) Since the Sox were 24-24, they have gone 16-43. In those 59 games--Sale, Danks, Quintana, Santiago, and Rienzo have made 47 starts, and their ERA is 3.62. Peavy and Axelrod made 12 starts with a 7.39 ERA, but the current 5 have been wasted like no other staff. The only thing that concerns me with Santiago is his BB/9 and HR/9, he owns 3.97BB/9 & 1.12HR/9 as a starter thats a yellow flag. Since July and including tonights game he is at 3.22BB/9 a .75 drop and 1.15HR/9 a .03 increase. Hector needs to follow in the mold of Rienzo and keep his pace up, because when he takes to much time between pitches it goes to s***. As a starter he has a 4.24FIP @ a 3.20 constant thats below average. Hector has the talent to be just as good as Sale, he just needs to get those two things in check and he will be money.

great pitching Hector, nice work offense #RoadToRodon

QUOTE (Jake @ Aug 2, 2013 -> 03:12 PM) I get the feeling that people are predicting that he'll be a 2B rather than SS because they don't know much about his defense and it is simply easier to predict the less optimistic outcome. I think he looks good at SS. If anything I think the sox are just trying to add to his positional flexibility, similar to what the bosox are doing with Xander. From what I've seen he strikes me as being a capable major league SS.

QUOTE (Jake @ Aug 1, 2013 -> 02:40 PM) Unfortunately, our top prospect plays the same position as the guy tied for the lead on our team in WAR. This is why you can't simply dump Rios, you need to try to move Rios' production to another position(s). Avisail can be pretty good in RF and it won't improve our team because we have to subtract our best player to get Avisail out there. Really great post. I agree you can't simply dump Rios, the sox need to target a team that has need for RF (Philidelphia comes to mind) with a some interesting 3B prospects a step and a half away from the majors. Maikel Franco and Cody Asche. Asche is getting a major league cup of coffee right now and he reminds me of Joe Crede for a hitting perspective, except he is left handed and has a bit better hit and power tool, everything I've read said he has a ok arm for 3B as well and his defense is a work in progress and will end up just average. Joe Crede 23 years old in the IL .188 ISO .307BABIP 20.3K% 8.8BB% ..276/.349/.464 17 HR Cody Asche 23 years old in the IL .191 ISO 349BABIP 21.3K% 7.8BB% .295/.352/.485 15HR

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Aug 1, 2013 -> 11:46 PM) Good post, very well thought out. However, the one area there will be a lot of disagreement on is.... 1) Garcia being able to stick in CF 2) The issue of replacing Alexei is more complicated than you're making it out to be. Semien is on a great run, Micah Johnson had one earlier in the season, we do have Anderson (3+ years away and jury still out on him ending up at 2B/CF) and Sanchez and even Beckham who could be more over there potentially...but it's way too early to stick Semien there as the Opening Day 2014 SS. Maybe 2B...but SS is going to be a huge challenge for him from the games I've watched of BIRM. First of all thank you. I agree with Garcia slotting in CF but if you trust in what Hahn has said he is going to get his reps there down at AAA and in a rebuild year it wouldn't surprise me in the least for the sox to at least audition him in CF to see if he is major league capable while they have a wait and see approach with Thompson. This is the same team that was ok with putting Rob Mackowiak in CF. Moving Alexei is a complicated matter, even if they don't move him i believe he produces at least the amount of WAR listed above if not closer to 2-2.4 nearly double the stated amount. As Jake pointed out in an earlier post our biggest short coming is remaining with Dunn at 1B which is killing nearly all of his value in addition to our top prospect being blocked by two productive OFer in Rios and De Aza.

QUOTE (fathom @ Aug 2, 2013 -> 01:21 PM) In that same chat, they also say Rodon could be a top 15 prospect right now I hope we land Rodon, give him a year on the farm with his advanced approach let John Danks move 18 months beyond his surgery hopefully looking like the Danks of old and move him at the deadline or in the '14 offseason that leaves two years left on his contract 15:$14.25M, 16:$14.25M. If Danks is back to his career norm 3WAR pitcher thats 3.75M in surplus value per year for his acquiring team with the potential for another 3-6M. That would slot Rodon perfectly into our rotation.

QUOTE (danman31 @ Aug 2, 2013 -> 03:05 AM) In fairness, Semien's buzz started in July after the midseason list came out. I don't agree with that, a number of posters here we're following him closely in late May, myself included, I would say that is where his "buzz" began.

