RockRaines

Good luck with everything SSI.

QUOTE(southsideirish @ Nov 14, 2005 -> 01:42 PM) Where do I insinuate such a thing? Again, you are reading into things that just are not there. I really thought you were gay. That is why I even put that in there., That you can buy you and your boyfriend tickets. I thought you had a boyfriend. Sorry that I was mistaken. It is no different than if I thought you were straight and told you to buy your own tickets for you and your girlfriend. However, I had no idea that you were straight. I thought for sure that you are definitely gay. Sorry for the confusion. Seriously, you need to give it up. Besides your horrible arguments, your repeated insults about thinking that im gay is really pretty immature and stupid. I suggest you maybe stop posting for awhile to collect your thoughts, thanks.

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Nov 14, 2005 -> 01:59 AM) Nomar is definatley a better option than Piazza. He's still a good athlete and showed late last season that he can still handle the bat. Once again your going after an injury proned guy and thats something I'd like to see the Sox stay away from. I would much rather have Nomar. He had two freak injuries, and is a better player at this point in his career, and a better athlete. I like the Widge behind the plater better than Piazza.

QUOTE(southsideirish @ Nov 14, 2005 -> 01:25 PM) Huh? Where did I say it was a bad thing that he has a boyfriend? If you think it is a bad thing or he thinks it is a bad thing or anyone else here thinks that it is a bad thing that he has a boyfriend then shame on you guys. I am totally fine with his sexuality and his decisions in life. I am not judging him. He is what he is and I accept him for that. Why are you so down on a man having a boyfriend? Why do you think that is a bad thing? Dude, give it up. Thats now 3 homo remarks. If I was gay I would take offense, because you insinuate that its derogitory.

QUOTE(Steff @ Nov 14, 2005 -> 11:04 AM) No need for the green... however there is also no need for the shots. JMO, as always. You are right for sure. But you have to admit, hes got to be pretty frustrated trying to back up a trade of Alex Gonzalez to replace Uribe.

QUOTE(Steff @ Nov 14, 2005 -> 10:40 AM) You and your homosexual refrences are ignorant bulls***. MO, a vacation would be nice. Not the first time he has said it. Apparently its the only comeback he can come up with. :banghead

QUOTE(FlaSoxxJim @ Nov 14, 2005 -> 09:56 AM) A beer that isn't worth waiting for is a beer that isn't worth drinking. I understand the need in a concession situation, and certainly the laminar flow technology is wicked cool. But in a home situation I think it's overkill. use 3/8" beer line instead of 1/4", push the beer with beer gas (CO2/N mix) instead of straight CO2, or if you have to use CO2 then knock the dispense pressure down to 12 psi or less and you should be fine. I guarantee I have never wasted 20 glasses of beer out of a keg. The guilt would be unbearable. Apparently you are missing the point of the tap. You should go and check it out. The quality of the tap has NOTHING to do with speed IMO. It dispenses beer with the perfect amount of head. It wont foam up on your with new keg pressure, and it pours the beer with perfect foam. its a great piece of tech.

Deep frying the turkey is the only way to go. Last year I cajun-rubbed it, this year im going to just fill it up with injections of broth and marinade then deep fry that puppy. Its the only way to go.

QUOTE(Rowand44 @ Nov 14, 2005 -> 10:16 AM) One person. Figured.

QUOTE(redandwhite @ Nov 12, 2005 -> 04:36 PM) i have a question. isn't there some sort of copyright infringement by posting an entire clipping of a payed letter? i mean i highly doubt espn would do anything to soxtalk, but i'm just curious. Congratulations, your post is officially award the wet blanket trophy.

I didnt feel like reading through 5 pages of posts, but let me see if I picked up the summary of this thread. The Phils asked about a GG CF who was probably the best hitter on his team, who has a career OPS of .811, who almost consistantly puts up around 30 hr's and 100 RBI every year. And YOU guys assume that they would be interested in a player who has no GG's is coming off of a year in which he was a pedestrian hitter just because they happen to play the same position? Is that about right? If the Phils were going to trade Abreu for A-row it would go down as one of the biggest one sided trades in recent history.

