CaliSoxFanViaSWside

Should be a glut of relievers on the free agent market and $7-7.5 mil for Jenks through arbitration is steep so non-tendering him is a possibility. So everybody what's coming ?

QUOTE (Quinarvy @ Nov 7, 2009 -> 03:01 PM) And its horrible. Seriously, why doesn't Dish carry it? To keep costs for the subscribers down I would assume . Last year on DirecTV. I bought the NHL Center Ice package to watch the Blackhawks. Occasionally there was a Hawks game on Versus which DirecTV also carried . Then Comcast which owns Versus jacked up the cost for DirecTV so DTV dropped Versus. Now that the Hawks are somewhat the darlings of the NHL Versus carries a lot more Hawks games this year which I now can't see even with the NHL package I bought again ,which is super aggravating since I'm paying the same price . So far this year I've missed 3/4 Hawks games which Versus has 1st rights to.

QUOTE (SockMe @ Nov 7, 2009 -> 12:36 PM) do u have to pay for the MLB network? On DirecTV its part of my regular package right by the NHL, NFL , NBA , golf and tennis channels .

QUOTE (bucket-of-suck @ Nov 7, 2009 -> 12:42 PM) "Generally and historically teams do not want their best players at 2nd base.' You mean like the 2008 AL MVP Pedroia?! Get a clue. Since you quoted me I did say historically and you give me one example ? Because you can name Pedroia you take that tone ? I myself gave 3 examples with Sandberg, Morgan and Utley . Maybe you should do some research on what kind of numbers usually qualify a 2nd baseman for the Hall of Fame and you'll see they are not as good as players from most other positions. I stand by my statement that generally and historically teams do not want their BEST players at 2nd base. That does not mean their aren't exceptions to the rule in the 100+ years of baseball history . Rogers Hornsby was another one if you ever heard of him. It's also why when you hear the argument that Beckham should be playing 2nd base it's because his bat is more valuable at a position that usually doesn't have that many good bats playing it. Again an example of the best players not being at 2nd base most of the time.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Nov 7, 2009 -> 08:51 AM) As long as Ramirez is paying attention, he's pretty good. If Frank Thomas was the White Sox first baseman in 2009, Alexei would have had 40 errors. One article I read about the SS/2B debate with Beckham is the injury factor. It is easier to get hurt as a 2B especially on DPs. I brought that up in post #9 maybe you didn't see it.

QUOTE (JorgeFabregas @ Nov 7, 2009 -> 08:35 AM) This is a lot of handwringing over nothing. Teams often move their best prospects/athletes around to fill needs and get their bat in the lineup (Pujols, Miggy Cabrera, etc). The White Sox are making a savvy move because it's easier to get an average to above-average bat to fill in at 3B than it is at 2B. I expect Beckham to be a better defensive second baseman than Getz was and I expect him to take the transition in stride. He's not some fragile hot-house flower. I agree I think Beckham can handle it also, but if we see a sophomore slump or he's get injured at 2nd base there would be plenty of speculation on the negative impact of another position change.

QUOTE (RibbieRubarb @ Nov 7, 2009 -> 08:31 AM) I fail to read where he is "not that thrilled"... That seems more of your opinion and interpetation that Gordan actual thoughts. I can't seem to find the position I've played my whole career," "When the offseason started, I was kind of locked into thinking I would play third," . "It seems like the weight was off me coming into the offseason knowing I had a full year at third base under my belt. So, now I kind of have to re-do learning how to play a new position. " I guess part of me was thinking at least I wouldn't I have to figure out something new because I felt comfortable at third. "Ultimately, it's not my decision," "It's hard for me because it's another new position " "I'm not sure the politics involved in it, and it's not for me to say anything about it. OK I took all the positive things out now and left in the somewhat perplexing or negative ones. According to the quotes it's basically hard on him, he has to figure out something new or re-do learning a new position, he'd rather be a SS and he sees politics involved in it. I don't think I'm out of line nor the only one who see's these quotes as a mixed bag of saying the all right things along with his personal feelings about it mixed in.

QUOTE (fathom @ Nov 7, 2009 -> 07:41 AM) Don't like to hear Beckham even mentioning something about the "politics involved with it". I can't wait for these veterans to leave, as there's no doubt the clubhouse will be better off for it. Most of them are already gone with the exceptions of the old core being Kornerko , AJ ,and Buerhle.

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Nov 7, 2009 -> 06:03 AM) Reason I am not worried about Beckham at 2b He's played 2nd in 2007 in the Cape Cod league and in 2008 in the AFL and not at all in the majors. And another point I'd like to make is we all have heard the arguments that Beckham at 2nd would put him among baseball elite 2nd baseman. While this is true you have to examine why it's that way. Generally and historically teams do not want their best players at 2nd base. It's a very high contact/risk position. The Sox have already lost much of their power from last year and with Konerko at the top of the list to provide any kind of major salary relief we could lose even more. Imagine the outcry if, God forbid, we lose Beckham to an injury due to a collision at 2nd base. That's why is so rare to have guys like Utley , Sandberg and Morgan at a position like 2nd base. At this point in time the hitting , infield defense , bullpen, one outfield position, and DH all look pretty weak. That's a ton of holes to fill with hardly any salary left to fill them. I'd be much happier knowing the hitting will be weak if the infield and outfield defense was good to support the starting pitching. That way the only thing left to improve would be the bullpen.

