BaseballNick

QUOTE (Felix @ Dec 14, 2008 -> 01:25 PM) Incorrect. When you have a runner on first and no outs, you are expected (based on empirical data from 1999 to 2002) to score .953 runs. That number drops to .725 with a runner on second and one out. Simply said, you are more likely to score with a runner on first and no outs than you are with a runner on second and one out. I don't think anyone on here is saying we should bunt every time the leadoff hitter reaches base to start an inning. Certain situations dictate a bunt (maybe 1st and 2nd no outs when trailing by a run). It's sad how few Sox players can execute the task when asked to do so.

NY Post says Yanks may explore a trade for Dye although they are on his NTC list: Link

QUOTE (Thunderbolt @ Dec 13, 2008 -> 06:25 PM) Traditonally, a team that doesn't waste any outs by moving runners over at the expense of at-bats tends to score more runs then a team that does. That would be a great theory if the Sox weren't a team requiring four base hits to score a run. With a team this slow and prone to the rally killing double play, it's incredibly valuable to move the runners up a base. I'm a purist and think every player on the team should be able to bunt, but that's just me.

QUOTE (Felix @ Dec 13, 2008 -> 05:03 PM) Who cares about bunting? It's a stupid play designed to give outs away, which is not something we should be doing in front of our sluggers. Yeah, a balanced team that bunts and plays good fundamental baseball doesn't win games. That's absurd!

QUOTE (Gregory Pratt @ Dec 13, 2008 -> 10:50 AM) Our battery couldn't hold a moderate-to-good-to-great runner if its life depended on it. Agreed. That goes along with the whole Twins are Piranhas thing. Any kind of speed on the opposition plays directly into our greatest weakness. We're tremendous at turning singles into doubles or triples.

QUOTE (Kalapse @ Dec 12, 2008 -> 11:14 PM) Yep, stole 5 bases and failed to score even 1 time. He actually had 1/18 of his total extra base hits for the season against us in 1 AB in that very game. He comes to play at the Cell. When a guy steals 5 bases and doesn't score once, I would put the onus on his teammates. Willy T did all he could do to get himself into scoring position that day.

QUOTE (Thunderbolt @ Dec 12, 2008 -> 04:27 PM) Those memories ere from the World Series he was the only Astros to hit well against us, unfortunately, that was also the highlight of his career. Taveras is not a serviceable ballplayer in the American League. That is all. Those memories were also from last season when he stole 5 bases in a single game against us. Willy Taveras = Sox killer.

I have memories of the guy being a nightmare against us. The guy can run. I wouldn't mind it as a Plan B or C. I've read that he's a priority for the Reds as they need a CF.

Here's some good news:

I like Alexei at either 2B or CF. I don't think I trust him at SS full-time.

I'm pretty sure this kid is a local product. Richards HS in Oak Lawn?

Kenny picks up Andruw Jones for two insignificant minor leaguers.

Definitely a yes.

QUOTE (Kalapse @ Dec 9, 2008 -> 05:10 PM) Our current payroll is about $88M. Have you included Viciedo? I ask because supposedly that's not official yet.

QUOTE (ptatc @ Dec 9, 2008 -> 02:30 PM) However, an increase in the value of the franchise does not mean they made a profit last year. This is true, but companies that lose money generally don't become more valuable year over year.

The Braves have a lot of very good prospects. It's very smart to at least get the rumors swirling again.

QUOTE (fathom @ Dec 9, 2008 -> 11:44 AM) Ugh I don't like it either. I really don't think this is the team the Sox start the season with.

QUOTE (Jimbo's Drinker @ Dec 9, 2008 -> 11:38 AM) The sox will start the season like this, guaranteed. The Kids Can Play Part II

Kevin Towers was on MLB radio about a week ago and he sounded like a beaten man. He knows his team sucks, and a lot of that is because he sucks.

QUOTE (103 mph screwball @ Dec 8, 2008 -> 08:34 PM) I don't know what to think. JD would deserve better than to be lied to. Absolutely he does. Just remember that it's a business.

QUOTE (chisox2334 @ Dec 8, 2008 -> 08:14 PM) peter gammons reports that ozzie talked to dye and said he wont be traded and is needed for this team And KW told Gio to his face that he wouldn't trade him. Guess what he did after that...

QUOTE (fathom @ Dec 8, 2008 -> 07:44 PM) Roberts makes no sense for the Sox now with all of the 2nd baseman in our system. There's a better chance of Roberts ending up in the other part of Chicago. Nix is an "old prospect", Lillibridge is a question mark, Betemit seems more like a utility player, and Getz is unproven (although looked good in limited play last year). I wouldn't mind seeing what Getz can do, but I'd rather move some pieces for a proven All-Star who is a leadoff man. Problem is the price tag.

QUOTE (ScottPodRulez22 @ Dec 7, 2008 -> 10:38 PM) He was not that bad. http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200807013044979 Eh, he probably stole some "meaningless" bases that game, too. How dare he!!! It's going to be an interesting week. I can't wait.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Dec 7, 2008 -> 07:03 PM) I don't believe anyone in the Sox organization ever mentioned Hudson. It was all writers speculation. Cowley has been throwing the names of Hudson and Figgins around since at least the middle of last season. Acquiring both players made a whole lot of sense, but you can argue that neither makes sense right now. I still like Figgins though.

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