Dick Allen

Daniel Cabrera at USCF would make people look back at Danny Wright fondly. Sorry, Coop can't fix him. Sort of like MacDougal,Sisco, Aardsma.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Dec 3, 2008 -> 11:11 PM) We won't have to wait too long to find out...in the next couple of weeks. But you'd have to guess at least 10-15 other teams would at least have preliminary interest in Cabrera. That's where Ozzie and Cooper might give us the advantage, theoretically, in recruiting. I'll put it this way....I would rather find 3-4 Daniel Cabreras and sign them for $3-5 milllion each per season than bring in ONE Jake Peavy to USCF and the AL. The odds are very good that not putting all the eggs in one basket (like buying stocks) will end up bearing fruit if Don Cooper has anything to say about it. We can have a bet, Willy Taveras will be a member of the White Sox organization before December 31st. LOL. I'd take the ace.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Dec 3, 2008 -> 06:02 PM) Worst-case scenario, Santos and Nunez (Yankees deal) are two promising young bullpen arms that contribute a couple of years from now. Lefties that throw 93 aren't easy to come by and are pretty valuable commodities, although we've now ditched two in Marte and Logan. Remembering the Everett trade, it was Frank Francisco who had the biggest impact. At the time, many really liked Anthony Webster and Rupe. I would say worst-case scenerio is these two never wear major league uniforms. If worst case scenerio is what you claim, KW should be in jail.

QUOTE (BearSox @ Dec 3, 2008 -> 06:01 PM) Why don't we just do a three-man booth with DJ, Hawk, and Stone? Hawk probably isn't gonna be around much longer (I'm not saying he's gonna die soon, but he's close to retirement, IMO), and it'd be nice to have his replacement still in the booth and not miss a beat. However, I hope DJ gets the MLB Network gig. It's a better situation for him, IMO, and it'd be nice to know they have at least one guy there who is a bit favorable to the White Sox. Hawk isn't going to retire unless he just can't physically do the job anymore. If his health permits, he'll do the job until he dies. He loves the game, doesn't even call it a job and gets paid tons.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Dec 3, 2008 -> 05:56 PM) We'll see what numbers Renteria gets with the Giants. Cabrera would still prefer the certainty of 2-3 years from ANYONE else, rather than swallowing his pride and coming back to Chicago and Ozzie. At his age and with the beating his takes, he has to be concerned about an injury on a one year deal precluding his ever signing another big, long-term deal. When we see how much Abreu, Dunn, Griffey, Burrell and Rivera get, that should be another clue....along with the second tier of pitching, Wolf/Garland/Oliver Perez. And I'm still not convinced the A's are "frontrunners" for Furcal. It seems to be a smokescreen to me. Supposedly Renteria is getting 2 years around $9 million a year. Cabrera is going to have to make a quick decision. That, at least, is in the White Sox interests if they don't want him.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Dec 3, 2008 -> 05:52 PM) I really wonder if KW and Ozzie are thinking of making a run at Manny Ramirez for 2 seasons....although I am petty sure he'll get 3-4 elsewhere. It's not going to be Lowe or Burnett, we know that much. Sabathia and Sheets (because he could be had for less based on injuries, just like Harden) are more likely, but not high probability in any realm of the imagination. Peavy is certainly intriguing to talk about. I would rather pay Peavy big bucks than Dunn or Abreu, someone like that. I keep going back to 2005, and starting pitching wins championships. With all the pieces KW has to play with, I think our offense will be fine, if not much better than 2008 (unless we deal Dye, in which case it would be likely to take until 2010 with Fields, Viciedo, Beckham and even someone like Fernando Martinez making a true impact to see improvement in the offense). I think there's a better chance of KW firing Rick Hahn and making Frank Thomas his #1 guy than the White Sox going after Manny Ramirez. Pitching wins. The Sox signed Albert Belle and he and Frank Thomas were going to rule the AL Central. It didn't quite work out. They couldn't overcome a pitching staff that had Jaime Navarro on the hill for opening day.

