Bob Sacamano

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Nov 23, 2014 -> 07:52 PM) Saladino vs. Diaz for the starting SS job?? Dude, it's not shaping up that way at all. Diaz was added for AAA depth, nothing more. Saladino projects as a useful utility guy once healthy. I seriously doubt Hahn considers either guy a starting caliber player. And I'd be completely shocked if Hahn preferred either guy as a temporary SS fill-in over Semien or Sanchez. In fact, if he's willing to deal Alexei after signing LaRoche, then I'm guessing he's confident one of Semien & Sanchez can handle the SS job. He's not going to give a AAAA player or a fringe prospect 600 plate appearances if they're trying to compete. And what track record are you referring to when you mention Semien's minor league SS defense? If Diaz is the starting shortstop at any point next season something went horribly wrong lol

QUOTE (bear_brian @ Nov 23, 2014 -> 06:24 PM) Dodgers want a major league shortstop and want to reduce payroll and open up room in the outfield for Pederson. This deal has the Sox taking on all of Kemp's obligation with the exception of the $12M in cash. Phillies have tired of Papelbon, have lots of unknowns in their own starting staff. We have too many holes in the rotation as is. I don't see the Dodgers sending us money and a prospect for Kemp either

QUOTE (StRoostifer @ Nov 23, 2014 -> 05:29 PM) Yup and that's pretty obvious with the way Sox have used Semien so far. Balta's idea of using Semien as a platoon partner for LaRoche makes a ton of sense as well as platoon with Gillaspie at third and Johnson/Sanchez at second. There will be plenty of atbats for Semien this year. I kinda hate to say this but Semien could very well be used the way Maddon used Keppinger in Tampa. While it probably is best for someone to take at bats here and there against lefties from LaRoche and Gillaspie, I hate to use a guy who has a potential. Semien may not fit here at short (if he loses the battle at second) but another team may want him for his potential bat and to start more often at second. I think I'd rather see him included in some sort of deal, but in the end if he doesn't go anywhere then it is what it is I guess.

QUOTE (Andy the Clown @ Nov 23, 2014 -> 04:00 PM) As far as the Kemp/ego thing goes, a personal observation is that he would probably be much happier and more productive away from Hollywood. Agree. And the guy is an MVP caliber player. Would love him and Abreu back to back

QUOTE (Lillian @ Nov 23, 2014 -> 03:51 PM) This is the best info on his defense that I can find: http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/gett...-loving-gloves/ It's from last month and states: " has a plus arm he used to lead Pacific Coast League shortstops in assists (325), putouts (156) and double plays (70)". If we don't acquire someone else to play short IF we trade Alexei, I'm open to the competition

QUOTE (Andy the Clown @ Nov 23, 2014 -> 03:58 PM) Why is everyone laying awake at night thinking of ways to prevent Semien from being the everyday SS? No clue. I'm open to competition in Spring Training

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Nov 23, 2014 -> 03:50 PM) I wouldn't be surprised if Saladino performed this year, but I've got to see him some post-injury at Charlotte first. That's where Diaz could fit in, no idea how long Saladino's comeback will take. I thought someone posted an article in a thread recently that said he will be ready by spring training, but I could be wrong.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Nov 23, 2014 -> 03:37 PM) I hope to god Leury Garcia is not the regular SS if Alexei is moved. I don't care how good some of you think he is or might be defensively, he is absolutely dreadful with the bat. He should be in AAA next year getting consistent at-bats. Semien & Sanchez both provide superior short-term solutions at SS. This. That would be awful

QUOTE (Lillian @ Nov 23, 2014 -> 03:24 PM) It appears that the front office has addressed this need, and that Juan Diaz has now been added to the mix. Where would you think that he ranks as the most likely candidate to play SS, this season, if Alexei is traded? Zero chance. Last behind (in no particular order): Semien, Sanchez, Saladino, Garcia and other (stop gap filler from free agency). Or Diaz just replaces any other backup minor league infielders we may have lost to minor league free agency

QUOTE (StRoostifer @ Nov 23, 2014 -> 02:24 PM) Van Slyke would be a heck of a platoon partner with LaRoche. Last year Van Slyke tore up left handers something fierce but was rather blah against right handers. Yeah I'd personally rather see Van Slyke as a throw-in kind guy but I don't think that would happen. If Dodgers deal Kemp, they still have a good OF: LF: Crawford/Van Slyke CF: Pederson RF: Puig Also, I think they will try to use Guerrero in the outfield and they also have Ethier still so they would still have depth

QUOTE (StRoostifer @ Nov 23, 2014 -> 01:10 PM) Yup. If Danks is in the deal, Kemp's salary would chew up the remainder of what the Sox have left to spend, unless the Dodger kicked back BIG money. If they kick in "big money" in a potential deal it like means Danks plus actual young value too.

QUOTE (SoCalSox @ Nov 22, 2014 -> 09:46 PM) From what I understand it was more pouting vs being competitive. Who knows, though. I haven't run into many knowledgeable Dodgers fans, quite frankly. I'm also not sure the Sox are a team looking to take on a 8 year/ $160M contract that is going into only it's second year. Dodgers would have to send some serious money the Sox way for it to really make any sense, IMO. He's actually going into his 4th year. Deal runs from 12-19. Sox would have him for his age 30-34 seasons. Really not bad.

