harfman77

QUOTE (Buehrle>Wood @ Apr 14, 2014 -> 08:41 AM) We could definitely use a lefty long man. But it should be Downs going somewhere, not veal. Downs will go somewhere in July. He has only seen 11 batters this season, far too early to write him off. The closer should be Lindstrom until he is traded, then probably Webb, until he is traded.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Apr 14, 2014 -> 09:39 AM) Cleto just has so much movement on his pitches. He is one of those guys I think will always have control problems. Until he builds up a solid reputation, and then the umps will give him more of those calls. He can be a solid bullpen guy, but as you mention, will never have the control to be a SP.

QUOTE (ScottyDo @ Apr 14, 2014 -> 09:56 AM) We're not talking about giving up players with upside at this point, are we? I mean, I know we're 7-6 but we're not all of the sudden rolling in talent here. I'd rather roll with what we've got than make any trades at this point, unless we're talking about trading Alexei/De Aza. Yeah, I think that is the problem with this idea, no sense in trading anything of value at this point from the minors. The Sox need to continue to sell off major league pieces to build the farm system up in hopes of building a strong enough system where we can produce ML talent and have a surplus to acquire ML talent when the team is ready to compete. The offense is off to a promising start, but the wheels are going to come off at some point, there are just so many young guys in the lineup that it is bound to happen. RH is doing the right thing in trading off veterans to create payroll flexibility, building up the minors through trades, strategic international spending, and the draft, and taking flyers on guys like Gillaspie, Paulino, Downs, Cleto, Boggs, Nieto and Guerra. Most of them will fail, but if one or two pans out you have some pretty good assets that you acquired for next to nothing. I am happy with where the Sox are at this point. The offense is a little ahead of schedule, the bullpen is a work in progress but the tools are there for success, and the starters are a pitcher away from being a really, really good staff.

Laws new draft blog is up, talks about Rodon's overuse throwing 118 pitches in 7 IP and then going out for the 8th before finally being pulled after 134. Talks about Luke Weaver as a quick moving mid-late first rounder. Question whether Max Pentecosts swing will make it in pro-ball. Had this write up on a potential second rounder "Sprayberry High School shortstop Michael Chavis has had some first-round buzz after a very strong spring season at the plate, showing strong hit and power tools after a modest showing last summer. Chavis is maxed out physically, 5-foot-10 or 5-11 and already very strong, so there's less projection than there is on your typical high school prospect. He has a quiet approach with strong hands and wrists, so the contact he makes tends to be hard, with plenty of loft in his finish. He showed better running speed than I expected, above average to plus down the line, although I think he'll settle in as a 55-rated runner in a year or two. He has the arm to play anywhere on the field, but his footwork isn't right for shortstop; he could move to third, or even right field, but he has a catcher's build and the intensity for that position, assuming he has the interest. I know a few teams have discussed having him catch at their pre-draft workouts; his bat might be too advanced to take that risk, but you've got a potential superstar if he takes to the position quickly. " That sounds intriguing for the Sox with a system bereft or catching talent, especially at the lower levels, unless Ayala or Barraza ever come around. With the MI depth in the system, it sure would seem worth taking a flyer if the Sox feel he can catch.

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Apr 13, 2014 -> 03:49 PM) Agree. I think Houston and Miami both take the HS arms at 1 and 2. Sox go with Hoffman at #3 and Cubs take Rodon. Obviously this will all change. They have advisors (agents) that the teams reach out to get an idea of what it would take to sign a kid. Some of that has changed due to the slotting system, but teams still have a good idea of how much the player will cost in relation to the slot value. There was a lot of speculation that when Sale was drafted, his agent told a lot of the clubs picking before the Sox a higher price than he was actually going to sign for cause the Sox had a deal worked out where he would be in the majors by the end of the season.

This weeks stat update: Carlos Rodon - 7.2 IP 6H 2R 1ER 3BB 12K Season - 9 GS 2.29 ERA 63 IP 55H 32R 16ER 21BB 72K Tyler Beede - 5 IP 9H 7R 4ER 4BB 4K Season - 9 GS 3.23 ERA 53 IP 39H 31R 19ER 20BB 56K Jeff Hoffman - 6.1 IP 8H 3R 2ER 0BB 4K Season - 9 GS 3.34 ERA 59.1 IP 50H 26R 22ER 19BB 56K Sean Newcomb - 5.1 IP 8H 4R 4ER 1BB 3K Season - 8 GS 1.40 ERA 51.1 IP 28H 9R 8ER 23BB 57K Second rough outing for Newcomb in a row, he was also pushed back a day so perhaps he is having some arm issues.

