SCCWS

If White Sox management did not want Sale to pitch, they should have "excused " him from the roster. If a guy goes to the game, he should want to participate, not go and be a cheerleader. The manager should try and play as many players as possible.

This makes AL squad that much better. We want home field for the White Sox in the World Series.

QUOTE (Condor13 @ Jul 13, 2015 -> 01:47 AM) I'd hope they trade Q for a solid young 3B and resign Shark There is no way that you trade one of the top 20 pitchers in baseball for a 3B. Q could bring a solid young prime position player SS-C-CF + 1-2 other prospects.

QUOTE (scs787 @ Jul 12, 2015 -> 01:11 PM) You ignored every other part of my post. Again average is not what I'm looking for. And again, if this team keeps winning I can see Shark back plus see Fulmer move quickly ala Rodon and then all of a sudden you have Sale-Shark-Q-Rodon-Fulmer for years to come and guys like EJ, Montas, and Danish have no spot in the rotation. Stockpiling arms is typically a good plan but there are only 5 spots in the rotation. With the holes on offense, the Sox inability to develop hitters within, and FA hitters typically not being very good, if you can get a hitter for one of those prospects, you do it. I think you have to keep EJ. With 5 starters, you can pretty much bet that one will end up on the DL for some period of time in the 2nd half. You also need to remember that Rodon probably gets shut down for September. Teams need at least a guy who can compete at ML level when a starter goes down. So you certainly can trade Montas and Danish and even some of the bullpen but expect to get back another team's prospect and both teams hope they got players who make it to ML. Shark should bring back a player much more likely to be ML ready plus a prospect. I think Shark needs to go and hope Fulmer can be a #4 next year.

QUOTE (BlackSox13 @ Jul 11, 2015 -> 12:35 PM) There's no match between the Sox and cubs without getting insanely creative. Imo, the only pitcher the SOX will possibly move is Samardzija but the cubs are not willing to part with Schwarber which ends the conversation right there. The cubs have some OF and pitching prospects but the Sox have those as well so its doubtful the Sox would have interest. The cubs have zero leverage in a trade with the Sox. The cubs options are quite simple... 1- give up quality prospects for one of Samardzija, Price or Cueto. 2- trade for some scraps like what the Marlins are reportedly selling. 3- make no trade and hope for the best the rest of the season. Bruce Levine and his merry band of morons need to remember that it's the Sox that have (Samardzija) what some contenders covet and therefore it's the Sox that have all the leverage, not the other way around. Believe Cubs are scouting Boston/New York series this weekend. My guess is they are looking at Boston and probably Buchholz-Masterson-Kelly i.e good bad-worse

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Jul 11, 2015 -> 09:06 AM) I was at yesterday's game and endured almost no s*** talking. In fact, the most I experienced was between me & a security guard, who wouldn't let me try to take a picture with Frank Thomas (who was sitting four rows in front of us). But to your point about dumb Cubs fans, we literally had one fan turn around in like the second inning and ask "Do you know who Frank Thomas is?". I honestly thought my wife, a diehard Cubs fan, was going to clock this woman. We were both completely mind boggled by this. IMO, both sides have plenty of knowledgable fans, but because the Cubs dominate the large casual section of Chicago (like the woman I mentioned), their fanbase oftentimes comes off uneducated & stupid. It is also referred to as looking through rose colored glasses. As A White Sox fan since the late 50's, but living in New England, I use this site as my main source of following the team. But I am amazed by posts on this site. For example, in another thread, I see these comments on Saladino's ist game : Made a couple loud outs on hard hit balls. Eventually, those are going to find holes into the outfield. None of the 3 balls he put in play were hit hard. Unless there was a doubleheader yesterday, somebody had too much to drink.........................

Tough series, fairly new at the position and tough spot in the order to throw a kid into. He must have made an enemy in the organization.

