Dick Allen

QUOTE (Cerbaho-WG @ Dec 9, 2008 -> 02:14 PM) Dumb signing by the Mets. Its better than giving up your top prospect for a guy with a screw in his right elbow, but K-Rod was ridden hard last season. The only thing that may save him from a dissappointing 2009 IMO, is the move to the NL.

QUOTE (G&T @ Dec 9, 2008 -> 02:05 PM) I think he made a huge financial mistake by acting like a jackass in a city that actually pays attention to its baseball players. He would have had a contract extension before the market collapsed or could have left with a better reputation. Now all the bad news is out there and it cost him. KW wanted to give him an extension before he ever took the field with the Sox, but OC wasn't interested. I still would love to know what kind of contract KW was talking about or had in mind.

QUOTE (103 mph screwball @ Dec 9, 2008 -> 02:04 PM) Not necessarily since the contract would not have been guaranteed with the Sox and I'm pretty sure KW didn't want him. If KW don't want you, pack your bags even if you are a Hall of Famer wearing 35. I don't completely understand why I dislike Cabrera so much. The argument with Dye sealed it, but I didn't like him even before that. I really want him to play for the Twins. If they released him for any reason other than his skills declining, they would wind up having to pay him. Todd Walker was released by SD in spring training when he was hitting .225. He filed a grievance and signed a minor league deal with Oakland. Played with the A's and was horrible and wound up getting released by them. It was pretty hard to win a grievance arguing your skills warranted your release when you sign with another team and they release you. If OC got released by the Sox, another team could pick him up and if he plays like he always has, the Sox would have a problem.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Dec 9, 2008 -> 01:55 PM) Since when has running the White Sox ever been presented to us as anything but trying to break even or not dip into the personal wealth of any of the managing directors? To speculate about losing on investments or the stock market or real estate being the cause of a "firesale" is a bit premature. Has Williams done anything illogical that none of would have done were we in the same situation? If Dye actually is traded and we go with our current roster without any additions to the mix, then you MIGHT have a point. You also have to consider how far we were over budget (compared to attendance) in 2007 and 2008...I'm guessing the team spent more money than it made both of the last two seasons. According to Forbes, the White Sox pulled a profit in 2007. In fact, the value of the team in their estimation rose $60 million even after a disasterous 2007 season.Haven't heard anything about 2008, but it is way too early to determine what is going on. The chances of the payroll being $45 or even $30 million lower in 2009 is very slim IMO. If it turns out it is, then the eyebrows should be raised, especially season ticketholders who had money held hostage and were basically forced to accept price increases without knowing the team intended to spend that much less on its product.

QUOTE (103 mph screwball @ Dec 9, 2008 -> 01:55 PM) Rosenthal Updates 2:42 p.m. — A's show interest in Cabrera The A's, who last week withdrew their four-year offer to Rafael Furcal, met late Monday night with the agents for another leading free-agent shortstop — Orlando Cabrera. The team's interest in Cabrera, however, is "very limited," according to one source, "mild at best." That's what I've heard about almost every teams' interest in him. I think he and/or his agent made a huge financial mistake rejecting arbitration.

QUOTE (Kenny Hates Prospects @ Dec 9, 2008 -> 01:40 PM) Yeah, although I don't know where the Sox got their information and I hope the person delivering that info was one of those sent out of the organization. I'd add that Rasner was the wildcard in that deal, a low-level prospect who at the time drew comparisons to Garland. Rasner blew, and now Marquez is compared to Garland, and the real Garland is available and I don't think many people around here would want him.

I think its pretty obvious KW has someone ready to sign for big money or the White Sox are having serious financial issues and Dye's contract needs to get off the books.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Dec 9, 2008 -> 01:15 PM) We can be PRETTY SURE that either Reyes or Morton were turned down as the final piece of the Vazquel deal. If KW was talked out of acquiring "a major league ready pitcher" for Santos Rodriguez and Gilmore, why would he turn around and then acquire one of them, especially when that's EXACTLY what he was APPARENTLY looking for in order to fill out our rotation at that point, or at the very least, provide depth with Marquez/CR/AP? Maybe the scouts said the other 2 were better, not that the guy he was about to get was a stiff. They compared Rodriquez to Thornton and Gilmore to Crede, we will see in a few years. Unless the Braves want to give up one of their top prospects, I say why bother?

