This is from Paul Ladewski's column, and I have edited it down to leave out the fluff.

 

The Sox owe to themselves and their fans to think big. Real big. Yeah, even Randy Johnson big.

If sources are correct, the Sox have quietly emerged as a player in the hunt for the Diamondbacks stud pitcher. The question is whether the Big Unit can be convinced to play here and whether the Sox have the minor league prospects to get him.

While the Sox unraveled liked a ball of yarn Wednesday, Ken Williams was holed up all day in what one member of the organization called an important conference.

Is it a doable deal financially? Why not?

If the sox are unable to resign Ordonez at their price, then they can let him walk and pocket his 14 million dollar salary. They can use that money to defray much of what the Big Unit will be paid next season, the final one of his contract. Loaiza and Valentin also exit via the free agent door after the season.

What's more, the Sox are in positon to attract upward of 2.2 million in attendance if they stay in the division race for the duration, something the addition of Johnson almost guarantees. As board chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said the other day, "We can't afford the payroll of some other teams, but money isn't a problem here."

The darn Yankee$ are, natch. Still, the talk on the street is that the yankees lack the prospects to make it happen. Turns out Steinbrenner and Jerry Coangelo arent the best of buds, either. If Colangelo can convince the Big Unit to come here, than the Illinois graduate will do his native South Side right proud, you think?

White Sox Nation awaits.

There was an article from a Sun - Times columnist not name Mariotti, guaranteeing that KW would make AT LEAST 1 move by the deadline.

Oh please don't tease me with this... If this happens...

 

We really need a praying smilie.

There's been lots of rumors that a 3 way deal with the Marlins getting Contreas for prospects and then the Yankees shipping the prospects to the D-Backs for Randy is going down.

Man would that be awesome.

But I'm not sure if I would pull the trigger. Wouldn't want to give up too much when our 2 best hitters are out as it is.

 

Ah what the hell, bring him in!

If this is at all possible I say do it. No matter what.

I was reading another Southtown article and it sounds like we are standing pat. We'll just have to wait and see.

KW usually comes out of nowhere with his moves, let's see what happens

If RJ won't go to the Angels...or the Dodgers...why would he come to the Sox? Not that i wouldn't LOVE him to be in Chi...but c'mon, he isn't going to waive his no trade clause to come to the Sox. If he does...I'll probably :puke .

KW usually comes out of nowhere with his moves, let's see what happens

All the time. It's pretty weird that we heard all these rumors about Freddy coming here and then when all those rumors started to quiet down, all the sudden Freddy is on the southside of Chicago. Kenny always comes out of nowhere that's how he gets his deals done, when he has competition for that player.

There's been lots of rumors that a 3 way deal with the Marlins getting Contreas for prospects and then the Yankees shipping the prospects to the D-Backs for Randy is going down.

Why in the world would the Marlins want Contreras?

Oh please don't tease me with this...  If this happens...

 

We really need a praying smilie.

You mean like this?

 

Why in the world would the Marlins want Contreras?

I think they know Pavano is gone at the end of the year(actually there has been talk of trading him for another bat), and Penny is due for arbitration, so they're going to need someone to fill in. As long as the Yanks eat his salary people will take a chance because the guy has some pretty good stuff. I would think the Yanks would have to send Navaro or Caro too.

You mean like this?

 

We definately need to add that one.

 

We could use that all of the time... anytime Mike Jackson starts to warm up, when a ball goes towards Jose, anytime a ball goes in the air to Gload... the possibilities are endless.

Why in the world would the Marlins want Contreras?

He's been pitching well right now against all teams not named the Red Sox and the Yankees will probably eat almost all his salary. Not to mention that with Beckett still being hurt the Marlins could use another starter to try to make a run at the postseason again.

The Marlins are more in need of a bat than an arm, no doubt

 

It's added to the clickable smilies. You're right, we need some of that around here... so poof... there it is.

Hasn't RJ already said New York or nowhere?

Hasn't RJ already said New York or nowhere?

Several times.. :banghead :banghead

It was said Williams was in an important conference yesterday, so it's obvious he's working on something.

 

I would be absolutely shocked though if it was for Johnson. First off they don't match up personnel-wise with the D-Backs and 2nd I really doubt RJ would come here.

 

Wouldn't surprise me if RJ just stayed a Diamondback. Colangelo thinks very highly of him.

 

Not sure why Toronto would want to move Catalanatto, he is not making much.

The Hairston situation makes a little more sense.

 

Man, do we need a bat at the top of the lineup.

 

Weren't just about all of us on this site saying the same thing in November and December and January and February etc. etc.?

Oh please don't tease me with this...  If this happens...

 

We really need a praying smilie.

I'm praying all the time...

I'm praying all the time...

 

Now if we could just get you to smile...

Wow.... Just - wow.

 

Go get 'em, Kenny!

 

(I'm thinking of a rotation of RJ-Garcia-Buehrle...)

 

Oh - my.

 

And - as a first timer, here goes.

I'm a first timer too...

Rj-Garcia-Buehrle would make the other playoff teams go before we played them the next day