But he still manages to get the JR must spend more message across;

http://www.suntimes.com/output/mariotti/cst-spt-jay14.html

 

A pair of throttlings within the city limits Monday night should serve to quell the hysteria a bit. Will Williams recognize his Joe Crede problem and pursue Shea Hillenbrand? Will Hendry recognize his Corey Patterson problem and pursue Eric Byrnes or Preston Wilson? Will both clubs be dipping into a thin pool of available pitching, as much to keep it away from other teams as to help themselves? Now that Roger Clemens seems to be staying in Houston, there isn't one big arm out there. But that won't stop the serious general managers from pursuing the remains. Hendry and Williams should take note of the proactive intentions of Boston's Theo Epstein, who said over the weekend at Wrigley: "If this is the best that this pitching staff can pitch, then I really miscalculated, and it's time for changes.'' Epstein is the Polo-wearing geek who dealt Nomar Garciaparra last July and set the wheels in motion for the Red Sox' first World Series championship in 86 years. Don't doubt what he'll do as an encore.

 

Sox need to spend a bit more

 

Specifically, that has to concern Williams, who has yet to make the playoffs as Sox GM. So far, his grand plan to downsize and streamline the ballclub has worked splendidly -- almost too splendidly. The Sox still don't have enough offense, and given the struggles of the Yankees and Red Sox, Williams should be driven to spend the necessary money and make the bold deals. He has exhibited the wild streak, of course, yet his boss, Jerry Reinsdorf, has to approve those deals. With the payroll pushing $75 million, he may say no and order his underling to win with what he has. Let's hope not.

He's back

He's back 

It was inevitable unfortunately.

I wouldn't say he is exactly wrong about suggesting Hillenbrand. Trade for him now and he can replace Konerko next year.

Hillenbrand is an intersting option, but I don't think it's cut and dry that J.P Riccardi will want to deal him at the deadline, unless he's wowed by an offer. Their lineup is weak as it is, when you've got Eric Hinkse, Corey Koskie and Hillenbrand as your main 1B/3B/DH guys.

 

Hillenbrand has cooled down significantly since April too.

May - .252/.316/.398

June - .235/.366/.294

 

And here's Joe Randa's numbers in those months;

May - .308/.326/.440

June - .300/.378/.575

 

Now compare this with Joe Crede;

 

May - .155/.211/.286

June - .308/.438/.769

 

The next month and a half are the most important in Joe Crede's career with the Sox so far. It could very well determine his future with this ballclub.

He mentioned he was on vacation. If he was on vacation why was he on Around the Horn? I think his vacation wasn't voluntary.

Hillenbrand is an intersting option, but I don't think it's cut and dry that J.P Riccardi will want to deal him at the deadline, unless he's wowed by an offer. Their lineup is weak as it is, when you've got Eric Hinkse, Corey Koskie and Hillenbrand as your main 1B/3B/DH guys.

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They would deal Hillenbrand at the deadline if they fall out of contention. He is a free agent after this season.

Edited June 14, 200520 yr by Jabroni

They would deal Hillenbrand at the deadline if they fall out of contention.  He is a free agent after this season.

Riccardi will probably try to resign him first though. There aren't a whole lot of good FA's out there this off-season, hence the holding on to your own comes into play.

Riccardi will probably try to resign him first though. There aren't a whole lot of good FA's out there this off-season, hence the holding on to your own comes into play.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Keep in mind that they already have both Koskie and Hinske locked up until 2007. That covers 1st and 3rd base. They may try to re-sign him but they may not feel he is worth ~$5 million.

He mentioned he was on vacation. If he was on vacation why was he on Around the Horn? I think his vacation wasn't voluntary.

 

its funny that his vacation started the day after Reinsdorf slammed him on Comcast, and the day that his retraction printed.

shea hillenbrand?

 

Have we gotten to the point where were considered cheap because we dont overspend on a player that provides limited improvement on a 3B that plays above average defense?

