hogan873

How about a third baseball team in Illinois?

Pitcher: Late inning relief or closer. Right hand, side arm with only a few pitches. Fastball, sinker, slider. I'd have the occasional junk pitch I'd try like a floating change or big curve. Position player: Corner outfield. Love chasing down the fly balls and making diving catches. Not much power hitting-wise. Switch hitter than has more power from the right but more hits from the left.

I'm leaning towards the thought that Rowand would be an upgrade. I don't know about huge, but an upgrade. We've pretty much hammered the Wise/Owens situation, and the jury's still out on Anderson (although I don't think BA has gotten a fair shot yet). The only way I would think acquiring Rowand would be a good deal is if a big portion of his contract is eaten. Besides, he'd be a good 2nd hitter and a decent CF.

"Ummmm...no. If we can't sign Orlando Hudson and Bob Abreu for less than Rowand makes per year (combined they'd still be lower), why would we add a player we wanted to get rid of three years ago who is no longer in the prime of his career and is declining from all the wear and tear on his body?" Although I agree that it's too much money for Rowand, I don't think we wanted to get rid of him three years ago. I seem to remember his being traded to be a shock to most. I feel that if a big chuck of his salary was picked up Rowand would look great on this team right now. He could be our starting CF, but probably not the leadoff hitter. So, I suppose it only solves one issue. But one issue solved is better than none.

I like how this thread went from jersey numbers to the 2005 WS champs to whether you're a fan or not. Fields will offer the number and Pods will decline. 2005 was only 4 years ago. Some teams haven't won in 100 years. It's okay if we continue to talk about it. And whether you care about jersey numbers or not you're still a fan.

QUOTE (3E8 @ Apr 14, 2009 -> 11:24 PM) We should have Podsednik wear #91 so we can remember two-thirds of the phone number we're supposed to call when his groin eventually becomes injured

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Apr 15, 2009 -> 11:30 AM) We're going with an outfield of Owens, Anderson and Pods. Just for the grinderificness of it all. *vomits*

Although I follow the Sox pretty thoroughly, I'm probably not the best when it comes to minor league talent...or those in the minors because they have not performed in a Sox jersey. I do however have strong feelings about Owens. I have not seen anything from him that would make me think he's a better choice as a 4th OF than Pods. Okay, so he's younger and maybe faster. But he can't hit, his base-stealing mechanics are not very good, and he's not a great defensive player. I, along with a few other Sox fans, want to look at Pods of 2005 and hope we see that again. In reality it won't happen. But, I would be willing to bet that he would be better than most think. I hope he gets the chance. I just become ill whenever I hear about Owens. And although I was not abject to Wise being the starter, I now see that he wasn't the right choice either. My belief is that Anderson should start and Pods should be the 4th OF.

I really don't see the harm in the signing. I would take him over Wise and Owens any day, and as much as I'd like to see Brian Anderson do well, history says he won't. I agree that he hasn't gotten enough time to prove himself. But, Pods as a back-up is okay with me.

I know it may be premature to start critiqing, but that's what we do, right? With two games in the books and a 1-1 record, we can probably agree that the hitting doesn't look spectacular. Aside from Thome, who is hitting well and has the only HR so far, it's been a bit concerning. But, like I said, two games...you can't make a solid judgement yet. Therefore, any positive remarks would also probably be looked at as premature. The pitching, at least in my opinion, looks pretty good. Buehrle's outing was described by some as "rough", and that may be accurate considering he had some trouble with control and plugged a couple batters. But giving up only two runs is not horrible. And let's not forget that most baseball experts are predicting the Royals to not be the Royals of recent. They are predicted to actually compete in the division...but which won't compete, right? Anyway, the relief pitching both Tuesday and Wednesday looked very good, and Floyd has a solid outing. Many times when a pitcher gives up 2 runs in seven innings he's going to win the game, provided some offense shows up. So, the questions begs is the immediate evidence of solid pitching a harbinger of things to come or will there be a mid-season (or sooner) collapse? Let's hope that Contreras and Colon give us some good innings and neither blows anything out or passes out on the mound. I'm hopeful, and even optimistic of a good season for our pitching staff. The jury is still out on the hitting. And, yes, you can disregard this post because we're only two games into a long season.

