Flash Tizzle

Damn, I can't believe nine members voted for Option 1. Its unsettling how willing people are to forsake Rowand/Marte/Andersen/Garland for Unit.

But why should Marte be available? Why not hold onto him? A strong bullpen, coupled with a SP acquisition, will remove any question relating to our pitching staff. This Johnson talk is becoming absurb. Some of you are honestly considering Marte expendable because of ONE medicore (to his standards) year in which he was still a good pitcher. He's not overrated, nor does Vizcaino or Hermanson make him expendable. I feel as I'm in one of those horror movies where everyone is oblivious to the trouble (trading for Johnson) which lay ahead.

Jason, the figure I included in my post was in response to hi8is' proposal of Reinsdorf giving Williams an additional 12 million, after the trade. Here is what I specifically commented on: Ultimately, trading for Johnson upgrades our staff, yet depletes our OF/RP/minor league system AND leaves absolutely no financial flexibility to fill remaining holes.

Your entire deal rests on JR raising payroll 12 million dollars. Which is highly unlikely. If Reinsdorf had 12 million available, Why not KEEP Rowand, KEEP Marte, KEEP Sweeney, KEEP Garland and spend the remainder on Perez, other remaining holes. I wish we can all collectively agree trading important pieces of our team for Johnson is not worth it.

I'm sick of hearing about these Arizona douchebags proposing their offers. Williams is beginning to irritate me. Every passing moment he humors Diamondback offers leads me to believe he's considering this trade. I'd rather he tell Arizona to f*** themselves and move on. The infactuation with Johnson needs to end. USA Today's trade proposal will deplete our team for the unforseable future, and will only work out if RJ is 100% healthy and winning 18+ every year. Very simple solution to this f***ing ridiculous deal: sign FA starting pitcher. Or if Clement/Perez are already signed, pay less money for Hernandez/Milwood and assemble either an IF or C replacement.

Were you honestly expecting a representative of the White Sox to speak (on the record) of Lee's attitude problems? Listen, the article may have been written based on his clubhouse experience, but who among us can rule out White Sox influence in this article? It's a simple premise: Joe Cowley is given permission (through connections) to release an article concerning Lee's attitude. There's no need to create further hypothetical situations. It's not impossible to understand why the White Sox would attempt to spin the trade of Lee following Ordonez's departure. If this article is entirely blasphemus, shouldn't Mark Buerhle or Kenny Williams release statements dismissing the content? If false, I hope Carlos Lee replies back with a statement damning this entire organization. Yes, you can say I'm wearing a tin-foil hat, but I've been conditioned to think this way.

It's hardly a conspiracy theory to assume the White Sox organization is spinning this trade in their favor.

Interesting aricle by Cowley. When news broke of this trade, I was wondering whether of not the Carlos Lee expose would hit the newstands. You know, the piece which details how lazy, egotistical he is and how trading him is beneficial to this team's chemistry. IIRC, Joe Cowley broke the story several months ago in which Ordonez conceded free agency. This was before the extent of his May injury was known. Immediately following the articles circulation, Sox insisted their intentions were to ink Ordonez to a long-term contract. I honestly believe this organization how no intentions of signing an extension before the injury, but I'll leave that discussion for another thread. We'll see how the White Sox organization handles this article; if at all. I expect Williams and several players to release some quotes contrary to this if false. Nothing more damning to a journalist's credibility than White Sox officials and players insisting Carlos was a "team player." If no one bothers to address the contents of this story, well, then maybe someone had their hand in influencing Cowley. Someone needs to assemble damage control before Lee is given this article.

Why is it too difficult to simply pay the money for a f***ing starter and complete the rotation? Hudson replacing Garland is quite the improvement, but yet again we're left pondering our rotations black hole. Is Hudson + Grilli > Garland + Perez? Answer lies solely on the production of Grilli, or which player Williams targets with 6 million. Truthfully, I feel Garland/Perez will give this club more wins at the end of the year.

Williams believes media's obsession with hot stove talk has impeded his ability to search for talent. Specifically said he'd be able to "sleep easier at night" if attention wasn't so intense.

Just tuned in. First comment definitely will irk several of you: Williams: "We may save our additonal resources (money) for June"

Essentially, yes. Although the salary available would be less than 20 million. Money available from Lee's departure is near 6 million, and I failed to add Burnetts salary (which I'm unsure of) A figure around 16 million may be more reasonable. Which is still a large amount of money to spread around a team. Pure speculation; although it could work.

I take no value in information posted on a Cubs message board. Even if ESPN radio is listed as a reference. However, I'll humor this deal: Money avaialble from Lee trade + 12 million (Konerko & Garland) leaves 20 million to spend on available talent. Delgado and Clement/Perez suddently becomes realistic.

I'm not arguing it's importance. Has everyone become so philosophical where "Let's just say our streak of 200 HR seasons will be in jeopardy" has some deep meaning? I merely included the comment as an indication of our drop in power. Jokingly, at that.

Power is still questionable with these players. -Thomas may be unavailable for an extended period -Crede and his uppercut swing. Unless you believe (from Walker) it's corrected. -Will Konerko reform back to 2003's extended funk? -Can we expect Uribe to remain consistent throughout the season? -Has Rowand blossumed into a player capapble of hitting .280, 20HR's, 70 RBI's? Let's just say our streak of 200 HR seasons will be in jeopardy.

Has anyone took into consideration how Posednick numbers may be effected joining contending team? His entire career is spent in Milwaukee, where they've only sniffed contention for the first month of the regular season. Browsing his numbers with RISP (.209 AVG/.313 OBP), concern is growing within me. If ESPN weren't f***ed up, I'd be able to evaluate any trends from previous seasons. Ultimately, Williams may have bought into the hype; anxiously looking to add a player which fits his "grinder" mentality. Despite his astounding stolen base numbers, our club won't significantly improve if his low OBP and AVG continues. Maybe its just me overanalyzing, in an attempt to criticize Williams. EDIT: I realize he's not supposed to drive in runs, but the numbers are good indication of how he handles pressure.

Is something wrong with WSI? I was interested in guaging various opinions on this trade and couldn't access the site. Having a website crash on a day such as this--pure travesty.

Forget about additional trades with 7 million available.

I seriously hope this is a typo.

Can someone provide information on Ginter. I'm not too keen on this particular player.

It was absolutely shattered. Prior to this announcement, 187 users (set opening day last year) was the mark. Now it's 212. I'll venture to predict opening day will once again provide a record.

Vizcaino is absolutely murder on LH batters (.162 BAA) This will undoubtedly provide an additional compliment with Damaso Marte. Our bullpen is suddenly solidified.

Currently, Williams has significant money available. As has been posted in this thread. If he's looking to avoid fan mutiny, I'd suggest he quickly sign a FA. The market is dwindling, and Perez or Clement may be the only quality SP which remain.

This trade is pure bulls***. If Williams initiated this trade to create cap room, he damn well better sign a quality FA. Not a f***ing 5th starter.

ESPN 1000: White Sox will announce the trade later on this evening. /f***