Dick Allen

QUOTE (Kenny Hates Prospects @ Mar 4, 2009 -> 10:06 AM) You're thinking of the Kiss Demon from WCW wrestling, Dale Torborg. Regier was one of Wilder's guys who has since been reassigned to a scouting role. Considering one of the accusations against Wilder was providing PEDs to the overvalued prospects, and Regier was linked, maybe he wasn't mistaken.

QUOTE (103 mph screwball @ Mar 4, 2009 -> 09:59 AM) May the best player win. May the second best player be versatile enough to be the utility man. May the next best guy be ripping the cover off of the ball in Charlotte chomping at the bit to get a shot if someone stumbles. I'm no longer worried about second base. I'm more worried about Fields and the CF battle. So far, I think it will end up with Nix starting, Getz at utility, and Lillibridge heading to the minors. Beckham will get some time in the minors even if he has a great spring. If Ramirez is as good of SS defensively as the White Sox believe he is, Beckham is going to be the 2B eventually and maybe even very soon, unless the two 3B candidates totally flame out. Getz, I think, is the best bet to start the season at 2B if Beckham doesn't play his way on the team. He is the type of offensive player the Sox need. A guy who can handle the bat and get on base. Nix and Lillibridge, while better defensively, strikeout an awful lot. Lillibridge can run, but as they say, no one has figured out how to steal first base. We'll know more in a few weeks. Results now really mean little although if you're fighting for a job, its probably not good to feel that way.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Mar 4, 2009 -> 07:45 AM) I'm actually hoping that he wins the position. Getz will always be around in Charlotte, and I like Lillibridge as the utilityman that can play CF, SS and 2B with Betemit at 3B and 1B. With Ramirez and Lillibridge, we have two more players that can fill in for CF, so there's no reason at all to keep Owens or Wise. I'm not sure we really need EITHER player, but it seems like we will end up keeping one or the other. That also provides you a nice balance of speed on the bench (with Lillibridge and/or Wise/Owens). I'm starting to think they really knew (once again) what they were doing with Nix, and also the rationale for signing him to a major league contract. This has happened time and time again when the White Sox identified something in a player that almost everyone else (scouts/GM's) missed. I don't think they expect Nix to make the team. Why would they not have claimed him on waivers if they saw so much potential?

According to Cowley, Viciedo left early yesterday: Viciedo — The bat is as good as advertised, maybe even better. Defensively, Viciedo has a lot of work to do. Leaving the facility Monday, when he was scheduled for extra work in the weight room, didn’t help. The kid can be a star in the next few years, but don’t be surprised if it happens at left field or first base. I'm sure it will be addressed. Unless he really has a desire to spend a lot of time in Birmingham or Charlotte, he probably wants to stay out of Ozzie's doghouse.

QUOTE (whitesoxfan101 @ Mar 3, 2009 -> 02:29 PM) Playing half of his games in that ballpark will hurt his offensive numbers, even if he stays healthy and even with consideration to the fact they have the fans blowing out when Minnesota bats. It wasn't that long ago when the Metrodome was known as a bandbox. It just goes to show how all the new parks are small.

QUOTE (Pumpkin Escobar @ Mar 2, 2009 -> 12:31 PM) Haven't gone through the whole thread but I saw this a couple minutes on the internet of Toronto getting involved in O.Cab. I don't think they'll deal a top prospect, although it should be what we require noting Cabrera's type-a status. I'd assume they'd bite on a pretty good player depending on how we play this, if we kick in something, if Oakland raises their stakes. This idea of Wells isn't a bad one. I know he is dramatically overpaid since he never quite repeated his big season(s) where he was given the money. The Jays do have an overstock in the OF. With Lind, Snider, Rios (another overrated player IMO) and Wells, you'd hope one of them could be had. I'd say the Cabrera deal and something decent from our end. If it is to be Wells, they'd have to eat it but I doubt we'll get him. I'd like to get Cecil, but with the loss of Burnett/health concerns with other arms/and Halladay most likely out the door, I don't see them dealing young, cheap arms. Our ceiling may be a guy like Luis Perez and another quality young arm. If I were Kenny though, I don't help O.Cab out unless I am getting a nice haul for him. Problem is, Kenny hasn't exactly been landing hauls for our players lately. I can't believe I'm defending KW, but,Carlos Quentin was a pretty good haul for a A ball firstbaseman. Freddy Garcia's haul was better than keeping Freddy. Even though I'm not very high on the minor leaguers, the "haul" for Swisher wasn't bad. Now teams are leary of assuming his contract. If Flowers and Lillibridge are half as good as KW says the "haul" for Vazquez, a guy who in reality is no more than an overpaid 4th or 5th starter, is a pretty good one. The White Sox get a first rounder and a supplemental if OC signs with Toronto. You can bet KW won't settle for scraps instead of those picks especially if he will be picking up some payroll.

Considering how much he gets slammed on this board, the new Contreras love is interesting.