QUOTE(IlliniKrush @ Nov 11, 2005 -> 04:39 PM) This doesn't mean the Chief is gone, which is what some people would think when reading the title of this topic. Sorry guys, but the Cheif, and his gymnastic-inspired dance is pretty gay.

QUOTE(Randar68 @ Nov 11, 2005 -> 05:07 PM) Young has the talent to make a "real impact" if he's forced into service. i like that

QUOTE(Felix @ Nov 11, 2005 -> 05:13 PM) The MLB is a much different level than AAA or AA. Adjusting in the MLB is a much more difficult thing to do than to adjust in AAA. Personally, I dont see BA doing much next year if he starts. Well your opinion, althought pessimistic, is your opinion. Of course his career in baseball proves your opinion to be an outlier. Considering his success at every level in the minors, and his quick adjustment to promotion, his trend suggests that he will prosper in the majors. Of course adjusting is more difficult, but thats why they are called prospects, and every player on the Sox roster has gone through the same adjustment period, meaning someone game them a shot. What if nobody did, just based on a pessimist like yourself who ignores the players career trends. The MLB would be filled with 40 year old guys and nothing else. Of course there is also a reason why the head of player development has his job, and you are posting on a message board trying to refute HIS opinion. But I digress.....

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Nov 11, 2005 -> 05:11 PM) If selfish and lazy gets you 45 homers and 140 rbi, I'd take it anyday. Manny is not the cancer people think he is. KW may not want him, but it is only because of the amount he would have to pay for him and to him. Believe me, the entire American League is praying he gets shipped to the NL. He is nowhere near the cancer people make him out to be. He owns as many WS rings as anyone on the White Sox roster. Yes, but anyone on the sox roster has as many rings as Manny has, and Ozzie has one more.

QUOTE(Jeckle2000 @ Nov 11, 2005 -> 05:08 PM) Let Brian Borchard 2K6 Anderson stay in the minors... Joe Borchard was going to be a stud too... remember him... So forgive me if i'd rather not keep the underpaid guy who busts his ass every game and has never hit below .270 with gold glove defense.... AND IS PROVED!!!! Brian Borchard can stay in the minors... Trade him.... BUT DON'T TRADE OUR PROVEN TALENT TO MAKE ROOM FOR A ROOKIE!!!! NOT TO SAVE A FEW MILLION DOLLARS!!!! FOR A 7th starter we don't need... wow, comparing Borchard to Anderson huh? Wow I cant even begin with that, so I will pretend that was a brain fart.

QUOTE(Felix @ Nov 11, 2005 -> 04:56 PM) Why do you guys think that Brian Anderson will hit .270? In his brief stint in the majors this year, nothing stuck out indicating he would hit that. He would likely end up hitting ~.250 with 100+ stikeouts in a full season (similar numbers to A-Row in '05). If that were the case, I would personally rather having A-Row in the outfield, since he's had the experience, and has had major success at the major league level. If the deal is for a big bat, I can make sense of it (I still won't like it, but at least it makes some senes to me). Pitching, not so much. Our pitching staff is one of the best in the league, and with BMac coming into it next year, it should be even better. Why trade the best defensive centerfielder in the game for more pitching? Do we really need 7-8 starters? You DO know if you would have stuck Paulie and Dye in there for the same amount of at bats they would have performed the same way, maybe worse. Look at their numbers in their first 50 at bats this year. BA hasnt had the at bats to determine what he will do. All we know is that he adjusts very quickly at each level he has been a player.

QUOTE(kyyle23 @ Nov 11, 2005 -> 02:37 PM) Oh no! Not 7th Heaven and Kitchen Confidential! What am I going to do?!?! I am not surprised about Arrested Development. Fox always cuts the TV shows that everyone loves. IIRC, it was a surprise when they got extended the first time. Its ok though, I am sure a Cable Network out there will pick it up and keep it running for a while Like cutting North Shore, those bastards!!!! Seriously I loved that show.

