beck72

QUOTE(Jeckle2000 @ Jan 10, 2005 -> 04:44 PM) Anyone on this site will tell you that I love Willie Harris. If it wasn't for this deal i'd rather see him as our starting 2B this year. However the reason that I pull the trigger on this deal has nothing to do with Willie and everything to do with Pods. Pods won't be a legit leadoff hitter. If giving up Marte gets us one then we have to do it. As much as I would hate to give up Marte it sucks going into the season with a maybe at leadoff. This gives us as close to a sure thing as we're going to get. Well said Very good point. Having another guy as a fallback option for leadoff in the event Pods doesn't come near his 2003 form, is an important factor in bringing someone in for 2b/ SS.

QUOTE(lvjeremylv @ Jan 10, 2005 -> 02:48 PM) Am I the only one who doesn't hate Willie Harris? Ha ha. "Hate" has nothing to do with replacing Willie Harris. Listening to the sox talk, though, they want to replace him or at the very least, have a fall back option. Hence, all the speculation about who will be brought in for 2b/ SS. For whatever reason, KW and Ozzie aren't too impressed w/ Willie and what he can do for the Sox, and want someone new in. The key question is why. I don't know. He sure seems to have the talent, the numbers. But there must be something behind the scenes [attitude, personal life, whatever] that is going on we fans don't know about.

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jan 10, 2005 -> 02:22 PM) I think it's quite obvious that with each new trade rumor that involves the Sox and a middle infielder, that Wille Harris won't be on this ballclub this season, which I guess isn't going to suprise many people around here. But some team could definitely use a cheap second baseman like him who can leadoff. The 2b situation is playing out like Carlos Lee deal, only it's a little reversed. Instead of shopping a LFer w/ a big bat, the sox are shopping for a middle IFer who has speed, can be a #2 type hitter. It's only a matter of when, not if a middle IFer will be brought in

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jan 10, 2005 -> 02:11 PM) Polanco would be the everyday SS, while you'd have Chase Utley at 2B and David Bell at third base, but Placido is more comfortable at second by all reports. I've heard Rollins is fairly inconsistent as well, don't know if stats would prove this, but it probably wouldn't endear him to Ozzie ALA 1 Willie Harris. I don't know how well he plays SS, but it is Polanco's 3rd best position. Rollins has just come around, having been a little inconsistent in the past [hitting and defense wise. Getting rid of a young improving player like Rollins for a salary dump, when a bench player like Polanco could be moved [along with a little salary] makes more sense. My point is having the sox names in all these rumors for a middle IF makes the sox look a little foolish, like they're reaching for a guy. Unless they want their names out there for a reason.

With the Sox being mentioned w/ Durham and now Rollins, the sox seem to be sending out feelers for the trade market for a 2b or SS. Any team with a match like these players [good speed, good bats, top of the order types] could then propose a trade to the sox. Rollins isn't likely to be moved. They don't have a SS to replace him, and Rollins isn't that expensive. Yet the sox inquiring about him makes some headlines, gets the sox name mentioned as possible trade partners. Another reason is w/ these names floating about, it makes the sox look like they're all over the map, looking for anyone and everyone for the middle IF. KW's moves show he's smarter than that, that he does have a plan.

QUOTE(sox-r-us @ Jan 10, 2005 -> 06:02 AM) We only give up Marte for Castillo if we can get Castillo signed to an extension No way I give up Marte for a one year guy.... Keep him in mind though for the trade deadline if we are in it and the Fish are out of it (both of which are possible) Castillo is signed through 2006, with a 2007 option that kicks in if he gets a certain amount of PA. He'll make $5.33 mill a yr, in 05 and 06, with 07, $5.25 mill.

QUOTE(hi8is @ Jan 9, 2005 -> 07:26 PM) lets all remember this is pure speculation =D Of course this is speculation. But seeing how a Marlins insider told the Miami Herald Castillo could be traded, it's a little more than fantasy. The only reason I started this thread is because if Castillo could be had, Ozzie would trade his own kid to bring this guy to the sox. Seeing how the sox were willing to do whatever it took to bring Freddy into town, it's a strong possibility they'd do the same with Castillo. Esp. as he seems to epitomize everything Ozzie wants in a player.

QUOTE(WSFAN35 @ Jan 9, 2005 -> 07:01 PM) Who knows what we're going to get with Marte this year. He reported to camp last year out of shape with five miles off his fastball. He's not the same pitcher that he used to be, and while he might get it back, he might get worse. Why not trade for a sure thing in Castillo? Good points. Ozzie has been qouted as saying he "never met the Marte of 2003". Not exactly a vote of confidence

QUOTE(EvilJester99 @ Jan 9, 2005 -> 07:04 PM) Isn't Viscaino suppose to be awesome against lefty hitters? IIRC thats what was said about him when the Sox got him. Maybe that would sway KW into thinking he could afford to trade Marte...JMO Vizcaino has pitched better vs LH hitters the last few years.