QUOTE (DBAHO @ Nov 7, 2009 -> 06:05 AM) Cali the question you'd have to ask yourself is would Gordon Beckham give you better defense at SS than what Alexei Ramirez gave this season? That is debatable to say the least. Yes I know. I brought up that point myself but if we look at Derek Jeter as the model of the qualities a SS like Jeter brings to the table besides defense Beckham is a way better candidate for that role than Alexei . Again maybe he is better off at 2nd base but we all know deep down inside Beckham see's Jeter as his role model. My main concern is the infield defense as a whole and screwing around with the one guy on the Sox we all want here for a long time. Beckham at 2nd could turn out to be the best defender on the infield.

These quotes are from a recent article on Whitesox.com http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/artic...sp&c_id=cws Maybe we're all talked out about the trade but there are a lot of negatives to KW's announcement about Teahan at 3rd and Beckham at 2nd. We all know Beckham's idol is Derek Jeter and we why shouldn't he be ? Hes a SS , a leader, the captain of the infield, a clutch hitter in the postseason, perennial all-star and future Hall of Famer , everything Beckham thrives to be. We all have been told ad nauseum why Beckham "projects" to be a better 3rd or 2nd baseman rather than SS. But if you think along the lines of what a SS like Jeter means to his team Beckham fills that role 10X better than Alexei Ramirez. With a second position change in 2 years the Sox are screwing with the franchise players head. I'm not advocating Beckham be switched to SS because frankly he MIGHT not have the physical tools to pull it off. As far as the mental skills and leadership qualities Beckham would make an ideal SS. With arguably the best starting pitching in the American league why has defense yet again taken a back seat ? The infield as it stands now is a defensive nightmare waiting to happen at worst and mediocre at best. I can't seem to find the position I've played my whole career," Beckham told MLB.com with a bit of a laugh, being that he is a natural shortstop who has circled that defensive spot but has never landed on it at the big league level. "When the offseason started, I was kind of locked into thinking I would play third," Beckham said. "But I want to do whatever helps this team. If they want to move me to second, then that is something I'm going to do." "I don't really care what spot I have, as long as I know what I'm playing," Beckham said. "It seems like the weight was off me coming into the offseason knowing I had a full year at third base under my belt. So, now I kind of have to re-do learning how to play a new position. "I've played a lot more second than third. I know how to play it and how to do it. I guess part of me was thinking at least I wouldn't I have to figure out something new because I felt comfortable at third. "Ultimately, it's not my decision," Beckham said. "The way I look at it, I do know it better than third, so I just have to figure out the intricacies and learn the position to make plays and be a productive defender. It will take my mind off of hitting, which is a good thing. The less I think about hitting, the better I do." "Chris and Josh were my two closest friends on the team, so it's really not easy. To see both of them go, it's going to be tough," Beckham said. "It's hard for me because it's another new position and hard for me because I'm playing a position that was held by one of my closest friends on the team. "I'm not sure the politics involved in it, and it's not for me to say anything about it. I know [manager] Ozzie [Guillen] liked Chris and I agreed. He can play second and do a bunch of great things. He can do things on the field a lot can't. It's going to be tough to replace him."

QUOTE (SoxAce @ Nov 6, 2009 -> 09:37 PM) I'm sure Quentin is also saddened by Josh leaving. Barring any unforeseen changes, I hope Beckham has an incredible career at 2B. I read that article you posted from whitesox.com before I saw it here. I find his quote " about can't seem to find the position I've played my whole career" very interesting. I also read the comments after that article and they're so different than what you see on Soxtalk. Hardly anyone here , according to the poll thought Beckham should be at SS and Alexei moved to 2nd. After that article there were quite a few angry comments about Teahans bad D, how much better Alexei was as a 2nd baseman than a SS and giving Beckham a chance to play his natural position. Right now it seems your average Sox fan is somewhat troubled by all this flip-flopping of positions and how it could effect Beckham's bat and putting a less than stellar defense behind what arguably is the best starting staff in the AL.

Jordan Danks will be playing in the Rising Stars game on MLB Network at 7:15 CST on Saturday night. Since KW mentioned him recently you all can take a look at him.

QUOTE (Athomeboy_2000 @ Nov 6, 2009 -> 10:51 AM) KW said today that Beckham will be at second next year. Teahen will be at third. I saw that . I guess the Beckham at 2nd numbers on the poll will go up now after the fact.

