kitekrazy

QUOTE (greg775 @ Jul 28, 2012 -> 08:37 PM) I still don't know how baseball teams got in the business of awarding pitchers these mega-buck deals. The evidence is that the modern-day pitcher is going to get hurt. These millionaire owners confuse me in throwing multi year megabuck deals at pitchers. Think of them as politicians. They over spend and pass that on to the people.

Next is to bring the Twins down to earth on Monday.

QUOTE (YASNY @ Jul 29, 2012 -> 01:45 AM) From reading Soxtalk all these years, catch the ball is a very underestimated part of the winning equation. It sure makes your pitching look better on paper.

QUOTE (Jose Paniagua @ Jul 28, 2012 -> 08:58 PM) Why don't we hit doubles? 29th in MLB Cause players like Adam Dunn hit stuff over the fence. They need to stop that now so they can move up in doubles. This might be another year where they hot over 200 HR again.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jul 28, 2012 -> 08:56 PM) I felt like tonight he was effectively wild. Didn't think he was particularly crisp. If you watched where Flowers was setting up, and then where Humber was throwing it, he certainly was missing his location a lot. Texas is scuffling. They aren't hitting the ball particularly well right now and I think tonight we saw that. IN the same respect their pitching staff hasn't a clue how to pitch to the Sox hitters. Even the bench guys did some damage. I think it's just one of those sports anomalies where the Sox have their number.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Jul 29, 2012 -> 12:50 AM) http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/white-sox/...scobar-farewell Kenny Williams never seems to get a lot of respect. During his tenure as Chicago White Sox general manager, which began after the 2000 season, he's built two division winners, including the 2005 World Series champions. Maybe the most impressive aspect of his reign is that the White Sox are always competitive. They've been under .500 just three times, but two of those were 79-83. He's done this despite lacking the monster payrolls of teams such as the Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies; despite only once having a pick better than 12th in the first round of the draft; despite never having a franchise superstar like Barry Bonds to build around or pitchers like Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, like Brian Sabean has had with the Giants; despite a farm system -- in part because of ownership's unwillingness to spend in the draft and because of that lack of high picks -- that usually ranks near the bottom (Keith Law and Baseball America both ranked the White Sox system 30th heading into the season). What I like about Williams is he never gives up. He's always trying to win, to build the best team he can given his resources. He never craters, never commits to a complete teardown and embarrassing on-field product, such as the one you're seeing from the Astros, Williams' 2005 World Series opponents. This is why trading for Francisco Liriano is a typical Kenny Williams move -- high risk, perhaps mocked, but one with a potential nice payoff. Liriano's season numbers with the Twins look terrible -- 3-10, 5.31 ERA -- and his last start (against the White Sox, of all teams) was a rough, seven-run blowup. But after an awful April and temporary trip to the bullpen, Liriano pitched very well in a 10-start stint from May 30 though July 18, posting a 2.84 ERA with 77 strikeouts, 28 walks and 38 hits in 63.1 innings (a .171 average allowed). That stretch included back-to-back starts of 15 strikeouts and 10 strikeouts against the A's and Orioles on July 13 and 18, respectively. In other words, there's a good chance Liriano will outpitch Zack Greinke the rest of the way, even though this trade will receive much less fanfare and required much less in prospect value: light-hitting infielder Eduardo Escobar and left-handed pitcher Pedro Hernandez. In fact, despite the much-maligned farm system, the White Sox have received contributions from several rookies, most notably on the pitching staff with Jose Quintana, closer Addison Reed, and relievers Nate Jones and Hector Santiago. With Quintana still the big surprise in the rotation, Liriano presumably takes the place of Philip Humber, who did pitch well in a 5-2 victory over the Rangers on Saturday, but that strong start barely got his ERA under 6.00. With the hope that John Danks might return from his shoulder issues, the White Sox now have rotation depth and options in case of injury or if they want to conserve Chris Sale's innings. The White Sox also have a lot to gain from a deal such as this; with a 2.5-game lead over the Tigers, winning the division title is obviously huge. There is a reason you're seeing teams contending for a division title making moves, while teams further back in the playoff chase -- such as the American League East wild-card contenders -- are more conservative. The reward for winning one of the two wild cards is essentially half as valuable as last season, with the one-game playoff plus the possibility that you've burned your best pitcher. But the payoff for the White Sox winning the division is worth taking a chance on Liriano. It is possible that we could be getting another mental midget. If they stick with a 5 man rotation this could mean some competition and maybe Liriano of Humber get better because of it. Trading Floyd would be stupid. They should plan on Danks returning in 2013. Maybe a GM would offer more than value for Thornton. If not wait for the waiver wire.

