beck72

BTW, doesn't Pablo Ozuna remind anyone of the 2004 Juan Uribe? I get the feeling at times he's a little complacent, and has lost a little of the hunger that made him exciting to watch last year. Didn't Uribe also come to camp a little overweight? I may be off base. But if a move is made to get another SS like Vizquel here [could be that uribe would be a reserve, who knows--not likely with his new contract] there should be something to it

QUOTE(rangercal @ Jul 9, 2005 -> 12:50 PM) I would not do it. Uribe plays good/bad in stretches. He proved that last year. Here we have a young ss with above average D who hit .283 and 23 hrs and has decent speed. You want to trade him straight up for the aging vizquel? Are you nuts? Uribe is not hurting us as much as people tend to think. If Vizquel were 2 years younger then yes. Plus why trade for a guy who didn't think much about signing here 7 months ago? I don't want him. I am also tired of getting former indians past their prime. People in cleveland are laughing at us. Ozzie just said the sox might need another bat. Where would that bat play? Who would be replaced? What position are the sox brain trust unhappy with? My bet is SS. The "aging" Vizquel is having another .300 yr, hitting even better vs. RHP [ a very weak area for the sox]. I know Uribe is talented. But in order to win in the playoffs, IMO, a deal like this should be made to improve the club. as far as the people in Clev. laughing at us, I don't think so and I don't care. I just care about the sox playing deep into Oct. And playing solid baseball for yrs to come. Vizquel could easily play another 2 yrs at a high level, the exact time Uribe's contract was up, and Valido could be ready.

I'll put forth my opinions. 1] I think the Sox need another bat like Vizquel in order to go deep into the playoffs [that Ozzie just said another bat might be needed could be a sign--a bat off the bench wouldn't make that much of a difference. But SS is just about the only spot to get an everyday player in.] Think of what would happen if Pods or Iguchi went down. Vizquel fits that mold perfectly. With Ozuna a good backup for SS, he could give Vizquel time off. Also, Robert Valido seems 2 years away from helping out the sox. Uribe would be missed. But he doesn't seem the player he was in 2004 for whatever reason. And not the type of hitter a team can count on to produce in the playoffs, hitting against the best pitching in baseball. Omar would be fine for the next 2 yrs, and prob. the 3rd as well, for not much more than it would cost for Uribe. 2] A bullpen arm might be needed to sweeten the deal, to placate fans. Baj might be too high but another decent arm could help [look at Gary Majewski's success in the everett deal---even though he seemed like a AAAA guy] 3] SF could use help at SS and 2B. They have Durham for another yr at 2B. But no real prospects at either spot in AA or AAA. A guy with Uribe's defense and pop to his bat could be valuable somewhere, esp. for an old team that needs to get young

QUOTE(YASNY @ Jul 9, 2005 -> 12:43 PM) They should be thrilled with an offer of Uribe for Vizquel ... straight up. I would think so as well. But you never know

I'll be the first to pose a question or two. So here goes: 1] how would you feel about a trade involving basically, Omar Vizquel and Juan Uribe? 2] Would it take say a bullpen arm like Bajenaru along with Uribe to make it worth SF's while? 3] Would SF even want Uribe [though getting a 25 yr old who can start at both SS and 2B is hard to find]?

an excerpt From today's Tribune: "Right now, if we're talking about playing the division, I think we're fine," Guillen said. "If we're going to make any moves, maybe we need another bat in the lineup, maybe we need another pitcher, but right now we'll just wait and see what happens. Right now we're not talking about anything." ------------------------------------------------------------------- Interesting that Ozzie said he might need a bat first, then a pitcher. that he says the sox are fine playing the division is true. but getting another bat and arm is for the playoffs. That bat Ozzie mentioned can only come from a few places [i personally only see SS, as Crede's glove and power for 3B is hard to replace]. And probably isn't a power bat. More like an Iguchi type bat, who can get on base a variety of ways, a #1 or #2 type hitter. An injury to Pods or Iguchi would leave the sox pretty vulnerable come playoff time. The Sox having 3 guys who can handle the bat well and get on base, who can shift between the 1, 2 and 9 spots would be ideal.

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Jul 8, 2005 -> 09:48 PM) Zito is still signed through next year...are the other 3? The main reason these guys could be traded is the salary. All [except Durazo, who's hurt] have been mentioned by various media reports to be dealt by the deadline.

