PorkChopExpress

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Jan 17, 2013 -> 09:08 AM) Then I ask for the fortieth time, what would you have done differently? Who would you have added? I feel that Hahn has played it close to the vest with regard to expenditures so they can make a move come midseason to improve the club if necessary while they can also sell pieces off if they don't. The Sox can't spend money frivolously right now like Mike Illitch can (because he doesn't give a f***). Personally, I feel like next year's club could be as good if not better, but I so happen to be a believer in Tyler Flowers while you obviously do not. This is what I was thinking back in early December. Trade Floyd + Viciedo to the Rangers for Mike Olt and low level prospect(s) (not too unreasonable, I think, but maybe I'm crazy). Trade Alexei to whoever is looking for a SS for high level prospect or mid level prospects. Move Gordo to SS (his college position) and put Keppinger at 2B. Sign Hamilton to 5/$125K. That adds around $9M to payroll for 2013, and leaves the lineup as: De Aza – L – CF/LF Keppinger – R – 2B Hamilton - L - CF/LF Dunn - L – DH Rios – R – RF Konerko – R – 1B Olt – R – 3B Flowers – R – C Beckham – R – SS Rotation - Sale, Peavy, Danks, Quintana, Santiago/other Bullpen - Jones, Reed, Crain, Thornton (or trade him as well for salary relief to whoever will take him), farm guys/scrap heap FA's. Obviously, I'm not privy to the Sox budget, and who knows if the Rangers want to make that trade, but it was what I was thinking. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________ That being said, over the past few days, I have come to accept this team, and even begun to look forward to this season again. I'm looking forward to see what this year holds for Flowers, Beckham and Viciedo, Flowers in particular. He's been clamoring for the starting role, and now it is his. He seems like the kind of personality that wants to prove he deserved it. Plus those minor league numbers - wow. I want to see if Peavy gets better after another full year since his surgery. I think Dunn returns to career norms this year, i.e., a BA of 220-.230, which hopefully carries over to improvements in his other stat cats. as well. Rios stays good this year. De Aza continues to prove he could have been a star had he not broken his leg years ago. Ramirez - eh. I've never been a huge fan - status quo. Keppinger - grindy. Konerko - more like end of last year and not beginning, but still solid. Sale - Cy Young. Danks - won't start the season with the team but will be a boost in May and he'll be dying to compete. Floyd - contract year. Anyway, I've been waiting and hoping for Hahn to do something because I felt this team needed a change. Hahn appears to be taking the calm and collected approach, and after thinking on it, I'm on board. Let's see what these guys have got. At worst, we suck and institute changes mid-year. At best, it's a magical year and everything clicks and goes our way. More than likely, we're in between, but we answer some questions about some young guys, and see if vets like Rios, Dunn and Peavy increase their value as potential trade pieces (assuming in the middle means competitive, but not headed to the post-season). Anyways, I'm just officially saying I'm off the "Do something, Rick!" wagon. I've accepted his methods. He's not rash. He is going to be a good GM. Let's get on with some baseball.