QUOTE (Kalapse @ Nov 6, 2009 -> 01:20 PM) You can only non-tender players who require a contract be tendered to them (less than 6 years of service time), Konerko is a guaranteed salary player so no, you can't non-tender him. That $12M is guaranteed no matter what. Thanx. So Konerko would have to waive his no trade clause and who would be willing to add that kind of salary AND give up a player ? Sure seems like KW has to be creative or Jerry raises the payroll to get other pieces to this puzzle. The only other huge salaries are Peavy, Buerhle, & Rios.

WOW so that's KW's plan. He say's it improves defense across the board but that' s assuming Beckham is better then Getz and Teahan is better then Beckham at 3rd. It's possibly true and hopefully true but at this point it's just not true. So it's a fairly young infield with PK being the lone exception and power potential of 15-20+ per man. It would be very hard for any team to take on Konerko's salary . So if he get's traded can't really expect much of anything but salary relief. Anyone think there's a chance of Paulie being non tendered ? Is that even possible and if it is, does that relieve the Sox of any contractual obligations to him ?

Thanks Mike. I'm one of those people who think that it will be the same as last year. I just don't see the Sox throwing away a year of progress . There seems to be a lot of support for Beckham now moving to 2nd base.

The speculation I see most on Soxtalk involves Beckham and Ramirez being moved to different positions . The choices you makes are based on your personal preference and who you think the Sox get in the off season and where they will start the 2010 season. Make 2 choices. Ok please delete this as making the poll questions appear was more difficult than I anticipated ANy help would be appreciated basically 5 choices Beckham at 3rd, SS or 2nd and Alexei at either SS or 2nd.

QUOTE (Tex @ Nov 5, 2009 -> 04:14 PM) The cool thing is thinking about the bands we loved that did not pass the test of time. For me I'm thinking of acts like Joe Jackson Look Sharp!. Boomtown Rats. Teenage Radiation, Leisure Suits. Otis Day. No doubt I would have had them in the top 20 at some point. Boomtown Rats , I Don't Like Mondays gotta be one of my all time fav songs. This will be a hard list to make. Not even sure one big act from the 90's on will even make it possibly U2 though they started earlier than that.

QUOTE (sayitaintso @ Nov 5, 2009 -> 07:35 AM) With the departure of Getz today Polanco doesn't seem like so much of a pipe dream anymore. Alleged departure. But if he is gone there's a big hole at 2nd base which neither Nix , Retherford or Teahan will fill. Still can add an OF/leadoff guy ( Nyger Morgan) and a 2nd baseman with Teahan being a supersub. If Getz really is gone it fits my scenario perfectly.

QUOTE (Kalapse @ Nov 5, 2009 -> 10:56 AM) Split stats like that fluctuate greatly from year to year, you can't acquire players based on their numbers with RISP. Did you know Polanco hit .278 w/ RISP and .258 w/ RISP and 2 out in '08? You have to acquire players based on something. He could mentor Alexei, solidify the infield defense while bringing a solid bat and leadership. He's like a lot of players. Stats fluctuate dependent on major or minor injuries but his over all body of work is solid. I know Robbie Alomar crashing and burning must be fresh in your mind but I think Polanco is good for at least another year.

QUOTE (Kenny Hates Prospects @ Nov 5, 2009 -> 10:43 AM) This one because Beltre is probably the better bet to come on a 1-year deal. But the problem then becomes, how do we pay him when we just added $4M to Teahen? We've now got about $28.5-30M committed to Konerko, Jenks, Linebrink, and Teahen. No es bueno. Why even worry about payroll at this point ? Either the Sox will increase payroll or dump a guy making beaucoup bucks . You know more is happening so stay tuned , we got all winter.

QUOTE (Kalapse @ Nov 5, 2009 -> 10:38 AM) People realize Polanco had a mediocre year at the plate and on the bases in '09 and is not 34 years old, right? 2B typically go down hill very fast especially when they reach their mid 30's. Age is my only concern with Polanco. He's incredibly baseball smart and hit's well with RISP. We need more of that.

If true Teahan brings lefthandedness and versatility. This points to the Sox leaning more towards a rotating DH. I speculated in my thread the the Sox needed to improve the defense and 2nd base was the only logical place to upgrade. You now see this by Getz being the 1st one gone. Though Teahan isn't the upgrade defensively in the outfield I was hoping for, he's still he a big upgrade defensively over Dye. He's 28 so entering the prime of his career so maybe the Cell and that will makes his power numbers better. He is a big guy , 6'3" 210 so he could generate power. I'd like to see a Soxtalk poll seeing who thinks Beckham or Ramirez will be switching positions . I really don't see it happening but getting Teahan just adds fuel to that fire. Nest step sign Polanco . An untested rookie like Retherford cannot be the choice at 2nd base on a team with World Series aspirations. He didn't even get a September call up.

Huge defensive upgrade in RF over Dye, lost our main stolen base threat and Teahen does bat LH.