Señor Ding-Dong

QUOTE (bigruss22 @ Mar 16, 2015 -> 08:23 PM) I'm not trying to be a dick to Dick, but that's hilarious.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Mar 16, 2015 -> 02:49 PM) Worth noting, if you want a 4th OF who can defend well and occasionally hit one over the fence, Trayce Thompson might be your guy. I think he needs a year in AAA, but he does meet DA's qualifications. I think we'll see him in a Sox uni at some point this year. I honestly think he's our best option now for 4th/5th OF.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Mar 16, 2015 -> 02:44 PM) I think technically, Bonifacio will be the 4th OF. Shuck appears the favorite to win a spot, and he wasn't a bad hitter until last season. I am concerned about the comments from Angels announcers implying he isn't exactly stellar with the glove. If you aren't going to have a guy in that spot that isn't a really good OF, I would prefer a guy who can come off the bench and hit one over the fence. Here's something I can agree with you on. Even if Shuck makes the roster, I think we'll see Bonifacio in the OF ahead of Shuck. Definitely at CF. While Shuck has looked pretty good on defense in spring training, it is a small sample size and if he really is a questionable defender then I rather would have just kept Viciedo (and I was sick of seeing that guy in a Sox uni). At least he can hit one out of the park.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Mar 16, 2015 -> 02:39 PM) It is in the best interest of the team. I disagree. If Beckham suddenly learns how to hit and/or becomes the "elite defender" many people make him out to be, then sure. He played 28 games and had a total of 104 PA. Limited sample size aside, Sanchez had a higher BA and OBP than Beckham did during their time with the Sox last season. He also showed flashes of fantastic defense coupled with the expected rookie mistakes. Beckham hasn't exactly been lights out since his rookie season despite numerous oppurtunities. I don't know what your point is that Sanchez wasn't all that last season; Beckham certainly wasn't. Again, this is all tied to Beckham. I'm not saying Sanchez is a future star or anything, just that he's a better bench option than Beckham given his superior defense at at least two IF spots and the likelihood that he's better than him with the bat as well, even if he's still below league average. Beckham being one of the worst everyday players means it's not at all unlikely that a younger guy putting up good numbers in AAA will be better than him in the ML. Again, it's not exactly a high bar to pass. -- Oh yeah, if we're taking isolated blurbs from publications, then consider this comment on Sanchez from his MLB.com prospect profile: "Sanchez stands out more on defense, starting with some of the best hands in the Minor Leagues. He has solid arm strength, and his range fits best at second base, where he has been touted as a potential Gold Glover. Sanchez is also a capable shortstop, and he could settle into a utility role if his bat doesn't come around.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Mar 16, 2015 -> 02:30 PM) Fangraphs isn't very high on either: Tyler Saladino, SS Video: Saladino has been a little injury prone with a knee injury in 2013 and Tommy John surgery in August of this year, which was especially disappointing after a breakout offensive year in Triple-A. He’s okay defensively at shortstop but probably fits best as a utility guy long-term and he’s also just okay offensively, with fringy raw power that could allow him to hit double digit homers and solid plate discipline but not a ton of bat speed and a line drive bat path. Saladino should be back at some point later in 2015 and has big league value, but his upside is as a backup. Carlos Sanchez, SS Video: Sanchez almost didn’t qualify for this list after 104 PA in the big leagues at age 22; he’s almost a finished product as a limited upside utility infield type. He’s part of a cramped middle infield at the upper levels; he can play shortstop and second base and is an above average runner, but has little pop and the bat may only be avera Is Fangraphs very high on Beckham? Don't get it confused, I'm not saying either of these guys will be great, good, or even average ML players. I'm simply stating that they are/will be better than Beckham, which isn't a high bar to pass. While playing everyday in the minors would be best for their own development, it wouldn't necessarily be in the best interest of the team and that conflicts with the "all in" approach we appear to be taking.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Mar 16, 2015 -> 02:15 PM) I can actually blast a lot of what you wrote. Then do it. They all have warts, but Sanchez and Saladino appear to have less. While Beckham will make the team, if he doesn't produce I wouldn't be surprised to see him let go mid-season in favor of Sanchez or Saladino.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Mar 16, 2015 -> 01:55 PM) What is it about the 3 errors in 8 games that makes you think Saladino can play the OF? Well, he at least has limited experience playing OF which is more than can be said about Beckham. Besides, he's better than Beckham defensively at 2B/SS/3B and almost definitely no worse with the bat. Ditto with Sanchez. That's really all that matters here. If that's the only thing out of my post that you could contest, then I don't think you have a leg to stand on when it comes to this Beckham issue.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Mar 16, 2015 -> 01:25 PM) 2015 Whipping Boys: Gordon Beckham John Danks For good reason. If this truly is an "all in" season, I'd much rather have Sanchez or Saladino on the bench instead of Beckham. I know they'd personally benefit from playing in Charlotte everyday, especially Sanchez, but team needs come first and both of them are better bench options than Beckham. It's the same reason we need to have Rodon up here as soon as we can without giving up a year of control. We know what Beckham brings, and that's average to slightly above average defense at 2B, average defense at 3B, the ability to play SS in a pinch, and little to no consistent hitting ability. Sanchez and Saldino are better defenders than Beckham and offer more versatility (Sanchez is at worst above average at 2B, passable at SS, and probably can play 3B as well; Saladino is our third best defensive SS behind Alexei and Cleuluis Rondon and can play 2B and 3B in addition to corner OF). As far as batting goes, they can't possibly be any worse than Beckham, and odds are they're better even if their numbers won't blow you away. Beckham is looking like this year's Leury Garcia without the versatility to play the outfield (well, he plays The Outfield but not the position ). Sanchez and Saladino are better, but Beckham will stick around because of his contract and history with the organization.

