103 mph screwball

QUOTE(iamshack @ Jan 11, 2008 -> 08:48 AM) The only scenario that would seem logical to me would be Konerko to the Angels in exchange for one very good young player, and taking Matthews Jr back and eating his contract. Because if we're not eating the contract, what is really the impetus for the Angels to make such a deal? That would make sense from an Angel perspective if they wanted to unload Matthews Jr. If the Sox could pull off: Konerko and Crede for Matthews Jr, Kendrick, Santana I would be thrilled. Fields and Swish replace Konerko and Crede. Center would be filled with good defensive player who can hit a bit. Second would have a young, cheap, stud who is a good bet to become an all-star. Santana would be at the very least a 6th starter/long reliever or if Coop can fix him he could win 15 games. Kendrick is the prize. He may be a better hitter than Konerko next year. The Sox would be set up for years with young core of Kendrick, Fields, Swish, and Quentin and could have a shot next year. Even with taking on Matthews salary, they would be freeing up some money to get invest in the farm or find another bullpen piece. Here is Matthews Jr. bloated contract details from MLB4U.com He seems to have a no trade. He will not face a suspension according to the LA Times His 3 year averages are .276/.341/.453 18Hr and 12SB should be reasonable expectations due to enhanced Texas stats mixed with trouble with the Angels due to the hgh controversy. Probably fewer Hr and more Sb if he played for Ozzie. I have no idea if he can bunt or handle the bat. Can anyone let me know what they think of his fundamentals? Is his defense solid or just flashy?

If the Angels could work out a deal that gets them Konerko and keeps Bedard away from Seattle, they would be that much more motivated to get a deal done. I'd want the Sox to give up just a bit more if it kept Bedard away from Cleveland. I'd pay to just to watch KW work his cell phone in the off season. I'd even sign an non disclosure agreement. How about a KW reality series.

I think if KW can trade an older, slower, more expensive player for multiple younger major league talents that make sense, he would pull the trigger. The fact that he said he doesn't intend to trade Konerko makes a trade just as likely as the public rumor makes in unlikely. If KW can turn Konerko, Crede, and any combination of prospects into something including: Bedard, Roberts Bedard, Crisp Kendrick, Santana Figgins, Santana, Shields Kendrick, Crisp Willits, Roberts, Santana I expect KW to trade Konerko and Crede. I expect that he will get players back that surprise all of us, piss off most of us at first, then after a day of talking amongst the 1000 post thread, the consensus will be that it made the Sox better now and in the future. 2007 shook him that he had a rapidly aging team with crap in the minors. KW is restocking youth. Rebuilding without the suck. I wouldn't blame KW if he waited until after Soxfest.

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Jan 6, 2008 -> 07:40 AM) The "rumor" is BS. Per Dave Van Dyke White Sox general manager Ken Williams spent Saturday flatly denying a fast-spreading story that Paul Konerko was being traded to the Angels for infielder Howie Kendrick and pitcher Ervin Santana. "I haven't spoken to [Angels GM] Tony Reagins or anyone with the Angels since the winter meetings [in early December]," Williams said. What would you expect KW to say. Yes, I'm working hard to pry away Kendrick so Detroit better swoop in a get him first? You may be right that it is BS, but anything any of the GM's say may not be entirely true. Maybe they haven't been talking but emailing?

