Y2Jimmy0

The same coach (Lovie Smith) that Urlacher never wanted fired is solely responsible for him being let go. The only ass that Lovie Smith ever cared about was his own and week 17 vs Minnesota in 2011-2012 season is proof of that. Urlacher played in a meaningless football game and got injured. He still had 3-4 good years left. The injury destroyed his season last year and this is his fate now. Urlacher is one of my all time favorite Bears but he is acting like a big idiot right now. If it is true that Brian is still bitter over Lovie Smith being fired then I can't blame the new coaching staff for not wanting him in the locker room.

Higher .OPS between Pierzynski and Flowers. I'll take Tyler.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Mar 12, 2013 -> 03:06 PM) The Orioles were a big market team that had a huge level of attendance at the start of their rebuild (a long, long time ago). So was Cleveland. They had a sell out streak of something like five years. How'd that all work out? I agree but it was because of personnel moves. The Orioles and Indians both got rid of household names that the fans loved. Cleveland inherited a ton of talent with those deals and almost went to World Series because of it. Baltimore has one of the worst owners in the game. They drafted horribly and didn't spend in FA. Your points are well taken. The Cubs have not been trading away household names and fan favorites because there weren't any. They depended on free agency for so long. If the Cubs end up in a 10 year rut of minimal playoff appearances and bad records like Cleveland and Baltimore then it will be just another case in which it happened. I think they will have talent though. If Cleveland or Baltimore would have made better decisions and somehow competed, the fans would have been right back in the seats. This year should be telling for Cleveland. They are better. They made free agent additions. They may still be 4th in the division but they went out and signed players. Players also did not want to sign with the Orioles. They still don't. Players will always want to come to Chicago.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Mar 11, 2013 -> 02:59 PM) That's an organization to be proud of. They can't even sell wait til next year anymore. Honestly I think this is doomed to fail, but more because of the rule changes and ballpark factors than anything else. Theo can't exploit the draft and Latin America like he used to. He also has an owner that is paying a huge debt payment for his purchase of this team, so he isn't going to be able to spend like they used to. It is also a massive leap of faith to assume that these guys are going to pan out. We see KC and Pittsburgh draft high and get praised for their farm system year after year... how has that worked out for them? A full rebuilding is by far the riskiest way to build a title winner. Anytime it is suggested, I offer up this question. How many teams have undergone a full out teardown and rebuild, and been successful in a relative short (even say five year) cycle? Even the Tampa Bay's of the world took way longer to get back. Same with the Orioles. Way more often it fails, just because so many low percentage variables have to work out, and work out at the same time period. Baseball is a funny game like that. I agree with a lot of this actually. It hasn't worked. It hasn't worked for teams that can't spend on top of it. The Cubs are trying to build a system the right way and they will have the funds to supplement with talent in free agency. That is the luxury that those other teams didn't have. Those teams didn't have the luxury of signing two starting pitchers, or a starting RF for big money, or a closer. The thought process is that they will be able to do that. There is no point in doing that now though. If you were a Cub fan, would you rather have them try to build a farm system and try to win right now? They would end up winning 80+ games and not having picks as good or dumping off veteran deals to supplement the system. Makes zero sense doing it that way. Especially when that Wrigley is full.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Mar 11, 2013 -> 02:05 PM) Where do they get this ability to have this payroll larger than any other team in the division? Yes they have a large fanbase that will sell out the park, but they also don't have the high-priced amenities (luxury boxes, ad space) that other teams enjoy. Furthermore, they're locked into the same TV deal as the White Sox; it gets renegotiated in 2019, they're not going to have Dodgers money coming any time soon. They'll get an extra $25 million from the national TV deal, but so will every team. The WGN contract is up before that though. They don't need Dodgers money. They are still a big market club. The biggest market club in the division. When the Rays, Royals and whoever else attempted to rebuild, there wasn't the ability to supplement with marginal to high priced free agents on top of it. This was the only way for them to approach this. It may not work. I think it will but it may not. There is no reason for that team to try and finish .500 and rebuild at the same time. Why would anyone do that? Part of the rebuilding is trying to secure really high picks and hoping that you draft the right players. They will have a good system and outspend STL, MIL, CIN, and PIT. You guys could be right though. Maybe it doesn't work. It is the right plan though.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Mar 11, 2013 -> 12:39 PM) This has to be the most comical statement I've seen on this site yet. So having 4 top 100 prospects, several which are 2-3 years away, will guarantee them favorite status in the NL Central in 2-3 years. This despite you already acknowledging they have almost no pitching in their system. How does that make any sense to you? Also, can we please stop pretending systems automatically lead to major league success. It's getting really tiring to bring this up, but look at the Royals for god's sake. They've had monster systems in the past few years and yet they haven't been able to win at all. I get the Cubs have a big financial edge over them, but money isn't going to be enough to build a consistent winner. At some point they'll need their prospects to turn into major league contributors and I'm still skeptical of these four guys who are ranked so highly because of their tools and not their production. With the system that they are building and the ability to have a payroll north of $150 million annually, yes they better get to a position in which they are the favorites to win that division every season. Do you think they are going to stop adding players? They will also have high pick at the top of each round next year again. Most people on this board hate the Cubs because they are on the other side of town, or blue, or their parents told them they should a long time ago. That doesn't matter. I am trying to look at this objectively. I think Theo and Jed are smart guys. I am not going to dismiss them just because they are running the Cubs and for some reason that makes them destined to fail. Doesn't make any sense. I think in 2015 they are contending.