 

The offense hasnt put up the runs, but damn, 42-21? If you want to talk numbers:

 

Pitching: top 3 ERA, WHIP, BAA. Top 10 K/BB

Defense: 2nd best defensive efficiency in MLB

 

And that offense? 7th in HR, 12th in R, RBI.

The OBP/OPS needs work. Welcome back #35.

 

This is just another case of manufacturing demand so when the team stands pat, or fills a more pressing BP need, they will appear to be "not trying" or "on the cheap."

 

to prove a point, you have to be high if you think Preston Wilson is a solution for Corey Patterson.

He mentioned he was on vacation. If he was on vacation why was he on Around the Horn? I think his vacation wasn't voluntary.

 

Details. Details.

I'd rather have Randa than Hillenbrand. Randa is a much smarter hitter.

how about Morgan Ensberg

to prove a point, you have to be high if you think Preston Wilson is a solution for Corey Patterson.

 

Mariotti would never make a bad trade suggestion. Replace a strikeout prone power hitting center fielder with a strikeout prone power hitting centerfielder? Sounds like a great plan!

But he still manages to get the JR must spend more message across;

http://www.suntimes.com/output/mariotti/cst-spt-jay14.html

 

Of course if Kotex boy had actually paid attention to the man who controlls the purse strings he would have heard JR say that there is more money to be added to payroll. Then again that would have involved things such as research, and fact, which don't belong there at all...

Of course if Kotex boy had actually paid attention to the man who controlls the purse strings he would have heard JR say that there is more money to be added to payroll.  Then again that would have involved things such as research, and fact, which don't belong there at all...

But of course when we do upgrade, Kotex Boy will be out the next day spreading his propaganda; "Why didn't he get this guy. He makes an extra $5 million, so he's automatically better!!! JR is cheap!!!"

Of course if Kotex boy had actually paid attention to the man who controlls the purse strings he would have heard JR say that there is more money to be added to payroll.  Then again that would have involved things such as research, and fact, which don't belong there at all...

 

Why would Mariotti let facts get in the way of a good column? If he let that sort of thing happen, then his agenda would be difficult to carry on.

I just read the article. I love how he tries to vindicate himself of lying last week by saying "I wont lie to you guys about the cubs and sox, im here to tell you guys the truth". (not verbatim)

 

What a moron, seriously. I wonder if he even buys the crap that he is writing. You can tell he scans messageboards for ideas and stories.

Edited June 14, 200520 yr by kyyle23

I just read the article.  I love how he tries to vindicate himself of lying last week by saying "I wont lie to you guys about the cubs and sox, im here to tell you guys the truth". (not verbatim)

 

What a moron, seriously. I wonder if he even buys the crap that he is writing. You can tell he scans messageboards for ideas and stories.

 

if that were true he would have written about Chavez and Eddie.

if that were true he would have written about Chavez and Eddie.

 

Just wait, in the weeks leading up to the deadline his ideas are going to start looking familiar.

I actually hope the cubs position themselves to be more of a buyer this month just to get us out of his sight.

Hillenbrand can't catch a Cold at third. Rather have Crede. Pitching and Defense wins. Hell suggest Norton at third over hillenbrand. Rather Have Randa who can play good defense and hit well

so full of s*** Moronatti is .. as usual.

The Cubs discovered a bullpen? When did that happen?

As for the Sox the Hillebrand idea is bad.

The Sox have 21 losses. 11L by starters, 10L by relief.

The 11L by starters is the best in MLB by far. No one can touch that.

The 10L by relief is nothing to shout about.

 

Both the Sox & the Cub need Guardado more than another bat. If Moronatti actually followed the two teams season he would have realized they both need help in their bullpens more so than any where else.

 

As for trading to play keep away that's a horrible idea for a mid 70 payroll team. Let the Yankees & Red Sox engage in that strategy.

As for trading to play keep away that's a horrible idea for a mid 70 payroll team.  Let the Yankees & Red Sox engage in that strategy.

 

Didn't we give away some prospects to help the Mets get Kris Benson last year, thus keeping him from the Twins?