beck72

Sounds good. Come to think of it, doesn't he have connections to the Chicago area? I thought he worked some baseball camps around here in the offseason a few years back, when he was w/ Ariz.

I don't know too much about him. But someone who could do a lot of different things is likely to get the UTL spot. Esp if Uribe is a starter. We saw how valuable a guy like Uribe can be and the Sox will need someone solid to fill his role. I'll give him a look.

I thought SS had an option for 2005, similar to what Loiaza had this year [not the cash, but terms-somethign around $3 mill for '05]. If he's non-tendered then the sox wouldn't be able to sign him for much of the offseason correct? I do agree. SS pitched well early in the year. He dropped off pretty dramatically [pitching while hurt?] If it was all injury related, and SS is healthy w/ no long term affects to his arm, I could see him in a battle for the 5th spot, with Grilli, Diaz if the sox land a top SP. If the Sox keep SS around, Garland would probably be traded. [only after a top SP is added, though]

As Jim H is the "President of the Willie won't be around in 2005 club"--he has me convinced, but I think he has more ability than Jim gives him credit for--having Robbie as a bench player making the minimum wouldn't be completely unheard of. But I'd prefer a bench guy to play more than one position, have speed, and be better defensively than Robbie.

From Baseball America's 2002 Prospect report: As Cle.'s #2 ranked prospect: "Escobar has exciting tools across the board. When he's right offensively, he generates line drives and above average power while utilizing the entire field. He also has speed, and if he puts everyting together he could be a 30-30 player. A standout CFer, he offers the best OF defense and arm in the system. Escobar struggled in AAA and the majors last season ['01] as his plate discipline deteriorated. He was befuddled by conflicting advice from a variety of Mets coaches before reverting to an open stance w/ his legs spread wide and his hands held high. While his arm is strong, it isn't always accurate" Bats: r throws: r BD: 9-6-78 Interestingly enough, Escobar is a Venezuelan. Maybe Ozzie has some sage advice for him. The injuries have certainly hampered him.

I agree. But Gload has shown he's probably capable of being an everyday player, not just a bench guy. The first extended playing time he's had and he goes on a long hit streak, while showing nice patience, great glove work, and the ability to hit LHP and RHP!? Bodes well for an entire year. But who knows what his worth is. Could the Sox get a few solid prospects for him? Who knows? I for one think he's very capable of being a solid, JT Snow type player. Low payroll teams would love to have a guy like Gload. But I also think he'd be able to start on the sox, which would make PK tradeable

that loss of weight is the only thing that could save him. The sox need a LH hitting catcher, as Burke has proven he's a solid backup [hitting, throwing out runners, etc]. There aren't many options at C in free agency. [Varitek will stay in Bos] If he's not healthy, then his poor offense may be explained by that. But the Ben Davis we're seeing now shouldn't be back.

I could see Lowe as a Garland replacement if he were traded. But not as the Sox "big" FA SP pickup.

Doesn't look like Chicago will be on his short list of teams------the Cell's not exactly a pitcher's park now is it? ********************************************************* Sun Sentinel Pavano not tipping his hand on future plans By Juan C. Rodriguez Staff Writer Posted October 1 2004 PHILADELPHIA · Maybe it's a defense mechanism. Maybe Carl Pavano is just trying to accustom himself to the notion of pitching elsewhere next season to diminish the disappointment if it happens. Whatever the reason, Pavano has changed his tone about his pending free agency. Before Thursday's game in Philadelphia, Pavano did not mention any sense of loyalty to the Marlins as he did earlier this season. He didn't echo earlier sentiments that remaining here was his first choice. "I really don't have a preference to tell you the truth," said Pavano, who on Thursday was named the team's Most Improved Player for a second straight season by the South Florida Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA). "I don't know if that's it [with the Marlins], but that's the reality. I don't think you get your mind set on either one." Pavano did reiterate he wants to play for a team that will field a solid defensive unit behind him in a pitcher-friendly park. Ideally, he would like to remain in the National League.

