chilidog

I don't want to state, No; because any oppurtunity we have to improve we should. However, Schoenwies is pitching at the caliber of a fourth or fifth starter and frankly has still been better than expected. Our offense needs to start supporting Garland and Scott because both have pitched better than their record indicates. If we get a legitimate 1, 2, or 3 starter, that pushes Garland and Schowey down a notch where they probably belong in a perfect world.

There were more Arod discussions with Boston but nothing appears imminent; ironically due to Kenny Williams reluctance to trade Magglio at this time. Understand from Boston's perspective, that the deal was completed a month ago with them getting Arod & Maggs. Their fans were exstatic. If they get Arod and trade fan favorite Nomar without getting Maggs, it would be a huge blow to Boston. Theo knows it and unfortunately for him, KW knows it as well. In order for the Sox to get involved Kenny is trying to force either Texas or Boston to also take Koch with the WSox getting Damon in return. Chicago would be willing to add the extra few million to make this deal.If KW holds true, the Sox would trade Maggs, Koch, & a prospect for Nomar, Williamson, & Damon. Boston is holding firm on the same trade a month ago. Another interesting twist, and I thought about not even posting this because it sounds so crazy. There have been talks including Anaheim into a four team trade. My source explained to me that multi team trades are often discussed but rarely completed due to the complexity of the deal. That being said, there were discussions with all four teams when officials for each team liked the fit of what would be the biggest trade of all time. The deal would result in: Texas getting: Manny, WSox prospect or Koch, Boston getting: Arod, Magglio, WSox prospect or Koch, Rowand Anaheim getting: Nomar, Konerko, pitcher, Chicago getting: Damon, Williamson, Erstad, Washburn, Ben Weber, Adam Kennedy Like I said, the chances of this happening probably aren't good, but each team thinks the trade is a fit in terms of money and players. The WSox would move Erstad to first base.

If this deal goes through it isn't in terms of worrying about what you get in return (relatively speaking) - it is about freeing up payroll and weading our the same player from our lineup. How many right-handed, slow, power hitters does one team need? Getting a reputable starting pitcher back in return is a great deal - enough said.

Why not Frank? I will take the following opinion to the grave: A good fielding first baseman is a waste of talent and time. For instance, The Cubs were making a huge deal about how great a fielder Derek Lee is at firstbase...that's fine, but how many balls get hit in the direction of firstbase which an average fielder cannot make? Probably one ball a month. Truth be known, Frank is actually better than most at picking balls out of the dirt or reaching for balls thrown high. He can field his position at an average level and his throwing ability is sub-par. However, the negatives get completely outweighed by the positive of knowing what his numbers are like when he is out in the field as pposed to sitting in the dugout.

The key is obviously A-Rod for Manny and Boston inheriting that contract. Look how desperately they tried to unload Ramirez earlier by placing him on waivers; why would they take on a bigger contract. We'll see. It seems to me that finding a third party dealer won't be too hard to find if the first part of that trade goes down - including the White Sox - and packaging Koch or Konerko doesn't seem to make much sense. What power would the Sox hold in that situation?

I've read in other Message Boards that the White Sox could be landing Nomar and Damon if the A-Rod/Manny deal goes through. This is how it would break down: Rangers send A-Rod to Boston Boston sends Manny to Texas and Nomar and Damon to the White Sox White Sox send Magglio and Koch/Konerko to Boston with possible another player going to Texas. Similiar to the deal last year. I have no idea if this will occur, but it's the latest buzz.