Flash Tizzle

QUOTE(SSH2005 @ Mar 13, 2006 -> 12:01 AM) Okay, I'll give you another example... Alexi Casilla is no where near a top prospect and the Angels netted a decent lefty in J.C. Romero for him. Angels farm system exceeds ours to such a degree it's almost ridiculous. Only they could have such a hitter available in their low A system, trade him, and not blink. Whose a hitter in our organization with such numbers in Low A that Williams could trade without hurting us? Take Casilla's number on our Low A ballclub and they'd exceed everyones aside from Gentz. According to John Sickels, Gentz is rated as our 14th prospect. Casilla, with his numbers, is the 5th/6th rated INFIELD prospect. Not including outfield or pitchers. Considering our organization hasn't exactly done well recently producing IF talent, I'd think twice about moving Gentz. Although honestly, without hesitation, I'd trade Gentz alone if it gave us Romero. But you add our 14th rated prospect, another prospect, Borchard for a decent reliever--in an offseason where we've unready unloaded the pantry of prospects--I'm a little reluctant. That decent reliever status better be more assured that a Felix Diaz clone.

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Mar 12, 2006 -> 11:58 PM) BTW, I guess Kenny was on Talkin' Baseball with Levine and Defalco this morning(before Hermansons back went out...) and Williams flat out said he thought the bullpen was a concern. I did not hear the piece, this is all 2nd hand from my father. He said he got the jist Kenny was going to make a move, and rather quickly if possible. That's odd. I shouldn't be surprised, but usually you would expect an executive--when assessing his team-- to give the usual bulls*** about "our guys will perform," "I have confidence in them," etc. Atleast he recognizes an upgrade is necessary. Personally, I agree something will happen soon. We can't just wait around till the end of spring training, trade several players, then automatically throw add the bullpen arm to our roster. Especially if it's for Borchard/prospects. You figure the person we'd receive for such a package isn't exactly proven. Their talent needs to be assessed.

QUOTE(SSH2005 @ Mar 12, 2006 -> 11:21 PM) I doubt we would have to trade any of those guys for a decent reliever. Do you remember who we traded for Scott Sullivan back in 2003? Tim Hummel and some cash. Tim Hummel is back with the Sox now. I'm thinking more along the lines of Borchard + a mid-level prospect or two. That's an entirely different situation. First, it was midseason. Second, Cincinnati was willing to unload anyone with a salary above one million. Sullivan, at the time of the trade, was a good example of an average pickup. Not anyone you'd expect to dominate opposing hitters, but rather, eat innings. We're not going to be the recepient of such a gift preseason. But if I'm wrong and Borchard plus (s***ty) mid-level prospects give us a decent reliever, I'll be satisfied.

QUOTE(SSH2005 @ Mar 12, 2006 -> 11:01 PM) We don't have a ton of talent in the farm system but we have enough to net a decent reliever without having to trade Contreras. Would that mean goodbye Sweeney, Owens, or Fields? Sort of f***s up Williams 4 year board.

QUOTE(SSH2005 @ Mar 12, 2006 -> 10:45 PM) You can't just say that all Texas relievers suck. Many of them suck every year due to park factors. We're not going to get a stud here. We just need a decent guy who can pitch some innings to give rest to our better relievers. No, I never intended to suggest all Texas relievers suck. I simply believe a team where pitching talent of even a limited quality is sought, if any one pitcher shows atleast some potential, they'd hold onto them. We're sure as hell not going to get a stud here from Texas. Never expected that. I wouldn't even expect a decent guy to eat innings. Although that depends on what you define as 'decent'. I don't want a Felix...6+ERA..1.75WHIP....HR surrendered every two fricken innings...Diaz because he pitches innings and is a bridge to better relievers. I want someone obtained who can reasonably be expected to mirror Hermanson's expected 4.00-4.50 numbers. If he were healthy, that is.

QUOTE(BamaDoc @ Mar 12, 2006 -> 10:35 PM) At this point, the last thing I would do is weaken my starters. If all I need is 6 outs or so a night, this bullpen can survive. If you trade a starter and Bmac goes into the rotation and has a bad night or anyone gets hurt you can burn up a bullpen in a hurry. Ozzie may have to adjust slightly to not doing quite as much L-L, R-R, switching. The easing in of Jenks last year makes me think he has a better idea of his staff than many gave him credit for. Those 6 outs are considered difficult for a reason. With all the one run games we've played last year, a weakened bullpen shifting roles one inning sooner may leave your Pedro Lopez' of the world out for one batter too long. If Cotts and Politte had more than one consecutive year of superb numbers and Jenks had more than one year under his belt I'd feel more confident about our bullpen. No one knows what to expect from McCarthy. Hermanson's back is falling off. There's not really one pitcher you could say, for sure, "he's a lock for a sub 2 ERA." If you trade a starter (Contreras) we'll hopefully receive a bullpen addition and a pitcher capable of filling in for any injured pitcher.

