ILMOU

QUOTE (greg775 @ Jun 29, 2009 -> 04:29 PM) Maybe, but he might be one of those notorious slow starters as well. He's really heating up and his average is climbing rapidly. Knock on wood. Yeah, it's a bit baffling. Hopefully, next year, Chicago will get better April/May weather, 'cause I'd really like to test the cold weather theory. I know, from my own experience, that when I lose weight and get in good shape, I'm far more sensitive to the cold. Given that he's from Cuba, and is virtually fat-free, I'll bet he hates it. His power stroke is BACK, baby. I could see him hitting 25.

QUOTE (dbaho @ Jun 30, 2009 -> 08:26 AM) No s***. As for your boy Garland, a 5.04 ERA and a 7.51 ERA at Chase Field in 8 starts (while starting in the NL) off the back of a 4.90 ERA season, indicates that he isn't what he once was. Has he completely lost his stuff, or is he just pitching poorly? I haven't actually seen him pitch in a while. If there's any tandem that seemed to know how to create the "good" Garland, it's Coop and OZ. As for Floyd, he's a better and more talented pitcher, IMO. The fact that when he's ON he pitches shutouts, and that he's flirted with no-no's multiple times in a young career, tells me he has a high ceiling and really justifies his lofty status as a super-high pick with huge expectations. He wasn't ready to live up to it in Philly, the cruelest of sports towns, but Coop really is a terrific pitching coach, and Ozzie's tough love has generally been good for our hurlers, including Floyd. Gavin is becoming "tougher" than most of us ever thought he could be, and most importantly, he's becoming consistent, with 8 consecutive quality starts. Perhaps this is a good time to mention the likely influence, whether direct or only by example, that Buehrle has on the rest of the staff. Consistency, toughness and moving forward after mistake pitches and errors behind him are the intangibles that define his subtle and unique greatness. I'd have to do some research, but in this era, and perhaps all time, I'll make the prediction that when his career is over, MB will have outperformed any other pitcher that allowed as many hits per inning. Apologies, for my tendency to profess my nearly-queer love for MB, regardless of thread topic.

QUOTE (BearSox @ Jun 29, 2009 -> 05:46 PM) Not really, they are only 2.5 games out of 1st place in the NL Central, and if they can pick up that offense, they could be a pretty tough team. They got some solid pitching, maybe could use one more guy though in the backend of the rotation. However, you put Dye in the reds lineup, and you really improve a ton. Not to mention Encarcion is slated to return within the month as well. A package of Dye and Contreras, plus some cash, would really give them a boost. Contreras can be even better in the NL and gives them some playoff experience, and Dye adds a boost to that offense and adds some protection. Their bullpen has been really solid, and there might be some interest in Dotel, but they'd likely much prefer a starter. Well, we might disagree slightly on the quality of the Reds' team, but let me put it another way - the Reds are a team that's only going to take on additional salary if they're certain that they're really contenders. Maybe they are, but I don't see them pulling the trigger on anything for awhile yet. Quite frankly, there's no rush for the Sox to be sellers, if that even comes to pass. Based on the Sox' recent play, especially the quality of the starting pitching, I'm guessing that KW is in BUY mode. I could see trading Dotel, however, merely because he likely has more value to other teams currently than he does to the Sox, which could provide an opportunity. I, for one, do not think that subtracting Dotel prevents the Sox from being contenders, given the recent performances of Carrasco and Poreda.

QUOTE (chisoxfan09 @ Jun 29, 2009 -> 11:02 PM) I for one don't think the Blue Jay's GM will be in selling mode and if he is I don't believe he will part with Halliday. He is literally the face of their franchise and like Peavy in SD has always stated his preference to stay with his team. Agreed, but this may change still. Long ways to go until 7/31, and if the Rays, BoSox and Yanks make it obvious to the Jays that they're still only a fourth place team, I think he could be dealt. Yes it would take a lot, but he's such a known commodity and such a stud in the toughest of divisions, that it might be worth it.

Let's make it 8 consecutive quality starts for Gavin.

QUOTE (chisoxfan09 @ Jun 29, 2009 -> 12:38 PM) Yeah I know we would welcome him in a heartbeat. I kinda believe that KW went for broke with Peavy with the thought that if we had at least 4 legit starters (2 lefty/2 righty) the 5th spot would work itself out. Man was that really ever good timing that Peavy invoked the no-trade. That whole series of events lead me to believe that KW does really want an Ace type righty front liner. Problem is as many have pointed out no way other teams are gonna part with their Ace (the few that have them) and accept the same packages Towers did for SD. Gonna take at least one more MLB ready propsect to really entice a team to think about it. But the number of Aces that are tradeable are next to nothing. All of this posts are kinda inter-related but trying to stay focused on that righty front line starter. ^^^^ Yep. Who's are the FA's after the season? With all the money we have coming off the payroll, potentially, this could be a more likely route at this point. Haven't seen a list in awhile. I know Harden's a FA, but too much of an injury risk.

