harfman77

It was on the mock draft done by BP and Future Sox. "Alex Jackson - Paul Konerko comp coming out of HS- better athlete, more likely to stick at C but bat profiles about the same at same stage." http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2014/06...-for-cubs-at-4/

QUOTE (IlliniKrush @ Jun 2, 2014 -> 03:47 PM) Whoa whoa whoa there killer. Please, this isn't the umpires fault by any means. This is how the game has evolved, unfortunately. The first time someone calls a strike on a batter for breaking the batter's box rule, you're going to have an ejection. And that umpire is going to shoot himself in the foot because he'll be the only guy doing it, and eventually lose his job because of all the issues he'll face. This isn't high school baseball, where I can enforce whatever I want (even there I still have to use a lot of judgment on these rules). Those guys simply do what they are told by their bosses. You can't pin this on them. This is above the umpires. This has to come down from MLB as a point of emphasis, be explained to everyone, then implemented, with the league having their back. Someone does this right now? The league is not going to have their back, it's going to be a "what the f*** do you think you're doing out there?" Believe me, the umpires are all for better pace of play. Baseball needs to eliminate as much dead time as possible. Put the blame where it belongs - the players. Its not the players fault for taken advantage of a broken system, its the lack of enforcement. The umpires are not entirely responsible either, this needs to be something that MLB says that they are going to start being serious about and then give the umps the instruction and support to enforce the letter of the law.

QUOTE (Feeky Magee @ Jun 2, 2014 -> 03:37 PM) R-O-D-O-N Really I am at peace with any of the top six guys at this point: Rodon - Was the next coming of David Price before this season, played on a bad team and sometimes that can affect pitchers Aiken - Best mix of pitches in the draft, a refined feel for pitching and good command Kolek - Solid mechanics, physical build, throws heat, Jackson - The Paulie comp was throw out there by one pub today, best hitter in the draft something the Sox sorely need is hitters that have bat to ball skills Gordon - Sox have been pretty good developing MI lately, not as fast as his brother, but a better fielder and some power Nola - Perhaps this years Wacha - decent chance to be the first player in this class to reach the majors

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Jun 2, 2014 -> 03:32 PM) That doesn't make any sense -- if they wanted to save money, all they'd need to do is draft underslot. Gives them flexibility to sign their first rounder, at least. They have to offer the pick at least 90% of the slot value of the pick or they lose the pick and do not receive compensation. With the 39th pick, there is no guarantee that the guy will sign for what you offer as you have no idea who is still going to be around and therefore it is a infinitely more difficult to work out a pre-draft underslot deal. So they saved a $1M and received a RP while they were at it.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Jun 2, 2014 -> 02:33 PM) Am I the only one here who thinks baseball is perfectly watchable as it is? I think the game is fine, its the pitchers that take a lap around the mound after every pitch they throw and the batters that step out of the box and take a cut between every ball thrown that really slow the game down and make it difficult to watch a complete game. The games are taking much longer than they need to which makes it tough for average fans to set aside enough time to take in a game, let alone 3-4 games a week.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Jun 2, 2014 -> 01:33 PM) I would have agreed with you until the Marlins JUST traded a random 27-year old reliever with 5 K/9 for one. http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/06/marl...om-pirates.html The problem is that the Marlins probably look at the trade as a way to save money. They already had one comp pick and would have had to at least offer $1.3M to avoid losing this pick. They had the largest bonus pool but may not have the financial flexibility to sign all the picks. It would be interesting to know if the Pirates picked up any of the $300K owed to Morris.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ May 31, 2014 -> 01:39 PM) And by trading Quintana you hope to, at best, get Quintana back. That's not true, at best, you hope for three Quintanas back, at worst you hope for one back. As a sample deal - the Sox send Quintana and Beckham to the BJ's for Aaron Sanchez, Daniel Norris, Roberto Osuna and a throw in like Rowdy Tellez or Adonys Cardona. Sanchez is likely ready to step into Q's spot in the rotation by September, Norris can fill a spot next summer, and Osuna is a high upside guy that would fill a slot in 2-3 seasons.

