The Beast

QUOTE(NorthSideSox72 @ Dec 6, 2007 -> 12:50 PM) Well, it is a message board for fans. Speculation, analysis and the occasional celebrating are what we do. What else would you expect? And in the case of that last post you quoted, he specifically used the word DOUBT, to signify he didn't know for sure. That's better than some of the laughable absolutisms I've seen in this threads. Give him a break. Fair enough. We are all fans here and I guess I've just grown frustrated of all of this speculation and would like to see some more factual information being passed around. Soxtalk is a great site to be at, I just hope that we don't give up on our team before the season starts. I'll give him a break because I know how I once was as a poster here.

QUOTE(29andPoplar @ Dec 6, 2007 -> 12:43 PM) It's been in the newspapers and the site mlbtraderumors.com has encapsulated all of those newspaper reports into a big thread about Fukudome. You can do a search at that site and it has all the info of all the recent media reports. The White Sox were connected, i.e. interested in Fukudome as far back as early last year. They have a well respected scout names Ray Poitevent (whose actual title is Special Asst. to the GM) and that's all he does, he scouts the Far East for the White Sox. Dollar amounts have just been speculation so far. It appears the market price is probably $12M per year. Newspaper accounts say Fukudome wants only a 3 yr. deal, no more and no less. There you have it. As for your Bruce Levine comment, he does not make stuff up. He reports on what he hears. When he goes out on a limb and makes assurances of what will happen, that's when he gets in trouble. But he does not make stuff up, he would be out of a job if he did. Actually he is a well respected guy within the baseball industry, with agents and players and front office types. It's many of the fans on message boards who hate him because he'll report on what he's heard and if it doesn't come true in 24 hours, people call him a liar. So now you are up to date. Thank you! That is all I wanted to read, rather than the speculation I usually see. Point proven, however, that the dollar amounts are speculation. And I'm sorry for my misunderstanding about Bruuuucee Levine. I appreciate your post out of anyones.

QUOTE(iamshack @ Dec 6, 2007 -> 12:39 PM) What do any of these questions have to do with whether or not we actually will sign him? I was trying to draw a conclusion that most of what I'm reading on this board lately is pure speculation. CanofCorn has a semi-decent bit that I could trace back to ESPN about the Sox. I also wanted to make sure that the number of years and the dollar amounts that I've read for anyone really, was not speculation.

QUOTE(CanOfCorn @ Dec 6, 2007 -> 12:35 PM) BTW, anyone know when Fukudome is going to decide? Has he mentioned a day? Whoa, I still didn't have my question answered. Where does it say that we were interested in Fukudome, what was the dollar amount and number of years, and who was pursuing him?

QUOTE(iamshack @ Dec 6, 2007 -> 12:33 PM) Well, considering he nearly signed with them, I doubt they are on his list. Ah, more and more speculation. Sorry, I just can't believe some people who sit here and bulls*** all day about some of these trades and pipe dreams. Santana, Figgins and another player for Konerko? Give me a break.

QUOTE(scenario @ Dec 5, 2007 -> 10:12 PM) Alright... I'm tired of getting one-upped by other teams.. and dismissed before the season even starts. Time to get back in the game. I just read an article that suggests that Barry Bonds will likely be cleared to play in 2008. I think he would look really good hitting 5th in our lineup. In fact, I'd LOVE to see Kenny step up and sign him to a 1 year deal. He'd probably get about 350 at-bats and hit 25-30 homeruns... walk 100+ times; have a .400+ OBP and 1.000+ OPS. Carlos Quentin would still get regular playing time with the remainder of LF at-bats and giving Dye some rest. 3-7 in our lineup: Thome, Konerko, Bonds, Dye, and Fields Hey... bring it Detroit!! You wanna play hardball?? You seriously did not just go here. Why in the hell would we want the biggest cheater in the history of Baseball on our team? Juice up some more, hell, maybe we'll pass needles around the locker room so we'll win some games and then we'll get caught for scringes found in the trash and random rashes on the players buttocks'.

