mike65

QUOTE (StRoostifer @ Nov 23, 2013 -> 07:58 PM) Who said anything about McCann? Not me. Was he really an option in the first place considering the direction the Sox are heading and comments made by Hahn about the Sox not being players in the free agent market plus how McCann would cost a second round pick? Don't get me wrong, I love what a healthy Matt Kemp would do at the Cell. Hahn has said the Sox are looking for younger talent under team control for years to come that they could eventually extent for additional years. Kemp doesn't seem to fit that scenario at all. Hey guys, I was hoping for Ramirez to the Cardinals but that is not happening. I came here in July with a hope for Ramirez and, again, this off-season. I will leave zero for two. I was listening today to XM and they had Josh Byrnes on. I don't know if he slipped but he mentioned that his office was having email problems and he hadn't been able to reach Rick Hahn. He is headed to Chicago for Thanksgiving and said he planned to just walk into his office so they could finish their business. Take it for what it is worth as a parting gift. I sure have enjoyed this board and thanks for making me feel welcome. I hope 2014 is better for the White Sox.

QUOTE (chisoxfan310 @ Nov 23, 2013 -> 10:02 AM) In an outfield that may feature both Holliday and Craig, they need Bourjos in center. First, if Jay stays in St. Louis, he will be a 4th OFer. It is far more likely that he will be traded. A player that has been a starter isn't likely to be happy to return to a lesser role. I will be very surprised if Jay makes it to spring training. Bourjos is very likely to start. The only alternative in CF if the Cardinals trade Jay will be Taveras and both his health and ability to play a regular CF are both in question at this moment. I still think the Cardinals and White Sox hook up on Ramirez and have felt that way since July. I won't give up that hope until the Cardinals relace Kozma with someone else.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 22, 2013 -> 09:08 AM) Good for Rick Hahn. Unless he absolutely needed to move Alexei, he shouldn't have a low price tag on him. Why should the Sox be in the business of helping the Cardinals? Bernie is our best writer and usually calls it like he sees it. I think his shot at Hahn was Bernie being Bernie with his reference point being the rumor that Hahn asked for Martinez back in July when Ramirez was being discussed. Unless I am interpreting incorrectly, most of the posters here don't even see Ramirerz being worth Martinez. Remember, we are in the silly season!

QUOTE (Marty34 @ Nov 20, 2013 -> 09:30 PM) Now that Texas has cleared it's middle infield glut, Ramirez to Cardinals might be more of a possibility. Since I have been a proponent of Ramirez to the Cardinals since July, I hope you are right. I think the Cardinals options on the trade market are the White Sox and the Angels (maybe San Diego or Cleveland but doubtful), Drew or Peralta in FA, or the Cuban defector with the incredibly long last name. Since Hahn and Mozeliak spoke about Ramirez this summer, it shouldn't take long to strike a deal, right?

QUOTE (TheFutureIsNear @ Nov 20, 2013 -> 04:27 PM) I was thinking the same thing. Rare you see a young short stop who can field his position and get on base at a decent clip just let go. I would think he is at worst a good utility guy off the bench. I imagine the Astros had 1st waiver claim and snatched him right up too. Lucky them. Let me try to explain this. First, Jackson being taken off the 40 was a surprise. However, what needs to be considered is that the Cardinals will have a new SS, presumably by Chirstmas. Behind that new SS, there is Kozma and behind him is Greg Garcia, who was just added to the 40 today. The Cardinals have Juan Herrera right behind them and they drafted three more SS in this year's draft and they will all have assignments to minor league clubs next year. Given Jackson's age and the fact that they didn't deem him likely to play precipitated the release. The Cardinals will not keep someone who they feel will get a better chance elsewhere. I wouldn't be at all surprised if his represntatives asked to be removed from the 40 to give him a chance elsewhere.

