ChiSox59

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 01:45 PM) They don't have an open roster spot unless they make another move. Thought Robertson signing brought it to 39?

The Sox have the 8th pick in tomorrow's Rule 5 Draft. Here are a few of the top prospects: Cody Martin, RHP, Atlanta Braves 2014 Stats (AAA): 27 G/26 GS, 156 IP, 3.52 ERA, 1.327 WHIP, .254 BAA (17 HR), 3.2 BB/9, 8.2 K/9 Cody Martin is one of the few notable pitching prospects available in this year’s Rule 5 draft, as he likely would have reached the major leagues in 2014 if not for the Braves’ surplus of starting pitching. A seventh-round pick in 2011, Martin owns a 3.07 ERA over 433.1 minor league innings, and it would likely sit below 3.00 if not for a career-worst 3.52 ERA at Triple-A Gwinnett last season. Other than that, the 25-year-old right-hander continued to miss bats at a high rate (8.2 K/9) in the International League and even lowered his walk rate while logging a career-high 156 innings. Though his track record is undeniably impressive, Martin has never profiled as anything better than a No. 4 or 5 starter due to his lack of a plus pitch; he has a deep arsenal of four pitches and knows how to change speeds, but none of them are going to be standout offerings at the highest level. On top of that, Martin’s tendencies as a fly-ball pitcher caught up to him last season in Triple-A, as he allowed a career-worst 17 home runs (1.0 home runs per nine innings) as well as a .726 opponents’ OPS. However, Martin should still appeal to teams looking for a cheap back-end starter headed into spring training. Yes, there are concerns about whether his stuff will translate in The Show, but the right-hander has done his part by checking all of the boxes in the high minors. Delino DeShields, OF, Houston Astros 2014 Stats (AA): 114 G, 507 PA, .236/.346/.360, 27 XBH (11 HR), 54 SB (14 CS), 12.0 BB%, 22.1 K% A first-round draft pick back in 2010, DeShields is arguably the most intriguing Rule 5-eligible player this year thanks to his combination of power, speed and his ability to play two up-the-middle positions. The 22-year-old put up huge numbers in 2012 between both Class-A levels (mostly Low-A), batting .287/.389/.428 with 44 extra-base hits (12 home runs) and 101 stolen bases in 135 games, and he followed it up with a career-best .873 OPS at High-A Lancaster in 2013. This past season saw DeShields bat .236/.346/.360 with 27 extra-base hits through 114 games in his first taste of the Double-A level, though a broken cheekbone he suffered in late April as a result of an errant pitch might have contributed to his underwhelming production. Still, the second baseman-turned-center fielder’s speed translated favorably at the higher level, as he ranked second in the Texas League with 54 stolen bases. Speed alone could get DeShields popped in the Rule 5 draft later this week, and he might be particularly attractive to teams that believe the once highly regarded prospect still has some upside—which he does. Taylor Featherston, SS, Colorado Rockies 2014 Stats (AA): 127 G, 550 PA, .260/.322/.439, 53 XBH (16 HR), 14 SB, 6.9% BB%, 20.7% K% A fifth-round draft pick out of Texas Christian in 2011, Featherston has spent the last four seasons moving at a level-per-year pace through the Rockies system, and he’s quietly posted some impressive numbers along the way. Coming off of a career-best offensive campaign in 2013 playing in the hitter-friendly High-A California League, Featherston, 25, proved his power was for real this year at Double-A Tulsa by setting career highs in doubles (33) and home runs (14) while once again achieving double digits in stolen bases (14). Plus, Featherston lowered his strikeout rate from the previous year by nearly nine percent, and he did so without sacrificing any power. Featherston would likely be used as a utility infielder if selected in the Rule 5 draft, as he’s logged significant time at shortstop (113 games), second (242 games) and third base (18 games) over four minor league seasons. In general, Featherston is a sound defender with a solid glove, average range and above-average arm strength, and his tools tend to play up thanks to his strong instincts. Reymin Guduan, LHP, Houston Astros 2014 Stats (Rk): 13 G/9 GS, 44.1 IP, 4.47 ERA, 1.80 WHIP, .286 BAA, 5.5 BB/9, 11.8 K/9 Reymin Guduan turns 23 next March and lacks significant experience above the rookie level, but he’s a 6’4” left-hander with a legitimate upper-90s fastball and a track record of missing bats. Guduan spent 2014 in the Appalachian League where he posted a 4.47 ERA in 44.1 innings, though his FIP of 3.50 highlights how he suffered