QUOTE(elrockinMT @ Dec 6, 2007 -> 12:12 PM) That's a lot of stuff that needs to be done I do think we will contend, but we don't need a total revamping of the team either. I would like to see Crede back at 3B and maybe Fields in LF or working out at 1B I think that if we're going to stick with this "no Boras as your agent philosophy" then, we'll have to do away with any person on our team who has Boras as their agent. Not only that, teams are persuing Crede, according to MLB.com. Or hell, maybe that is just speculation since that is all I read every day. I also do not understand these Konerko to the Angels fantasies. We have him signed, and he has a limited NTC. Do any of you know all of these 6 clubs with confirmation of where this information has come from?

Okay, wait a second here. Let's sort out the facts from someone's rather b****y response when I say sign Rowand (even after initially saying sign Fukudome over A-Row.) The facts I'm looking for are simple: Where was this information from, this 4 years/55 million dollar contract rumor? If it was from Bruuuuce Levine, then he can kiss my ass, he made that up, he's about as reliable as a drunkard telling some "hot chick" he loves her. Second, what other teams are in persuit of him and/or are needing OF help? (So far I am hearing the Phillies and the Sox are after him.) Also, who the hell says Fukudome is going to come here and is there any confirmed reports that he has met with the White Sox to discuss a contract? (Or were we purely speculating here again?)

I for one am still optimistic about this year, even with the number of question marks we have. It is only December 6th, and I also know for a fact that in January, trades can be made. Yes, I am upset with Kenny at the moment. I'm not saying Kenny has done the right things thus far this year, but what I am saying is give the guy a chance. I don't know why everyone is saying "we won't contend this year," either. In my mind, if he gets a Starting Pitcher, Rowand/Fukudome, gets a Leadoff hitter, trades Uribe for a bag of horse s***, trades Crede, and grabs an IF, things will look good for us this year. Again, that is just my two cents.

QUOTE(fathom @ Dec 6, 2007 -> 12:55 AM) Josh Hamilton or bust! It should be Rowand or bust at this point if we want to win anything in 2008. At this point, I don't care what it takes to get a player.

QUOTE(Chombi @ Dec 6, 2007 -> 12:31 AM) That sums up my feelings. Especially the firesale should've occured in May or june and the Rick Hahn part. Quality. Not many other words able to describe that. I will probably print this out and bring it to SoxFest. If I was going, I would either do one of two things: A. Hire Lewis Black and have him b**** Kenny Williams out like he does President Bush OR B. Ask, "Kenny, why did you screw us over for the next few years? Honestly, you are a piss poor GM. When can we expect a decent trade and a better farm system? You piece of s***. Screw any of you who sticks up for him. Go White Sox. *Walks away and flicks him off as I do*"

Well, I'm going home tomorrow evening for the weekend, and I don't have to come back until sometime Monday since I have no class that day. I probably will do my Non-Western Arts final essays then even though they are due Wednesday. Tuesday: Macroeconomics final (The guy said if I fail it I still have a B- in his class. It pays off to have a retiring teacher!) Wednesday: Math 1270 final. Non-Western Arts final essays due. Thursday: Life Science final, Broadcast Announcing final. Out of here at 2:30 in the afternoon, I'll be home by supper. I've already submitted my final English Paper, so I really only have 4 finals.

QUOTE(heirdog @ Dec 5, 2007 -> 05:39 PM) Herbert Perry Paul Konerko. Or better yet, Paul Konerko at catcher as a Dodger.

QUOTE(Rowand44 @ Dec 4, 2007 -> 11:41 PM) He's a talented guy. No one knows what he's going to produce right away but the trade was a great one to get a guy with his upside who is major league ready. Hey Rowand44, off topic here. I just saw your sig. Mullins is actually my neighbor and I have played basketball with him several times. I may be able to get you an autograph or something. Anyway, as far as our team goes, I think to myself, yeah, Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis are good, but I think pitching could hurt Detroit this year. If anything, right now Kenny should just go out and make a splash move like signing Fukodome or someone overpriced to get things exciting again. As for Richar, I don't know if we can trust him much yet at second base, which is why I'd bring in someone during ST just to battle with him and give competition. (As non-realistic as that may sound.) I also think Crede could be gone in the next few days and if he could go to Milwaukee for some Major League ready talent, that would be sweet as well. I'm very optimistic about the Sox despite what I've seen thus far. It shows Kenny went after a high priced free agent and is probably mulling options over for some marquee players. Also, we cannot afford to decrease payroll and go back to the days of 14,000 asses in the seats. I'm not having that, we have come a long way since those pitiful times. Just my two cents.