QUOTE (oldsox @ Nov 23, 2014 -> 10:01 AM) You're probably right, Dodgers would prefer keeping Kemp vs Ethier or Crawford. That's why they are no doubt willing to give Ethier away for next to nothing. But Kemp is a stud. You can put him out in LF and be set for five years. He would hit a ton at the Cell. What I don't know is how important is the feud between Kemp and Puig. Kemp is my choice, even at the cost of giving up Alexei. They may prefer to move Crawford or Ethier but their only chance of ridding some money like they want to do without doing a bad contract swap is hoping someone takes all of Kemp's contract as he is owed a lot still and actually enticing to teams.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Nov 22, 2014 -> 08:13 PM) I can't see any way on Earth that "someone taking on matt kemp" involves lowering the payroll obligation of anyone other than the Dodgers. Think he means for next 2 seasons as Kemp is making less than Danks and Alexei combined

QUOTE (Dam8610' 22, 2014 -> 07:52 PM) Could Alexei + Danks net Kemp + a better than lottery ticket prospect, or Kemp + two or three lottery tickets? That just seems like a match that makes sense to me. The Sox lower their payroll obligation, acquire a middle of the order OF bat (who would essentially be paid 4/30), and rid themselves of Danks, allowing Bassit and Noesi starting opportunities. Meanwhile, the Dodgers get an upgrade at SS and the back end of the rotation starter they're looking for, not to mention clearing their OF logjam. Is it just me, or does that make a lot of sense for both sides and seem like a reasonable deal? I'd like that deal. We are probably not going to get a package of prospects like everyone thinks but I think I'd rather have a legit player who can help us the next 5 seasons

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox' d.e='Nov 22, 2014 -> 04:21 PM) I hope you're not suggesting a Sale, Quintana, Bassitt, Noesi, & Danks rotation to start the year. I think they will add one more SP. Maybe an upside arm for Tank

QUOTE (Lillian @ Nov 22, 2014 -> 03:22 PM) I'm sorry, but I must have missed something. How did we get Kemp, and still have Alexei? Yep I posted that before I realized Kemp's 2014 wasn't injury prone. Kemp was very good haha Alexei definitely goes in a deal

QUOTE (scs787 @ Nov 22, 2014 -> 01:20 PM) His 2nd half splits are sexy as funk. Again, MVP level. And he's just 30. It's gonna take Lexi+ but I really think it'd be worth it. You think if we deal Alexei plus for Kemp we could grab another prospect as well?

QUOTE (scs787 @ Nov 22, 2014 -> 12:57 PM) I'm really hoping it's Kemp. Crawford/Eithier are good players but not something to get overly excited about. Kemp however would make me real excited. If he stays healthy he has a chance to play at an MVP level. Eaton-Semien-Abreu-Laroach-Kemp-Gillaspie-Garcia-Flowers-Sanchez/Johnson/Saladino (Assuming it takes Lexi+ to get him) would be pretty damn sexy. Esp. if Semien can finally figure it out at the big league level and starts getting on base more consistently. I just looked over Kemp's numbers from last season and didn't realize he did that great. I thought he was hurt for parts of the season but he played in 150 games apparently. Bring me Kemp. I also wouldn't mind Abreu Kemp LaRoche Garcia Gillaspie 3-7

Always sucks that finals week in school is during the same week as the Winter Meetings...so hard to focus with so many rumors going on. At least all my finals fall on Monday morning and Tuesday.

QUOTE (StRoostifer @ Nov 22, 2014 -> 11:58 AM) It could very well be Matt Kemp. I find it interesting that the Sox put Saladino on the 40 man roster considering they have Sanchez and Semien who are capable of playing SS. Put it this way. The thought of the Sox 3,4,5 hitters being Abreu, LaRoche, Kemp would be a good explanation for Kenny being excited. I know I would be excited. That's a potentially lethal combo right there, just absolutely deadly. I would be excited with that 3-4-5. Would cost less too I'm sure as they would love to get rid of his contract (and we have room to take it). What do you think it would take to get Kemp, assuming we are willing to take on the full contract to give up lesser talent?

QUOTE (StRoostifer @ Nov 22, 2014 -> 11:46 AM) Sweaty Freddy Garcia is the only one I can think of to be honest. Won't that cost the Sox even more prospects? I'm no baseball analyst or anything, I just can't see a matchup with the Braves. Yeah I'm pretty much grabbing straws here...I just can't think of any other impact players that could possible be coming here that are available.

QUOTE (StRoostifer @ Nov 22, 2014 -> 11:36 AM) The Sox are not the kind of team that pays heavily on one year rentals. I doubt very seriously the Sox are after Upton. Not trying to poo poo on the idea, it just doesn't seem very realistic. What about an extended deal where we get one of their young RH SP as well? (Teheran, Miller, Beachy, Medlen (though I think the last 2 are hurt to start the year) since they also have the lefties Minor and Wood in the rotation along with some prospects)

Anyone think it could be for Justin Upton? Seeing as though he is available and would be a great addition to the middle of the lineup. What do you guys think it would take? Hawkins, one of Danish and Montas and a second baseman to replace La Stella (who was penciled in to start there but was traded)?

QUOTE (StRoostifer @ Nov 22, 20. -> 10:46 AM) All depends on Kemp's outlook after being traded. Would he whimper and whine like a Lil b**** after being traded or would he see the positives of hitting in a lineup of Eaton, Alexei, Abreu, LaRoche, Kemp. He would be a damn blind fool if he does not see the potential there. The problem with taking on Kemp's salary is you can forget about signing a good solid RH pitcher for the rotation unless the Sox expand the current payroll expectations. Danks and Viciedo could likely be gone too. Eaton CF Ramirez SS Abreu 1B/DH LaRoche DH/1B Kemp LF Gillaspie 3B Garcia RF Flowers C Semien/Sanchez/Johnson 2B Rotation: Sale Quintana RH SP Noesi Filler until Rodon comes up (maybe a high upside arm in a Viciedo deal?)