QUOTE (GreenSox @ Apr 11, 2014 -> 03:27 PM) I didn't understand how we were able to assign him without having to clear waivers. He did clear waivers.

QUOTE (Bruce_Blixton @ Apr 11, 2014 -> 11:54 AM) Thought I'd share some recently uploaded footage I found for Rodon, Aiken, Hoffman and Kolek (I tried to find footage on Beede but for some reason it's hard to come by): Carlos Rodon: Rodon's debut on 2/16/14: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjxRDFfMi8Y Rodon vs. Appalachian State on 2/21/14 (also includes tape on Turner and a few other prospects): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOye7V69jnE Rodon vs. UCLA on 3/1/14: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py-CAm522dQ Rodon looks to have a pretty smooth delivery, attacks the hitters and throws a lot of strikes. The stuff looks to be front of the rotation quality based on the several swing and misses. I would be very happy to see Rodon available at #3. Jeff Hoffman: Hoffman vs. UVA on 2/21/14: Hoffman vs. Rice on 4/1/14: I'm not a big fan of Hoffman and the recent tape does nothing to sway my opinion, the stuff and athleticism might be there but I immediately noticed that he is a nibbler in the mold of Javy Vazquez or AJ Burnett, a pitcher with above average that stuff doesn't really trust it. I see a lot of comps to Justin Verlander and Adam Wainwright floating around but those guys at least dominated their competition at this point of their career whereas Hoffman has yet to demonstrate that type of domination. Brady Aiken: Aiken vs. University City: Aiken's no-hitter vs. Ja Jolla: I really like this kid and he would be my top choice if available at #3, his delivery looks very clean and repeatable, his stuff is plus but on this footage his fastball looks heavier than I remember, relentlessly attacks the hitters and has the look of an ace. If we could nab Aiken to pair with Danish and Sale in 3-4 years we could have a filthy rotation. Tyler Kolek: Kolek video uploaded on 4/7/14: Kolek video uploaded on 3/24/14: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxMQT0yhLVc I like Kolek's potential and he already has plus stuff but his size is still a concern for me, he has kind of jerky delivery that causes his control to be erratic which I'm sure can be corrected with the right coaching but doesn't bode well for his long-term health. Based on the recent footage I'd go with Rodon, Aiken, Kolek, Beede, then Hoffman and to be perfectly honest I'd rather take a serious look at other top end college pitchers before pulling the trigger on Hoffman. Rodon's biggest issues this season have been the lack of ability to throw strikes consistently, the inability to locate his fastball, and a lack of a third pitch. Hoffman in that video looked like he was struggling with locating his CB against LHB's, but overall he looked pretty good. He has some work to do with the delivery of his CH and extending his stride a bit, but he definitely appears to have the tools. Beede I don't love at 3 as I feel he has the lowest ceiling of the 5. I would pick Aiken, Rodon, Hoffman, Kolek, and Beede in that order.

Weekend primer: Carlos Rodon @ Duke 5pm Jeff Hoffman @ ODU 5 pm Tyler Beede v Texas A&M 5:30 Sean Newcomb @ Rutgers Saturday - noon

QUOTE (southside hitman @ Apr 10, 2014 -> 02:59 PM) Oh gotcha. I think it will be a tough decision either way, the HS kids are making a pretty compelling case as well... Yes, but up until last year I would have said no way for a HS pitcher, but with the Sox taking Danish so early they may have changed their tune on drafting HS pitchers early. Aiken would be really intriguing, but I doubt he lasts til 3 anymore.

QUOTE (southside hitman @ Apr 10, 2014 -> 02:47 PM) You think that would be worst case? Sox have usually shown a preference of college arms, it would be ideal in that case. In a perfect world where contract demands aren't a factor (they are, but we don't know behind the scenes who is demanding or agreeing to what), my top five is Aiken, Rodon, Hoffman, Kolek, Beede. I meant worst case as in hardest decision to make, if one was off the board it would be a slam dunk.

