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QUOTE(Wanne @ Jan 16, 2008 -> 12:55 AM) My rant was directed at these hearings bringing say, Tejada back...or talking to so and so...rehashing testimony...crap like this. I'm not discording the implementation of testing to alleviate it at all levels. I applaud it. Should have been done years ago. Just implement it...have your penalties in place and get on with it is all I'm saying. I'm not seeing the point of dragging all of this testimony crap out. Because it brings attention to the issue. If not for dragging these out the MLBPA would not have agreed to the drug testing policy and lower level amateur would not institute these testing policies. While I agree the actual testimony and such is mostly irrelevant, it's the attention and bringing out into the open the problems and subsequently putting pressure on the sport to institute the policies that has been the benefit of the hearings. Baseball and subsequently other organizations would not have the policies without this attention.

QUOTE(Wanne @ Jan 15, 2008 -> 04:32 PM) Seriously...let's keep having the government keep spending money on all this stuff...as well as the war and ignore things like mortgage crisis, unemployment, health insurance, homeless, etc... here in the states. I'm all for it. As long as we keep the God-fearing use of steriods out of these sports markets that will earn billions anyway regardless if they're used or not. Right now all it's turning into is a goddamn witch hunt. MOVE ON!!!! Implement mandatory testing from now on and move the F@#$ on. GODDAMN....is it really necessary to drag all this s*** through the mud?!? How about worrying about the effect of steriods on children? If congress didn't get involved, do you think the IHSA would have passed the random drug testing for the playoffs in Illinois? You may have your issues you think are important but I ythink stopping High School kids from doing steriods is important as well.

A well below average MLB player who was the starting shortstop on two world series winners and a WS MVP. Just goes to show you that tools aren't everything and scouting is not an exact science. Players with "well-below" average tools may not be MLB stars but can be effective players in used properly.

QUOTE(wsgdf_2 @ Jan 9, 2008 -> 12:27 PM) FYI - I asked Kevin Goldstein about Poreda today... wsgdf83 (Naperthrill): I've heard bad things about Poreda's delivery - that he's an injury waiting to happen. Have you heard the same? Kevin Goldstein: Not really. It's hardly perfect, but it's not end of the world violent or anything. The more legitimate concern is wether or not his secondary stuff will come -- it's still a pretty special arm. I don't necessarily think he's an injury waiting to happen. I think Bureaus point was that he doesn't think he will project to be an effective major league pitcher. I could be wrong but I thought that was his point. I haven't seen him throw in a game so I can't comment on it from an injury perspective.

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Jan 11, 2008 -> 04:26 PM) You're looking at what he can't do rather than what he can do, which is run the bases extremely well (I believe he rated very highly according to Bill James, which encapsulates more than just stolen bases), plays above average (albeit declining) defense and hits well for a CFer. This contract is also nice in case Balta is right and Cameron tests postive again -- the club option for next year is another nice perk for the Brewers. And yes, that is a tough lineup, except for catcher. And if Kendall can hit like he did with the Cubs (.362 OBP, albeit in less than 200 ABs), that's not a terrible "worst hitter" to have in your lineup. I see everyone's point on here and agree that he fits in with the Brewers. He is also a great guy and good for the clubhouse. I just think in the WS lineup the negatives outweight the positives. I would rather give the playing time to Quentin. Also, remember his suspension was for stimulants not steroids so hopefully they can keep him out of the leaded coffee. He just needs to pound the red bull at the end of the season to keep the motor going as opposed to hitting the amphetamines. His defense at the end of the season may falter without them.

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Jan 11, 2008 -> 02:19 PM) Kudos to Milwaukee -- that's a move that will improve their defense and add a decent bat. A one-year deal with a club option would've been the PERFECT move for the Sox, but I digress. I disagree. The one thing club doesn't need is a guy who strikes out alot. We have enough trouble with that. I love his defense but he is not a good fit for the club.

