witesoxfan

Oh, and to trade Sale, you need a return comparable to the Bedard/Sexson trades but probably more. There's no way you should make a deal for less.

QUOTE (Lillian @ Dec 8, 2013 -> 08:22 AM) A few things to remember about Choo: He is terrible vs. left handed pitching. He was hit by pitches a league leading 26 times last year, and that's not a good way to generate a high OBP. One of those pitches is likely to land him on the DL. He is not a good defensive outfielder, especially in CF. And of course, he will cost way too much money, and want too long of a contract. I'd still like to see a one year deal, at a reasonable price, for a certain other former Indian, left handed, center fielder. Dare I mention his name? With these crazy contracts, that gamble is looking better every day. He's the same age as Choo, and is a better outfielder, even after the knee surgery. He's also better suited to bat in the middle of the order, if he's really healthy, of course. He will probably be much more interested in guaranteed playing time, than a long term deal, as he will want to prove he is healthy, in order to re-establish his value. The Sox are in a position to take that gamble, as he would not be blocking anyone, and would not cost a draft pick, as I mentioned one of the several times that I brought it up. I know some will attack me for belaboring the point, but these ridiculous contracts provide a new perspective on the idea. What would the Sox have to lose? What the hell, I agree - Kenny Lofton would be a good addition. I know it's been 5 years since he last played, but I'm sure he can still get on base.

It's going to cost more than Quintana and Reed for Headley and Grandal.

QUOTE (raBBit @ Dec 8, 2013 -> 02:01 PM) I'll keep saying it but if the right return comes for Reed we should move him before his value depreciates and he becomes dispensable. If the right return comes for anybody you should make the deal, but people were talking previously about trading Reed for Nick Castellanos, who plays for a division rival and is a top 25-50 prospect in all of baseball. What do you feel the chances are that the Sox will actually get the right return? And why would his value depreciate? Simply because he's getting closer to free agency? He's still 4 years from that. There's no need to deal him.

QUOTE (The Ultimate Champion @ Dec 6, 2013 -> 07:07 PM) On June 2, 1987, with the 5th overall pick in the draft, the Sox selected Jack McDowell. 23 years and 1, 116 picks later, on June 7, 2010, the Sox selected Chris Sale with the 13th overall pick. This was the second time in well over 2 decades and well over 1000 picks that the Sox had selected a pitcher in the draft which they would then develop into a true #1 ace starting pitcher. During that period the Sox took a total 50 pitchers in the top 100 overall of their draft classes, and while I'm not really into WAR or anything (I'll use it since everyone else does) the only pitchers of that 50 who have posted a career WAR total as high as Chris Sale's 6.9 during last single season are Alex Fernandez (28.9), Bob Wickman (17.2), JJ Putz who didn't sign and who we didn't therefore develop (13.7), Jeff Weaver who again neither signed nor developed here (15.4), Kip Wells (8.3), and Gio Gonzalez (14.3). I hope this shows how rare Sale is for us. I'm really glad you brought up McDowell. The Sox drafted him in 87, he was up shortly after, and then it was 6 years before the Sox actually made the playoffs. They went through a period of terrible baseball with, frankly, one of the best stretches any team has ever had drafting. Still, the point remains - you hang onto assets like that. I'm not saying don't listen. I'm saying it's not wise to trade him for prospects. You really do have to get an incredible haul for him.

QUOTE (IowaSoxFan @ Dec 6, 2013 -> 04:19 PM) Do you really need a #1 for next season? It should be more about finding out what guys are legit ML pitchers. The rotation should give opportunities for Rienzo, Johnson, and maybe Floyd to show what they have. If you are getting Walker or Bradley back they should be more than ready for 2015. You are assuming that Walker or Bradley pans out or doesn't get hurt or whatever and they end up busting. The Sox have a proven commodity in Sale. If they want to add, they should make small moves. Trading Sale is extreme, unnecessary, and would contribute to the rising possibility that the White Sox are developing a culture of losing. You aren't going to get the offer necessary. I don't know why this always comes up.

Backup catcher? Starting catcher. Will also play 3B occasionally too

QUOTE (The Ultimate Champion @ Dec 6, 2013 -> 02:38 PM) Here's a scenario: -Sox want 3 lefty, 2 righty rotation with Sale at the top, Q as a 3, X lefty as a 5 -Two trade options present themselves: 1 we deal Santiago away and pick up a really good looking MLB-ready or close prospect or else we get a young MLB player; 2nd scenario we get a decent looking reliever and/or UT prospect from another team that agrees to take on all Danks salary in the belief that Danks will return to near 100% prior effectiveness and they are getting a steal Which option do you take? Immediate salary relief + potential small piece with Hector in a guaranteed spot, or do you eat the money, deal Hector for another young piece that you believe can help now? I'd move Santiago in that instance. I believe in the minor league depth and the Sox ability to develop pitching, so I get whoever I get and he's a stud for me.

I think you'd have to include money or essentially give him away, but I could absolutely see him getting traded.

I think they'd take Bridgewater.