QUOTE (TheFutureIsNear @ Nov 20, 2013 -> 11:38 AM) Appreciate the response....So I take it the Cards front office would be pretty reluctant to part with Piscotty for Ramirez is what you're saying? Guess we will see how bad the Cards want a SS and how serious the rumors of Tulo are. Its pretty scary to the think the Cards could get a guy like Tulo and not even come close to emptying the farm. Actually, I read this proposal somehwere and started to think about it. You have to really know the Cardinals GM, which would require you to be a Cardinals fan. Mozeliak is REAL conservative. He values years of control above almost all else. So, let me answer the way I think Mozeliak would answer. Piscotty is a five tool player in the making. The power is the last tool to come. The Cardinals would be asked to trade five controllable years for three possible years of Ramirez at $10M per season. I would actually consider this trade, seriously. I think it is fair to both paties. I have trouble believing that Mozeliak woild consider it. The Cardinals are much deeper in pitching than anything else so I am guessing that the Cardinals would prefer to deal from that area of strength. It is solely a guess but I think they would be willing to trade from one of these three: Kelly, Lynn, or Lyons and add in from the minor leagues as might be required; presumably outside of their top 10.

QUOTE (scs787 @ Nov 20, 2013 -> 10:21 AM) Mike, can you touch on James Ramsey? He's a name we haven't brought up here, know anything about his D in CF, can he stick there? The scouting report I'm reading says he's a legit basestealing threat, but he only had 9 steals. Is he a potential leadoff hitter? I completely forgot James Ramsey. First, he is a very srong defensive CFer. The Cardinals have moved him quickly because he was a four-year collegiate player. His stats won't wow you but I think he will eventually figure it all out. He has definite skill. I mentioned the Cardinals top prospects in an earlier comment and lo and behold, the Cardinals top 10 in BA was released today. Here goes: http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/2014...p-10-prospects/

QUOTE (TheFutureIsNear @ Nov 20, 2013 -> 10:43 AM) Can you provide any insight on the Cardinals 2nd tier of prospects? I was looking at guys like Ryan Jackson and Stephen Piscotty. Something like that make more sense for Ramirez on both sides? Any catching prospects worth a darn in the farm? Thanks. Thanks, Iamshack. I actually enjoyed posting here back in ther summer. I had convinced myself that Ramirez was the Cardinals main SS target. I still believe that. Piscotty is not a 2nd tier prospect. I expect Piscotty to rank just behind Taveras when new rankings come out unless Martinez is still ranked. The Cardinals minor lague system is really in good shape and there are some quality players beyond the ones that everyone hears about. I would offer Tim Cooney, Stephen Piscotty, Lee Stoppleman, Greg Garcia, Alexander Reyes, and Mike O"Neill as strong players. Ryan Jackson is interesting. I believe he is an above average defensive SS with a modest offense. He is buried in STL and needs a change of scenery. I hope that happens for him soon. He is currently behind Garcia and Kozma. And, before I close, let's take a look at all the possible starting pitchers: Wainwight, Wacha, Lynn, Kelly, Garcia, Gast, Lyons, Martinez with Cooney and Whiting at AAA and Rosenthal, Maness, and Siegrist in the bullpen.

Hello. I was last here around the trade deadline because I thought the Cardinals had interest in Ramirez. Back then, everybody was talking about Adams and Martinez as the possible trade chips. Now, with that pressure off, I am assuming the Cardinals still have interest. I read the other day that the four teams the Cardinals are speaking to regarding a trade are the Diamondbacks, Angels, Rangers, and White Sox. I don't believe the Cardinals will go the free agent route. Peralta doesn't fit the "Cardinal way" and Drew's being LH is a problem for the Cadinals because our GM has already said he doesn't want to go anymore left than the team is right now (Adams, Taveras, Carpenter, and Jay). What do you guys think the cost would be these days as compared to July?

QUOTE (The Ginger Kid @ Jul 29, 2013 -> 06:33 PM) Westbrook getting hammered tonight, which is good We need another starter in the worst way but I think Mozeliak is going to fiddle while Rome burns. We need a new SS, too.