QUOTE(Mr. Zero @ Jan 9, 2005 -> 06:10 PM) Why the hell are people so quick to get rid of Marte??? He's our BEST reliever (except for last year). We can't count oN Hermanson, Vizcaino, or Politte to put up Marte numbers. There is no way in hell I trade Marte for more offense. Our bullpen would go from pretty damn good to OK. I'm not quick to get rid of Marte. But to get a player of Castillo's quality is hard to come by. I look at what he can add to the Sox on an everyday basis for 140-150 games a yr, over what Marte can give over 60-70 games [and what a replacement guy like Vizcaino, Cotts or Munoz can do] and it would be a good deal.

QUOTE(lvjeremylv @ Jan 9, 2005 -> 03:36 PM) Marte for Castillo? No thanks. Marte is one of the best lefty relievers in baseball, and I wouldn't trade him to fill a spot that *really* isn't that bad for the Sox. Willie harris hit .260 last year (and should improve if he gets as many ABs as he did in 2004), and he figures to be our #9 hitter this season. A .260+ average from a #9 hitting 2B with good defensive abilities and excellent speed is just fine IMO. And factor in the salary he'll be making in 2005, and I'm very happy with our 2B situation. The only way I'd move Marte is if it was part of a deal to acquire a stud starter. While 2b is not that bad, if it could be filled w/ a .300 switchhitter, who can hit #2 or leadoff, who makes less than $6 mill, for a reasonable price via trade [marte while great vs LH hitters, is replaceable--vizcaino pitches better vs. LH hitters, with Cotts and Munoz in the wings], the sox should go for it.

QUOTE(GreatScott82 @ Jan 9, 2005 -> 03:35 PM) It would hurt to trade Marte, but what is more important an everday all-star 2B with speed and great defense or a Lefty set-up man? KW should really consider this as the 2B option. I agree. Having a top of the order guy who can hit .300, steal bases, and can solidify the middle infield, is more important than a set up man.

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jan 9, 2005 -> 01:41 PM) That's what I'm hoping, Delgado looks like he wants to play for a winner. Florida would be a good fit for him. The marlins desperately need some LH power. Juan Pierre led the team with 3 HR's [1 being an iside the park homer] from the left side. With that being a huge need, Beinfest seems to get exactly what he wants. His deals last yr were great. If they see Delgado as the #1 need, they should have a great chance ot land him

FWIW, supposedly [according to ESPN insider] the marlins are Delgado's 1st choice. If the M's got Delgado, the sox would stand a much greater chance of landing Castillo. Sign with them delgado!!

the M's reportedly offered Delgado a 3 yr, $30 mill deal. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-mar...la-sports-front If they got Delgado, Castillo would be a decent bet to move. Fill a spot in their bullpen with Marte, and clear salary

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jan 9, 2005 -> 01:04 PM) The Marlins are realy desperate for a left handed power hitter, some reports have said they've offered a 1 year deal to Delgado while others have said they have offered him a 3 year deal. Cotts and Harris alone won't be enough, probably a prospect or 2 not named Anderson, Sweeney or McCarthy might have to be thrown in, but I'd be all for a deal for Castillo instead of someone like Ray Durham. I agree. I'm just saying the sox look to have some pieces that could fit. Marte would be more in line w/ Castillo, as far as worth and value go. But if they missed out on Delgado, Gload would be a decent option for 1b than Ben Grieve, Clark or Fullmer. Yet if they got Delgado, they'd have to go cheap at other spots [2b, bullpen, OF] Interesting to say the least. I thought the Sox would find a way to trade w/ Florida this offseason. If Castillo is available, the Sox should top any offer, along the lines of the Freddy deal.

QUOTE(chisox2334 @ Jan 9, 2005 -> 12:57 PM) seems like alot of options now are opening up for whitesox get a 2b. It will be intresting to see what happeneds Very true. The key i think is the sox don't have to make any moves. They've gotten their biggest holes filled. Other teams are more desperate, and may give up more than they want to get the right player

With reports the M's are going after Delgado, they would prob. have to make some room for his salary. Some needs: 1] FLA has no LH pitchers in their bullpen. Only Willis and Leiter are their LHP's. Marte; Cotts 2] Easley looks like a stop gap measure at best for 2b. He played a UTL role there in 2004. Willie Harris would likely be part of a deal, unless they have someone for 2b in their minors [Josh Wilson? rings a bell] 3] 1B. Gload; PK?