QUOTE (SadChiSoxFanOptimist @ Dec 3, 2008 -> 05:39 PM) Why in the world would Darrin Jackson want to work next to Ed Farmer, partner-killer? You get paid a lot of money to watch a baseball game and talk about it. I'm sure he's been looking for something better. Obviously, if he thought working with Farmio was the mountain top he wouldn't still be looking for something else. Its a pretty good fallback option.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Dec 3, 2008 -> 05:45 PM) I would think the Blue Jays would want to put all their efforts into retaining Halladay, unless they auction him off in some kind of Herschel Walker-esque megatrade. They have huge money going to Wells and Rios, and I think Rolen's pretty expensive too, especially for what they're getting out of him. They have to really hope Snider explodes this year so they can move some of the veteran dollars. Didn't show enough patience with Jayson Werth, either, or ever really find a position for him. The Blue Jays aren't going to sign anyone except perhaps Burnett to an 8 figure salary. They just layed off a bunch of staff. I think the 2 most likely places for OC are the Dodgers and Oakland maybe St. Louis. The big problem with Cabrera is finding a team that would give him more than 2 years in this economic climate. He is 34. I think there's a reasonable chance he accepts arbitration. Maybe KW wants him to do just that.

QUOTE (beck72 @ Dec 3, 2008 -> 03:46 PM) That was before they started hearing about what Fuentes and KRod were asking for. Those reports also said Putz [who likely wouldn't be deal] and Wood were above Jenks. The Mets are only going to accept a top notch closer, or their fans will riot. They might have to overpay in terms of dollars or prospects to get it done. K-Rod's contract demands have gone down. The article also stated the Mets were not too thrilled with Jenks' declining strikeout rates. I'm sure they are the odds on favorite to land K-Rod. The Mets will wait it out. You know if K-Rod gets a 4 or 5 year offer from another team, they will bring it back to the Mets. Who that other team may be, I have no idea. Could be the White Sox if they trade Jenks.

QUOTE (CWSOX45 @ Dec 3, 2008 -> 03:36 PM) This deal isn't happening. The Mets are more likely to go after Kerry Wood than to trade a lot of their prospects for Jenks. I read an article or 3 from NY papers a couple of weeks ago, and Jenks was about option #6 for the Mets.

QUOTE (R.J. @ Dec 3, 2008 -> 03:19 PM) I'm sure that if OC accepts arbitration we'll be able to trade him.* *for practically nothing in return for some team taking his salary off our hands Maybe. I really wonder if a team wants to pay him $11-12 million for one year. I read where Abreu may have to settle for 2 years at $8 million per, hence the Yankees didn't offer him arb.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Dec 3, 2008 -> 03:24 PM) Once again, Dye isnt going to NY. Its in his no trade agreement. I bet he would go if the Mets exercised his 2010 option. Sometimes it seems you are more likely to be traded with a NTC than without.

The White Sox have trimmed a lot of money off the payroll for now and the future. If you think about the guys who have left since the end of the season, Uribe- although I'm a big fan, not exactly a popular player. Crede- another I like although too many back concerns. Vazquez- I never liked him, a guy who is a below average pitcher when the money is on the table. Swisher-absolutely horrible in his one season with the Sox. Except for June, a minor leaguer the rest of the season. Hall- best attribute, good with shaving cream pies, and probably Cabrera-apparent cancer, a me first type. Of the 6 of them, what needs to be replaced from a division champion are Vazquez's 200 mediocre at-best innings. Cabrera, decent production from a SS, and everyone else, very minor contributions. Even with all the Sox have lost, it shouldn't be too hard to replace the mediocre production as a whole these 6 provided. And there should be a boatload of money to do it. If KW plays his cards right, he can set up the White Sox for years of success this winter.

QUOTE (Thunderbolt @ Dec 3, 2008 -> 01:46 PM) If O-Cab were to pull a stunt like this he would never play a game In a Sox uniform. He might even stand the chance of being blacklisted by a couple teams who wouldn’t stand for something like this. Why would he be blacklisted? The White Sox just made it more unattractive for another team to sign him by offering him arbitration. If he decides to accept what is offered, there's something wrong with that? The other thing is if he takes it, the White Sox will be stuck with a guy with an 8 figure salary who they supposedly don't want. Trading him will be difficult. First off, its probably more money than anyone would offer for at least one year. Secondly, they know they would have the White Sox over a barrel. If the White Sox truely don't want him around, offering arbitration just for a comp pick and a low first round pick or second rounder is pretty pretty silly considering the money involved. I think they did it because they are going to sign someone who will take their pick, using this as a replacement. Its a big gamble. I wouldn't have done it. If they blacklisted every player who stuck it to a team because of money, MLB would look like a beer league.