from bad luck (like opposing hitters’ .402 batting average on balls in play). Meanwhile, the left-hander continued to miss bats at a high rate as he struck out 11.8 batters per nine innings (K/9), which actually lowered his career rate to an 11.0 K/9. Houston promoted Guduan from the Gulf Coast League to Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2013 for one appearance out of bullpen. He walked three batters and surrendered a run, but Guduan allowed only one hit over 2.1 innings and struck out four. J.R. Graham, RHP, Atlanta Braves 2014 Stats (AA): 27 G/19 GS, 71.1 IP, 5.55 ERA, 1.472 WHIP, .289 BAA, 3.3 BB/9, 6.3 K/9 Graham, 24, simply hasn’t been the same after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in mid-May of 2013, as it cost him velocity and sinking action on his fastball. However, the right-hander, who was officially moved to the bullpen late in the 2014 season at Double-A Mississippi, still has the potential to carve out a role in the Braves bullpen if he's able to return to his 2012 form. Breyvic Valera, 2B, St. Louis Cardinals 2014 Stats (A+/AA): 132 G, 570 PA, .313/.361/.367, 163 H, 22 XBH, 17 SB (15 CS), 7.0 BB%, 6.1 K% Valera solidified his prospect stock with a quietly impressive 2014 season between the High- and Double-A levels, as the athletic switch-hitter combined to bat .313/.361/367 with 17 stolen bases and more walks (40) than strikeouts (35). Since he’s still realistically at least a year away from holding a role in the major leagues, the Cardinals opted not to add Valera to the 40-man roster last month, making him eligible for the upcoming Rule 5 draft. Steve Baron, C, Seattle Mariners 2014 Stats (A+/AA): 60 G, 235 PA, .261/.319/.360, 17 XBH, 29 RBI, 7.2 BB%, 16.6 K% Baron, a first-round draft pick out of high school in 2009, stands out for his superb defense behind the plate, as his excellent catch-and-throw skills and plus-plus arm strength have helped him throw out 46 percent of attempted base stealers over six seasons in the minor leagues. The 24-year-old will never offer much offensively—he’s a career .221/.268/.335 hitter in 1,589 plate appearances—though he did take a step forward in 2014 with a .261/.319/.360 batting line in 235 plate appearances and reached Double-A for the first time in his career. Rafael De Paula, RHP, San Diego Padres 2014 Stats (A+): 28 G/25 GS, 131.2 IP, 4.92 ERA, 1.443 WHIP, .265 BAA (12 HR), 3.8 BB/9, 9.9 K/9 Acquired at the trade deadline from the Yankees in the Chase Headley deal, De Paula, 23, posted a 4.92 ERA and 145/55 K/BB ratio over 131.2 innings this season between High-A Tampa and High-A Lake Elsinore. The 6’2” right-hander has a big-time fastball that registers in the mid- to upper-90s, but he’s struggled with his control at times and seems destined for a long-term bullpen role. Kaleb Cowart, 3B, Los Angeles Angels The 2010 first-round pick has combined for a .222/.286/.312 batting line in over 1,000 plate appearances at Double-A Arkansas over the last two seasons, and he officially stopped switch hitting along the way. Sadly, the 22-year-old increasingly looks like a lost cause on both sides of the ball, but the Angels will give him one more season to bounce back before moving him to the mound. Drew Vettleson, OF, Washington Nationals The Rays drafted Vettleson with the No. 42 overall pick in 2010, envisioning him as a power/speed right fielder at maturity. However, the 23-year-old never developed as expected and amassed only 26 home runs and 45 steals in 314 games over three seasons in the Rays system, which prompted the club to trade him to Washington before the 2014 season. Vettleson held his own with a .715 OPS and 27 extra-base hits over 83 games at Double-A Harrisburg, though injuries limited him to only 83 games. Jed Bradley, LHP, Milwaukee Brewers The No. 15 overall pick in the 2011 draft, Bradley began last season back at High-A Brevard County after back-to-back dismal performances at the level in 2012 and 2013. The 24-year-old left-hander finally enjoyed some success in his third tour of the Florida State League, posting a 2.98 ERA in 60.1 innings, and ended up spending the final three months of the season at Double-A Huntsville. However, Bradley struggled in the Southern League with a 4.55 ERA in 87 innings, while opposing hitters raked against him at a .307/.377/.472 clip. Bradley’s greatest strength is his ability to neutralize left-handed batters, as they collectively batted .196/.266/.238 against him last season and struck out 31.7 percent of the time in 158 plate appearances. If he’s popped in the upcoming Rule 5 draft, it’ll likely be for his potential in a specialized bullpen role.