Did you catch the quote where Ozzie said Lee isn't a "complete player", that Lee "knows what he needs to work on"? By all accounts, Lee's having a solid year in the field and at bat. So what's the problem? More than meets the eye here. Something else is wrong w/ C. Lee they're not talking about. This was very revealing. Lee = he gone. Gload could be used as trade bait for a low payroll team [Or as a PK replacement. Gload shouldn't be on the bench to start '05. He should be starting somewhere] Uribe could be at SS as well. A new 2b man could come on board--Fa Placido Polanco [versatile, plays 3b and SS]? Or keep Uribe at 2b and sign Vizquel. OF? Who knows? Brian Anderson might be given a chance. Escobar probably has a good shot to make the Sox, if healthy. [take Timo's spot-is he Arb. eligible?] I look for a big trade, though, to get a leadoff, catalyst type.

Minn will probably have money to resign two of these 3: Radke, Guzman [a $5 mill option] or Koskie. Radke is probably 1st on their list, as they have options at 3rd and SS.

I think Ozzie would love to have a RH version of Mark Buehrle. But I think Minn will re-sign him.

I haven't always been sold on Crede. Yet his upside is definitely worth waiting another year or two. I think he'll turn it around in '05.

Getting any one of those 3 guys would make the sox tough to beat

In thinking about which FA pitcher the Sox should get [or via trade] the Sox need a consistent pitcher who can give them a QS virtually every time out. Why?Because Garland and Contreras are very erratic. Garland has only had 15 QS in 32 GS [47%] and Contreras only 12 in 29 GS [41%]. Buehrle has had 23 in 35 GS [66%] and Freddy 17 in 30 GS [57%] Having another SP who can go deep into games [at least the 6th and 7th innings] will keep the bullpen fresh. JC and JG may still be erratic in 2005. So getting another solid, dependable SP is critical.

You can't argue w/ Carlos's numbers and improved defense. But something is lacking. Even Ozzie said that Carlos "wasn't a complete player" within the past week. Ozzie wouldn't say this if something was wrong behind the scenes. If anyone has shown the defense and offense to be considered a complete player, its Carlos. IMO, it has to do with his heart. He's always the guy during games laughing and joking, looking around the park, seemingly preoccupied even if the sox are losing or its a close game. He's talented no doubt. But is he someone to build a team around? I don't think so. If the Sox could fill multiple holes, getting young and talented players in a trade, they probably will do it.

No problem. That's why i always liked Sports weekly for their stats

If Clement is healthy, he'd be decent. But Perez should be the guy for the sox to get. I thought the Sox should have went after him in the offseason. Maybe Ozzie and Co. will have some influence in Odalis coming this way. I can see the Sox trading for some bullpen help. Besides Benetiz and Felix Rodriguez, its slim pickings. But its a definite need.

QS 1. Pavano 73% 30/22 1. Radke 73% 34/ 24 3. Perez 68% 31/ 21 4. Lieber 62% 26/ 16 5. Clement 60% 30/ 18 6. Ortiz 58% 33/ 19 7 Lowe 39% 31/ 12 GB/ FB 1. Lowe 3.31 2. Perez 1.68 3. Clement 1.41 4. Lieber 1.37 5. Pavano 1.31 6. Radke 1.02 7. Ortiz 1.01 SO/ 9 1. Clement 9.45 2. Ortiz 6.42 3. Radke 5.91 4. Perez 5.83 5. Pavano 5.68 6. Lowe 5.20 7. Lieber 5.11 bb/ 9 1. Lieber 0.95 2. Radke 1.01 3. Perez 2.01 4. Pavano 2.05 5. Lowe 3.43 6. Clement 3.68 7. Ortiz 4.96 ERA 1. Pavano 3.05 2. Perez 3.35 3. Radke 3.48 4. Clement 3.68 5. Ortiz 4.19 6. Lieber 4.37 7. Lowe 5,25 BAA 1. Clement .229 2. Pavano .252 3 Perez .253 4 Ortiz .258 5 Radke .265 6 Lowe .293 7. Lieber .298

