Flash Tizzle

This is certaintly no surprise. Quite sad when you realize White Sox would have assembled the best package for RJ. Can't blame Randy for nixing any trade here. Why would a sure-fire hall of famer waive a no-trade clause and pitch for this organization?

Wait until after the Winter Meetings to insult Williams, eh? No problem. I can wait until December 13th. At best, one less argument for a productive offseason will be available. There's still the "plenty of time before spring training" and "KW always makes a move by Soxfest.." cliches remaining.

I'll hold onto 'K.' After we all assemble the letters, lets just move "soxtalk" around and taunt the other users.

We should organize letters for "soxtalkcom".... Free, shameless advertising.

Next season, If Williams fails to assemble a team capable of capturing a divisonal championship (at the least), I don't know any reason why to keep him. This should be his defining year, yet many on this site believe it isn't. Why? If not next year, when exactly will the blame rest on the shoulders of Kenny Williams? I'm personally adopting a motto: First place or last place. Either we win the division (possibly wild card) or finish dead last. No "moral victories," or reasons to sight signs of improvement. I don't want to hear excuses anymore. This organization cannot continue treading water while Cleveland, Detroit are successfully rebuilding. Williams doesnt' need a busy offseason. He needs to create smart trades and sign quality players to overcome Minnesota.

This is certaintly no surprise. Williams states several months ago he's searching for a top-of-the-rotation pitcher, yet appears overwhelmed in nearly every scenario. If you remove Dereck Lowe, Pedro Martinez, Carl Pavano, Jaret Wright, and Russ Ortiz from potential acquisitions, there remains two starting pitchers (Perez, Radke) worth persuing. White Sox appear content on acquiring their players from trades. What upsets me is the realization if Williams ever traded talent for Johnson/Mulder/Stud several problems would sprout up. You can't let the status of these players compensate the need for a balanced team. My personal belief was if the White Sox were to sign ONE FA it should be a starting pitcher. Initiate trades for lesser positional roles. Konerko for Hairston/Lugo sounds better than Konerko/Garland/Prospect for Johnson. Free opportunity for anyone to call me crazy. I'm too tired to explain my position again. Williams was quick to point out at last Spring Training how other teams in the division were light offseason spenders. What will be the excuse next year when division rivals Cleveland and Detroit are noticeably active? I predict he'll eagerly point out midseason aquisitions from last season. "We're very confident in our 1-4. Jason Grilli in the 5th starters spot gives us team a luxury most clubs don't have; a completely solid roation." Perhaps he'll throw in a "If we're in contention early June....." clause for good measure. Anything to distract fans from this organizations unwillingness to properly address holes. I don't need to wait until Dec. 7, Winter Meetings, or Spring Training to predict the offseason's abysmal conclusion. As Stoney once said: I don't second guess. I first guess.

670 The Score: Kenny Lofton traded to Philadelphia in exchange for Felix Rodriguez.

Absolutey. I question Wright's health/endurance, but understand there's not many talented pitchers (on the market) without their question marks. Of all our offseason acquisitions, the most important should be solidifying the rotation. It would be nice to begin 05' with one less concern to address midseason. The 5th starters position has effectively kept this team from the playoffs two straight seasons. Besides Wright, Perez may be the best pitcher available within our budget constraints. If our choices are limited, might as well select what's best. Of course this is the Chicago White Sox. Money serves no purpose when you have a minor league system to bargain with.

You're absolutely right he'll seek more attractive offers. But what's the alternative to offering Pedro Martinez (as an example) more money/years then other suitors? Waiting for Shawn Chacon or equally mediocre pitchers to fall in the Free Agent recycling bin? If this organization is looking to signifcantly improve this team, they'll have to overpay for quality talent.

More the reason to jump in and quickly sign desired players. If Williams decides to feed us (fans) bulls*** about observing market trends, or waiting for highly priced free agents to find their respective clubs, then we're lessening our chances of signing reasonable talent. If Jaret Wright is sought after by this organization, Williams should exhaust every effort to immediately ink a contract. When the Yanks/Angels/Orioles/Tigers have missed out on Class A FA's, their sights will fall on the players within our price range. And when this occurs, Williams results to signing Shawn Chacon.

Speaking of Hilton, South Park featured an absolutely hysterical episode tonight which ripped her to death. When Parker and Stone devote their time to criticizing you its usually well deserved. This brunette transformation is likely her attempt to look dignified. Still a worthless, talentless drain on society.

Lighten up Jeckle. Or else I'll start listing dead baby jokes.

