Flash Tizzle

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Nov 12, 2006 -> 09:01 PM) Grossman isn't particularly sharp, but he hasn't been bad so far, and I doubt Griese would've produced anymore points right now. Yeah, I wouldn't have expected a miraculous turnaround either. Prior to the touchdown, though, I thought 4th quarter switch was in order if our offense still had 3 points. Good start right here from Grossman. Jones as well.

QUOTE(Gene Honda Civic @ Nov 12, 2006 -> 08:53 PM) Without berrian who can run more than 10 yards at a time. Can anyone actually get open. Muhammed and Bradley haven't doing s*** as far as breaking off their defenders, but when they have, from what I've seen, Grossman hasn't helped himself. It's well known by now how flustered he becomes when pressure begins to collapse his pockets. Until the last touchdown, that is. Whenever I see Grossman backpedal quickly I think, "heres another throw off his backfoot to a receiver double covered." The last drive may have saved him, though.

Jesus f***ing Christ. So, will Grossman attempt a pass beyond 10 yards this half? Every set of downs appears the same: Giants blitz, Grossman backpedals, dumps off ball to someone for a minimal gain. I say Grossman begins the 3rd quarter, and if his play doesn't improve Griese begins the 4th quarter. The offense is killing themselves and the defense with poor positioning.

QUOTE(Gene Honda Civic @ Nov 12, 2006 -> 08:39 PM) WTF? The ball is coming out? He still has the ball with his knee on the ground. How is that a fumble? I don't understand how anyone could get that wrong. Even when his knee was obviously down, and Shockey had his hands on the ball, it was still in Tilman's grip. I'm glad a touchdown was avoided, but three points means alot in this weather. With Grossman and a nonexistent running game everything is important. Don't need officials missing easy calls.

Bears should maintain possession. Knee definitely appeared down when the ball was stripped. I couldn't even tell who held the ball, was it Tillman?

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Nov 12, 2006 -> 07:17 PM) Giving up a reliever who you can control for the next 5-6 seasons, for a SP who was likely to be a FA the next day, is well insane. The O's are just an absolute mess of a franchise. I wouldn't rule out Wright bouncing back under Mazzone though, but they could have gotten him for nothing in FA. It should prove the willingness of teams to avoid dealing with pitchers in the FA market. Is there any doubt Wright would have commanded a similar salary (perhaps more) over more years? I don't agree giving up Britton was necessary, but I understand their logic. If they didn't give up their young reliever, chances they outbid other clubs for Jaret Wright were minimal. If Wright days away from FA = Britton, I EXPECT Williams to receive a quality package for our pitchers. Considering the market for starters, there's no excuse otherwise.

QUOTE(GreatScott82 @ Nov 12, 2006 -> 05:30 PM) Garcia for Coco and Lopez?!? No thanx. Teams will be over paying for starting pitching this offseason, IMO the Sox can get much more than that for Garcia. Coco had a borderline Pods type season last year. No question Garcia should receive much more than that. I'd rather avoid Crisp all together and focus a return package primarily on pitching. Something similar to what the Yankees received for Sheffield where one good SP prospect is included, along with two raw lower-level arms. What Jaret Wright's value has proven, if nothing else, is the urgency teams may have to avoid the FA market. I believe we're in a good position. Hopefully, now Yankees swoop in and immediately sign Zito. Leave the Mets short again in their persuit of a starting pitcher.

Reading Hendry talking about the desire of Ramirez/Wood to remain a Cub makes me want to puke. Are these guys idiots? Does taking less money to play day games at Wrigley Field with a perennial loser make it worthwhile?

After reading how Jaret Wright was acquired by the Orioles for their 25 year old rookie-reliever Chris Britton, I'm utterly convinced we should receive quite a return for any of our starters. If an oft-injured pitcher such as Wright is worth a young reliever with respectable numbers, how much could Garcia or Buehrle bring in? Orioles were so desperate to avoid bidding for Wright in the free-agent market they gave their divisional rival an additional reliever. I just hope when the opportunity arrives and one of our SP's are delt, we're not forsaking a quality package because Williams is unwilling to eat a certain amount of their salary. If trading Garcia means paying 4 million to receive the best in return, so be it.

