Flash Tizzle

QUOTE(AnthraxFan93 @ Dec 22, 2005 -> 03:33 PM) Boggled my mind why they signed him in the first place. It's beginning to irritate me how teams are squirming out of long term contracts. In a perfect baseball utopia, I wish teams with long term deals were forced to endure the player's production, good or bad, throughout the duration of the contract. How many long term contracts (four or more years) have been fulfilled recently?

I'd imagine a salary floor would be more likely to pass within the union than a cap. Force Tampa, Kansas City, whichever other teams hold low payrolls to spend atleast 50 million.

QUOTE(SSH2005 @ Dec 22, 2005 -> 03:29 PM) If there was a salary cap in baseball, the problem would solve itself. I wouldn't mind it. You dont' even need to set it at $70 million. $100 million is fine. Obviously, the luxury tax isn't helping lower market teams very much. Something is wrong with baseball when the Yankees outfield is paid more than the entire Devil Rays roster.

I don't care if it's illegal, I'm in support of collusion. Refuse to pay starting pitchers who intend on earning ridiculous contracts. Why should players and agents such as Boras pull the strings? How desperate would Milwood, for example, be if no one signed him through spring training? Then we'd be able to negotiate fair deals. When accusations arise of collusion, I'd just say, "We don't believe these players are worth this amount. Obviously, others don't as well." No one is forced to sign anyone.

QUOTE(whitesoxfan101 @ Dec 22, 2005 -> 02:37 PM) The interesting (and VERY sad) thing about this is.....if that really is the kid's myspace (probably is) and if he did indeed commit suicide as it's being reported, it brings up a whole mess of touchy issues into the national spotlight. Teen depression, teen suicide, the fact that myspace and other blogs are the best way to find out how a young person really feels. Be interesting to see how this story is reported as time goes on. Unfortunately, the effects of rap music upon black youth will also be examined. Littered throughout his profile were homages to famous rap artists. His title, "f*** The Police--" an infamous lyric from N.W.A, certaintly lends one self to question whether he attempted to emulate the lifestyles of his idols.

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Dec 22, 2005 -> 11:31 AM) You heard it here first Phils, Cubs, A's Abreu and Zito to Cubs Hamels and Murton to A's Prior to Phils Makes sense for all with the exception that Zito is a FA next year so extension for Zito is mandatory to pull it off Wait--Cubs trade Prior/Murton for essentially Abreu AND Zito? Sure, that works for all teams; but it REALLY benefits the Cubs. They exist this trade with a #2 pitcher, stud outfielder, and in place give up a potential ace, outfield prospect. Hendry would have to give up Hill or Pie to Phills to balance out this trade.

Sad incident--18 year olds usually don't drop dead. Likely, he died from one of the following: murder, suicide, drug/alcohol overdose. I'm trying to recall where I heard information regarding Dungy's son prior to his death. I don't know if it's another story creeping into my mind, but I recall something concerning his son on ESPN.

Even for a perennial All-Star such as Tejada, I wouldn't consider trading Prior (and a top prospect)--regardless of receiving Bedard in return. Too many question marks within the Cubs' rotation. IF Wood were healthy and Maddux several years younger, I'd approve the trade.

I can honestly imagine Williams calling Scott Merkin and suggesting to him, "write an article about McCarthy having more to prove, and how he'll be in the bullpen if no further moves are made. Something along those lines. Just give the impression we're in no rush to trade Garland." I didn't need to read the entire article to realize it's a smoke screen. If no other news articles have suggested otherwise, search the White Sox archives for Williams quote relating to not trading relievers. These MLB articles are usually nothing more than pieces created to justify all possible alternatives to a transaction. Whether Garland is traded or not, the explanations are covered. However, just peer at the title--"McCarthy Left With More To Prove." What else does he possibly have to prove? I don't believe it. I've reflected on this topic throughout the week. There are several key points which should convince all detractors, and doubters, of trading Garland that inevitably, he'll be shipped off before Spring Training: 1. In the Garland for Prospects thread, it's cited in an article we're currently above budget. It may be the most obvious indication of an upcoming transaction.This will undoubtedly be corrected with a trade involving cheaper alternatives. Now, who is expendable AND expensive? Sounds like Garland to me. 2. Compile a list of scenarios concerning Jon Garland and the 06' season. Few benefit our club. If we're intent on trading him midseaon, what will our record have to be to justify the decision? Either we'd be in a position of breating room atop the division, or unfortuantely, down below. But with Cleveland's late season resurgence, and the lingering effects of the White Flag trade still echoeing throughout baseball, it wouldn't make sense to trade Garland unless we were FAR below the division lead. If a nightmare season did unravel itself, Garland wouldn't be the only player moved anywyas. 3. If a scenario presents itself where trading Garland is jusitfied, nothing short of repeating his postseason success, or first-half of 05' stats, would warrant an acceptable package. His value with the Whtie Sox has reached it's peak. Our only benefit appears to be the two draft picks Garland would garner. Williams obviously knows these will be wasted on drafting soft tossing pitchers, or Aaron Rowand clones. Only scenario I could envision holding onto Garland is for the possibility of injury. If any one pitcher were to miss an extended amount of time, McCarthy could fill in from the bullpen. Perhaps that is Williams plan--keep Garland unless a trade scenario is presented which is too good to pass up. But I doubt it. He's grown frustrated with Garland's negotiation talks.