Why are you guys arguing Cubs vs White Sox? Who the f*** cares? Now I will argue White Sox vs Royals, Twins, Indians, or Tigers any day. Cubs vs White Sox is stupid and does not matter. You guys have all made valid points though. Even though the Sox farm system has supplemented the ML roster with relievers, 1st round picks moving quickly through the system, and backup infielder types, it is still a terrible system that is getting much better. The Sox have some young pitching with #3 starter type upside. They also have numerous OF's that will be on the radar in the next few years. Courtney Hawkins is the best position player the Sox have had in their system in a long time. He was on numerous Top 100 lists and will most likely start the year at High A Winston-Salem as an 18 year old. OTOH, what the Cubs are doing is smart. They have 3-4 prospects that look like they can be studs. They also have absolutely no young starting pitchers in the minors as of yet. I am sure Garza, Marmol, etc will be turned into young pitching. I do believe with Theo and Jed Hoyer running things the correct way, that Cubs fans should be very excited. Hell, I will be out to Kane County to checkout Almora and Vogelbach myself. Barring a huge change in thinking, the Cubs should get to a spot within the next 2-3 years where they should be favored to win that division on a consistent basis. But still that doesn't affect what Rick Hahn will do on the southside. hammerhead, how does looking at 1 source's top 100 list tell you that Hawkins is not any good? Did you checkout the other Top 100 lists in which he was included? I enjoy this site very much but sometimes it just gets downright comical.

I would trade them Ramirez for Taveras straight up or no deal.

QUOTE (flavum @ Mar 1, 2013 -> 05:04 PM) I could definitely see Ventura wanting Morel to stay. It would seem an easy bet that the bench will be Angel Sanchez, Wise, Gillaspie, and Gimenez. With 30 days left, a lot can happen. Injuries, trades, good performance and health by Morel, poor performance by Sanchez/Gillaspie. It's good to have options. I think you are right on as of now. If Sanchez is bad though there is always a chance that Morel sticks instead. Keppinger can play 2nd if needed. Obviously, Morel would have to prove that he can play SS though. Personally, I'd rather have Morel be the starting 3B in Charlotte again. Wise doesn't do much for me over a guy like Tekotte but I think the coaching staff obviously likes Wise. Also, Heyman tweeted yesterday that the Sox are still looking for a LH bat. Doesn't specify how big of a bat though.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Feb 28, 2013 -> 12:40 PM) He decided not to come back. There really is no debate. If AJP wanted to play on the White Sox he could have. I agree with you. Maybe I didn't clarify. There really wasn't any reason to bring back AJP for what it would have cost. Even if Cubs fans do hate him.

Well I think the topic of AJ being brought back is climbing past Dunn strikes out too much as the dumbest thing on this board.

