witesoxfan

He's like Javy Vazquez with wavy, golden locks.

The problem with Tanaka is that it's likely going to take a $100-120 mill commitment over 5-6 years. I think he'll be fine, but the track record on Japanese pitchers has been skittish at best. Darvish has been phenomenal, but Matsuzaka was overhyped and Kei Igawa was absolutely brutal. There are others too, primarily relievers, and they've been hit or miss too. I think they'll probably bid $20 mill, but their overall interest will be tepid, and he'll end up elsewhere.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Dec 16, 2013 -> 10:20 PM) What's with all these high strikeout guys? From watching those old Sox games on youtube (and some of those teams were godawful), one thing I noticed is guys had no problem going the opposite way and actually putting the ball in play. These high strikeout guys annoy me generally. Strikeouts have increased throughout the majors from about 16% to 20%. Guys just strike out more now than they used to. You used to see a lot of guys strike out less than 10% of the time, and 22-25% used to be a lot. That's just not the case anymore. The game evolves organically, much more so than sports like football and basketball where rule changes have increased scoring dramatically.

QUOTE (raBBit @ Dec 16, 2013 -> 04:53 PM) If Charlie Leesman is on the MLB roster to start next season I will be livid. That guy does not throw strikes. It's entirely possible he was nervous in his first big league call up and was generally uncomfortable on the mound. He did not exhibit great control in the minors, but it was adequate. Still, I think you'll see the Sox bring in a bunch of other lefties too.

I think Jones has a chance to be really good as a closer. Both his fastball and slider can get swing and misses, and when he's pitching he's all arms and legs.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Dec 16, 2013 -> 04:17 PM) Borth Eaton would be the best name I've ever heard DIBS ON BAND NAME

I agree, I think you try and get involved with him. If he is signed, you are suddenly talking about a team that can win the division this season with a bit of luck and will be in a very good position to win it in 2015 if not this year.

QUOTE (beck72 @ Dec 16, 2013 -> 04:08 PM) Out of curiosity, who would you have the Sox realistically target? Esp. If you want an impact C. Any impact guy would weaken the sox farm dramatically. With 3b taken care of, the sox can get by with a defensive guy at C. Though preferably a LH one. If I am adding catchers of Brantly's talent, I am combing the waiver wire. There are no names in particular regarding that. The two guys that come to mind immediately at catcher are Wieters and Grandal, though I have no idea what the cost is or if they are even available. Rosario from Colorado is another option too, but he fits in the same boat as the aforementioned two. Frankly, I don't believe the cost is going to be appropriate there for the Sox to make any sort of significant move. I think you stick with Flowers, Phegley, and Nieto and you keep your eyes open on the waiver wire.

David Cameron @DCameronFG Rick Hahn should just keep trading with Kevin Towers. Turned meh starter and meh closer into two interesting young players.

QUOTE (Steve9347 @ Dec 16, 2013 -> 03:38 PM) Viciedo? Are they blind to his s***tiness? Viciedo would not be the first guy to go from hopelessly flailing to an actual good hitter. No need to deal him yet, though you certainly can if the value makes sense.

Why would San Diego want De Aza? They have Quentin, Smith, Maybin, Denorfia, Venable, AND Blanks in the outfield already. They have Everth Cabrera at SS and Gyorko at 2B (for now), so Sanchez doesn't make a lot of sense either. I think it starts with Erik Johnson. You may be able to talk them down to something like Rienzo and Snodgress/Beck. I don't think it's worth it.

QUOTE (chisoxfan310 @ Dec 16, 2013 -> 03:19 PM) So it looks like one of De Aza and Viciedo are likely to go and then Gillaspie and Keppinger? With L. Garcia or Elmore being the backup? I'd guess De Aza, Gillaspie, and Keppinger are all gone at the very minimum. I think Dunn, Beckham, and Ramirez are probably being shopped at the moment too. If just the first 3 are moved (and depending on who is brought back), I think you see a bench of Nieto, Elmore, Danks, and Konerko. If you move Dunn, you could see another bat being added or perhaps Gillaspie remains on the team. If Beckham is moved, I see Semien making the roster. If Ramirez is moved, I see a competition between Garcia and Semien for the SS spot. I am legitimately excited for the team at this point.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Dec 16, 2013 -> 03:11 PM) John Manuel ‏@johnmanuelba 1h Did our #WhiteSox top 30; newly acquired Matt Davidson would slot in No. 4, right where @BaseballAmerica had him in #Diamondbacks system I would say that is an indication that the top of the White Sox system has improved dramatically over the last 12 months.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Dec 16, 2013 -> 03:05 PM) Jones Lindstrom Belisario Paulino (presumably he has to be on a big league roster) Petricka/Webb 2 lefties Looks like the basic setup for the pen to me as of now, am I missing anything? Perhaps Rienzo/Johnson could struggle in ST and Paulino take a position in the rotation with both Petricka and Webb taking bullpen slots, but I'd rather push the kids. I don't see Rienzo in the rotation. Sale Quintana Johnson Danks Paulino Jones Lindstrom Belisario Webb Petricka Veal Leesman Rienzo to AAA, will be the first call up in case a starter is needed.

