whitesox61382

"but what I meant to say was that I didn't want to see a guy who is slower then Konekro who would strike out 110 times IF HE PLAYED A FULL SEASON. He didn't play in 34 games this year, 37 the year before that, and he missed around one-half of the season before that...whether it be because he just didn't play or because he was hurt(which I know he was in Minnesota). And he is much slower then Konerko is, and is much worse then Thomas is defensely to be quite honest, let alone Paul Konerko who is actually decent with the glove." If he played a full season, which IMO for a hitter is about 550 AB's give or take a few, than he might SO a 110 times, but since he is left handed and often sits against lefties he will never reach that mark. Besides the SO is an overrated stat(for both pitchers and hitters). It is no different then a regular out except in a few certain situations when you need to put the ball into play(like a runner at 3rd with less then 2 outs for example). If a players offensive numbers are as good as Ortiz's than I dont care how many times he SO's, and its not like we are talking about a guy that is going to strikeout once a game. His SO rate is only slightly higher then the league average, so I really think you are blowing this out of proportion. I really dont think you understand just how slow Konerko really is. When people say he might be the slowest guy in the majors they arent kidding. Dont let the fact that he isnt chunky or bulky fool you. When you see him running down the 1st base line and it appears that he is dogging it the fact is that is about as fast as he moves. I really dont think you can say for sure that ANYONE in the majors is slower then Konerko. Konerko does have a better glove then Ortiz, but if you traded for Ortiz you would have him DH and Thomas play 1B, which is good(he always seems to hit better when he is playing 1B) and bad(he is below average defensively). If you dont consider their salary, I would still take Ortiz over Konerko, and when you bring into the equation salary the choice becomes even easier. Its a moot point though considering that Ortiz isnt a FA and the Red Sox probably wont trade him.

"Why both a new ss and 2b? I don't think that is necessarily wise." I am from the old school belief that a strong middle of the field(C,2B,SS,CF) is an important aspect in winning. What do you think the Sox should do? Resign Alomar and Valentin? Both are below average at their respective positions and are on the downside of their careers, so why invest a good sum of money on aging veterans when you can sign talented guys in the prime of their careers(Castillo and Cabrera for example) for just a little more $? I am also not sold on either Miles or Harris being an everyday 2B either. Harris has yet to show that he can hit in the majors and Miles has career minor leaguer/utility infielder written all over him. To me solidifing/improving the middle infield should be one of the top goals, if not goal #1. I would love nothing more then for the Sox to invest about 14M/yr combined over about 4 years and sign Castillo and Cabrera to play the middle infield for years to come. Not only would these 2 solidify the middle infield defensively, but they are good OBP and speed guys that would fill the holes at the top of the batting order.

Cerbaho-WG - Unfortunately I think you are right. I think both Colon and Everett will be gone. I think the Sox will unfortunately resign Valentin and Alomar. I think both Konerko and Thomas will be back. I think the Sox will only get 1 decent right handed reliever. And I think the only significant FA signing will be a second-teir starting pitcher to replace Colon. I REALLY want to see Konerko or Thomas gone next year(along with Everett for financial reasons and no place to play). If the Sox can get rid of one of those 2 along with the lose of Everett, than they will save about 14M that can be directed towards resigning Colon, adding a cheap replacement like Fullmer, and possible improving the pen. The only other thing that would need to be addressed is improving the middle infield. I wish the Sox could add Cabrera and Castillo. I would only cost about 4-5M/yr total to sign those 2 opposed to resigning Valentin and Alomar. I guess we can dream though, because it will never happen. The above senerio is much more realistic. If you exclude his last couple of starts, than he had a mini breakout year. I could see Garland winning 13-15 games next year, with an ERA in the 4.20-4.40 range, a WHIP in 1.25-1.35 range, and an opponent OPS in the .720-.740 range. Even if he only improves marginally he will still be a better #4 pitcher then most in the league(assuming the Sox sign another quality starter).

