FT35

QUOTE (greg775 @ Apr 5, 2018 -> 03:20 PM) I love this post and all the posts on this thread. However I think you guys have set way too high a standard in a medium that is full of nasal-voiced, TV game show voiced shills who work for the team. The Sox announcers talk in regular conversational voices. Stone is brilliant like right now he's talking about Miggy and doing so with so much knowledge. Yes the two joke around some but listen to any games on mlb.com and you will hear a lot of crap. The Sox have guys you can listen to. I'm not lying when I say I cannot listen to the Royals TV broadcast. The TV announcers are that bad. I can listen to two of the radio announcers but when the other two guys come on I have to turn the channel when driving. Sup Greg! I can't speak for the Royals' broadcasts--I am not familiar. Totally agree about Steve. He is brilliant but Jason dumbs him down a lot. I remember the days where Steve sat with Harry Carry and was the only resemblance of cohesivness you would hear. Harry was tanked by the 3rd inning and Steve salvaged air-time value with his knowledge. I'm glad he's here--he's great...but Jason brings him out of genius land and into candy land by baiting him into mindless banter and it's a waste of a great talent. It forces Steve to dumb things down because he's trying to explain himself to the guy who asked the question...it's why his explanations seem like he's treating us as first-time baseball fans. I don't think the problem is Steve Stone. I think it's Jason. The guy sounds likeable, everyone speaks highly of him and his work and I think that's great! I personally don't like the light he places our team in. We aren't trendy, we aren't twitter, we aren't selfie stick--and if we're those things off the field, so what...on the field, we're the White Sox--we win ugly, we are grinders, we will compete and lay it on the line every night. You know that's closer to the message our guys are hearing from Ricky before they take the field--so embrace it--let that show up everywhere. All things associated with the White Sox brand need to be consistent with who we really are. I'm not calling for Benetti's head...I'm calling for his involvement! Lose the cute, limit the silly, focus on the things the team does that makes them the White Sox--that will draw in the viewer--give us a DOSE of the White Sox baseball we all know and love--that's coming back after a 10-year wait!

