beck72

I also recall Pods saying he studies pitchers a lot by watching a lot of tape.

QUOTE(YASNY @ Feb 6, 2005 -> 01:20 PM) 1. El Duque. If he can stay healthy, our top three will be as solid as any in the AL. I believe he will, since it's been two years since his surgery. I think El Duque is right up there. If he can stay healthy, like you said, he's a top 3 starter. Then he could push Contreras down. Even Jose tanked, with Garland solid, a guy like B Mac could come up and take over as the 5th SP. So I could push Jose out of my top 3

From the same article: "During the great home run race of 1998, a reporter's accidental discovery of androstenedione in McGwire's locker, may not have been an accident. Canseco says he believes McGwire put the bottle of the steroid "pre-cursor" in his locker so it would be found, thus creating a smokescreen for his extensive use of illegal steroids. Andro, recently criminalized, was legal at the time." ---It certainly seems "convenient" that the Andro would be found in his locker esp when all the reporters crowd around his stall to talk w/ him. most of what Canseco says should be taken w/ a grain of salt. Yet I bet a lot of guys are dirty, who won't like this light being shed on them. How they respond to the questions and accusations should be more telling than what canseco alone says

QUOTE(Al Lopez's Ghost @ Feb 6, 2005 -> 01:08 PM) The whole idea was to build a starting rotation, and KW did that. They have to stay healthy. Everyone else is replaceable, but the big 5 isn't. I agree the Sox need the starting 5 healthy. Yet if you could only pick one of the 5 as a "key" who would it be?

The Crede thread got me thinking about some keys to the sox season. So here goes, I'll start the ball rolling with my top 3 before spring training starts [hey, anything could happen before opening day to change my mind]: 1. Scott Podsednik. If he can hit .280 at the leadoff spot and take more walks, the Sox should be OK. He comes anywhere near .300, the sox can withstand some big injuries and still fight for the playoffs. With him on base and able single handedly to get in scoring position, the 2, 3 and 4 hitters should be chipping in to buy him a new rolex at the end of the yr with the RBI chances they should be able to get. 2. Jose Contreras. The guy is as strong as a horse, and can dominate at times. Yet mostly what the sox need from him is innings. The sox know they can get innings from MB, Freddy, and Garland. With Contreras consistently giving the sox 6,7 innings a start, El Duque could then be babied a little to save him for the entire season. If Contreras blows up, can't find the strike zone every couple of starts, only going 2 innings or leaving after the 5th or 6th having given up 7 runs, the sox will need Garland to really step up [a sub 4.00 era] and El Duque [to log more innings than he should] to make up the difference. 3. Juan Uribe. If he can stay healthy, give the sox stable defense at SS and hit with the same pop as last yr, the sox don't have to rely on Crede and Iguchi to have breakout yrs. Defensively, he can make both Crede and Iguchi better. Any possible replacement would no doubt be weaker defensively and not have his offense. If he goes down to injury, or falls back to his Colo. days with low avg. and inconsistent defense, the sox would need to have big years from both Crede and Iguchi to even what the 2004 Uribe gave the Sox. Yours?

QUOTE(qwerty @ Feb 6, 2005 -> 05:22 AM) Am i the only one that thought this was sarcasm? You're not alone . It sounded more 'tongue in cheek' than just ragging on Crede.

QUOTE(FGarcia34 @ Feb 5, 2005 -> 05:28 PM) Has anyone heard the rumors about the Sox trading Harris, Cotts, and Borchard for the Orioles BJ Ryan? My buddy came into my weekly poker game last night saying he heard it on ESPN Radio 1000. He may have misheard it, but it is an interesting possibility for the sox. Welcome to soxtalk It would be surprising to see Balt. doing something like this, esp as their pitching is horrible.[though last yr's deal of their #5 prospect for Jason Grimsley shows they're capable of being stupid] They should get a lot more than those 3 guys. Balt. could only use Cotts. If it could land them Cotts and another bullpen arm like Munoz, Diaz or Adkins, or a SP, then maybe.

QUOTE(qwerty @ Feb 5, 2005 -> 07:55 AM) Free agent list. I definitely think it is better than this past year. http://www.mlb4u.com/0506FA.html I've been looking for a list to see which players might be available come the trade deadline. Thanks. But this group better than 2004?! Even as it stands, with guys who will probably will be signed before they become Free agents [hudson, sheets, berkman, PK] 2005 looks weaker compared to this yr. The crop of pitchers compared with 2004 may only be a draw, as the SP's in particular were deep. The position players for 2005 are very, very weak though.

