iamshack

Hey guys, here is a link to a great pitching website that analyzes pitching mechanics. It's extremely interesting. Anyways, they did a feature article on Justin Duchscherer about 6 weeks ago. I haven't reviewed it since then, but from what I recall, they said he has solid mechanics but is just a victim of bad genetics. Kalapse, Fathom, Tony, some of the rest of you would really enjoy this website. http://drivelinemechanics.com/2008/06/08/p...in-duchscherer/

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Jul 25, 2008 -> 02:04 AM) She's blonde, she was a cheerleader (or dancer? either one is fantastic), she's gorgeous, and she loves sports. You find me a more attractive woman than that, and I'll call you a filthy liar. Yeah, and there's that other thing about her...hmm, what could it be...

$4.21 in Las Vegas.

I actually just moved here a week ago to take a new job. The 100 degree temp actually isn't bad, considering how low the humidity is. What you want to avoid is the 110 and directly in the sun stuff. That can be pretty rough. As for off the Strip stuff, as some have mentioned, Red Rock is pretty popular amongst the locals. Then there is also Town Square, which is just off the Strip, that has a very non-vegas feel to it. There is also the 51's, the Dodgers Triple-A team. Additionally, basketball summer leagues are starting here soon (if not already), featuring the many NBA players that were just drafted. And then you might want to check the Team USA Basketball website, as I have heard they are going to be scrimmaging here at the Thomas and Mack Center in a few weeks. There is also an area called "The District" in Green Valley (20 minutes from Vegas) that features some family friendly shopping, eating, etc. I'm not going to argue that Vegas is the best family destination, but there are a few things you can do besides gambling and getting loaded. Oh, and as for shows, Lance Burton puts on a decent magc show over at the Monte Carlo that your kids might enjoy.

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Jul 8, 2008 -> 12:30 PM) In that deal, both Sizemore and Phillips were considered upper echelon prospects (Phillips was the grand-old prize) while Cliff Lee was considered a good prospect who already had some major league experience. Basically put, I guess you can compare this trade to that one, but just note that the other prospects given up aren't as highly thought of as Sizemore and Lee were (Phillips and LaPorta are on the same level though). Are you sure, Jason? I seem to remember Sizemore being sort of a mediocre prospect in that deal, as he was struggling a bit at A ball at the time?

QUOTE (Wanne @ Jul 8, 2008 -> 12:02 PM) Because their SS rotation STINKS! How does that force them to move Kemp though? They've got plenty of other pieces to move before him...

QUOTE (Felix @ Jul 8, 2008 -> 12:00 PM) No, my premise is that they won't be able to get the same type of talent in the draft that they had in LaPorta. He was a 7th overall pick and has played like it since coming into the majors. They can't replace that with a sandwich pick. Yes, they can get a talented player still, but it's not replacing LaPorta in either talent or certainty. I see why Milwaukee did it, but I don't agree with their reasoning. That being said, I might feel different if I was in their shoes and hadn't been to the playoffs in nearly two decades. What has LaPorta accomplished for the Brewers that this future pick might not? It's ridiculous to say that whatever player they get with that pick cannot be as good as LaPorta, especially considering LaPorta has not had an mlb at-bat yet.

QUOTE (Wanne @ Jul 8, 2008 -> 11:38 AM) In a heartbeat. I'm really not following the line of thinking sending the Dodgers OC. Teams in 1st place don't trade their staring SS and leadoff man in the middle of the season. I understand that OC very well may be gone at the end of the year...but I just don't see how that helps this team right now. Well can't we all assume that if they really are willing to move Kemp, that they are going to demand a piece back that helps them NOW? Why else would they do that? And how does Juan Uribe and some mediocre prospects accomplish that?