QUOTE (CyAcosta41 @ Jul 28, 2013 -> 09:57 PM) Who says our owner appears not to want to pay ANY salary for departed players? Gammons? Others? What do they actually know? Anything more than what others with vested interests tell them? Or plant with them? Do they know what Rick Hahn actually will do? What Chairman Jerry will ultimately do? And these reports of "checking out with an empty basket" ... these actions are without agendas? To be believed at face value? All of this ... every bit of this ... is big league negotiations. None of us -- none of Gammons and his cronies -- know exactly what has happened to this point and the true bottom-lines for all teams. In the end, I'm enjoying the twists and turns of all of the reporting, but it's really just fluff and entertainment. Everyone concerned has self-interest and an agenda. I hesitate to take ANYTHING I'm hearing at face value because everyone - and the plants and shills - are posturing. This goes for the White Sox, your Cards, and every other team in baseball! And you know what? I personally have no problem whatsoever if we're left with Peavy on Thursday morning -- he's an excellent pitcher, with a contract for the remainder of 2013 and all of 2014 which is very fair for a pitcher of his ilk, and if nobody makes a "fair" deal for him now, then somebody might during the offseason, or at next year's trade deadline. You're right - we're not trading Sandy Koufax here. But, not a single one of the prospects being discussed are the second coming of Strasburg, Harper, or Trout either. Prospects are prospects. No guarantees. But there is a heck of a lot more certainty that an excellent pitcher like Peavy (or current above-average major league players like Rios or Ramirez) will actually help a current contender to possibly win the whole thing than ANY of these prospects being a contributor on a future pennant winner. AND THAT is why some GM will ultimately pay a fair asking price -- because nobody is guaranteed the next shot at winning it all at any particular time. Quite honestly, I think Peavy/Ramirez wind up going to the Cards (my NL team). GM Mo is a smart MOfo ... and a tough one ... and someone who I hope Rook Hahn turns into ... and the fit is so obvious, and the timing/need just right ... that the two of them will find the right combo of players and money. As to your last paragraph, I hope you are right. Mo is a tough MoFo because he is very disciplined. The trade of Peavy & Ramirez to the Cardinals has made the most sense to me for over a month. Something has caused Mo to say tonight that he doesn't expect a big deal. Part of it is negotiations but part of it is also being realistic. I am thinking that the player cost is too high because he has consistently said that the Cardinals can absorb the money.