QUOTE (Cubano @ Mar 2, 2009 -> 12:37 PM) I modified my post before you posted yours. I am well aware of all those things you mentioned. It seems that you are the one making excuses for other Major Leaguers bad plays. I have mentioned what have happened so far. It was painfull to watch Betemit yesterday. This type of play should not happen in MLB even in ST. Veteran players should have free pass even they look sorry in the field. Let's make excuses for them. Players usually do not change much. You are who you are. If Betemit can not catch in SS in ST, he won't be good there in July. Alexei may struggle for the first two month though he has a year playing in cold weather. Errors happen. Even the greatest fielders of all time screw up plays. Obviously Betimet should have made a couple of more plays yesterday, but these games do not count. I am not worried. He's never been known as a Gold Glove type fielder, but he's certainly not as bad as what he appeared yesterday. Its one game on March 1st.

QUOTE (Cubano @ Mar 2, 2009 -> 11:55 AM) Haven't I critized Viciedo's AB? Haven't I mentioned his swings out of the strike zone? Alexei hitted below 200 for two month as a part time player and during cold weather. Guillen panicked with him. Its going to cold again the first 2 months this season, should Alexei go to rookie ball until it warms up? As for Viciedo, you make every excuse in the book. He doesn't know the pitchers. Its spring training, the pitchers don't have their best stuff yet either. These games, while entertaining, mean very little. There are tons of players who hit .400 in spring training and then stink when the season starts. There are also tons who can't do anything right in spring training and once the games count are pretty good. To put much weight in results this early during spring training, good or bad, especially for veteran players is nuts.

QUOTE (Cubano @ Mar 2, 2009 -> 11:35 AM) I am not being vias guys. It may seem that way for some of you. I have mentioned what happened and what I see. If Viciedo does not do good, then he needs to go to the minors. I have expressed these thoughts before. Let's rewind Viciedo's two AB. First AB: Swing an slider outside the strike zone. He missed a fastball around the middle of the plate. He fouled that pitch. Kuroda threw another slider outside to put him away and he did not bait. That was pitch recognition and making adjustments. He ran the count 2 and 2 or 1 and 2 before flying to short CF. Second AB vs Milton this time. Swang at a low ball for strike one and swang a slightly high fastball for strike three. Guillen said the pitchers do not know him. It goes both ways too. If Beckham will be move to second, why is he playing SS now. Are we going to bring him without playing significant time at 2B and hand him that position? So the Sox critized certain players for having a shaking defense and are willing to bring up a guy with very little experience at 2B. I am assuming this will happen. Viciedo had a bad game, maybe he should go to rookie ball. The point is everyone is going to have a bad game. Everyone is going to have several bad games. A veteran kicking a couple balls in an exibition game on March 1 is no reason to get your blood pressure at stroke levels. He's been a big leaguer for several years, he is obviously better than what he showed Sunday. Maybe its just me, but I have the feeling if Betimet was Cuban you wouldn't be jumping all over him. You seem to make excuses for Viciedo's failures but have no patience for anyone else's. Alexei Ramirez was hitting below .200 a month and a half into the 2008 season, was rookie ball the place for him? I've no problem with you being proud of your fellow Cubans, I'm glad you are, but I think you should be fair to the others.

Parking in an unmarked field and getting a ticket shouldn't be shocking. Unless there is something there that says you can park there, I don't know why you would assume it isn't private property. If you're driving around USCF and see a driveway wide open you wouldn't park your car there.

Its not only Toronto's pick the Sox would lose, but the supplemental as well. You would have to figure that's at least $2 million in signing bonuses. If they want OC bad enough either make them give up a guy like League (who I would rather have than pay the picks who chances are won't pan out) or make them give up their pick or let OC rot on the sidelines. He had his chance to accept arb and screwed up.

Considering all the bargains that were available in free agency, I can't see the Sox taking any of the Blue Jays high priced players. It would be absurd to take Rolen's contract and pass on guys like Hudson and Cruz even Furcal who probably makes less than Rolen. I think if the Sox make a trade with Toronto, they will go after a reliever or minor leaguers.

QUOTE (Heads22 @ Mar 1, 2009 -> 03:21 PM) He's your next Jon Garland. I don't think anyone will call him Judy.

QUOTE (Cubano @ Mar 1, 2009 -> 03:15 PM) Utility players must caught the ball if they are in the Majors. These are not rockets guys. These connections are very catchable. I bet you that Betemit played in the Winter League. I have to check though. Its March 1. He's a veteran player. Rookie ball is a bit of an overreaction at this point. Quentin doesn't have a hit this spring. Should he join him?

Well it is March 1. 92 k in 67 IP with a .208 BAA in 2008. Yeah, he's really bad.

