shakes

QUOTE (Milkman delivers @ Oct 6, 2011 -> 10:33 PM) It was exaggeration for effect. I hope you read the entire thread up to that point. I have. Have you read some of the things you have written? I get it, it's a weird, and questionable hire, to say the least. But, the hyperbole is out of control. Reasons for doubt are evident, but if this team doesn't improve the product on the field, the manager will be the least of the problem. Robin has zero experience, but a lot of tools to be a good manager. We will have to wait and see, but I am not ready to write him off just yet.

QUOTE (Milkman delivers @ Oct 6, 2011 -> 05:01 PM) I bet there are a few fans out there absolutely uninvolved with baseball that could also have just as good of a chance to be a good manager. I know people are going to fight it to the death, but we should have gone with a guy with some semblance of experience at coaching/managing. This is where skeptisism turns into whining. I get where people are afraid of his lack of experience, but a fan could manage the team? That is talk radio meathead garbage, at its finest. Managers need the respect of the players and there is no fan that would get that. I am doubting this hire, but willing to give Robin a chance. To start claiming a fan could manage is really puting you into cartoon character pessimism.

QUOTE (sircaffey @ Sep 30, 2011 -> 09:53 PM) Sandberg is going to be a fantastic manager wherever he eventually ends up. Sandbergs love for the bunt and 'playing the game the right way' would make Ozzie jealous. His approach is very old school. People are blinded by his history, as a player, and hall of fame speech. He has also been very ornery with the media. There are reasons he hasn't gotten a major league job yet. He has been very good at the lower levels, questionable if it will translate.

QUOTE (justBLAZE @ Sep 30, 2011 -> 10:10 AM) Anyone surprised how 'easily' they let Tito go? Something must not be right in the clubhouse, I understand Red Sox and all, but still had a good season. A lot of reports out of Boston suggesting major clubhouse problems. Pitchers drinking in the clubhouse during games on their off days, veterans like Becket rubbing off poorly on guys like Lester and Buckholtz, Lackey being a total mess. It sounds like Tito was completely worn down and knew he was done there. http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basebal...managers_style/ I would still love to have him as the Sox next manager, but it almost sounds like he needs to step away from the game for a year or two.

Cowley's true colors really shine through in these type of interviews. He is just a petulant child running around causing trouble screaming until someone listens. He clearly can't get enough attention, and it sure looks like he is just angling for a spot on one of the ESPN shout shows. What a low life threatening to blow up Kenny's personal life. It's not a beat writers job to learn all of the things in a locker room about the players and front office personal life and hang it over them. I'm sure he is correct in saying other writers know about it, but don't report it, because that stuff is off the record and off limits, for the most part, and others have some integrity regarding their professions. I'm sorry but I refuse to call him a journalist. Speigel doesn't come off great, but I thought he showed some restraint, and he is right about Joe inserting himself into the story, and relying on Ozzie and his inner circle. Really, that is nothing new for the Sun Times and why I stopped reading it years ago. Objectivity is no longer a goal, but an obstacle at that paper. I hope when Ozzie talks himself out of town Joe follows, but the Sun Times will just replace him with another clown. The self congratulations by that guy may be the worst part. I feel dirty after listening to that interview.

QUOTE (chisoxt @ Aug 18, 2011 -> 07:22 PM) Wanna bet? I get what you are saying, my point is I don't think Brandon Allen will have a big league career. To be determined.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Aug 18, 2011 -> 11:55 AM) And in an ideal world, we could supplant that lack of production with components of a good farm system, or from acquisitions made using pieces of a good farm system. Unfortunately, we only have so many financial resources available. Obviously, some of you would prefer a lower payroll with a higher percentage of assets being committed to player development. With the huge attrition rates of prospects in this game, I honestly prefer our current model, which is weighted much more heavily towards committing to known assets. I have to agree, the draft is such a difficult science, it doesn't really bother me that the Sox don't spend a ton. Yes, I wish they spent more, especially on international signings, but dollars spent doesn't always correlate to successful minor league systems. The Sox really need to focus on development of the young talent they do have. They are really good at scouting players that are a little more developed. They have done a great job targeting players that they see a good future in, once they have a couple of years in the minors. Danks, Floyd, Quentin, Lillibridge, Deaza, and hopefully Flowers and Stewart, although too early to tell on those guys. Up until recently, they have had a good track record of noticing guys in their own system that have limitations and maximizing their value like McCarthy, Poreda, Brandon Allen(I know Pena sucks but he will likely have a more successful pro career than Allen), Clayton Richards, Carter, and others I'm forgetting. And the Sale and Beckham draft picks were their highest in a long time and both are successful picks. Beckham has some big adjustments to make, but a lot of that to me was because he was rushed, and hasn't adjusted well to failure(reminds me a lot of Rick Porcello). They have been burned a bit lately, but I think it has had way more to do with KW's impatience and stubbornness. I still don't think the Edwin Jackson deal was as horrible as many make it out to be, but the Swisher trades were the big losses. His impatience has also has precipitated the terrible, but defensible, signing of Dunn. Viciedo easily could have been a DH, but both the manager and GM are infatuated with having the big lefty bat, and KW won the pissing contest after the Kotsay debacle. I think the Rios claim was also a very poorly thought out overreaction, although there has been a lot of conjecture on how much they really wanted to keep him. They do make up for their failures in different areas. Santos and Humber have been great finds, along with a bunch of other no name or washed up pitchers over the years. I think Coop deserves a lot of credit for that. The Cuban signings have also done really well. Too bad that couldn't translate into other international markets.

