spiderman

QUOTE (SoxFan562004 @ Dec 7, 2010 -> 02:39 PM) things like this are why KW and Sox are pushing for PK resolution, they have other plans in place and want to have a full plate of options if PK is going to leave While I understand the urgency for the White Sox to get resoultion on the Konerko situation (I'm actually surprised that it has taken this long, I'm assuming the White Sox are offering him about what they gave Dunn on a per year basis), if the backup plan is LaRoche, I'm willing to wait this out for a little while longer.

QUOTE (bucket-of-suck @ Dec 5, 2010 -> 01:43 AM) Heyman tweeted tonight he predicts PK returns to the ChiSox next week at the meetings. Heyman is probably just making an educated guess though. It would make sense that he'd come back, but I am wondering how serious Konerko is about exploring other possibilites. Obviously, he wants to see what his options are next week at the winter meetings, but is there a team or dollar amount that would cause Konerko to leave? Also, are other teams interested in Konerko going to go full throttle after him because of the perception that he's likely headed back to Chicago.

Do we think it's going to be a 3 or 4 year deal? I love Konerko, but his age (34) really concerns me. His 2009 season was great, but is it more likely that we regret giving him 3 years at $13 million per season or do we think we'll be happy with the production that we got out of this deal?

I'm sure that this is just the White Sox covering their bases. If some team (Baltimore being the latest) makes Konerko an offer that he can't refuse, Williams needs to have a replacement in hand. It's even possible that he may choose Dunn over Konerko if he can get him for less money and/or years though most of what i have seen for Dunn is for four years. In either case, the Sox need to have some semblance of a 30 HR hitter in their #4 spot in the lineup next season along with improving the rest of the lineup, and it's going to be hard to do both.

QUOTE (flavum @ Dec 1, 2010 -> 04:09 PM) Yeah, Quentin is a liability in RF, but that's all we got right now. De Aza might be a decent defensive replacement if he makes the roster. I think I'd prefer to see the Sox give Morel the job at 3B. He's cheap, and is a good defender. We need to have a few guys like this to balance the payroll, and could really help to solidify the infield defense. If they keep Quentin, I'd prefer to make him a DH, which, of course, conflicts with the thought of getting a left handed DH. I just don't see how he can be brought back as a full time RF next season given his issues defensively, and not to mention, his offensive ups and downs. As to who the RF is, no idea, not sure if there's a cheap option they can turn to who is an upgrade defensively.

Does anyone really expect the White Sox to go on a spending spree this off-season? Sure, maybe they sign Adam Dunn, but that only means that Paul Konerko isn't coming back (or vice versa). They don't have the payroll flexibility to add premium money without subtracting about the same (Dunn for Konerko as an example). I'm not going to be surprised if Williams makes a trade (Quentin possibly) to try and shore up the defense more and play to the team's strength of starting pitching, but I really don't expect the Sox to do much besides resign Konerko (or try for Dunn), and attempt to sign Putz/AJ. I don't see much else via the free agent market because of Williams' most recent moves of taking on big salary (Rios, Peavy and Jackson) and he still has to worry about upcoming contracts for Ramirez and Danks. As I've said a few times, it's going to be tough for the White Sox to dramatically improve their team because they are likely to swap salary for salary and major league talent for similar talent.

I'm sure there are teams interested in Konerko - we've heard about possibly Arizona and Texas, but the market has moved slowly so far. As good a season as Konerko had last season, he's 33 or 34 years old, and guys like Crawford and possibly Dunn need to move off the market first unless Konerko is willing to sign below value. Once Crawford and a few others fall of the market, action for Konerko will heat up, and there's probably a very good chance he remains in Chicago because the Sox are unlikely to spend what it will take for Dunn, and may be able to keep Konerko for 2 or 3 years (as oppposed to 4 years for another guy).

QUOTE (Disco72 @ Nov 26, 2010 -> 10:59 AM) There's "overpaid" and there's "bad contract." Rios is a productive player, so should Peavy (assuming recovery from injury). These are not bad contracts in the "we're totally screwed" sense. Of course, if Peavy doesn't return to form, that contract will be quite an anchor on KW's ability to field a winning team. Both were calculated risks - they got Rios for no players in return, but that's because of his contract. So far, this has worked out. It's so nice to have a CF the caliber of Rios who can cover so much ground. As for Peavy, this one hurts - the contract is pretty big for a few more seasons, and it cost young talent (Clayton Richard) for a guy who has been known to have some injury issues. With his latest injury, I think it's extremely questionable whether he's ever effective anywhere near where's he's been in the past. I think the Hudson for Jackson trade is another one that really hurts - they just don't have flexibility to add without subtracting at another position.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 25, 2010 -> 10:04 AM) The bullpen is going to be very different next year. I'd bet on no Jenks and no Linebrink to start with. Linebrink has 1 year left at 4 or 5 million, right? If so, how do you see the Sox moving him?

