beck72

Did anyone see this from espn: Not exactly a stellar endorsement for what the sox need. And SF would likely be giving him away----- "Scouting Report 2004 Season Ray Durham once again endured an injury-plagued season, landing on the disabled list twice for the second straight year with an assortment of leg injuries. When he was in the lineup, Durham showed some of the skills the Giants believed he possessed when they signed him. He had to dig himself out of hole created when he was hurt most of May. He had only two home runs and eight RBI entering June, but he collected 31 RBI the next two months. Hitting There's no question about Durham's hitting when he's in the lineup. He hit the most homers since swatting 20 for the White Sox in 2001. Last year, he had a higher batting average from the right side, but more power from the left side. For a leadoff hitter, Durham strikes out too much. He struck out 60 times last year, three more than his walk total. Baserunning & Defense Once a threat to run, Durham's injuries have cut down his stolen-base totals. He is blessed with athletic genes, however, and the Giants once considered moving him to the outfield. That likely won't happen after Durham struggled so much to catch popups at his position last season. He had a horrible season in the field, with 16 errors. Furthermore, he was slow to turn what should have been easy double plays. 2005 Outlook The Giants were candid about Durham's offseason regimen. They would like him to follow their training program to keep his tender legs in shape. Privately, they are not happy with his work ethic. The training staff was critical of him last season, as he spent most of May on the DL. Perhaps that motivated Durham, who was healthier in the second half. If Durham can't stay healthy, the Giants might try to trade him, though he still has two years and $13.5 million remaining on his contract."

I listened to the score's report Fri. w/ Glen Dickey [sp?] of the SF chron. He was on after AJ w/ Telander. He said the SF pitchers were struggling early in the year, and were complaining about a lot of stuff. Said that one of the P's quoted retracted his statements about AJ. Much of the talk of AJ being a cancer overblown Said AJ's biggest problems were being slow arond the plate [blocking/ getting to balls] and not taking any walks. Said that any guy who's OBP is not much higher than his BA is a problem. [His cred. right there goes down, as AJ's OBP was 50 pts higher in 2003 and 40 pts in 2004]. Also said hitting into DP's a big prob. Said AJ has a strong arm, just release and getting to balls is a prob. From the sounds of it, his attitude and defensive skills, the biggest question marks, weren't as big as problems as the media made it out to be.

Someone mentioned Harris hitting #2 last week and I thought 'what a load of crap'. But in looking at what Ozzie may want, a top of the order like Pierre and Castillo, Harris might not be bad. *He's patient, can work a count--which can give Pods a chance to steal. *While Willie can't sac bunt, he can try bunting for a hit to move Pods from 2nd to 3rd--trying for a hit he usually put the bunt down in a good spot *Can hit a groundball ball to the right side of the IF, moving Pods from 2nd into 3rd *makes good contact, so the Sox could utilize hit + runs [as Willie has perfected the 4-3 GB out, w/ Pods in motion, willie may find more holes for his GB's as the 2B man goes to cover 2B I still think uribe will start there. But if Harris improves his bunting and hits the ball w/ authority [instead of his weak GB's that can't make it through the IF] willie might not be bad vs RHP

The Sox could still make a deal. Not likely. Though they still have the pieces on the roster /prospects. Other teams may make some moves that leave them unable to make a deal w/ AZ.

Did Iguchi work out for MLB scouts? I know the Japanese 3rd baseman did. If not, and the sox have only seen tape of him, it's no wonder other teams haven't stepped up and offered him a deal.

QUOTE(Rowand44 @ Jan 7, 2005 -> 02:10 PM) Beck, by odd I mean odd to me like I said I'm not used to free agents signing on the southside for such good values, I just absolutely love to see this, what you said makes perfect sense to me but like I said I'm just not used to that happening, just very glad to see it I think I knew what you meant. I'm glad, too. I think we're starting to see a pattern. I think Ozzie has a lot to do with KW "selling" FA's on the Sox. Players know they'll be coming into a stable team, with a manager and GM on the same page, with a baseball philosophy they can buy into or not.

With AJ, playing in the AL Central, a league he knows the hitters and pitchers well, also has big benefits. AJ needs to have short term success. Playing in the NL on LA wouldn't guarantee him short term success

QUOTE(Rowand44 @ Jan 7, 2005 -> 01:53 PM) Very odd, it seems like two guys(dye and aj) signed with the sox when they got better offers elsewhere. That's something I definitely love to hear and something I don't recall happening for the White Sox in quite a while, props to Jermaine and aj for not just caring about money. With the current market the sox have signed some very good players for a very good value, very impressive imo. It's not really odd. In fact, it makes very good business sense for both of these guys. Dye and AJ both have seen their values drop [dye to injury, AJ to his reputation]. The Sox are a good fit for both to up their values. They'll play in a hitter's park, on a team with solid pitching and that contends for the playoffs every yr, and in a major city. If they perform up to their capabilities, put in the hard work etc, they'll get contracts [from the Sox or elsewhere] that will reward them much better than going to a team like Tex, or TB.