Just answered my own question. Go on sale February 23rd. Is anyone else attending either of these games?

I am looking into attending one of the White Sox games at Miller Park prior to the season starting. I cannot find tickets anywhere. Possible that Brewers single game tickets aren't on sale yet I guess.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Feb 16, 2013 -> 03:00 PM) Link Thank you, sir.

I have a couple things....I have heard rumors on the score this week that Beckham looks a lot bigger and has put on over 15 pounds. He has been a guy in the past who loses a ton of weight during the season. Has anyone seen a story about this anywhere? Also, with Dewayne Wise probably a lock to make the roster, what happens with Blake Tekotte? Does he just go into the Charlotte OF? I like him as a big time stole base threat off the bench. Is Jordan Danks out of options?

Ben Badler at Baseball America has an article about the increase in spending internationally since the arrival of Marco Paddy. Anyone have access to the content?

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Feb 12, 2013 -> 08:30 AM) Going into that situation, if the owner refuses to give you a no trade clause, it should be a red flag that they aren't trustworthy. Why does not giving a NTC make someone untrustworthy? I would never give a no trade clause. It can put the club in a terrible position.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Feb 11, 2013 -> 12:13 PM) Jim Callis ‏@jimcallisBA Thompson. But I may be lower on each of them than most. @exposfan1998: Trayce Thompson, Jared Mitchell or Jordan Danks? #White Sox Why would someone even ask Callis this question? If Trayce turns into what they think he may it is him hands down. Followed my Mitchell. I am not including Danks.

Keith Law released his Organizational Top 10 rankings today on ESPN Insider. White Sox 1. Courtney Hawkins 2. Carlos Sanchez 3. Andre Rienzo 4. Trayce Thompson 5. Erik Johnson 6.Scott Snodgress 7.Keenyn Walker 8.Joey DeMichele 9. Jared Mitchell 10. Chad Beck (Should be Chris). Law reiterates that Hawkins is there best position player prospect in a long time and I believe Law had him as the #73 prospect in all of baseball. Law said that Johnson will help the big league club sooner than Snodgress. Also said they are both back end starters. (I know many feel that Johnson has #2 starter potential). Law mentions that the Sox had a good draft and went with high school players and was positive about their direction. Also mentions that Rienzo could be good once through the order in a relief role this season. Keith Law says that Walker showed surprising patience and he and Snodgress were both of the "Sleeper" prospects that Law mentioned.

QUOTE (sircaffey @ Feb 1, 2013 -> 01:54 PM) He has no power which is why he fell off the prospect map. It never developed like scouts thought it would. My mistake. Might need to place a call to Anthony Bosch then for Flowers and Anderson.

QUOTE (pittshoganerkoff @ Feb 1, 2013 -> 01:50 PM) Tyler Flowers hits .250+ with 25+ HRs and 80+ RBIs Gordon Beckham finally puts it together.

QUOTE (IowanSoxFan @ Feb 1, 2013 -> 01:37 PM) http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/p...id=anders002lar 40-man roster is now full. Lars Anderson was an overhyped Boston prospect forever. He does have power though and some promise. Was like the #17 prospect in all of baseball in 2009.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jan 31, 2013 -> 08:03 AM) The following is why no one is platooning with Andre Eithier. Great Point. If Ethier was even thought of on the White Sox, it would have to come at the expense of Rios in my opinion. White Sox will not platoon Viciedo and they shouldn't. Ethier will not be platooning either with that salary.

QUOTE (flavum @ Jan 30, 2013 -> 12:14 PM) Sox sign Andrew Brackman http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/brackan01.shtml Nice addition. He has big time control issues. I wonder if they see something in his delivery. Does anyone know if he has had a problem repeating his delivery? The White Sox are good at fixing that particular issue.

Tyler Flowers is a known PED user. If you guaranteed me that Flowers would hit 30+ homers this year on steroids, sign me up for that deal today. That's about how I feel about this whole thing. I want these guys to entertain me. My favorite sport is football. Those guys are juiced to the gills, so I find it pretty hard for me to criticize a baseball player that takes something.