witesoxfan

Quite frankly, it's pretty ridiculous

This sounds amazing, and I'm only 25% Irish

atleast no one on the Sox has a twisted testicle

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Mar 7, 2008 -> 04:39 PM) Between the arthritic hip and the fact that his power output has declined by nearly 25% in the past 2 years, one could argue that you're seeing age hitting PK. And back problems age Crede just as much. The fact that he's a worse hitter and that half of what he brings to the table is defense, which would be limited by a bad back may force him into retirement earlier than Konerko. Konerko could be Eric Karros. Crede could be Ed Sprague Jr (Kalapse, once again, that is a very good comparison). Who would you rather have?

QUOTE(Adam G @ Mar 7, 2008 -> 03:46 PM) I think they're pretty comparable offensively, with Ventura hitting for a little better average and Crede having a little more power. Defense, give me Crede. Ventura could draw a walk too. In case you were wondering. His career OBP of .362 absolutely destroys Crede's .305. Ventura also had essentially the same career slugging percentage in a less watered down era. I'd argue Ventura had more power than Crede. And you simply can't give defense to Crede, seeing as how Ventura had 6 gold gloves and Crede's gold glove shelf is collecting dust. Ventura was one of the most underrated players on the Sox in the 90s; some people don't seem to realize how solid he really was. Crede really can't hold his jock strap. Of course, Ventura doesn't have a ring... QUOTE(elrockinMT @ Mar 7, 2008 -> 03:56 PM) I do think it would be nice to keep options open for 2009 and beyond because I don't see the talent in our farm system being able to step up for awhile. We have tendd to strip our own system and if we let a talent like Crede and Fields both go we lose again. I like Konerko, Thome and others a lot, but if arguments are made Boorass clients then the same could be made about old age, injury and deterioating (sp) skills The Sox aren't about to lose Fields any time soon; 2012 isn't exactly right around the corner or anything. They are about to lose Crede though. I also enjoy the old age, injury, deteriorating skills argument in regards to Konerko, Thome, and "others". Crede was injured almost all of last year, and spent the most days out of any Sox player on the DL...check. Crede had the worst year of his career last year, in part because of injury...check. Crede is only two years younger than Konerko...yep, old age is really hurting Konerko. So, simply put, you can't make the Boras argument for older players, especially when they are still producing. As is, some of their replacements are already on the roster in the form of Swisher, Quentin, and Fields, and Konerko's young enough that he can stick around. The changing of the guard will start to happen with the departure of Crede this spring and will almost assuredly end when Dye and Thome hit free agency after next season.

QUOTE(elrockinMT @ Mar 7, 2008 -> 02:17 PM) Maybe he does like it here. Why is it wrong in your opinion to be a fan of a real good Sox player? I think we can suspend with the sarcastic criticism of other Sox fans can't we? You have an opinion and others of us have different ones. It don't make it wrong by any means. It has been proven time and time and time and time and time again that Boras will almost assuredly get his client to free agency so they can hit up the biggest deal possible, and that you will only resign said player if you give him what Boras is looking for right away. Included as well is that the White Sox and Scott Boras do not have a good relationship with each other at all. It's not really opinion at this point; it is fact. If Joe Crede retains Scott Boras as his agent - and he assuredly will, because he wants to cash in so he can go lay on his couch for 25 years - then he will hit the free agent market, will not be eligible as a type A player, and will not be a member of the White Sox next year. So, that leaves the Sox with two options, either trade him and get some value while you have a stud waiting in the wings, or keep him, let Fields rot in AAA, and then lose him for nothing in the offseason. Simple economics makes this an easy decision.

I'm going to start another Crede thread tonight

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Mar 7, 2008 -> 09:30 AM) I love Ozzie so much

QUOTE(elrockinMT @ Mar 6, 2008 -> 06:49 PM) Starter for the A's this season? almost certainly at some point

With the surgery and the Tigers finishing poorly enough last year to fall into the 19-21 range, I'm sure he'll fall to them now and they'll pick him up. Actually, that won't happen, but that would suck hardcore if it did.

forget Lowry

You mention the Dakotas. Probably had to have been thinking of me, because no one else really cares about them. It's a good read, and something I hadn't considered. For someone who doesn't care enough as I should about politics, I'd hope this situation plays out, and atleast provides some insight to those that believe it is the Democrats race to lose. I think it's much more even going into then a few people want to believe.