Det. must be counting on Maggs to "get his revenge" on the sox, enough to justify his salary. At least this shows the Det. organization is run by fools, and won't sniff 1st place for a decade. With KC in decline, only the twins, sox and Cleveland will be competitive for the near future

QUOTE(WHITESOXRANDY @ Feb 5, 2005 -> 12:13 AM) I'm really rooting for Ozuna to have a good spring because I am thoroughly unimpressed with Wilson Valdez. I think Valdez is solid enough at SS. But the sox could use a UTL guy with more skills [stealing bases, play more than one position, have some pop to his bat, etc]

QUOTE(JimH @ Feb 4, 2005 -> 08:05 PM) Interesting stuff. Alvarez sounds like he might need to mature a bit, perhaps that's already happened. All three of these guys have an opportunity. With a monster spring, one of them could very realistically make the roster. Interesting also to note that all these guys have played several positions. I like how the sox are going about trying to get some bench guys, ala Gload. Young guys who have tools and haven't caught on with their 1st or 2nd teams. At best they become 25 man roster guys. At worst, they play in AAA and help the pitchers win some games.

QUOTE(JUGGERNAUT @ Feb 4, 2005 -> 08:12 PM) Didn't know about Ozuna's erratic arm. That probably rules him out for SS. I guess we're going with Iggy as #2 in SS depth this year. You should take all this with a grain of salt. And it was a few years ago this report on him. If Ozuna is being given a shot, he should have a decent glove and would have to play SS

Just some background on some guys coming into camp that have an outside shot of making the 25 man roster. From BA's 2002 Prospect Handbook: Alex Escobar [cle's #2 prospect] 9-6-78; 6-1, 180 lbs. "Has exciting tools across the board. When he's rigth offensively, he generates line drives and above-average power while utilizing the entire field. He also has speed, and if he puts everything together he could be a 30-30 player. A standout CFer, he offers the best OF defense and arm in the system" Pablo Ozuna [FLa's #12 prospect] 8-25-78; 6-0, 160 lbs. "Ozuna was the key player int he deal that sent Edgar Renteria to the Cardinals. Some thought by now Ozuna would have taken over at 2B for Luis Castillo but it hasn't happened....A classic mistake bad ball hitter, Ozuna has the hand-eye coordination and aggressiveness to put all manner of pitches into play. Though he projects as a top of the order hitter, he shows little inclination to work counts. He's a legitimate basestealing threat and a decent bunter but could get better. His average and erratic arm caused the marlins to switch Ozuna from SS to 2B, where his defense remains shaky. A move to CF remains possible". Tony Alvarez [Pitt's #6 prospect] 5-10-79; 6-1, 202 lbs. "He has settled in as an OFer after also playing 3B and 2B earlier in his career. Alvarez has the potential to be a power/speed player. He has good pop in his bat and it should improve as his body fills out. Alvarez also runs well and is aggressive on the bases. He has the speed to play CF but seems more comfortable in left, where he's adept at turning doubles into singles by moving quickly to the foul line. Alvarez is known to have mental lapses. He tends to run in situations where he should play it safe and swings at too many bad pitches". From BA's 2004 Handbook: ALvarez: [Pitt's #21 prospect:] "He was suspended for a week because of an undisclosed disciplinary problem and didn't get promoted in Sept. Alvarez is a high-average hitter who hits lines drives and has gap power. His speed allows him to steal bases and play any of the 3 OF positions. Alvarez is an aggressive player who's willing to dive for balls and take an extra base. His style also gets him in trouble, however, as he runs into too many outs on the bases and plays singles into triple when he gets reckless on defense. He also doesn't show enough patience at the plate. his hotdog antics rankle opponents and at times the Pirates."