The Sox ARE rebuilding. They are just doing it in a way as not to lose all of the season ticket base that the World Series victory has earned them. The Sox have no farm because they traded the farm for young talent to use now. Let the next 3 years draft with the new scouting overhaul restock the farm. Crede replaced by Fields Pods replaced by Quentin Danks and Floyd to the rotation Freddie and Garland gone Richar in place of Iguchi Swish locked up for 4+ years Mark extended Dye extended He's not done yet If Konerko is traded in a deal that lands Kendrick, the Sox will be loaded with young cheap potential all-stars instead of potential serviceable roster fodder. Then, lets think big and sign Johan Santana next off season. This team isn't making a run for this year. KW is making a run for the rest of the decade and beyond. KW is doing exactly what he needs to do, rebuild without losing the fans that allow him to have his NOT CHEAP over a 100 million payroll. Not all of his moves work out. Sometimes he needs to go to plan b,c,d...., but he finds a way. KW sharp, aggressive, loves the Sox organization, and without doubt wants to win badly. Best of all, he learns from his mistakes and moves that don't work and will only keep getting better. I would appreciate it if people would get off of his back. But, everyone is entitled to their opinion and Soxtalk is a wonderful place to express it. I'll just avoid Soxfest so I'm not embarrassed by the fan who has the audacity to scold our GM for not paying 80 mil for Hunter or 60 for Rowand. He deserves kudos for bringing in Swish, Ocab, Linebrink, and Ramirez. If he brings us Kendrick, he deserves a standing ovation. This will get lost in this huge Swish thread, but I feel better. No, I'm not related to KW as far as I know but I'd like to shake his hand, look him in the eye and say thank you and keep up the good work.

Kendrick would be costly, but I would not rule him out. If the Sox took Matthews off of their hands and saved them 40 million, they might put Figgins at 2nd and part with Kendrick. Matthews may not be the stud lead off hitter Figgins would be, but he would bring some nice defense and bat ninth. The Sox really wanted Hunter. Not just because of his talent, but because he displayed that talent over and over against the Sox. Crisp is the same situation. Konerko left an impression on the Angels since the ACLS in 05. Crede too for that matter. The Angels may find those players more valuable than we think. Also, if KW wants Kendrick, he can be persistent from what I've read. I'm not saying Kendrick will be a Sox or that he'd be easy to get, but I don't think it would be impossible. Yes, I have a baseball crush on Kendrick. He has a ton of talent for a 2nd baseman that might not be reflected in last years stats due to an injury. I think there are many possible trade scenarios with the Angels. I'd be all for Santana, Figgins, Willits, Kendrick, or even Matthews if it means more overall talent coming back to the Sox to compensate for that drug enhanced inflated contract. Richar can wait or be moved in a trade to boost the bullpen. Ramirez is probably not ready and if he is, he can be a utility CF, SS, 2b. Crede and Konerko for CF Matthews, 2b Figgins, Santana? Matthews, Kedrick? Matthews, Santana, Shields? There are so many moves possible that could really complete the lineup in a way that adds speed, youth, pitching, or D.

QUOTE(almagest @ Jan 5, 2008 -> 12:59 AM) Long time lurker, first time poster. Anyway, I'd like to compare last season, and career numbers for two players - Jack Egbert, and Gio Gonzalez: Welcome aboard! It would be very nice if Egbert can continue his development. I think Gio being a lefty and such a reportedly nice kid will make many of us miss him. However, I agree with you getting Swish was a great move. Good point about the draft picks lost had the Sox signed Rowand/Hunter. Nice contribution. I hope you find time to post more often.

QUOTE(iamshack @ Jan 4, 2008 -> 11:12 PM) The problem I see with the Angels is that any trade send Konerko there would have to bring back Kotchman, unless of course they have another deal set up to net them a position player in return...but I just don't see why they wouldn't trade Kotchman for that in the first place. And dealing Konerko to the Angels for Kotchman just doesn't seem like something the Sox would be willing to do right now considering the state of the team and the way our fanbase reacts to losing their favorite players. I'd love to get Kendrick back somehow, but I just can't see that happening... Couldn't they deal Kotchman to a different team in a separate deal? Or they could keep him and DH Konerko in the future? Swisher makes this more interesting because the Sox do not need Kotchman in any potential deal. I can't see the Sox wanting anything to do with Matthews Jr. unless the Angels insist on his inclusion to unload his salary and baggage. How about Crede/Konerko for Kendrick/Matthews/Santana. I loves me some hot stove.