QUOTE (knightni @ Jan 24, 2009 -> 02:15 AM) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_a_Salesman Quite esoteric. Nice, though.

Even if the Sox don't make anymore moves, dead last in the Central is just a bad prediction. As it stands, we have 3 quality starters and a potential fourth with Colon. Offense-wise, what did we lose? We still have Konerko (who you'd hope will have a better year), Quentin, Dye, and Thome. With some speed and potential speed added, this team doesn't look too bad right now. I'm not saying I'm excited about where we are, but the Sox are a better team than the Royals. And like I saw it posted by someone else, when the Sox are predicted to be bad they turn out to be pretty damn good.

I'm not sure Anderson will ever be a great hitter, but he could be a lot better than we've ever seen so far if he gets to start and plays a lot. I really don't see why Owens is even getting a chance. He can run, and that's about it.

I am not as well versed in many of the younger players and/or those aquired by trade, but I think that Colon will surprise many and have a decent year (not great, but decent). Otherwise, Anderson will have a very good year provided he gets to play a lot. Fields will be a serviceable 3rd baseman and have an okay batting season. I'm very excited about Viciedo. I hope we weren't all spoiled with Ramirez, but this guy could be huge for us.

Maybe I'm still bitter about watching Vazquez choke every time he took the mound towards the end of the season...you know, when we needed him. I would take Colon any day of Vazquez, especially considering the $. Forget about the bum, he's Atlanta's problem now.

I check SoxTalk several times a day and usually listen to ESPN 1000 on my way home from work. I suppose I'm hoping more than expecting a big move. I do think, however, that a move will be made some time after Christmas. I don't think it will be huge, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Dye traded and/or a starting pitcher acquired.

Forgive my lack of knowledge in regards to the farm system, but how far away from the majors in Tyler Flowers? I know there was a lot of excitement generated when he was acquired for the heap of disappointed that was Vazquez. Any chance Flowers plays this year?

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Nov 13, 2008 -> 04:51 PM) Do you think Contreras is? Good question. He actually looked okay when he did a few long relief gigs. But, that's not what he is, right? He's a starter.

Do you think that Wood is still viable as a starter?

With the Cubs trading for a new closer in Gregg, Kerry Wood is no longer a Cub. He is supposed to file for free agency at midnight. Is he a guy that the Sox should even take a look at? Not as a closer, but as bullpen help?

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Nov 4, 2008 -> 04:47 PM) You're not allowed to trade a person you sign until after what, June 1? Even for pants. Oh, good point.

Maybe this is the year that KW actually makes the move everyone expects him to, like Figgins or Roberts. But then, we wouldn't really expect him to make the expected move, therefore making the move unexpected. Pretty clever, KW, pretty clever.

Re-sign Juan Uribe then trade him to Levi's for pants for the team. Juan would then be Levi's model for the "ample-duffed" man.

QUOTE (BearSox @ Oct 20, 2008 -> 09:07 PM) 1.) Contreras won't be throwing again for a while now, and in fact, I'd say there's a good chance his career is over. 2.) Anyone saying that they'd prefer Contreras over Vazquez is plain and simple stupid. Ouch! Thank you for pointing out my stupidity. Okay, okay, I get it now. Javy is a better pitcher than Contreras, but I plain just don't like him. He failed for us big time when it counted. I won't go so far as to say I'd rather have Javy, but I'll say I don't want either one.

I guess the implosion that was Vazquez towards the end is what sticks in many people's minds (mine included). He does have some good stuff and has shown flashes of brilliance. But it's hard to wash that taste out of my mouth...towards the end (when it REALLY counted) he was horrible. You just knew it was going to be a loss.