beck72

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jan 16, 2005 -> 02:31 PM) The Sox can go three ways at the moment, by either signing Iguchi, trading for a Castillo or Durham, or standing pat with Willie Harris and Wilson Valdez. KW needs to ask himself what will be more important to the team, a second baseman who can bat 2nd in the order, hit for a high average with a good OBP and get some steals, or one of the best lefty relievers in the game who could get back to his 2002-2003 form and post a sub 2.00 ERA. I'd be for signing Iguchi and keeping Marte, and I would have even signed Cairo instead if he was still available, but we may yet see Marte dealt. But I don't think Munoz or Cotts will step up in 2005 and post great numbers that can replace Marte's output, not this season anyway. I think the sox fill the biggest question mark. That is, getting a .300 type hitter for the top of the lineup. Even if it meant making the bullpen less strong [which it would still be strong even w/o marte]. While I like the additions of Pods and Dye, and think Uribe and Rowand will have similar 2005 like their 2004, few guys are locks to be .300 hitters. If the sox have the chance to add one, like Castillo, they prob. would and should do it. Adding a guy like Iguchi, would be another question mark. Ray would be decent. But for the money, Castillo is younger, better in the field, and a better type bat that the sox need and could use

QUOTE(Jeckle2000 @ Jan 16, 2005 -> 02:24 PM) Beck I agree with everything you said. The most important aspect of this trade is that it gives us a legitimate guy who can step into the leadoff spot should Pods have another 2004 like season. This team looks a hell of alot better with Pods in the 9 hole and Castillo in the 2 hole. I think Munoz could easily step in and be a decent lefty specialist (kind of like Kelly). Would he be as good as Marte? No way! But we have to do this deal... I could see Castillo leading vs LHP w/ Pods hitting 9th. I think KW got the sense from fans yesterday he's on the right track. A deal for a .300 hitter would be icing on the cake, the final offseason move. Even at the expense of MArte. Let's face it, .300 hitters don't grow on trees. LHP's are easier to find then those type guys. BTW, FA p/u Kevin walker also has to fit in somewhere. Interesting....

Looks like the fish are the most advanced team negotiating w/ Delgado. Delgado reportedly made a counter offer to the fish and their 3 yr $35 mill offer. The Mets only paid a social call to Delgado, and will talk in the future. Get it done soon, Fish! ************************************************** From the NY post: FISH HEAT UP RACE FOR DELGADO By MARK HALE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- January 16, 2005 -- Consider the Marlins squarely in the Carlos Delgado sweepstakes. Delgado, the latest free-agent slugger to be chased by the Mets, sat down with the Marlins yesterday, and the Mets' NL East rivals made their pitch. In an impressive effort, the Marlins hosted Delgado for more than five hours, greeted him with nine club representatives and took him to lunch at one of Miami's tastiest restaurants. Bottom line? The Mets have some very real company in the Delgado derby. "A month ago, the Marlins were perceived by us as being very much a longshot," Delgado's agent, David Sloane, said last night. "After the meeting today, I would say they are significantly much less of a longshot." Said Marlins GM Larry Beinfest, "I think the way we ended it, it ended positive. We came away mutually impressed. I can't speak for Carlos, but I know we are." Asked about the Marlins' chances of signing Delgado, Beinfest replied that "it would just be pure speculation." But the Marlins certainly presented Delgado with their finest recruiting effort yesterday. Delgado and Sloane met a nine-person Marlins contingent that included Beinfest, owner Jeffrey Loria, president David Samson, assistant GM Michael Hill, manager Jack McKeon, hitting coach Bill Robinson, special assistant Tony Perez, fellow special assistant Andre Dawson and former Met Al Leiter. After starting off at Dolphins Stadium, the contingent headed to the renowned Joe's Stone Crab for lunch. The two sides discussed business — the Marlins had initially offered Delgado a three-year pact for approximately $35 million, and Sloane submitted his counterproposal yesterday. The sides plan to continue discussions soon. Where does this leave the Mets? Still in the hunt along with the Marlins, Orioles and Rangers. The Mets visited Delgado in Puerto Rico this past Thursday, but that meeting was largely social in nature. They will likely set up a follow-up business meeting for sometime this coming week, and Sloane figures to stay in regular communication with GM Omar Minaya. He told me to plan on he and I talking on a daily basis," Sloane said. "And I welcome that opportunity." Delgado and Sloane were particularly struck yesterday by the Marlins' commitment to winning. Said Sloane, "What impressed us the most about the meeting today was the entire Marlins organization from the owner to the team president to the general manager to the field personnel, it was very easy to get a sense how committed they are to fielding a winning team. "And when you couple that with the realization of they just won a World Series a few years ago, they obviously have the capability of backing up what they say."