It's tough for Hendry to assemble a team when there aren't clubs willing to accept his "talent' in return for quality players seeking high salaries. Pittsburgh must have disconnected their phone line this offseason.

He's utterly useless against Left handers. Is he any better of an option than Burnitz? I wouldn't think so.

Call me old fashioned and chauvinistic, but I'd feel slightly demasculated dating a woman six inches taller than I am. One or two inches, sure. Even at that, it's odd to find a decent looking woman I'd consider dating who's taller than I am. I'm sure there is where I'll be criticized, even though most here would agree with me.

QUOTE(SSH2005 @ Dec 20, 2005 -> 03:54 PM) What did Scott Williamson do with the Cubs last season to show that? He was awful. I can agree with you on Dempster although he still gives up way too many baserunners. Of course, Dotel is better than both Dempster and Williamson. It's not the point of whether both recovered to become key bullpen contributers, it's that they're low risk, high reward pitchers. It doesn't matter whether Williamson is s***, because they practically paid nothing (in their terms) to rehab him. If he doesn't work out, fine; cut him.

QUOTE(santo=dorf @ Dec 20, 2005 -> 03:45 PM) Um, if the Yankees are offering a major league deal to him, why would he accept your offer? Just because we don't sign or trade for a guy doesn't mean weren't interested or made an offer to him. Soon as last week, it was speculated (as SSH said) he wouldn't pitch until midseason. Many here, including myself, thought offering Dotel a minor league deal, where he could recover, would be a smart decision. Obviously, I'm not in on personal negotiations or close to assessing the health of his arm. Rotoworld alledged Indians, Rangers, Mets, Yankees were the teams bidding for Dotel. Did it mention the White Sox? No. I'll assume we didn't show interest until noted otherwise. Usually, that's how it works.

QUOTE(SSH2005 @ Dec 20, 2005 -> 03:43 PM) Dotel said he doesn't think he will be able to pitch until midseason. The Yankees have the money to toss around. If Ryan Dempster and Scott Williamson have shown other teams across the league anything, it's signing a pitcher recovering from injury is a low risk/high reward move. This happens last year or two years ago, I guarantee the Yankees don't offer Dotel anything. I'm interested in the possible amount Dotel could earn, and how much he receives upfront. Makes you wonder how much Gagne would receive if he were available to pitch right now.

Where the hell was Williams during negotiations? It's not as if we're stocked with relief pitching. New York must be offering Dotel the largest possible amount if he meets certain stipulations. So much for "flying under the radar" and offering him a minor league deal.

QUOTE(SSH2005 @ Dec 20, 2005 -> 03:12 PM) I wouldn't want a 34 year old reliever with a 1.42 WHIP being the major leaguer in return for Garland. What Otsuka provides is a major league ready replacement for Marte and Vizcaino. His WHIP total is heavily distorted by walks--which is obviously due to his ackward delivery. I'd place faith in Cooper lowering his walk totals. He's cheap, doesn't surrender many homeruns (which I'm sure may be due to Petco), has had success against LHH, and featured an effecient GB/FB ratio. What more do you want? If Dodgers are unwilling to provide a better package, I wouldn't be hurt if we traded Garland/Crede for Blalock/Otsuka/Prospect

Anyone willing to speculate perhaps the Rangers will swing Otsuka in a trade package for Garland? Likely not, but still, if the choice is maintain Otsuka to solidify the bullpen, or trade for Garland to build the rotation, what choice would be more reasonable? And I hope this trade package proves to all those who continue to profess Garland is a free agent following next season, and we're not going to get much for him, WRONG. Including Joe Credw with Garland, I'd expect an even greater package than the one San Diego received. No excuses.