What they are saying on the other side. http://forums.prosportsdaily.com/showthread.php?t=746977 http://www.forums.mlb.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx...&tid=116193 http://www.twinkietown.com/2012/7/29/31994...aguers#comments http://comments.startribune.com/comments.p...p;comments=true http://aarongleeman.com/2012/07/28/twins-t...e-sox/#comments http://twinsdaily.com/showthread.php?2513-White-Sox-get-Liriano Most activity here.

QUOTE (The Ultimate Champion @ Jul 28, 2012 -> 11:34 PM) He's been sitting on the bench. And he's done a great job coming in ready to hit and hitting the ball hard and not just giving ABs away like Lillibridge did forever. In regular playing time he's going to be solid IMO. He certainly seems like a Gardenhire type of player all the way. No matter how much Liriano has struggled, Terry Ryan isn't going to trade that kind of ability to his biggest rival unless he gets something he likes in return. Since it is impossible for anyone with two eyes to like Pedro Hernandez, it's pretty clear Escobar was the key to this trade. And nobody gives two s***s what Keith Law the desk jockey and his little buddies think about Escobar's future, the trade itself should pretty much show you that the Twins scouts like Escobar, and those are the only people who matter. If all Ryan could have gotten was salary absorption and a bench player out of the deal in a hot pitching market then he certainly could have found a taker outside of the AL Central. This whole idea that all KW is doing is trading bags of balls is ridiculous. Most prospects don't work out, but for example, Zach Stewart was the key to the Scott Rolen deal, and then a key in a deal for Edwin Jackson which itself was key for the Colby Rasmus trade to go through, and then after that he's the key to the Youkilis deal. You have a former highly ranked prospect who had been drafted as a 3rd rounder and had been scouted and then traded for as a key piece by 3 other Major League organizations, all for very good players, but then Human Dunce Cap Lawrence Holmes gets on the radio and blabbers nonsense about how terrible he is and everyone laughs. Same with Escobar. No, actually Escobar is a nice little player and this deal is yet another in a long line that shows the value of defensive SS that teams believe can/will hit enough to stick. They got something for nothing. I doubt they had plans of signing Liriano. The Twins are in budget mode and aren't going to spend money on players. Removing him puts them closer to a better pick. Look at it as something similar to the Edwin Jackson trade of 2012.

QUOTE (kwolf68 @ Jul 28, 2012 -> 10:47 PM) Stan Bowman...take note, this is how you run a franchise. Maybe JR need to run the Hawks then the Bears and finish his legacy for having a world championship for every Chicago team.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jul 28, 2012 -> 10:30 PM) Escobar isn't a big loss. His defense at the end of games will be missed when a PR is used for Paulie. Hudson will have to spell Youk, that's pretty scary, and I have no idea who the back up SS is. Maybe its Morel. Maybe Beckham at SS, Hudson at 2B. Morel 3B, Beckham SS, Hudson 2B. Could they purchase the contract of Lllibridge? There's also the waiver wire after the deadline.