QUOTE (DirtySox @ Apr 10, 2014 -> 12:22 PM) BA has a draft update out now. New Top 10: 1.) Aiken 2.) Kolek 3.) Rodon 4.) Jackson 5.) Hoffman 6.) Beede 7.) Nola 8.) Gordon 9.) Freeland 10.) Zimmer Also a draft chat happening in a few hours. Feel free to submit questions: http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/201...nt-longenecker/ From the chat - Greg (Phoenix, AZ): Hey Guys, if Rodon's stock slips, is there still a guy out there strong enough to knock him down from his potential #1 slot? Even if he has an average year, his prior 2 years make him tough to beat. Thoughts? Thanks, Greg John Manuel: There's no if; Rodon's stock has slipped. He just hasn't been as explosive this year. We believe Brady Aiken and Tyler Kolek have nudged past him on this draft board, and if it weren't for those two prior years, Rodon likely would rank lower. I've just had too many scouts tell me they have top men, as Indians Jones fans would say, running back in to see Rodon this time of year because he may be available after the top pick or two, whereas early in the season, scouts were rushing in to see him to "do their due diligence," thinking he would go 1 or 2 and be off the board and they wouldn't have to worry about seeing him again. Maybe you didn't get a chance to view the list. It's here: http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/201...chers-dominate/ Zack (Calgary): Does Aiken have more potential than Rodon after Carlos' recent back to earth performances? John Manuel: He has plenty of potential; not sure he has more if you believe in Rodon's knack for pitching and strike-throwing ability. His delivery just makes it a lot harder for him, at this time, to throw quality fastball strikes. If you believe you can get him doing that on a consistent basis, I believe his pitches have higher grades than Aiken. But Aiken has precocious fastball command, impressive work ethic ... similar stuff, the body has gotten better and better pitchability. Alan (Chicago): Any inclination towards where the ChiSox are leaning with #3? Heard Hoffman plenty, but any chance they break the trend and go with a prep arm in Aiken/Kolek? John Manuel: I haven't really started trying to match up players with teams yet. I know the White Sox love athleticism in their pitchers, and I know they have been here in NC a lot this spring due to Rodon, Hoffman and Trea Turner, so if they took any one of those three guys, it wouldn't surprise me. I think they would prefer Rodon over Hoffman. If you think a pitcher needs a mechanical tweak, Don Cooper and the White Sox want you. Sang (Chicago): Is Beede a future ace or is he closer to a #2 pitcher? Is there a MLB pitcher that he resembles? John Manuel: Feels like more of a No. 3 type, an A.J. Burnett type in that he has front-line stuff without No. 1 or No. 2 command. I was stunned to learn that his start last Friday at Tennessee was the first time he's gone 8 innings in three seasons. He was SEC pitcher of the year last year and still never was efficient enough to go more than 7 innings. His control has improved this year but he doesn't have front-of-the-rotation command.

QUOTE (DirtySox @ Apr 10, 2014 -> 12:22 PM) BA has a draft update out now. New Top 10: 1.) Aiken 2.) Kolek 3.) Rodon 4.) Jackson 5.) Hoffman 6.) Beede 7.) Nola 8.) Gordon 9.) Freeland 10.) Zimmer Also a draft chat happening in a few hours. Feel free to submit questions: http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/201...nt-longenecker/ Thats the worst case scenario for the Sox. Picking between Rodon and Hoffman is going to be extremely tough. I think in the end it will come down to contract demands.

Looked up labrum repair. http://blog.c-o-r.com/2012/03/28/what-to-e...y-slap-bankart/ It says the recovery time is typically 3 months, which means with a rehab stint and advanced treatment he could be back by late August at worst. If the Sox are holding him out for the season, that is a good thing to allow him additional time to heal and re-build strength before taking on baseball activities. Sure it sucks that it will stunt him a little, but having him work his way back slowly may payoff off well in the long term.

QUOTE (Jose Paniagua @ Apr 10, 2014 -> 09:27 AM) Buehrle implies Maddux has cheated his whole career and this board probably stands up in applause. Frank says this, an offhanded comment, and here it's "whoops he's getting out of line again" DBL STANDARD Its not like the Rockies have ever been accused of using a humidor to doctor balls before though.

It looks like the Yanks aren't the only team planning on overspending. http://sbb.scout.com/2/1375072.html According to Kiley McDaniel, there are several deals in place and some of those deal exceed a teams entire pool. Adrian Rondon -ss - $3.5M - Tampa - Pool is $1,998,100 Gilbert Lara - 3b - $3.2M - Milwaukee - Pool - $2,611,800 Anderson Espinoza - rhp - $2M - Boston - Pool - $1,881,700 Ricky Aracena - SS - $2M - Kansas City - Pool - $2,136,800 Juan Meza - rhp - $1.5M - Houston - Pool $5,015,400 - plenty of room to spare The top player in this years class appears to be Colombian CF, Bryan Emery who supposedly has a $3M offer but no word on any deal.