QUOTE(maggsmaggs @ Nov 12, 2006 -> 11:55 AM) http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/wh...T-sox12.article Chris De Luca says: Garcia/Buerhle two most likely to go Sox will make run at Roger Clemens Jamie Walker atop wish list as reliver Neal Cotts will be shopped Dave Roberts/Pierre interested in Sox Sox covet Michael Young I know a lot of this is old news, but some is new. BTW, we should get the Trade Winds/Rumor Mill thing back. I'm glad we're seriously shopping Buehrle as well as Garcia. I'm not entirely confident he can be expected to rebound. The absurd amount of innings he's pitched since 2000 has me questioning his long term durability. If someone is willing to overpay, hell, I'd immediately consider it. We've all seen how few innings our bullpen has pitched under Guillen's control. Even without Buehrle's guaranteed 210+IP, Haeger is available to offset McCarthy first year in the rotation. He alone could easily exceed the workload of even Scott Shields out of the bullpen. I wouldn't doubt 100+IP from him. It all depends on how/if Guillen uses Haeger properly.

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Nov 11, 2006 -> 11:02 PM) Drew is interesting, but for 12+....PASS. You just have to wonder, if these players are commanding 12+ million, how much will Dye make? Another huge year from Dye and he's possibly making 16+mil. Watching this market, I honestly don't believe he'll be here beyond next season. I imagine if we're unwilling to provide a sizable increase over 7 million -- good-guy image considered -- he'll be out of here. That's why if it were 2008, I'd be willing to pay a player such as J.D. such a contract. What other options would we have? Search for another 'under the radar' player who will magically replace Dye's production? You don't even want me to go into our minor leauge system replacing him. Eventually, whether it fits our business philosophy or not, we're going to have to overpay for an OF. I would LOVE nothing more than Anderson and Sweeney patrolling CF/LF respectively, but honestly, can we tolerate their growing pains simultaneously? 'Immediate success' and 'White Sox prospects' just don't go together, which makes planning long-term rosters even more difficult. This is really why I look at Drew and think to myself, "we may be overpaying -- and there's a definite risk -- but it's either overpay with money or prospects." I'd select money every time. We wouldn't exactly be strapped finanically either, considering the payroll is increasing and one starter is due to leave. You have Drew in CF, Guillen may even have his wish of kicking Anderson to the crub. With Drew in CF and Dye in RF, you can also save money by perhaps inserting Sweeney in LF. I don't even know where you'd place Drew. Second? 1. Iguchi ® 2. Drew (L) 3. Dye ® 4. Thome (L) 5. Konerko ® 6. Pierzynski (L) 7. Crede ® 8. Uribe ® 9. Sweeney(L) You'd have to have a 4th OF who could reasonably handle lefties though. Our lineup obviously hasn't improved much against southpaws, but IMO, it's much more balanced. 2-5 is the order is ridiculous. This is just one scenario which I wouldn't mind. I'm sure Guillen would since it doens't fit his typical 1-2 mold. If I were Williams I'd f*** his demands and go about business anyway. I've heard several people bring up the need for Williams to acquire a lead off hitter via trade. More the route Guillen would approve. It's fine with me either way as long as: one, Oneli Perez or McCarthy aren't traded; and two, either one of Anderson/Sweeney are given a starting job. My fear still remains the same, though -- if Dye leaves in 2008, we're going to have to overpay for someone. Drew is incredibly appealing to me because he's shown onbase capabilites while playing good defense in a demanding position. Either from the trade route or on the market. Might as well do it now with the payroll enhanced. We should take advantage of our 100+ million dollar payroll while it still exists.

LOLLERZ Hope J.D. Drew and Aramis Ramirez have taught MLB clubs a valuable lesson about negotiating escape clauses within a contract.

QUOTE(BobDylan @ Nov 11, 2006 -> 10:02 PM) Will the White Sox want to dish out the money Drew will likely command? Problem here is he opted out of the remaining 33million, 3yrs left on his contract with Los Angeles. Obviously, he's seeking more years and (likely) more money over that term. Considering the teams you've listed as interested, I would be SHOCKED if Williams negotiated with Boras for J.D. Drew. I really hope this issue with Boras resolves itself someday. It's becoming annoying immediately scratching out free agents or draft picks because he's representing the player. We're continually distancing ourselves from some of the best players in the game. Sure, we drafted Joe Crede; but that was more than 5 years ago.

