103 mph screwball

I'd make some of the mentioned deals even if the Sox were going for it this year. Fukodome was way over priced and so was Hunter. I want the Sox to spend money but not gamble it. I think Rowand will be an over priced gamble as well. However, the fans are disappointed so I predict the Sox will sign Rowand to a 5 year deal and it will be announced just before Soxfest.

Zero. Other clubs and free agents will try to take advantage of KW's aggressiveness and get the better of him in a deal. KW will somehow manage to hold back. Deals will come after the meetings. However, this should be fun. The Sox should be in a ton of rumors.

Pressure absolutely can have an effect on a pitcher. People can have different physiological reactions to stress. MacDougal or Riske may get a huge surge of adrenalin. That's great if the need to run from a lion or bear. It can be a negative to a pitcher causing them to tighten up, over throw, or not think as clearly. Others may thrive because the pressure causes them to focus more and have more of an edge. Joe Crede may be a better hitter in crucial game situations because of this. I've heard that there is no such thing as "clutch" and that it is just a statistical thing. I think that is crap. The players are human and react differently to challenges.

I can't see how that 5th year should be a deal breaker. Some sort of option/buyout could be added for that fifth year with incentives added to make it fair enough to Rowand. Unless it is a respect issue with Aaron, it should be possible to overcome. Give the man his full no trade. I'd love to get Fukodome in Left as well even if it meant trading Konerko. The often suggested/speculated Figgins/Kotchman/? for Konerko/Crede would work. This would add even more speed to the team. Figgins 2B Cabrera SS Thome DH Dye RF Fukodome LF Rowand CF Fields 3B AJ C Kotchman 1B I'd love that lineup with its much higher OBP and speed. These moves could be achieved without draining the Sox of their young talent. Trading for Miggy or Bay would drain the system of talent. Add another Japanese pitcher and a Colon/Freddie/Clement rehab project and call it an offseason.

I'd demand a no trade if I were Aaron. If I'm taking less money to live in my favorite city, I'd be darn sure not to get traded...again. I'd also demand premium Bears season tickets. I must admit, this article and the timing of it, make Rowand's return seem more possible.

For crying out loud guys, It's only 4.5 million. KW had no shortstop. KW saved 1 million off of what would have been Uribe's 5.5 million option. If he had not picked up Uribe's option, he would have had no leverage in trade negotiations. This is like paying Ben Davis in 2005. Why did the Sox do that? Because they didn't have AJ yet. Uribe is nice insurance in case Richar pulls a Brian Anderson and hits 190 for 3 months. Uribe will be injury insurance for 3 infield positions. Uribe will be motivated because he will be joining Cintron on the unemployment line if he doesn't have a big year. That feeling of bench on his rear end will motivate. Is Uribe worth 4.5 million? Not unless he gets it together. It would have been nice to get him down to 3 or 3.5, but I don't think this is some horrible tragic move that will keep the Sox from contending in 08.

He had a rough year. Hopefully he'll be healthy and find a place to play next year. I had hoped for more in his time with the Sox. I'm sure he did too.

Trying to use Crede to get a deal done with the Rockies does not necessarily mean that Crede would end up playing for the Rockies. He could be used in a 3 way deal. I think Rowand may have been the first choice at about 4/40. I think KW would much rather whip out the big bucks for Jones who has been rumored to be unhappy with Boras again. As I've said before, I'd love Rowand back but not at the price the market has set for him. This could all be misinformation and Rowand is on the phone with KW right now.