I know I'm beating a dead horse, and we'll all see how things pan out. [i do like KW hinting about something coming up that could improve the club'. Yet I was looking at why FLA might trade Castillo a little closer. Stemming from the fish insider who said Easley was re-signed to possibly trade Castillo, it's the power stupid. The fish were near the bottom of the NL in most power categories: 12th in SLG; 14th in XBH; 11th in OPS. Getting LoDuca at the end of last yr and if they get Delgado, this will help. Yet trading Castillo, and putting Easely in the everyday lineup, could also help their offense. Castillo lacks power [hr and XBH]. He hit only 21 xbh in 564 ab's while Easley hit 30 in 223 ab's. Also, Luis only hit 12 2B's, and 3 Hr's. Easley hit 20-2b's and 9 hr's. Castillo's .348 SLG to Easley's .457 SLG says it all. Castillo is an extreme singles hitter [196 TB's with 164 Hits] who makes contact and gets on base a lot [75 BBs and 68 k's]. He'd be fine for them if they needed a leadoff hitter. But seeing as they have Pierre [who had a .407 SLG with 37 XBH] Castillo's bat is something they could do w/o. Esp. if they can get salary relief for Delgado Sorry to beat the horse again, but the #2 hole with Uribe in the lineup just seems odd to me. And something the sox would like to improve on if the opportunity comes up.

I think most people are "preparing for the worst, expecting the best" w/ regards to Frank. Healthy, no doubt Frank makes the sox a 1st class, upper tier hitting team. Yet w/o him the Sox could be an avg hitting team. It's good to hear Arow's in contact w/ Frank. It's a far cry from last offseason when Arow reportedly ran into Frank and talked to him for like 5 min. because he didn't want to bug Frank. That Arow is hanging out at Frank's house [at least he's been there] says a lot. The team may really be closer after one season w/ Ozzie.

The sox are fine in the power dept. They have more than enough guys to hit over 20 hrs--Uribe, Rowand, Crede, dye, Frank PK, Everett. An experienced middle IFer is more important. Rather than a power guy, a tablesetter/ #2 hitter would be far more valuable for 2b/ SS. Esp in case Pods doesn't come close to his 2003 yr.

QUOTE(YASNY @ Jan 15, 2005 -> 11:40 AM) Damn fine analysis there, Beck72. Thanks. All the pieces seem to be fitting in for the Marlins getting Delgado. They are supposedly close to getting a new stadium deal. What better way of "thanking" FLA fans than by signing a big time slugger. Coming off a Delgado "high", the marlins could deal Castillo quick for salary relief and top bullpen help. Fans won't go crazy, saying goodbye to Luis. Esp. as the big bat is needed more than a tablesetter [FLa was near the bottom of the NL in most power categories, like 12th in SLG]. Delgado + MArte >>> Castillo and the FLA bullpen as is. I just think a deal like this sounds too reasonable--for both FLA and the Sox. Then both teams would be ready for ST. With the questions surrounding POdsednik [will he hit .275 even?]and Harris, the Sox would be more than willing to "overpay" should Castillo be on the block. There's the backup leadoff man/ tablesetter/ #2 hitter the Sox need. Both FLA and the Sox make "win-win" deals, operating under the concept that you have to give up something in order to get something.