QUOTE (CyAcosta41 @ Jul 28, 2013 -> 09:09 PM) I'm as anxious as anyone to start moving from the rubble of what KW has left us with towards a hopefully brighter future, but you fellas are going to drive yourselves crazy hanging as many of you do on ever rumor, innuendo, and smokescreen, particularly the supposedly "inside" info coming from the paid (broadly defined) shills. Deadline based negotiation is not for the faint of heart. The old boys' club is testing Rick "the Rook" Hahn -- and he knows it too. Falling apart and giving up on his convictions because shills and pundits like Gammons, Olney, Rosenthal, and others say he is being "unreasonable" in his demands is self-defeating. It gives up on the game before we've nearly completed it! Other than with Jesse Crain, we don't have a single expiring contract in our group of principle trade chips. Given the way things are progressing (or not), I'm quite sure that Hahn is making this clear at every opportunity, but then adding that he's open to trades provided they meet or exceed what his ball club needs. Period. Want some of our guys? Fine. Make it worth our while. Otherwise, we'll try to find someone else who will. Don't cry to me if you miss out on the arm/bat you need for your stretch run because you wouldn't make us what we'd consider a "fair" trade. We have absolutely no way of knowing what offers have or have not been discussed. None. We don't know whether Hahn already has multiple deals that he's prepared to take, although he perhaps hasn't told the other team that, all the while trying to find a last minute suitor who feels enough pressure at the last moment to lap the pack with an offer. Agents have been doing this to Hahn and other GMs/Owners for years. I'd bet my last dollar that KW and the Chairman have long been advised that Hahn's plan is to keep negotiating on various players, on various fronts, until the last few hours before the deadline. We don't have to trade. It's critical to maximize the return - whether now or in the off season. I know we're all anxious, but I truly hope that nobody really thinks that a professional baseball GM should cave because the hardcore fans of the world (like us) think that he might miss the boat altogether if he takes the plan to the conclusion. IF this IS the plan -- and I think it is -- we're just getting to the 7th inning, folks. We have plenty of opportunities left to win this nail-biter! Keep on keepin' on, Rick ("Rook") Hahn! A thoughtful analysis but I think the problem your team has, at least at this moment, is that your owner appears to not want to pay any salary for players that aren't on his team. Your have my Cardinals, Red Sox, Braves, Orioles, and A's that have all checked in on Peavy and they have all checked out with an empty basket. There is something not right about this picture, You say it is the 7th inning of a 9 inning game. Unlike a baseball game, your competition can just leave you standing at the altar with your demands in hand. Do you really want to still have Peavy on Thursday morning? The White Sox may ultimately get a deal done here but I am pretty sure that they will either lower their player demands or increase the money they are willing to put in a deal. You guys are not trading Sandy Koufax.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Jul 28, 2013 -> 03:12 PM) I honestly believe getting Peavy & Ramirez would put you guys over the top. I get how cool it is to have a #1 farm system, but Sox fans know better than anyone that a system can crash and burn quickly and if you're scared to move prospects for proven players you'll regret it more often that not in the end. If I were Mo, I wouldn't pass on improving my chance for another World Series title unless the Sox's asking price was beyond ridiculous. I agree with you completely.

QUOTE (bbilek1 @ Jul 28, 2013 -> 02:40 PM) You have to think the Cardinals are seriously involved in the process. If they're not the favorite they're close to it. In the last couple weeks we have heard Adams, Wacha, Martinez, Wong, Kelly, Blazek and maybe more names that I am missing. From the other teams, I think we heard Middlebrooks who was later shut down. Please correct me if I am wrong or missed something here. I don't think there is any doubt that the Cardinals are involved; even the lazy scribes in STL have said as much. What has always had me puzzled is how far Mozeliak would go to accomplish a trade. Cardinal fans are quite fond of the team's #1 farm system ranking. I think he likes the condition of the Cardinal minor leagues but he has a team that can win this year so I think he is torn. Mathey loves Kozma but I don't think Mo has ever felt that Kozma is a SS on a championship club. I like Matheny but sometimes Mo has to save him from himself. Matheny kept using Boggs and losing games until Mo had enough and sent Boggs to Memphis. It is the same with Kozma. The Cards would have to bring a high dollar SS before Matheny stops playing Kozma. Mo brought Rzepsynzki up last week and Matheny hasn't used him once. I said all that to say that Mo will do what he thinks is best for this year's roster and I don't think he would hesitate to trade a couple of prospects for what he believes are upgrades. Whether he has offered enough, only time will tell. He traded a top prospect last year when he traded Zack Cox for Mujica. Mo palys to win.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jul 28, 2013 -> 10:54 AM) Depending on what MLB comes down with, these appeals might have a chance at some success, at least getting the suspensions cut down. I assume that if Rios is suspended it would be 50 games plus the postseason. Is that everyone's else assumption?