The White Sox don't want to be 24 guys and Manny, and that is what it will eventually be. Maybe it didn't happen in LA, but that was due to playing for a contract and time constraints. He's a great hitter, but the White Sox aren't going to negotiate with Scott Boras for a guy who undoubtedly will be a problem eventually and cost $25 million a year.

QUOTE (fathom @ Dec 3, 2008 -> 10:29 AM) Up until a few hours ago, I thought the Sox were looking hard at Furcal and Hudson. However, after reviewing these recent moves, we have so much "depth" with regards to middle infielders that it wouldn't make sense to sign one of these guys. I don't know about that. Nix was released by Colorado. The reason is he isn't very good. Lillibridge hit .220 in AAA. You basically have Getz at 2B. KW has always had a hard on for Hudson, and even KW can't complain about money now so Furcal should be considered. They still don't have anyone to leadoff and Ramirez can always play CF or even LF if Dye is moved and Quentin goes to RF, when Beckham is ready if they really plan to keep Beckham at SS.

QUOTE (DBAHO @ Dec 3, 2008 -> 10:21 AM) Also, do you think KW could maybe try to go after Khalil Greene as well if he was chasing Peavy? Why?

Steve Stone, in his blog, said a couple weeks ago after the Swisher trade, 2 trades and 2 acquisitions. He also mentioned fans would be surprised. I don't think there is any surprise Vazquez is gone. Dye, maybe a little surprise before all the rumors started. Considering the White Sox haven't paid more than $20 million total for a FA in 12 years, since Albert Belle signed in 12/96, the shock probably is the players in free agency they are targeting.

QUOTE (Fotop @ Dec 3, 2008 -> 09:19 AM) Matt Cain is another good idea, and he's a bit younger and more cost-controlled...yes? Sanchez wouldn't be a bad idea either. I could see the Giants having interest in Fields. It looks like they matchup well with us. I think SF is on record saying they wouldn't trade Cain. Who could blame them? The White Sox sure could use an ace. So could everyone else obviously. Peavy fits financially with all the money off the books this year already. All the money coming off after next, and Konerko's contract ending after 2010. I would be shocked if KW hasn't inquired. Its probably a longshot, but I agree with you the stars appear to be aligning to maybe make a run at him or sign one of the other really big FA pitchers.

QUOTE (ptatc @ Dec 3, 2008 -> 08:40 AM) Marquez will be the 5th starter. KW likes his AFL guys and was impressed by him. If that happens, the tumbleweeds will return to USCF.

AJP has always been known as a great blocker of balls. (That doesn't sound right) I would say its a difficult thing to put a stat on because there are easy blocks and there are block attempts the catcher has zero chance at.

I think its entirely possible. Not probable. But something is up with KW and it is huge. $37 million off the books for 2009. Looking to move Dye. Contreras, Thome and Dye possibly come off the books after 2009, even if he is lowering payroll he has more than $.75 when things cost $1.00. In fact, he probably has $1.50 and things with the ecomony probably cost $.75. No trade clause doesn't matter. He has a blanket no trade clause and they already said he will be moved. If his choice is to play for a lousy SD team or come to the AL and play for the White Sox, I think in the end, he would waive his NTC.

QUOTE (joesaiditstrue @ Dec 3, 2008 -> 08:34 AM) He mentioned a deal for Hudson wouldn't surprise him I can't fathom why we'd want to block Beckham for a few years.. Beckham can play 3b and SS as well. Ramirez can play CF. When Beckham is ready, the White Sox are going to play him. He's not Jerry Owens or Danny Richar or even Josh Fields. He is light years above them as a prospect.

QUOTE (Felix @ Dec 2, 2008 -> 05:57 PM) We all know KW is far from being done dealing. That being said, Flowers is a pretty good prospect to get back, especially considering our lack of depth at catcher. Javy is incredibly underrated by a number of people here, but I'll hold off judgement until we know what the actual deal is. You're the guy that called Justin Morneau the most overrated player in baseball. Period. Citing his poor September. Ignoring the fact he hit about .330 with runners on base in 2008. His poor September made you say he wasn't there when his team needed him most. Did you see Javy's last 4 starts including a playoff start? He's incredibly underrated? 16 1/3 innings, 26 hits, 25 runs. I suppose the 18 strikeouts is all that matters.

QUOTE (Milkman delivers @ Dec 2, 2008 -> 06:51 PM) And Javier Vazquez sucks. That's the key. Hopefully, one of these prospects pans out. If not, its still a big financial savings.