QUOTE(frahungski @ Jan 15, 2005 -> 05:34 AM) no, not at all. i realize that castillo is one of the premier second basemen in the league for the role that he plays. i was suggesting that there's no chance of getting castillo. and if we did get him, but had to trade marte to do it, i wouldn't be happy. i think that marte is more valuable to the team that castillo would be. but that's just my humble opinion. I think the Sox make a deal like Marte for Castillo in a nanosecond. If KW thinks Iguchi is an "impact player", Castillo is Ty Cobb. The biggest question is would he be available? They're trying to get a public stadium deal [remember--chicks dig the long ball], and what better way than get a big time slugger who also happens to be a native of a country just off the coast of FLA. With a Delgado signing, CAstillo would most definitely be available. The salary relief, near $4 mill. a yr, makes a big difference to a team that counts pennies like the M's. The marlins have Pierre at the top of their lineup [who does many of the same things Castillo does]. LoDuca can hit #2, and Easley can take over 2B, which a Marlins insider had suggested to the Miami Herald--this wasn't me suggesting it [Willie Harris would likely be dealt w/ marte, and can platoon w/ him--this is my suggestion, as Harris makes the minimum and can fit w/ the Marlins, maybe learn a few things from his fellow southerner Pierre] The reason the post-2004 Marte would be available? He has shown he's not closer. And the Sox have two other guys ahead of him as possible closers should Shingo get hurt or be ineffective. No way would the Sox have done something like this going into 2004 with the questions surrounding the bullpen. The sox now have vets filling key spots and guys like Munoz, Adkins and Diaz can battle for the last spot vacated by Marte. It weakens the bullpen a little. But IMO, the overall team is improved, with a guy like Castillo playing everyday. The sox could absorb the loss of Marte, esp with Vizcaino on the team. He's great against LH hitters [like a .160 BAA] and situational LHP's like Cotts and Munoz on the team [who also can pitch more than 1 inning at a time].

Spidale was named by Sports Weekly as right up there with Anderson and Sweeney as the top Sox position prospects. I didn't know Mike was 23, same age as Anderson

Delgado's agent says his #1 priority is signing with a playoff contender. Of the Marlins, Mets, Rangers and Orioles, the Marlins have the best team. Texas is next, yet they don't have the money. Hold off on the Iguchi signing, Castillo will be available Here's the link: http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...s_fla&fext=.jsp

I don't know if this has been mentioned but LA signed Paul Bako to a 1 yr, $650,000 contract. Davis isn't going to LA

KW has to have something up his sleeve with a trade. The middle IF was the first priority [in Vizquel], and now the sox will go with an inexperienced middle?! I don't buy it. Someone will be brought in

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Jan 13, 2005 -> 05:39 PM) I'm going to throw out the name Joey Thurston. That's a good call. Any thoughts/ opinions on him?

The Sox have to have something up their sleeves, with either Iguchi or better to compete with or replace Willie. Cora would have been a decent vet to "get by" with. They seem to have their sights set higher than a guy to just 'get by'.

I think Davis is far more valuable as a backup than whatever LA can give the sox via trade. With Burke the only C close to the majors [unless Chris Stewart's defense is major league ready--who cares about his offense] trading Davis doesn't make a lot of sense

QUOTE(YASNY @ Jan 13, 2005 -> 12:05 PM) ARow's no fluke. He's just too solid of a ballplayer to be a fluke. I agree. But it's nice to see that he recognizes last year was a result of his hard work, that "kicking back" could set him back. His self-motivation is very strong. As long as he's healthy, sox fans don't have to worry about him being a one yr wonder Another thing, he seemed much more confident and relaxed than in the past. His success prob. had something to do w/ that.

Found this article and it mentioned what the Marlins payroll likely would be. It should be around $61.5 mill after signing their arb. players. [which is really close to last yrs payroll of $62.27 mill]. If they signed Delgado to a deal [with say $11 mill this yr, more in later yrs], they'd be close to $11 mill over last yrs payroll. They seem to operate with the same mindset as the Sox, that they hav a reasonable payroll and not have huge jumps from yr to yr. If this holds true, then they'll have to dump some salary Conine and Encarnacion each make a lot. Yet would be hard to get rid of. Paring salary elsewhere would be likely http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-mar...la-sports-front

Saw an interview of Rowand on CLTV. Said he "absolutely loved playing for Ozzie". Brings energy, passion to the sox. ARow said he's working harder than ever this off season to prove last yr wasn't a fluke. A Big relief knowing he's in the lineup coming into spring training.