QUOTE(SoxFan101 @ Nov 23, 2007 -> 08:30 AM) The only way id take Crawford over Cabrera is because of what it will cost us. Most importantly being we would keep Josh Fields since Tampa has no use for him. But if it was same package than yeah Cabrera definitely would be the guy to get. Absolutely. This is why I'd rather get Crawford. I have no irrational man love for Crawford. Florida reportedly wants 4 top young players for MCab. Hopefully Crawford could be had for 2 top pitching prospects, one 2nd tier prospect and Juan Uribe with some cash to pay him. Cabrera can be a guy worth the Sox trowing cash at during free agency in 2 years and not have to give up Fields. Crawford is due to make 5.25 million in 08 and has options for 09-10. For about what it will cost the Sox to pay Rowand for 08, the Sox can afford to pay Crawford, Crisp and Uribe (for the Rays). If the Rays want as much as the Marlins for their guy, then by all means, get Miguel to be our #3 hitter for the next 10 years and get Crisp to lead off.

Rowand and Jones will be too overpriced. Get Crisp for center and Crawford for left. The end result would be an improvement of OCab, Crisp, and Crawford instead of Uribe, Owens, Pods. Crawford/Cabrera would be a potent 1-2. I really like Rowand. I really want him back. But he is not worth 10 million a year and forget about 15. I know it's not my money blah blah. If there was a free agent worth 15 million a year, then fine. I could see Hunter at 5/75. 5/90? No way. Of course, I wouldn't complain about Crisp and Miguel Cabrera but Crawford would be cheaper to acquire and add elite speed. I'd be OK with Fukodome and Crisp too. I've seen enough station to station. Crawford O Cabrera Thome Konerko Dye Fields AJ Crisp Richar That looks solid. 1-2 more new guys in the pen and add Colon or Freddie to rehab and potentially replace JC when he gets tired or hurt or one of the kids if they don't do well. Call it an offseason. If the Sox don't have the prospects to get Crawford or M Cabrera, then trade Crede, Uribe, and Jenks to get talent and throw cash at Francisco Cordero. Move Konerko if a good opportunity presents itself. There needs to be changes and I think KW will make something big happen somehow. They have to drain some of that 06/07 failure and bring in new blood with fresh attitude.

Now, if the Sox sign Linebrink, then they sign Hunter, then the Brewers get the 2nd rounder and the Twins get the 3rd? Would doing this deal first change the pick the Twins would get? Do I understand this correctly?

Well, first Cabrera and now Linebrink. KW is showing his "big fish" that he means business. That big fish is Hunter. He probably already hinted this move to Hunter in their meeting. There will be moves after Hunter as well. That is why KW wants him to make up his mind before the winter meetings. This teams getting a well deserved make over. Nice surprise to me. I love off season with KW at the wheel.

Thanks for the info. Sounds like a nice time. Do they wear White Sox uniforms or the uniform from the minors. Sounds confusing. Each team has a mix of uniforms?

QUOTE(beck72 @ Nov 16, 2007 -> 05:34 AM) The sox may well trade Crede to the Dodgers [if LA doesn't trade for Cabrera]. But probably not for even one of those names mentioned. And the sox won't give up most of their top talent in the minors for 2 yrs of Cabrera. The Dodgers may value Crede's defense at 3rd and not like Cabrera's attitude and weight. The Dodgers could solidify 3rd with 1-2 good prospects instead of 3-4 very good ones. Crede would also be a cheaper salary. The Sox could add a young star who is friend's with Ozzie. The Sox may have a "gut feeling" that Cabrera would sign long term with the Sox from conversations that Ozzie may have had with him. The Sox may not be as worried about his weight due to the Ozzie connection as well. This potential trade seems a lot like the Freddie Garcia trade in 2004. I think this could actually happen and I'm sure KW is making an extraordinary effort to work something out. I'd give acquiring Cabrera a 46% chance of happening.

If Rowand wants to play for the Sox, he'd most definitely take 12 million. Is he worth it? Twelve million for Rowand? As much as Konerko? I'd much rather the Sox invest that money in a more consistent player or the farm system.