QUOTE(SoxFan1 @ Jan 10, 2008 -> 05:50 PM) So I recenty decided to start taking vitamins since the college lifestyle isn't so healthy, and so I can improve my immune system a bit, so I went out and bought Centrum Silver. Then a few days later, I noticed that it's specially formulated for people over the age of 50. So now I don't know if I should stop taking it. If anyone can offer some expertise or insight, that'd be sweet. It won't hurt you. There are just some in that you don't need as much of. Mostly vitamins are useless you get most everything you need while eating. The body can only absorb a certain amount of each vitamin so you mostly are creating expensive urine.

QUOTE(daa84 @ Jan 10, 2008 -> 04:33 PM) i wonder if kenny is waiting for after soxfest? i doubt it but just thought id throw it out there Or right before. He has been known to do deals at that time. I remember the Kenny Lofton deal and others I can't place names on right now. But he likes to introduce deals right around that time.

I base most of what I know on Universal Healthcare on friends and relatives from other countries. They all say the same thing. Everyone wants a job where once you are high enough in the company you can get private insurance for healthcare and don't have to deal with the universal healcare system. They don't care what the job is as long as that is an option. They all hate the universal system.

QUOTE(Texsox @ Jan 8, 2008 -> 07:12 PM) That was my understanding, but I could not find the link. You use the lidocaine topically, then ram the needle in. Commonly used with children, I believe it is what Dentists use as well before jamming that damn needle into your gums. Sad. I was a big Clemens fan and this really makes me feel bad. Lidocaine can be used topically like that. But it and xylocaine are the most commonly used local anesthetics. We use the topical version for tennis elbow and other localized tendonitis condition through an electrical device called iontophoresis. The local anesthetics in sports medicine are usually injected into joints to decrease local pain. Anti-inflammatory meds are more commonly used in soft tissue. Basically there is no reason to do this kind of thing unless illicit things are involved. Hell, MacNamee even doing an injection is illegal. He is not trained or qualified medically to do these things.

QUOTE(BureauEmployee171 @ Jan 8, 2008 -> 02:28 PM) As I've said before - why does everyone put such faith in BaseballAmerican/Baseball Prospectus when determining any teams true top 10 list? The only things they get right are the #1 (which are generally without doubt), and sometimes the #2. From #3 on, they're generally catastrophically wrong. I've said in previous posts as to why - but to make a long story short - they must take into account minor league statistics which are in many cases very horrible mis-representations of a player's true performance ability in the future. Many players in MILB are not allowed to use their plus tool in game situations - such as speed for a baserunner, or their #1 pitch as a pitcher, etc. And many, many, many true prospects are told to work on simply one thing during an at-bat to get the most out of their development - meaning - sometimes players (and this is ONLY for true prospects - as fringe players are allowed to play the game at their top level to 'prove' that they can be considered prospects - as prospects are 'known' to have an ability set and are told to work on other phases of their game) - but many times prospects are told during an at bat that they are not allowed to swing during the at bat until they get the certain pitch they must learn to hit - i.e. a player (maybe Sweeney? wink wink) is not allowed to swing the bat until he gets a hard fastball on the inner half to practice on using loft power to the pull side & he must wait until he has 2 strikes to swing if he doesn't get the inside fastball on the first 2 strikes. A player such as Ryan Sweeney could and would dominate the inferior MILB pitching if he used his strengths during each AB, but this would actually stunt his projection level as he would need to be able to adjust to his weaknesses at the MLB level. This is why "prospects" generally will have such "poor statistics". They are told that they cannot use their strengths during ABs in many cases - because they must learn to adjust to their weaknesses. Undoubtably this is going to have a negative effect on his 'statistics' - but the actual scouts and true-professional player development personnel know this and do not take all statistics into account. Billy Beane has MANY of these people working for him at the Player Development level. They have what may be the top of the line in player development from top to bottom. He does not employ "scouts" who are his "friends", etc. He does not like to spend money on scouts, therefore - the scouts he has and the player development staff he has - is all of the professional level. So, once again, PLEASE DON'T look at any statistics as the basis for a top 10 list. BaseballAmerica could not print this stuff and remain credible in the eyes of the 'casual fan' - because how can you say a player that hits .265-10 HR is better than a player who hits .315-17 HR who is only one level below, etc.? You can't. No casual fan would understand this and therefore - you would not be generating the profit BaseballAmerica is selling to causal, and even avid follwers of the game. Never, ever, ever use MILB statistics for YOUNG players as an indicator as to their future worth. These players (who are prospects), are generally ALWAYS being told to work on one phase of their game at a time until they master it - and with very talented athletes that comes relatively quickly - but generally takes an entire season or 2 to go through all the phases they need to work on. Keep that in mind when reading on top 10 lists. Only look at the #1 prospect, and in SOME cases the #2. From there on, none of the casual, avid, intense, or even crazy fans can truly know what prospects are ACTUALLY prospects. Why? Because the stats don't always correlate to who is a 'prospect' and who is not. "Prospects" are told to work on certain phases of their game - which generally NEGATE their statitics thru the seasons. "Non-prospects" are told to go full steam ahead to try to 'prove & gain prospect status thru their abilities, instincts, etc. You must really hate Bill James' theories.