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Dec 9, 2008 -> 09:54 AM) I would rather avoid Bradley's attitude, I just don't like him at all. Just my personal opinion, which I am sure most don't share. But no doubt he could be a huge bat in the lineup. 6 organizations and has never played more than 216 games for any of them. I don't know if he can even play the OF full time at this point. But one thing to keep in mind, KW was after him right after he became GM. He wound up in Cleveland. I'm with you, he's a volcano that can erupt at any time. Its not worth it.

QUOTE (lostfan @ Dec 9, 2008 -> 09:49 AM) I noticed he shook off AJ a lot. Contrast this to Mark Buehrle who would catch AJ's return throw, set his hands in his gloves, and start his windup immediately after seeing AJ's fingers. Buerhle throws what the catcher puts down. He'd do that if you or I was catching.

QUOTE (daa84 @ Dec 9, 2008 -> 09:28 AM) pretty good article here from the hardball times on the enigma that is vazquez http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/...javier-vazquez/ Its the same thing the White Sox tried to get through to him. Cut down on the repertoire. He just doesn't feel comfortable doing it.

QUOTE (Hatchetman @ Dec 9, 2008 -> 09:20 AM) Assuming Dye is gone, I count about $46 million off of last years' payroll: Cabrera 10.0 Swisher 3.6 Dye 9.5 Uribe 4.5 Crede 5.1 Vazquez 11.5 Griffey 2.0? Total = $46.2 mil Also Hall's $1.75 million. That would be $48 million gone with well over $20 million coming off after 2009 (Thome, Contreras). Its crazy to think KW wouldn't add payroll especially if he trades Dye. Losing $48 million in salaries and raising ticket prices isn't going to happen.

QUOTE (Princess Dye @ Dec 8, 2008 -> 09:50 PM) Wow, how can JD be brought back after a comment like this is out there? Must mean he's out the door. If not, then he sure wont feel wanted around here, especially after a statistical year like his 07-08. Statistical, mind you...but still that's harsh. Considering KW's MO is "under the radar", Dye's availability and rumored destinations have been anything but. KW said he considered JD a friend and respects him greatly, I just wonder why he'd have him twisting like that. Its kind of strange.

In Cowley's latest report, he has a major league source tell him don't be surprised to see Freddy back with the Sox if this latest problem goes away, so it is official. Scratch Freddy off the potential #5 starter list.

QUOTE (kyyle23 @ Dec 8, 2008 -> 09:56 PM) I dont know if it means anything in the grand scheme of things, but the Score reported that while the Tribune filed for Bankruptcy, The Cubs and Wrigley Field were not part of the bankruptcy claim I figured as much. Still, it doesn't seem right.

QUOTE (lostfan @ Dec 8, 2008 -> 09:53 PM) What did you think of Carlos Quentin's 2007 trainwreck? I'm curious. Obviously not that I think Lillibridge is going to be Carlos Quentin but the situations are pretty comparable. I liked the Quentin trade. They are 2 very different players. Quentin still hit the crap out of the ball in AAA in 2007. I get it. Every minor league position player KW acquires will be like Quentin. Every Cuban KW signs will be like Ramirez. Every minor league pitcher KW trades for will be like Floyd.

Aren't the Cubs technically still owned by the Tribune Co.? Didn't the Tribune Co. file for Bankrupcy today? There seems to be something morally wrong with them adding millions to the payroll when some of their creditors won't be paid.

QUOTE (fathom @ Dec 8, 2008 -> 09:43 PM) Since I'm lazier than s*** tonight, how old is Lillibridge? 25

QUOTE (scenario @ Dec 8, 2008 -> 09:21 PM) Because except for his 2008 hiccup, Lillibridge has been thought of as an excellent prospect. So his 2008 trainwreck should be ignored. OK. Just a hiccup.