QUOTE(Randar68 @ Nov 11, 2005 -> 04:04 PM) The 2006 club? I think it's too early to say given the needs the team still has. Bullpen guys are almost always the most likely to contribute immediately or win a spot in ST due to injury, etc... That said, in 2006, barring a LOT of moves by KW, there aren't many positions available for regular playing time. What happens with PK and the #3 spot in the order will have the most impact on position players. Cop out. Come on, be bold, you dont have to stake your rep on it. Just tell me which player you think could make a real impact.

QUOTE(Felix @ Nov 11, 2005 -> 04:09 PM) link? do you have insider? cause otherwise the link doesnt work

A-row in a huge ballpark like San Diego, Oakland, etc would be extremely valuable.

QUOTE(beck72 @ Nov 11, 2005 -> 04:01 PM) I was dead set that Rowand wouldn't be traded. But I'm starting to come around and see how it could work out. If '04 was his peak yr [being that it was only 140 games, his avg and OBP would likely have dropped if he played the 157 games like this yr], and he's somewhere in the middle of the '05 and '04, trading him now while he's got a lot of value makes sense. I'd personally like to see a top five or a top ten pitching prospect come the sox way in an ARow trade. Someone starting the yr in AAA who could come to Chi. if a SP went down Esp. if Anderson could take over and give the sox at least what ARow gave them in '05. Giving Anderson a shot now, before Chris Young comes a knocking at the Cell door in '07, would give the sox a good picture of Anderson's ceiling. Great point.