It would be nice if he could get some in AB's in the AFL or DWL to try and get some timing back before spring training next season, perhaps even a late season minor league rehab assignment if he is ready ahead of schedule, but I dont see anyway he should be back on the ML roster this season.

My hope for the Sox draft: 1.3 Aiken - Hopefully the Astros find an underslot deal that they like better than Aiken and the Marlins grab the Miami native Rodon 2.44 Luke Weaver - Was once projected as a top 15 guy, his stock is down as he has been inconsistent over the last month, but would give the Sox a higher floor guy that could move quickly to compensate for developing the HS pitcher taken first 3.77 Jeren Kendall - Contact hitter, plus plus speed, great range in CF - Lance Johnson type table setter

QUOTE (Feeky Magee @ Jun 1, 2014 -> 04:47 PM) I'd much rather have the 39th pick than Bryan Morris. Dude has been worth -1.8 WAR for his career. That might be a bit harsh on him as a groundballer, but he's at the very best an average reliever. I wish Hahn would have made that deal with Putnam. 1st round picks are worth much more than middle relievers, especially when they add another ~$1.5M to your draft pool.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Jun 1, 2014 -> 11:52 AM) http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/tracy-...p;vkey=news_mlb Didn't realize the White Sox were one of five teams offering him a six-year contract (originally). Seems like the Sox have been in on nearly every Cuban who has made an impact, with the exception of Soler, who it was always a foregone conclusion was going to the Cubs. What would you give to him as a FA offer (assuming he plays the same or better the next 1 1/2 seasons)? Years/dollars? Is there such a thing as "too many Cubans" on one MLB team? Or would you consider bidding for a FA RH outfielder entering years 30-33 in his career (a little bit beyond his prime) too risky? Is he too similar to Avisail Garcia? Or the perfect complement to surround Eaton (assuming he's still around) with? Also, would anyone be interested in Billy Butler in USCF for 81 games if he became available on the cheap, despite his non left-handedness? Or too worried about his weight and age and downtrending performance curve? Or Colby Rasmus, since bringing in Melky Cabrera or Victor Martinez would be overpaying/buying too high based on their 2014 performance levels? Seth Smith? Adam Lind? LaRoche? The Sox were one of the finalists for Soler as well. They were not in on the middle infielders that signed last summer and their interest in Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez was tepid. Probably the biggest guy that they didnt make a serious run at was Aroldis Chapman. Their interest in the current FA's Carbonell and Raciel Iglesias who will each sign sometime this month, is yet to be determined. They were in on Carbonell at one point but their has been little news on who has made official offers to him at this point. Both of those guys are a little younger (23 and 24) and will probably need some time in the minors, especially Carbonell.

QUOTE (fathom @ May 30, 2014 -> 12:53 PM) From a BP draft chat: Nick (Chicago): What would factor in the White Sox NOT taking Rodon if available? Is it just the potential price tag, or do they actually think Kolek is better? Pre-Draft Chat with Nick J. Faleris: Asking price, workload, inconsistent performance, less than surgical command, could all factor into not selecting Rodon. As for whether or not Kolek is better, that comes down to preference. To me he's a big power arm with a good body, relatively low mileage, and the chance to develop a plus breaking ball. There's not great present command and he doesn't yet consistently execute, so I'm struggling to see more than $3.5 MM price tag. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/chat/cha...=1401470336#new Wonder if the Sox are leaking the Kolek stuff to get other targets to lower their demands in effort to work out a pre-draft deal. Hahn has seemed to use mis-information much more than ninja KW ever did. We will find out soon enough. A $3.5M deal would free up $2.2M to spread throughout the draft and is nearly equal to the sixth overall slot. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/2014-...-top-10-rounds/