Nieto is DHing today. We haven't seen much of him at all this spring. It seems like the organization is deadset on continuing his development in the minors where he can play everyday as opposed to giving him a legit oppurtunity to win the backup catcher job. It's the right move, obviously, especially with Soto, Kottaras and to a much lesser extent, Brantly in the fold.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Mar 13, 2015 -> 02:57 PM) I'm just saying you shouldn't take them so seriously. Frankly, if I like a player, it really doesn't matter to me if someone thinks he's the White Sox best prospect or their 30th best. You say that if you like a White Sox prospect you don't care where he's ranked. Interesting. Well, how did you learn about that prospect? Did you watch at least 75% of his minor league games each season? Or did you read prospect rankings lists, scouting reports, check statisitcs, and watch short clips of the prospect like pretty much everyone else does? For how "pointless" all of this is, I'm willing to bet you would be a lot less informed on the Sox prospects without it.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Mar 13, 2015 -> 02:31 PM) I think you mean 152 more but the fact is rankings are opinions. Sometimes they are correct, sometimes not. Arguing whether a guy should be the 8th or 9th rated White Sox prospect is for the most part a waste of time. If they don't become contributing major leaguers, whether they once ranked #1 or #1000, it doesn't matter. Rankings are opinions? Well, you don't say. That's probably why people are quick to question unusual opinions such as Michalczewski over Hawkins or Anderson over Rodon. A total no sh*t on this one. Who's saying prospect rankings determine how a player will pan out? Who is saying that they're anything or than just a subjective ranking? If a publication put someone like Eddy Alvarez as our number one overall prospect I think it would merit lots of discussion...even though, according to you, it would be a waste of time since it's just an opinion and has no bearing on anything in the long run. Arguing about how it's pointless for people to discuss prospect rankings is an even bigger waste of time. Why discuss anything at all? Why even have this forum if it's a waste of time to discuss anything that hasn't already happened and therefore isn't 100% factual. Everything said about something that has yet to happen is an opinion. Sometimes they are correct, sometimes they are not. That doesn't mean it's pointless to discuss it.

