South Side Fireworks Man

QUOTE (chw42 @ Nov 15, 2013 -> 07:41 PM) I think some of you might be overvaluing Santiago. I'm still not sure he can end up as a consistent starting pitcher. It's not so much overvaluating Santiago, in fact I'm not as high on him as some here seem to be. However, even if Hector only turns out to be what he is now, a young, cost controlled number three or four starter, that's still too much for Jaso. When bucket posted Jaso as a possible target, my initial reaction was a positive one because I figure he would be a low cost alternative to plug a major hole the Sox have at catcher without giving up any of their top trading chips. But if the Sox are going to give up one of their young starters it better be for more than just Jaso.

QUOTE (chw42 @ Nov 14, 2013 -> 11:53 PM) Would you trade somebody like Hector for Jaso? Hell no. If they can get Jaso for some lower level pitching prospects, it would be a great pickup. But to trade someone like Santiago for him would be crazy.

QUOTE (bucket-of-suck @ Nov 14, 2013 -> 10:33 PM) FYI, if you're concerned about the catching situation so is Rick. Was told Jaso is high on the wish list due to his high OBP contact bat from the left side. Had good talks recently with Beane but not sure it can move past prelim talks as his medicals are TBD due to concussion. Any idea what Beane would be asking for Jaso? If he doesn't cost too much to acquire, I'd be happy with him behind the plate for the Sox.

QUOTE (Baron @ Nov 13, 2013 -> 06:38 PM) 4 years 70 million with the White Sox? I may throw up If the Sox are going to give any free agent that kind of money, his name better be McCann. I don't believe this one bit.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 11, 2013 -> 05:42 PM) For payout purposes, the cash is upfront on signing day unless specified otherwise. For Sox spending purposes, you have to assume it is for this year. By this year do you mean 2013 0r 2014? They could have paid the signing bonus out of money they saved on the contracts of Rios, Peavy, etc. from the 2013 budget.

QUOTE (pittshoganerkoff @ Nov 11, 2013 -> 01:16 PM) Catcher and 3B are the two positions the Sox really need to improve. I'm not saying Saltalamacchia is the long term answer, but he's a longer term answer than AJ. I like AJ, but bringing him back doesn't help beyond 2014. If it comes down to AJ or Phegley/Flowers, I suppose AJ would be the way to go. But that has to be a last resort. But do you really want to be locked in to Saltalamacchia as the Sox' starting catcher for the next four years?

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Nov 4, 2013 -> 11:16 PM) Signing a 37 year old catcher to a multi-year deal seems like a bad idea to me. I'd prefer they sign McCann or trade for a good young Catcher. I'd be fine with Salty @ 4/$28M max, but if he's going to cost 4/$36M they'd be better off with AJ at 2/$12M.

QUOTE (Jake @ Nov 4, 2013 -> 09:01 PM) I think if we signed AJ to a 2 year deal instead of Salty to a 4 year deal, we're probably in a lot better position in two years I'd rather see the Sox sign Salty to a 4 year deal if it were for something like $6M or $7M per year, but if he's going to cost $36M for four years the Sox would be better off signing AJ for something like 2yrs./$12M - $14M.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Nov 4, 2013 -> 09:51 AM) If the White Sox spend that much on Salty, it will soon be regrettable. Agreed. If they can get him for 4/25 or 4/28 that would be good, but someone else will overpay. If they're going to overpay for a Catcher I'd rather it be McCann. Catcher is the Sox number one need right now and they also need a legit middle of the order LH bat so they should at least make a run at McCann. If they don't sign him, I hope they can make a blockbuster deal for a stud Catcher.

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Nov 4, 2013 -> 02:07 PM) Per Buster Olney, the Yankees have made a qualifying offer to Granderson QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 4, 2013 -> 03:45 PM) Which means the Sox are probably out. Good.

QUOTE (Cubano @ Oct 30, 2013 -> 08:36 PM) Greetings and Salutations, I have a team Cuba Abreu's jersey (79). I have worn the jersey a couple of times. I went to an AA game to see Orioles Urrutia and they showed me on TV. At a MLB ball park, one guy told me he remembered Abreu when he was playing for the Phillies. Obviously, he was referring to Bobby Abreu. I will be the most popular fan if I show up at U.S. Cellular Field. I am debating whether or not I should sell it. It is in very good condition. As for Abreu's makeup, he is very quiet guy. He is the anti-Puig. Both were teammates for the Cienfuegos Elephants. The Elephants SS was trying to leave too and he is not on this year roster. Abreu's favorite book is the Bible and he loves watching cartoons with his son. Remember, he IS NOT accustomed to play in cold weather and he needs to get accustomed to MLB pitching. I think he will hit for a higher average than Cespy. Cubano Welcome back, Cubano! I was wondering what your take on Abreu would be. I hope you post here again more often - it's always good to hear your opinions, especially your evaluations of the Cuban players.