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Jan 14, 2013 -> 03:25 PM) So something they did during the season was why they ended the season as one of the best offenses in the AL. I bet if you take out their worst months, they're even better too. Come on, what do you think is closest to this team's true talent level - what they did when they were cold, what they did when they were hot, or the cumulative result of everything that happened over the duration of the season? I'm going to guess the latter. Yes, one great month of stats (May) makes their overall season look better than it was. Over the six months of baseball in 2012, the Sox were a top 5 OPS in the AL twice. Teams that were a top 5 OPS more times in the AL: NYY (6), TEX (5), LAA (3) and DET (3). Teams that were also a top 5 OPS twice in the AL like the Sox: BOS, OAK, TBR and MIN. On the flip side, the Sox were a bottom 5 OPS in the AL twice. Teams that were a bottom 5 OPS in the AL less than twice: NYY (0), TEX (1), LAA (1), DET (1). Teams that were a bottom 5 OPS in the AL twice like the Sox: BOS, OAK, TOR, BAL and CLE. I'm not sure what stats Balta is using to say they were the 4th best offense in MLB, maybe it is just total Runs, which they were 4th (and since everyone keeps comparing to DET, they were 6th), but looking at other stats like H's the Sox were 8th (DET 4th), 2B's the Sox were 14th (DET 5th), 3B's the Sox were 7th (DET 1st), HR's the sox were 3rd (DET 10th), SB's the Sox were 8th (DET 13th), CS (the least) Sox were 11th (DET 1st), BB's Sox were 11th (DET 5th), BA Sox were 8th (DET 3rd), OBP Sox were 7th (DET 2nd), SLG Sox were 5th (DET 4th), OPS Sox were 5th (DET 4th) and OPS+ Sox were 8th (DET 3rd). So for all of these offensive stats, the Sox were 4th or better in 2 categories, Runs and HR's (DET in 8 - Hits, 3B's, CS, BA, OBP, SLG, OPS, and OPS+). That is not a top offense. They are middle of the pack at best with some HR hitters, but apparently can't get a 2B for the life of them. That's the team's true talent level in my opinion.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jan 14, 2013 -> 02:36 PM) Once again...I'll repeat. The White Sox scored the 4th most runs in the American league last year. They outscored the Tigers. They outscored every other team in the AL Central. They did so with a .600 OPS out of their 3b slot. That's cumulative, over the full season...a .600 OPS. Counting Youkilis. Getting >.700 OPS out of the 3b slot would be like Viciedo turning into an all star for what it would do to the offense. Yes, we lost AJ and his .830 OPS. Flowers could do that, but if all he does is put up a low-.700 OPS, the Sox will, on paper, be exactly where they were last year in offense. If they're expecting "Just enough offense", then they're expecting substantially worse seasons from Rios, Konerko, etc, with no improvement from Viciedo or Beckham to offset it. Because last year, the Sox had substantial offense. It was the middle-of-the-pack pitching staff that cost the Sox last year, not the offense. Come on now. That is not telling the whole story. The full season stats are skewed somewhat by a monstrous start to the season for a few of our key players. For instance, at the end of May, Konerko was hitting .381 with a 1.097 OPS, Dunn was at .230/.935, Viciedo was at .291/.827, Rios was at .283/.766 and AJ was at .299/.857. By the break, Konerko had dropped to .329/.932, Dunn had dropped to .208/.859, Viciedo had dropped to .255/.738, Rios had risen to .318/.874 and AJ was holding at .285/.865. By the end of August, Konerko fell even more to .308/.877, Dunn to .205/.820, Viciedo to .255/.714, Rios to .300/.842 and AJ continued to hold at .288/.868. And by the end of the year the final numbers for Konerko were .298/.857, Dunn .204/.800, Viciedo .255/.744, Rios .304/.850 and AJ .278/.827. The big starts for Konerko, Dunn and Viciedo will tend to make the overall numbers look a little better, but while I was watching last year, the offense was a problem, despite what the stats might tell you. Add to that that one of the consistencies last year was AJ, and now he is gone. Yes, Keppinger should do better than a .600 OPS, but flowers is a question mark. A potentially exciting question mark if he can approach his minor league numbers, but not something you bank on.