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Feb 4, 2005 -> 02:48 PM) Would I like to trade Timo? Yes I would, but is it likely to happen? No it isn't, just because KW and Ozzie love him, and because of his clutch hitting, which is his major value to the team. Also we signed Tony Alvarez to a minor - league deal, and Rotoworld thought he could be an option for the 4th outfielder, plus I'd like to see Escobar get some AB's down at Charlotte, instead of his ass riding on the pine every day. While I like Timo [and the sox do as well], is he the "ideal" 4th OFer for the Sox, with the current makeup of the club? I don't know. For the sox, they should want a good glove guy who can play all 3 OF spots, and can steal bases so he can pinch run late in games. Whatever offense that guy can give is a bonus, whether its a guy like Timo who can make contact or a guy with some pop off the bench. Also, the sox bench as it stands, has too many LH bats. Gload, Everett and Davis are set [both CArl and Ben hit better from the left side]. Timo makes it 4 LH bats, even with a RH hitting UTL guy. They might be better with a RH bat like Escobar or Alvarez, if Timo is wanted by a team like Ariz. That Alvarez couldn't crack the Pirates lineup doesn't bode well for him getting into the sox OF mix. But his stats seem decent, can steal some bases and I'm guessing has a good glove [fits the Sox M.O.] Also, FWIW, Tony is Venezuelan. But getting another OFer?! This would make it more likely a guy like Timo could be moved. Could be filling the roster at AAA, though if you want Escobar in AAA, Anderson and Spidale likely in AAA as well, where do you put Alvarez? That the sox got another OF guy would suggest some sort of movement is coming [Joe B moved out somewhere the most likely scenario].

QUOTE(South Side Fireworks Man @ Feb 3, 2005 -> 11:25 PM) Once Frank comes back, there is no room for Timo on the Sox. Everett will become the fourth outfielder with Harris able to back up at CF in emergencies as well as being the backup 2B. Either Ozuna or Valdez will be the utility infielder, and I understand even Ozuna has played outfield before. If the Sox can find a taker for Timo and his $1million salary, they should trade him. Welcome to Soxtalk I'd only trade Timo if Escobar was ready. the Sox still need a 4th OFer who can play good late inning defense. Everett and Harris don't fit that role. Ozuna prob. would have played more OF if he was any good there instead of the IF Right now Timo can play a big role w/ the Sox. But if Escobar is healthy, he could do much of what Timo can.

QUOTE(chi-guy2 @ Feb 3, 2005 -> 10:18 PM) why in the world would the dbacks want timo, id take cameron in a heartbeat Let's see, they could get a veteran to platoon with their young RH hitting CFer, and who can play all 3 OF spots for $1 mill, instead of a .230 RH hitting CFer who'll make $12 mill. Now if Cameron only made $1 mill, maybe Az has seen Timo a lot from when he was w/ NY. Could be possible.

QUOTE(Jeckle2000 @ Feb 3, 2005 -> 05:13 PM) Doesn't defensive minded mean good defense.... Timo is the worst defense CF I have ever seen. He sucked. I mean he totally sucked. TOTALLY! No way in hell would they want him. However if they were stupid enough to take him who am I to complain. Timo's number of OF assists last yr and in previous years, shows he's solid defensively. His arm also has to be factored into the "defensive minded" equation, not just range and speed. If reports are true that Timo was injured last yr, he did fine playing through his injuries.

QUOTE(WHITESOXRANDY @ Feb 3, 2005 -> 05:16 PM) I'll never understand all the posts from people that want to trade our depth. Are these the same people that will cry when we have an injury and we have to put players in that are not ready yet or just a huge dropoff from our starter ? If Timo is as good as you say he is and he is on our team, why do you want to unload him ? We need as many good players as we can get. The best teams are on top after 162 games because they have depth. Finally, finally, finally, the Sox HAVE some depth almost everywhere! Be happy! If you read all the way through, I said trading Timo would be based on Escobar being healthy. If he's healthy, he's a right handed Timo [play all 3 OF spots], with more speed and can play even better defense. Also, if trading Timo could help land Cintron, that would give the Sox the type of versatile, multi-dimensional UTL Ifer the Sox need. The Sox have OF depth [Everett, Escobar, Borchard even, Anderson toward the end of 2005]. They don't have IF depth. If that's not being "happy" so be it. It's a fact If you are sooo tired of all these threads, why post on them