Harry and Jimmy really made that Oriole game seem exciting too. They were just so much better than any announcers the Sox have had since. Harry was a great play by play guy and Jimmy was a great analyst who forgot more about baseball than most announcers knew and told it like it was. They were also very entertaining even when the team on the field wasn't.

QUOTE (Marty34 @ Oct 25, 2013 -> 08:15 PM) Friend of mine sent me a couple of links to Sox games he found on youtube with Harry & Jimmy announcing thought I'd pass them along. Yankees at Sox 6/3/79 Orioles at Sox 4/23/81 Enjoy. Harry and Jimmy were the best.

Abreu was number one on my offseason wish list. McCann is number two.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Oct 17, 2013 -> 10:55 PM) personally I think this closes the books on Granderson. Thank God. Amen!

White Sox 6 Years $75 Million

QUOTE (Soxfest @ Sep 25, 2013 -> 10:19 PM) Jerry Hairston Sr....................pinch hitting specialist. Speaking of pinch hitters - Rich McKinney. And don't forget Smokey Burgess.

QUOTE (SpainSOXfan09 @ Sep 17, 2013 -> 02:04 PM) Just to temper the mood on Abreu Jerry Crasnick (ESPN) has a nice article up detailing his shortcomings and basically giving us a buyer beware summary. The talent evaluators mostly agree that Abreu has legit power if he can harness it but will be challenged by fastballs in tight and breaking balls at te MLB level. The article says he has no value as a base clogger and may be a bit heavy but at thend it is pointed out he has trimmed down a bit. They try to guess his contract value and mention something like a 4 year 40 million contract. http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/page/onenat...se-dariel-abreu It doesn't mention the Sox as a potential team to match him up with but maybe that is a good thing. It certainly is in contrast to the early hype I had heard about him and it appears he may not be the "best hitter on the planet" as I had read about him. Still, I hope the Sox make a good effort to sign him as long as it's not a ridiculous overpay. They really need a power hitting first baseman as well as a RH power bat.

QUOTE (fathom @ Sep 15, 2013 -> 08:25 PM) Beckham now batting .202 since the ASB. It pains me to say this, but there's really no reason to bring him back next season. I'd move Ramirez back to 2B and let L. Garcia take over at SS. Beckham would make a great utility infielder but he may be getting too expensive for that. If they can't get anything worthwhile for him let him platoon at 3B with Gillaspie until they get a legit third baseman.

QUOTE (fathom @ Sep 2, 2013 -> 02:44 PM) Just when you think Beckham has turned it around, he goes and puts up an awful 2nd half of the season. Now batting under .220 for the 2nd half. He is what he is. Maybe Semien or L Garcia can show enough to take his place at 2B next season.

QUOTE (CaliSoxFanViaSWside @ Aug 30, 2013 -> 11:39 PM) Robin can take this loss for starting Keppinger over Gillaspie against rightie Dempster. I keep hoping Keppinger is being showcased for a trade. I guess we'll know by today.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Aug 29, 2013 -> 10:11 AM) I love the occasional "poor Ozzie" stories. If he wasn't such an idiot, he would have owned this town, and ran Kenny Williams out. If he wasn't such an idiot, he would have owned this town and him and KW would still be working together on good terms.

QUOTE (CaliSoxFanViaSWside @ Aug 26, 2013 -> 05:06 PM) 2nd game in a row Conor isn't starting against a RH after being hot the previous 3 games. Wondering ? Maybe they're showcasing Keppinger for a trade. Wishful thinking.

QUOTE (bucket-of-suck @ Aug 26, 2013 -> 03:01 PM) From what I've been told, it sounds like they plan to pursue Abreu very aggressively. You never know what closes it, but it won't be for lack of trying. That's great to hear. Thanks for brightening up my day a little!

QUOTE (sin city sox fan @ Aug 24, 2013 -> 09:32 PM) We are the best team in baseball now! Too bad Robin f***ed this season up months ago I love it.