Sounds like the Marlins want to get something done this weekend. I've got to hand it to the Marlins. They know what they want and aren't afraid of going all out to get the players they need. Hopefully they'll see they can win w/o Castillo [as the have pierre for speed, and LoDuca to hit #2], and put him on the market http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/13/sports/b...html?oref=login "Winning more important than location"? We'll see. The Marlins would give Delgado a better chance of winning than the other teams pursuing him--the mets, O's and Rangers.

Looks like the Marlins owner is getting involved in the Delgado negotiations http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...s_fla&fext=.jsp Their GM Beinfest sounds a lot like KW----"Are there strong needs that still need to be addressed on this team?" Beinfest said. "In my estimation, no. But you are always trying to get better."

QUOTE(nitetrain8601 @ Jan 12, 2005 -> 10:05 PM) I honestly don't think Sox will get him and I also don't think he gets traded at all unless they get Delgado and decide they need money spent elsewhere as well. Castillo will probably be with them this upcoming year and I'm 100% sure he isn't coming to the Sox. Sorry White Sox Nation. Vazquez has also been linked with the Marlins. If they don't get Delgado, they may make a move for Vazquez. Beinfest has a knack for pulling off good trades and getting a guy they target [like IRod, Leiter, the LoDuca trade, etc] I wouldn't them out. And I wouldn't count Castillo still being available [as they need power, they already have Pierre]

QUOTE(Chisoxmatt @ Jan 12, 2005 -> 09:24 PM) I knew you were accurate when you said he could be traded. I just meant he wasnt going to be traded to the Sox. I just doubt KW wants to give up players when he can sign a FA (Cora, Iguchi). Maybe im wrong, i just dont think i am. If KW wanted to sign either Cora or Iguchi, he has had 3, 4 weeks to do it. If it hasn't happened by now with those two, its likely the sox won't sign them But to get an impact player with a decent contract [like Castillo] means giving up good talent. Why pay an extra $5 mill for a guy like Renteria when its possible to get a similar player for less [even if it means giving up talented players/ prospects]? KW has shown a willingness to trade for top talent, far more than he has in signing top FA's

QUOTE(Chisoxmatt @ Jan 12, 2005 -> 07:27 PM) Good point. A trade involving castillo was never going to happen. Some guy from the Miami herald listed a bunch of teams that needed a second baseman and claimed that those teams were interested. The herald quoted a Marlins insider as saying Castillo could be traded. It's not some fantasy I cooked up. I listed the link and put the quote on the first page. I said the Sox could be a match, based on how highly Ozzie viewed Castillo from his days on the Marlins. To think the sox wouldn't be interested in him if he was on the block would be foolish. You think they'd stick with Willie and forget about trying to get Castillo, if he was available?

QUOTE(chi-guy2 @ Jan 12, 2005 -> 07:18 PM) honestly do your really think the sox will even get castillo? I dont think they will and who would they give to the marlins anyways If Castillo's on the trade block, sure. [which as I first posted, a marlins insider said he could be traded as they have Easley] Ozzie has long admired what Pierre and Castillo did for the Marlins and would have KW overpay to get him. Like the Freddy Garcia trade. I see the Marlins trading Castillo if they can get a big salary guy, like Delgado or Javier Vazquez [as the M's have been mentioned w/ him as well]. Damaso Marte comes immediately to mind of who they could want for their bullpen. Seeing how he makes $1.58 mill and Castillo over $5 mill , they'd save some money and get a nice arm in Marte

QUOTE(S720 @ Jan 12, 2005 -> 05:35 PM) Heck, I say we forget Castillo and sign Iguchi and be done for this offseason. With Iguchi aboard, our team is all set and ready for 2005. I think Iguchi is still out there. No other team seems to have stepped up. But if the Sox could get CAstillo by waiting a week or two, it'd be worth it. One thing KW has done by filling the biggest holes early, is leave the sox open to further improving themselves. Other teams are scrambling to fill A, B and C holes, which can cause them to overpay/ get ripped off via trade. The sox can sit back and make a deal not because they have to. But because they want to improve the team.