"Oh, let's get rid of Konerko and then add David Ortiz, who not only is slower then Konerko(or the same speed atleast), but let's add him so we can watch him STRIKE OUT 110 times a year. Yeah, sounds great. And then let's add Brad Fullmer to watch him strike out, and then have him do a weight training session. Can I get a HELL NO to both of those two?" You can get a HELL YA your an idiot if you dont want a guy like Ortiz. Not only would he balance the lineup by adding a lefty bat, but his numbers this year are plain sick. .289/31/101 39 2B .963 OPS, and where are you pulling this 110 SO s*** from considering he has never SO more then 87 times in a season. Maybe you should check the stats before making a fool of yourself unless you think keeping a guy that hit .234/18/65 19 2B .704 OPS is a better idea? To top things off Konerko is quite about slower then Ortiz and has averaged 21 GIDP's a year(over the past 4 years) compared to Ortiz who averaged only 8 GIDP's a year over the same stretch. If thats not enough info for you then try this on for size, Konerko's career OPS is .812 compared to .845 for Ortiz. It is quite clear that Ortiz is the better player. I will give you a few minutes to regain your dignity(jk). But you can get a loud and clear HELL YA to Oritz, especially if it means Konerko is gone. I would even take Fullmer over Konerko considering he would cost about a 1/4th of what Konerko does, is a left handed bat, and will produce similar numbers. In fact Fullmer has a higher career OPS of .829 compared to Konerko at .812. Once again where are you pulling this strikeout thing from considering Fullmer has SO more then 70 times in a season only once. "What the White Sox need to do is get rid of one of Thomas and Konerko, and add some major speed to the team. I would not mind seeing the Sox get rid of either of those two, bring back Carl Everett, start Rowand in CF, resign Jose to a less wealthy contract so he can become a super utility player, and then add Luis Castillo while resigning Robby. Use Robby and Castillo up the middle(whoever has the best arm is put at SS obviously), Rowand in CF, Lee in LF, Maggs in RF, Thomas/Konerko at 1B(if it's Thomas, as bad as he is, his defense would be fine there if he produces), have Everett DH, though he can get in the field 2 or 3 times a week, and run a lineup of Castillo, Alomar, Lee, Ordonez, Everett, Thomas, Crede, Rowand, Olivo. If possible, get another LH bat for the middle of the lineup, but if not, don't worry about it(my thinking is Konerko for Jenkins in Milwaukee and then trading Maggs for some pitching....the lineup would then be the same as it is now, only you'd move Everett to 5th, Thomas to 6th, and slip Jenkins in the 7th spot). Hope you can resign Bartolo, and you add a few pieces to the bullpen and....voila!....a decent team." To many if's in this senerio. I would love to get rid of Konerko, but you ARE NOT going to get a player of Jenkins calibur in return. You can probably get a big salary veteran(that isnt good) and a decent prospect OR a so-so prospect(which would just be a salary dump). Thats about it. Konerko might be the worst player in the majors for the money that he is getting. The only thing he can do average or better is hit and he isnt doing that, so why would a team want to pay him 8M/yr AND give up some decent players for him. I would question Alomar/Castillo's ability to play SS considering that neither have started a game at SS in their careers. Besides I really dont want to see Alomar back. He is going to continue to head downhill and will cost too much. The Sox aren't going to be able to sign BOTH Colon and Everett. There is a good chance that neither will be back next year, but it is almost a guarantee that both wont be. If I had to pick I would say that Colon is more valuable to the team. Trading Maggs might be a decent idea if the price is right. I would want 3 very good prospects at AA or higher to start with(at least 1 being a middle infielder and at least 1 being a starting pitcher). Not many teams have the financial flexibility to trade for Maggs and those that do will probably go after Guerrero first. To be honest with you I dont want a decent team that is going to finish in 2nd again. The Central is going to be very weak next year and if JR put some money into this team they could make the playoffs and possible go deap. This team just needs a little tinkering. It needs to keep Colon, improve the middle infield, add a left handed bat, improve the right side of the pen, and get rid of Koch and Konerko if possible.

"You've got a few major problems in your salary listings." To begin with I am not salary expert and that is why the word estimation and approxiamation are used as well as a range for the total payroll. Using my estimations the payroll would be about 63M/yr, but I used a range to leave for some flexibility, so add 4-6M/yr to that 63M/yr and you will have you total. You missed the main point though. The main point is that the Sox could field a championship calibur team with a payroll in the mid 60'sM/yr. "First off, Ordonez will make $14 million next season." Is next year the last year of his contract, because I was pretty sure that his salary increased gradually over the course of the years ending at 14M/yr in the last year. "Secondly, you have Buehrle scheduled in at 500K. He's going to make a few million next season after his arbitration hearing this offseason. His salary will most likely be at $3 million." I doubt that it will be as high as 3M/yr next year unless the Sox offer him a long-term contract worth 3M/yr. Zito only got about 3M/yr with his new contract, if I am not mistaken, and he is better then Buehrle. Buehrle won't get 3M from arbritration. "Additionally, Cabrera and Castillo will not come to the Sox for those prices you are discussing. They'll get more from another team or take less to play somewhere else" I think 6-8M/yr is the range you will see both sign for. Why are you so sure that they will decide to sign elsewhere at cheaper prices instead of sign with the Sox for my estimated prices. Is it just for arguements sake, because it appears that you(and I for that matter) arent sure how much Cabrera and Castillo will get, but you left yourself a way out by saying if they sign for less then they will sign eslewhere. "And to top it all off, we aren't going to be able to unload Koch. Konerko is possible, but highly unlikely." Please read the title of this thread. Its my WISH list. At no point did I say any of these would happen. I even mention that somethings are almost certain not to happen, but the offseason is long and I am just listing the things I would like to see done. "Budget is set at $55M." Do you have a link for this or is this just your estimation? If it is true that the Sox offered Colon a big contract and he signs, than that will almost guarantee that the Sox will have a payroll over 55M even if they let all other FA go, so I am a little skeptical about your 55M budget statement. "although I do not think they will give Konerko and Koch away as they both could turn it around." Even if they turn it around they still arent worth the money that they are being paid. I was one of the few people that said the Sox should get rid of Konerko after last year when people asked who would you get rid of Konerko or Lee. He is a one dimension player. I also was never a big fan of Koch. Even though he was the rolaids relief winner last year I remember that he gave A's fans a heartattack every time out there and was overrated. I would give both away because of the financial flexibility that it would give the Sox. Its like the saying goes, you need to know when to cut your loses and get out when you can, so you can find a better investment. "Sorry but I think they will lose all their free agents and pick-up a jouryman pitcher and sell us on the growth of players." I think you are right, but once again this is MY WISH LIST. ".....if you keep Frank and Maggs, Everett is as good as gone, maybe PK" This is the senerio that I would like to see. I dont mind losing 2 out of the 4 as long as one of them is Konerko.