This quote from Marc Hulet on todays Prospects Chat link Marcus has got major Helium going for him right now, I look forward to John Sickels' piece that he will have coming out soon.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Aug 1, 2013 -> 10:47 AM) Oh, and to answer the question where the money actually goes, my guess is that the list for the offseason looks something like: Extend Quintana Extend Reed Extend Beckham (No reason to go to arbitration for another year, he's worth risking something like $3/15 guaranteed on with an option/buyout) Maybe extend Santiago Get all those guys locked up, and then: Sign at least 1, more likely 2-3 more veteran bullpen arms, including at least 1 lefty. Fix the **** bench. This step probably will involve bringing in a few guys (like Salty as I noted in the last post) who can contribute, maybe do several things, and can do those things well enough to actually get playing time. Guys coming off bad seasons or injuries would be idea. I agree I think this offseason we see Hahn extend the likes of Quintana and Santiago, maybe Beckham and maybe Reed. I would like to see offers look something like this: Quintana: 14:$750K, 15:$3.75M, 16:$6.75M, 17:$9.75M, 18:$12 club option ($1M buyout), 19:$12M club option Santiago because he is a year older less consistent and I'm pretty sure Pre-Arb3 nexy year: 14:$1M, 15:$1.5M, 16:$2.8M, 17:$4.8M, 18:$7M club option ($.500K buyout), 19:$10.5M club option ($1M buyout) Beckham a near identical deal to Carlos Gomez if he finishes the year strong and healthy: 14:$7M, 15:$8M, 16:$9M 17:$12M($1M buyout) I don't think the sox should sign reed unless you can lock him down for something similar to what we did with Santos: 14:$1M, 15:$2.75M, 16:$3.75M, 17:$6M club option, 18:$8M club option, 19:$8.75M club option ($0.75M buyouts for each option) or Soria: 14:$1M, 15:$3M, 16:$4M, 17:$6M club option, 18:$8M club option, 19:$8.75M. Like you said sign two bullpen arms, maybe bring back Thornton. If Reed doesn't want to sign an extension I would move him, there is no need for a "proven closer" on a rebuilding team that might be a dark horse for the second wild card next year. This offseason move one of Rios or De Aza. Which ever will get you the better return (preferably Rios because you will save more money), move Ramirez as well the strength of the sox system(if it can be called that, is middle infielders: Semien, Sanchez, Johnson, Anderson and corner outfielders). What the sox need going forward since they plan on playing Garcia in CF till he can no longer handle that and moving him to RF is corner infielders specifically 3B. The Dark horse Even though this season has been incredibly painful to watch the sox have the financial flexibility and pitching staff to turn it around very quickly. I'm looking forward to this discussion, mind you there are a lot of "Ifs". In 2012 the AL wild card's each accounted for on average 38.3WAR, the Division leaders 42.4WAR and cumulatively between both the AL and NL the wild cards average was 41.28WAR and the division average was 43.6WAR. The Rotation Between Sale, Quintana and Santiago I have a strong feeling that all three of them are going to put up WARs in this neighborhood next year:6,5,4 assign the values to whom ever your favorite is. Just for reference this year Sale is on pace to finish with 5.5, Quintana 3.5 and Santiago 1.6. I feel once Danks is removed 18months for surgery and is fully healthy he will put a 3WAR campaign. Whomever the sox decide to go with with Johnson or Rienzo will be capable of putting up a 1.5WAR, essentially they need to be what Yovani Gallardo is projected to finish at(167.0IP, 7.28K/9, 3.51BB/9 4.70ERA) this year. Add it up and the rotation gives you 19.5WAR. Around the Diamond DH - Adam Dunn, I don't believe the sox will be able to move him through waivers this year or in the offseason if the sox are out of the race next year and he is performing I think he becomes an attractive target. Lets say he has an regular adam dunn year .215/.354/.465 1.5WAR C - Josh Phegley, I'm not alarmed he hasn't drawn a walk yet and i think he has shown he is average to slightly below behind the dish. I think he will get better in time, from a hitter stand point he reminds me of Jason LaRue or John Buck. .230/.321/.422 1.7WAR 1B - Corey Hart/James Loney/Andy Wilkins - I feel the sox would be best served not going after Loney since the Keppinger experience went over so well. Hart is injured so he might come cheap on a 2 year deal seeing how he will be 32. But having said all that since we're "rebuilding" the sox would be best served to see what they have in 24 year old LHH 1B Andy Wilkins. Whoever they go with .270/.358/.419 1.6WAR 2B - Gordon Beckham, if this is how he is going to be going forward i think he has the potential to be a 2.5WAR player SS - Marcus Semien, hes on the fast track just got promoted to AAA should be very telling how he holds up. Sox trade alexei in the off season and Marcus starts '14, 262./.341/.387 1.2WAR 3B - Conor Gillaspie, he looks to finish the year out at about 1.1WAR, personally i've stated my opinion on this forum on a number of ocasions i think he takes the step forward next year. .263/.330/.422 1.4WAR LF - Dayan Viciedo, I'm encouraged by his platoon splits and how July went for him i think he finishes the year strong and he finally breaks out at the ripe old age of 25 .269/.321/.468 1.9WAR CF - Avisail Garcia, he reminds me of three players in particular: Carlos Gomez, Carlos Gonzalez and Jose Guillen, I think he hits the ground running with full playing time .260/.305/.463 with solid defense in CF 3.1WAR RF - De Aza/Rios .275/.331/.425 2WAR Bullpen CL - Addison Reed, i already explained my reasoning above 1.7WAR SU - Nate Jones, I'm glad the sox stuck with him this season, his stuff seems more than capable of closing out games 1.5WAR Remainder of the bullpen i think is capable of putting up .5-1WARif not a little more. Bench This is an area to address i think this is a literal replacement level group if we go with Flowers, Wells, Morel and Danks. Add it all up and we're at 40.6WAR. enough to possibly scrape into the post season as a wild card and just for reference the '05 white sox had a team WAR of 42.2

