BamaDoc

I have wondered if our best outfield would have Dye in left, Rowand in right, and Pods in center. Left may be easier on Dye but would involve seeing the ball from a different angle. Thoughts?

Great job TLAK! That's what I was looking for. Of coarse the season never runs perfect but it does seem that it is possible to limit the need. Don't get me wrong, I would prefer a rock solid five. P.S. If you were that thorough in the bar you probably aren't reading this at 7:30

Like many I am concered about our pitching. Any trade costing us Garland still doesn't give us a number five. Personally, I wish we could add a 2-3 level starter and have Contreras as the five. I am scared of his inconsitancy at 3. Anyway we keep hearing about Grilli as five. Depending on the need for a fifth due to early scheduled off days/weather would we be better having Schoeneweis as a spot starter and extra bullpen lefty before joining the rotation. This might decrease the wear on his arm. Although he appeared selfish late in the year, he was quite effective early. I know Ozzie likes innings from his starters but a inning/pitch limit might keep him healthy.

How does our early season schedule look in regards to using a fifth starter? This year we didn't need one for quite some time if I remember. This could impact how the staff shapes up.

While really hoping that the ptbnl is a actual prospect, I reviewed Pods' stats. All will agree that his obp was poor in 2004. However his stolen base percentage has improved from roughly 3:1, to 4:1, to nearly 5:1. He has upped his stolen bases while improving his percentage not just running wildly. He at the top of the order and Harris at nine or two could let subsequent hitters see fastballs to drill. Raines as a coach shouldn't hurt either. Money.......With the savings of about 6 million if nothing happens soon, I expect Williams to wait till nontender time and bargain shop for maybe 2-3 players. Pierzynski, Washburn, and a platoon with Harris as possibilities.

I didn't think I saw Davis on the list. I think he might be a relative priority. Otherwise it is economics, economics, economics. There are several similar free agents who want big money but less teams that can aford them. You must prioritize who you want and if the don't come reasonably you wait and pick up the left out players. I'm saying left out not left over because there will be some quality players that have to settle for less. Instead of a 95 rated player you may get a 90-85 and 2-3 role players. I would love to see some hard core agents left holding the bag.

1. Kill the four man rotation. No sense hurting any arms or labrums. I would actually decrease workloads as well for the same reason and to evaluate younger players. I would try a combination of players letting them know in advance that they are getting three starts. Start with Pacheco possibly stewart(not sure after tonight.) Diaz relieves last month getting regular work. 2. Jackson to anyone for anything or allow him to mentor and be an emergency pitcher. 3. Kelly Wunsch.... were is he? He appears healthy so put personal vendettas aside. We have needed another lefty and could at least enhance his trade value. 4. Treat Valentin with respect. Let him know we will try to place him with a contender for his benefit. Let him know younger players are being evaluated and he may have a spot next year and definately has a coaching gig when he is done playing. This avoids offering him arbitration and a minimum offer of 4 million. Play Valdez at short and evaluate. 5. Borchard meet with him and tear his stat sheet up and let him start over. Play him everyday unless tired. Maybe he will relax and show something. 6. Crede we need him to pan out. One of few plus defenders on the team and he is still cheap and has value. 7. Harris everyday at second for experience. Possibly some time by Nelson to evaluate utility possibilities. 8. Uribe meet with him and explain he will be a big part of the team next year and any loss of at bats now is not an indication of lacking confidence in him. Next year he could start at 3,2,ss. or be supper sub. 9. Konerko now or offseason. He or Lee look to be odd man out. Frank has player option and Everett another year on contract. Four guys for 2-3 spots. If Konerko traded I would try Lee at first to see if that opens left for Everett. I would not expect all of these trials to work but they would help planning for 2005.

Would this man be the answer? 32 years old. On the Diamondbacks so he should be available. Hitting near or over .300 vs left or right, home or away. 10 homers and OBP of .357. Not a star but a guy who should be cheap and not an ego problem in the clubhouse. Thoughts Comments

Kenny Williams has put his future/neck on the chopping block. I congratulate him for making a bold trade in an attempt to get us over the hump. I agree we gave up a lot for Garcia. I thought Olivio was part of our future. If we do not make the playoffs and advance one round (at least) and if Garcia leaves as a free agent, I think Williams loses his job. Because the stakes are now higher, I expect further moves. It was interesting to see in the newspaper, Yankee and Red Sox trades giving up prospects. In each case I think they did better as the prospects never became as good as predicted. I hope we keep Garcia for around 7-8 million and our prospects play well for Seattle. It is going to be an exciting year. Go SOX!

Rather than trade for free agents to be, what about getting someone who would be around longer? Detroit is supposed to be shopping Ugeth Urbina. I looked at his career stats and they are quite good. There is also a club option for 2005, though I don't know the amount. He could set up or close if Shingo falters. What about Maroth or Robertson. I know Robertson would cost more in players but I think he is real and again either would be around awhile and cheap. Rauch, Cotts, A-ball outfielder? Maggs + Rauch?