quickman

QUOTE(qwerty @ Jan 29, 2005 -> 10:47 PM) If the rumors are true, no one will top the tigers offer. who is in your avatar?

If healthy is really the key here. Maggs will never be the same. Not with all those surgeries and special Austria treatment. he will now be prone to injury, tweaking. He will be a bit slower and is not worth it period. If he was then many other teams would be stepping up. They are not. Its just not the best thing for the tigers. Once that severly injured you will not be a premier type guy anymore.

QUOTE(beck72 @ Jan 29, 2005 -> 04:28 PM) I don't think Harris is a UTL IFer. But the Sox need one and who they get prob. won't have near Harris' talent or upside. That's all I'm saying. I get what you're saying about filling the roster spots with someone who can play more IF spots. But it's also a problem that Everett and GLoad are pretty one dimensional guys off the bench. If Harris had a decent attitude, he could be a very valuable bench guy. Got what your saying, the scenerios just don't work even if he was a model citizen. I just do not think he will be here. Not with the needs they still have.

QUOTE(beck72 @ Jan 29, 2005 -> 04:20 PM) I'd bet that Harris goes to ST on his best behavior. Then he does or says something stupid that shows he's not suited for a bench role I bet he gets traded despite his best behavior.

QUOTE(beck72 @ Jan 29, 2005 -> 03:51 PM) The sox would be hard pressed to find a UTL IFer who has Harris' talent and upside. But talent isn't everything, esp. for a bench guy. Does Willie have the humility, lack of ego, and ability to cheer on his teammates? Doesn't seem like it. He could very well sit on the bench and be an ass. If this is the case, then the sox could do w/o him, talent and all. My guess is the Sox will give him the chance to prove he can be a UTL guy, and not the brash talking guy w/ a big ego. My only concern with what you post is that Harris is a utility inf. He is not. He is a backup second baseman and Center fielder. That is all. Can't play any other position. I will stick by what I said before, he will be gone. Spring training is a great time for scouts and teams to look at potential.

QUOTE(LosMediasBlancas @ Jan 28, 2005 -> 09:24 PM) Harris might still get the pole, that pat might be premature. There are many things that can happen during spring training. Lots of scouts, many playing days. Harris will probably make it to spring training and the Sox will be very happy to put him in many games, but I do not think he is long for the team.

QUOTE(JimH @ Jan 28, 2005 -> 08:52 PM) My guess is they're hoping he clears and then they'll bring him to camp as a non roster invitee. They like this guy, they think now that he's completely over the arm injury he'll contribute. i am all torn up

QUOTE(JimH @ Jan 28, 2005 -> 01:35 AM) Ok, in spite of the fact there are no 4 a.m. booze licenses in Tucson, there is still plenty to do. Here are some choices from the visitor guide along with my commentary if appropriate. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What To Do In Tucson Other than going to baseball games, there's a variety of things to do in Tucson in March. The average high temperature in March is 73 degrees, but it's often warmer. Tucson is sunny for approximately 350 days per year so there's ample opporunity to get out and enjoy the weather. ASARCO Mineral Discovery Center: One hour tours of an active copper mine, costs about $9. Interesting. www.mineraldiscovery.com Biosphere 2 Center: 20 mins. north of downtown on Rt. 77. The world's largest glass enclosed active laboratory, exploring several of the earth's climates, plant, and animal life. When I was 21 I always wanted to go to museums, trail dust towns and canyon tours. Please.... tucson is a mice town. The catalinas are filled with great spa hotels which I prefer and the AZ campus area is surrounded by bars and food joints and plenty of women. Outside hte campus area there are many great resteraunts, golf courses and places to hang out. its a damn college town, if you can't figure something to do in a college town then something is wrong with you. For the older and possibly more wealthier crowd after baseball ahng out in the resort area in the catalina's. Plenty of golf, Tennis, food, upper end bars, health clubs, spa's and mid 30's women. Have fun Colossal Cave Mountain Park: www.colossalcave.com Tour a crystal filled cave, museum, picnic area, and trail rides. International Wildlife Museum: www.thewildlifemuseum.org Kind of a zoo without the traditional cages and boundaries, it's a fascinating place. All kinds of unique animals in their natural habitat. Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley: 30 miles up a mountain road, 30 degrees cooler. Skiing in Tucson, it is the southernmost ski area in the country. Open year around for skiing or skyrides. Old Town Artisans: www.oldtownartisans.com In the original area of Tucson, dating back to the 1840's. Shopping for unique stuff, and a couple of good restaurants and bars. Pima Air and Space Museum: 250 aircraft displayed, and the famous aircraft boneyard. Great military history. There are guided tours of the Davis-Monahan Air Force Base. Sabino Canyon Tours: on the far east side, tram tours into a very interesting canyon setting, it will be hard for you to believe you're in Tucson. www.sabinocanyon.com Trail Dust Town: Authentic Old Western town setting with reenactments, shows, restaurants, shops, etc. Good for kids. Titan Missile Museum: the only accessible missile base in the world. This is in Sahuarita, a southern suburb of Tucson. Old Tucson: where a lot of movies and TV shows were filmed, see if you recognize the sets and the scenery. John Wayne fans will love it. Nimbus Brewing Company: a microbrewery and tap room near the ballpark. They don't serve much in the way of food, but we always stop before the ballgame, quaff a few beers and get a big bag of peanuts for $1. They have live music many nights and the crowd is locals. I believe it's www.nimbus.com There are a couple of casinos on the south side near the airport if you're into that. Ample opportunity for outdoor activity like hiking (try a trip up "A Mountain"), of course golf, horseback riding ... and beer drinking on one of the numerous sunny outdoor patios/beer gardens. There is a ton more stuff but you get the drift. Hopefully this is helpful for those looking for other things besides the ball games and late night carousing. One hour away is Tombstone, with the OK Corral, Jesse James, etc. Interesting but I found it very touristy. Another 20 minutes past Tombstone is Bisbee, a very interesting historic town nestled in the Mule Mountains (about 10 degrees cooler than Tucson). Kind of an artist town, a couple bars, look for a beer called Electric Beer by the Electric Brewing Co. - they have a tasting room right outside of Bisbee.

