Dick Allen

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ May 29, 2014 -> 02:11 PM) This post is documented evidence that you don't even read what I write. I did read it, but when someone types this: I would agree that Dustin Pedroia "hasn't hit any better than" Dustin Pedroia you have to admit, it's a little unclear and doesn't make a lot of sense. Well, it was 4y/$50m and he hasn't pitched any better than Andre Rienzo. I think it's safe to say that there are many pitchers on that list who can be expected to pitch as well as Andre Rienzo and can be had for 4y/$50m. I would agree that Dustin Pedroia "hasn't hit any better than" Dustin Pedroia, I wouldn't say "Gordon Beckham is better than Dustin Pedroia." These are your 2 comments. If you are being consistent, if Ubaldo Jimenez at this point can only be expected to pitch as well as Andre Rienzo, wouldn't you have to say Gordon Beckham now should be expected to be better Dustin Pedroia? You can say he hasn't pitched better than Rienzo, I don't agree, but I can understand that, but you did lock his performance into Rienzo-like forever with the second part of your comment based on 10 starts.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ May 29, 2014 -> 01:52 PM) Lots of errors in your logic here, Dick Allen. Let me help you out. 1. WAR is a counting stat. Jimenez's current, barely significant advantage of 0.5 fWAR is marginalized further if you control for innings pitched. And before you argue that Jimenez should get credit for having more innings, note that Jimenez has three additional starts. Rienzo actually has more IP per start. So, on a per start basis, we're talking about a difference in fWAR of roughly 0.3. Remember this the next time you make your bimonthly post about how WAR is BS because it says a guy with 7.0 WAR is definitively better than a guy with 6.7 WAR. 2. Once again I'll point out the difference between what I type and what you claim I type: the phrase "he hasn't pitched any better than" is not the same thing as "he is better than." I would agree that Dustin Pedroia "hasn't hit any better than" Dustin Pedroia, I wouldn't say "Gordon Beckham is better than Dustin Pedroia." 3. There is a major disconnect between your understanding of the $/WAR figures your referencing and the inherent value of an individuals performance in relation to actual wins. The $/WAR figures are descriptive figures about what the free agent market chooses to pay per WAR. This does not apply, at all, to pre-free agency players and therefore cannot be used compare salaries across those player types. This is why we say "needs to do X to live up to his contract" but we DON'T say "his performance is/isn't worth having because he is paid more/less than $5-6m per WAR." This is because the free agent market is NOT the only place one can get WAR. Ubaldo's contract, in a vaccuum, could break even in free agent dollars if he averages about 2.5 fWAR per season (which, btw, he is NOT on pace to reach in this season), but in the context of roster construction, you have to compare that with what you can already receive at a much mroe efficient valuation internally (someone like Rienzo could give you, say 2 fWAR at like $200k per). The only time you'd opt for the higher rate production you'd get from the free agent is if (1) the production simply cannot be matched more efficiently elsewhere, either with a single replacement player or several, and (2) the difference you're getting is enough to make a substantial difference in the outcome of your season (like if Ubaldo was the final piece to push the Sox over the edge.) In summary, given that the marginal difference between the production of Ubaldo and that of Rienzo has been both (1) not statistically significant and (2) not even remotely close to enough to make a difference in the White Sox season, I would conclude that, for all practical purposes, the White Sox would not be any better off with Ubaldo and would have a bad contract, too. I would liken it to choosing between a hamburger for $2 and a hamburger with fries for $75. Neither will help you reach your goal weight, but at least one only cost you $2. So would that mean Beckham is better than Pedroia? The problem with your "what I typed" thing is you are basically claiming Jimenez will perform like Rienzo for the duration of his 4 year contract. I think it's safe to say that there are many pitchers on that list who can be expected to pitch as well as Andre Rienzo and can be had for 4y/$50m.

