Dick Allen

QUOTE (Melissa1334 @ Mar 17, 2010 -> 07:03 PM) well i guess if theres a positive, its that hes playing good defense and running real well He's lost weight. I saw him play CF the other night and he made a boneheaded throw over the cutoff man that eventually cost the White Sox a run. He is looking better than I ever thought he would but the breaking balls don't break much in AZ and he hasn't seen the pitchers' best stuff yet. I do know one thing.......if he does half as well as people are projecting, the Greg Walker b****fest must come to an end.

QUOTE (Melissa1334 @ Mar 17, 2010 -> 03:25 PM) he admit to it but that he only did it once. really? at the age he is, he barely decided now to try it(last year), esp. with having hamilton on the team.. So if you're a player and you take some substance that might contain something on the banned list, you get 50 games and tarred and feathered for life. If you're a manager and do a little blow, you get no penalty? Why did they give him a drug test in the first place if there is absolutely no consequence for failing? No rehab, no suspension, no nothing. I'm pretty sure most people employed where drug tests occur probably wouldn't get off as easily if their test had the same result.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Mar 17, 2010 -> 01:45 PM) Yeah, the Sox want another IF, not a 5th OF. De Aza will start in Charlotte, and be called up if Kotsay or Jones are injured. No, I don't think it does. It means the player is free to sign wherever since they are not on the 40-man or under current contract... but it does not rule out the Sox signing them as minor leaguers who are not on the 40. At least, I think that is how it works. It doesn't, but didn't they sign minor league contracts? If they were willing to play in Charlotte and the Sox wanted to continue with them, I don't think they would have been released.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Mar 17, 2010 -> 03:28 PM) That could also be Cabrera trying to use Cooper's style of pitching and it not working ala Nick Massett. He had lost velocity for a couple of years now. His K rate really dropped and he makes MacDougal's control look like Greg Maddux. He was a longshot that didn't pan out. No harm, no foul. It was worth giving him a uniform to see if they could find a way they could get anything to fall into place. There's just nothing to work with anymore.

This is the best day for Iowa basketball since they last won the Big Ten Tourney. Lickliter was a disaster. I thought he would be halfway decent, but if you have zero charisma, cannot recruit and like to play a style where scoring 60 points is playing fast, you're lucky anyone shows up to watch you play, and you're not going to attract players that will help you win anything worth winning. There are some who say he wasn't given a fair chance, but even with a decent recruiting class, they were going to suck next year, and if rumors are accurate, Gatens and Fuller told Barta if Lick stayed they were gone. Its pretty sad when decent but not great players have that much pull in your program, but as an Iowa alum, thank God they do. I wonder who they go after. I'm sure Pearl is #1 and he'll probably say no. I wonder if they really want an assistant from a Kentucky or Kansas. It seems to me if they somehow turn the Hawks around, they would be destined to leave. The guy I would really like is Majerus but if they somehow got him, it would probably be a very short run. They need someone who can bring in a player that isn't from Iowa or has Iowa ties.

Torres has to be the odd on favorite here if Hudson is destined for AAA. You need someone who can give you multiple innings, and to be the lamb during blowouts. Garbage time is the right time for Mr. Torres. He fills Nick Massett's old role. I did vote for someone outside the organization. I still think they may try to get another guy, especially with Jenks hurting and behind.

I'm pretty shocked Jenks' troubles aren't getting more play. Getting lit up right now doesn't me much, but his calf bothering him has to be a concern. Cooper is concerned.

If you are rebuilding, wouldn't you WANT to be in the same division as the Yankees and Red Sox if the schedule is unbalanced, so you have more attractive home dates? You're not going to win anyway, so you might as well bring in the big draws. I'm all for realignment. I think its ridiculous you have a division with 6 teams and one with 4. At the very least, since some teams are competing with each other for a wild card spot, the unbalanced schedule isn't exactly fair, get rid of that. I wouldn't mind if they blew everything up and made 6 divisions with 5 teams and put the Sox in the same division as the Cubs, and Cardinals and Brewers. The rivalries would be that much more intense.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Mar 13, 2010 -> 10:51 AM) I do think Jordan was advised against signing the 8/$25 million contract he signed, whether it was by his agent, or JR, I do not remember for certain. But you're right, he didn't complain publicly ever about it. As for JR "taking care" of Michael, it was Jordan's decision that he had enough money and to leave the game the two times that he did. Jordan could have continued playing after the 98' title run and made another $30 million, but he chose to walk away. And for a guy who played in the era he did, making $100 million-ish in career earnings is pretty impressive. Of course, he was also making, and continues even now to make $30-40 million a year in endorsements. He has a boatload of money. Juanita got a lot, and he's the sole investor in the Bobcats. My post was in response to the post that said JR paid him like the best player in the world. He did, but for 2 seasons. He was the greatest bargain in sports history the other seasons he played, and I'm sure he ultimately was a huge bargain when he was being paid $30 million +. The fact is, he couldn't be paid what he was actually worth, and JR and his partners were perhaps the biggest beneficiaries of that fact.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Mar 12, 2010 -> 01:09 PM) . But this year, I think I may go with Teahen. We'll see. Sit behind firstbase. He'll probably throw you a ball.