If this maggs article is true than I think the owners in this game are really stupid. 70 million is nuts. This is really a shame. I for one am quite thankful we did not sign this guy.

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Jan 28, 2005 -> 03:15 AM) Why would Harris provide an insurance policy in case Womack goes back to sucking? Willie doesn't have to go back there, he's there. Willie Harris and all the distractions in NYC-he's not professional enough to play for Torre. The Sox are a team with budget restraints. Harris makes close to minimum. There is nothing more the White Sox would want than Harris being an everyday player making contributions to winning. There are obviously other issues to Harris besides his most inconsistent play on the field. They aren't going to be able to get much for him, after all, all they had to give up to get him was Chris Singleton 3 or 4 years ago, and his potential had to be more highly regarded around the league then than it is now. They should just see if he can somehow increase his trade value during spring training. I have a feeling he will eventually be traded for a 26 year old AA player we will never hear of again. thank you

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jan 28, 2005 -> 01:35 AM) He resigned with them last season for a 4 year $30 million deal I believe. noonan, damn, lets go with your list

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jan 28, 2005 -> 01:30 AM) Jose Vidro. Definitely not a match there. I came up with these teams; Tampa Bay Pittsburgh Houston (unlikely since they want Soriano) St. Louis Vidro is in his last year isbn't he. They may plan ahead.

QUOTE(beck72 @ Jan 28, 2005 -> 01:29 AM) Vidro That's the team. Vidro will be injured or something.

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jan 28, 2005 -> 01:20 AM) With each day that passes, it becomes more likely that Harris will be moved. Which team is going to want him as a starting second baseman though? Your right basically none. But I still think he maybe moved. Who do the Nationals have?

QUOTE(JimH @ Jan 28, 2005 -> 12:07 AM) KW was on the Score this afternoon with Telander-Hood-Buffone. I wasn't planning on posting a recap because most of it's been said before, but a certain neighbor who didn't hear the interview asked me to post, so here it is. He talked about Iguchi and what he feels Iguchi brings to the table ... speed, ability to handle the bat, defense, pop, hitting for average. Mentioned how much the fan support for Shingo played into the signing. They asked about Harris. KW said he told Harris in August or so they weren't happy with his performance (that is a quote). He said it's his obligation to try and upgrade whenever possible, that "this is the cold hearted part of this business, but in this particular case, this player forced me to look for an upgrade." Lest there be any question, he was referring to Harris. They asked if he was willing to walk away from the Iguchi deal due to a high price, he said yes. KW commented he went to Reinsdorf twice to ask for a couple extra million for payroll, Reinsdorf said ok. Talked a lot about Lee, very complimentary of Lee. Did not want to trade him but felt it necessary in order to change the complexion of the team. They asked whether this was all due to Guillen; KW stated he knew he needed to change the makeup even before Ozzie got on board, started to do that especially last summer with the pitching acquisitions. KW is very high on Vizcaino, said his stuff is electric and he has the heart of a warrior. They will not be afraid to use him "late in games". They did not make him talk about any further additions, nor did KW volunteer. Oh, main point ... on Harris, KW said at this point we'll see if somehow Harris can be involved in a backup role (My translation: HE GONE). This public service announcement courtesy of Jim H. Jim Thanks alot as I didn't hear this. Thank your neighbor as well for the suggestion. maybe we can all get together sometime for a beer as we live near each other!

QUOTE(markp8867 @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 10:16 PM) Well you sound like a bitter 30 year old without a girlfriend and still living with his mom! Oh by the way welcome to the board!

QUOTE(markp8867 @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 10:16 PM) Well you sound like a bitter 30 year old without a girlfriend and still living with his mom! Actually your way off, was I with my comment?

