Flash Tizzle

QUOTE(WhiteSoxFan1 @ Mar 16, 2007 -> 11:31 AM) for all the sanjaya haters out there check this out. http://downloads.americanidol.com/ Preview a few of them, and preview his. They are CD quality mp3s from this past week performances. He is better than people give him credit for. You know, I did wonder while watching the show whether the producers somehow tampered with his performance. Didn't it just sound a little too soft? And there were several moments where the sound appeared muffled when Sanjaya and the judges were talking. Not that it changes a whole lot, really. He still deserves to be kicked off. I just feel last week was an example of AI producting their product and making sure Sanjaya sounded as poorly as possible.

"(Smile for me, daddy.) What you looking at? (I wanna see your grill). You wanna see my what? (Your grill, your your your grill). Then rob the [hardware] store and tell them make me a grill. "

"Smoking in the boys room.........."

QUOTE(DrunkBomber @ Mar 14, 2007 -> 03:10 PM) Whatever team pays him that is nuts. Not really the amount per year but the length. Whatever team is paying him 18 million a year when hes in his late 30s is gonna be hurting. I don't believe any American league team which picks him up will be hurting as much as you believe. If he plays 3B or SS for another several years, and remains a tremendous hitter, why should moving to the DH position effect any team? He'll undoubtedly fare much better in the late 30's then, say, Soriano. Now, any deal with a National League ballclub would be quite different. People talking about Rodriguez with the Cubs have to remember he's likely switching to SS unless Ramirez or Lee are removed from their positions before the expiration of current contracts. Which I consider unlikely. For the first few seasons I wouldn't expect any problems, but by year three/four I'd be a little concerned if some of his excess weight hadn't been previously shed. Only position to stick an old, possible worn out but still productive Rodriguez is first base. One problem -- who knows what happens with Lee. Would the Cubs like to be in a position where they have to choose between the two? I mean, really, does anyone foresee the Cubs as having any trouble scoring runs? Soriano and a healthy Lee should atleast improve upon last year's rather dismal run-scoring stats. The Tribune (or whomever owns the Cubs by then) would be better off spending their money on acquiring a legitimate 2B or shortstop whom provides solid defense and some on-base skills. Without the whole 20 million dollar price tag attached. HMM, Iguchi is a free agent next season......

Please tell me Williams doesn't believe what he says here. What the f*** is a grinder effect? Was the absence of it last season responsible for the ERA's of our starting pitching staff being a full run higher than 2005?

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Mar 16, 2007 -> 12:07 AM) From Robothal I'd say this is the perfect opportunity to buy low and give Greg Walker a shot at refining his swing. Too bad the scouts just can't see his clubhouse presence and what he means to this ballclub. LOWZ RISK, HIGH REWRD!

QUOTE(ptatc @ Mar 15, 2007 -> 01:26 PM) As to your points in the previous post. I read some info about how the compensation picks changed with the new CBA. How will that effect players such as MB and JD vs. Iguchi? Balta posted it before. I'm too lazy to search for it again. Basically, no compensation is given for Class "C" free agents; and the amount of players considered "A" or "B" decreases by 10-20%. It shouldn't effect Dye, Buehrle, or Iguchi unless they're right on the cusp of A/B or B/C.

QUOTE(3 BeWareTheNewSox 5 @ Mar 15, 2007 -> 02:04 PM) I liked Cotts but he seemed kind of creepy. If there was some suicide or go on a murder rampage pool in baseball, he would probably be on the list It's the soft spoken demeanor, and the fact his face is incapable of producing a smile.

I'm just going to throw this out to everyone -- what do you believe wouldl happen if our record this season is -- as BP predicted -- 72 - 90? It'd just be interesting to me because I don't believe there's any question our payroll would drop. I'm not talking a substantial decrease, either. Just maybe 10-15 million. Not enough to cry poor, but enough to completely alter our offseason. Is Iguchi resigned? Is Ichiro pursued? I know the posts I've made concerning a run at Ichiro have assumed the payroll remains over 100 million. What about Crede? Hell, he may be traded even with a World Series victory.