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Nov 14, 2007 -> 05:16 PM) So this way, everyone wins. ARod gets paid, either by the Yankees or someone else, and Boras doesn't get nearly what he demanded but doesn't look like he caved in. The Rangers win. The Yankees lose. There is no way I'd bring ARod back unless it was a pay cut. Texas was paying a significant part of his salary, right? They aren't anymore. I'd be so pissed if I were a Yankee fan. What if Thome had an out clause and exercised it so that Philly was off the hook. Then, he came back to KW and offered to come back for 12 million or so that the Sox would have to pay all of. KW would flip a table. The bright side of this it that the list of teams that want nothing to do with Boras seems to be going up.

The Royals are reportedly interested. Their franchise has improved over the last 5 years, but I think World Series contender is a bit of a stretch at this point. I hope Hunter liked KW's plan. I wish I could have overheard that conversation. I've warmed up to the idea of Hunter. He brings a lot of personality along with his obvious on field skills. I'm a Rowand guy, but he will get a lot of money and he's really good but not 12 million per good.

The Ozzie connection might help. Ozzie may know from past conversations an idea of how likely it would be that he would sign an extension. The Garcia trade worked out well because he signed a reasonable extension. I refuse to believe that Ozzie did not know he would do that before the trade. Since Ozzie knows Cabrera, he may have insight into the weight gain isssue and what it would take to keep "this kid" in shape. Cabrera may indicate to the Marlins that if he is to be traded, he would prefer playing for Ozzie. This may help if the Marlins have to choose between the Sox deal and another deal that is very similar in value. Ozzie still may have friendly relationships with people in the Marlin's organization. I'd give up Fields, a top young pitcher, and another prospect to get him. I feel this has about a 50/50 chance of happening. Kenny is bold, and Cabrera may be too good to pass up. Other teams may be concerned about his work ethic and give the Sox the edge. I'm sure KW is wearing out his cell phone working hard to make this happen.

I can't watch this Hunter video at work. If there is any new information, would someone recap it if you have time. Thanks

This is KW smoke and mirrors. This misinformation might make Mr. Hunter or Mr. Other GM think that the Sox have other options and could deal with the Yankees. This misinformation will keep the reporters contented and busy while KW does his work privately as he always prefers to do. His reported good relationship with Cashman could make a deal more likely, but it could also make it more likely that Cashman could give KW a wink and not kill the rumor. Too public. As for Damon being relegated to DH, another way to look at it is that he was such a potent part of the yankee offense that they would DH him to get him in the lineup. At least this rumor keeps us from being too bored while KW works his magic. That being said, right after I hit the add reply button on this post, the radio might announce that the Sox just traded Garland and Crede for Damon, Farnsworth, and cash. You see, because KW knows that I know that he knows that I know that he knows there could possibly be a smokescreen, he could have tricked us all by doing his business in the media. Brilliant.

Damon LF (Crede trade) Eckstein SS (Free agent) Thome DH Konerko 1B Dye RF Hunter/Rowand CF (Free Agent) AJ C Fields 3B Richar 2B I think this is a realistic guess. This lineup provides added speed and bat handling at the top of the order, excellent OF defense, but decreases infield D. This can be accomplished without trading a pitcher. Not paying Crede or Uribe plus money from the Yankees could make this financially possible. KW is the most exciting GM in baseball. He could pull off greatness like 2005 or he may not. He will have the balls to try.

Sounds to me like Crede is already traded.

This would be great for Cora and the Sox. Then Ozzie, would hire an experienced.... Who are we crapping. The Sox will end up hiring all of Ozzie's sons and refer to them as the bench coach committee. No one challenges Ozzie as the alpha male in the club house. Who should we pinch hit? Let's consult the oracle. I'd send a check to the Sox to see Fisk next to Ozzie in the dugout. Anyone who isn't an Ozzie yes man.

This kid is going to make some other team's fans very happy. I agree. He has been jerked around here.

You can't always blame the manager for players playing badly. Seriously, why not tell Uribe to stop trying to steal bases. He has never been good at it. One out of ten, Wow. Way to get the most out of your talent Ozzie. STOP SIGN.