I'd imagine KW actually has money invested in this venture. Most celebrity bars have zero invested by the celebrity. Harry Caray had no money in his restaurant but he got paid to give it some pub and make appearances. Its funny 11 years after his death most of the Cubs still go there and all Harry had into it was hanging out there. McMahon had nothing in his place. Ditka had nothing in his first place, but actually does in his most recent. KW doesn't live in the area anymore so they couldn't have him make appearances, his name isn't on the bar, plus he's kind of busy with his job. So he's probably just an investor who they could throw a little bit higher of pct. of profit to compared to his investment by throwing his name out there. If I lived in the West Loop, I'd probably check it out. At least it isn't in Wrigleyville.

QUOTE (Thunderbolt @ Feb 28, 2009 -> 06:36 PM) Good move for the Royals. Wow, haven't said that in a long time. One of these years, the Royals are going to be pretty good. Maybe not Tampa good, but capable of winning 90 games or so. I still wonder if its possible they will be able to sustain it for any length of time.

Farnsworth got $9.5 million for 2 years. Cruz is only guaranteed to make $6 million total in 2 years. It shows how much the market changed from the WS until now. Farnsworth's agent should be agent of the year.

QUOTE (whitesoxfan101 @ Feb 26, 2009 -> 02:10 PM) He apparently had been in failing health. I had no idea, he has been in the studio with Kendall Gill most of the season, and even very recently, seeming to be fine. I was talking to a guy at work a couple of days ago and we were remarking about how Norm really hadn't been looking good lately.

QUOTE (whitesoxfan101 @ Feb 26, 2009 -> 02:08 PM) Wow that's awful news, RIP. We can only hope Johnny Red isn't next, and that his health improves. I agree with you though kyyle, Norm should have been at Red's ceremony. Red and his family made the VIP list. It wasn't the Bulls snubbing the Dutchman. I heard Boers speaking about Krause not being invited. He said Red had nothing bad to say about anyone-except Krause.

Died today. No details as of yet.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Feb 25, 2009 -> 02:51 PM) I really wish Rooney would have stuck around to broadcast with Stoney. Hawk could be the Erin Andrews on the field. I liked Rooney a lot, but I'll never forget in 1987 when he said he would rather have Gary Redus than Rickey Henderson. That was ridiculous.

QUOTE (Kenny Hates Prospects @ Feb 25, 2009 -> 01:12 AM) I agree with all this, but I still don't think the international playing field has really evened out or will even out so long as certain teams have higher budgets. The large market teams can always afford to spend more in any given area, and as we've seen so often in baseball unlike other sports, it is often quantity over quality. For example, we gave Dayan something like $10M I believe. That's great, and I hope he becomes the next Miguel Cabrera, but I'd feel much more confident in our ability to produce at least one superstar had we taken that $10M and signed 30 of the top 60 international prospects for $333K a piece. Obviously that is unrealistic, but the point I'm making is that even though the field has leveled to the extent of large and small market teams both becoming aware of certain players, and even though both types of teams may have the funds to offer large enough bonuses to sign a particular player, the large market teams always have the advantage. The large market teams can afford to spend, spend, spend in multiple areas regardless of whether or not they get their most desired player, whereas small market teams, should they splurge, are forced to make a decision between splurging on one top player or spreading the money around to many of the more under-the-radar players. But anyway, I think the large-market teams always need some advantage as well in order to keep them and baseball itself successful. A slotted draft would be a nice thing to see overall, but it would hurt the large market teams considerably, and you'd have to in return protect their interests through international free agency. I also agree with you about the teams that have had success with lesser budgets. These are the types of small- and middle-market teams baseball should be looking to reward through a slotted draft, not garbage like the Pirates. Because through a slotted draft, teams have the ability to manage the finances of their drafts knowing that they'll be able to get the best player available at any given slot, and they'll know how much the bonus amount would be. Look at the Twins taking Ben Revere when lots of people thought that was a bad or at least strange pick. Imagine what the Twins could have done had they been able to trade down, take Revere later, then pick up a second or third rounder in the process. Even though all teams have knowledge of all the best players, not all scouts are the same, and not all GM's are the same, and a team may easily view a guy projected to go 40-50 as a better bet to be a better player than some of the guys projected to go in the 21-30 range where they pick. Teams like the Yankees and the Red Sox can continue to throw money at players even if they make several mistakes. Don't think for a minute after Joe Borchard got the highest signing bonus in history for a while, and he didn't pan out, it didn't weigh heavily on the White Sox scouting department. There are probably 20-25 other teams who would be in the same boat. Its probably why guys like Broadway and McCullough were drafted. Ironic how Shaeffer went ultra conservative probably in an effort to save his job, and that thought pattern actually cost him his job.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Feb 24, 2009 -> 02:58 PM) This would be at the deadline though. There are no free agents to pit against each other. The only talent you have available is what teams are willing to trade you. If you are in the pennant race, it is harder to not make moves to improve your team, especially if you can get the guy who has hit the most HRs for a RF over the last 4 years. If you don't have the money now, chances are you won't have it in July. Unless the White Sox eat money, or the Yankees or Mets are desperate, the 3 old slow guys making 8 figures will be White Sox at least until Sept 1, with Konerko until Sept. 2010.