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Jan 8, 2008 -> 01:55 PM) You wouldn't use Lidocaine for an overall body pain. It's not that you wouldn't use it, it's that it CAN'T do it.

QUOTE(shipps @ Jan 8, 2008 -> 01:59 PM) But you might if you had pain in your forearm or your wrist. One lidocaine injection cannot effect both the forearm and wrist. You would need multiple injections unless you do a nerve block but that would numb the entire area and make it useless for any activity.

QUOTE(iamshack @ Jan 8, 2008 -> 08:51 AM) Did he say he actually had the lidocaine shot into his ass though? I thought when he was saying he took lidocaine and B-12 he was answering the question of "Did McNamee ever inject anything into your body"... I'm not sure if the injection site was mentioned but he stated it was for overall body pain not for a localized problem.

QUOTE(heirdog @ Jan 7, 2008 -> 02:53 PM) Did anyone else notice that pink/magenta thing (highlighter?) Roger was holding in his right hand? At first, the way he was rubbing it, I thought it was a lucky rabbit's foot, then I wasn't quite sure what it was. But my synopsis of the interview: Roger was vague Roger never said that McNamee was lying Roger said he got B-12 (take a vitamin) and lidocaine shots (why put this through systemically when it can be used locally?) Roger said he popped Vioxx like they were "skittles" because he trusted the people that told him they were safe Roger averted the lie detector question by saying who knows if they're accurate Roger was steaming mad at being questioned Roger is not sure if people will believe him but people that know him, know what's he about (a cheater?) Roger likely will not play baseball again...unless he decides he wants to play again My take: Roger was lying [but he didn't pull a Palmeiro with his penetrating eyes, bushy mustache scowl, and pointed finger] Lidocaine does not work systemically. It only works locally.

QUOTE(lostfan @ Jan 7, 2008 -> 06:36 PM) You're starting to be on to something, but Aramis Ramirez consistently puts up FPCT in the mid to high 900s too and I don't think anyone really disputes that Crede is a better defender (just like nobody in their right mind would dispute that Ramirez is a far better hitter, and Fields too for that matter but that's another discussion). To get a full picture you'd have to account for things like zone ratings, glove reliability, arm - since Fields is a quarterback and has a f***ing rocket launcher for an arm I'd say that's the one thing he has that I'm counting on. I'm not saying that Fields is going to suck as a 3B forever, just that I don't see him ever being anything better than an average defender. I'm not talking about arbitrarily moving him either, only if certain moves are made that leave the team with another legit 3B and Konerko is gone (Swisher atm may be a really good 1B but he's the best CF on the team whether we like it or not). Just remember that both Crede and Ventura were known as good hit no field 3B as well. As long as you have the physical gifts you can learn to be above average at least with hard work. There's no telling if he will put in the time and "get it," but give him time.

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Jan 7, 2008 -> 05:34 PM) Heath Phillips was Designated for Assignment on the day that the Sox Traded for Carlos Quentin, and therefore seems to no longer be with the team. So I'd say no. Furthermore, Heath was signed by the Yankees to a minor league deal. I see cliff Politte resigned with the Cards. Hopefully the surgery and rehab went well and he can rewturn to form. He and Cotts were as instrumental as anyone for that World Series ring. Here's to Cliff

QUOTE(shipps @ Jan 7, 2008 -> 09:13 AM) Clemens admitted that he was poppin Vioxx like it was candy,he takes pain killing shots just so he can go out there and pitch,he admits that he takes b12 shots to this day.Yet he wants us to believe that he wouldnt take roids because it is harmful to his body.Then why would you put your body at risk when it is injured and dull the pain with with lidocane? The problem with this statement is that lidocaine is a local anesthetic. So, unless the pain was in his rear end, where the injection was given, it won't help anything else.