QUOTE(Melissa1334 @ Dec 4, 2007 -> 11:24 AM) its going to take more than 12 mil after the contract given to guillen. they said a contract similar to hunters.. Who is 'they?' I don't think Fukodome will get the amount of years that will be given to Rowand, Hunter or Guillen. He played in a whole other league and has not come and played in the U.S. yet, which is completely different from Japan. Yeah, one can say Suzuki came over and did well, but I don't think he is similar to Fukodome and Suzuki was younger and probably more promising. Fukodome > Rowand, by the way. (In terms of our options at this point.)

QUOTE(fathom @ Dec 3, 2007 -> 02:43 PM) Who would play 1b for the Sox? Conor Jackson, I believe would replace Konerko at first base.

QUOTE(Texsox @ Nov 26, 2007 -> 09:45 AM) Kapkomet took care of that for you. How about a cage match? The Beast V. Rex Kickass? I'd be glad to take on Rex Kickass! Now if only Cubssuck1 and Be Good came back, we'd all be reunited! Or how about The Old Roman? =P Thanks Kap and Co.

Can someone change my name to: The Beast? Beastly seems to plain without Ordonez at the end of it. Heh. Any suggestions could be helpful, I'm not very good with creative screen names.

When are the Sox expected to announce this deal and do we anticipate any moves towards Rowand or another OF this week since KW had said something about chasing one or two outfielders in the paper the other day?

It's a shame they didn't find anything that proved Shoeless Joe Jackson innocent.

QUOTE(Gregory Pratt @ Nov 21, 2007 -> 12:10 PM) I have little interest in doing anything on the radio besides the occasional interview in future years but a friend asked me to be his co-host and I said, Yeah, definitely. How is our radio program? I think it's new and it's very rocky, but I enjoy it. Political science is my major and I want to work in writing. All sorts. If you'd welcome me, I'd love to "join" you on your show sometime. Call in, y'know? And "guest host". We could have you on our show sometime, as well, and would be happy to. Pratt, That's good that UIC has a program, had I of known about it when I went on a visit there, I would have gone to UIC. Ah well, that Math ACT score killed me but hell, I'm an English with Teaching Cert major anyway, so I could give a s*** less. The thing about radio is that it's going to be a very rocky business in the future. But, it is very fun and it could be exciting for your friend if he's majoring in radio, there's a lot of money for talent on XM radio. You could try to join me on my show, but I only run the small station in our program. Once I get on the county station, however, I'd be honored to have you as a guest on the show. If you ever needed a "guest host" I am familiar with the FCC rules and regs and would be glad to step in to rant like Lewis Black or talk about anything. Best, The Beast

I have been in radio for five years now and I am currently working for the Odyssey at Eastern Illinois University. The problem is, I do not have a partner who I can talk sports with but at least I can do a solo ranting show just like Jim Rome. Right now my format is a Rock/Sports show. How is the radio program up at UIC? Is that your major and what kind of job are you looking to get into? By the way, my show streams Mondays at 5:00 on http://www.weiu.net:8080/odyssey/. Once you are there, hit select under "Listen Live" and select the Odyssey. Then hit "Tune It."

I sent out a card to get signed by Big Mac in 2000 and he refused to sign it unless I paid $50.00. I've done that to some NBA players too, who were happy to sign autographs. If you are willing to send a letter to the player, though, I'm sure they would read it if it was a few sentences long because they make a ton of money and I doubt they want to read a lot, lazy asses.