QUOTE(whitesox91403 @ Jan 9, 2005 -> 12:15 PM) I agree with everything you have said. But, my question is this: For instance the Sox sign Iguchi which I believe is the more likely scenario than Durham. Then Valdez is more than likely to make this team. I would imagine that Willie would also. So who doesn't? One more, can Valdez also play 3B or not? If the Sox got Iguchi [who likely couldn't play SS like he did in Japan a few yrs back], they'd have to have Valdez for SS. Uribe could play 2B, and 3b [which Valdez can't]. The Sox wouldn't have a spot for Harris With reports the Sox are interested in Durham as well, it looks like they want to get rid of Willie, not just put him on the bench

I put this in the Rumors thread. But I think it deserves its own thread [what do I know ] • Although the Marlins like Luis Castillo and would be happy to keep him, a Marlins insider said one reason they re-signed Damion Easley was to give them the option of trading Castillo and his $4.5 million salary. Here's the link: http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/10601746.htm ****************************************************** IMO, the Sox should "pay any price" to get Castillo. The perfect guy for 2b, who can hit #2 or leadoff vs LHP. What the M's would want for him who knows. But the price can't be that high. My question is, what would the M's want for him? And what could the Sox give up? Seeing how the article talks about getting a 1B like Grieve, Fullmer or Tony clark, Ross Gload would have to someone they'd be interested in. Cheap, and an Ozzie guy Also, it seems strange that they could go for an expensive bat like Delgado. Yet would be willing to give up Castillo because he makes too much money at $4.5 mill?! Could be that they want some offense/ power. Prob. some pitching. thoughts?

From the Miami Herald: CHATTER • Although the Marlins like Luis Castillo and would be happy to keep him, a Marlins insider said one reason they re-signed Damion Easley was to give them the option of trading Castillo and his $4.5 million salary. ****************************************************** IMO, the Sox should "pay any price" to get Castillo. The perfect guy for 2b, who can hit #2 or leadoff vs LHP. Here's the link: http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/10601746.htm

I think the Tony G comparison is pretty much Valdez, though he can't play the different positions Tony could. IMO, he's like Tony in the fact that he's not an everyday player/ starter. But he won't hurt a team if he's in there for a while in case a starter goes down with an injury. Valdez could play SS to rest Uribe. And Uribe could then play 3b and 2b to rest Crede. Valdez is a stronger defensively than Tony, though weaker offensively. [though he's turned it around the last 2 yrs in the minors] If the sox bring in a veteran 2b like Iguchi or Durham, then Valdez should have a spot on the 2005 roster

Looking at Ray a little closer, he was healthy ending the season. During the last part of Aug until the end of the yr, Ray was great. He went from .252/.339/.434 on 8-18 to end the yr .282/.364/.484. His Sept, during the stretch run when SF folded, Ray hit .374/.467/.571 with 4 sb. If Valdez can be the UTL guy, someone who could hit .250 and play solid d [who at least can play SS, with Uribe shifting to 3b for Crede and 2b to rest Ray], then getting Ray [w/ some salary thrown in by SF] would be possible.

QUOTE(whitesox91403 @ Jan 9, 2005 -> 11:21 AM) On a side note. Lets say either The Sox sign Iguchi or a trade for Ray Durham is done. I would only assume that Wilson Valdez makes this team by default. Who doesn't make the opening day roster? Is Willie out of options? I don't think you give up on him to the point of just dumping him for anything Willie would likely be dealt for Durham, to fill SF's spot at 2b

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Jan 9, 2005 -> 02:05 AM) If the Sox handle things right though, they will be able to spell Ray with a platoon guy and that should be alright. Personally I think its a great move as long as they don't give up Marte. I think thats probably a little too much, unless they get something else in return that could help them out of the pen. But budget wise, they could basically afford to add Durham's entire contract but no way in hell would I give up Marte for him and take on that big contract. On a sidenote, Durham is under contract at roughly 6.5 this year and the following year is an option year. 2006 being an option yr [if its the team option] is big. Alex Cora as the UTL IFer, able to play SS and 2B?! Would be able to rest Ray more, go in as a late inning defensive replacement, and spot start for Uribe. Helluva lot of money though for both [but SF could pay some salary, if the Sox give players/ prospects]. Cora probably could get a starting gig somewhere also, Yet if nothing has come his way by now, coming to the Sox even as a UTL guy might not be a bad idea