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jul 8, 2008 -> 11:42 AM) Its hard to say what other teams would have been offering. Draft picks cost a lot of money for a lot of speculation and projection. Getting minor leaguers who have already been paid and have shown an ability to be good is a lot better than a couple of picks IMO. Plus they shed the $5 or $6 million they were to pay CC for the rest of this year, so they wind up with probably $10 million saved considering Sabathia's salary and signing bonuses and better young players than they would have had with the draft picks. I think its a good deal for Cleveland. Yeah, the money is a good point, Dick. Especially for a team like Cleveland that is very financially responsible. However, it's July 8. Who says they couldn't have held him for a few weeks? I have a hard time guessing that no one would have stepped up between now and the deadline. But then again, who knows.

Actually, the word on the street now seems that the Pirates are not willing to move Jack Wilson, who is due $7.25 million next season and an $8.4 million club option in 09'. Also read that the Dodgers did not offer anyone from their mlb roster, as it had been speculated earlier that they were dangling Kemp. I do wonder if they would have interest in OC, as they seem pretty desperate for a ss. I'm sure Kenny will look into it. Kemp would provide the speed we need, as well as a solid young bat that should develop very nicely over the next few years.

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Jul 8, 2008 -> 10:37 AM) Papers out in LA are indicating that the Dodgers have had some preliminary discussions surrounding Juan Uribe. My dad told me he heard on talk radio out here that the Sox were actually asking for quality prospects in return as well. In addition, the Dodgers apparently are willing to dangle Matt Kemp for a SS (obviously that wouldn't be Uribe). I read they were considering moving Kemp for Jack Wilson. If that is really the case, I'd rather deal them OC for Kemp, lead him off and play him in center, with Juan moving to ss. But that's just me.

QUOTE (Felix @ Jul 8, 2008 -> 10:20 AM) A sandwich pick at the end of the round doesn't replace Matt LaPorta, who was the seventh overall pick. They gave up six years of a player who is going to hit the majors in a year or two for a half a year of an ace pitcher. If they had any chance of resigning CC it'd be a much better deal, but as is I'd much rather get the six years of a player than the half year of a pitcher and unless the pitcher is the one thing that hands them a World Series, I don't like the deal (especially for a small market team that needs to value young players in their first six years of major league service time more than larger markets). I understand what you're saying here, but your premise is almost as if there are no more players available to draft. As if they can't just draft another player next season that they will control for 6 years. Certainly LaPorta is well-regarded and more of a certainty at this stage in his career than the player they will draft next June with their first compensation pick, the difference is not that far off. I think Cleveland actually should have gotten more.

Baseball Prospectus has been doing this same thing for some time now. They have the Sox winning the division at an over 80% clip. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/statistics/ps_odds.php

Burnett is certainly available, especially considering he has an opt-out clause in his contract which allows him to become a FA after this season. However, he has continued to battle injury as well as consistency problems, so while he would probably get more than his current $11 million per year, it's anyone's guess what the total package would be. I don't think the need is enough for the price we would have to pay, especially since any GM we try to acquire pitching from is going to intially demand either Floyd or Danks (or both).

QUOTE (lostfan @ Jul 2, 2008 -> 11:04 AM) He definitely needs to work on pitch count and go later into games. But even still, there have been several times where the team's inability to score or hold a lead has outright shafted him out of a win. At times, it's downright amusing. It was the same way last year, when it took him forever to get his first win. You'd think the team hates him. Yeah, it's almost bizarre how often we score two or less runs for him.

Part of the fact that we don't bunt much in that situation is a function of our team, and not of our strategy. It's worse strategy to ask Paulie, Jimmy, or Jermaine to bunt than to just let them do what they are capable of actually doing. Like Hawk says, you find out what your guys can't do, and don't ask them to do it.

QUOTE (lostfan @ Jul 2, 2008 -> 09:35 AM) It's just sad to me that wins are actually a metric that people use, and the first thing people look at. Danks should have 10 or 11 wins now and it's not his fault he's a 5 game winner, and it's obvious when you look at his stats. Wins = useless. Pretty much, however, part of the reason he has a low win total is his inability to go late in a lot of games. Certainly not down on Johnny, but the one thing he needs to work on is being more efficient and lasting longer into games (like last night). I know he certainly has not gotten the run support, but lasting a few more games into the 6th, 7th or 8th just may have netted him a few more w's (and will in the future). Edit: Sorry, a bit late on this post. Was writing, then got a phone call.