QUOTE (Princess Dye @ Jun 29, 2009 -> 11:19 AM) What I would hate to see happen is Pods be depended on for next year. Then things fall apart, and perhaps we are once again in the familiar spot of having a productive team w/ no leadoff hitter. Agreed. Which is why I think JorDanks is the least likely of our prospects to be traded. Does he K too much to bat leadoff? Granderson had a similar issue, but improved dramatically. Some good news from a twitter on FutureSox about D2's wrist: "JPN spotted Prospect Jordan Danks, who is currently on the DL with a wrist injury, playing catch without his brace/cast." JPN is the MAN in B'Ham.

QUOTE (chisoxfan09 @ Jun 29, 2009 -> 12:06 PM) Stan, what do you think would be our chances to engage SF for Matt Cain? They want a power bat and JD does fit that bill to a tee plus maybe 1-2 prospects. Dunno just throwing it out there as it relates to the thread. Yer dadgum right Cain would look great in a Sox uni, but the Giants are contending for the first time in awhile (I think they currently lead the WC standings) and Cain is a huge part of it. I'm sure they'd love JD, but they'll be more likely to part with prospects to get him, and I can't say I know much about their system. If they traded Cain now, Sabean would get launched into the Bay, IMO. Saw the following article: http://www.prosportsdaily.com/comments/gia...eed-249509.html and it appears that Holliday is in their rumor mill. Of course, LOTS of teams will be lining up for his services, depending on the price tag.

His numbers at Kanny are sick (0.83 WHIP), though he'll be 24 in Sept. Let's promote him already and find out. Anyone out there who can shed some light on his stuff/ceiling?

QUOTE (beautox @ Jun 29, 2009 -> 10:52 AM) Reds Get: Jermaine Dye Octavio Dotel Sox Get: Homer Bailey Zack Cozart or Todd Frazier Chris Heisey or Drew Stubbs I'm well aware of the sort of stigma the phrase "coop can fix him" brings to sox fans but there is a reason it gets said; if we want a future ACE we're going to have to draft and develop him or we're going to have to take on a reclamation project like homer. The Reds are fading, and they'll be sellers before we are, so I think the window of trading JD to them is all but closed. Anyway, Bailey's value is going down, not up. A guy I'd like to target for the "Coop can fix him" category is Franklin Morales, currently in AAA Colorado Springs in the Rockies' system. The Rockies are a bullpen arm (or two) away from being a VERY dangerous wild card team, and a guy like Dotel could really help them. It would take a bit more to get Morales, likely, but he is still young, with a high ceiling. KW will be hunting for an Ace still, now and in the offseason, and lord knows he hasn't been afraid to deplete the farm system in the past. Of course, he probably thinks a little higher of the current crop of prospects, so that may not be his MO this time. Should be interesting.

Don't see him on Great Falls or Bristol rosters. Whassup?

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Jun 26, 2009 -> 11:01 AM) I'd like to add to that. His power to left and left center is big time. But his pull hitting needs some mechanical work. His eye for the strike zone is pretty developed for a part time baseball player. His speed is beyond game changing, he is one of those players we hate to face. His defense in the corners is good, but I dont think he will ever be a CF'er which is ok if he develops good enough power for the corners. Also pretty much every announcer, expert, player, coach seems to think the kid is ridiculous, which is nice to see. I came away extremely impressed as well. The guy is a specimen, and he play with great confidence as you said. Does his performance/MVP award now make him more expensive or tougher to sign? Get this guy in Rookie ball ASAP, I wanna see how fast he adapts to pro ball.

Nothing special about Wells' stuff. Command good, though. Keep the good O rolling!

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Jun 21, 2009 -> 04:21 PM) Ramirez will be the starting SS next season. Due to his age, his arm, his contract, superior range to Beckham...too many factors to list. When you can put up an OPS of 700-850 at that position (and possibly improving with a higher BB rate) for the contract he has, you'd be very silly to trade him unless you could get something better than Homer Bailey or Bowden in return. Viciedo's not going to be traded when the largest portion of his contract was the signing bonus for this year. We control his rights for 6 seasons in the "prime" (actually pre-prime) of his career at ages 21-26. Will he be the next Miggy Cabrera? Probably not, but trading away either Alexei or Dayan seems far-fetched. The jury is still out whether Getz can be a full-time starter at 2B. Maybe...if we get stronger contributions from 3B (Beckham) and the outfield (that means you Brian Anderson, for about 4 years running). Agreed. No way we trade Missile or Tank. Keeping them together is good for both, especially with Jose likely departing next year. Besides, we want to stay on the good side of Jaime Torres going forward.

QUOTE (GreatScott82 @ Jun 21, 2009 -> 07:40 AM) yep. really wouldn't make much sense to go after him. I would however make a strong push at Haren. Arizona seems to be in seller mode, nows the time to make that call. If we were to get Haren, we'd be seriously dangerous. Would Poreda, Allen plus either Dex or Huddy get it done?