QUOTE (SoxPride18 @ Jul 28, 2013 -> 08:47 AM) The Sox will politely say no then. There is something to be said for being polite

QUOTE (Jake @ Jul 28, 2013 -> 08:39 AM) I still want one of your MLB-ready bats is what I say I can almost assure you that if it is Carlos Martinez, that will be it

QUOTE (103 mph screwball @ Jul 28, 2013 -> 08:14 AM) As a Sox fan, I really hate to see Peavy go. The guy is a competitor. I think he has had a good effect on the rest of the staff. But, if he has to be traded to improve the Sox going forward, I would like him to go to the Cardinals. If the White Sox did not exist, I would probably root for the Cardinals. I was listening to XM this morning and Bowden was on with Ferrin and Nikowtski at the HOF. Anyway, the first item for discussion was Peavy and Bowden said that "the Cardinals offer of Martinez is still the best on the board" for the White Sox. I almost drove off the road. Anyway, then I got to thinking about this week's supposed Martinez for Ramirez dust up and then It hit me. It wasn't Ramirez for Martinez; it was Peavy for Martinez. One name was correct; the other incorrect. I am actually stunned that the Cardinals would give up Martinez for Peavy. While surprised, I could actually see Mozeliak doing it. What say you?

QUOTE (flavum @ Jul 28, 2013 -> 07:32 AM) Peavy is getting traded Monday. They won't get to his start day. There probably won't be any trades today out of deference to the Hall of Fame inductions although I don't see why. As a Cardinal fan, I am hoping that Peavy goes to STL but I still think it will be Boston or STL but nobody knows for sure. Knobler tweeted yesterday that the Cardinals getting Ramirez is "unlikely". That is disappointing but there is still Peavy. I remain hopeful.

QUOTE (Jake @ Jul 26, 2013 -> 09:05 PM) It might be technically illegal, but there are so many people using MLB-owned images that it would be impossible to find them all. I'm guessing it is only illegal if they are profiting, anyway. Hey, guys, I have a twitter account and I just signed in to see who was following the site. One of the followers is a Chicago baseball writer named Paul Sulivan. Other followers are RotoBaseball, Dan Plesac, Mike Trout, Dustin Pedroia, Ben Badler and Nick Cafardo, among many others. I don't think this is a bogus site.

QUOTE (Jake @ Jul 26, 2013 -> 08:59 PM) I can't think of any reason to believe that twitter. Probably fishing for followers. I'm all for some trades, though! You guys really think this is bogus? I didn't know you could use just use the MLB symbol wily nily and get away with it. By the way, one of the posters on this site referred to it earlier (a couple of pages back). That is why I went to find it.

QUOTE (scs787 @ Jul 26, 2013 -> 08:35 PM) Sure would loves me some Matt Adams. Blazek looks like he could be a good get as well, though with Jones and Reed I wish he was left handed. Swap out Butler for something a little sexier and I'd take it. Check out MLB insiders on Twitter. It sounds like a deal is forthcoming. I almost dropped my jaw when I read all the recent tweets. My only caution is that not one national writer has picked this up. What say you guys? https://twitter.com/@mlbinsiderlive

QUOTE (hi8is @ Jul 26, 2013 -> 06:16 PM) MLBInsidersLive says Cardinals willing 2 offer Adams,Butler,Blazek to WhiteSox 4 Peavy,Ramirez. What is mlb insiders live? I tried to Google it and found the MLB network. I am not trying to be difficult because that proposal sounds plausible but I'd just like to check out the site. Thanks.

QUOTE (Dunt @ Jul 26, 2013 -> 06:34 PM) I hope they wouldnt be expecting a lot of cash with that deal. No way I would ship those two and cash for Adams and two f***ing relievers. Blazek is damn good; reliever or otherwise.

QUOTE (bbilek1 @ Jul 25, 2013 -> 03:07 PM) I think it's just GM talk. As I Cardinal fan, I have had years to learn "Mo" speak. He always says "he doesn't expect to" do this or that. There are times when he doesn't do anything and times when he does. Up until the day before he traded Rasmus to the Blue Jays, he said, with a straight face that he wasn't trading Colby Rasmus. Everybody knows what happened next. Mozeliak wouldn't expect to make a trade until he actually makes a trade. Mozeliak always answers a reporter's questions directly.....................carefully crafting each word.