Player 1. Paul Konerko 2005 stats Age: 29 HR: 40 RBI: 100 AVG: .283 OPS: .909 SB: 0 '05 salary: $8.75M Prediction/Comment Prediction: Red Sox. Comment: His back-to-back 40-homer and 100-RBI seasons show his consistency. His performance in the postseason proves to large-market teams that he can handle the spotlight. Look for a bidding war. 2. Johnny Damon Age: 32 HR: 10 RBI: 75 AVG: .316 OPS: .805 SB: 18 '05 salary: $8.25M Prediction: Red Sox. Comment: He is the top leadoff hitter in the game. He hits for average, steals bases, drives in runs and scores plenty of runs. Plus, he gives his club an attitude and a presence. He makes any team he's a part of better. 3. Roger Clemens Age: 43 IP: 211.1 W-L: 13-8 ERA: 1.87 BB: 62 SO: 185 '05 salary: $18M Prediction: Retires. Comment: He had another great season, but a hamstring injury affected him in September and October. His son, Koby, is still a few years away from possibly playing in the big leagues and Roger won't be able to last that long. 4. Rafael Furcal Age: 27 HR: 12 RBI: 58 AVG: .284 OPS: .777 SB: 46 '05 salary: $5.6M Prediction: Cubs. Comment: His game has matured at just the right time ... when he reaches free agency. He cut down on his errors substantially in '05, and also developed the patience needed to be a premier leadoff man. 5. Billy Wagner Age: 34 IP: 77.2 SV: 38 ERA: 1.51 BB: 20 SO: 87 '05 salary: $9M Prediction: Phillies. Comment: He still has the most dominating stuff among all the closers on the market. Expect a bidding war because teams that feel they are close to competing for a playoff spot will value his experience immensely. 6. B.J. Ryan Age: 29 IP: 70.1 SV: 36 ERA: 2.43 BB: 26 SO: 100 '05 salary: $2.6M Prediction: Mets. Comment: Clubs love his youth and strength. He is a horse. Some clubs value him higher than Billy Wagner because they can think long-term with him. Everyone who likes Wagner will also keep an eye on Ryan. 7. A.J. Burnett Age: 28 IP: 209.0 W-L: 12-12 ERA: 3.44 BB: 79 SO: 198 '05 salary: $3.65M Prediction: Blue Jays. Comment: He has the stuff of an ace, but the record of a No. 4 starter (49-50 in his career). He has a history of health problems and an erratic personality. In the right situation, he could blossom. If everything isn't just right, then he could be a bust. 8. Hideki Matsui Age: 31 HR: 23 RBI: 116 AVG: .305 OPS: .863 SB: 2 '05 salary: $8M Prediction: Yankees. Comment: Along with his talent, he brings leadership and toughness. He is usually a clutch player, and gives his team instant credibility in Japan because of his reputation earned from his days with the Yomiuri Giants. 9. Brian Giles Age: 34 HR: 15 RBI: 83 AVG: .301 OPS: .906 SB: 13 '05 salary: $8M Prediction: Cubs. Comment: He led the majors in walks (119) and was fourth overall in OBP (.423). His power numbers aren't what they once were. On the right team, he could log huge numbers; bat him second or third in front of a couple of big boppers and he may score 150 runs. 10. Trevor Hoffman Age: 38 IP: 57.2 SV: 43 ERA: 2.97 BB: 12 SO: 54 '05 salary: $5M Prediction: Padres. Comment: He is second all time in saves behind Lee Smith, and can still dominate with his power changeup. A hitter can know it is coming and still swing and miss at it. He is a great guy and an even better pitcher. Player 11. Kyle Farnsworth 2005 stats Age: 29 IP: 70.0 SV: 16 ERA: 2.19 BB: 27 SO: 87 '05 salary: $1.9M Prediction/Comment Prediction: Braves. Comment: The best thing that ever happened to him was getting traded to Atlanta, where he had the benefit of working with Leo Mazzone for half the season. He has always had dominating stuff, and no plan. Mazzone gave him a plan. 12. Kevin Millwood Age: 30 IP: 192.0 W-L: 9-11 ERA: 2.86 BB: 52 SO: 146 '05 salary: $7M Prediction: Indians. Comment: He won the ERA title in the AL in 2005, but only finished with a 9-11 record. He had a bounce-back year after struggling in Philadelphia previously. Millwood is a battler, but his personality is better suited for a mid-market club. 13. Ramon Hernandez Age: 29 HR: 12 RBI: 58 AVG: .290 OPS: .772 SB: 1 '05 salary: $4.3M Prediction: Mets. Comment: He's handled some pretty successful pitchers in his career between Oakland and San Diego. He's also been credited for his game calling and receiving. He handles the bat well, which makes him the best catcher on the open market. 