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Jul 8, 2005 -> 08:27 PM) Here's the key phrase..."Reasonable price." Right now, you can figure that the Yankees, Orioles, White Sox, Red Sox, Braves?, Cardinals, Dodgers, Padres, Diamondbacks, Cubs, Indians, Twins, and Rangers could all be served in a playoff race by acquiring another starting pitcher. Right now, K.C., Tampa Bay, Seattle, and Pittsburgh have guys they might be willing to move because they're completely out of it. Aside from that, almost every other team either has nothing people would really want or is close enough to the wild card that they wouldn't want to trade yet unless they got an offer they couldn't refuse. That includes Oakland. Asking Oakland to Trade Zito now is asking them to say that the run they've been on since Crosby came back is entirely a fluke. That's a hard thing for any team to say, because it'll cost them on the bottom line; if there's no hope, people don't come to the park. Well, if guys like Kotsay, Durazo, Hatteburg are out the door by the 31st, Zito probably is too. Reasonable price? I'm not sure. But the sox could afford to start by parting with Anderson and BMac. Not many other teams can do that with their AAA guys

QUOTE(Sox Hustler @ Jul 8, 2005 -> 08:20 PM) Schmidt is a really big risk. Not only has he been roughed up but he also lost a little of his fastball. For a guy whose lost some of his fastball, coming to the AL would not be complimentary. I've read a few articles that say he does get up to 94 but rarely. If Schmidt was completely healthy and at the top of his game, SF would hold into him. That they're willing to peddle him and see what they can get, sounds too convenient for me. Damaged goods, as some scouts from other teams have said.

QUOTE(sircaffey @ Jul 8, 2005 -> 08:09 PM) Pretty convenient that the 2 pitchers that we are supposedly interested in, Schmidt and Burnett, have been recent teammates with either AJ/Hermy or Ozzie. Good references as to character. I don't think that will be an issue. My concerns about these two are more in terms of health, not character or even ability. If the sox are going to give up a lot of talent, they don't want the guy to break down. Both are big risks to break down. Now, seeing that Zito and Dye were golfing buddies......

QUOTE(ZoomSlowik @ Jul 8, 2005 -> 07:52 PM) Take a look at his numbers since the All-star break of last year. He had a 4.02 ERA after the break to go along with his crappy numbers this year, and you still have to compensate for the move to a hitter's park and the AL switch. I think there is something to the poor numbers of Schmidt [as well as the drop in velocity] and the switch in leagues could be a factor. That's why the sox might be best served going for the best available SP from the AL. Esp guy who have had a good track record vs. possible playoff opponents. If Zito is on the block, like Bob Nightengale wrote the A's are listening to offers, getting him locked up for 1 1/2 yrs at a reasonable price sounds like the best deal out there. IIRC, he's done very well vs the Angels and Twins in his career. I don't know who else in the AL would qualify as the best available SP. For my money, it's Zito

QUOTE(Rowand44 @ Jul 8, 2005 -> 07:48 PM) For those that think chemistry is overrated--I really disagree. There are teams that have won that don't like each other, no doubt, however there are also teams like this current one who like each other so much that they play harder then they ever have before. These guys will run through walls for each other and the manager and the general manager. It's something special the sox have going on the field and off the field. If the Sox are going to make the trade it'll be for someone that fits in. The good thing is that Dustin and AJ know what Schmidt's personality is like and ditto with Ozzie and Burnett. If and when the Sox make a trade it'll be for a good character guy, I can guarantee that. Almost to a man the sox have talked about how great the chemistry is. Whoever is brought in [and the sox will bring in a guy or two] will have a track record of being a team guy Also, with new guys like Pierzynski, Hermanson, Dye, etc, KW can go by their recommendations as well if they were old teammates or know them personally.

While I'm not completely sold on the sox getting Jason Schmidt, some deal for Vizquel could really complete the sox [maybe with Scott Eyre also coming to the sox]. Along with some pitching help, Omar's versatility and approach to hitting, ala what Pods and Iguchi have done, would make the sox tough to beat in a short series. Most people would agree Uribe struggles against very good pitching. I don't have the exact matchups. But some numbers to throw out there against some teams the sox might face in the playoffs: Career Uribe vs Bos: .205/.250/.341 vs LAA: .171/.186/.244 vs Minn .257/.276/.419 Vizquel vs Bos: .237/.270/.316 vs LAA: .343/.416/.455 vs Minn .342/.387/.459 Just some food for thought

Barry Zito might still be an option for the Sox. From Bob Nightengale and this week's "Sports Weekly" the Buzz. I only think the A's might deal if they go on a losing streak that puts them back under .500 after the break---------------- "The A's, despite reports to the contrary, will listen to offers for left-handed starter Barry Zito, but they refuse to trade third baseman Eric Chavez." http://www.usatoday.com/sports/bbw/columni...wild-card_x.htm

One has to wonder, with the sox being mentioned with looking at guys like Vizquel [which would leave Uribe out of a job] and Burnett [FLA wants proven guys who can help this year], the Dominican pals Uribe, Timo and Marte could all be gone soon. I can't see Timo staying put, while he hasn't played in a game for a long time, and justify keeping Gload in AAA. Yet that might affect Uribe With the sox being in on these various deals, some current players and top prospects are bound to be part of some package. The sox couldn't get these types of players just w/ minor leaguers. So some guys on the 25 man will probably be part of any deal

Vizquel certainly is hitting well vs RHP, a Sox weakness. In 210 AB's, he's hitting .329/.390/.410.