QUOTE (GreenSox @ May 30, 2014 -> 11:53 AM) I disagree with this basic premise. He's 25, not 30. How do we know he's at the "height". And that height may last for a long time, as it often does with easy throwing lefties. The man's consistent. We need pitchers like him. And our system is not exactly replete with arms. We have plenty of other superior options to trade, like surplus middle infielders, Dunn, De Aza and then guys like Phegley. And frankly we need to trade a lot of these guys even though we'll get similar in return. They are superior only in that they do not have much value to the Sox, and really probably less value anywhere else than in Chicago. If you want to receive top talent back, you need to give up top talent. Trading any of those guys will get you A ball lottery tickets while moving Q would likely net you high level talent. QUOTE (Soxfest @ May 30, 2014 -> 11:55 AM) No to trading Q............Danks hell yes. Again, you have to trade value to get value back, Danks has more value to the Sox than he does anyone else at this point. QUOTE (Dick Allen @ May 30, 2014 -> 11:58 AM) The White Sox need starting pitching. Not shedding it. If you can turn Q into two SP's though, wouldn't that help you quicker than waiting to for someone to develop? If you deal him to the BJ's, Orioles, or Rockies and get an MLB ready arm back, a near MLB ready guy, and another prospect, it would fix the rotation more quickly than waiting for Danish to develop. I am not advocating the idea, just thought it would be a good discussion on a slow news day.

Pros - At the height of his value given age/contract status/performance/track record Reasonable contract that will fit into almost any teams payroll Would bring the best return of anyone on the roster outside of Sale and Abreu The market for starting pitching may be crazy this summer with all of the injuries that have happened to other starters on contending teams. Cons - Quality starting pitching is hard to find for a reasonable amount Prospect laden deals are hit and miss, emphasis on the miss Contract makes he and Sale very affordable through 2020

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ May 30, 2014 -> 08:40 AM) My wager proposition was with Balta because of the Jimenez/Noesi ERA issue. For some people who think Jimenez sucks and always will, you guys sure do seem nervous he might wind up with a decent ERA. I don't think Jimenez sucks, but I definitely don't think he was worth the contract that he got from Orioles to the Sox. The Sox need to continue to load up on prospects and that means taking fliers on guys like Paulino, Cleto, Belly, and Noesi and converting them into prospects or slotting them into the five year plan. In Noesi's case, he was a guy the Sox were rumored to want back in the Swisher deal that the Yankees wouldn't give up, so perhaps they have seen something in him that makes them think he can be a long term piece. The Sox also need to preserve their payroll flexibility so that they can add payroll in a trade when they are ready to make their run. There are still at least one gap on the roster in the rotation and others at OF and DH next season. If the Sox can build the system up to the point they have a chance to make a run at Stanton, you want to make sure that you have the payroll capability to extend him long term. Last season the Sox underperformed, I think this season they have played above their heads, but that will likely catch up with guys like Gillaspie, Abreu, and Eaton that have little MLB experience and TFlow will eventually come back to the player that he is. I think the Sox probably end up at least 5-6 games out of the WC by the time July 31 rolls around. There are too many gaps and question marks on this roster to think that a mid-rotation starter would have put them into WS contention.

QUOTE (HickoryHuskers @ May 30, 2014 -> 06:57 AM) Yes, it's troubling, especially since his own team is hoarding all the lefty starters. Well played.

QUOTE (TaylorStSox @ May 29, 2014 -> 02:36 PM) If somebody wants to trade us a vet or a flier for a a non prospect, that's fine. I I don't have to pay the guy. Nobody's going to trade us a difference maker for a non prospect though. I definitely would trade our older assets to build though. I'd be all over Ramirez for prospects, or anything for Beckham. I don't see either as part of a long term plan. Both are more valuable in the offseason, so probably no deals this summer. If the Sox are looking to add it will need to be someone in the minors that has value, and there are not very many players in the system that would have the same value to other orgs that they do for the Sox. Saladino would be an exception as would Andy Wilkins.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ May 29, 2014 -> 12:01 PM) You can't roll the dice with Hoffman. I think they said last night the full recovery rate of TJ surgery right now is 90%. You can't bet the ranch he will be a stud to begin with and he won't be one of the 10%. Ironically, if they were drafting where they normally draft, it could be a good role of the dice. There is probably a less than 40% chance that any of the pitchers reach their ceilings, if you can get the guy you originally wanted and add two more 1st round caliber players later in the draft, like Kodi Medeiros and Jacob Gatewood, I would take that as a win. Edit: I don't think this is the path the Sox will take, but I think that it should at least be in the discussion. I prefer Aiken to anyone in the draft followed by Jackson and then could care less who they take if those two are gone.