I can't see how its anything but bad. He misses a season at a time he needs experience. Running is a huge part of his game. What is the guarantee that he comes back anywhere near 100%? At a minimum, its something that sets him back a year. There's a decent chance it could be worse than that.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Mar 13, 2010 -> 09:20 AM) JR did him a big favor. Jordan wanted a long term deal, that he was actually advised against signing... by Jerry. He also told him that once he signed it, he wouldn't renegotiate it, and he didn't, which is why he was underpaid for so long. That's Pippen who had that conversation with JR, not Jordan. Jordan signed a contract, never b****ed about it once. It may be the biggest bargain in sports history. I guess today marks the 25th anniversary of JR buying the Bulls for $16 million. Just a few million less than they paid Tim Thomas to go away twice. Since Jordan last wore a Bulls uniform, they are over 200 games below .500, yet have drawn more people than any other NBA team during that time. He's still making them money.

Ozzie's take from the Tribune: "Very, very bad," manager Ozzie Guillen said."It's a shame.He has to use his speed. "It's going to cost him a year at least. The kids is still young. Unfortunately, this happened to him." chicagotribune.com has some bad editing. The kids is still young?

QUOTE (SoxAce @ Mar 12, 2010 -> 11:13 PM) It's gonna REALLY hamper his development time if this is a season ender. Worst case scenario already happen. Now we gotta hope the best case scenario is he's only missing a few weeks and will be good to go around May/June or so. Any type of experience is crucial for him. We also got to hope it isn't one of those surgeries that requires another ligament to be reattached to it or a screw. Ptatc.. you better be around my good man.. This is true. He's a tool guy who badly needs the development time. This could set him back even more than we could imagine even if he can come back at 100% physically. The only way it has an effect on the 2010 White Sox was if some team might have wanted him in a deadline deal. Teams aren't going to trade for him until they see how he comes back from this.

QUOTE (chisoxfan09 @ Mar 13, 2010 -> 06:50 AM) WSF, OT but when I read that I couldn´t help but remember Michael Jordan. That statement epitimizes what Jordan stood for and how JR paid him what he was due because he was truly the best in the world. Michael Jordan's salaries: 1984-85 Chicago Bulls NBA $550,000 1985-86 Chicago Bulls NBA $630,000 1986-87 Chicago Bulls NBA *$737,500 1987-88 Chicago Bulls NBA $845,000 1988-89 Chicago Bulls NBA $2,000,000 1989-90 Chicago Bulls NBA *$2,250,000 1990-91 Chicago Bulls NBA $2,500,000 1991-92 Chicago Bulls NBA $3,250,000 1992-93 Chicago Bulls NBA $4,000,000 1993-94 Chicago Bulls NBA $4,000,000 1994-95 Chicago Bulls NBA $3,850,000 1995-96 Chicago Bulls NBA $3,850,000 1996-97 Chicago Bulls NBA $30,140,000 1997-98 Chicago Bulls NBA $33,140,000 2001-02 Washington Wizards NBA $1,000,000 2002-03 Washington Wizards NBA $1,030,000 Seems JR "paid him what he was due" for exactly 2 seasons. As for Mauer, I expect he will remain a Twin. I'm sure if they trade him the other team will want to negotiate a contract first. If he ever did become a FA, he's exactly the kind of guy JR would open the checkbook to obtain.

QUOTE (knightni @ Mar 12, 2010 -> 06:04 PM) That thread title is a little overreactive, don't you think? He twisted his ankle, he didn't "Robin Ventura" himself. The guy has quite a few years before he even sniffs the majors. I do agree he's a ways away from playing in Chicago, but ankles can be serious, and it really would be a shame if it costs him much time. He can ride this little high he's been on and maybe take off. Who knows how much a significant injury could set him back.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Mar 12, 2010 -> 05:45 PM) I'm still trying to figure out what Lick does well. He apparently interviews extremely well. He received a 7 year contract. He gets $1.2 million a year. I guess if they fire him he receives $600k a year for the balance. He's also good at the congratulatory handshakes after the games.

QUOTE (He_Gawn @ Mar 12, 2010 -> 03:31 PM) Eh, Bruce Weber still sucks. I'll trade you Todd Lickliter for him. Will even throw in little Lick. At least it seems the Iowa AD finally may be starting to realize Lickliter wants to play a brand of basketball that talented players have no desire to play. Alford has New Mexico ranked in the top 10. I think Pierre Pierce may have singlehandedly killed Iowa basketball. Apparently Alford can coach and recruit, but after the Pierce fiasco he just was never going to be a fit in Iowa City. I just don't know what decent coach would want the Iowa job.