QUOTE(SSH2005 @ Mar 12, 2006 -> 10:34 PM) Gene Honda Civic (Cheat) made a great post at his blog: I read that earlier. I don't really like the idea of trading for pitching, of all things, from Texas. You'd assume if any one of the pitchers behind Otsuka/Cordero/Francisco had talent they wouldn't be available for a low level pitching prospect and rights to Castro. Similar sentiments I have to the collection of lefties entering camp from other organizations. There's a reason they're available.... Texas usually scrounges through our trash heap. We shouldn't resort ourselves to looking through theirs.

QUOTE(SSH2005 @ Mar 12, 2006 -> 10:07 PM) McCarthy Lopez / Reynoso Politte Cotts Jenks C'mon Kenny, get us another nice right-handed reliever and I will be happy. It's a shame Hermanson's injury will put Williams in a situation where he'll probably have to overpay. Overpay with what, I don't know. We're baron in the minors. Contreras is our true trading chip. Too bad Los Angeles or San Fransico doesn't need a SP. I wouldn't mind some of their talent.

Cotts/Politte/Jenks/McCarthy isn't enough. Certaintly when you add Lopez, Renoso, or whomever else our bullpen doesn't appear much deeper. If I were Williams, I wouldn't assume Hermanson's back regains its strength. I said earlier in another thread, I'd honestly be open to trading Contreras if what the Sox received in return was no less than a quality reliever AND a decent starting pitching prospect. The reliever doesn't have to be top notch if an acquired starting pitching prospect is highly touted. Now, we'd essentially be in a similar situation concerning a bullpen void of two arms, but the difference is the acquired bullpen arm will have experience. McCarthy won't be out of his comfort zone. If an injury occurs in the rotation which requires help beyond several starts, the SP prospect obtained could be filled in. Remember, if one of our pitchers goes down and McCarthy is bumped, it's not going to be pretty if he's a valuable component of the bullpen. Now you'd essentially have our regulars (Jenks/Politte/Cotts) and whomever else.

Alou is slow as molasses. And to think, he's patrolling the OF for San Francisco.

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Mar 12, 2006 -> 09:07 PM) I was actaully really excited to see Vaz pitch, because really I was not too informed on him. Really enjoyed what I saw. I recall Vazquez's fastball consistently at 92-93 during matchups against the White Sox the last several years. He was around high 80's, low 90's earlier and still pitched well. Very excited about what he could bring to our team.

QUOTE(YASNY @ Mar 12, 2006 -> 09:03 PM) My main interest in this game was watching Vasquez. He's been impressive. Mine as well. After Vazquez left I was just interested in watching DR's lineup play.

Puerto Rico's bullpen is THE SUCK. They'll need every run possible. Glad to see Vazquez pitch well through Dominican's lineup, earlier.

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Mar 12, 2006 -> 06:40 PM) Technically speaking I said by seasons end Bmac will be our main setup guy along with Cotts. I firmly believe that too. Bmac is going to play a big role for this team. You figure for McCarthy to overtake Politte as one of our main setup pitchers both Cliff and Hermanson would have to regress hard. If he's successfull--which would have to be the case if he's one of our main setup men--wouldn't you be concerned of removing him from a long relief role? Instead of using McCarthy for three/four innings every 4 days he would be pitching perhaps one/two innings every 2 days. I would be worried of throwing off his routine.

QUOTE(quickman @ Mar 12, 2006 -> 06:23 PM) 3) sign him soon. then trade mcarthy. This freightens me. When Contreras' name was associated with Baltimore and the Dodgers, their fans were insisting McCarthy replaces him. McCarthy could probably land us a good package, but Williams shouldn't be forced to trade him. For his potential/salary, he's too valuable to this ballclub. Unless it's for the offensive equivalent of him, Brandon stays.

QUOTE(jphat007 @ Mar 12, 2006 -> 06:17 PM) I can't believe that we would trade Contreras, who will likely be one of our best starters this year, especially because he is throwing strikes, just because we are worried about the 4 or 5th guy coming out of our pen. I think KW is going to try to get by in the first couple of months with Cotts, Jenks, Politte, Bmac, Hermy?/Tracey (yuck)/other minor leaguer and our second lefty, then trade a month or two in if we need it. This is all hypothetical, of course, but the reason he's incredibly vital to our success is why I would believe a desperate club overpays for him. Williams just wouldn't accept crap in return. But back to reality, Contreras' contract status and age concerns would likely prevent someone from overpaying. If something favorable to us couldn't occur before the season begins, hopefully someone blows us away with a trade proposal midseason.