He is #22 or better all time in HR's (T-#18 with 6 suspected juicers ahead of him), RBI's (#22), BB's (#10), OBP (#14), SLG (#21) and OPS (#14). He is #70 all time in Runs. He is #99 all time in Hits. He is #127 all time in AVG. Granted, saying your the 127th best at something doesn't seem like much, but he hit over .300 for his career which seems to be a benchmark stat. Two time MVP. Top 10 in MVP voting seven other times, with one 2nd place finish, two 3rd place finishes and one 4th place finish. Five time All-Star. Four Silver Slugger Awards. Yes, he should be a first ballot HOF'er. Then idiots get involved. DH most of his career. Played in the steroid era. No proof that he juiced, and may never have even been suspected, but no proof to the contrary either. Everyone from that era gets tainted to some degree. Had a reputation as a big baby, and not a friend to the media. A lot of the voters are media-biased. On the ballot with other first timers Maddux and Glavine. Can't have too many first timers in one induction. I think it is a 50/50 chance right now. Is he deserving? Yes. Will he? ???

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jan 7, 2013 -> 02:54 PM) The other side though...is that last year's Sox team could have won that division if they'd simply split with the Royals and been only somewhat under .500 against the Tigers. There are a lot of ways this team can get to 90 wins as constructed right now. Will they? No clue, a lot depends on how healthy and strong the arms are in the rotation. But they didn't split with the Royals and they weren't only somewhat under .500 against the Tigers. And now the Royals and Tigers have both arguably gotten better, while all we can say is we added Keppinger (career - .288/.337/.396 with a career .733 OPS), lost AJ (not that I disagree with that, but he was one of our top hitters last year), and we may or may not have Danks back to start the season and even if we do, we don't know how he will perform. Yeah, there's time before the season starts, but free agents are dwindling and there's not many left that are all that enticing or would seem to provide what this team needs, and we don't have much, if anything, to trade for an impact player. We've basically got Gavin Floyd to deal with reliever-type minor leaguers, minor league spare parts, or someone like Viciedo or Beckham which just opens up other holes/questions in the roster. Now don't get me wrong, I'm open to dealing just about anybody on this team, but if we're going to start trading away our current starting players, we need to get back players that can fill those positions. With just over a month until pitchers and catchers start reporting for spring training, I don't foresee a lot more happening with this team. That is why I am concerned right now so far before the season begins.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Dec 19, 2012 -> 06:04 PM) one would probably say getting a healthy John Danks back is a huge improvement in the rotation. Also, the Sox arent done, you can bank on that. If he's healthy and if he's the John Danks of '08-'10. That remains to be seen so the Sox should not be banking on that as their improvement. Keppinger had a good year last year, but he's really just an average player. Unfortunately, just an average player at 3B does make us slightly better than last year if nothing else happens, but the changes the Sox have made thus far certainly do not compare to the upgrades the Tigers and the Royals have made this offseason. And yes, I realize Victor Martinez has the same question marks surrounding his return as does John Danks, but I'd be willing to bet it is more likely he comes back and can hit like he used to than John comes back and can pitch like he used to. And I'm saying all this in a thread about AJ. Shows how desperate I am for something to talk about with the Sox this offseason. Please do something exciting, Rick. I can't wait until February for Sox news. I want to be getting excited about 2013, and so far I'm going in the opposite direction.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Dec 19, 2012 -> 07:06 PM) I can't imagine Seattle wants to play him in the OF. I wonder if this means a slow start for Smoak is a DFA Or Morales DH's.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Dec 18, 2012 -> 06:07 PM) I agree. Hits in the minors, hasn't hit great in the bigs but is extra slightly-below-replacement-player depth. Worst case scenario you give a bat to Charlotte. I honestly don't think he's going to have to do a deal where he might wind up in Charlotte. I think other teams will be willing to give him a shot at the major league level. I just want the Sox to be one of those teams. I just have a feeling he will be a decent player, and I want the Sox to have him if that turns out to be true. I would love to shake things up on this team, and I know I'm talking crazy here, especially since I have no idea what kind of 3B Canzler is (probably bad since he is listed as a 1B and that is usually where bad 3B wind up), but what about dealing Alexei, shifting Beckham to SS, Keppinger to 2B and Canzler at 3B? We should be able to get a decent return for Ramirez, SS is Beckham's college position and I think he would welcome the chance to play there, Keppinger just makes more sense to me as a 2B, and Canzler is the wild card. Like I said, I know it is crazy, but I'm just thinking outside of the box. I am just so desperate for SOMETHING to happen with this team. I am not comfortable with the Sox as they stand right now. I don't feel like much has changed over the past couple of years playerwise, and I see the same results with the same group of players each year, and wonder if it's just me or if anyone else sees a problem there. It's like the saying that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results. It's not totally applicable to baseball where players can have good and bad years, but I feel like there is a personality to this team that is defined by its players and that personality is not the personality of a winner. It is content to merely contend. I just want change I guess. Eh, what do I know?

OK, since nothing is happening to talk about, I'm going to throw out an idea for discussion. Indians just designated Russ Canzler for assignment. Why not pick him up? He can play a little 3B, a little 1B, and a little LF/RF (not sure how well at any of those positions). He has some decent minor league stats, and not terrible, but not great major league stats (he hits well at the Cell, though). Could be a nice bench player. Thoughts?

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Dec 13, 2012 -> 09:10 AM) So, I'd take calls on [Rios], but I'd be stunned if a team gave up fair value for him. But that's the exact problem you just laid out. What is "fair" value for him? He may have up and down years, but based on contracts being signed recently (Pagan) his isn't terrible anymore, and he showed he can still get it done at an all star level. But he's also only one year removed from his worst season ever. Then again, that was on a team where several players were having their worst years, and he made some changes in his stance that seemed to work. He is truly a box of chocolates. You can't say if he produces that you caught lightning in a bottle and if he bombs you can't say it was unexpected. Tough to put a value on that and therefore tough to trade.

QUOTE (Steve9347 @ Dec 12, 2012 -> 04:37 PM) His 96 OPS+ disagrees. If you can get someone to give up anything for Viciedo, please do. Braves seem eager to pick up an OF. Maybe they would be willing to pay/overpay for Viciedo. That or De Aza, if he is truly available. Hell, maybe you could even unload Rios to them if you sent along some cash, too. Just thinking out loud here since there is no real action to speak of with the Sox. Such an uneventful offseason. Anyone know what/who the Braves might be willing to part with?

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Dec 11, 2012 -> 04:01 PM) He has to be one of the top 10 untradeable players in all of baseball. Who else is on that list?

I'll guess Ryan Howard.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Dec 6, 2012 -> 04:16 PM) The only way they'd even begin to have room for that would be dealing Floyd and Thornton, and I just don't think that'd be a very smart move. Why not?