"I'd Rather Have SPiezio than Fullmer." I dont understand why people like Spiezio so much. Fullmer would most likely cost less considering he made only slightly more then 1M/yr last year opposed to Spiezio making over 4M/yr, and his career OPS is about .75 points higher then Spiezio's. "If Thomas stays you actually think hes gonna hit in the SIX HOLE!!?!?!?!?! HAHAHAHAHAH.....LOL boy would he b**** and moan hitting behind Brad Fullmer in your "projected" lineup!!!!" I did think about that. I think that would be the best lineup for the team, but in reality you would probably switch Fullmer and Thomas. "Frank if he's back, would most likely be at 8 MIL" I believe Frank has 2 options either 6M or 8M, and I have a feeling the Sox will let him go if he wants the 8M option. Off the top of my head I cant remember how they work though. "Maggs is due to make more than 10 MIL" I know Maggs salary gradually increases to 14M/yr by his last year, but I am not sure how much it is next year. I think it is in the 10-12M range, so I just guessed 10M. Thats one of the reasons I gave a range for the total payroll. "Colon "was offered the largest contract in WS history for a pitcher" I really cant imagine him getting more then 12M/yr even from the Yankees. The richest contract for a Sox pitcher isn't that much. What was the previous high? Navarro getting 20M for 4 years? In the end Colon will probably get between 10-12M/yr. "Loiza will make 4 MIL" I am pretty sure that Loiaza's option is for 3.5M. "Buhrle is likely to be offered another contract, although I'm pretty sure he'll turn it down." Is Buehrle arbitration eligible this year? If so he will get a nice pay increase or if he signs a new contract. I am no salary expert either and thats why these are just estimations. My whole point is that the Sox could put a championship calibur team on the field with a payroll in the mid-60'sM. "I'd launch Thomas and plug Everett back in." I would much rather have Everett instead of Thomas as well, but Everett will probably get 8+M/yr on the open market after the year he put together.

1) Trade Koch and Konerko - The Sox wont get much, if anything, in return for these 2 because of their salaries and underperforming this year, but it would be an addition through subtraction. If the Sox want anything in return(a decent prospect for example), than they will have to inturn take on a big salary themselves, but I would rather the Sox almost give these 2 away(ala Millwood last offseason) and get MAYBE a so-so prospect at best while freeing some salary. Baltimore might be an option for Konerko with there need for offense and financial flexibility, and the Philadelphia might be an option for Koch with their need for bullpen help and financial flexibility. This is a lot easier said then done and probably wont happen. 2) Improve the middle infield(sign Cabrera and Castillo) - There is a strong correlation between a solid middle of the field(C,2B,SS,CF) and playoff teams. This is one area the Sox need to upgrade. Both Cabrera and Castillo are long-term options that not only improve the middle of the infield, but provide good OBP and speed to put at the top of the order. I know some people might want Tejada or Matsui, but I dont think the Sox will have the money to sign either of those 2, so why not invest the money it would take to sign 1 of those guys into signing Cabrera AND Castillo long-term. Besides, I would take Cabrera straight up over Tejada because he is a more complete player, not to mention that he will cost less. I still have questions about Japanese hitters in the majors, especially a guy that SO 121 times last year in Japan. 3) Resign Colon - The guy has been up and down, but none the less has put together a very solid season. He has been a workhorse and the innings that he has saved the Sox vulnerable bullpen cant be measured. The Sox top 4 starters have been one of the best combinations in the majors, so why change something that has worked so well. 4) Sign at least 2 dominating right handed relievers - There is also a strong correlation between a good bullpen and playoff teams. A weak bullpen was one of the key reasons that this team got off to a poor start. If the Sox can add 2 dominating right handed relievers(I count about 8-12 on the market) to go with Marte and Wunsch on the left side, than the Sox will have 4 very good relievers that it can count on in close games. 5) Sign Fullmer - With Konerko gone the Sox will need to find a cheap option to play 1B/DH. Not only does Fullmer have slightly better career numbers to Konerko, but he would add a lefty bat to the middle of the order and would cost about half as much as Konerko. Do these 5 things and I think the Sox have a championship calibur team. They address almost all of the major weaknesses. They improve the middle of the infield, add 2 good OBP and speed guys for the top of the order, improve the bullpen, and add a lefty bat to the middle of the order. Here would be the lineup and approxiamate salaries: 1) Castillo 2B (6M/yr) 2) Cabrera SS (6M/yr) 3) Lee LF (6M/yr) 4) Maggs RF (10M/yr) 5) Fullmer DH/1B (3M/yr) 6) Thomas 1B/DH (6M/yr) 7) Crede 3B (300K/yr) 8) Rowand CF (300K/yr) 9) Olivo C (300K/yr) 1) Colon (10M/yr) 2) Buehrle (500K/yr) 3) Loiaza (3.5M/yr) 4) Garland (400K/yr) 5) Schoeneweis (1M/yr) 1) Right handed FA(Gordon) (3M/yr) 2) Right handed FA(Hawkins) (3M/yr) 3) Marte (300K/yr) 4) Wunsch (600K/yr) 5) Wright (300K/yr) 6) Ginter (300K/yr) IF Miles (300K/yr) IF/OF Harris (300K/yr) C Rivera/Burke (300K/yr) OF/1B Right handed FA (500K/yr) utility FA (500K/yr) Total Payroll approxiamately 60-66M/yr (assuming the Sox get prospects for Koch and Konerko and not a big salary).