14. Bengie Molina Age: 31 HR: 15 RBI: 69 AVG: .295 OPS: .782 SB: 0 '05 salary: $3M Prediction: Padres. Comment: You know that any catcher that has met with the approval of Mike Scioscia and started for him for several years must be pretty special. Molina can shut down a running game and he handles the bat fairly well. 15. Matt Morris Age: 31 IP: 192.2 W-L: 14-10 ERA: 4.11 BB: 37 SO: 117 '05 salary: $2.5M Prediction: Orioles. Comment: He had a great first half even though he was still building arm strength after offseason surgery last year. He is a gamer, and his experience would be a real asset to a young developing staff. He can pitch in any market. 16. Jarrod Washburn Age: 31 IP: 177.1 W-L: 8-8 ERA: 3.20 BB: 51 SO: 94 '05 salary: $6.5M Prediction: Rangers. Comment: His elbow flared up at times, but he is a quality lefty with playoff experience. He would be a nice complement to most staffs in the No. 2 or 3 spot in the rotation. The elbow inflammation may cost him a year off of a multi-year deal. 17. Bob Wickman Age: 36 IP: 62.0 SV: 45 ERA: 2.47 BB: 21 SO: 41 '05 salary: $2.75M Prediction: Indians. Comment: He is a big guy, but maybe just because he has a belly full of guts. He is a leader and a warrior. If a team can pry him away from Cleveland on a short deal (one year and an option) they will be lucky. He doesn't have the best stuff, he just has the best heart. 18. Todd Jones Age: 37 IP: 73.0 SV: 40 ERA: 2.10 BB: 14 SO: 62 '05 salary: $1.1M Prediction: Marlins. Comment: Surprise, surprise. He proved why picking relievers can be so unpredictable. He has very good stuff, and always pitches with a plan. He will be one of the fallbacks after Wagner, Ryan and Farnsworth are off the board. 19. Tom Gordon Age: 37 IP: 80.2 SV: 2 ERA: 2.57 BB: 29 SO: 69 '05 salary: $3.75M Prediction: Diamondbacks. Comment: He wants to be a closer and the good news for him is that there are clubs desperate for one. He will need to be protected a bit because he has shown the propensity to get fatigued at times, but for the clubs who lose out on the proven closers he will be a pretty decent alternative. 20. Jeff Weaver Age: 29 IP: 224.0 W-L: 14-11 ERA: 4.22 BB: 43 SO: 157 '05 salary: $9.35M Prediction: Angels. Comment: He is a proven innings-eater, and keeps his club in games and gives them a chance to win. He is not a dominant pitcher, but is a reliable No. 3 starter. Look for him to avoid the larger East Coast markets since his time in New York was rather painful. Player 21. Mark Grudzielanek 2005 stats Age: 35 HR: 8 RBI: 59 AVG: .294 OPS: .741 SB: 8 '05 salary: $1M Prediction/Comment Prediction: Cardinals. Comment: He was always known as a hard-nosed offensive player -- a slasher. He also proved to be a top defensive second baseman in 2005. His arm strength is unequaled at the position. He can make plays to his right and left and he turns the double play well. 22. Alex Gonzalez Age: 28 HR: 5 RBI: 45 AVG: .264 OPS: .687 SB: 5 '05 salary: $3.4M Prediction: Braves. Comment: He made up one-half of the best DP combo in the NL over the past few years. A change of scenery should do him some good. His offensive struggles and elbow injury at the end of '05 could undervalue him. He is not a bad alternative for those who lose out in the Furcal Sweepstakes. 23. Nomar Garciaparra Age: 32 HR: 9 RBI: 30 AVG: .283 OPS: .772 SB: 0 '05 salary: $8.25M Prediction: Dodgers. Comment: Injuries have obviously hurt his value in the market. If a playoff-caliber club has interest, they better have a fallback plan in case he gets hurt. He has done the right thing in offering to play third base or even the outfield. 24. Preston Wilson Age: 31 HR: 25 RBI: 90 AVG: .260 OPS: .813 SB: 3 '05 salary: $12.5M Prediction: Orioles. Comment: He may be a great value this offseason. He plays with an edge, is tough and will play hurt. He is a true power threat and on the right club and in the right ballpark could be a great addition. 25. Mike Piazza Age: 37 HR: 19 RBI: 62 AVG: .251 OPS: .778 SB: 0 '05 salary: $16M Prediction: Angels. Comment: It is time for Piazza to make the move to the American League, where he can be used as a DH. He should be able to extend his career several more years because of it. A healthy Piazza can hit 30-plus homers still and be a real RBI threat. 26. Frank Thomas Age: 37 HR: 12 RBI: 26 AVG: .219 OPS: .905 SB: 0 '05 salary: $8M Prediction: Indians. Comment: His days in Chicago seem to be over, but his career is not. He could provide a young team leadership and thunder, if he gets healthy. There is some element of risk with him, but sometimes teams on the brink need to take chances to get over the hump. 27. Jacque Jones Age: 30 HR: 23 RBI: 73 AVG: .249 OPS: .757 SB: 13 '05 salary: $5M Prediction: Tigers. Comment: He can hit for a decent average and has some pop in his bat, as well. He is a versatile outfielder and therefore offers any number of clubs a good option in the corners. 