Watched Harsh Times last night in a theater practically 25% filled, and must admit, it exceeded way beyond my expectations. Christian Bale deserves an Oscar nomination. Not that he'll defeat the overwhelming favorte Forest Whitaker, but he deserves recognition nonetheless.

Tom Glavine rejected his player option for the Mets (7.5 million), and the team is expected to decline the option for him (14 million) as well. It's possible New York finds a medium between both amounts, but according to Mets message boards I've read, opinion is the preference is reuniting with Atlanta. That Mets rotation is looking rather fugly for next season. Fans on their MLB message board are discussing the possibility of Zito/Duque/Meche/Maine/ and one of Perez or Pelfrey. Mark Mulder was even mentioned. That's not a World Series team. Zito may not even happen if the Yankees or Texas step in. Of course, there ARE several pitchers available on the South Side Minaya may be interested in....

If there's any justice in the world, a general manager out there will pull a Dave Dombrowski and overpay for one of our starting pitchers. It's just annoying to me how fortune falls onto the hands of New York -- a team which doesn't need it. Even if none of the prospects pan out, it's far better than say a compensation pick. Considering what Sheffield cost the Tigers, in a pitching market where even Jeff Suppan may command 7-9 million, anything less than two quality prospects is a travesty. Please lord, have someone overpay for our players. Other teams are doing it!!!!11

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Nov 10, 2006 -> 03:47 PM) Sanchez, 23, was a combined 10-6 with a 2.53 ERA and 129 strikeouts in 123 innings with Triple-A Toledo and Double-A Erie this year. Whelan, 22, was 4-1 with a 2.67 ERA and 27 saves for Class A Lakeland. Claggett, 22, was 7-2 with an 0.91 ERA and 14 saves for Class A West Michigan. I know this isn't going to surprise you, but I seriously envy the Yankees about now. That's one HELL of a package for Sheffield. Think about their position -- are the Yankees ever short of offense? Are they ever short of money needed to acquire more offense? What's typically lacking for the Yankees is a formidable system, which now has been further solidified. What exactly do they lose? If Williams could receive a similar return for Garica/Vazquez/Buehrle I'd literally kiss his ass. We desperately need a trade such as this to replenish our system.

QUOTE(Gene Honda Civic @ Nov 10, 2006 -> 04:40 PM) can't complain about the GG anymore. I've always been of the belief awards should go to the most deserving candidate. Obvious enough, but often people are blinded by homerism and insist their team's players should receive everything. However, this is just sweet justice. Even though Rodriguez did hold an advantage to Crede in about every offensive category. For the fact it's Alex Rodriguez I'm less inclined to care. One less award on his mantle. Now, watch Crede's win set off a storm of controversy. No one does this to a Yankee. Restructuring of the entire damn system may occur.

ESPN report posted online doesn't sound very conclusive. They claim Boston "may have" won. Boston's MLB message board is basing their opinions off Olney's information. If I were a Red Sox fan, personally, I'd wait before celebrating. We've seen before how supposedly "close" deals were overblown. Even if this preliminary report is true, between $38 million and $45million is an absurd amount for an unproven pitcher. Include this total with a rather conservative three year estimate of his salary (~30/3), and over the duration of three years, he's costing Boston between 22 and 25 million per season. If you're looking at cost in 2007 alone -- when combined with $10 million salary -- he's costing Boston between 48 and 55 million. For that price, he damn well better be Cy Young. Oh, and goodbye Manny Ramirez.

Funny thing occured in my Sociology class earlier this afternoon. When discussing Daisuke's bid with several classmates, some random Asian kid sitting behind us said the Arizona Diamondbacks won the bid. When asked how he knew, he replied the Japanese division of MLB.com had information concerning it. Now, I have yet to personally verify if -- or bother locating the link -- but that would be one hell of a wildcard victory. It would be even sweeter realizing all American league teams (esp. New York) were outbid.

He'll only receive $300,000? LOL. His ass will be flat broke in about two years. I don't know how he can reasonably recover from this. Even if Federline were to miraculously receive their mansion, $300,000 runs up quick paying expenses. I'm sure one benefit from this divorce is the opportunity to star in several VH1 Celebreality shows. Maybe write a book. Lord knows he isn't surviving off being a back-up dancer, or whatever the hell was his exact job title before meeting Britney.

QUOTE(Rowand44 @ Nov 7, 2006 -> 12:58 AM) You are one paranoid person my friend. My mind is like a fricken vortex of paranoid thoughts concerning our team. However, when it comes to the real-world and all the problems faced outside a meaningless game, then I'm rather calm.