Here are the names that draw my attention from the FA list. If the Sox can somehow get rid of Konerko, than Fullmer looks like a nice cheap replacement. He is a lefty which will break the string of righties, and given 500 AB's he is usually good for 30 2B and 20 HR to go with a career average of .284. Castillo is the 2B that I would want, but he might be a little expensive. A decent 2nd option might be Todd Walker. I would also like to see the Sox bring back Graffy. I forgot that Cabrera was a FA at SS. This is a guy that I have always liked. He is very close to being a 5 tool player and would be a huge upgrade over Valentin. In all honesty I would rather have him over Tejada(straight up) and maybe Matsui(I still question Japanese hitters ability to consistantly hit a major league fastball). For every Ichiro and Mutsui(Yankees) there are 10 other Japenese hitters that haven't made the adjustment. His 121 SO's also stick out to me and tell me that he COULD struggle with the adjustment. The one thing I do like about him is the attention and revenue that he would generate for the Sox. With that said I think Cabrera is the best option at SS if the Sox can get their hands on him. If the Sox don't spend 10+M/yr to bring back Colon or go after another top FA pitcher, than here is the list of second teir guys that interest me. Anderson - had a very good year, could be had for possible under 4M/yr, and adds another lefty to the rotation. Escobar - tons of potential, and that potential might make a team overpay for him, but if he could be had for around 6M/yr he would be a solid option. Hernandez - almost a mirror image of Colon with a little less talent, but is a workhorse and had a very good year. Alvarez - the Sox might want to take a flyer on him. He was one of the most dominating pitchers in the 2nd half and would give the Sox another lefty in the pen(could be next years version of Loiaza). Ponson - he might have pitched himself into 8+M/yr money, but if he could be had for around 6M/yr he would be a very good option. I think the Sox need to bring in at least 2 dominating right handed relievers. Gordon and Hawkins would be my top 2 picks. Sullivan, Grimsley, Leskanic, Hasegawa, Nelson, and Rodriguez are other options.

Here is how I think the Sox will look next year C - Olivo 1B - Konerko 2B - Alomar SS - Valentin 3B - Crede LF - Lee CF - Rowand RF - Maggs DH - Thomas SP - Buehrle SP - Loiaza SP - Garland SP - 4-5M/yr FA or veteran picked up in a trade SP - Shoey/Rauch/Diaz/Pacheco/Yofu CP - Gordon or Sully LP - Marte LP - Wunsch RP - Wright RP - Ginter RP - Koch IF - Graffy IF - Miles IF/CF - Harris C - Alomar/Rivera/Burke OF - cheap FA Now here is how I would like to see it C - Olivo 1B - Ortiz(I loved this guy when he was in Minn and wish the Sox would have picked him up.) 2B - Loretta(I have always been a big fan of his. Has never hit below .289, has solid plate disipline, is solid defensively, and cheap. San Deigo has a ton of middle infield prospects so he might be available.) SS - Guzman(His D and speed are a given and if he can live up to his potential offensively the Sox have a solid SS for years to come.) 3B - Crede LF - Lee CF - Rowand RF - Maggs DH - Thomas SP - Colon SP - Buehrle SP - Loiaza SP - Garland SP - Shoey/Rauch/Diaz/Pacheco/Yofu CP - 2 of the 3 Gordon/Sully/Hawkins LH - Marte LH - Wunsch RH - Wright RH - Ginter IF - Graffy IF - Miles IF/CF - Harris C - Rivera/Burke OF - whoever I really think this 2nd team has a chance to be very good and go deep into the playoffs. You add a lefty bat to the middle of the order in Ortiz. You solidify the middle infield and give yourself 2 quality top of the order guys. You keep Colon and the top 4 in the rotation that did so well, and if you get any production from the 5th starter it will be an improvement over this year. Get 2 out of the 3(Gordon/Sully/Hawkins) to improve the pen, since a good pen is a vital part in todays game. This team would cost only a little more then the team that is most likely going to be put out there with Koch and Konerko being traded, and Everett, Valentin, and Alomar gone. The only trouble is somehow getting Ortiz from Boston, Loretta from San Diego(shouldnt be that tough), resigning Colon(will be tough), signing Guzman, and 2 out of the 3 for the pen(Gordon, Sully, Hawkins). In reality, I think Everett and Colon are as good as gone, I think Alomar and Valentin will be back(unfortunately), I think Koch and Konerko will still be in a Sox uniform, and I think the only significant signing/move the Sox will make will be adding a mid-level starting pitcher to replace Colon. I hope I am wrong, but I have a feeling thats how it is going to end up. ps What is Ortiz's contract statis with Boston? Did he sign a 1 year deal or was it longer? I would really love to see the Sox get their hands on this guy.