QUOTE(quickman @ Jan 7, 2005 -> 01:50 PM) beck I agree with you on this. I think its negotiating again. We all remember that he said we were not going to get AJ. In addition, if ignuchi decides to stay in Japan then we will turn to Cora or cairo. I still think there is a chance. Quite frankly, KW by being unpredictable is becoming quite predictable. I really like the fact that KW filled the most glaring hole at C first. By getting AJ, he puts the pressure on Iguchi's people to make a decision or the sox will pack it in, call on soemone else. It actually increases the likelihood that he can get Iguchi, esp if there aren't other teams he can jump to. If it pans out like this, the sox will be in a nice position heading into spring.

I think a lot of the "other teams are interested" in Iguchi talk is old. Bos, NYY, Sea all have guys set now. Bos and NYY talked early on to Iguchi back in Dec. But I haven' t heard [via newspapers/ rumors, etc] any teams express an interest in Iguchi lately. If you look at Iguchi's stats prior to his last 2 yrs, he wasn't that good. Is he worth a guaranteed 2, 3 yr deal based on his last two yrs? Maybe. But I don't see many other teams where there is a fit and that's willing to take the risk. Maybe its the position, but 2b is an easier spot to fill this yr [with guys like Cairo, Cora, Polanco via trade, etc all still out there]. So his negotiating power is lower based on who other teams can get

I think its the sox public negotiating stance. They're forcing Iguchi to accept their offer, come down a little, or they'll move on [to Alex Cora prob]. Iguchi should make a move or he'll be in Japan for another yr, as I don't think another team is willing to take the risk on him the Sox are over 2 yrs. He'll sign if he's smart

QUOTE(whitesox91403 @ Jan 7, 2005 -> 08:14 AM) Anyone else find it odd that KW has said that The Sox and Iguchi are far apart on money, but all indications are that is 500,000 or so? Sorry, if this has been posted before. I really think Iguchi is with The Sox by Monday. Also, if he signs, who is the back up SS? I did find it odd, the Sox public positioning on Iguchi being "far apart". It sounds like they're forcing Iguchi's hand. Accept the offer or come down a little, or we'll sign someone else. I don't think many or any other teams are offering a guaranteed 2 yr deal. Right now the sox don't have to make a move [they should, as a guy like Iguchi can help the sox do a lot of things]. But Iguchi has to make a move. The Sox getting AJ should actually help move the situation along. If the sox are the last, best offer on the table for Iguchi, he should accept or be left in Japan for another yr. It might depend on how much he wants to play in the US. I do think something will be worked out by monday, with Iguchi getting something like $2.15 mill a yr for 2 yrs.

I think a trade could free some space. Probably with guys who could make another teams 25 man roster but might have trouble making/ fitting in with the Sox 25 man: Everett [besides Dh for Frank while he rehabs, where will he fit? Plus, Pk can DH and Gload play 1B if Frank is out until May] Borchard; Adkins

From the call AJ seems like he knows the sox could help him probably even more than he could help the sox. AJ needs to get his career back on track, rebuild his rep and image. The Sox were the best fit for him, being in the AL Central, with a team with playoff hopes, and solid players/ professionals/ citizens. This is a no-lose situation for the sox, and us fans. The Sox should see a talented Catcher re-commit himself to being a professional. We fans should see a guy giving 110% of himself on the field.

Very solid signing. This is one of those signings that fall into a team's lap [a bargain big-time player, as other teams pass/ have their spot filled, etc] that rarely happens to the Sox. I have a feeling Sox fans will be very happy with what AJ will give us

QUOTE(AddisonStSox @ Jan 6, 2005 -> 08:00 PM) I think negotiations are pretty par for the course right now. Don't anybody get too worked up over articles like these. The Sox have officialy offered $2m...ok...that doesn't mean we won't make the jump up to $3M. Now, onto the jap second baseman. I haven't been shown anything to believe negotiations have ended/slowed down. I think Kenny has just as good a shot at both AJP and Iguchi now as ever. ...and for the goof that went ballistic over the "racial slur"...gimme a f***ing break. Ass wipe, someone was offended. Let it go. You bringing this s*** up again shows you to be a classless clown

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Jan 6, 2005 -> 07:18 PM) What mistakes??? This guy has actually done a decent job running the Dodgers and seems to have a plan. Sometimes I scratch my head and wonder, but I think those original RJ rumors were so far fetched it wasn't even funny. So he dealt Green, knowing it meant he could free up the room to get Odalis Perez and Elo. Now Green wants to come back, but they have JD Drew whose going to end up replacing him. Plus the guy traded for this little known player Jayson Werth, who when healthy was looking like a guy with pretty good upside. I think he's out for half of the year though. Guys with no trades get dealt all the time, Green just doesn't want to go, but that doesn't mean you don't just keep trying to move him hoping he sees the picture and finally accepts moving elsewhere. I don't want to fully dissect DePo, but a few moves: LoDuca, mota, getting Choi who is prob. a reserve; getting Finley then letting him walk; trying to free up money for RJ and Charles Johnson at the deadline; basically blaming Vazquez for blowing the RJ deal [telling Vazquez they need him to take a physical the next day, knowing he's on vacation and that Vazquez had taken a physical a month earlier w/ the NYY, and saying that's the reason they were backing out]. The guy is over his head. Makes KW look like a genius.