QUOTE (midway @ Dec 6, 2013 -> 02:05 PM) I think Brown would be a nice addition, but at what cost? I also see that the Marlins are willing to part with LoMo....hmm. Morrison is a 1B. He has played the outfield in the past, but he is not very good and I believe has said in the past that he does not like playing in the outfield.

Prior to this move, they only had about $30 million in guaranteed contracts on their roster, and it was just 2 guys - Felix and Iwakuma.

QUOTE (southside hitman @ Dec 6, 2013 -> 12:23 PM) Not saying it's likely, but when the Scott Feldman's and the Jason Vargas's of the world are getting 3 and 4 year deals for 30 and 32 million dollars, a young cost controlled ace could get back just about anything. It also provides significant surplus value to the White Sox. Trade others to supplement the team. There's no need to trade the best pitcher the Sox have had in years and years and years.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Dec 6, 2013 -> 11:28 AM) The offer the ends up getting Price won't be enough to make us happy about Sale. Age and contract add much more value to Sale. There's no way the M's will give up enough for Sale when they can give up less for Price. Plus, come on. If you don't hold on to 24 year old stars signed affordably through their age 30 seasons as building blocks, what are you doing? What is the plan there? People talk about how they don't want to be perpetually bad, but then discuss the idea of moving Sale. That's the way you become perpetually bad.

QUOTE (Harry Chappas @ Dec 6, 2013 -> 08:56 AM) Not according to the article that I was referring to. That article should be burned and covered with acid

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Dec 6, 2013 -> 08:28 AM) Sources are claiming that Cano & the Mariners were close to a 9/$225 deal, but at the end Jay-Z tried to up the deal to 10/$250, and the Seattle FO people balked and were not happy at all. Sounds like Jay-Z is using the M's as leverage against the Yankees. There's no reason Cano shouldn't have accepted the 9/$225 on the spot other than that. The first sign of a good agent is when they pidgeonhole themselves and only want to sign with one team, and when another shows interest, you continue to increase your bid until they storm out of the room in a fury, limiting where you can sign.

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Dec 6, 2013 -> 08:51 AM) This is in reference to Jose Fernandez. I must be blind. I haven't seen enough of Fernandez, but he's pretty incredible too. I am taking Sale in that one though.

QUOTE (Jose Abreu @ Dec 5, 2013 -> 10:00 PM) Well tell that to them. I'm with you guys but I've been attacked on this board by people who think that way. You show me where and I will curse them out

QUOTE (staxx @ Dec 6, 2013 -> 08:42 AM) I'd take Sale over Fernandez just as mentioned above, Sale has repetitive success and is only getting better. There is a good chance that Fernandez takes somewhat of a step this year. Based purely on talent alone, there is no way I'm taking Chris Sale over Felix Hernandez.

QUOTE (Harry Chappas @ Dec 5, 2013 -> 05:09 PM) How does Samardzija get involved in any conversation in which getting an ace is the team's priority. David Price or Jeff Samardzija.......ok He is involved in the same sense that Hector Santiago is involved. Meaning he's not. Because Samardzija is not an ace.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Dec 6, 2013 -> 01:22 AM) With all due respect, how can you still have the Sox as your team with Dunn on the roster?? When I see Paulie go to the plate, still, I get PUMPED! When I see Dunn I want to puke. I was sad when Paulie didn't play in that game I saw in Kauffman this year the Sox won in 13. Now what in the hell does this even mean? Are you questioning fandom at this point? Because Dunn is on the roster? Because obviously the fans have an effect on this team and they have the ability to change the roster.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Dec 5, 2013 -> 09:05 PM) You don't think there's a chance a healthy Paulie has a great spring? And if he does he wouldn't be starting? it's not like the guy is 44 years old for gosh sakes. I do realize what he's said publicly. I'm just pointing out a scenario in which he's not finished and actually bounces back. Stop. Seriously. QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Dec 5, 2013 -> 09:11 PM) Just think what will happen if Abreu has a slow first couple weeks. Those callers will keep getting louder until something happens. You're better than this too.

I recall Coop talking about this before. The Sox front office identifies arms they like and just bring them in. I have my doubts as to whether Cooper has even seen the guy. He's not infallible either.

QUOTE (CaliSoxFanViaSWside @ Dec 5, 2013 -> 08:47 PM) Being late a lot doesn't exactly endear yourself to management in any profession. I mean you're staying in the team hotel at least on the road . Maybe have to get to the park by 10 AM for a 1 PM game not real hard to do. Don't think Magic liked that too much. When you're out all night pulling b****es, 10 AM is early. He was probably still out doing his thang at that point when he looks down at his cell phone, half-tuned, and sees it's 10:33 and says "oh s*** (in Spanish)" and gets to the ballpark at 11:52, just in time to get his gear on, scratch his nuts, and take his spot in the bullpen. (keep him away from Starlin)

QUOTE (Jose Abreu @ Dec 5, 2013 -> 07:40 PM) (Starts fantasizing) In a package deal including Santiago and Dunn to the Diamondbacks for Davidson and Eaton... I don't think the DBacks would take that deal on XBox with fair trades turned off.