QUOTE (Knickname @ Apr 5, 2018 -> 02:28 PM) I refuse to pay for tv. When games are on broadcast TV I usually mute it and listen to Ed and DJ. After their first season together they seemed to get to know each other well enough to allow humor to defuse any potential antagonism. It's a long season. I don't have a problem with the tv guys. I enjoyed Hawk with Drysdale. Not a bad solution--I like Ed a lot. And I don't mean to bash Steve and Jason as people...I know it sounds like I totally just did, lol. But I'm sure they are nice guys and do a lot of good things for the team. Just not my idea of what I look for in a good broadcast. Far from it actually. Too millenial, no grit. Too much candy in a meat-earter's world. I understand it could be just my personality...but I've been a Sox fan for nearly 30 years--there are a few things that are consistent traits of most other Sox fans...we are gritty, get dirty, Ozzieball, go-go hustle, run through the wall, long-ball dagger fans. That's the White Sox brand, that's the White Sox people. Our whole breed can be summed up in this 1 minute video: Here's an exercise for you all...take the events of this game, Konerko pouring his GUTS out on the field for us--literally encompassing what we all stand for--and then imagine adding the following comentary on top of this clip...something along the same lines of: "...and Konerko gets hit in the face with that pitch and is down, hopefully he's ok...you know Steve, I wondered whether Rick Hahn has ever been to Hahnville--now we know the answer to this because we pulled some strings and emptied our resources tank and had his secretary call him at home to answer this dire question so we can get to the truth, as Konerko gets up and heads to first...the truth is...Rick Hahn has NOT been to Hahnville--a trip we may need to make happen someday. Now wouldn't THAT be amazing? Rick Hahn...in Hahnville!? SIMPLY INCREDIBLE" That would be simply insulting. And if that's a new direction where our brand is going???? Hmmm...serious evaluation time. I just don't think that's the real plan.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Apr 4, 2018 -> 12:17 PM) I think he's fine, but for some reason, he and Steve seem to think they are at Zanies doing 3 hours of stand up. Not everything has to be a clever joke. If they cut out the bit about trying to be cleverly hysterical all the time, they could be funny and provide quality game content. The current style doesn't bother me so much I can't listen, but it seems obvious it is 2 guys trying too hard to be funny for 3 hours straight. Just call the game and let the humor happen. Don't force it. Exactly. The reason it drives me nuts is that each one of these guys seems to have the same tendency to default to that cute/silly humor. They bait each other and they ALWAYS take the bait. You know whatever they are about to say they are going to try to 1-up each other on the witty scale and the result from the viewer is "yeah, yeah, yeah..." And like others have said--they need to try to be serious sometimes because the moment calls for it. Instead of researching the players, they should spend a little time researching the fan/viewer base. Thinking of the typical fan who tries to catch as many broadcasts as possible--those are your more serious/hardcore fans who actually care about the team more than just a few "casual, live game fans". Another word would be "intense." Steve knows the game, but he doesn't have much of an edge--Benetti doesn't know what having an edge means. Neither comes across as a competitive person--and I absolutely miss Hawk's competitiveness. I'm not saying the TV personalities shape a team's idenity or gameplay, but it does kind of shape a fan base's perception of the team. When these guys start to be good, you'll start to see more and more intense, meaningful, competitive moments in games...it worries me to go through those moments with a laid back Steve and a quirky, happy-go-lucky Jason calling the game through a concrete smile. I want to feel excitement/anticipation, I want to feel the letdown--sometimes anger/frustration, I want to feel joy. That's baseball!! It's mental, it's emotional, and that's ALL missing from our broadcasts right now. Give me the impression that these players are maturing--turning into men, heroes, beasts...don't saturate us in candy and cute humor--that yields the perception even more that we still have a bunch of kids for a team. Technically speaking, the correct emotion is there sometimes...but it's all book training--excitement generated by volume only. No real, genuine emotion. Right now, all I feel is the same--a heartbreaking moment happens and it's on to the next batter and time to report all the quirky research we've done on them that day and trying to figure out if Rick Hahn has ever been to Hahnville. While they've moved on to the next scheduled segment of content...my head is still in my hands and I'm still trying to decide which direction to throw my remote! I appreciate the work that goes into a broadcast, but I'm not tuning in to hear what Steve and Jason come up with next. Some of that can imprve by the TYPES of research findings the guys bring to the booth--all the research facts are currently things to make you go..."huh...ok." Shallow, or inappropriately deep. Maybe it's time to bring some different types of stories to the table that invoke different types of emotions for the viewer. Tell me Yoan Moncada was in the weightroom until 3am because he missed a grand slam by about 3 inches. Tell me about Tim Anderson making 100 throws to first base before he leaves a stadium at night to improve his fielding% from his league worst last year. Report growth. Maturity. I'm tuning in to live and die with my team and to fight hard with them and to watch them become fierce competitors/warriors/champions. I don't care if a player likes twinkies--and to have that launch into 40 different twinkie jokes...I care about them doing whatever humanly possible to beat their opponent and looking for content that supports that quest. Stay relavent--if a converstaion genuinely goes in a particular direction, fine. But it sounds way too much like there are forced cues to tell specific comments about something they did research on. Deliberately teed-up lines to lay ground for a silly joke--all decided on at a short game-prep lunch meeting rather than something that comes up during the game naturally.

Dodgers are running out of places to play their prospects but I still doubt we'd get Verdego out of a Kemp deal because that would mean they are losing 2 OF's from their depth chart. That would leave them with Puig and Pederson (both of them better off in RF) then a big drop off to Chris Taylor in CF. After that is a bunch of young guys headlined by Trayce Thompson... In other words, I think they are counting on Verdego being a part of their plans.

Another feather in the cap for the Moose signing supporters......with the Burger injury, there's a little extra insurance incentive if we sign him--they could take their time getting Jake back to speed if we handed out a 4 year deal to Moose. Kind of encouraging to see Davidson raking already, though...maybe buying us some time.

QUOTE (FT35 @ Feb 23, 2018 -> 03:50 PM) Son of a...... I'll make it up to everyone...I'll turn a dud into a stud...just you watch... QUOTE (Sleepy Harold @ Feb 25, 2018 -> 01:55 PM) Kevin Powell @kpowell720 1m Hahn says there is no risk of further damage to the elbow. So the hope is he can get reps at the plate while rehabbing injury. James Fegan @JRFegan 1m Yes, this decision is the result of the second opinion. Hahn said the sprain in Adolfo’s UCL has been described as a “pinhole tear,” but that it’s a “very robust ligament” I told you I'd make it up to everyone!!!

QUOTE (TheTruth05 @ Feb 23, 2018 -> 02:29 PM) No more specific prospects posts from you FT35...... Son of a...... I'll make it up to everyone...I'll turn a dud into a stud...just you watch...