high OBP guys. I am from the Beane school of thought when it comes to OBP. I think it is one of the most important offensive stats in the game for obvious reasons. The more runners you have on base the more likely you are to score runs. For example, the Sox rank 4th in HR's in the AL, but only 8th in runs scored. When you have as much power as the Sox do you expect to rank near the top in runs scored, but when the majority of your HR's are solo shots that indicates that this team isn't getting on base enough. Sure enough only 1 guy on the team is hitting above .291 and only 1 guy on the team has more then 57 walks, that makes for a low overall team OBP. Most managers will tell you that it is much easier to find a decent clean up hitter then it is to find a decent leadoff hitter. This is one of the reasons that I am so high on Reed. He is a high OBP guy and will complement the power hitters nicely. The Sox need to trade some of these power hitters for guys with good OBP, which is easier said then done with the lack of quality OBP guys and big contracts that the Sox power hitters have. Another area that the Sox need to improve is athletism. This team needs to get away from the one-dimensional power hitters and add players that are more complete. I would much rather have a team of .300/15/75 20 SB solid D and plate disipline guys then .260/35/100 5 SB poor D and poor plate disipline guys, which currently make up this team. I realize that I am stating the obvious, but I really think this is an issue that needs to be addressed if the Sox want to make the playoffs in the near future.

this offseason or a link to a list, and not just the Sox FA's. I have a feeling the only semi-big move the Sox might make this offseason is signing a middle level veteran pitcher to replace Colon and I would like to see who is available.

I know that Hummel was traded. I feel that he could have steped up next year and taken over 2nd instead of overpaying for a declining Alomar to play there next year. I also don't have much confidence in either Harris or Miles to play there fulltime next year. Juggernaut - you are going overboard with this analysis using the sargin stats. Its a good stat, but by no means a great indicator by itself. To be honest with you, your post are very confusing and hard to understand. I feel bad because it seems like you put a lot of work into it.

"First off, I think the guys we need back are Everett, Sullivan, Thomas, Gordon, Loaiza." Why do the Sox NEED Everett back? The Sox entire roster is filled with power hitting corner outfield/1B/DH type players, so why waste 9-10+M/year on another when that money can be better spent on other positions and bigger needs. If you are going to shell out 9-10M/year to try and keep someone, than spend it on Colon his value to the team is much greater then Everett's. Sullivan cost to much to keep. 3+M/year for a right handed middle reliever is stupid. The Sox could probably get similar production for a guy like Ginter for about 300K/year. Keep in mind that the Sox are cutting payroll, so a 3+Myear middle reliever is certainly not a need. I wouldn't mind seeing the Sox deal either Thomas or Konerko. Konerko is more likely to be traded because of his age. I don't think either Thomas or Konerko are a NEED, but I wouldn't mind seeing Thomas back in a Sox uniform. I agree that Gordon is a NEED. If you are going to spend 3+M/year on a reliever, than I would much rather it be Gordon then Sullivan. Loiaza is a semi-need. The Sox will probably pick up his option based on the year he had and the fact that they will probably lose Colon. However, I have a bad feeling that he will pitch more like the Loiaza of older rather then the new one. VERY RARELY do sub-par starting pitchers all of a sudden see the light at 31 and turn into a dominating pitcher. Still I think Loiaza should and will be back. "Guys we should lose are Valentin, Koch, Daubach, Alomar, Alomar Jr., and Manuel." I wouldn't mind seeing Valentin gone, but only if the Sox can find a decent replacement. I am sorry but Tajada and the Japanese SS aren't options. Both will cost 8-10+M/year and the Sox aren't going to shell out that kind of money this offseason. Besides Tajada is overrated. Check out his numbers. He had a fluke year last year and now some team is going to overpay for him. I also still have my questions about Japanese hitters adjusting to major league pitching. If Valentin can provide the solid D that he is this year, than he really isn't all that bad of an option. Sure I would prefer a guy that can hit .300, but the fact of the matter is there aren't that many quality SS. I would love to trade Koch, but it isn't likely. I wouldn't mind seeing Daubach back, especially if Thomas or Konerko leave. I agree that the Alomar brothers aren't what they use to be, but once again it becomes a matter of finding a better option at 2nd. If Manuel isn't fired this year I am going to be one pissed off mother f***er. "Loaiza (still our best, no matter what) Buehrle Garland Pacheco?/Yofu?/Cotts?/Diaz? Schoeneweis (will get his shot at our rotation in 2004. Liked what I saw today.)" Do you really think this is a good enough rotation to contend for the division? Like I said before Loiaza is anything but a sure thing next year. Buehrle is solid. Garland has taken some steps forward, but still has a ways to go. Schoey has always struggled when in the starting rotation. And the last spot is given to an inexperienced rookie. I just don't see this as a rotation that can contend for a division. "Lineup SS Christian Guzman (throw $15 for 2 or 3 years, he's worth it.) LF Carlos Lee 1B Frank Thomas (maybe a new manager would realize how much this helps Thomas) RF Magglio Ordonez CF Carl Everett (in a perfect world, Beltran. But atleast Everett is a competitor) DH Paul Konerko 3B Joe Crede 2B Aaron Miles C Miguel Olivo" 5-7.5M/year is too much for Guzman. He has only hit above .275 once in his career. He has drawn over 30 walks in a season only once. And he gets caught stealling too much. Guzman really isn't that good and I would be VERY surprised if he got over 5M/year. The one thing he does have is potential. He is only 25 and has the tools to be a very good SS. I would rather have him then Valentin, but for the right price. Like I said before I think resigning Everett isn't a good idea. The guy will give me a heartattack if I have to put up with his D in CF. He might be the worst defensive CF in the game, and thats a position that you can't afford to be weak defensively. If you are going to spend 10M/year on a guy do it on Colon, because you projected rotation is very weak and the offense would be alright without Everett and someone like Rowand in CF. I would also love to get Beltran, but you are looking at 10-12M/year contract in the near future. I also don't like Miles at 2nd. I have a feeling that he is nothing more than a career minor leaguer or a Tony G at best. His D is terrible, he has no speed, and he doesn't walk. I really think Hummel has the potential to be a very good 2nd baseman, but not Miles.