QUOTE (NO!!MARY!!! @ Jun 19, 2009 -> 09:00 AM) It was actually Tim Flanerry who hit the fateful ground ball that fatefully went through Durham's fateful legs. Beat me to it. Garvey hit the game winning homer in the previous game.

QUOTE (whitesox901 @ Jun 19, 2009 -> 04:03 AM) The bench will probably have Getz, Fields, Castro, Lillibridge, Wise (Ozzie loves his guys). No doubt not the best, but I guess it all can't all be flawless I don't see Lilli, Wise or Fields as part of next year's picture at all. They'll all be gone - replaced by youngsters, or through trades between now and April '10.

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Jun 18, 2009 -> 06:33 PM) Allen ...is now probably the best off the radar 1st base prospect in baseball and one of the top 8 first base prospects in the game. Huddy reminds me a lot of Roy Halladay. You know how to cheer a guy up on a day like today.

QUOTE (South Side Fireworks Man @ Jun 18, 2009 -> 06:04 PM) To those of you who follow the minor league prospects, just a question: What do you think the Sox could get for Tyler Flowers, or a package of Flowers along with a Getz or a Fields? I know most don't want to even consider trading a guy like Flowers, but I'm just wondering what kind of value does he have at this point. Would a guy like Flowers be able to land us that stud outfielder (say a Hunter Pence) or a top line pitcher? Just wondering. Interesting. Might depend on how much they love Phegley, and if they think he could possibly be ready in 2011?

QUOTE (Tony82087 @ Jun 18, 2009 -> 05:46 PM) I don't agree. I'm with you Tony. A team like the Phillies or Brewers will be desperate and pony up. They're both going to need pitching to seriously contend.

Link: http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/r...ses/?id=3844677 Marrero and Lee Cruz also to B'Ham with Huddy.

Ahhh! This is a much happier place to be than PHT right now. The water is cool and refreshing. My guy, Daniel Hudson promoted again after only 8 starts at WS. Hope we're not rushing the guy. I heard back from Dash announcer Ed Collari who I emailed for observations of Huddy (thanks JPN!), and he expressed the following. * Very impressed with the kid personally and professionally. Loves his mound presence and makeup. Good listener and coachable. * Feels he can become a solid 2 or 3 starter at MLB level * Plus slider, good fastball, good change. * Would rank him at or near top among pitching prospects in the org. Also likes Omogrosso, and says to keep an eye on Shirek. Allen headed to Charlotte also, t'will be interesting to see if the power numbers rebound and the patience remains. Also Kuhn, Edwards, and Loman to WS from Kanny. The future is getting here very quickly. I lot of the 2010-2012 projected lineups swimming in my head are being moved up a notch or two. It's fun to have a real farm system again!

QUOTE (fathom @ Jun 18, 2009 -> 04:56 PM) BTW, I would say that Contreras needs to be traded last Saturday. I'd also like to see the Sox acquire a solid righty bullpen arm that will be here next year. You're quite possibly right, fathom. Tomorrow night's performance by Jose may be rather large in the scheme of things. At least a few GM's will be watching Jose closely. If he has another great performance, his trade value escalates further, but if KW is convinced we now have four solid starters, he'll look at Det/Minn and say "hell no, we're not packing it in". Whether, we agree with him or not, I think that's his nature. If the Titan reverts to mediocrity, it might be a missed opportunity, but I'd guess that most GM's are waiting to see one or two more performances first.

QUOTE (GreatScott82 @ Jun 18, 2009 -> 04:48 PM) Rosenthal We are just 3.5 games out with how bad our team has been. Detroit seems to be falling apart before our eyes. Does KW dare to buy? If KW were to go ahead and get a bat. Who would you like him to pursue? Everyone knows the guy I want KW to get is Freddy Sanchez. He would be a perfect #2 hitter and would solidify our lineup. You could then move Alexie down in the order where he should be. What do you guys think? Personally i wouldn't mind if he did sell, but with the state of the AL Central, why not try and be stubborn and win it again? Freddy would be a great fit, though Getz' bat is coming around. I still think this team has great potential, and things could come together in the next few weeks and we'll start winning consistently. Or not. Personally, I'd like to stand pat for the time being, replacing BA with Q in the everyday lineup, if he gets healthy, and otherwise go with today's lineup plus Thome. I don't think KW will sell before mid- July, unless we really tank in the next two weeks. He will, however, try to make an early buy for a stud pitcher (dreams of Haren) or a 2B or 3B, if such becomes available, and his glass is half full. It's a tough call.

QUOTE (lord chas @ Jun 18, 2009 -> 02:59 PM) was just ready to believe in this team and ozzie pulls this crap Yes. This game was the ultimate tease/mindf***. I'm in agony, but at least tomorrow's not an off day.