Dick Allen

I thought Garland didn't want to be here?

QUOTE(JimH @ Dec 28, 2005 -> 09:21 AM) What do you propose to do about them being several million over budget? I think they can handle it. If there was any truth to the rumor KW was looking at Tejada, the payroll was only going to go higher if he was acquired. Vazquez's acquisition only added a million or two to the payroll, and that was after they offered Garland a 3 year deal at $8 million a year, a figure at the high end of what he would get in arbitration. I don't agree with the people who say keep him and trade him at the deadline. If the Sox are in contention and Garland's pitching like he did in 2005, there is no way they could let him go then. Chances are he will be gone, and as a guy who really couldn't stand Garland until last season, I think its a mistake unless you get a package like the A's got for Mulder. I would rather have 1 season of Garland pitching for the White Sox than 3 or 4 seasons of some "tools" prospects playing for Kannapolis and Birmingham before being released.

If Anderson, Sweeney, and Owens are anywhere near as good as the Sox think they will be, Rowand can come back as a reserve. Obviously, things happen over the course of a season or 2 or 3. I wouldn't read too much into the conversation JR had with him. It appears he is just thanking him for his service, and basically saying stranger things have happened than his returning some day. Basically telling Rowand it was nothing he did that got him traded, they just thought Thome was a bigger need.

What's interesting about Weaver is KW's interest in him ever since the Sox were unable to sign him after drafting him. The interesting thing about his interest is Weaver's agent.

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Dec 23, 2005 -> 03:21 PM) Odd idea, but I love it. Sadly I really do. Reed would be a great fit for the Sox, but I think they are high on Anderson. Platoon them, and when Dye is ready to leave you have your experienced cheap replacement. I don't know why people are so down on Reed after just his rookie season. I still think he is going to be quite a player. The guy I would really like the Sox to get from Seattle and I have no idea if he's available is Matt Thornton. He throws hard, but has control problems. I know Seattle was really high on him, but don't know if that feeling has changed. He fits the mold of what KW said he was looking for to fill Marte's spot. A guy like Marte who needed to be harnessed a little bit.

Maybe the Sox should trade Garland to Seattle and get Jeremy Reed back and some bullpen help.

QUOTE(JDsDirtySox @ Dec 23, 2005 -> 12:16 PM) I obviously don't think he can either, but I am just telling you what I have heard. I am sure they will tell him that, and then just use him as a utility player, but you never know. Graffinino may be traded.

What White Sox fans have learned is pitching wins. The only reason the Cubs should trade Prior is if they think the ball off his elbow will have lingering effects on him or they have determined without a doubt he's injury prone. If he can stay healthy for the rest of his career, whether he's a Cub or not, he's a hall of famer. Its very possible they believe he has lost something, because if they don't, IMO they would be out of their minds to trade a guy like that who they have control of for the next 3 seasons.He wasn't very effective after the injury.

Fogg wouldn't be bad out of the bullpen, and it would be nice to hear the foghorn at USCF again.

QUOTE(SEALgep @ Dec 23, 2005 -> 10:10 AM) He said he finally feels healthy. It's certainly possible his poor performances the last 2 years were majorly contributed by this. Will he be lights out, probably not. However, maybe converting him to a reliever will help his cause. It has worked for many before. As stated numerous times throughout this thread, no risk. Take a shot, and see what comes of it. He wasn't that great before that. His big season he was 10-14 with a decent ERA, and the 2 years before that he was horrible, but that could be explained by youth and inexperience. Its not as if he has done anything on the major league level to think he is anything but spring training and possibly AAA filler. But, like has been mentioned in the thread, there really is no risk with this signing. Maybe he discovers something and turns into the next Loaisa. I wouldn't hold my breath.

QUOTE(nitetrain8601 @ Dec 22, 2005 -> 03:08 PM) See post above me Garland's priority is cash right now and I won't knock him for it because I would probably be the same as 90% of the world would be. Let me ask you this, when Freddy becomes a FA, how much do you think he'll receive? Keep in mind, not warrant, receive. Freddy is fully aware of the money he lost not going through free agency. I really doubt he'll give the White Sox a break his next contract.