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Mar 15, 2007 -> 10:45 AM) Given that we have 2 really big quality guys hitting the FA market at the end of this season, if we're 5+ games out of first at the AS break, a fire sale certainly doesn't seem like a terrible idea if it brings back good people. Realistically, you figure we'll receive three compensation picks; perhaps four if both Dye and Buehrle have great seasons. These many draft picks in the early rounds shouldn't be overlooked unless both players were to give us an obvious advantage through trade. Problem is, these last two summers, how many true blockbusters have occured? One or two? People just don't seem to remember all the discussions around here about general managers asking the moon for 1/2 year rental players. I know members have hounded me about this in the past, (including you several days ago ) but I rather our team be within 5 games of first place/wild card or completely out of it (ie, 10 games). No where in between. The problem I foresee, if it doesn't fall within those parameters, is local media members and the baseball retarded bringing up talks of how Cleveland and Houston overcame their odds. Or the dreaded words, White Flag trade. I honestly believe we'll be 7 games out come midseason. Just to annoy the hell out of me. If it were to occur, you'll hear everything I'm mentioning here and more. People saying "sell," others suggesting players with poor first halves could turn it around. Hopefully Williams will know what's best if worst comes to worst.

QUOTE(Rowand44 @ Mar 14, 2007 -> 11:05 PM) You live in Dallas or something? Cause I've definitely talked to people who live in Texas who loved the deal from their end. Realistically, we did sell McCarthy rather low, whereas Daniels sold Danks and Masset (especially) with their value much higher. If Danks/Masset/Rasner is what we received from McCarthy and his 4.68 ERA out of the bullpen, if he managed to produce a similar line in the rotation -- which isn't out of the question -- imagine the return? Yes, one less year available to another team; but still several years remaining before arbitration and four before FA. Really, I never objected to the idea of dealing McCarthy. I just rather have traded him under more favorable conditions. Or a tleast a trade package offering more than what we received.

QUOTE(whitesoxfan101 @ Mar 14, 2007 -> 09:42 PM) I thought we completely robbed them blind in that trade personally, and considering how "positive" (lol) I normally am, that should be endorsement enough for the deal. I wish I could share your optimism. What personally irritates me about the deal is how we only received back one legitimate SP prospect. From all accounts Masset is destined for the bullpen, and I don't believe Rasner is anything but a warm body to place in Kannapolis at the current moment. Several 'X' factors will decide whether this trade benefits us or Texas. If McCarthy gains additional velocity to his fastball once his frame is completely filled out, we could be kicking ourselves for dealing a potential ace. It may not happen, but it's not out of the question, either. For us, if Danks -- at worst -- matches McCarthy and Masset pitches well out of the bullpen, we obviously come ahead. Anything that Rasner provides in a major league uniform would make this an absolute steal. Rotoworld, as I recall, doesn't believe he'll ever reach the majors. Judging from his statistics in A ball I wouldn't exactly disagree with that assessment. This was obviously a case of scouts noticing something in him which stats didn't show.

Well, Gonzalez looks like crap.

Wow. Decent changeup from Jenks

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Mar 14, 2007 -> 03:25 PM) Flash....Oh Flash..... Hey, I'm just providing the watch.

QUOTE(BigSqwert @ Mar 14, 2007 -> 02:55 PM) BTW have you seen the preview for "Grindhouse"? Looks fantastic. Saw it during a screening of "300" last night. Rodriguez's segment looks far better than Tarantino's. Although I'm just judging that from the trailer. I'll definitely be seeing it when it's released.

QUOTE(BigSqwert @ Mar 14, 2007 -> 02:49 PM) Erstad's music for his ABs should be the Clipse's "Grindin'". Little known fact -- the upcoming Rodriguez/Tarantino movie "Grindhouse" isn't about two exploitation movies fused together. It's a 90 minute reel of Erstad stealing bases, hitting singles, and applying his grinder skills to everyday life.

It's obvious Erstad at first base distracted Capuano to such an extent that he hit Cintron.

QUOTE(Gene Honda Civic @ Mar 14, 2007 -> 02:03 PM) DJ says Masset threw well in the "B" game and made it sound like he may still have an outside shot at the 5th starter spot. If anyone within the Sox organization believes that, they need to do a better job finding Masset innings against major league players. Beginning Friday, games will be broadcasted either on TV or MLBTV for four straight days. Hopefully they'll find him a spot to pitch sometime during this period. This has nothing to do with judging him, but I'm selfish and want to see him throw a damn baseball.

QUOTE(BearSox @ Mar 13, 2007 -> 07:51 PM) We could probably get a good arm or two out of him... but you are saying only trade him for ace potential is just unrealistic. If we get Rowand and we could get a Tankersly, Petit, or another good pitcher for Anderson, I wouldn't be opposed to it. Does that mean I want Anderson gone if we do get Rowand? Heavens no. Anderson can provide good insurrance, can be involved in a package of a bigger trade, or if Rowand and Erstad don't work out, we'd have Anderson. Unrealistic, yes, but those should be the conditions. What good are more #5 starters or bullpen arms within this organization? Either Florida provides their top pitching talent for Anderson or they don't get him. I don't feel trading him, and taking our chances with Rowand, is worth marginal talent. Especially with the possibility Williams looks ridiculous if Anderson actually develops into something. It has to be worthwhile.