It would really be interesting to see which one of these guys with "inside knowledge and sources" really had what they claimed. But the only way that would happen is if all 3 of the pitchers were available. Frankly, right now there is probably a 95% chance the Sox will pick one of the guys the Charlotte writer listed. Any of us could come up with that list though. Some say they really want Aiken. Some say they love Kolek, some say Rodon is their man. Supposedly Hoffman was their guy until he had surgery. Sounds like a lot of insiders are full of you know what.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ May 29, 2014 -> 11:23 AM) Well, it was 4y/$50m and he hasn't pitched any better than Andre Rienzo. I think it's safe to say that there are many pitchers on that list who can be expected to pitch as well as Andre Rienzo and can be had for 4y/$50m. Using your logic, wouldn't that mean Gordon Beckham is as good as Dustin Pedroia? Rienzo FIP 4.85 xFIP 4.44 WAR 0.1 Jimenez FIP 4.22 xFIP 3.98 WAR 0.6. Yeah that's about the same. If you pay $5 million a year for a 1.0 WAR (and there has been chatter it is actually closer to $6 million), despite having a performance that is vomit-inducing, Jimenez is barely below breakeven. But I guess you throw the advanced stats out when they don't help make your point.

QUOTE (SoxAce @ May 29, 2014 -> 06:53 AM) Sanchez has never had more than 1 homer in a season in the minors. BP said he has Juan Pierre power.

QUOTE (The Ultimate Champion @ May 29, 2014 -> 12:01 PM) I'll be upset if they take Nola over any of those guys. I don't want Rodon's negotiation difficulties but the talent is there. I guess I cap it at #3 slot money and tell the kid he can either take it or re-enter the draft, just be a f***ing hardass with Borass from Day 1. I could see that. No way am I playing Borass' stupid f***ing games though, f*** that guy. Sox have a FO that likes to make fair deals and Borass with his #1 guys never ever ever even considers a fair deal. He'll ask for #1 slot money & I'd tell him to buy a fleshlight and go f*** himself. Boras can only advise. He cannot negotiate. The White Sox are one of the teams that have turned in a player for using an "advisor" as an agent. I really think it is overblown how tough of a signing he will be if he is a top 3 pick. He loses all leverage next year. Boras had Appel come back and he wound up going #1 but signed for 18% below slot.

You can't roll the dice with Hoffman. I think they said last night the full recovery rate of TJ surgery right now is 90%. You can't bet the ranch he will be a stud to begin with and he won't be one of the 10%. Ironically, if they were drafting where they normally draft, it could be a good role of the dice.

QUOTE (The Ultimate Champion @ May 29, 2014 -> 11:02 AM) Context, probably. But in reality you would want to have a 4 & 5 in case of injury or something, or just some information that comes out very near to draft day that prompts a revision/change in course. Due diligence/covering your bases and such. But overall, not sure why this guy would have information that is truly that specific. Either someone he trusts is feeding him some BS or he is probably trying to look like a shooter. The scouts might know who they like best, but I doubt they would know the order.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ May 28, 2014 -> 10:56 PM) Who is Seth Lasko? And why do you need a top 5 if you are picking 3rd? Seems this guy just wants to sound like an insider. Nothing earthshattering on that list.

One thing we all can agree on is Bellisario is one goofy looking man. He probably even looks goofier without a baseball hat as it appears he is sporting a mohawk.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ May 29, 2014 -> 10:09 AM) Rock/Bucket, etc. Did anyone hear of the White Sox looking at the 2nd tier of FA starters (Tim Hudson, Kazmir, Phil Hughes, Feldman, Haren, Josh Johnson) in a serious way? Nolasco was discussed a bit, I know...at least around here. I read the Sox were definitely talking to Josh Johnson. Dodged a bullet there.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ May 29, 2014 -> 09:52 AM) I just listened to Jason Parks say this is a "very deep draft" on a podcast last night. Does that make you think they should do it again? The scout I read was quoted as saying the draft was stronger than last year, but not that great and high school heavy. Maybe Jason Parks is correct and the Sox will get a star with the second round pick and I will be the biggest fool ever to walk the face of the earth. I thought they should surrender the second round pick. Signing those players in the future will cost a 1st rounder which was one of the reasons I have stated for getting it done then.