Did anyone see that ESPN has as the headline in rumors, "Vizquel headed to the White Sox? I wonder from which paper they got this from

QUOTE(YASNY @ Jul 7, 2005 -> 11:38 AM) It may be a stretch, but we should not trade this guy. He can be the anchor in the bullpen for the next 5 years. An arm like Jenks has is a rare commodity. I'm not advocating trading the guy. Based on this season and his 100mph heat, he could be around for years on the sox. My biggest concern is adding a vet to the pen for the playoffs. Many think Jenks is that last piece to the bullpen this yr. I wouldn't leave it to chance if I were the Sox.

I'd be interested to see what other teams are on Eddie's no trade list. also, that he needs to close in order to get paid, via his incentives. But it looks like his agent is getting ready to sort through the trade offers that are bound to pop up soon From today's Boston Herald: ------------------------------------------------------------------- Guardado can nix Sox deal By Damian Vega Thursday, July 7, 2005 - Updated: 06:58 AM EST The agent of Seattle Mariners [stats, schedule] closer Eddie Guardado said he has not heard anything about the 35-year-old reliever being traded. ``We are a little surprised because we thought teams might want him, but as of right now, we haven't heard about any specifics regarding any team,'' Kevin Kohler said yesterday. ``It's still early, though.'' The Red Sox [stats, schedule], who have inquired about Guardado, may run into trouble because they are one of 10 teams on the veteran's no-trade list. ``It's strictly a business decision,'' Kohler said of the no-trade clause. ``It's nothing against the Boston franchise or their fans.'' Guardado's contract is heavily based on attainable incentives that he can only achieve from the closer's role. ``Eddie needs to be pitching to finish games,'' Kohler said. ``Keith Foulke [stats, news] is a legit closer and Eddie has a lot of respect for what he does. That's one of the reasons Boston is on the (no-trade) list.'' All bets may be off, though, with Foulke going on the disabled list and Curt Schilling [stats, news] designated to replace him. Foulke is expected to be out 4-6 weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee today. Guardado has converted 20-of-21 save opportunities this year.

QUOTE(SoxFan101 @ Jul 7, 2005 -> 10:34 AM) The type of stuff Jenks has is very rare 2. How many guys do you know that can throw the ball 100 mph. Now count that up and count how many guys you know who can do that but yet it isnt even their best pitch. I'm not discounting Jenks' talent. But it's a big stretch saying he can play a vital role in the bullpen for the next few months and pitch for the sox in the playoffs. Most posters around here will call for his head the first time he implodes [which he will, all relievers do]. Seeing how he deals with failure at the major league level, and how he bounces back, will be pretty telling.

QUOTE(Jordan4life_2005 @ Jul 7, 2005 -> 10:42 AM) Seems like your in a hurry to trade this guy. Lets see what he can do first. The package and potential is most definitely there. Nobody can deny that. If he turns out to be legit, we won't need another reliever. I'm not in a hurry to trade Jenks. But I'm in a hurry to add to the sox pen. The point is, 24 days may not [and probably isn't] enough time for Jenks to show he can help the sox in the playoffs.

QUOTE(Jordan4life_2005 @ Jul 7, 2005 -> 10:19 AM) Well, assuming he's not traded, I can't see how he wouldn't pitch in pressure situations. Especially if he proves he's the real deal the next 3 months. Except the trade deadline is only 24 days away. I still see the sox adding a proven impact arm to the pen. Jenks may be the Sox "K-Rod" [a rookie having a big impact on a team's playoff run]. Yet that type of rookie impact is very rare.

QUOTE(Jordan4life_2005 @ Jul 7, 2005 -> 10:08 AM) Why is that? Because of the veteran guys ahead of him, the pressure, etc. Realistically, Jenks probably won't be pitching for the sox in a playoff game. Think of the sox playing a road game, in Boston or Ana, with the crowd going crazy. I can't picture a 24 yr old rookie who's been a reliever for less than half a yr, throwing in such a situation. Now, could a guy like Jenks be used to acquire a Billy Wagner type impact reliever? I could see that.

QUOTE(Steve9347 @ Jul 7, 2005 -> 04:58 AM) Anyone else see this as an audition for a trade? Just a thought. Could very well be. His future might be bright. But I have a hard time seeing Jenks pitching in a tight game in the playoffs with the sox this year.

QUOTE(JimH @ Jul 6, 2005 -> 07:03 PM) It seems to fit. Not saying those three guys specifically for Vazquez but I don't think this is beyond the realm of possibility. The Sox have always wanted Vazquez, no doubt about that. I would not be surprised. Unless Jenks falls flat on his face, my guess is this a guy Guillen and KW want on the team for more than just 7 days. He is a huge power arm, completely different than anyone else on the staff. But if he stays and Marte comes back, someone has to go besides Kevin Walker. I think Vizcaino is coming around and is better than he's shown, but if he is a key bullet to get a starter, so be it. Something is up. vizcaino would have the 2nd best ERA on the DBacks pen