QUOTE (wrathofhahn @ Feb 23, 2018 -> 01:41 PM) I don't know if I necessarily agree with this. Morrison has a career ops of .741 and OPS+ of 104 prior to last year thats 7 years of prior data. Prior to last year Cargo has a career ops of .868 and OPS+ of 119. Do you make the bet that Morrison figured it out or do you go with the previous 7 years data. Is Cargo washed up at 32 or do you bet 9 years of overall solid hitting prior to last year. It's an interesting discussion point. One thing supporting the idea of Morrison possibly figuring it out was that he had 81 walks last year. That's a MAJOR difference from his norms...kind of jumps off the page a little.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Feb 23, 2018 -> 11:02 AM) The guy has pretty much been average to bad for 4 years, and is streaky as hell. What, realistically would you get on a flip for him if everything goes right? Honestly--IF--he proves he can hit anything remotely close to what he has in the past (and stay healthy of course), I think we could get an organizational top 10 plus a wild card if we were able to sign him below market value. That and some jersey sales. So is that worth what we would pay him between now and then? Lot of things would have to go right.

Recently I've seen Micker Adolfo's name surface more frequently in Sox coverage and it's always been VERY positive. It makes me wonder why we don't talk about him more and why he's not on more people's projected lineups in our contending years. For those of you who are up on this sort of thing...is there a bigger reason (other than injury history) why he's not mentioned more in our top prospect conversations? Seems like this guy is healthy and a beast in the making. http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseb...0220-story.html https://sports.yahoo.com/chris-getz-describ...-194919118.html

QUOTE (greg775 @ Feb 20, 2018 -> 10:57 PM) I bought mlb.com so we better go .500. I like the projection in this thread. FYI: My radio listening tonight was JT The Brick. Oddly I gladly heard somebody supporting my controversial position AGAINST tanking. He was furious and said pretty much what gets me in trouble on here. He said owners like Cuban should give money back to the fans if they admit tanking or it is obvious. He said sports are in great danger if teams disrespect the sport by tanking. He ripped the Sixers and he ripped the Astros saying their organization should not deserve credit for building a winner. He said they built a winner by tanking and getting tons of draft picks. What pleased ME the most is he backed my contant whining about owners gladly charging the fan for beer and parking and burgers big buck$$$$ when the team is trying to lose. Finally he said he realized fans embraced tanking and it is very dangerous to the integrity of sports to build teams that way. He said as a kid if the Yankees stunk they stunk. They didn't tank. He's a Yankee fan. There are other ways to win besides losing on purpose for 4-5 seasons, folks. And apparently I am not the only one who feels this way. If u think I'm lying listen to JT the Brick podcast when it's put up of tonight's show. Here's my thing...fans embrace tanking because it's a drastic measure taken to STOP the losing. People have to remember the reason why tanking is happening is because it's 2-3 bad years to set up LONG stretches of WINNING. The most competative message you can send to a fan base is...you know...we're so sick of losing that we're going to swallow our pride and take drastic measures to fix this mess because no one deserves to watch a losing team year after year. To me...it's the 3-4 years of limbo BEFORE a rebuild that's more destructive to a fan base--the time where ownership rides the ship to the bottom of the ocean before they realize it's time to stop. Those are the years that I struggle to pay the parking, buy the concessions, shoot...buy the tickets. They are aimless, stubborn and predicibly fatal. I embrace the full rebuild because it means the end is near.

Remember...there will be a subsequent secondary market that opens up for all the teams who either sign or resign a mega star. Their current and backup plans will become available as will any other counterproductive contracts that will need cleared to enable mega signings. Even if we miss out, we could be in line to pick up a couple of nice pieces from the fallout of the major signings. If we know for sure we’re not going to dish out a mega contract, we can serve the role of the enabler to help make it possible for another team to spend. There will be potential for major activity—even if the majority of these stars stay with their current teams. Also good times to sell high to teams who missed out and didn’t have a suitable backup plan.

Thing about this is...it's different from the "plugging holes with vets" strategy that caused repeated failure and forced us to be in this position of a full on rebuild. Moose is a legitimate piece being added into the mix who lines up with what we're trying to do from an age perspective. It's not that you're wasting at bats on someone who won't be here...they're going to someone who will be a part of it. If we could land him on an affordable 4-year deal we'd get age 29, 30, 31 and 32 seasons that would take us into our competitive window--and hopefully right up to the Jake Burger tenure at 3B. And I doubt that would handcuf our ability to add from the Super Free Agent pool next year--Even Machado--who, if you're luckey enough to sign, you make the corresponding moves at that time so you don't miss opportunities now. We're also looking at guys like Davidson and Sanchez being the guys most effected (which evaluating talent requires honesty), I'm OK with. I still think Sanchez has a spot on the team the next few years as a utility player--I'm just not sold on him being a big part of the core. Maybe he'll prove me wrong.