QUOTE (SOXOBAMA @ Jul 28, 2012 -> 09:58 PM) From Phil Rogers Is the addition of Francisco Liriano a precursor to another trade by Ken Williams? The White Sox have been telling teams that Gavin Floyd is available, and it's possible that Floyd will be traded to Baltimore or elsewhere before the Monday deadline. For Liriano, the trade to the White Sox should be convenient, at the least. He was scheduled to pitch at Target Field on Sunday but instead will get a day to make the mental transition to a new team before the Sox arrive in Minnesota on Monday. Rookie Jose Quintana is set to start for the Sox in the opener, followed by Jake Peavy Tuesday. Robin Ventura could schedule Liriano to make his debut on Wednesday, as that would get two extra days' rest for Chris Sale, who would then be pushed back until Friday in Chicago against the Angels. This plan would allow for Don Cooper to work with Liriano in a side session on Monday. That makes sense. If the White Sox don't deal Floyd or another starter, they'll have to choose between a six-man rotation and moving a starter like Quintana or Humber to the bullpen. Interesting times, for sure. http://sulia.com/channel/baseball/f/a7aae6...?source=twitter This was a quote from a reader from a previous Rodger's article. "Phil, the Rays are run by smart people, not sportswriters flipping baseball cards" That is gold.

QUOTE (Noonskadoodle @ Jul 28, 2012 -> 10:15 PM) Looking at the Tigers boards & Indians boards they seem to be brushing this trade off & saying it wasnt an upgrade at all. They must not know about the magic Don Cooper has worked in the past. Not to mention in his last 60 innings hasn't Liriano struck out about 70? His stuff is still there. Check out WSI. The first few pages are doom and gloom.

QUOTE (Wanne @ Jul 28, 2012 -> 10:05 PM) at this point you better get something ridiculous if you give up Gavin...can't see it right now. You're putting an awful lot of pressure/depending on Humber. And you DO NOT send Quintana to the bullpen...PERIOD. I agree. You have two guys who have not pitched a full ML season. The wheels could come off Sale and Q in August. Danks should be put on hold. If anything I bet Kenny is shopping Thornton.

QUOTE (gosox41 @ Jul 28, 2012 -> 09:36 PM) Let's hope Liriano is motivated by playing for a contending team. Does anyone know why he's been so bad this year? Has it been lack of motivation? Injury? Is he tipping his pitches? Just one of those years? How has his velocity been? Bob He's also coming to a team with much better defense. Defensive mental errors are not recorded stats nor is awesome plays. He may be much better with a new group behind him.

QUOTE (EvilJester99 @ Jul 28, 2012 -> 09:36 PM) I find it amazing that our farm system is supposedly one of the worst yet KW keeps finding ways of making sweet deals.... It might be the worst now since most of them are up here. This time he depleted the farm by bringing them up.

QUOTE (fathom @ Jul 28, 2012 -> 08:48 PM) Nice infield positioning! This is something that seem to be missing in the past.

QUOTE (Soxfest @ Jul 28, 2012 -> 08:44 PM) When will Ventura learn! Maybe he's out there as trade bait.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jul 28, 2012 -> 08:42 PM) Hawk giving love to Flowers work behind the plate with AJ out. Gotta do something. Even Jaun Pierre can hit the ball harder in the infield.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Jul 28, 2012 -> 08:40 PM) This would be a big win if we hold on. Sox would quickly pick up two games recently lost head to head vs. the Tigers. Would be a very nice thing. Thanks to Toronto for continuing to be tough vs. the Central. Then it's time to bring the Twins back down to earth on Mon.

No Thornton in the 9th please.

QUOTE (WilliamTell @ Jul 28, 2012 -> 08:26 PM) Yeah if you're back up catcher is being the biggest dissapointment. You're doing pretty good offensively. I think the first half was the 3rd base situation, so it's awesome to have Youk. Gotta keep Youk. Morel could use another year in the minors.

the replay looks like the ball hit the ground

Well Humer seems to pitch better when he's in trouble.

I enjoy watching Rios bat this season. That stance is such an improvement and he hits the ball hard.

QUOTE (sunofgold @ Jul 28, 2012 -> 05:30 PM) ED-E New Youk AdamBomb KingKo tar Da Yan Tank Austin Flowers Da Gordo Sizzle JordanDunks Feel Hummer Go White Sox. New Youk, New Youk Such an easy 7-8-9. Won't have to worry about pitch count.