I really appreciate what Ozzie/Kenny have brought to this organization. What I am speaking to is the past. The 2005 season was my favorite time as a sports fan. Luckily, I spent a lot of it first hand, at the games. I will always be grateful. With that said, they are an absolute embarrassment. I can't see anyone wanting to play for these guys, under these circumstances. Ozzie always hides under the guise of family. Now, one of his former players, who albeit underperformed, is under attack about his family, and for cosmetic reasons. Which is the most juvenile attack that can happen. If you are all about family, shouldn't that ground be sacred? His family has taken it too far, and no matter if he said it or not it, is a reflection on him. Players can't possibly feel good about this situation. How could any player trust leaving here? Why would you come here under this management? That is a question JR needs to start thinking about. I split season tickets for years, and gave them up in 2008 for financial and family responsibilities. 2011 will be the first time since 1985 that I will not attend a Sox game. It doesn't have to do with finances as much as an unlikable team, and for the first time I am ashamed of this organization. My parents took me to my first Sox game, and until I have something positive to say about the Sox, I will not take a young kid, because a positive experience can make you a lifelong fan, like it did for me. Currently, there is not a whole lot of positive to talk about.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Jul 27, 2011 -> 12:53 PM) I saw they had some nice lower level bats, anything worth taking? He loves Domingo Santana, but is more impressed with the arms in the system than the bats. I guess it depends on who the Sox would be dealing to Philly. He also loves Jesse Biddle. Not sure much of their good talent is near ready.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Jul 27, 2011 -> 12:34 PM) Anyone familiar with the Phillies minor league system? I know it pretty well. Actually have a friend who scouted for them for a long time. He is retired now, but keeps up with them, had a hand in some of the lower level guys in the system. None of them working out too well.

QUOTE (fathom @ Jul 27, 2011 -> 12:02 PM) I like the deal cause it gets Teahen off the books, but like you said, it's all reactionary to make up for previous transactions that didn't work out. I get that, but that is not money that can be spent. Teahen was the least of the bad contracts. Could have probably dumped him in the offseason and ate a little salary. Just stop and look what Toronto really gave up for Rasmus. A couple of decent relievers, a middling prospect with upside, and agreed to pay for Teahen, while highly overpaid, can be a useful bench player. That's what a good GM does. Those are things KW use to do. Now, he cleans up after his ego and pissing matches and keeps digging a deeper hole for this team.

QUOTE (Real @ Jul 27, 2011 -> 11:56 AM) one person mentions colby rasmus and all of the sudden the entire board, most which had little to no idea who Rasmus even WAS goes apes***, lol group think mob mentality here at Soxtalk I agree people are overvaluing Rasmus here, but I think it shows how little of value KW got for Jackson. He got nothing but salary relief for an earlier mistake, when he could have had a player with high potential that could have at least been easily moved. I am shocked so many are alright with this. I feel like the team took a step in the wrong direction and the same reactionary person may cause more damage soon.

QUOTE (Jordan4life @ Jul 27, 2011 -> 11:41 AM) And I'm going to say you belong in a rubber room. How is that? We had Jackson, and better relievers than they gave up. I don't even like Rasmus nearly as much as some do on this site, but it's clear to me the Sox could have had him rather easily, but it was instead about dumping Teahen's contract. Pathetic. We are worse off this year than we were and no better for the future. Save a few million we can't spend. I can't believe how far this organization has fallen. And I stuck up for KW a lot, in the past.

I would only anticipate a 10% response to this thread.