28. Reggie Sanders Age: 37 HR: 21 RBI: 54 AVG: .271 OPS: .886 SB: 14 '05 salary: $4M Prediction: Cardinals. Comment: He has hit over 20 homers in a season for six different teams. The question is ... could he do it for a seventh team in 2006? He can still play, and is a great teammate and leader. If a team offers him a two-year deal, they will land him. 29. Kenny Rogers Age: 41 IP: 195.1 W-L: 14-8 ERA: 3.46 BB: 53 SO: 87 '05 salary: $3.3M Prediction: Dodgers. Comment: He was an All-Star and won a Gold Glove in '05. For what he brings, he is a good value in the market. His performance falls off in the second half, but for a team with aspirations for the postseason he may be just the answer to get you to the trade deadline. 30. Jeromy Burnitz Age: 36 HR: 24 RBI: 87 AVG: .258 OPS: .757 SB: 5 '05 salary: $4.5M Prediction: Padres. Comment: He offers power and aggressiveness, and gives 100 percent effort every day. He is a more than adequate defensive outfielder. He is a bit streaky at the plate and he tends to strikeout too much, but when he makes contact look out. Player 31. Ricardo Rincon 2005 stats Age: 35 IP: 37.1 W-L: 1-1 ERA: 4.34 BB: 20 SO: 27 '05 salary: $1.9M Prediction/Comment Prediction: Yankees. Comment: There are a lot of teams with a lot of money who will be looking to upgrade their bullpens. Rincon has long been a very serviceable lefty. He takes the ball and gets the job done more often than not. 32. Julian Tavarez Age: 32 IP: 65.2 W-L: 2-3 ERA: 3.43 BB: 19 SO: 47 '05 salary: $2.6M Prediction: Mets. Comment: He has been a solid seventh- or eighth-inning pitcher over the last few years. He is predictable in that he will be in the middle of some trouble at some point during the year. He's someone who you love when he's on your team, but you hate him when he's not. 33. Bobby Howry Age: 32 IP: 73.0 W-L: 7-4 ERA: 2.47 BB: 16 SO: 48 '05 salary: $900,000 Prediction: Yankees. Comment: He closed some games early in his career, but has been a set-up man for a while now. He should have clubs bidding hard for his services as an eighth-inning pitcher, but it will be interesting to see if anyone steps up and wants to sign him as an affordable closer. 34. Carl Everett Age: 34 HR: 23 RBI: 87 AVG: .251 OPS: .746 SB: 4 '05 salary: $4M Prediction: Nationals. Comment: He can swing the bat and is still a decent outfielder despite being a DH most of this past year. He is a tweener as he hits for a decent average and has some power, but he is not a home run hitter. Expect him to look for a multi-year deal. 35. Bill Mueller Age: 34 HR: 10 RBI: 62 AVG: .295 OPS: .799 SB: 0 '05 salary: $2.5M Prediction: Dodgers. Comment: He is a gamer, and has proven that he can be part of a winner. Durability has always been the question with him. He is not the prototypical power-hitting third baseman, but if a club has power elsewhere then he may be a great No. 2 hitter in a lineup. 36. Kenny Lofton Age: 38 HR: 2 RBI: 36 AVG: .335 OPS: .812 SB: 22 '05 salary: $2.9M Prediction: Padres. Comment: An interesting player in the market. He will play most of next season at 39 years of age, but he showed in '05 that he can still play. He got on base and scored runs. He will likely only command a one-year deal, but teams looking for a leadoff man can do much worse. 37. Brad Ausmus Age: 36 HR: 3 RBI: 47 AVG: .258 OPS: .682 SB: 5 '05 salary: $3M Prediction: Astros. Comment: He will be torn between his home in San Diego (the Padres need a catcher, too) and his second home in Houston. The Astros need offense, which Ausmus really doesn't give (despite having one of his better offensive seasons ever in '05). Clemens has said if Ausmus doesn't return he may retire. 38. John Olerud Age: 37 HR: 7 RBI: 37 AVG: .289 OPS: .795 SB: 0 Prediction: Mets. Comment: He isn't the same hitter he used to be, but he is still very smart and very capable. The question teams will have to answer is, can he play every day, semi-regularly or only on a part-time basis? If he wants to keep playing, there is a spot on most good teams for him. 39. Ray Durham Age: 33 HR: 12 RBI: 62 AVG: .290 OPS: .785 SB: 6 '05 salary: $7.2M Prediction: Mariners. Comment: He doesn't run like he used to, but he can still produce when on the field. He has been unpredictable physically, often being a late scratch from games with one nagging thing or another. He can be a potential top of the lineup solution, if he ever stays healthy. 