QUOTE(Cerbaho-WG @ Dec 22, 2005 -> 01:55 PM) Oh I forgot, teams have never overextended their budgets for small periods of time where they thought they could win championships. I mean, come on, sports franchises have never had economic losses, right? Right? Give me a break. The White Sox have to be real careful. The season ticket base is almost going to double in 2006, but its a house of cards really. Many are bandwagon jumpers who will hop off at the first sign of trouble. A couple of guys get hurt and the Sox win 75 games in 2006, we may be looking at a fire sale next offseason.

QUOTE(JimH @ Dec 22, 2005 -> 01:35 PM) Again, what about the budget, why are you ignoring this aspect of reality? Do you think other teams know the White Sox are over budget as it currently stands? (let me help you, the answer to that question is "yes"). Further, do you think that possibly gives other teams a slight bit of leverage in terms of what to give up? (answer again is "yes"). Finally, do you think other teams might be conerned about Garland's arbitration award which might also factor in to what they'd give up to take on that big $$ number? ("yes"). The White Sox have known for quite a while what Garland was in line for in arbitration, and tried to sign him to a under market 3 year contract , still worth approx. $8 million for 2006, which is probably the max he will earn in arbitration. I can't see where keeping him and losing in arbitration would be blowing up the budget, keep in mind the Vazquez trade only added a million or 2 to the payroll for 2006. The good news for me is Texas and the Dodgers both have said KW is asking for too much. I don't want him to settle for some B or C prospects that turn out to be of the ilk of Adkins, Diaz, Harris etc. Garland is a huge chip, depending on whether the Cubs are serious about possibly trading Prior, and Beane being serious about keeping Zito, he has to be the most attractive non free agent pitcher available. KW cannot settle. He has to stick to his guns and get quality or hold onto him and take the draft picks.

Redding sucks. If he makes the White Sox, the Sox are in trouble.

QUOTE(Steve Bartman's my idol @ Dec 21, 2005 -> 03:37 PM) Garland's had one good year, and he was 5-6 after the Break in 05! Esteban Loaisa got 3 years $21 million. Garland could get a lot more than 3/$24 million if he pitched anywhere near how he pitched this past season and became a free agent.

Maybe the Red Sox bite the bullet this season and then go nuts next year when the free agent class is heads and shoulders above this current one.

The Southtown is reporting the White Sox were going to tender Harris.

QUOTE(knightni @ Dec 20, 2005 -> 11:47 PM) First he suck, now he a Swallow. I put it on a tee for you, but I give you credit, you hit it out of the park.

He already has signed with the Swallows (I know there's a joke there) in Japan. His release was just a formality.

KW must have really been turned off by Harris' refusal to play SS in winter ball. He was a big Willie Harris guy for a long while IIRC.

QUOTE(fathom @ Dec 20, 2005 -> 10:46 AM) As happy as I am that Timo is gone, I'm just as happy with the organizational approach I see so far where they're not letting sentiments/personal friendships get in the way of making the SMART baseball decision. With that in mind, I still think we're more likely to see U. Urbina pitching for the Sox in June than we are Jon Garland. Will he have one of those things around his ankle?

What where Timo's home and away splits? He has to be a better player than Blalock in any park other than Texas.

And Soxtalk has officially run out of whipping boys.

Considering how Contreras finished up and the deals pitchers are getting this offseason, it isn't exactly the most ideal time for the White Sox to be negotiating a new contract with him.

QUOTE(chisox2334 @ Dec 19, 2005 -> 04:54 PM) no offense but where has anyone said that el duque phsyical went wrong? until you hear something then when can speculate whats going on. Remember two wweks ago wensday we accepted for cub-killar and it was not announced till tuesday or even later than that the next week. So everyone calm down. The Arizona Republic is reporting the hold up is the D-Backs are waiting for the results of Duque's MRI on his shoulder. It might be fine, it might not be, it might not really matter, but until the trade is officially completed there is still a chance it won't go down. FWIW, the DBacks GM in the same article was talking about how Chris Young may start in CF for the DBacks this season. Evidently they almost signed Lofton, but he has elected to follow Nomar to LA.