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Jul 10, 2015 -> 12:12 PM) How valuable (or rather, how does it actually correlate to production) is exit velocity when a guy like Salty is near the top hitting under .200. I presume this would favor high power, strikeout hitting guys, who tend to have pretty good exit velocity in general and isn't necessarily a good indicator of good players. I see some good players on that list, but also a lot of guys in the top 50 who aren't what I would describe as good offensive players. These types of batters serve a purpose in the dog days of summer. They make excellent fans for the bleacher bums

QUOTE (Mike F. @ Jul 9, 2015 -> 04:29 PM) This is the first time all year that I think that the Sox could make a legitimate run at a wildcard spot. I assume you mean in 2016 becuase their chances are slim but not yet none in 2015. They actually lost ground this week falling from 5.5 to 6.5 back and now trail 9 teams instead of 8.

QUOTE (GreenSox @ Jul 8, 2015 -> 07:25 PM) So what is your plan to improve C, 2b, SS, 3B, or LF if we can't trade him? I look at the following teams in the market for what look like 3 prime rents: Shark, Cueto, Kazmir Pitt Chi LaD Arizona (maybe) Boston NY Toronto Detroit KC Houston 10 buyers for 3 pitchers. Boston could also be a seller which will add more pitchers( Buchholz) into the mix.

QUOTE (GreenSox @ Jul 8, 2015 -> 05:05 PM) I'd take multiple quality prospects for him. Doesn't have to be the team's best, which I doubt we'd get anyway. I have been saying that you need to fill 2 positional player holes for Q and one has to be a prime position--C. SS or CF. If they could get a C, outfielder and a 4/5 SP kind of package, that would be worth it. Shark only brings a very solid prospect but hopefully a 3B, 2b or OF.

QUOTE (soxfan2014 @ Jul 8, 2015 -> 09:18 AM) Posted this in another thread, but once Shark and maybe a few bench pieces are moved, I think both Johnsons will be up. my predictions: Shark traded for prospect(s); E. Johnson comes up Beckham, Soto, Bonifacio traded for PTBNL or cash (this month or next through waivers); replaced by Micah who takes over at second (or Sanchez sent down in favor of more versatile L. Garcia), Kottaras who comes up to be backup C, and Davidson to platoon or get a good long look at at third. Possible but unlikely: LaRoche to Cards or Angels for prospect(s); Gillaspie, Garcia, Melky, Abreu then get at bats between (DH/1B/OF) with Thompson coming up to play left/right. I don't consider this "dismantling" the team like Hahn and KW said they wouldn't do. Things could change over the next few weeks. Davidson and especially Thompson are struggling the last few weeks so I think they will not come up until the fall. Johnson is pretty hot so I could see him come back. Kotteras has stuggled( .215 avg) at the majors his whole career. I could see Erik Johnson up to replace Shark. Teams rarely bring up struggling players from the minors although White Sox did w Sanchez and we see the results.

Last year Boston got Baltimore's #3 prospect for Andrew Miller who was also a 2 month rental but a top lefthanded relief pitcher. The year before the White Sox got Avi and 3 B or less prospects for Peavy who had a year and 2 months. So I would say Shark would bring some team's 3-5th rated prospect + another 15-20th prospect.

QUOTE (ron883 @ Jul 6, 2015 -> 08:38 PM) Nate Jones just isn't a very good baseball player I hope he can regain his old form... before the injury, and strictly based on statistics and WAR, he was one of the top-10 relievers in all of baseball, closers included. Are there two of them????

QUOTE (GreenSox @ Jul 6, 2015 -> 09:28 AM) That is Q for one real prospect. (Bradley is a non prospect at this point) No. We disagree. Any player who is a career .300 hitter in the minors and is an elite CF is still a prospect. If the Sox can get a catcher and a CF for Q I would do it and gamble that Bradley will be a . 250ish CF w speed and some pop. He has had an outstanding SO/BB ratio in AAA as well so you gamble that he can hit enough while being an elite CF. Unforunately if Bradley hits the 2nd half of season the Red Sox won't make that trade. I think White Sox need to trade Q in offseason where there will be more bidders. Bogaerts had similiar numbers to Bradley in AAA and he hit .240 in Bosotn last year. But he is another outstanding defensive player who they continued to play. This year he is a .300 hitter. Maybe Bradley needs the chance to be an everyday player instead of a platoon.

