Dick Allen

Considering he was pitching on a minor league contract so he wasn't going to be any kind of financial burden if he made the team, there has to be a reason the Cardinals released Nelson. They, and they have seen him pitch more than anyone on this board this spring, may think he would be inneffective. Its possible those numbers he put up were put up against lower level guys. He basically is a ROOGY at this point, maybe they don't have room for that, but considering that's what he's been for several season, if that's the reason its curious as to why they would sign him in the first place. They could have tried to trade him, but evidently he has no trade value, or the terms of his contract prohibited that. He has had a reputation of not being a very good clubhouse guy, and is 39 years old. If he was so good, he wouldn't have modeled as many uniforms as he has the past several years. That said, Hawk has always seemed like a huge fan of his, and KW contemplated bringing him in a couple years ago. I'm sure they are thinking about it. I have been harping about the bullpen for several months, but I would not be upset if they passed on Nelson.

Isn't Benji Gil the guy that couldn't beat out Mike Caruso?

QUOTE(ChiSoxCE2005 @ Mar 26, 2006 -> 04:26 PM) Hey, just wondering...so what happened to Charlie Haeger? Did they give up on his knuckleball? I know his control was a problem. Anyone know what happened? He was sent pack to the minor league camp a week or 2 ago.

Who's supposed to pitch the 9th?

QUOTE(fathom @ Mar 26, 2006 -> 04:20 PM) McCarthy just give up 3 runs? yes

QUOTE(KevHead0881 @ Mar 26, 2006 -> 03:59 PM) Wow, Garland got smoked in his minor league game today. Hopefully he's just going through a dead arm period or the air is affecting his sinker. He was shelled his last outing with the major league team.

I watched a couple of minor league games down in Tucson. There's more gas cans we haven't had the opportunity to see yet.

QUOTE(SSH2005 @ Mar 26, 2006 -> 02:29 PM) I think the Sox just told Nomo that he would have a chance so he would be okay with helping Charlotte win something. He isn't going to help Charlotte win anything unless he throws to one of their hitters during a minor league home run contest.

QUOTE(SSH2005 @ Mar 26, 2006 -> 02:25 PM) Option for what? Charlotte? If Nomo really is being considered for a spot in the bullpen, which I hope he is not. I really don't see the purpose of having Nomo in the organization

Wouldn't Shingo be a better option than Nomo?

You can get seats in sec 105 with a patio party for that day for about $50 apiece on ebay.

$512,000 for 45 days termination pay isn't a bad gig.

Why would a guy who throws 100 mph all of a sudden start heavy weightlifting? Hopefully the Sox will do a better job of monitoring him next off season.

QUOTE(daa84 @ Mar 25, 2006 -> 11:45 PM) me too....im actually high on lopez....nobody has really mentioned his 16 Ks in 12.2 IP. I think he'll be fine, especially against lefties only. Unfortunately i think thornton will make the team, but unlike just about everyone else here, im not writin thornton off quite yet, i just think he wont be as effective right now as lopez They both suck. Lets not get too excited about spring training results when this guy comes into a game in the later innings and is facing AA hitters. He has allowed 54 runs his last 56 innings pitched on the major league level. When KW was describing the guys he was interested in from the left side back in November or December, I mentioned Thornton as a possibility. He has no command, and maybe if they worked with him for an entire spring they could correct that. I just don't know if they have enough time to straighten him out, if it is even possible to straighten him out.

I was watching the minor leaguers work out in Tucson. Lucy was firing the ball around the infield.

El Duque was named the #2 starter for the DBacks.

Almanza probably needs to look into a new career. I hope the Sox don't waste everybody's time and send him to the minors. Just release him.

At least the Sox have a lot of options if Kevin Hickey is unable to pitch batting practice for any reason.

QUOTE(Felix @ Mar 25, 2006 -> 04:13 PM) The same can be said for Blum (agruably, since those games were in Houston), Everett (no other DH option), Rowand, El Duque (arguably, you never know what happens in that Boston series if he doesn't perform his magic), Thomas (the team was at its best when he played) etc. etc. etc. These players are a lot easier to replace than a guy who was your ace at the end of the season. Think of it this way, by not trading Contreras and if you do let him leave via free agency, that will free up money to acquire adequate replacements. Trading him for relief pitching unless its for a sure-fire closer makes no sense.

QUOTE(Jordan4life_2006 @ Mar 25, 2006 -> 04:06 PM) And then you would be calling for Kenny's head if he had another '05 like season somewhere else. The Sox extended him 3 years with the first year probably a little below market value, the second probably a little above, and the third probably what it should be if he has 2 more seasons like last year. This contract just screams of one KW is going to use to try and lure cheaper players and prospects. A lot obviously depends on how he and the team do in 2006. If the season is a dissapointment for the Sox, I wouldn't be surprised to see the sold out season ticket base to take a big step backwards, which could mean Contreras and Garland could both be gone, with McCarthy and either a free agent or Cotts as their replacements.

QUOTE(jphat007 @ Mar 25, 2006 -> 04:01 PM) It was the first time he pitched in a game like 2+ weeks. WTF did you expect? And he was anything but the bad Contreras when he was taking his regular turn. He should be OK.

QUOTE(Jordan4life_2006 @ Mar 25, 2006 -> 03:46 PM) Not if he has another season '05 like season in '06. That's probably true, but I bet either way, he's trade bait next offseason.

QUOTE(Jordan4life_2006 @ Mar 25, 2006 -> 03:41 PM) We should've traded him earlier when his value was at its peak. His contract is alright for this year. Next year, he becomes ridiculously expensive.

QUOTE(jphat007 @ Mar 25, 2006 -> 03:40 PM) He's pitching in the minor league game I believe. This was the first time I've been to Tucson. If I were a White Sox player, I think I would want to take the trip to Phoenix.

Garland is pitching tomorrow. Hopefully he'll do better than his last outing when he was just abused.