Hosmer was a 4+ WAR player with KC last year. Hunter Dozier is next 1B up on the depth chart. You have to think that his value at this point in his career isn't that much over replacement value. You also have to think that at least 1 of Hosmer's wins was against us!! So -4 Wins for KC and +1 for us...that's a 5 win impact on our year. Cool.

Also...looks like the Covey move was so they could sign Chris Volstad?

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Feb 18, 2018 -> 07:07 PM) He’d be a potential flip candidate. The 600+ DH plate appearances are an asset and the Sox have to decide what is the best use of them. I’ve personally seen enough of Matt Davidson to move onto a different option. I won’t be upset if they simply use the spot to rotate a bunch of young guys, but I’m totally ok if they want to roll the dice on the right veteran. IMO, DHing isn’t easy and a lot of players struggle with the routine. Dickerson was pretty awesome as a DH last year (SSS I know) and his power could really play up at the Cell. A strong first half along with his ability to play the OF (even if we don’t use him their regularly) & his cheap ass salary could result in him netting us something of value at the deadline. I can see the logic if the Sox’s scouts are high on him and the price is basically nothing. Love the idea of making the DH another spot for the kids to play—my only problem with rotating players on positions is that it’s tough for a single player to find a rhythm and stand out at 1 particular position—even DH. The result is a handful of guys out of rhythm, making fundamental mistakes and overthinking their swing to the tune of a lot of 0-4’s and it’s deceiving to the talent evaluators trying to decide who to keep/cut. Kind of reminds me of the parents who have their kid in soccer, baseball, golf, marching band, chess club, basketball, hockey and swimming. I feel sorry for those kids because they never get a chance to refine their skills and get GOOD at anything. They could be a world class swimmer and not even know it because after an hour in the pool, they’re off to the golf course! Baseball is so much a sport of routine. Even winning and losing become routine. Time is still on our side now to give players long looks at their primary position and let them learn and master the nuances of that position.

QUOTE (Lip Man 1 @ Feb 18, 2018 -> 05:27 PM) The season is already a success. The Sox canned that stiff Covey. Hahaha!! This made me laugh! I’m kind of with you...I never really saw the draw outside of him not being in our plans, so let’s get some innings out of his arm. You know as soon as we say this, he’ll become a star.

QUOTE (bmags @ Feb 16, 2018 -> 10:13 AM) comps are so silly. All you are going to get for Hansen is some major leaguer that's really tall, Jimenez a big power hitter, Kopech someone that throws hard, and Dunning somebody that wears glasses. Nobody knows what Robert really looks like yet on this board at least. But he'll probably get comped to a Cuban. Yes and no...you're right about the physical aspect--those comps don't really serve a good purpose. But when you're trying to analyze a prospect's game and you can put a big leaguer's skill-set out there as a comp--it helps people understand the type of player they are shaping up to be. It's not a good gauge of certainty, but it gives people ideas. The Moncada/Robinson Cano comp was a good one as long as you don't look at Moncada and expect him to turn out like Cano. The short, compact swing compares well, the skill set compares well--the stat range compares well (solid average, good batter's eye, some pop) and the potential for stardom compares well. It gives someone who might not follow prospects a little baseline in their understanding and expectations. When they see a name like Robinson Cano linked to Moncada's name (and not Yolmer Sanchez), they think...hmm...he's not your average prospect and has a pretty high ceiling. As long as you treat comps with that mindset, I don't mind it. The way you know player comps are valid is that you know when there's a bad comp! Tim Anderson doesn't comp to Frank Thomas but more people nod when you say "Orlando Cabrera." When Billy Hamilton came up--you didn't see many Rickey Henderson comps even though they were both stolen base kings because there was no power/consistent average component to Hamilton's game...the comp was always Vince Coleman--which is still a pretty decent comp.