QUOTE (Feeky Magee @ May 29, 2014 -> 09:42 AM) We would have also had to give up the #44 pick in what is seen as a very deep draft The draft isn't supposed to be all that strong, and is high school heavy. I got in trouble for pointing out taking a HS kid in the second round, chances are he won't be able to help you , if at all, until 2019 or 2020. The Sox compensation for signing a QO free agent, wasn't going to be much lower ever. To get one next offseason, they probably will have to give up a first round pick. They gave up a first rounder for Dunn.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ May 29, 2014 -> 09:25 AM) Paulino, Noesi, Carroll = bad and free and expendable any day. Ubaldo = bad and so expensive that he affects a team's ability to spend going forward. And locked in for multiple years. "Not exactly vomit-inducing and has put together a few really nice starts" is not good enough for the productive end of a 4 yr/$50m contract. How are we still arguing about this? Quintana and Sale are the only Sox starters with a lower xFIP than Jimenez this season. That doesn't sound like ruining the team's ability to compete.

Belly's problem is he did give up a couple of hits in a one run game and has been pretty shaky since assuming the closer's role. Last night, Dunn's throw did hurt, and if it was executed correctly, Belly more than likely would have recorded the save. Belli's ERA in the 9th inning is 9.82 in 8 appearances.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ May 29, 2014 -> 09:08 AM) At this point last year I'm pretty sure I hadn't heard Tanaka's name once. There was a lot of talk about him. I'm sure you had heard of him, but probably dismissed it because at least at that point, there appeared zero chance the Sox would even bid. If you were a Yankee fan, you probably would have heard of him.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ May 29, 2014 -> 08:33 AM) Are you referring to his significantly worse-than-average 4.22 FIP? Or his slightly less, but still worse-than-average 3.97 xFIP? Is it the worse-than-average 1.82 K/BB? The reliever-esque 4.50 BB/9? Is it his declining K rate? Or that he's averaging 5.6 innings per start? Oh, it must be the 2 MPH drop in his average fastball velocity. Honestly, Dick Allen, I can't even squint and find a reason to argue he isn't having a bad season. I'm sure you'll find some way to continue arguing, though. What are Paulino's, Noesi's and Carroll's numbers? You said Ubaldo, and it was a troll to continue an argument I am sure, would hurt the White Sox chances of competing. Yet guys doing worse have pitched and the White Sox have competed. I also believe moving forward, Jimenez will pitch better. But he hasn't exactly been vomit-inducing like was mentioned some other time before. And he put together a few really nice starts.

QUOTE (Jake @ May 28, 2014 -> 08:44 PM) PK's back is "locked up" per Ventura. Has not been available to play defense for awhile He hurt it about a week back.

Tank runs like the potbellied salesman at a company softball game.

QUOTE (Soxfest @ May 28, 2014 -> 09:01 PM) Noesi will not lose at least I hope you didn't jinx him.

Tie

QUOTE (Brian @ May 28, 2014 -> 08:47 PM) Gene Hinda has the offense, where ever he is. He is at the Hawks game.

Konerko has a stiff back.

QUOTE (Bigsoxhurt35 @ May 28, 2014 -> 07:44 PM) I personally could care less. I enjoy the game of baseball even though at times it's slow. It's baseball I like to relax and enjoy it I don't mind a long game if the pace is alright, but the amount of time between pitches is getting crazy.

QUOTE (BigHurt3515 @ May 28, 2014 -> 07:41 PM) Noesi works wayyyy too slow It is a problem throughout the league. There was some game the other day where a 1-2-3 inning took 22 minutes.