I'd like to hear Nathaniel Stoltz's opinion on the matter, as he's likely seen both Hawkins and Michalczewski a ton.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Mar 13, 2015 -> 11:45 AM) But ultimately what gets you there is results. Some guys love high ceilings, but a lot of evaluators have big problems with Hawkins' game. I know we all were thrilled after his debut, and he did bounce back a bit last year, still, there is contact issues, and although he is still young, with all these tools, his numbers weren't dominant. I know the old still young for his level, but a lot of the really good players overcome that. I don't think we want him being the typical high A player.Those guys usually don't make it and if they do, don't usually provide a lot of impact. There is nothing out there IMO that makes ranking Hawkins lower, and really it is just a spot, ridiculous. Viciedo was a few months younger than Hawkins was in 2014 when he made his debut in AA, and he held his own. Hawkins may have more tools, (I do think he is going to get really big) but can he put it together? Hawkins hit 249/331/450 with 19 HRs and 84 RBI in 122 games at A+ in 2014. Michalczewski hit 273/348/433 with 10 HRs and 70 RBI in 116 games at A in 2014. Those results aren't enough for me to rank Michalczewski over Hawkins when considering Hawkins profound tools. Hawkins' issues were well documented because as a former 1st-round pick he's a high profile prospect and his tools (namely his power) were/are obvious which leads to more attention and focus. FWIW, I think he's done a very good job of making and continuing to make the adjustments needed of him and that shows a strong work ethic and desire to improve. He's still got a lot of work to do, but his progress is good to see. Michalczewski, while a solid prospect in his own right, isn't talked about as much so his deficinecies aren't as well known as Hawkins. I'm sure there's plenty of things he has to work on as he progresses through the system, just like Hawkins. While you're right that "it's only a spot," it's pretty hard to see how a legitmate argument can be made for Michalczewski over Hawkins. It's not as bad as BP ranking Anderson over Rodon, but it's pretty questionable. Hawkins has the tools and ceiling over Michalczewski and Michalczewski's 2014 season at a lower level isn't enough to justify a higher ranking than Hawkins.

QUOTE (flavum @ Mar 12, 2015 -> 05:38 PM) I would think Hawkins will play AA all season, with the plan to send him to the Arizona Fall League if he's ready. Then Charlotte in 2016, with a September callup, and hopefully a starting job in 2017. That would be best case scenario. That's what I was thinking, but I agree with caulfield12 that it's possible he gets a September call-up this season.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Mar 12, 2015 -> 05:35 PM) WHO is H.Jones (LF) that got into the game? Justin Jirschele's also in. Okay, it's HUNTER Jones, cool name at least. http://thebaseballcube.com/players/profile...?P=Hunter-Jones Hunter Jones made the RED SOX as a pitcher in 2009, was in independent ball last season, has played pretty much every position on the diamond defensively if you look at his player card. 31 years old... You're looking at the wrong Hunter Jones. http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/p...id=jones-001hun

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Mar 12, 2015 -> 05:35 PM) Could be this September, unless the White Sox are in the pennant race. In that case, he'd be called up probably to just sit on the bench and soak in the experience. Wow, that'd be something. To think not that long ago he was viewed as having a long way to go to even be a 4th OF at the MLB level due to his contact, plate discipline, and pitch recognition issues. I was cautiously optimistic after his solid bounce-back year repeating A+ in 2014. Like others have said, not only is he getting results but he looks the part now too. People were commenting on how much more mechanically sound his swing was on that HR to CF a few days ago compared to where his swing was before.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Mar 12, 2015 -> 05:26 PM) Hawkins cruising along at .467. Doesn't show any highlights popping up (yet at least) on the MLB.com gameday box. Why did we sign Cabrera again? (Just kidding, mostly.) I'm thinking that if he has a decent or better season in AA this year we could see him in the bigs for a cup of coffee as early as next season.

Great to see Hawkins having a nice spring and showing he belongs. He looks like he's made and is continuing to make the adjustments required of him. This should do wonders for his confidence as he enters AA. Does anyone have any video of his at-bats from today?

Seems like the mics have finally been cut. Too little, too late...

After this excitement the start of actual play will surely be a letdown in comparison.

Oh, God... Sexual harrassment... Please tell me I misheard that...

QUOTE (kane0730 @ Mar 11, 2015 -> 02:47 PM) Melton's now aware the mics are hot... And yet nothing has been done about it yet...

This is just too much. I'm waiting for it to blow up on Twitter or Reddit.

QUOTE (hi8is @ Mar 11, 2015 -> 02:36 PM) So, what's the link to this pregame live feed? http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/8878818/v4043...ite-sox-webcast Now Bill is singing the praises of DirecTV and their $4.99 movie rentals.

Another f-bomb... This is embarassing, unprofessional, and makes the Sox look bad...yet it's so, so so, awesome!