I am just being reallistic. Reports are that the Sox are going to cut payroll to around the 60M mark. That means that Colon and Everett area all but gone. You have to also remember that some players like Maggs, Lee, Loiaza for example get raises either due to the structure of there contracts, arbitration, or extensions respectively. The team I list will probably cost about 60M. Mark my words the Sox won't be big players on the FA market this year.

The Sox minor league system is weak in the top levels, but if there is one thing to get excited about it is the talent in the lower levels, especially rookie ball. I still think Anderson can be a very good major leaguer if he can stay healthy. The Sox got arguable the steal of the draft with Sweeney in the 2nd round. I really think this kid has star potential. McCarthy looks like a solid pitching prospect. Valdilo was another steal and is probably the Sox top middle infield prospect after only a half year at rookie ball. Young is one of those 5 tool outfielders that scouts love. Nanita came out of nowhere with a great year. I also think corner infielders Schnurstein at 3rd and Bounds at 1B are solid prospects as well. Lopez and Tisch as have good upside and had good years. I reallize that all of these guys have a long way to go, but there is some serious talent in the lower minors(thanks in part to a great draft this year). 2,3,4 years from now the Sox should start to see the benefits of this. I think they should focus on pitching in next years draft.

Here is my team. It is realistic financial wise, but probably wont happen. DH Thomas - Is having a nice comeback year and will probably finish his career in a Sox uniform. I just wish he could get his average back in the .280+ range. C Olivo - I still think this guy is going to be a very good every day catcher. He has the athletism and talent he just needs to put it all together. He might have the best arm in the AL as well. Give him time to develop. 1B Gload - I would like to see Konerko traded, which I will explain later. He might be a career minor leaguer, but his career minor league average in the .330's and 63 extra base hits this year are hard to argue with. From what I have seen of him at the AAA AS game and with the Cubs he has a nice short compact swing and reminds me a lot of a young Olerod. The only thing I don't like is the fact that he only drew 29 walks in 504 AB's this year. 2B Alomar - He isn't the same player that he use to be, but there aren't many other options, especially with both Jimenez and Hummel being traded. I don't trust Harris's bat, Miles has career minor leaguer written all over him, and there aren't many cheap options on the FA market. I think Graffy should get all the starts against lefties with the way that Alomar struggles batting right handed. SS Guzman - His numbers aren't any better then Valentin's, but at 25 he has the potential and talent to be a very good SS in the majors. He will always bring solid D and it is a pretty safe bet that he will lead the league in triples. I think a 4 year 16M deal is possible and would make him about the same price as Valentin. 3B Crede - His solid 2nd half is reason for encouragement. Like I said a long time ago before he was even in AAA, I think he will be a Travis Fryman type of player. A guy who will quitely hit .270-.280/20/80 with solid D at 3rd, maybe even win a GG or 2 and make an AS team or 2. RF Maggs - While I think his days in Chitown might be numbered after his contract is up(thats why so many of this years draft picks were outfields), he is still one of the top RF in the game. CF Rowand - I have always been a big fan of his and I think he deserves another shot. I have a feeling that his injury this offseason affected his play, but since being called up he has looked very good with a short compact swing. He is also very solid defensively in the Erstad mold of hustle making up for a lack of natural speed. Give him 2 months and if he struggles then turn to Reed or Borchard, but I have a feeling he will be a solid .750 OPS guy with solid D in CF. LF Lee - He is finally starting to show his offensive potential. I only wish that he could put it all together with the plate disipline he showed last year. I think the Sox should resign him to 3/4 year deal worth 6/7M per year. His defense has also improved drasticly since his 1st days in LF. SP Buehrle - After a slow start he is back to the Buehrle of old. Unfortunately, like Maggs I think his days are numbered as well. He will be the ace next year. SP Loiaza - I think this year is a career year and that next year he will slide back to the low-mid 4's ERA, but you have to reward him for a such a great year and who knows maybe he has finally realized his potential. SP Garland - Excluding today's start he has really taken some big steps forward. I also love groundball pitchers. Its hard to imagine that he is only 23 and will probably get a little better as he gets older. SP Johnson(from Baltimore) - The Sox will need to find a realitively cheap bottom of the rotation starter and Johnson will be that guy. While I would love to keep Colon or sign a guy like Ponson or Pettite we have to be realistic. He is a pretty solid pitcher and has been on the trade market. SP Rauch/Diaz/Pacheco/Tofu - I think you give the 5th spot to a youngster and let him develop. I still think Rauch can be a solid middle of the rotation starter and deserves a shot. Diaz has always been a sleeper to me. He has very good stuff and has put up good numbers at every place he has pitched(including this year). He has injury and stamina questions, but I really think he could be a good major league pitcher. Pacheco has really come out of nowhere and had his 1st really good year in the minors, but from what I hear he has the stuff to pitch in the majors and might also be an option. Tofu had a very good year and will probably be in the majors at some point next year. Cotts needs at least another half season in the minors to improve his control. Also keep an eye on Malone by the AS break. In his last couple of starts coming back from his injury he was very impressive and he has the potential if he can put it all together. CP Gordon - I think it is very important to resign him. LH Marte - Might be the best lefty reliever in the game. LH Wunsch - Very effective against the lefties. LH Shoey - I am not a huge fan of his, but he will be back. He might get a shot at the 5th spot in the rotation as well. RH Koch - Not by choice. I wish they could trade him and/or didn't sign him to an extension. Hopefully he can find his velocity and have a nice comeback year. RH Ginter - I have always been a big fan of his and think he should be in the majors. RH Wright - I really think he could be a good set up reliever, possible turn into a poor mans Gagne. Bench 1B/DH Daubach - I think you keep him as a back up plan if Gload doesn't work out. He is cheap and pretty solid. 2B/SS/3B Graffy - He will platoon with Alomar and get some spot starts at SS and 3B. If only he was a better defensive player he could be a starter. CF/2B Harris - He is the speed and defensive replacement off the bench. C Rivera - I really think the Sox got a steal in this kid. A pretty highly thought of catcher in the Tiger's system he has put up some pretty impressive numbers in the minors and could be a solid back up plan for Olivo. Gone: Colon, Everett, Konerko, Sullivan, Valentin New: Guzman, Johnson, Gload(from minors), Rauch/Diaz/Pacheco/Yofu(from minors), Ginter(from minors), Rivera(from minors) Trade: Konerko to Baltimore for Jason Johnson - The O's have the money and the need for some offense and Johnson's name has been on the market for a while. Konerko makes a little more then Johnson so it saves the Sox some money and gives them a decent bottom of the rotation pitcher. It also gets rid of Konerko's one-dimensional slump prone bat. Financial I think this is a team that the Sox could field. It doesn't have the raw talent of this years team, but talent can only take you so far as seen with this years team. This is a team that is good enough to win a weak Central division(the Twins will probably be cutting payroll as well) while cutting some payroll. ps sorry about the length