QUOTE(Steve9347 @ Mar 6, 2008 -> 01:31 PM) I actually think Leo was a homosexual. He did carry two swords around...

QUOTE(Steve9347 @ Mar 6, 2008 -> 08:09 AM) Unless they do something soon to change my mind, the Bears seem to be headed toward taking a WR in the first two rounds. I'd prefer they go OT over WR in the first, because you can hopefully get someone who can step right in and dominate. I'd agree completely; the WR depth seems good enough in the draft that you should be able to draft a starter in the mid-second. That first pick should go towards the best lineman available, be it Clady, Otah, or Williams. Receivers can fall, but linemen tend to get taken pretty quickly.

Not that I'm vouching for it, but would anyone do Martinez and Pelfrey for Konerko? That's an impact prospect and a project for a slightly (over/under)rated 1Bman. QUOTE(Vance Law @ Mar 6, 2008 -> 11:50 AM) I love this horse s***. Rosenthal- "See this trade that isn't going to happen. I'm filling up space describing the details of this trade that won't happen. Pointing out the logical reasons why this not-trade isn't going to happen. You can't say I haven't written an article when you look at all of these words. Can't say I'm not filling up space in a column. The Mets with $16 million 1st baseman Delgado aren't going to trade for another $12 million first baseman. Words, words, writing, space fill, space fill, see I did my job." well done

there you go Ace

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Mar 6, 2008 -> 01:11 PM) I'm not a guy who thinks the farm system has to be ranked #1. It was at one time and probably helped KW get his current job. But I do think there has to be sufficient talent in the minors. There has to be guys who can step up in case of injury or poor performance. Everyone goes back and compares things to 2005. The White Sox used 6 starting pitchers in 2005. Its very rare that happens. There has to be someone on the farm you can call up and they can get people out, or call up and get a hit, and or catch and throw the ball, and know which base to throw to etc. Jenks was that guy in 2005. That really hasn't been the case most of KW's tenure and when injuries or poor performance call for a minor league call up, it doesn't look very promising this year either. Middle of the pack or slightly below with a couple of major league ready medicrity would be fine. I just don't see that right now. All you can really do is hope that everyone stays pretty healthy offensively; I think the Sox can get by for about a month with one of Egbert/Broadway/Haeger in the rotation (but probably not two...so you have to hope Contreras doesn't go down in August if Danks/Floyd wear out). What I'm worried about is the offense, because there is little to nothing offensively in the minors at this point in time. AAA is going to be mostly filler with the possible exception of Alexi.