QUOTE (ChiSox35 @ Jul 2, 2008 -> 12:09 AM) Laughable. I'm all for Alexei's success and believe he will be great for us, but what he's done has essentially amounted to a Juan Uribe hot streak with home runs being replaced by singles and doubles. Should Alexei be playing right now? Hell yes, you play your hot hand. Give him time to show he can withstand an MLB season. At the moment, it sure looks like he can and will, but funnier things have happened. Juan's regular AB's are most likely over with the Sox. As a fan of his, bummer, but it's nice to see him raise his average 15 points despite this with pinch hit ABs and infrequent starts. But about the regular AB's being over with...thank God, because who the f*** needs a gold glove shortstop who can also bring 20 HRs 80 RBI to the table. You say a lot of good things in there. I tend to agree with you on most points. Another thing, remember how Juan came out of the gates in 04'. Anyone remember the Montreal game where he had 7 rbi in a losing effort?

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jul 1, 2008 -> 05:08 PM) Its a huge albatross. The guy can't prove he can pitch effectively in AAA, has $1 million left to be paid this year, $2.65 million guaranteed next year with a $350k buyout. So you owe him $4 million right now. Approximately the same amount KW was able to sign Ramirez for 4 seasons. Why would a team give up anything of value and assume that contract taking into account his struggles this year and last and the huge injury risk he will always be? KW barely paid his ENTIRE bullpen $4 million when he was defending a world title. Seriously Dick, you're being a drama queen here. That contract is not a huge albatross. That contract makes up less than 2% of the team's 08' payroll. As I said earlier, it certainly is not ideal or optimal, but considering where some of our other payroll is going to this year, I don't think it is going to in any way seriously handicap us. I mean, come on Dick, $2 million a year is a really negligible number by baseball standards.

QUOTE (lostfan @ Jul 1, 2008 -> 03:43 PM) This is bordering on another topic entirely, but I hate when small-market teams don't spend their revenue-sharing money. This thread long-ago left the original topic, why stop now? Honestly, there should be at least a salary floor if there is not going to be a salary cap...

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Jul 1, 2008 -> 03:40 PM) I agree with the general point you are trying to make that MacDougal has a scrap of value and the Sox could very easily "cash" in on that if they really wanted to. Probably a dude who's an organizational player, but they could get something for him regardless. However, the above quote I'll disagree with, especially because the pen is as good as it is. If it were struggling and the Sox were contending, perhaps I'd believe it, but not right now. Well, I meant as a general rule, not at this very moment. And who knows, I was still pretty shocked they signed Loaiza again. After that, how could anyone make the claim that we aren't still looking at the scrap heap?

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jul 1, 2008 -> 03:39 PM) Florida excluded. No, it's not like they can't afford it....they get $60-some million in revenue sharing before they sell one ticket or beer (although they don't sell many).

QUOTE (Kalapse @ Jul 1, 2008 -> 03:22 PM) Pierzynski B+ Konerko D Ramirez A Cabrera B- Crede C+ Quentin A+ Swisher B- Dye A Thome C Uribe C+ Ozuna C+ Anderson C+ Hall B Vazquez B- Buehrle B Danks A Contreras B+ Floyd A- Masset B- Logan A- Dotel A Thornton A Linebrink A+ Jenks A I know Swisher has had some bad luck at the plate, but I am curious as to why he gets a B-. Is it because of his defensive versatility?

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jul 1, 2008 -> 03:08 PM) If Aardsma had MacDougal's contract last winter, Boston wouldn't have traded for him. Yeah, I just think you're way off-base here in claiming that Mac's contract is some albatross or something. Certainly it's not optimal to pay a minor league pitcher $2 million per year, but there have been far worse atrocities committed upon payrolls. The difference between $2 million and say, $400k is not as much as you are claiming for a big league team.

QUOTE (lostfan @ Jul 1, 2008 -> 02:59 PM) Like Dick Allen said, if he has good stuff but can't control it, it doesn't matter. See also: David Aardsma Yeah, see him. He's not doing too badly right now.