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Aug 1, 2013 -> 02:21 PM) .297/.344/.501/.845 - Ross Gload at 25 years old at AAA. Ross Gload 25 years old in the IL .204 ISO .325BABIP 16.7K% 6BB% .297/.344/.501 15HR Gload's walk rate and place discipline were never as good as Wilkins at that level and he was a year older. Still, as a back up he had sustained success .5WAR worth about 2-3M in value on several occasions. QUOTE (Jerksticks @ Aug 1, 2013 -> 02:39 PM) Brandon Allen sucked too. Brandon Allen 24 years old in the PCL .267 ISO .281BABIP 20.3% 17.7BB% .261/.405/.528 25 HR Allen had a better power tool than Wilkins there is no denying that but his hit tool in general was weaker as evidenced by his BABIP and he had to make up for that with his plate discipline in the minors. When pitchers figured that out at the major league level his plate discipline eroded incredibly quick as seen by his 9.2BB% & 34.9K%. I'm not saying Andy Wilkins will become a Lyle Overbay, I'm saying based off what I'm seeing in his stats age/level and everything else his ceiling could very well be a Lyle Overbay and his floor could very well be a Ross Gload both of those things have value at a major league minimum. With where the sox are currently at, going into next year they would be better served letting Wilkins play it out at the major league level then waste $ on the likes of Corey Hart, that money would be better spent in other areas.

I feel like after doing a bit of research, Andy could develop into a Lyle Overbay type of hitter with a bit more power(2-2.5WAR 3Career Year). Overbay was drafted out of the 18th round and Andy was a 5th rounder (not that it means a ton). Does anyone know how he rates on defense at 1B? Lyle Overbay 25 years old in the PCL .185 ISO .378BABIP 14.8K% 7BB% .343/.396/.528 19HR Andy Wilkins 24 years old across AA-AAA .193 ISO .337BABIP 20.9K% 11.3BB% .286/.370/.479 16HR with 32 games left to play. Some things to consider the PCL is notorious as a hitter haven but on the flip side Charlotte does play similar to the cell. Andy is a year younger as well.

QUOTE (Jake @ Aug 1, 2013 -> 11:53 AM) Ranking prospects is a balance of talent and production. While the production side of Courtney is fairly low (not zero, though - he's playing center field well and showing off that power tool), the talent side is sky high. The net is still a very valuable prospect at this point. Agreed I put hawkins in a similar space as Joey Gallo, this offseason and next will be very telling for him if he takes a step forward if he can get that B% up to 11% and his K% back down to 23-24% he will remain a top 100 prospect probably slotting in around 55-75