QUOTE(TheDybber @ Feb 3, 2005 -> 04:36 PM) I doubt the Dbacks would want Timo unless Byrnes, Cameron, Wilson AND Payton are unavailable. Plus, there is NO WAY they would give up Cintron for him. Maybe we can get Casey Daigle from them...more of a reason to bring Jennie Finch to the ballpark. IF Az is looking for a defensive minded CFer, and still give their young CFer some time to develop at the ML level, getting a LH bat like Timo is a decent fit. While Timo by himself might not get a deal done for Cintron, add in a bullpen arm from the sox and it sounds reasonable. Cintron really doesn't fit in w/ Ariz, with Royce, counsell, Kata and Hairston around.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=35767 The Ari. paper says it's looking for a veteran defensive minded CFer to team with Luis Terrero, and they are talking with 6 teams. Could the sox be one of those? Sounds like they could match up. Timo had played in the NL his entire career, and has played a lot of CF. Luis bats RH, Timo LH. Timo's versatility makes him a solid 4th OFer. I know many dislike Timo. I don't. But if a deal could be made that netted a greater Sox need, lik UTL IFer Alex Cintron, I'd be for it. If Alex Escobar is healthy, I'd prob. do a deal. He can provide good OF defense for all 3 spots, and has more SB speed than Timo for late game situations. With Everett also around for at least the short term, and stronger from the LH side, and Borchard hanging around, Timo might be expendable. I like Timo's defense and bunting ability. But if Escobar could provide those same things from the RH side of the plate, and it helped fill the Sox IF UTL role, I'd do it. Thoughts? ********************************************** D-Backs haven't centered on anyone for outfield spot By Dan Zeiger, Tribune The Diamondbacks’ search for a center fielder via a trade has expanded, not narrowed, which means a deal is not necessarily imminent, team officials said on Wednesday. “We’re trying to be creative and widen the search pattern a little bit,” general manager Joe Garagiola Jr. said. “I’ve had conversations with a lot of teams, some that we have been talking to a lot, others that are new.” Arizona is having talks with about six clubs, general partner Ken Kendrick said, adding that one team on Wednesday made an unsolicited call to discuss trade possibilities. The D-Backs want a veteran, defensive-oriented player to start in center, which would provide talented-but-raw Luis Terrero time to season. “We’re talking right now, but we’re not anxious,” Kendrick said. “It could take two days, or it could take two weeks.” On Tuesday, Garagiola was to leave for this week’s Caribbean Series in Mexico with other team officials but decided to remain in the Valley when a flurry of activity commenced. “My gut feeling was that I should stay,” Garagiola said. Arizona’s top four rumored suitors remain in play, though Arizona might have to start talks over with the Oakland Athletics, who have Eric Byrnes. The A’s have insisted on a minor leaguer that the D-Backs do not want to part with, and Garagiola said a “new avenue” is likely necessary. Byrnes is likely headed for arbitration and could collect a 2005 salary of $2.5 million, which makes him an affordable option for Arizona. Mike Cameron of the New York Mets, Preston Wilson of Colorado and Jay Payton of Boston are other candidates. However, Wilson’s 2005 salary of $12.5 million might put him out of the D-Backs’ price range, even if the Rockies agreed to include cash in a trade. Cameron, who is due $6 million in ’05 and ’06, is not fond of the idea of moving from center field to right with the Mets’ signing of Carlos Beltran. However, Cameron has a limited no-trade clause, and New York — which has reportedly cooled at pursuing free agent Magglio Ordonez — might not want to trade him. Garagiola said Arizona would like to complete a deal soon but will explore trade possibilities, if need be, until the start of the regular season. “You get into a new phase of six weeks where all kinds of things happen to teams and players, good and bad,” Garagiola said. “Something that was not achievable in January and February might be achievable in March.”

QUOTE(JUGGERNAUT @ Feb 2, 2005 -> 11:18 PM) Be rest assured the SOX will not be the only team looking at Sheets. Just about every club with some $ to spend will be. $ won't get a deal done for a guy like Sheets. Playoff contenders just need to have young talent they're willing to give up.

I'm going by Keith's numbers, but it looks like Dye walked more in KC rather than w/ the A's. I'm not sure about how many pitches/ AB he saw in KC, or what will happen w/ the Sox. But taking fewer walks could be based on who was hitting around him, and what spot in the order. With the A's he was always in an RBI spot, with less other big bat, RBI guys around him. All in all, I can see Dye taking more BB's this yr, as he doesn't have to carry the RBi load like he did in Oak.

What doesn't add up, is that the sox have been publicly looking at him. Why unless it's for depth at AAA [which isn't likely]? This rumor of a deal w/ LA may have more legs than you'd think, as they now have negotiating rights with Naka.

QUOTE(WHITESOXRANDY @ Feb 1, 2005 -> 05:41 PM) I doubt they are going to take a chance on the Jap. 3rd baseman - they have not even seen Iguchi play yet and don't know for sure if he'll pan out. At least they watched him work out.

Is Nakamura a LH bat?