Minn. would be foolish to let Radke go. I see them resigning him. But Radke would look nice on the southside, a perfect RH compliment to the LH MB. Garland has been bad this year, horrible for a 3rd Starter. Even for a 5th SP, his numbers aren't good. He's only had 15 QS out of 32. His 34 HR's for a GB pitcher, his low 4.69 SO/ 9. I'd like the Sox to look at what they could get for Jon. The sox could look for a prospect with a higher ceiling in a trade, either for Lee or PK, someone to start the yr in AAA and be ready in case of injury.

I haven't looked at IP per start, but feel free to do the math. But are you saying the Sox don't need to get a SP? If not Perez or someone from this list, then who? I agree the sox need some bullpen help. A closer would be best. Yet getting a FA SP should also be a priority. Don't forget, LA's bullpen was strong enough that they traded Mota. Looking at all their SP's, besides Weaver, they all were under 100 P/G.

Odalis Perez should be affordable, w/ guys like Pedro and Pavano getting the most attention. Here's how Perez stacked up: Quality starts: now 21 in 31 GS [68%] 3rd GB/ FB: 1.68, 2nd SO/ 9: 5.83, 4th BB/ 9: 2.01, 3rd ERA: 3.35, 2nd BAA: .253 3rd

I was going to look at HR's allowed per IP. But that would take some time. But Perez has allowed 26; Pavano, 16; Radke, 23; Clement, 23 I agree about not allowing free passes. The sox have JG and Contreras who beat themselves w/ BB's. The sox should target a guy w/ good control. The BB/ 9 were: 1 Lieber- 0.95 2 Radke-1.02 3 Perez-2.01 4 Pavano- 2.05 5 Lowe-3.43 6 Clement --3.83 7 Ortiz--4.96

In looking at some likely FA Starting pitchers, I was checking which ones would be the best fit for the Sox, considering who the Sox have now and the Cell. The pitcher should throw a lot of quality starts, have a good GB/ FB ratio, not give up a lot of BB's, get a lot of K's, have a low ERA, and have a low BAA. So I compared 7 names in these categories: 1 -% of Quality starts 2- gb/ fb 3-SO/ 9 4--BB/ 9 5--ERA 6--BAA Based on Wed. sports weekly stats, I compared 7 likely FA SP: Odalis Perez; Matt Clement; Russ Ortiz; Carl Pavano; Jon Lieber [has a big option NY should decline]; Brad Radke and Derek Lowe. [i didn't include Pedro because either Bos. will res-sign him or he'll go the NY] I gave them each a number 1-7 for each category, and added the total. So which pitcher came out on top? Here's how they totalled. 1. Odalis Perez- 17 [interesting enough, he didn't come in 1st in any categ, and I didn't include his 8 IP w/ 1 ER on Wed] 2. Carl Pavano -18 3. Brad Radke -20 3. Matt Clement -20 5. Jon Lieber -29 6. Russ Ortiz -31 7. Derek Lowe -32 I'm sure people can guess which categories the pitchers did well and poorly in. I'll answer questions from whoever about the numbers though if anyone has questions.

I see his '02 OBP was .338 w/ 19 BB's, and in '03 his obp was .349, with 29 BB's. Wasn't he the #3 or 4 hitter for Charlotte in 03? That might explain why he had few walks hitting in an RBI spot in the order. But Ross' eye has definitely improved w/ regular playing time. He's working counts, trying to get in hitters' counts. If he hits down in the order next year, [provided he starts at 1B]-- 6, 7 or 8, he would likely be expected to continue working counts to get on base. That has been a big weakness of the Sox--lower order guys with low OBP and who are often easy outs. Guys like Jose, Joe B, Davis, Crede have killed the Sox with their '3 strikes and your out' hitting styles and I don't want to see this movie again next year.