QUOTE(spiderman @ Nov 8, 2007 -> 08:18 PM) Are the White Sox a mess ? When I look at this team, I see way too many issues/concerns and holes for this to be fixed all in one off-season, and I fear that this team is just mediocre with not much upside. - The bullpen isn't going to get the overhaul that many hope it will. I think, at most, we'll see 2 new faces from outside the organization, but most of the improvement is going to have to come from MacDougle and Thorton. - The starting rotation has Buerhle and Vazquez. After that, I have my doubts that Garland will be back, and Contreras hasn't had a lot of success, and who knows how old he is. Denks and Floyd could both be our rotation next season, and that's not going to be good for our team ERA. Can we win with at least 2 questionable starters, and 3 if you include Contreras ? - The offense is all or nothing, and is dependent on hitting HR's. They don't have a leadoff hitter, and they have several guys coming off bad years. They don't walk a lot, but they do strike out a lot. - Kenny Williams seems all too willing to throw his free agent money at T.Hunter. He's a very good player, but he's 32 years old. I'd love Hunter, but we are overpaying both in years and contract. - Juan Uribe is back. - Who's at 3B ? It's probably going to be Fields though Crede could be here for one more year. If it is Fields at 3B, does that mean Jerry Owens will be our leadoff hitter in LF ? If true, can Owens justify the faith ? - Is Paul Konerko going to be back ? He's got the big contract, but hasn't been as good either. He's been mentioned quite a few times in rumors to the Angels. - What about 2B ? Is Danny Richar the man ? I don't mean to sound pessimistic, but I also don't see a lot of hope here, more of a lot of pieces to puzzle, but nothing really fits, and it's all over the place. Where am I going wrong OR am I right ? Yes, the White Sox are in a big mess---as of right now. -I hope that they sign someone to help that pen out there, it doesn't need to be a big name or a Japanese player. It just needs to be someone who comes in here and just gets on a tare and kicks ass. I can see Aardsma coming back and being a help in the 'pen this year, I believe last year was a fluke and I hope he proves everyone else wrong in ST. Hopefully MacDougal lives up to what KW wants him to be, but I'm not too high on him like I am Aardsma. Either way, the 'pen needs two more arms. I like what I see out of Wassermann, too. -I am a bit concerned about our rotation if Buehrle and Vazquez fail and we don't add anyone this off-season, but it is only November 8th. I have a feeling the Sox will end up trading Garland at the Winter Meetings. I liked what I saw out of Broadway, I wouldn't mind if he was the No. 5 and the Sox tried to move Danks or Floyd in a package deal with some other player. If there's any way they can dump the Count, they should do it. Otherwise, I anticipate it being a challenge, but by no means a problem that cannot be fixed. -I'm not sure that it was a good move to re-sign Dye, but maybe his fat slow ass can prove me wrong. The major issue I see is that there isn't a good leadoff hitter and I don't think our OF or 2B is set yet. I'm under the assumption that Williams will bring in Graffanino or Iguchi to platoon with Richar, because I don't think Richar is the answer at 2B. I'm still on the Rowand bandwagon, but the Sox should not go and sign Hunter, that would be a bad move IMO. He's too pricey, getting older and he wants a long-term deal. Other than that, I think it'd be fine with Fields playin in LF and if Crede is healthy, then he'll take 3B. -Hey, at least the Sox didn't get Eckstein. Maybe Juan will lay off the quarter-pounders, booze and Mountain Dew and put down the World of Warcraft at some point in the off-season. -I think Konerko and Crede will be back and that we will see Fields in LF after Williams said, "We will know soon of Fields' playing status for '08." Although I didn't like that the Sox may not have pursued other options for the shortstop position and that Williams re-upped with Dye, I can't sit here and say the moves were bad. Dye could be good this year and we gave Uribe $500,000 less. Let's just sit here and see what happens in the coming weeks, because there's got to be some moves happening at the Winter Meetings.

I might suggest that the term 'overrated' comes from someone having a solid year one year and becoming a bust the next year. Also, it depends if the person was just signed the off-season before and is not producing for the big multi-year/incentive laden contract that is given to them.