QUOTE (Marty34 @ Apr 9, 2014 -> 12:54 PM) Yes, they are a sleeping giant. The problem is, they have done about everything possible to wake the giant, they have consistently been competitive throughout the last decade, so it really hasn't been a question of not having an attractive product. I know many feel that the new parks location and design were major flaws, but they cannot do anything about those factors for the next 15 years. They have created side-businesses to help generate revenue. The Sox have some of the worst local TV ratings in baseball (second to the Astros last year), granted that it was a bad year. I just don't see what the Sox can do differently outside of a new stadium, and they are not getting a new stadium in Chicago until at least 2029 when their lease expires.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Apr 9, 2014 -> 11:34 AM) And a lot has changed in 25 years. The American League would be insane to abandon Chicago. And one of the biggest things that has changed is that the gap between the marketability of the clubs has widened despite the Sox having more success in that time period. I think that the Sox would not be able to re-locate though until Tampa was able to find a more stable home/market, and if that were to happen the Sox options for possible homes would not be very appealing. The Sox are penalized for playing in Chicago with the competitive balance draft and revenue sharing even though they don't experience the revenue (attendance or sponsorship's) that most teams in a market of their size do. The next 5 years are crucial to the franchise. With the TV deal up in 2019, the Sox are going to have to put together a quality team to generate ratings to earn $$ in that next deal. Thats huge because that TV money is necessary in extending guys like Sale, Q, and Abreu whose contracts expire around that time.

QUOTE (Marty34 @ Apr 9, 2014 -> 11:29 AM) The same logic can be applied to every team. Not every team, there is no chance that the Yanks, Dodgers, or Angels would make more money in another market, but the argument is there for most. The question I was responding to was if mlb would let it happen, and the answer is yes because they already did once.

QUOTE (Steve9347 @ Apr 9, 2014 -> 10:54 AM) Just an fyi... http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/mediacente...U#date=4/9/2014 mlb.tv is the biggest joke there is. I live more than 250 miles from the nearest mlb stadium yet I am considered in market, and therefore blacked out from, all White Sox, Cubs, Twins, Cardinals, Brewers and Royals games, that 20% of the league.

QUOTE (Big Hurtin @ Apr 9, 2014 -> 11:01 AM) How strong is MLB's position on keeping the White Sox in Chicago? I know MLB would vehemently oppose someone trying to relocate the Cubs. (Beyond the Chicago market, not necessarily Wrigley Field) Its all about the $$$. If the Sox re-location will contribute more to the revenue sharing plan, MLB would be all for it. The Sox were set to re-locate about 25 years ago to the Tampa/St Pete area before the legislature stepped up to provide funding to keep the club in town. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/art...ine/MAG1067374/

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Apr 9, 2014 -> 09:42 AM) He is really strange about players he likes and dislikes when compared to himself. He was Carlos Quentins biggest fan, thought he would be a prolific HR hitter. He really likes Viciedo too.

QUOTE (Bruce_Blixton @ Apr 8, 2014 -> 04:17 PM) Carl Thomore is an interesting story, a 2011 second round pick by the Rockies out of high school that sustained a horrific leg injury that really set his development back. Looks like a reclamation project and a long shot but at least he making consistent contact so far this season, I'll be interested in tracking his progress throughout the season. Thomore is an interesting story, with his stunted development, but he has an upside if he can get back on track. http://riveraveblues.com/2011/06/2011-draf...-thomore-49384/ John (Denver) Rox first pick today, Carl Thomore, any thoughts? By the way, the Guiness cupcakes are awesome. Klaw (2:47 PM) First pick of theirs I really liked. Hit/power tools, avg run, great makeup. Ends up in an outfield corner. http://www.nj.com/hssports/blog/baseball/i..._prospects.html

I think the power profile is what separates Harper from Myers and Jackson. If Jackson showed plus plus power the way Harper did, he would be the #1 pick. I wouldn't mind Jackson if the Sox could get him to play a solid 3B, but I think that it has to be a pitcher at 3 given the makeup of this draft.

QUOTE (staxx @ Apr 7, 2014 -> 11:31 PM) After Paulinos performance tonight we should just sign them all. Paulino has a better chance of being an all-star level pitcher than all of them. He is going to take some work as, like Cleto, command has always been his biggest issue. Paulino is going to have some starts like this, the key for him is to work to move forward from it. Paulino has a chance to be a productive pitcher for the Sox but we are going to have to weather some of these bad starts at the beginning.