QUOTE (Jordan4life @ Mar 19, 2011 -> 12:50 PM) Brandon Allen, for whatever reason, hasn't been given much of a chance yet. He's torpedoed AAA the last year and a half. Nothing for him to prove there. He's #2 on the depth chart behind Juan Miranda. Which is pretty silly to me. But I would imagine BA will get a chance to really prove himself this year. Helps a lot that he's athletic enough to play the OF. I admit, I defended the trade when it happened. But looking back, it really was an awful move. An athletic 22-23 year old left-handed power bat with the ability to play multiple positions is a far more valuable commodity than the Tony Pena's of the world. Every team in baseball has a Tony Pena stashed away somewhere. Honestly, Pena is worth much more than Allen, and most teams know it. Like it or not, the Sox won that trade. Allen is AAA fodder and the Sox let him go and got value for him at he right time. Allen is about 5th on the depth chart and a year a way from being nothing. Pena isn't a stud, but he is worth more than Brandon Allen.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=ArOM...-tigers-cabrera

QUOTE (PeavyTime @ Sep 1, 2010 -> 02:23 PM) I am so f***ing tired of the bunt! Sacrifice when down 3? Come on Ozzie, pull your head out of your ass man. Omar was bunting for a hit. It wasn't a sacrafice.

QUOTE (maggsmaggs @ Aug 10, 2010 -> 05:24 AM) The probabilities show bunting is an awful decision unless you have a pitcher at-bat or a terrible match-up with a hitter. Granted, when you have a runner on second base, no outs and the likes of Andruw Jones pulling the ball, I'd still rather attempt the bunt. The probabilities don't account for the situation. Putting your fastest baserunner in scoring position, as the go ahead run, with your 3,4, and 5 hitters up next is an ideal situation. I can't really understand how people have a problem with this.

QUOTE (BearSox @ Jul 30, 2010 -> 03:08 PM) Yeah, even better point by you! 1 world series title in 10 years = lifetime free pass!!!! You stated that half the board has blind faith for no reason whatsoever. A world championship is a great reason and the rest of your comment is a gross exageration on a couple of different levels.

QUOTE (BearSox @ Jul 30, 2010 -> 02:55 PM) Jordan4life, why are you pissed? It's not like Kenny ever makes any bad trades right? Just be like the other half of this board and have blind faith in KW for no reason! Yep, Kenny has never given anyone a reason to have faith in him. Good point.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jul 30, 2010 -> 02:30 PM) In the other thread, Russ, name the other teams that have been as active as the White Sox have been over the past 6-7 years in getting big players that become available. This is some fantasy you seem to have that there are other teams out there constantly loaded with prospects and acquiring veteran all-stars every year simply with a wave of their magic wand. This is a very good point that gets glossed over all too often. People are always comlpaining about the Sox farm system and the teams bdget, but yet year in an year out they are able to aquire players they need. Whether it's Jackson, Peavy, Freddy, Thome, Rios, Griffey, Swisher, Quentin, or whomever else you want to throw in there. When Kenny wants someone he is able to get them. It may not always be the most conventional way, but it gets done. Yes, everybody would like a deeper farm system, but the system has been able to produce what it needs for the big league club, and when you have someone like Kenny who values his prospects in a very certain way, this system will probably always lack depth. To me it makes more sense than holding on to prospects for too long like Fields and Anderson, and Kenny rarely gets burned.

QUOTE (Frank_Thomas35 @ Jul 29, 2010 -> 02:03 PM) MLB network trade deadline special just reported Oswalt a done deal. I find it interesting outside of Happ the other two prospects were AA (valarie?) and low A (Gost) players, and HOU ate salary. He was by far the best picther available and that isn't a great return. Maybe we'll be suprised by who we get and what it takes to get them. The Haren and now Oswalt deals included a lot of high ceiling prospects (low A guys). Oswalt was also not just going to go to the team offering the best deal. He was willing to envoke his no-trade clause, so he didn't exactly make it easy for Houston.

QUOTE (elrockinMT @ Jul 28, 2010 -> 10:06 AM) Why give our players away for nothing? Doesn't seem like we have to move anyone unless it benefits us as well as the otehr team Getting rid of Linebrink and his salary would be of great benefit to the Sox this year and next, regardless of what the return is(unless it requires taking on a bad contract). That could be the difference in being able to resign Putz next season.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jul 28, 2010 -> 08:48 AM) Chris Sale says hi! Alexei and Dayan say hello, as well! Trayce Thompson says whats up! I agree it would be nice if the Sox put a little more resources towards the draft and international signing. But, there has definitely been a shift in that direction the last few years. This team likes to put most of it's resources towards the big club, and they have been pretty successful with that approach.

QUOTE (BearSox @ Jul 27, 2010 -> 01:42 PM) Precisely the trade that was on my mind. I have no idea why the D-Backs thought it was a good idea at all to get in on that trade. The Diamondbacks had some legitimate concerns about Sherzer. He has very questionable mechanics that have led to shoulder trouble in 2006, 2008, and again in 2009. Many people think he is an injury waiting to happen, and may end up being a late inning reliever. He has also had control problems, and has been inconsistant with his secondary pitches, which have led to him only averaging 5.1 innings per start. He hasn't really put any of that to rest this year, although he has shown he can be dominant for stretches. I'm not sure why the D-Backs wanted Edwin Jackson in that trade, but in the end Ian Kennedy may end up being a better starting pticher than Sherzer.