QUOTE (raBBit @ Jul 4, 2015 -> 03:32 PM) I know I probably sound like a broken record but I've been on this Sox-BoSox Quintana trade long before this thread. I've said Vazques, Marrero, Margot and Edwin Escobar is fair for both teams and I still think it makes sense. I think asking for Swihart will get you nowhere. Not sure where you are getting your info. I saw an interview w Sean McAdam who has covered Red Sox for 30+years and Lou Merloni former player and now talk show host last week. Both said they feel Vazquez will be the catcher next year and Swihart will be traded. Now unless Vazquez has permanent arm problems, I would guess that is the rumor in the media circles. I still say Q for Swihart and Bradley Jr + 1 arm. White Sox may also need to include a bullpen piece.

QUOTE (WBWSF @ Jul 5, 2015 -> 06:58 PM) Gillaspie has really been bad this 2015 season. He hasn't hit and is simply a bad fielder. The White Sox must really have a low opinion of Matt Davidson. If he can't play third base on this team he must not figure into the White Sox future plans. Davidson is hitting in the .230's in AAA. What do you figure that translates to in the majors??? Recently he has been cutting down on his SO but has not hit any homers. Last I saw it looked like his defense was better. He is still a AAA level player but maybe by September he will get another shot. When a player is struggling, being promoted to the majors can really be a problem. Sanchez is a good example. He was really hot in AAA then went into a slump and they called him up in the middle of a slump.

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Jul 5, 2015 -> 10:42 AM) I understand what you mean. And I think I agree. Here's the problem. They have awesome starting pitching and are only 5.5 back of the 2nd WildCard. No they are not. This morning they were 5.5.back and also behind 6 teams. The 5.5.means nothing unless you are the 1st team behind. The more teams between the White Sox and the 2nd wildcard team has an impact. For example, the White Sox were 6 games back and 7 teams going in to 7/1 and they won 4 straight. That moved them .5 to 5.5 back as of yesterday. When you are rooting for 6 or 7 teams pluse the 2nd wildcard to lose on a given day it is a longshot especially since some of them will be playing against each other.

QUOTE (elrockinMT @ Jul 4, 2015 -> 11:46 AM) John Danks is a competitor. He battles every game. That change up of his is a filthy pitch. But, he has to throw about a ten MPH difference from fastball to change up to make it real effective and I think his arm injury has affected his ability to do that. Control and location are key too. But, continuing to get stronger and working on another pitch can make Danks a real solid starter again. He still shows that ability and last night was proof. But, he has other good games too. I am not sure what the Sox plans are for Danks. He might be the trade bait offered to a team battling for a play off spot. I see him rather then Quintana as likely to be offered. But, if he stays I would not be upset. I doubt either. Q should be dealt in offseason where there will be more bidders. Dank's salary is a major problem in dealing him unless Sox pay a chunk and don't want anything back in a trade. Shark will probably go in July.

QUOTE (GreenSox @ Jul 3, 2015 -> 07:24 PM) They are willing to trade their bad ones. Hanley Ramirez, Josh Reddick and Jose Iglesias were pretty good ones they traded for pitching. Hopefully somone in White Sox system has seen their AAA up close and can see who is ML ready. I fear Bradley will be an untouchable by September so it may be too late if Q is involved in a Boston deal. Swihart DL is probably to hold him for 2 weeks till they see what direction they are going with 4 catchers. He will head back to AAA unless they trade a catcher.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Jul 4, 2015 -> 01:42 AM) I hardly ever say "I told you so" on here. But I have to in regards to Danks. I told you guys Danks is NOT trash. I said he's had some stellar outings to go with the pathetic ones. I told you I like the way he battles. Danks is not an excellent pitcher but he's not worthy of the hate spewed on this board. He's just not. Danks has had some good outings the past 2 seasons. He simply HAS. Great win again. Well the Sox are trying to play with our emotions and tell us they actually have a decent team. I'm not going to believe yet, just wait and see and enjoy the wins. Please please please though, give MR DANKS some credit!!!! It is deserved. That is usually the job description of a 5th starter. Unfortunately his salary is too high for a 5.

