103 mph screwball

QUOTE(JoshPR @ Jan 25, 2005 -> 04:45 PM) Say NO to Iron Glove No Range Graffy I agree. Graffy feels like a step backwards and would cost the Sox some talent via trade. I'd rather go with Larkin if he would come to the Sox. I think he could provide good veteran leadership. I've never heard anything negative about him over the years. I think a variation of Anthraxfan's plan could work. Larkin would not only be backing up Uribe, he would also back up Crede by sliding over Uribe to play 3rd. Would Larkin be willing and able to back up 2B too? Maybe Larkin would settle for 70 games, pinch hitting, and a World Series Championship ring with the new blood Sox. Kool aid. I know, but I am so excited about this team.

I'm looking forward to this year more than any other year since 1984. Thank you Mr. Williams. There is some risk involved with this team but I can't wait to watch and root for them. With the money KW had to work with, I think he did an outstanding job breathing new life into the Sox. KW YOU DA MAN!!

If the Sox sign Iguchi, I think it would be wise to keep Willie in case Iguchi has a difficult transition. Worst case would be that Iguchi platoons with Willie. Iguchi's marketing value will justify some of his salary. If Iguchi turns out to be a difference maker and Willie is not getting any playing time, then package Willie in a trade for whoever the Sox may need during the season. Put me on the Iguchi bandwagon. Is there no chance that Iguchi could handle SS for a game or two here and there? I wonder if his shoulder problems linger.

Sure he is a bit of a gamble. At the very least, he should be a good platoon with Willie. I just like the attitude and professionalism the players from Japan seem to bring. That's just my perception. It also could bring more opportunites from the Asian markets. He could be one of those spark plugs that gets the whole team going. I don't like the fact that Ozzie seems down on Harris. If that is true then get someone in there that the manager believes in.

I'm reallly getting my hopes up. I'd be happy if he could just be counted on to bunt pods to 3rd after he steals 2nd.

Iguchi Stats I'd be thilled to have him.

Yep just heard it on the Score 670.

About 2.3 million dollars.

I agree 100%. Plus Hermanson may have influenced the AJ signing!

I'm all for Iguchi. Everything that I've been able to find about him makes him seem like a solid number 2 hitter. Here are some quotes from onedog31 on the Whitesox.com offical message board. He says he lives in Japan. His comments sum up the opinions I've been able to find. Also the move is good for the Asian market: I'd love the Sox to get Iguchi for 2b and Cora for Utility.

I'm not sure if the Sox "won" the trade or not. All I know is that I'm thrilled to have Pods, AJ, Hernandez, and Visciano on the 25 man in place of Lee, Burke, Girilli, and Diaz/Munoz. Therefore I'm glad it happened and I can't wait to get see this team. If this Hilton guy has any value, it's a bonus.

If the Sox can afford Durham, couldn't they afford Polonco instead? I think he'd be a better fit if the Phillies would part with him. Maybe KW is putting pressure on the Iguchi negotiations.

I like Burke. I wish him luck where ever he plays next year. That being said, I feel he is a walking reminder of the Hunter incident. It's not fair to him, but everytime he comes up, I remember the play that seemed to suck the life out of the Sox last year. I think that if he goes, this may be part of the reason.

Looks like the Japanese season is close to the MLB. It goes from about the end of March to the end of September. Japanese Baseball Schedules

Yes. I'm excited about this team. I don't want the Sox to limp along and hope a Carl Evertt/Roberto Alomar type acquistion kicks them in gear to catch up to the Twinkies. I want them to be on a mission from day one with nothing held back. If they lose 2 of 3 in the opening series, I want Ozzie to go bezerk. The excitment of the new team will be lost if the Sox sluggishly go 10-12 in April Iguchi may be the spark plug the Sox need. Whatever way there is to improve the team now, then do it now. I'm not saying to piss away the money, just take the opportunities sooner than later. Even if this team fails, and I don't think they will, I am extremely impressed with the overhaul KW has done.

It would be better to use all of the Sox resources now to make the best possible team at the beginning of the season. A good start along with a buzz about the new team could help attendance. When the Sox were on a roll last year, the crowds were bigger. If they do that sooner in the year, then the attendance bump may bring the extra cash if it is needed. Not upgrading the team now may cost the Sox a game in April or May. If the Sox lose the division by one game...well.

Offman also said Iguchi negotiations continue! I'm looking forward to watching this team so much. Thank you KW.

Turn on the radio. NO BS

Per George Offman. WooT!!! EDIT: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb...r_cws&fext=.jsp

I would love the Sox to sign Tadahito Iguchi. I agree that it may open up the Asian markets for the Sox. The next "Ichiro" might be familiar with the Sox because he saw Shingo and Tadahito play there. It may lead to more Sox merchandise sold in Japan. It may result in better all-star voting for our deserving players and therefore more team publicity. If Iguchi is a fundamentally sound player who can bunt, bat second, play solid defense, and plays hard, why not take the shot. The worst is that the Sox have to use Willie Harris or trade for someone during the season. Tadahito Iguchi is no Ichiro for sure. But he has put up a couple of good seasons Japan. I can not find his splits vs. LHP. Can anyone find those? Maybe someone who can read Japanese could help. These are some stats from Japanesebaseball.com Tadahito Iguchi career bests Avg- 340 obp -438 HR - 30 SB- 44 Ichiro's career bests (in Japan) Avg- 387 obp -460 HR - 25 SB- 49

Sign me up!! Best physical KW has ever seen!!

How about both Eck and Cora? Cora to be utility. Eck to start at 2nd or SS. KW and Ozzie would want Eck for the grinder factor and it has been mentioned that the Sox have contacted his agent. Cora has family ties. This would give the Sox Crede insurance. Harris could be sent to AAA or traded in a package for a catcher upgrade. For the record, I vote for Eck due to attitude, World Series experience, and ideal #2 hitter.

I'm willing to wait until opening day before I b**** at KW for not getting a fifth starter. Something could still happen. They'd better spend that money on whoever will help the team the most. To pocket it until July would be a big PR mistake. .Hey we still have a chance at RJ!!

The Sox need to sign Clement, then they can trade Garland ect and get Vasquez or RJ. If they can get Clement at a hometown discount {IF} then do it. If you play with Clement, he goes to Boston or Angels. The Sox are then desperate and get screwed even worse in the trade. Or the trade never happens. If the payroll goes to far over and the fans don't show, then fire sale.