Since our search engines are still (for whatever reason) disabled, I was hoping someone could assist me with this issue. Earlier this evening, I bid on a DVD set intended as a Christmas present for my older brother. This relatively unknown TV series was available in a DVD set featuring 72 episodes. The price? 29.99. I placed a bid of $30.00 and assumed no issues would present themselves. And why should I have? DVD set was guaranteed to arrive within several days, there were 4 items of the same product available, and only two (including my own) were displaying bids. The aforementioned bid dated back several days. As soon as 20 minutes before the auction ended, the status of the four items didn't change. Two items were bid on, two weren't.. I left my house assuming a victorious bid. Return home half an hour ago, absolutely stunned to discover I had been outbid 5 f***ING SECONDS before the auction was terminated. Immediately following this revelation, I sent the asshole a scatching message telling him there were two other items available for him, and he ruined my Christmas with his bulls***. Yes, a bit dramatic; but it completely derails my Christmas. Now I have to battle the crowds, horrendous Chicago weather, and literally search for a present. What this event taught me is never to assume anything relating to EBAY. You can't expect to bid on an item, no matter how obscure, and not expect some mo-mo to ruin your day. Now, I will become one of these people. If anyone is aware of the link to an automated EBAY list, I'd appreciate it.

QUOTE(SSH2005 @ Dec 16, 2005 -> 05:47 AM) And Soriano has great stuff but I would think his trade value would be extremely low after missing the past two seasons due to injury. Which is why including him in a trade is intriuging. Not as a centerpiece, certaintly, but under the assumption he's nothing but a recovering arm until proven otherwise. We can take a risk with him. Seattle may be more willing to exchange several quality prospects with Soriano in the deal. Unlike Dotel, whose services would have to wait until midseason, Soriano could contribute immediately. Is it unreasonable to expect Soriano to mach Vizcaino or Marte's 2005 numbers? It'll take time to fully recover from Tommy Johnl; but a 80% Soriano would be a welcomed contribution to our bullpen. Include him with one higher tier prospect, one or two middle, and I'd take the risk. Of course, this wouldn't be my first option. Or second. Or third. Depending on the status of the prospect in question, and what's his estimated arrival into the majors, it beats essentially exchanging Garland for a mid-level prospect as part of a proposed Rangers trade.

QUOTE(SSH2005 @ Dec 16, 2005 -> 05:47 AM) Ron Villone is on the Marlins. They traded for him at the deadline last season. Mariners may want to update their MLB.com statistics webpage. I thought perhaps Seattle re-acquired Villone admist Florida's firesale. Replace Putz or Mateo with Villone.

QUOTE(SSH2005 @ Dec 16, 2005 -> 05:14 AM) I can understand how Beltre would lose homeruns due to Safeco but his AVG and OBP both dropped back down to his 2001 to 2003 levels when he was basically a Joe Crede clone. Beltre has had more seasons putting up Crede-like numbers than like his 2004 season. I know players oftentimes have monster seasons in their free agent years but to me it casts a lot of doubt on how natural Beltre's 2004 season was. If we're trading Garland and Crede, I'd rather have Blalock in return than Beltre for reasons you've illustrated. If Beltre had reasonably duplicated his numbers from his contract year in Los Angeles, I would be interested. Although if that were to occur, I doubt Seattle would entertain offers for a trade. Dropping off the planet in every conceivable offensive cateogry doesn't bode well for future success. Certaintly not a trade worthy of the money paid to him, even if statistics rebound slightly. What Seattle offers that is ideal for a Garland trade is solid relief pitching. Not sure about their farm system. Wonder how Soriano's recovery is going. Packaging Garland for Villone, top prospect or Soriano, top prospect, mid-level prospect might be an attractive offer.

Lord of the Rings is racist as well. WHY AREN'T THERE ANY BLACK PEOPLE ON MIDDLE EARTH?! How can a series totaling over 6 hours not have ONE?! All Jackson needed was the token black guy to say something stereotypical, such as: "I AINT FIGHTIN' NO WHITE MAN'S WAR;" then promptly be shot by an arrow.

QUOTE(SSH2005 @ Dec 16, 2005 -> 01:55 AM) Bob Nightengale of USAToday.com reported that it is $8 million. Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reported that it is $5 million. Now, an Arizona paper is reporting that it is $3 million? Hmmm... Anything less than 5 million is a travesty. Hopefully the Arizona paper is wrong; or perhaps Fathom (or the source he obtained it) disregarded the 3 million as the amount of money which would be used next year towards Vazquez.

1. Williams surprise everyone with an acquisition no one envisioned. 2. There will be a departed White Sox player included you didn't want to be included (Contreras, McCarthy) 3. Williams will overpay for which ever player obtained, whereas receiving a poor package in return for any pitcher/positional player delt. This I'm most certain about.