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Jul 3, 2015 -> 03:13 PM) Fulmer will throw out the first pitch tonight and he has signed for slot money. Supposedly on advice from Chris Sale, he has asked for Flowers to catch his first pitch.

QUOTE (IowaSoxFan @ Jul 3, 2015 -> 01:40 PM) There is no chance of Swihart being dealt unless it is for a TOR guy and Quintana is not that guy. Thats been the main hold up in a Hamels deal. I think you could probably get someone like Henry Owens whose stock is down a bit, Marrero or Cecchini, JBJ and then a couple low level lottery ticket guys. I would try to expand the trade to include a swap of Cabrera for Naploli and his contract that will expire at the end of the season. Saw a roundtable earlier in the wekk with 4 Boston media members and they all felt Swihart is odd man out when Vazquez returns. Boston thinks they found their TOR guy in Rodriguez who has been dominating since put in rotation. So Q is certainly a #2 and they still have Buchholz and their stud in AAA in Johnson. Only problem is Q is a lefty and so are their two young pitchers. Boston would not want a Cabrera for Napoli. Napoli is a 1st baseman and Melky doesn't play first. Now Boston has this great outfielder named DeAza who they are raving about. Maybe Melky for him.

QUOTE (GreenSox @ Jul 3, 2015 -> 09:43 AM) Also if they wanted cost-controlled pitchers, why in the world would they sign Porcello to a 100Million deal? I guess you could say it's cost controlled - just a high cost. Red Sox zig-zagged....that usually ends up in disaster. Sox have done that more than a few times. I doubt Red Sox want to deal any real prospects. They want cost controlled pitchers in return for some of their veterans and declining prospects like Cecchini and Bradley Jr (he's worth a flyer). I read that even their offers for Hamels when they were still in it consisted of mainly Major League guys. Buckholz is a good trade piece for them; they have little after that except for the bullpen. Boston will always be looking to trade prospects. Once Vazquez comes back they have 3 catchers on their ML roster. Media seems to think Swihart will be the one to go. Cecchini is boxed out w Sandoval but he is having a bad year at AAA. I agree Bradley is worth a flyer as he was tearing up AAA before being recalled.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jul 3, 2015 -> 01:53 AM) I would completely agree with you except for one thing, which is why I see no reason to "blow this up" like many are saying. What I want to see out of the roster on a day-in and day-out basis, namely, solid, fundamental defense and situational hitting, is just nowhere close to occurring. I really don't care one way or another whether we win 80 games or 70 games this season. All I am asking is that this roster start showing signs of playing the kind of ball moving forward where with some additional tweaks and some development by the younger players, one can see scenarios where they compete for the division in the next 2-3 years. Unfortunately, we're seeing a bunch of sloppy bulls*** which basically negates the talent on our roster because we are giving away runs and outs on a daily basis with no sign of any progress being made whatsoever. For me, it's not about wins and losses; it's about the way we are playing which leads me to the same consistent conclusion. The coaching staff simply has to go. I agree the coaching staff has to go. But you ignore the fact that the GM, whoever made the decision, looked at the roster over the winter and knew avi was below average ib RF and yet signed Melky for left. They knew Abreu's ability at 1st and decided Johnson should be heir apparent at 2nd??? The coaching staff is to blame for a team that does not perform fundamentals. The FO is to blame for building a roster loaded w players who are average or below defensively.