QUOTE (Steve9347 @ Dec 16, 2013 -> 02:50 PM) Wait. Is there anyone on the planet that wants the Avi Garcia/Peavy deal back? Does Santiago count as 2 starters even though he was only 0.5 starter? They lost Floyd too. I am a Floyd fan, but I could not care less about that.

QUOTE (Rowand44 @ Dec 16, 2013 -> 02:32 PM) Most over looked part of this trade, what's our next closer's entrance music? Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the Heart

I returned 3 punts and 2 kick offs for TDs with Trindon Holliday in a game against the Patriots on All-Pro.

QUOTE (staxx @ Dec 16, 2013 -> 02:28 PM) Keith law insider piece saying the sox won the trade. Basically praises Hahn for recognizing we have the ability to replace Reed, and for getting a young bright 3B in the deal. LAW LOVES HAHN! Keith Law does not have a vendetta against the White Sox...you don't say? I must sound like a broken record at this point.

QUOTE (Tex @ Dec 16, 2013 -> 01:03 PM) Cherry picking two players to prove a point isn't necessarily valid. There are a lot of stats to look at with a player. Each situation is different and to make the right judegment you have to evaluate each player individualy. And why would the fan base prefer Hernandez? Because of his 204.1 IP? What stat would make them prefer him? Or is it watching him pitch and understanding the complete package? They would prefer Hernandez because he's a better pitcher. He allows fewer runs, fewer base runners, eats more innings, and gives your team a better chance to win. Insert Chris Sale instead for Felix, the point remains. Just because they did not win does not mean that the pitcher did not do more than others to give his team a chance to win. If the team is bad, then their W-L is going to be severely affected. Do you really think the Sox players saw Chris Sale go out to the mound this year and think "OK, we can tank it today, Sale is on the mound" ? Is he a bad pitcher because he went 11-14? Sure, there may be some intangible benefit to the team having a stud starter on the mound, but I like to think these guys are professionals and they are going to go out and do their best day in and day out, regardless of who is pitching on the mound.

What a wonderful trade. He held his own in the majors this year too. Those who wanted Castellanos for Reed in the summer...this is essentially the exact same sort of thing. The Sox have turned Jake Peavy, Matt Thornton, Hector Santiago, Addison Reed, and the money saved into Avisail Garcia, Adam Eaton, Matt Davidson, Jose Abreu, and 3 additional lower level prospects.

QUOTE (BigSqwert @ Dec 16, 2013 -> 12:00 PM) I certainly don't think it's 100% lock that Seattle makes it to the Super Bowl but let's not get all 2006 St. Louis Cardinals in here either. To me injuries and penalties will be the biggest factor to take down the Seahawks. They're up there as one of the highest penalized teams in the NFL. That could bite them in a crucial situation and cost them a game if they're not careful. You'll definitely have to bring it defensively. Here is a basic formula on how to beat them. #1) Shutdown the running game, keeping 7-9 guys in the box at all times while throwing blitzes in there too. #2) Contain Russell Wilson, using stunts and spies to attempt to confuse him and keep him in the pocket. #3) Play ball control offense, using runs, counters, tosses, misdirections, play action, and short passes in general to keep the defense on the field. #4) Take calculated risks on 4th downs. It's still an incredibly difficult feat, but I think if you can accomplish the above, you have a fairly decent chance at winning.

QUOTE (BigSqwert @ Dec 16, 2013 -> 11:00 AM) They weren't healthy and they still won. Half the O-line was out for most of the season. Now that they're back, they're steamrolling over most teams. Moot point as teams in the top 5 worst defenses don't go far in the playoffs...if the Bears even get in. The 2011-12 Giants were the 26th worst defense - so top 6 worst defense - and they won the Superbowl. It's a matter of getting hot. No, I don't believe the Seahawks will lose at home in the playoffs, but saying "it won't happen" is absolutely wrong.

QUOTE (BigSqwert @ Dec 16, 2013 -> 10:56 AM) The only way I see it happening is because of a key injury or two on the Seahawks. You don't go into the home of the top rated defense and beat them. Not when they're healthy. Tampa Bay almost did it. Anything is possible.

QUOTE (kitekrazy @ Dec 14, 2013 -> 11:26 AM) I have yet to believe in that theory 100%. Aces bring a lot of team confidence when they are out on the mound. Then again last year's team destroys that theory with Sale. Pitcher A - 16-6, 3.49 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 167.2 IP, 30 GS Pitcher B - 12-10, 3.05 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 204.1 IP, 31 GS Tell me, who are you going to sign? If you truly believe that W-L means anything, you are going to pick pitcher A, which means you are going to take Jorge De La Rosa over Felix Hernandez. You'd have a tough time justifying that to the fan base. W-L is meaningless for a pitcher.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Dec 16, 2013 -> 09:34 AM) How much more is Santiago worth than Ramirez? It's not like there are a ton of other 3B options out there. Lawrie? Everyone keeps saying Headley and Sandoval, but Sandoval carries huge health risks and both players aren't ones we would typically go head to head for/with the rest of MLB on the free agent market. I don't think Santiago and Ramirez have similar value, but it is entirely different types of value.