This interview is available from itunes as a podcast if anyone is interested. Search 670 and all the shows pop up in the store under podcasts. It was on the Boers and Bernstein show. Sorry if I'm stating the obvious. I think it is a pretty cool thing since I was at work with no radio. Anyone started a Swish fanclub yet? I hated that Swisher guy when he was on the A's just like I hated AJ when he was on the Twins. I think we are going to love this guy.

Crede and Konerko for Figgins and Kendrick Figgins CF OCab SS Swish 1b Thome Dh Dye RF Fields 3b Kendrick 2b AJ C Quentin LF Vastly improved speed and OBP. Much younger with a sold nucleus of Quentin, Kendrick, Swish and Fields. Cheaper at LF, 1b, 3b, 2b. WOW. How could something like this make you not like the Sox. I like Konerko but I think this lineup could put the Sox back on track if they can get one of Floyd or Danks to live up to potential. I'm really loving the Swisher trade. This sets up so many options. KW is rebuilding potentially without the prolonged suck and it started last year with Floyd and Danks. The team needed a change. I'm starting to get a bit of 05 excitement. Back then, I was looking forward to seeing what Pods, AJ and Iguchi and Ozzieball. Now I'm getting that same excitement for Swisher, OCab, Quentin...!!Kendrick? I'm not saying they will have the same result as 05, but I'm looking forward to seeing them try.

I would be surprised if there is not another move to bring in a leadoff hitter. Who? Roberts, Crisp, Figgins, mystery man? Why? Swish is not a proven defensive CF, OCab would be a better 2 hitter, and Ozzie likes speed at the top. Just a gut feeling. After reading about what he will bring personality wise and learning the details of his contract, I love the Swisher trade. I just see him as the future firstbaseman.

IF Fields is in the minors to start the season, it would only be until Crede increases his trade value. I don't see it happening, but they have to say it is possible to try to convince other teams that they do not have to trade Crede for their garbage.

Again, I like Konerko and respect what he has done for the Sox. However, if an opportunity came up to trade him to another place where he would be comfortable, I’d would definitely give it serious consideration. I think Konerko’s intensity can actually be a drawback to a team that Ozzie is trying to keep loose. Dropping his head and tossing his bat in apparent futility and disgust during his 2 month slumps has to rub off on the rest of the team. For a manager who seems to value speed / base running, his GIDP’s and lack of speed have to be frustrating at times. Beck72 makes a good point about the addition potential new leaders and the trade for Swish means that the Sox would not need to get another 1b in return for Paul. His leadership is something difficult to evaluate because stuff like that can’t always be seen by watching the games. I don’t know what he does for the clubhouse. But if the chance to trade him leads to a legit lead off CF or prospects to flip for Roberts/Bedard, I would think it is being discussed. The denial that Konerko will be traded means nothing to me. Just a few days ago the Sox were interested in Crisp and Traveres and KW surprised all of us with Swish.

I'd trade Konerko for Kendrick straight up and I like Pauly. Kendrick is younger, cheaper, and may be as good Konerko if not next year, then likely 2009. Kendrick has played some first base and of course Swisher is an option. Kendrick would seem like a track star, have fewer DP's and hopefully avoid 2 month slumps. Kendrick + 11 million to spend >>>>>> Konerko

I'd feel a whole lot better with him as the starter than Richar. Roberts should be a lock for a 270 avg 350 obp with 30+ steals and he has had and has the potential for all star caliber seasons. Even if he did take roids "once or twice" and the power numbers completely vanish, he'd be a nice table setter. He's under contract for 2 more years ($6.3M in 2008 and $8M in 2009)Contract info. I don't see the same negative (F'N Roid cheater don't want that guy anywhere close to our team attitude) that I've seen with other suggested players associated with roids(Bonds,Tejada). Is it because he admitted use? Is it because we do not feel it really affected his type of game? Do we really believe he did it once? Well personally, I'd love to see him play for the Sox next year. I respect that he admitted use when I suspect 200+ other players to have used and continue to deny. Uribe, Richar, Broadway?