QUOTE (Jose Paniagua @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 12:45 PM) Will be interesting to see if the next five years of Semien equal, surpass or are less than the production of the Gordon Beckham era Will never have Gordo's glove. Will likely be marginally better with the bat.

QUOTE (LDF @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 11:24 AM) any news coming at, no tweets, rumors?? All seems quiet for now.

QUOTE (flavum @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 10:42 AM) KW on MLB Network said the Sox came to San Diego with three targets. They got two. I'd say number three is Jason Castro. Still need a LF. No way this team acquired Shark w/ only 1 year on his contract and go into the season with a black hole in LF.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 10:33 AM) But even if it is an A ball pitcher with an 8.00 ERA who throws 100, it's a better chance than zero. If that's all they can get, the Sox will just keep him around as an insurance policy for Avi and/or the LF we hopefully acquire. In reality, you can do much worse than Viciedo when you're onto your 4th, 5th, 6th options in the OF. Somewhat of a spendy insurance policy, but let's be real, $4M isn't breaking the bank. The Sox aren't going to just let some team have Viciedo.

QUOTE (LDF @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 10:02 AM) you are saying and giving opinions on something that was not mention. #2 hitter does have alot of responsibility in his at bat. I don't care to get into an advanced stat discussion. I especially don't care to get into why it is dumb to state that OBP is an advanced stat. The discussion on the 2 hole was completely separate.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 09:56 AM) 1) Masterson if knee checks out (because he'll want to sign a shorter term contract and that will properly motivate him to get the next big deal) 2) B.Anderson, even if he can only give you 100-140 innings, that's probably enough....two year deal, second year option activated at 100 IP 3) Volquez 4) Vogelsong 5) Santana 6) McCarthy 7) Liriano Neither of those last two will happen with KW and Coop still around. Allllll da lefties.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 09:38 AM) I don't think there's necessarily a clear cut answer. If your best hitter happens to be a high OBP, limited slugging guy, leadoff or the two hole would be best. But if your best hitter has a ton of power, I'd say the cleanup spot is a much better spot for him. In the end, so long as they're near the top, you're OK. Studies have shown that the difference between the best lineup optimization and the worst lineup optimization without being completely irrational (like benching Jose Abreu for Leury Garcia) is only going to make a difference of like 5 games, and the most optimal lineup is not going to be that far off from the typical managerial lineup. Studies also show that your #2 hitter actually comes to bat in "key/pressure/critical/important" moments more often than any other spot in the lineup. Furthermore, the #2 hitter is going to see quite a bit more at bats throughout the year than the #4 hitter - assuming the same guy bats #2 and #4 all year. Now, your "best hitter" isn't necessarily your most powerful or even productive hitter, they're simply someone who drives the ball, doesn't strike out a whole lot and gets on base. Two of the better "pure hitters" in baseball - Votto and Mauer - primarily bat in the two hole. I could go on for awhile, but the point is, plenty of elite baseball minds think your best all around hitter should bat #2.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 09:31 AM) I do not agree with this and I do not believe most elite baseball minds would agree with this either. I think the 2nd spot is a very important spot in the lineup, but it does not necessarily have to be your best hitter. That is fine. Not everyone looks at the game the same way. Maybe "most" was the wrong word. I will use "many" instead, and firmly stand behind that statement.