QUOTE (wrathofhahn @ Feb 15, 2018 -> 10:37 PM) I'm sort of over the trade but I hope Tatis is a teachable moment and they correct whatever caused them to mis-evaluate him so badly. I think some of that teachable moment is this: Sometimes I think our evaluations are too often 1. "sure he's a hot mess right now, but he's had good years in the past...maybe he just needs a change of scenery." and/or 2. "Coop'll fix him." The effect is that we end up with numerous "project" guys and our coaching staff is run thin on how much they can help everyone. Their time is spent getting players back to the "satisfactory" production level--from mess to good, rather than taking players to the NEXT level--from good to great. Problem is, that we've had enough times where that's worked that they keep pouring resources into that philosophy--which is at best break-even and that's debatable. Also...one simple, yet frequent mistake that a lot of teams make is the gross underestimation of a player's performance level when switching leagues--in particular a NL player coming to the AL. It's hard enough to figure out opponents in 1 league--let alone both. Obviously, again, there are success stories in there, but most of the time you get struggles and long adjustment periods for average and even above average players who switch leagues.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Feb 12, 2018 -> 06:20 PM) This is pretty general. I don't mind general comments but I got roasted for making general statements about Soria's stint with the Royals. I wouldn't mind seeing some stats to back up your Robertson statements. Well Greg, there’s a bit of a difference between general comments based on observation and general comments based on opinion. You can look up the stats on your own if you’d like, or you can call Josh Donaldson and have him fill you in on some Robertson “metrics.” Or ask around...I bet I’m not the only one around here who watches Sox games. Don’t mean to sound demeaning...we still love ya...not sure the board would be the same without your posts!

QUOTE (soxfan2014 @ Feb 12, 2018 -> 09:16 AM) Arenado doesn't really have those split issues. Guy can hit away from Coors. Sure his numbers are better at home, but if you check a good amount of players, you'll likely find a good amount of players that are better home than away as well. Yes...and I think GRF is a great place to hit and he could approach those COL numbers. He does hit 50 points higher at Coors, slugs 100+ points higher and his OPS is 150 points higher, but power looks the same. Also the black and white pinstripes is the most similar uniform so maybe that will help with the transition. He's absolutely who I would go after from a personnel standpoint, but I think the biggest risk to an Arenado signing is the Rockies. I think they are building around him and want him to stay badly...I think they're ready to pay to keep him. It'd suck to chase Arenado only to see him re-sign with COL--while the other top names come off the board. Baltimore expects Machado to leave--they even tipped their hand by publicly putting him on the market now "to try to get something out of him before he leaves." They might extend an offer to keep him, but there's a lot to suggest they are coming to terms with the fact that he will demand more than what they are willing to give him. Arenado is the safer sign, Machado is the safer chase.

QUOTE (hi8is @ Feb 12, 2018 -> 12:17 AM) I question what our front office's evaluation of his character is. Agree with this...it's kind of been a growing concern of mine as time goes by. Is his "edge" because he's competitive or is it because he's a punk? Is he the TYPE of person you want to invest in and does he fit our brand? OR...is the better all-in option someone like Nolan Arenado--who's going to represent you well? Then you have that Colorado splits issue--and someone switching leagues...a lot to be factored in. Bryce Harper is both...a punk...but he channels it into his competitiveness. If that's the case with Machado, I'm cool with it.

QUOTE (soxfan49 @ Feb 11, 2018 -> 12:29 PM) Wouldn’t you still want a guy who’s as talented as Machado anyway, to play 3B perhaps? Absolutely! Just think Merkin’s claim is a little questionable if he thinks Tim Anderson would be a major road block in bringing Machado in at SS. Timmy is talented, but Manny is an elite talent. I’d have to have a guy like Carlos Correa at SS before I would think about convincing Machado to play 3rd, if him playing SS was a pivotable factor to where he would sign. Kind of like saying, we’re out on Nolan Arenado because Matt Davidson is already there.

QUOTE (SCCWS @ Feb 8, 2018 -> 08:09 PM) Maybe he wants to be a SS. Some players desire to play glamour positions like SS or CF. But if the talks w the Sox get serious, let him play SS and move Anderson to CF or trade him for something we need. I think his agent convinces him 3B may be easier on the body than SS but then again some SS have had long and successful careers. I truly hope...that someday...we’re in a position where we can decline to sign Manny Machado because we’re satisfied with Tim Anderson at shortstop.

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Feb 10, 2018 -> 02:44 PM) 1) they are rebuilding 2) they are rebuilding 3) they are rebuilding, and nobody cares about David Robertson’s feelings when he is a reliever making 10+ million a year I liked him when he was here, but if Robertson wants to be a closer for a top team, he simply needs to be better. He’s a pitcher with great stuff and at times overwhelming to hitters. But those times come and go and he goes through stretches of struggles where he gets lit up with regularity. Closers on top teams might have an outing here and there where they get hit hard, but not often a WEEK here and there where they get hit hard (or they are removed from the role). If he wants to close, it’ll be for a mid-tier team, and those are exactly the types of guys who get moved to contending teams as set up guys at trade deadlines. I bet he looks at the Kimbrels, the Jansens and the Chapmans of the world and gets why it’s like that for him.