I am not the biggest fan of Valentin, but at this point what other options do the Sox have. There are no decent SS prospects that will be ready for the major next year in the Sox system, and there aren't a lot of quality SS on the FA market this offseason. Tejada and the Japanese SS are pipedreams. The Sox are probably going to cut payroll this offseason and probably won't be big players on the FA market. Besides Tejada is overrated, and I still have questions about Japanese hitters adjusting to major league pitching. Compare Valentin's and Tejada's numbers and you will see that there isn't a huge difference, especially not a 7-10+M/year difference, which is probably how much more the Sox would have to pay for Tejada instead of Valentin. Tejada's greatest asset is his power numbers at SS, which Valentin already supplies. Besides that Tejada does nothing else exceptional well, so I really think he is overrated and that some team is going to overpay for him. Hopefully Valentin will sign a 2 year extension for less then his 5M option, something in the ballpark of 2 years for 3-4M/year is a reasonable price for a solid SS. Remember that you can't have an AS at every position unless you are the Yankees, and that quality SS are hard to come by. Hopefully within 2 years a better option will appear either from within the Sox system or on the FA market.

I agree with most of what Yansy said on page 2. I would be very surprised if the team payroll is over 60M next year and that means that some big salaries are going to be gone. I love what Everett has done for the Sox since being aquired, but his 9+M can be used to fill other holes. The Sox already have enough power hitting corner outfield/DH/1B types. His D in CF isn't good and for the money he will be looking for it isn't worth resigning him. Give Rowand a good 2 month to see what he can do. I really think his injury this offseason effected him and he looked much better after being called up. I also like his D in CF which is similar to Erstad's IMO. If he struggles and Reed is continuing to hit well in the minors then call him up. I would love to see Colon back next year, but quality starting pitching is hard to find and that means the Sox would have to outbid most of the big boys, which isn't going to happen. The Sox will probably pick up Loiaza's option and might look for another cheap dimond in the rough bottom of the rotation starter, but Colon is as good as gone. I think Rauch deserves a shot at the rotation, as well as Diaz and Pacheco. Cotts needs to spend some time in the minors improving his control before he gets another look. Valentin should be back next year with his option, if for no other reason because he is the best avalaible. Lets be realistic, the Sox aren't going to sign Tejada or the Japanese SS. The Sox aren't going to add a big salary when they are trying to dump payroll. Besides Tejada isn't that much better then Valentin. Check out the numbers. Tejada's best asset is his power at SS, which is something Valentin already provides. Tejada doesn't steal, makes lots of errors, doesn't hit for a great average, and has poor plate disipline, so why should the Sox waste 10-15M on a guy like that when they can get a slightly worse version for around 5M. I am still a little cautious about Japanese hitters adjusting to the majors as well. I think Alomar is past his prime and not worth the money that he is going to get, however, the Sox really don't have a better option with Jimenez and Hummel shipped out this season. So resigning him might be the only option or hoping that Harris can learn to hit or that Miles is more then just a career minor leaguer. Sullivan is a solid reliever, but isn't worth the 3M option he has. My hope is that Gordon might resign for somewhere near that price. I would love to get rid of Konerko and Koch, but as some people have pointed out thats not going to happen, especially without taking on a big salary in return. I think both Lee and Thomas will be back. In all I think the Sox will cut about 15-20M in payroll this offseason with the 2 biggest losing being Everett's 9+M and Colon's 8+M. I also don't think the Sox will be big players on the FA market. The good news is that the Central is a weak division and that the Twins will probably be cutting payroll as well, so the Central will be ready for the taking. Look out for the Tribe in 2005.

