soxtalker999

QUOTE (GreenSox @ Jul 15, 2017 -> 09:22 AM) He had a lot of talent to work with when he took over. Looking back, I think his biggest weakness is that he frequently lacked pitching...2001-2004 was plagued with fifth starter problems; and 2012-2016 had 4th and 5th starter problems. They rent what they thought was a top of the rotation guy, when they really needed some good rotation depth. That's why I really hope that they start silently loading up on pitching as they move some of their pre arb players (who probably have some value) as they bring in the better prospects. Plus, the major league team needs some more dependable young pitching, instead of another round of Holland and Pelfrey. 4th or 5th starter types like they used to rebuild in 1990 - Eric King and Greg Hibbard were 4th starter talents, but they stabilized that 1990 rotation in what was a very quick rebuild after the team was torn down a couple of years before. What I remember from KW's early years was that (a) he was pretty good finding "diamonds in the rough" - players that hadn't done well elsewhere that the Sox were able to turn to good value, but (b) he had a tendency to be bad at big acquisitions. The one that sticks in my mind the most from those early days was Todd Ritchie. The problem with the big acquisitions, whether by trade or FA, was that failures often had to stick around on the roster for years.

QUOTE (chitownsportsfan @ Jun 30, 2017 -> 12:40 PM) I just dropped in and I see Kyle Schwarber is being targeted again? Come on. The Cubs are not going to sell rock bottom on him and frankly that's the only way I'd take him. He's looking like a 2 WAR player at best. His bat is not going to carry the rest of his flaws. He and Avi are similar except Avi can actually run. I don't understand the reluctance to trade with the Cubs (or any other team). I hope that Quintana makes whatever team gets him stronger -- now. But whatever we get from them, makes us stronger in 3 years - and them weaker in that time frame. I also don't understand the interest in Schwarber. It's not about whether he's a good player now. Based on his play last WS, I'm willing to assume that he is. But I'd rather see us get back players who are a bit earlier in their development -- ones that still need to spend at least one more year in the minors and preferably more. Schwarber, if he is as good as the Cubs hope he is, will be playing in the majors almost immediately. That means his price is higher. Let's use the time we have to our advantage to get better prospects that still need some time to get to the big leagues.