QUOTE(jphat007 @ Mar 12, 2006 -> 06:08 PM) Maybe, but I think it is going to be tougher than you think. EVERYBODY wants more bullpen help and nobody wants to give it up. Thats why decent relievers got ridiculous money this year and we are at the end of the waiver claim list. Oh well. I'll take a WS to get in that spot. And starting pitching help? Contreras has pitched superd thus far in Spring Training. I know Williams has the health of his pitchers in mind, but seeing as few teams can legitmately say they have 5 good starters, I would think SOMEONE could use Contrereas. And overpay dearly for him. SF's hardthrower Valdez, as well as other noteable prospects, would sure look good on our club. You may say, "Now we've substituted a good bullpen for a rotation one injury away from disaster," but the bullpen is far more questionable than the rotation. If one goes down, you'd still have four capable starters. Perhaps a trade of Contreras could land a quality SP prospect available if the worst scenario would to occur. Probably won't happen, but that would be my wish--take advantage of a club desparate for starting pitching.

QUOTE(quickman @ Mar 12, 2006 -> 05:52 PM) look I too want to jump off a bridge too, but many teams will make cuts, players will become available, and KW will make a trade even if he has to over pay. Who the hell cares about overpaying anyway. get the player who can pitch in the pen. we are two relievers away from winning this thing again, i don't think kw will sit tight. We will not go into the year two arms down in the pen. What irritates me is how the Sox always seem to be in a position where they're the team overpaying. Why can't someone offer us a substantial package for once? When it seems we have a surplus of talent, whether it's offense or pitching, there's never a Kenny Williams out there willing to overpay. Or even offer fair value. Sox never seem to be in a good position to trade talent. I just want one Liriano/Nathan trade for our club. Just one. It would be great if some team desparate for starting pitching looked at Contreras and overpayed. One which made the possibility of injuries to our starting pitchers easy to overlook.

QUOTE(DonkeyKongerko @ Mar 12, 2006 -> 05:47 PM) Japan just got f***ed over on an overturned sacrifice fly. Doug Eddings has been sighted in the tunnel. What's funny is once again Bud Selig will get s*** because of this. "It's his fault for hiring minor league umpires," is probably what we'll hear.

QUOTE(SSH2005 @ Mar 12, 2006 -> 05:33 PM) Hermanson actually showing that he isn't healthy changes things. If he was healthy, I wouldn't propose that KW should trade for another reliever. But it's obvious that Hermanson isn't 100%. Personally, Hermanson's health was a concern prior to Spring Training. He's been a pitcher I've watched last year and wondered, "how are hitters not destroying him?" He threw early 90's without deception or a devastating forkball BEFORE back injuries became apparent. I'd pencil him in as someone capable of posting an ERA around 4, low K/9 totals, high WHIP if he were healthy. With this back injury, it's only intensifies the problem.

Funny--I recall expressing legitimate concern (not just empty whining and complaining) with our bullpen when Vizcaino and Marte departed, and countless Soxtalk members brushed me off. "Don't worry. PLENTY of time before the season starts" "Is it April 2 yet?" Give the lefty garbage pile a chance! These among other sarcastic comments which deflect attention from the actual issue were used. Now I realize we're replacing McCarthy with Vizcaino/Marte in the bullpen role, and for either, it's an upgrade. Hell, I'd grudgingly accept Lopez in his situational role if it meant our remaining bullpen could be counted upon. However, with ANY injury or ineffectiveness to Hermanson our bullpen will suffer. His spring training outings haven't convinced me otherwise. If Hawk himself is voicing concern during this afternoon's game, you know it's a problem. White Sox need stablizing pitchers in their pen. I figure with the often unpredictable success of relief pitchers year-to-year someone will endure a poor year. Or if not a 'poor year,' a substantial dropoff from previous success. Without Hermanson, you're expecting Jenks/Politte/Cotts to mirror their 05' numbers. This, IMO, is unlikely. I'll say this right now, becaue I know several people are shaking in anger from my concerns. NO, I'm not overly critical of Williams for failing to use his physic abilities to forecast possible bullpen problem. NO, I'm not bailing on the team before the season begins. I simply believe with the remaining bullpen spot likely belonging to some scrub, Hermanson's health issues, and possible regression of key pitchers, our bullpen may not be very dependable.

Someone sounds like they're crapping themself. Here's some nice pictures to help calm your nerves:

Look who's back in the news. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2364029 If there's one positive to this story, it's we won't have to hear Ligue updates for atleast 5 years--unless he's released early.

'Natural causes'? If that's true, guess his supposed heart ailments which have dragged on this trial five years weren't false. Whether it truly was a natural death--and I'm sure speculation will continue following an autopsy--atleast he's dead. Albanians, rather than Serbs, should be rejoicing around the world.

This Giants pitcher Valdez has tremendous stuff. I assume he's their closer for next season. He delivery appears effortless, then out comes a 97 mph fastball. Good offspeed pitches as well.