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Jan 6, 2005 -> 07:09 PM) It has nothing to do with Depodesta that Green nixed the deal. I'm talking about DePodesta "trading" Green, even though Green had a no-trade clause, and potentially screwing things up for the sox. I know DePo didn't cause the Green to AZ deal to fall through, but this guy is in over his head by all the mistakes he's made.

QUOTE(quickman @ Jan 6, 2005 -> 07:08 PM) I hope I can be more clear. The Sox want an immediate response from the jap players Rep. they need to know asap so they can turn there attention to signing AJ and another player. The Sox apparently were in the drivers seat with AJ because the Dodgers were hoping to get the Catcher from the Yanks for the green deal. That deal is now off. Therefore, specualtion says the dodgers might return to the AJ deal. The whitesox need to know there payroll now in order to stay in the game. hope this makes sense. if not who cares, it will play out. thank you. I still think AJ going to LA doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Him staying in a league he's not familiar with, having to play SF 19 times. AJ needs to build up his value, by having short term success, and keeping quiet. I just don't think LA would be a good fit for AJ to do this

QUOTE(fathom @ Jan 6, 2005 -> 07:06 PM) Anyone that doesn't think that the million dollars given to Timo wouldnt be helpful for the Sox right now is naive. We all know that the Sox are concerned with every little penny they spend. If we miss out on a starting catcher or a starting 2b because we spent too much on a reserve outfielder that we didn't even need, then I will lose even more respect for KW and JR. Does Timo have a restraining order out on you?! If he doesn't he damn well should

God is Depodesta a f***ing idiot.

QUOTE(quickman @ Jan 6, 2005 -> 06:57 PM) The score is reporting that the japanese players rep wants an extra million over two years. that came on the update about 10 minutes ago. They want an immendiate response because the shaun Green deal fell through. Therefore the AJ thing with the Dodgers is back on. who wants an immediate response? The sox?

Both players are seemingly within reach. I'd hate to see either gone [AJ esp.] over some chump change. Worse comes to worse, trade Everett and his $4 mill contract for some bats and balls and the sox will have more than enough to pay these guys, and leave some cushion for additions at the tradng deadline

QUOTE(quickman @ Jan 6, 2005 -> 02:24 PM) jim, I still think things will get worked out. If there were teams lining up for these guys I can say spend the extra million. Nobody is lining up or maybe the dodgers are interested but are waiting to see if the D-bakcs deal goes through. We will know that today. If they don't get there catcher they will go after AJ, if they get the catcher they probably won't. I think we will understand all this better today or tommorrow as the deadline ends. In addition, I still beelive we will end up giving AJ 2.5 with an option for next year. (if the dodgers fall out) What other options does htis guy have? LA also has to wait on the Shawn Green deal going through as well. AZ is having problems getting him to agree on an extension. C would have to be on the back burner as well

QUOTE(EvilJester99 @ Jan 6, 2005 -> 01:04 PM) This doesn't sound promising....from Japanball.com TOKYO, Jan. 6 (19:04) Kyodo Japanese infielder Tadahito Iguchi, who has drawn interest from several major league clubs, and the Chicago White Sox have hit a snag in their negotiations, sources close to him said Thursday. Both sides have failed to narrow the differences over financial terms after the White Sox offered a two-year, $4 million (about 420 million yen) deal and demanded an early response. A person familiar with the talks indicated that Iguchi's side hopes for a deal that at least matches his contract with the Daiei Hawks carrying an annual salary of 240 million yen for 2004. ''The White Sox say they can't wait any more but we can't give them an answer for the offer that we've got,'' he said. The White Sox are reportedly one of five major league clubs interested in acquiring the services of Iguchi, including the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. In his eight-year career with the Hawks, Iguchi, known for his clutch hitting, hit .271 with 149 homers, 507 RBIs and 159 stolen bases in 894 games. He won the Pacific League stolen base title in 2001 and 2003 and is also a four-time All-Star. He made himself available for talks with major league teams after Daiei accepted his request for unconditional release. the difference is $350,000 a yr. [or 30 million yen ]. Not a big deal. If there aren't other offers on the table [bos and NYY interested in him?! give me a break!!] he might have to take it if he wants to play MLB.