QUOTE (LDF @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 09:01 AM) the #2 hitter is to provide hitting and moving the leadoff hitter over, and yeah it will be nice if he can get on base as well. Most elite baseball minds would tell you that your best hitter should hit #2. And let them hit, none of this "get em' over, get em' in" BS. Both have merits, but the 2 hole is not utilized in the "traditional" way by many teams these days.

QUOTE (SoxPride18 @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 09:06 AM) That would be my order via free agency. Via trade, that is ugly. I think Bruce can be had too. Bruce is going to be expensive prospect-wise. The other three - not so much. I think Victorino could be had for very little. Problem with him is that he only had 1 year left on his contract (at $13M), and then we're in the same position again next year. But hell, it lots like we're going for it, so why not.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 09:10 AM) That Melky has scared the Blue Jays and Mariners away with his price makes me much less into him. Also, we need to improve this defense. I want us to sign Parra today for like 1/$5m but then keep looking for a better option. Parra would then be worst-case fallback (that's at least an elite defender) and would be a high-end 4th OF if we find a better starter. With a guy like that on the bench, we could rely on late inning defensive replacements much more often, taking pressure off the bullpen, at least. Then give Viciedo to Seattle for literally anything except like Anthrax or a mailbomb. Pretty sure Parra is on the the Brewers.

I think the options come down to this: FA: Melky Cabrera Colby Rasmus Nori Aoki Trade: Crawford Ethier Victorino To me, I'd go for Melky and Rasmus, as you don't have to give up any talent to get them. Rasmus can probably be had on a decent deal (3 years for $33M or so). If the Dodgers want to pay half of Crawford's salary to play for the Sox (plus Sox give up close to nothing), then that slides up the list.

A lot of really dumb things have been said in this thread.

I was just thinking..did the sox ever get the PTBNL in the Beckham trade?

QUOTE (LDF @ Dec 9, 2014 -> 04:33 PM) with whom?? any more on any scouting rpt?? Braves.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Dec 9, 2014 -> 04:10 PM) 5 years 120 million sound ok? Yikes, a bit rich for my blood. Not much room for upside in that deal.

QUOTE (LDF @ Dec 9, 2014 -> 04:08 PM) i have been saying this in not so uncertain terms, but with another one declaring, i might as well say it again. i would love to hear from the Cuban's Jose Fernadez - 2b, but i sure would like to know more about the other player, Dian Toscano, a left batting, right hand throwing cf. either way, i always been pushing for Fernadez. Toscano signed yesterday.

QUOTE (TheTruth05 @ Dec 9, 2014 -> 12:57 PM) So is there any chance we could still trade for this guy? I'd literally lose myself. I don't think so, but I am hoping Rick has something in store for LF. He has said he isn't done, and that is now the most glaring weakness (I am fine w/ Flowers behind the dish).

Is 2B and the 9 hole now Micah Johnson's job to lose? Or will it just come down to who performs better in ST between Johnson and Sanchez? Clearly the SOX really like one of them, unless they have a 1 year stop gap in mind.

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Dec 9, 2014 -> 12:25 PM) I don't see it happening. From day one he has been adamant about testing free agency. He's gonna be 30 at the end of next season, it's his one chance for a big contract. Unless the Sox overpay to keep him, I just don't think it will happen. Well, he did just say it is a "dream come true", so maybe 6 years and $100M would sound appealing to him.

QUOTE (Jose Abreu @ Dec 9, 2014 -> 12:23 PM) MLB ‏@MLB 5m5 minutes ago "In our mind, we're not finished yet." - @WhiteSox GM Rich Hahn. #WinterMeetings Glad to hear, as we still have a gaping hole in LF.

How the hell am I supposed to work???

QUOTE (LDF @ Dec 9, 2014 -> 11:05 AM) i hope it is not Adams No way.