This is a classic example of the grass is always greener on the other side argument. Lillibridge hit .220 with 4 homers and struck out at a higher clip than Juan Uribe ever did with the White Sox in AAA last year. Uribe was hated. He needed to be released. Yet this guy who also pounded out 4 homers has people excited. I will never understand.

QUOTE (knightni @ Dec 8, 2008 -> 07:23 PM) I disagree. Dye, Konerko, Crede, Uribe, Iguchi, Rowand, Pods, The 4 starters, Jenks, and even Geoff Blum were more integral. Geoff Blum had 1 big hit. If he didn't get it, would the White Sox have lost that game? If yes, would they have lost the WS? We will never know. It could have been huge, but then again, maybe not.

QUOTE (Pants Rowland @ Dec 8, 2008 -> 07:35 PM) Robin Ventura says hello. In a little over one less season, he had some very similar stats, including fielding percentage. He is 50 HR short of Santo but in about 1000 fewer AB. They both have a case full of gold gloves. Santo was in far more ASG. Go ahead and tell me how Santo was better. Maybe, but not by much. The fact is he was barely getting a sniff at the HOF in his 15 years of eligibility. His highest percentage was in the low 40s. Most of us never saw the guy play. Numbers alone do not always make a HOF player. Those that saw him are pretty split on his merit. From what I hear from those who saw him, he was the master of the meaningless home run, struck out a ton with the game on the line, and was despised by opponents. Different eras. When Santo was done playing, I believe he was second all time in homers by a thirdbaseman. I could be wrong but I think I read that. I don't think being despised by opponents should hurt your chances to get in. The last 3 elections he's been 8,5, and 9 votes short. He's going to get in. Its just a matter of time.

QUOTE (103 mph screwball @ Dec 8, 2008 -> 06:59 PM) KW has a cell phone in each hand and Rich Hahn is holding a 3rd. I picture Hahn following KW like that assitant on Entourage.

QUOTE (Tony82087 @ Dec 8, 2008 -> 05:56 PM) B&B talked about this earlier today, and I couldn't agree more with what they said. It's quite sad Santo has resorted to saying " I don't know how much longer I'm going to be around, blah,blah,blah" Mortality shouldn't factor into who goes to the Hall of Fame. Because he is sick, that should increase his chances? Sorry if that comes off harsh, but it's the truth. It shouldn't, and I'm saying don't make him a HOFer just because he will probably not be around much longer. He really has earned a place in the HOF. He certainly wasn't a first ballot guy, but he's been done playing for 34 years, and his credentials are good enough. Guys as close as he's come to getting in, always get in eventually. He's waited long enough. 10 years from now, there's a 99% chance he's in IMO. That's probably the same percentage chance of him not being around to enjoy it. I have been repulsed by his campaigning and crying about it as much as anyone, but I think this year was time. 2 wrongs don't make a right. I think he has to wait a couple of years now. I'm just saying if he's going to get in, and all indications are that he will, do the right thing and elect him when he's alive. If Ron Santo played for the White Sox and had the exact same career, this board would be outraged today. Believe me, I'm a guy who in the past has taken some glee out of him being shut out. But no more. Its time.

I think Santo is a borderline HOFer. He had a lot of very good to great years. He was done when he was 34 but still got 15 years in. I think maybe his campaigning has rubbed the Veteran's committee the wrong way. Its almost like some are saying I'm will not be influenced by his health problems. Per 162 games, he hit more homeruns, had more rbi and had a better OBP than Harold Baines, and was a stellar defensive 3rd baseman. As much as I don't care for the guy and wonder why he keeps putting those awful rugs on top of his head, if he's going to make the HOF, and I think he will, they should do it before he's dead. Its not like he's some criminal or something. Let him enjoy it instead of dying dissappointed when you know he's going to eventually get in.