QUOTE(BearSox @ Mar 13, 2007 -> 07:03 PM) If we could get a good/potential filled bullpen arm out of the Marlins like Renyal Pinto or Petit out of Anderson I'd probably do the trade, if we got Rowand from a package like Tracey and Rogo. I would hope Williams thinks more of Anderson than a bullpen arm. We have quite enough of those as it is. We're missing top of the rotation talent. Unless Anderson is commanding that from Florida, he shouldn't be traded there.

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Mar 13, 2007 -> 06:21 PM) My prediction now; Anderson gets traded to the Marlins for some pitching prospects. We then trade for Rowand using Sean Tracey and a pitching prospect. Unless the prospects obtained for Anderson have top of the rotation potential, and those which depart (including Tracey) are teh suck, I'll be very aggravated with Williams. I asked this earlier and no one answered -- is the idea here we sign Rowand to another long term deal after 2007? I don't understand why we couldn't wait an extra season. Oh, and if Anderson were to match Rowand (for five million less), Williams should be embarrassed with himself letting Brian and Young leave for equal production. Basically, I wouldn't take the risk trading Anderson unless we're receiving a stud pitching prospect. Which I doubt Anderson could command or Florida would give up.

QUOTE(whitesox61382 @ Mar 13, 2007 -> 06:29 PM) Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn't a team have to offer a FA player arbitration in order to get compensation via draft picks if that player signs with a different team? Everyone assumes that the Sox are guaranteed to get draft picks if they lose their players via FA opposed to trades, but that isn't always the case. In fact, based on the Sox track record, I would say it is 50/50 that they offer arbitration so please be careful in assuming that the Sox would automatically get draft picks for FA they lose. It isn't always the case, but it will be this season. Consider the salary of Dye and Buehrle. Now way in hell either accepts arbitration for less than market value if they're healthy. We'll have four draft picks come 2008 if Dye/Buehrle perform decently. Unless one/both had previously been traded.

QUOTE(hitlesswonder @ Mar 13, 2007 -> 05:43 PM) Agreed. Seriously, Hirsh alone (just one of the players the Rox got for Jennings) would have been a better deal than Floyd/Gonzalez. Usually, I don't think it's faor for a fan to say that a better deal must have been out there, but in this case it's a reasonable based on the HOU-COL trade. It really looks like Floyd is an underperforming pitcher that the Sox fell in love with for some reason -- they projected him to break out and overvalued him accordingly. It's sort of like the Ritchie trade, where the Sox gave up overvalued Ritchie because they thought he would have a breakout season. It's poor decisions such as these which we desperately need to avoid in future deals. Let's remember, Williams traded Garcia and McCarthy to restock the farm system with talented arms in hopes of avoiding the escalating FA market. With an already suspect minor league system, which completely avoids all foreign development, we NEED to have better people working under the organization capable of identifying talent. Our success practically depends upon it. Want to take a chance on Floyd? Find another way of obtaining him. We shouldn't have to deal with projects such as him (with no previous indication of success) in deals involving starting pitchers. QUOTE(jphat007 @ Mar 13, 2007 -> 05:46 PM) LOL. Yah, that's exactly what I was saying. Just like we waited until Mike Morse sucked to know that the Freddy trade was a good one. Yah. Good analogy flash. Of course, because it didn't influence your opinion of the trade. Reed/Olivo alone were proving themselves useless by year two of the deal. If Danks/Masset fail to reach expecatations, and McCarthy does well, it would just be your nature to hold off criticism until Rasner comes alone.

QUOTE(jphat007 @ Mar 13, 2007 -> 05:34 PM) Chris Young could be a horrible trade. Freddy for Floyd/Gio could be a horrible trade. Bmac for Danks could be a horrible trade. All three of those scenarios could play out. But who cares what people THINK is too much to give up now. As in the case of the Freddy for Reed trade, all that matters is the results in the end. To this day KW has made some terrible trades, but most of the time he knows what he is doing, and he has shown plenty of times that judging his trades before the results come out is very, very foolish. So, I take it you're not going to decide who won/lost the McCarthy deal until Rasner proves himself....in 2010. By then, the results should come out and you won't look foolish.