QUOTE(IowaSoxFan @ Mar 6, 2008 -> 12:40 PM) The point is though that this team is not in all likelihood going to compete for a playoff spot. They may stilll lose 90 games as the roster is composed right now so why not just do what Oakland is, find homes for your aging talent elsewhere and bring in some young players and prospects to try and fight another day. That means holding on to your current young talent,(IMO Danks, Fields, Ramirez, Quentin and Swisher) and bringing in pieces to support them. Use money that you save by sending out the veterans to sign amateur players and sign veteran players in free agency that fill the gaps to make your team competitive. Instead by staying the course and trying to play for today you just stay in a constant state of mediocrity. I'm going to try and write exactly what you said, but instead say the complete opposite. The point is though that this team could possibly compete for the playoffs. While not likely, it is possible that they could win 90 games, because the lineup has a good core of players, there are two proven starters, and if the bullpen pitches well, they have a shot. Going into the offseason, the Sox were about six pieces away from competing, two or three of which were already on the roster (though they have to improve). So, why not go all out like the Mets or Tigers and try and put yourself in the best position to win? That means trading your minor league talent for good players who will help you out and signing smaller pieces on the free agent market, because, even if you give out a bad contract or two, it will save you long-term investments that will likely turn out poorly. As opposed to giving Hunter $90 million over 6 years when his knees could by shot by year 4, relegating him to RF/DH, you can give $20 million over 4 to Linebrink and, worst comes to worst, pay some of his contract in the last two years and trade him for an A-ball reliever. Use the money and resources that you have to put the best product on the field you can while also building towards the future. By doing such, you have built a core that will lead the team into the next generation after the older players, such as Thome, Konerko, and Dye, are gone and you can build around the current pieces you have, such as Swisher, Quentin, and Fields. Even if you finish with a mediocre record this year, you still put the best product on the field you could while maintaining a vision for the future. I can play that game too, and mine is just as true/far-fetched as your post. The Sox minor league system was in shambles to begin with. Why not gut the whole thing and try to put the best team you can on the field? Those guys aren't going to help you now, and they may not have helped you in 2009 or 2010 either. It's obvious the Sox had soured on Sweeney, having attempted to deal him for Qualls. They like Gio, hence trading for him again, but it appeared the only reason they acquired him was to trade him again because they didn't feel his flyball tendencies would fit in well at the Cell. Why not get a guy in Swisher, who should become an outstanding hitter at the Cell? He's signed through like 2012 and is always going to produce for you. I think KW saved his job this offseason. Had he had another 06/07 offseason, he would be on a major hot seat. As is, the Sox are in a position to atleast contend.

I don't recall what I was doing, but I somehow stumbled upon these videos...there are like 12 of them. I find each of them hilarious. Then again, I'm a bit of an internet nerd.

QUOTE(CaliSoxFanViaSWside @ Mar 6, 2008 -> 03:15 AM) I never said he hurt his shoulder crowding the plate, did I ? He often gets hit by pitches. Can't say I'm a CQ expert but he's had his share of injuries and probably one or more has come via HBP. I'm sure an award winner like yourself will correct me if I'm wrong as is your propensity to do. Besides the gist of my post was to sit back relax and enjoy the competition, but some people just want to make everything about being right . Quentin's had like one major injury in his career, and it was his shoulder. That's really all I was trying to say. I don't think he's been injured on a hit by pitch, but I may be wrong.

What the hell's the point of that? You may as well just say "s***-talking" because that's obviously what he said. Actually though, I think crap-talking is funnier. I'm gonna start saying that

QUOTE(BearSox @ Mar 5, 2008 -> 11:17 PM) I like Swisher and think he is a good player, but I really don't think his production next year will help us a whole lot. .668 and .645 opposed to .836... Yeah, Nick Swisher won't help the Sox a whole lot at all

QUOTE(CaliSoxFanViaSWside @ Mar 5, 2008 -> 10:19 PM) What puzzles me is why so many are so quick to say Owens sucks, Anderson sucks or Quentin is the guy. It would be great for all 3 to become bonafide major leaguers so it becomes extremely difficult for management to make a decision on who starts. Owens , in my rose colored eyes, seems to be capable of becoming a .300+ hitter , .340+ OBP and with the extra 10 lbs. maybe 30-35 doubles and 50+ steals. Quentin had great minors numbers but seems to be a guy who crowds the plate and gets hurt because of it. Certainly he has the most potential , already being a superior defender, but doesnt seem to be at 100% physically. Anderson is deserving of another chance and seems to be getting it. It'll all play out on the field and its fun watching the competition. How do you hurt your shoulder so badly that it needs surgery by crowding the plate?

QUOTE(Whitewashed in '05 @ Mar 5, 2008 -> 11:23 PM) You know what, you're right. For some reason I was thinking of him over his career compared to others in the same time frame, more like never missing a start and stuff, nevermind. I don't know if this is supposed to be sarcastic, but Buehrle doesn't strike people out. It's the same reason Chien-Ming Wang is so low on the list too (though he will almost assuredly provide wins)

Rex Grossman was the same QB who was on a Super Bowl team the year before. The problem was that the Bears O-Line sucked so bad that everyone else sucked. I also sincerely doubt they look for a QB in the first; I'd be surprised if they don't look for a lineman, if one is available.