40. Joe Randa Age: 35 HR: 17 RBI: 68 AVG: .276 OPS: .698 SB: 0 '05 salary: $2.15M Prediction: Dodgers. Comment: He is a solid professional ball player. He isn't flashy; he just makes the routine plays. Offensively he is a blender. He will get a one-year deal and be happy with it. Player 41. Scott Elarton 2005 stats Age: 29 IP: 181.2 W-L: 11-9 ERA: 4.61 BB: 48 SO: 103 '05 salary: $850,000 Prediction/Comment Prediction: Nationals. Comment: He has come all the way back from his arm problems as he was very consistent and productive for the Indians in '05. He will be looking for a multi-year commitment and may find it in this light pitching free-agent market. 42. Esteban Loaiza Age: 33 IP: 217.0 W-L: 12-10 ERA: 3.77 BB: 55 SO: 173 '05 salary: $2.9M Prediction: Nationals. Comment: He is unpredictable as he has shown flashes of brilliance in his career and has also struggled mightily at times. He pitched well in 2005, and should draw some interest from a number of clubs desperate for starting pitching. 43. Jamie Moyer Age: 42 IP: 200.0 W-L: 13-7 ERA: 4.28 BB: 52 SO: 102 '05 salary: $8M Prediction: Mariners. Comment: He just keeps on going and going, having completed his fifth consecutive season of 200 innings or more. If the Mariners don't want him back, he will find work if he wants it. He throws strikes and his changeup still gets a swing and a miss. 44. Octavio Dotel Age: 31 IP: 15.1 SV: 7 ERA: 3.52 BB: 11 SO: 16 '05 salary: $4.75M Prediction: Mets. Comment: There has been a trend over the past couple of years in which clubs have signed pitchers who were unable to perform due to injury, with the hope they would get a benefit on the back end of the deal. Dotel is that guy this year. He has a special arm. 45. Juan Encarnacion Age: 29 HR: 16 RBI: 76 AVG: .287 OPS: .796 SB: 6 '05 salary: $4.4M Prediction: Nationals. Comment: He does most things pretty well and nothing great. He makes a very good fourth outfielder for a large-market team and a decent starter for a small- or middle-market team. He is caught in the middle, but it does leave him many options this offseason. 46. Bernie Williams Age: 37 HR: 12 RBI: 64 AVG: .249 OPS: .688 SB: 1 '05 salary: $12.35M Prediction: Orioles. Comment: He has been a big part of the great Yankee run over the last decade or so. Moving on, he would be a good fit on a younger team that is learning how to win where he can serve as a mentor and semi-regular player. 47. Sammy Sosa Age: 36 HR: 14 RBI: 45 AVG: .221 OPS: .671 SB: 1 '05 salary: $17.8M Prediction: Devil Rays. Comment: Someone will take a shot on him, but it won't be a team he would prefer. His health is a question and his ability is deteriorating. A club that goes ahead and signs him will be looking to catch lightning in a bottle. 48. Kevin Millar Age: 34 HR: 9 RBI: 50 AVG: .272 OPS: 754 SB: 0 '05 salary: $3.5M Prediction: Twins. Comment: He lost his thump in '05 as he slugged just .399. He is a good guy on a club, though, because he keeps everyone loose and reminds you that the game is supposed to be fun. He will get a reduced deal for one year. 49. Paul Byrd Age: 34 IP: 204.1 W-L: 12-11 ERA: 3.74 BB: 28 SO: 102 '05 salary: $5M Prediction: Reds. Comment: He continues to get hitters out with guts and guile. He is a competitor, and would be valuable for a young rotation because he works hard and makes the most out of his ability. 50. Scott Eyre Age: 33 IP: 68.1 W-L: 2-2 ERA: 2.63 BB: 26 SO: 65 '05 salary: $1.5M Prediction: Red Sox. Comment: He has put himself in a position to cash in big for a lefty reliever as he has strung together three pretty good years. He can get lefties and righties out, which makes him more than just a situational lefty.

QUOTE(heirdog @ Nov 11, 2005 -> 02:32 PM) Isn't that an oxymoron? You were trying to talk to someone that didn't want to be talked to by a stranger and asking him to sign something for you...yet you weren't bothering him!?! Background: we were in a united skybox for a hawks game, turned out Tony was in there too. We were standing next to each other and I greeted him. He signed the dude next to me's program and then told me no, I was polite and said thats ok, no problem, then he god mad, said NO MORE, and left where I was standing.

Oh yeah, met Tony Kukoc, hated him, he was a total asshole to me and wouldnt talk to me or sign anything for me, and I wasnt even bothering him.