Very nice work! Thank you for sharing it with us. I forwarded it on to a buddy of mine who follows the Sox but was asking me a lot of questions about Fields. Fields is an IF. Meaning the Sox could win the central IF Fields has a break out all star caliber season. IF Floyd can win 12 games. IF Quentin lives up to his potential. The Sox are full of IF's. Then again, they were in 2005 too.

QUOTE(The Beast @ Dec 23, 2007 -> 01:33 AM) Who would take his salary? The Rays? I seriously have no idea who would take Uribe other than if we packaged him with a prospect and the Count or Konerko to somewhere. I think Uribe is insurance in case Richar fails. If Richar does well, then Uribe will be dealt to a team whose shortstop is injured. It is also possible that Uribe could go to Baltimore as part of a package for Brian Roberts.

Signing international players can be a big help. If KW's strategy is to trade talented or multiple lower level prospects for MLB or MLB ready players, it has been and will continue to be a drain on the clubs talent pool. I'd much rather do like they did yesterday and invest some cash in potential international talent, than rely on draft picks. One nice thing about Japanese or Cuban players is that they already have some experience at a professional level. Although it is not MLB level, there has to be some value to the fact that they have been able to preform in front of big crowds against the best competition available in their country. I think it is much more likely that a scout could get it wrong drafting a player out of high school. I didn't think Ramirez would a big impact in 08 since he is such a raw talent. BureauEmployee171's more expert analysis has further tempered my expectations. Even still, the Sox added potential talent at thin organizational positions to the mix without giving up any other players. That gives KW the versatility to trade Sweeney/Owens/Anderson/Richar type guys for a Crisp or Roberts.

QUOTE(BureauEmployee171 @ Dec 21, 2007 -> 11:18 PM) I know you're thirsty for a nice move - but make sure to put all transactions into perspective. A player who can help spell at 2B/RF/CF is a nice thing to have. But to think that Ramirez is a player near the talent of Fukudome is a reckless baseball perspective. Bah! Humbug! I respect your opinion and you may be right, but I still think this is a good gamble for the money and it's nice to have the Sox get someone of potential value this offseason without having to give up good talent.

Link (last paragraph) The Mitchell report comment is what got my attention. I think the fact that Roberts admitted wrong doing would actually make him less stigmatized by his association with roids. He'd make a fine leadoff hitter. Roberts Cabrera Thome Konerko Dye AJ Fields Quentin Owens/Ramirez

This is terrific news. I was pleasantly surprised to see this news even before the contract details were announced. Four years for less than Joe Borchard's signing bonus. This cost the Sox no draft picks and nobody was given up in trade. This was a risk worth taking and is a smart move. I don't think he will have much impact this year and will need some time in the minors, but at the very least, the Sox picked up a good prospect for about 1.2 mil per year for the next 4 years. I can not see any downside. The only two people associated with the Sox that may not be happy are Owens and Richar. This improves the farm, and if he does become an impact player for the Sox, Wow. We needed some good news.

This is good for the game in the long run. Get this info out. Allow the players to choose to make their drug test results known to prove their innocence and remove doubt. Out everybody. Give them hell. Forgive them because many of us would have done the same to make 10 million a year or play in the major leagues at all for that matter. Move on with a clean game.

Non tender info at this site Akinori Otsuka, Willie Harris, and Jason Lane caught my eye. Maybe KW can find a gem. AJ was a non-tender who worked out pretty well in 2005. I didn't see a list anywhere so I thought I'd link it.

I'd rather give Colon or Garcia a job. Prior seems like mentally weak stock and it would not surprise me to see his name in the news tomorrow.

Bonds. After the Mitchell report, he'll have more company. The Ozzie/Bonds fist fights in the dugout will be worth the price of admission. Besides, I want he hear Ozzie call him kid.