As bad as Linebrink supposedly has been, his ERA was lower each of the past 2 seasons than Putz. The confidence in Putz around here is amazing. If he gets back to where he was 3 seasons ago, its warranted, but let's be real. One guy needs to be bought out, and one guy is the savior? Look at the numbers.

QUOTE (striker @ Mar 12, 2010 -> 05:09 PM) My thoughts exactly. He seems to get hit hard in spring too. I'm not worried. He's had a little issue with his calf and apparently couldn't find anyone to catch him this winter so he's a little behind. I can't imagine the White Sox wouldn't have been able to find someone for Jenks to throw to. For all the maturing this guy seems to be doing, it just shows he still has a ways to go.

Anyone who thinks Santos will outperform Linebrink even if Linebrink pitches in 2010 like he did last year is basing it on NOTHING. I think Linebrink will bounce back. You don't win in MLB with rookie pitchers who just started pitching less than a year ago. People need to get off the stats accumulated the first couple weeks of spring. Go back last year. Jeff Marquez was going to win 15 games at this date. Santos might be a decent pitcher someday at the major league level. Might. It won't be in 2010. BTW, MLB Network had a thing about stats in spring training and how they correlated to last year's stats. Greinke had an ERA about 9.00. Betemit led the Sox with 6 homers. Teahan hit 7 homers with KC. If he does it this spring, people will say he's a lock for 30. Andruw Jones is going to bounce back, Kotsay is a "professional hitter", yet Linebrink needs to have his contract bought out. There's very little logic with this. As long as he is healthy Linebrink will be better than most think.

Andruw Jones wasn't exactly busting it around the bases against the Cubs, although they may have told him to take it easy running the bases. Of course they had him stealing so who knows. They addressed it, he'll loaf again, just about every White Sox loafs down the line on routine plays. I think they just want to send a message to him. He hasn't accomplished anything yet. He can act like a big shot when he becomes one. He looks real pudgy to me. I have the feeling they were hoping he reporting to spring training a little less soft.

Is the swapping of 1st round picks with Milwaukee per the Salmons deal protected in any way? I thought I read top 10 protection but I'm not sure.

QUOTE (Ranger @ Mar 5, 2010 -> 08:48 AM) If you're saying that it could someday shift back to the days where the DH is a power hitter that puts up big numbers, that very well could happen. But this has been a trend over the last few years, and I wouldn't be surprised if it continues as you'll likely see fewer big power guys come into the game like we had during the last couple of decades. And, really, that's been the shift for most teams. Without the big guy as DH, teams are having to get more creative with their lineups. I mean, if you have David Ortiz (from a few years ago) on your team, there's no question he plays every day. Tough to take that bat out of a lineup for any reason, aside from injury or fatigue. Something else to consider, though I don't know how much of an effect it's really had, but baseball is now in a post-amphetamines era. What's potentially significant about that is those greenies used to help many of these guys get through a full season (before they were officially banned, there were estimates that as many as 80% of players used them). There were quite a few players at the time that said that particular banning would have a greater effect on the game then people would realize. I remember Chipper Jones saying something along the lines of he thought greenies were more important than steroids (take that for what it's worth). While I'm sure players can find something to help get them through, I would imagine that teams are having to find ways to get guys some rest here and there while the season goes on. If that means you get days off from the field because of a rotating DH, then that's one way. I think what it is is the days of the 8 figure-salaried DH are dying plus teams really want another pitcher on the roster and I wouldn't be surprised if Bud again asks the union for permission to abolish the DH, maybe throwing a 26 man roster out there as a trade off. It would give him a better chance of getting it at least considered if the DH's weren't averaging making $8-10 million a year or more. I'm just looking forward to the day the White Sox don't have 4 or 5 guys who should be DHs playing the field. Perhaps this is the year.

QUOTE (Ranger @ Mar 7, 2010 -> 12:19 AM) Huh? How am I helping make your point by saying that it does, in fact, matter to get some time off from the field? If anything, that's the complete opposite of what you're saying. You're talking about all the other stuff they have to do. If anything, if you really want to rest your guys, you don't have them take swings in the cage then go take BP and then come to bat 4 times. Its hardly different than playing the field unless you're a catcher or maybe a SS. Its like if someone works out intensely for 2 hours everyday but gives himself the 5 jumping jacks he does at the end of the workout off on Sunday for rest. Its not rest. You're head still has to be in the game, and it may even be more stressful for guys who aren't used to DHing. I could see the point if its a sunny 95 degree day, but just about everyone here has played baseball. It doesn't take much out of you to play the field, especially a corner OF. Considering the type of condition most of these guys are in, its even less of a toll. I personally don't mind a DH only guy, I also don't mind a rotating DH as long as the players rotating daily are regular-quality players. One problem with a rotating DH that isn't brought up is the fact some guys cannot adjust to the position at all, and some take a while. Even when he started DHing full time, Frank Thomas used to play 1B occassionally because he hit better there. Dye blamed some of his struggles on the DH rotating a little bit at the end of last year.