The thing with Bittner is that he is 23, which is pretty old to be pitching in high A ball. He will have to progress up the minors in a hurry to have a legit shot of becoming a solid everyday pitcher in the majors. There is a strong correlation between 25 and the majors. If you don't make the majors by the age of 25, than the chances that you become a solid everyday player is very rare. There are a few career minor leaguers and older prospects(25+) that turn into solid major league players, but those are rare cases and for every career minor league that makes it there are hundreds that never do. Next year will be a big year for Bittner. If he doesn't put up good numbers in the upper minors(which is a major huddle, just look at Francisco's sucess at high A ball and struggles at AA) he will be hard pressed to make the majors. The scouting report on Bittner isn't that great either. There is nothing that special about him and thats why he has never be considered a top prospect. The Sox also got Nickle in the Shoen trade, for whatever thats worth. I would say the odds of Nickle making the majors is about the same as Bittners'. So I think that is a wash. It was pretty much Dunn and Glover for Shoen. Dunn really struggled at AAA after the trade and needs to improve his control if he ever hopes to make the majors. Some other guys involved in trades this season that you didn't mention was Jimenez and Hummel both to Cinny(Jimenez for Dunn and Hummel for Sully). I know that Jimenez is hated by most people on this board, but he is hitting .300+, with an .800+ OPS, and only 2 errors. I still think the Sox gave up on him to early. He has too much talent and has outpreformed Alomar since the trade and please dont give me that clubhouse cancer versus clubhouse leader BS to justify why Alomar is better then Jimenez. Hummel is only hitting .203, but does have 2 HR's, has shown decent plate disipline, and has been solid defensively so far. I was a big fan of Hummel and thought he was possible the future at 2nd. Now the Sox don't have much of an option besides Alomar at 2nd next year and in the near future with Jimenez and Hummel gone. I still think all of these trades were worth it if the Sox make the playoffs. ESPN also runs an article at the trade deadline that shows that most prospects given up at the deadline never amount to anything. Just something to keep in mind.

Another guy down at AAA that no one is talking about is Rivera. He is the catcher that the Sox picked up off of waivers a couple of months ago from San Deigo. He is hitting .355/6/24 in 107 AB's with a .991 OPS since joining the AAA. He is a former high draft pick that was thought highly of in the Tigers organization. If I am not mistaken he has hit 20+ HR's in the minors at least twice(including 1 30+ HR season). His defense is suppose to be decent as well. I believe he is 26 so he is still fairly young and has some major league expereince. I really think this guy could turn out to be a steal and possible an everyday catcher, especially if Olivo continues to struggle offensively. At the very least he appears to be a decent back up option when Alomar leaves.

I saw the 1st half of the game and was impressed with Gload. I saw him a few times when he got a cup of coffee with the Cubs and he looked like he had a shot compact swing that could suceed at the major league level. The thing I liked about his 1st AB was that he was down 0-2 in the count and he shorted his stroke and hit a liner to second on a good pitchers pitch. In his second AB he hit the hardest ball I say(in the 1st half of the game). It was about 5 feet away from being a HR as it hit mid way up the wall in the power alley. The announcers(Buck Martinez and someone else) said that he was a very good defensive 1B and he appeared to be a very good athlete as well(especially compared to Konerko). I wouldn't mind the Sox getting rid of Konerko(and a mid-level prospect for Ponson for example) and giving this guy a shot. You have to be more then lucky to have a career minor league average in the .330's. I didn't get to see Miles because I only watched the 1st 5 innings.

Anyone know what kind of stuff that Castro, the relief pitcher recently promoted to high A ball, has? I have kept an eye on this kid after he put up solid numbers at Kannapolis and was promoted. Since his promotion he has an ERA in the 1's. His overall numbers are pretty impressive as well: low BA against, low walk total, high strikeout total, ect. Relief pitchers rarely are considered top prospects, but if this guy continues to have sucess he might be a guy to keep an eye on in the near future. Does anyone have any info on this kid?

This kind of baseball makes me sick. Our "ace" getting hammered by the worst offense in baseball, our offense being shut down by a pitcher with a 5+ ERA coming into the game, our defense looking slow and out of place, and most importantly showing no heart. I am embarrassed to call myself a Sox fan. I hope that the Sox get swepted by the worst team in baseball so it will send a message to the public and management. Hopefully this will lead to the firing of JM and the trading of some of these heartless pieces of s***. JM isn't solely to blame, but his easy going attitude is something that is really hurting this club. The players need to be threatened with benching or even worse being sent to the minors. I wish these guys understood how easy they have. Not only do they get paid millions to play a game and be admired by the public, but they are allowed to perform so poorly without the threat of being fired/released. If I went to my job and performed as badly as these guys do and showed no passion I would be fired in a second. These selfish bastards really don't get it. Sorry for such a negative post, but I needed to rant a little with this performance.

I told you guys to keep an eye on Lopez. I included him on my own top 50 prospect list, because I like the numbers he put up last year and the scouting reports I read about him. If he continues this pace he could be in Kannapolis before to long. How about the offense at Great Falls? They are blowing away the other teams in almost every offensive catogory. How about McCarthy's start? It appears that the Sox have done a good job in the last couple of drafts and the system has some solid young talent, especially in the lower minors. We will have to wait and see if they can continue it at the upper minors over the next couple of years.

It was suppose to be the big trade, but once again KW got the names mixed up. He thought he was getting ADAM Dunn. In all seriousness it was a decent move. At least we got something for Jimenez. It sounds like Dunn is similar to Almonte(as far as progress and age) with better stuff.