Browsing several internet sites earlier and came upon a scenario I've been dreading. http://www.gothambaseball.com/news/1162844521.php If Bonderman is offered on the same market as Garcia, it's not even close -- any reasonable team would rather give up top talent for Bonderman. I understand the Tigers are seeking infield options in return for Bonderman, but they'd be foolish to pass up on Pelfrey. His presence within our division is about enough to make me vomit with rage. We need Minaya desperate, and FAST. Bonderman must either be traded to another club or given confidence by Detroit he'll remain. Zito/Schmidt must be signed rather quickly by other teams across the league. DAMMIT! Why can't a team just slip up for once when dealing with us and overpay for one of our players!!11? What Detroit is doing right now is exactly what Williams should have done last offseason: shop pitchers at peak value in a market where quality starting pitchers aren't readily available. I'll continue saying it -- not trading any SP last year after obtaining Vazquez was a HUGGGEEE mistake. Aside from McCarthy, whom was expected to replace the departed pitcher. Any reasonable person would have guessed reaching the levels of which Buehrle/Contreras/Garland/Garcia reached would have been unlikely to occur again. It's almost as if Dombrowski is learning from our mistakes. While Bonderman certaintly can be expected to improve, statistically, it was by far his best overall season. Similar to our starters from 05', Bonderman could realistically repeat his performance -- but is it worth the risk of waiting? Even when suitable replacements are available in the minor league system? Hell no. If Pelfrey becomes a Tiger, it'll be worth any perceived risk associated with Bonderman continued success. This is too scary to even think about. To add upon an earlier point, either Sanchez or Miller couldn't immediately replace Bonderman's production, obviously. But if you're Detroit, and you personally believe Bonderman's value may never again match it's current position, wouldn't you take the risk if the right offer were presented? It's not as if Detroit is completely incapable of reaching the postseason without him. Even so -- a potential rotation consisting of Sanchez/Miller/VErlander/Pelfrey is one I'd be willing to accept mediocrity (in 07) for.

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Nov 6, 2006 -> 03:16 PM) Pelfrey is close. Some argued that he was the best pitcher of the 2005 draft despite the fact that he went 9th (two pitchers went ahead of him). Jason raves about his stuff, too, as do any Mets fans who have a reasonable clue about their farm system. I personally think that people even hoping for Pelfrey are nuts (myself included). I know Williams has made a point to orchestrate trades which benefit both organizations. However, in this instance, we NEED to unload a starter upon whichever team is most willing to overpay. Receiving fair compensation for Garcia's value (when you factor decreased velocity and impending FA) should realistically give us, what, a Lance Broadway prospect in return? That is unacceptable. A mid-low level SP prospect doesn't help us much. We already possess several of those. Realistically, to expect any net-gain in our favor, Williams needs a Pelfrey. He needs a reasonable package which noticeably improves our ballclub. Is it unreasonable? Yes, but if Minaya doesn't wish to abide by our demands, by all means he can throw his money at Zito or Schmidt. Hopefully both starting pitchers will be gone by then and he'll have no choice to negotiate with us. Let's be honest, here -- this trade's probability only increases with the lingering injury concerns of Pedro. It's obvious his possible retirement really benefits our ballclub's chances. Any of you can act shocked, or suggest that "karma will come back," but it's true. He retires, Minaya is that much more desperate to fill out his starting rotation. You can't just let a lineup such as his linger in the New York media. And when he comes calling again, Williams has to remain firm. Either pay us what we want, or overpay for a player on the market.

Wait, injury to Logan? Haven't heard anything about this. I personally believe Shines' firing gave the players an easy excuse to leave. Can you honestly imagine a group of 23-24 year olds telling themselves, "our manager from AAA was let go by La Guaira-- during winterball--that's bulls***! CMON, LET'S STAND TOGETHER AND FIGHT THIS INJUSTICE! YEEEAAAAHHH!!" Really, if this were the case, I don't blame them. Honestly, would any of you want to spend a significant portion of the offseason in Venezuela playing baseball? Even if it were to improve certain deficiencies within your game? I've always been under the impression winterball is rather useless. Their competition is comprised of fringe talent and other assortment of crap. At best, it helps improve a players value; at worst, their confidence is shot.