Paulino was worth the risk. He has a rare arm but also has severe control issues, if the Sox can find way to get him to quit falling behind in counts and throw strikes early he can be successful in a back of the rotation or long man role. If not he is a DFA candidate that will allow the Sox to put a claim in on someone they want in August.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ May 29, 2014 -> 10:04 AM) Giolito was the 16th pick though. You can take risks in that range of the draft. At 3, you really want to make sure you hit on someone. Thats true, but I am not sure there is a sure thing out there. But there are some pretty big red flags on all the pitchers the Sox will likely have available at 3. Rodon is said to have reliever level control and struggles to pitch off his fastball, Kolek's frame is a concern as well as his lack of a plus secondary offering, Nola has concerns about his arm slot and ceiling, Hoffman obviously has the injury concern now, Holmes is thought to be physically maxed out. Jackson seems to be the consensus best bat in the draft, so I would roll the dice on him at a full slot rate especially since he has a pretty highly thought of hit tool, which is something that the OF's in the system seriously lack. I would be more inclined to take Hoffman than any of the rest IF he would sign for what he is projected to get from the BJ's at the 11th pick. That would allow the Sox to have an additional $3M dollars to go over slot throughout the draft, which would essentially allow then to go over slot in rounds 2 and three to sign guys that slip and sign guys like Octavio Rodriguez that they drafted late last season.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ May 29, 2014 -> 10:04 AM) They arent showcasing anyone, they are trying to develop players the best they can, especially ones they think could be special or heavy contributors. Micah needs to be in AAA So does Marcus.

QUOTE (SoxPride18 @ May 29, 2014 -> 09:36 AM) Jon Heyman ‏@JonHeymanCBS 13m More #astros considering rodon and aiken for No. 1 pick. but might they pull a gordon surprise? #MLBdraft http://cbsprt.co/1k7wJOP I was starting to warm to the idea of Kolek until I saw the Brad Penny comp. If Aikens gone, I say Jackson or Hoffman at #11 slot money.

QUOTE (MurcieOne @ May 28, 2014 -> 11:36 PM) Saladino likely not a true SS candidate anymore, but he has continued to hit the ball pretty consistently (.286/348/484). I know they are trying him out in LF, trying to give him some added versatility and value. I wonder who will be the next guy up. Can he play SS a little though? His role seems to be a RH version of L Garcia in that he can play multiple positions. If he can play adequately at 2B, SS, 3B, LF, he will have a role for the Sox, if not he will be a AAAA player.

QUOTE (Andy the Clown @ May 29, 2014 -> 09:33 AM) Micah Johnson could be our CF of the future, and Semien may play SS when Lexi is traded. If Beckham has finally figured it out (doubtful, but possible), we could have room for all three on the same team. Johnson could be, but if that was the Sox line of thinking you would think that they would have started the process of working him in the OF. If you move Semien to short, that adds Carlos Sanchez into the mix as being an extra asset.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ May 29, 2014 -> 09:08 AM) At this point last year I'm pretty sure I hadn't heard Tanaka's name once. I did a little checking after Tanaka signed to see who the next big thing from Japan would be, sounds like they have a couple of younger guys that will likely come over eventually, but are probably 4-5 years away - Shohei Otani hit triple digits in HS and was looking at jumping to the MLB directly from HS before eventually deciding to stay with the Nippon Ham-fighters. He is now 19 and is playing both ways as a RF. The guy that will likely be posted next winter is Kenta Maeda, and he projects to be a back of the rotation arm.