I know some people will cringe at this idea, but what about moving Viciedo back to 3B, and finding an outfielder to help solve our offensive woes? Defense at 3B is certainly important, and although he's got a great arm, his defense is generally considered sub-par, but once again, this team's problem last year was offense. With the lack of suitable options at 3B via free agency or trades (at least realistic trade options), it just seems like we could fix some offensive issues via an OF easier than a 3B. Names like Upton, Sizemore (not sure how he'll be but neither is anyone else so maybe he comes cheap), Bourn, Hamilton and Victorino may or may not be on the free agent list if you're willing to pay for them, and with Floyd as what seems to be a valuable trade chip this year, many more potential OF trade candidates are out there. Just a thought.

QUOTE (Chet Kincaid @ Sep 26, 2012 -> 08:33 AM) I'd love to be a fly on the wall in the White Sox clubhouse right now. I wonder if there's gloom and doom, panic, stress, anger... Or if they're just remaining calm and chilled. They have to be nervous, don't they? Anyway... f*** the bulls***... WIN!!!! I hope they're confident and hungry. I hope they relish the challenge they have created for themselves. I want each one of our hitters to eagerly go to the plate happy for the opportunity to get a hit. I feel like when I watch, most of our hitters go up to the plate trepidatiously, their faces saying they are thinking more defensively, i.e., don't screw up, than offensively, i.e., "hit this piece of s***," (thanks AJ). I want them feeling like they can get a hit in every at bat. To me that's what the Tigers hitters look like they are feeling when they come to the plate. I hope that's the atmosphere in the clubhouse right now - confidence. In the words of the Pork Chop Express himself: "Just remember what ol' Jack Burton does when the earth quakes, and the poison arrows fall from the sky, and the pillars of Heaven shake. Yeah, Jack Burton just looks that big ol' storm right square in the eye and he says, 'Give me your best shot, pal. I can take it.'"

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Sep 19, 2012 -> 11:30 AM) I think it was announced that Flowers is playing tonight. I'm OK with AJ at DH and Dunn at 1B. Paulie is terrible against Chen. .182 in 22 AB, 1HR.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Aug 21, 2012 -> 02:37 PM) Sorry to hear about the dog. I am sure that can be very difficult. However... No one in their right mind loves their pet(s) more than their children. That is 100% ridiculous, no matter how much you may love your dog/cat or whatever. Dunn's child was experiencing major medical problems. There is absolutely no comparison there. That is your opinion, and you are entitled to it. The funny thing about opinions is that they are, by their very definition, personal beliefs or judgments that rest on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty. So how is it that your opinion makes it so certain that no one can love a pet as much as a child? Back on point, the loss of a dog could be a distraction to a player, but as others have alluded to, Gordo's struggles have been going on for years at this point, and certainly are not explained away by the death of his dog. I feel for him, but he still needs to become a better hitter.

QUOTE (GoodAsGould @ Aug 21, 2012 -> 12:40 PM) It isn't comparable at all, yes it is sad when your pet dies but if you really think that is enough of a distraction to suck as much as Beckham has he doesn't belong on a roster. QUOTE (flavum @ Aug 21, 2012 -> 12:43 PM) Really? Really? It's an old pet that died. Not a child. QUOTE (Steve9347 @ Aug 21, 2012 -> 12:45 PM) Holy hell this post is all kinds of wrong. QUOTE (YASNY @ Aug 21, 2012 -> 12:47 PM) I'm sorry, but when I see a post like this I just shake my head. I realize people love their pets, but when you say losing a pet is comparable to losing a family member I know you haven't been anywhere close to the shoes I have walked in. I'm not targeting you personally, just telling it like it really is. You know, I usually try not to get into these kinds of things, but this one gets me. Everyone experiences life differently. Some people bond with their pets just as much, if not more, than with family members. And when they lose a pet, it is the same, or worse than the loss of a family member. Don't presume to tell other people how "it really is" or how they should feel based on your personal experiences. Who are you to tell other people how they should or should not cope with a loss of any kind?

Now just send Olmedo back down and call up Jose Lopez, and we'll be set.

QUOTE (lasttriptotulsa @ Aug 17, 2012 -> 12:53 PM) Dunn's hitting #400 tonight. No questions asked. The more he hits, the better, but I think 400 has Chen written all over it.

What are the chances the Sox and Tigers end up in another game 163, the loser of which then winds up tied with another team for the second wildcard slot forcing a playoff for that position, only to be followed by the one game wildcard playoff, followed by the regular postseason?

I know everyone plays 81 home and 81 away, but it just seems like the Tigers are home a lot.

I have a bad feeling it is Detroit. Despite rumors that they are looking for another bat, this is what they need and what would make them very frightening. If it is them, I just hope Phillie pulls him back. On the other hand, if it's us, let us have him. Hell, it's not my money (directly at least).

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jul 19, 2012 -> 03:11 PM) Hermie is falling apart this year. I can't ever remember the amount of injuries that we have seen this year, in past seasons. He's like Sampson, only instead of his strength being in his hair, it was in his fat.