QUOTE(sircaffey @ Jan 6, 2008 -> 07:02 PM) Can someone point me to an example of where a player switch off a position to 1B, and performed well at 1B immediately? I know Konerko didn't. There must be some basis to your assumptions. Jim Thome, Billy Williams

QUOTE(sircaffey @ Jan 5, 2008 -> 10:43 AM) Why? KW targeted Swisher. Swisher is not a long-term solution to CF. It's clear KW wants to get younger in the core, and Kendrick fits the bill. You'd be an idiot not to make one of your first comments geared towards Kendrick. Especially since we have a need for a leadoff hitter. KW traded for Richar and I think will stick with him. KW would rather have young pitching than Kendrick. You can probably get a couple of young pitchers if you don't include Kendrick. There is a possibility of the a leadoff/CF guy to come in a deal. But my opinion is that that if PK is dealt it will be for starting pitching at either the minor league or young major league level. He may be satisfied with the rotation (but we also know if KW says that he is probably looking for more) but would love to increase the MLB ready or near ready depth. Actually since this rumor is out there it probably is a smoke screen for something else. KW is more successful under the radar.

If Konerko is involved in a deal, the primary objective will be starting pitching. The idea of targeting kendrick is off base. It will be for pitching and whatever else the the other team will include. If the above rumors are true, I hope KW has another plan to spin Mathews elsewhewre. He really doesn't have a place on this team besides the fact he isn't very good. You know KW is working plans to trade both Crede and Uribe. So there are still a couple of trades to come.

QUOTE(JFields27 @ Jan 4, 2008 -> 10:34 PM) Lets hope its not Crede that would go to first, already horrible back, but now we would have to worry about him making a stretch to make sure our infielders can be saved on some bad throws .. heh This might be all mlbtraderumors talk, but like I said before I think it would be a great trade and I would be on board with it From what I hear his back is doing very well and he should be ready during spring training.

QUOTE(beck72 @ Jan 3, 2008 -> 07:06 PM) Swisher must live in Ohio in the offseason. Interesting new workout routine. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/24/sports/b...amp;oref=slogin Isn't that a scene from a "Rocky" movie? In the freezing weather using a hammer while the competition is in a high tech gym being injected with steriods.

QUOTE(knightni @ Jan 3, 2008 -> 02:52 PM) KW doesn't know which direction to go. Rebuild or play for this season? What's the point of developing guys if you never use them? When you lose 90+ games with vets who are past their prime and you have a bloated payroll; the last thing you do is trade your top 2 mlb-potential arms for a guy who - granted, is a good player - is not a solution to your age/payroll problems. He should have dumped Contreras, Dye, Konerko and Thome and rebuilt. I can handle a future of 3 or 4 years of 90 losses if you are making a considered effort to rebuild, but KW is not. He is using them....to obtain major league talent. One of the purposes of a farm system is to use them as trade bait. KW has said many times that the reason that they draft so many pitchers is that everybody wants pitching and I will have pieces that other GMs want. I usually am of the opinion that you hold on to promising pitchers instead of obtaining bats. However, an on base machiene, signed to a long term, cheap contract is too hard to pass up. He will be here through 2012. HE can be the future more than some of the other prospects because he is a quality MLB player.

QUOTE(Elgin Slim @ Jan 2, 2008 -> 08:21 PM) Wasn't Anderson having wrist problems after he went down to AAA? I know he had surgery in June or something. Could that possibly be the reason why he only hit .255 in Charlotte? It was an injury he had coming out of college. The first surgery he had was to "clean it up" instead of repairing the damage, in hope that it would take care of the problem and he could begin his pro career and development sooner. It flaired up again and he had it repair this year. The rehab was longer but hopefully it will take care of it.