Jim, I'm simply examining the coincidence of this rumor. I gave two probable explanations. It's extreme, but how else do you explain Rasheed posting the same information 8 minutes before you?

Possible explanation is that Jim is friends with Rashid, and he simply emailed the rumor an hour before he posted it on whitesox.com. Time difference between posting the message on MLB and Soxtalk was coicidence. Or Jim read the message board and made up this notion of a friend emailing him.

I'll venture to predict Seattle will offer more money, in addition to an optional 4th year. Mariners are searching for another starter to compensate for Garcia's departure. If Gammons believes the White Sox and Wright are "close," a deal should be reached within the next several days. Wait until the arbitration deadline passes and another club will have since picked him up. Signing Jaret may be the best option with the limited financial restraints our organization has. If Unit is unwilling to pitch here, and Pavano/Martinez are too expensive, then Williams should move quick and pick him up.

Lacking focus? Are you critiquing my post or editing a research paper? Perhaps you could tell me when "AddisonStSox's Guide To Properly Constructing A Post" is available at bookstores. I wasn't aware, as a fan, I couldn't be critical of all three subjects.

I never expected Kendall supporters to 'cancel season tickets' or 'kick their dogs.' That's just ridiculous. CubKilla has a sense of what I'm talking about. It will remain a constant cycle of ineptness and heartbreak when discussing quality players signing with the Sox. One player will be noted, and when he's signed/traded to another organization everyone just ignores it. It's easy to ignore because at this point in the offseason some still have an illusion Williams will siginificantly upgrade this club. When Randy Johnson becomes a Yankee, will everyone dismiss it and cite "this is just baseball." YES, it's 'just' baseball, but no one can deny the emotions of this game. I don't intend to create a thread signifying another KW miss; just understand my position. I have absolutely no faith in this organization to properly address our holes. I'm aware the purpose of this site is to discuss/debate issues and players which may fit our club. I'm also aware pessimism is frowned upon on this site, whereas ridiculous fantasy lineups are encouraged. That's fine with me. I expect to be lambasted following any notion of failure with this organization.

I wonder how our Jason Kendall fans will take this news. Probably won't care. They'll tell themselves, "Still a long offseason," or replace his picture (in their avatar) with another player.

Snow plows appear overmatched in the south suburbs. Not only was this severity of this storm unexpected, but these snowflakes are HUGE. Took me nearly 50 minutes to drive from 111th Metra Station to 127th Harlem. Feel sorry for anyone stuck on the expressways.

I have no problem with this acquisition. Low risk; high reward. /someone was bound to say it.

I wish I had created a poll which asked, "If the White Sox made no significant moves this offseason, do you still believe they'll compete for the division?" I still could, but I'm lazy and would rather pose it here. Not questioning your post specifically quickman, but merely anticipating an offseason similar to last years. Members who were screaming for changes two months ago will transform into Williams' apologists come Spring. It happened last year, and from browsing through this thread it appears the metamorphosis of mediocrity is taking place. NOTE: Some advance quicker than others. September 2004: Paul Konerko absolutely has to go! This team is a stationary, slow-footed offense incapable of manufacturing runs. November 2004: Paul Konerko should be traded, but only if Williams finds equal talent in return. February 2005: I don't know why everyone is complaining about Konerko. A player who just hit 40 HRs and 100 RBI's is valuable to any organization. You can't expect to win many games without a run producer in the lineup. (And of course, the usual "winning by default argument) Look at Minnesota's lineup! Williams was smart to not sign any FA's-or initiate any significant trades. He had assembled all his pieces last year and felt Shawn Chacon was the pitcher who could turn this team into a champion. Just to speed up the process; YES, I've heard all the cliches: this postseason is still early, KW is waiting to see how the market shakes out, let's not start complaining until the winter meetings. Am I missing any? If I had the power I would prevent these phrases from ever being uttered within this message board. I'd rather be the annoying person who points out every inactive moment of Williams then luring myself into false hope.

Well, if there's such thing as a moral loss this is it. I'm still disappointed UIC couldn't pull this out.

Holy crap this is nervewracking. Flames leading 57-56 with 1:41 remaining. If I didnt' have a f***ing termpaper due my ass would be at the Pavillion.

Sure did. Funny how Steven A. Smith and his NBA crew were predicting suspensions below 15-20 games.

Johnson may not feel comfortable relying on a offense consisting of Juan Uribe, Joe Crede, Willie Harris, Ross Gload, Aaron Rowand. I don't know if a pitcher of Randy's caliber will believe in the concept of "grinders."