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 10:12 PM) Ok...? Ah, nevermind -- I screwed up. When you asked me if I was talking about the people on the board or the media, I was mainly referring to the group of people that Jim was bringing up, Guillen, Williams, etc who are now talking bad about Harris... no prob

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 10:11 PM) That saying goes around so much around here -- the whole, "They traded for Alomar a second time, so clearly they weren't happy with Harris." That really is untrue -- to back up what I was thinking, I googled a search for some articles about the second trade, and here they are: First off, not a direct quote -- but a sentence from the article, which shows that it wasn't just Harris who Kenny was dissappointed in, but also Everett and Crede... Here's a quote from the manager himself, unsure of what exactly he was getting in Alomar... So -- saying that the Sox were unhappy with Harris last year -- while a bit true, isn't the total reason behind trading for Alomar... Well I never saw him play third. anyway I am still baffled on why there is so much love for a fringe player. The guy will never make it big. its just not there. I know that kids and young people fall in love with players, I was Dick Allens biggest fan right up until his middle finger went up to the whitesox. Focus on the team not the player. The whitesox gods think other players are better for this team, just like the Cubs think sosa is better away from the Cubs.

QUOTE(greasywheels121 @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 10:05 PM) She is. Well at least my parental instincts are dialed in.

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 09:56 PM) The media. Well Willie did not have to do the article with Joe Cowley.

QUOTE(chisoxfan14 @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 09:46 PM) You guys are so mean! Willie is right! I agree with him! He should be the one out there everyday at 2nd! I would be upset to if i was in his positon! THe only part i don't like, is him saying that if he can't play, then he wants to leave! That's just not an option! He can't leave! Were mean? You sound like a teenager girl argueing with there parents about staying out late.

QUOTE(Molto @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 09:23 PM) Does Harris have an attitude problem? I'm sure that's possible. Did Harris show his attitude problem in this article? No, he actually did the opposite. Saying he would like a chance to COMPETE for the starting job. Was Harris screwed big time last year when it came to his playing time? Yes, there is no doubt about that. Harris caught fire on a few occassions last season, all of which ended with him getting benched. Now, here is the big thing ... Harris was playing good, but was benched because of his attitude. A lot of people here are talking about how Harris was continually getting replaced. That could be because A. the White Sox don't think much of him or B. he has an attitude problem. If it's A. it's bulls*** because why keep him on the team and put him in situations where he can only fail. Better off trading him while he was producing down in AAA. If it's B. it's also bulls*** because if you have a guy who has an attitude problem at AAA, you bring him up and he still has an attitude problem, why keep him? Why jerk him around and make him think he has a job but then pull it away from him? If Harris has been a selfish asshole all this time, why is he still on the team three plus years after he was brought in? Why haven't they gotten rid of him? If a guy is arrogant in AAA, arrogant as a bench player, he will only get worse as as a starter, I would think. And by giving him the starting role and taking it away from him, you are obviously just making him feel like he's getting screwed some more. Molto you bring up some well thought out points, but let me take a stab. I believe that the sox thought they saw a talent in harris. Its obvoius they did or else they would not have traded for him. I believe many youngsters need guidance and the sox thought they could guide. I believe they wanted to give OZzie a chance to work with this guy to try to change him around. I believe that by july they figured they couldn't change him or his attitude or whatever the problem was, so they went after alomar again. I believe this extended to this year and he will be gone. If this team was in rebuilding mode they MIGHT keep him another year, just to make sure, but OZzie does not want to rebuild.

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 08:05 PM) Jim -- The problem I have is that the same people who are saying this about Harris are the same people who were talking s*** about Lee after he left, when there was really no reason to do so. And, just from watching Lee over the years -- sure, he had his boneheaded plays on the basepaths, his moments where he'd stare and stare at that homerun ball, but I didn't see anyone go as hard as Lee did into that LF corner (a dangerous area especially with the low fence), as well as going hard into secondbase. To be honest, not many players on the White Sox went as hard as Lee did, period. Yet he's talked about, now that he's gone, that he was lazy and didn't improve at all. That's why I question the source... i don't mean to intrude, you mean on this board or in the media?

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 07:53 PM) Yasny, I have a question for you. Say you were in Harris' position. Obviously, Harris wasn't confident last year, and that's evident. Your standing on first base, and Ozzie gives you the steal sign. At this point, you have no confidence in your leadoff, your first step to second, reading the pitcher. At that point, aren't you thinking to yourself, "Should I just not steal, and have the chance to get driven in, or should I steal anyways, and -- who knows, upon my speed alone, I might make it, but I'm really not confident right now, so who knows..." (Yeah, like someone would think that to themselves... My bad -- dips*** sign to me) Anyways -- I know this is a poor comparison, but I play high school basketball (varsity, at that). And, sometimes my coach will want me to put up a shot, even when I'm not shooting that well, or when I'm in a slump. So, it's basically a split second decision for me -- shoot it, knowing I'm not real confident at this point and it probably won't go in, or hang on to it, look for a better shot, and take the possibility that I may get ripped into by my coach when I come off the floor. Well maybe thats it, maybe Ozzie told this guy to do something 50 times and he made a decision not too 50 times. maybe, and maybe he will be gone. maybe Ron Artest should not have gone into the stands and gotten kicked out basketball this year. But it was all about Ron artest. he used bad judgement and now his team and he will pay for that. You will always have decisions to make, as you get older they will become overwhelming at times. Harris May not have made the right decisions. again that is speculation but it apears the sox are not happy with him. can we all agree on that?