Dick Allen

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.

Notre Dame is sticking with Weis.

QUOTE (R.J. @ Dec 2, 2008 -> 06:06 PM) I mean seriously, this would clear about 10 million bucks here right? Swisher cleared about 5? We have OC and Uribe gone clearing 15? We should have some money to spend, even if the economy's in the tank. edit: way beaten. The interesting thing is many believe the middle tier players will be the ones squeezed due to the economy. KW may be able to get multiple bargains for multiple years if he's able to wait it out.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Dec 2, 2008 -> 06:04 PM) Well, we DO know there is going to be a hole in either RF or LF depending on where they put Q. Of course KW would rather be a more athletic team. Dunn's not a bad athlete, but he is a horrible OF. I think KW will stay away from him because he is the all or nothing type. Unless he can unload one or two of his current all or nothing types.

Uribe $4.5 million Crede $5.5 million Cabrera $9 million Vazquez $11.5 million Hall $2 million Swisher $5.5 million That's a lot of cash off the books. While they said payroll will be lower in 2009, it can't be THAT much lower. Something big is going to happen.

Maybe KW is loading up on prospects to get Peavy.

I am so glad Javy is gone. If the Braves contend he will suck. If they have a year like 2008, he may shine. I'm sure Texsox will think nothing of it, but of the 3 guys who went home instead of sticking around after not making the playoff roster if Logan is in this deal, only Broadway is left on the roster,and I don't think he's long for the White Sox.

QUOTE (ptatc @ Dec 2, 2008 -> 01:03 PM) This only applies to season ticket holders. The increases in price coupled with the economy will create a decrease in walk up and individual ticket sales. It would be smart to budget for that. And individual game ticket prices will increase, which will decrease the number of walk-ups as well. All we hear is 95% renewel rate. To raise prices when you have everyone's non-refundable playoff money and then state you are trimming payroll is pretty bold. Sticking it to your season ticketholders is a very slippery slope. That said, I don't care if the payroll is $10 million as long as they win. Just don't cry poor when you raise prices and claim a 95% renewel rate.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Dec 2, 2008 -> 12:57 PM) The economy is just a little different today than it was then, it makes sense that the budget is different too. There were tons of signs what was going to happen. JR is perhaps the wisest man in sports. Like everyone else, it chaps my ass they are cutting payroll but raising prices of my tickets by a significant amount. They had a better handle on the economy's condition when they decided to raise ticket prices.

QUOTE (R.J. @ Dec 2, 2008 -> 12:56 PM) More evidence that we're tightening our belt as the economy continues to fall (but the ticket prices, they still go up you see). Not that I'm all that interested in this years Japanese class, but how many times now has Kenny been quoted as saying our money is drying up? Its very old, just like all the bowing down to the Twins when they go to Minneapolis. You spank the Twins in Chicago, you can spank them there as well. Engraving a mindset that everything that can go wrong, will go wrong there just increases the chances that it will.