What is Stewart's contract situation? Second, I think I may be willing to give Morel the opportunity just because he makes no money, and the Sox can still bring him along at a decent pace with Vizquel getting some time at 3B. Morel is regarded as a good defensive player so that would be an improvement over last year's defense at that position. Obviously, his hitting is the question, but the Sox could have a pretty good defensive infield .

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Nov 25, 2010 -> 12:15 AM) What if they did Konerko, Jenks and AJ, for Dunn and DLEE? I'm not sure that they are any better, probably about the same. Dunn is always good for his 30+ HR's (maybe 40 again) so I like that as a DH, Lee is coming off a subpar season, but that could be who he is now at this point of his career. I really think they need to add a veteran catcher, if it isn't AJ. Your scenario isn't bad, I just don't know if the team is any better.

I don't see how they can afford to keep him, especially if they bring Putz back, and can either turn to him or Sale for the closing job. Jenks has become less effective each season over the last few years, and the payroll is stretched right now. He'll find a closing role elsewhere.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Nov 24, 2010 -> 07:46 PM) http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/11/dbac...-zach-duke.html Nevermind. Even with this news, the Sox still have Buerhle, Danks, Floyd, Jackson, and eventually Peavy. They may still put Sale into the rotation, and if they did move a starter could bring back Freddy Garcia and/or give Tony Pena a chance to start. The problem with trading a starter not named Buerhle is that the Sox are cash strapped - can they afford to trade Floyd for a guy making $10 million more a season? Can they add significant payroll in a trade for Floyd? Also, if they do trade Floyd, how strong is their rotation heading into next season? That is the strength of the team right now, but are they willing to trun the backend of the rotation into some flux? It will be interesting to see if they are able to find a creative way to possibly move a starting pitcher for some other help, resign Konerko OR add another comparable hitter, decide what to do with Quentin, the catcher and closer spot all while keeping the payroll at/below last year.

QUOTE (Jordan4life @ Nov 24, 2010 -> 05:49 PM) I wouldn't be all that surprised if we went into '11 without any legitimate upgrades. Outside of trading a Danks or Floyd, there's really no flexibility to do anything. That's what I'm thinking also, we may swap Konerko for Dunn, but there's just no payroll flexibility. I do think there's a chance that Williams moves Floyd, but it would probably have to be for young talent, again, because of payroll. They may just bank on their starting rotation being able to carry the team for a full season, though trading a guy like Floyd, even as inconsistent as he can be, would weaken the staff as well. Tough off-season for the Sox to be able to improve the team much.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Nov 24, 2010 -> 02:57 PM) They didnt offer that much to him as there was no offer. However, if they offer a contract to Adam Dunn, it will be at the expense of Konerko and maybe even AJ. You would then have Viciedo as your starting 1B and Dunn as your full time DH. OK, that was my assumption then - if they bring in a bat like Dunn, it means that Konerko will be gone since their payroll has little flexibility. My question would be, how does this team improve if the only thing they can do is swap Konerko for Dunn, lose Jenks, and maybe resign Putz and AJ? Kenny usually has something up his sleeve, not sure if that's trying to move Floyd, but, even in a deal for Floyd, it doesn't seem likely that they would be able to take on a big salary. With the payroll the way that it is, it feels like the White Sox are in quicksand, stuck in that 78-87 or so wins, depending on how things break.

Considering the Sox already have 80 million for 12 or 13 players, still have to decide what to with Konerko, AJ and Putz plus find ways to improve the team, where is the money coming from to offer up $12 million (or more) for Martinez? Is that at the expense of Konerko?

QUOTE (Steve9347 @ Nov 16, 2010 -> 09:08 PM) The Giants just showed us that with an amazing pitching staff you can possibly patch the offense with vets where needed and steal a title. We have an amazing pitching staff. Let's f***ing see what happens. How do the White Sox have an amazing pitching staff? I'll give you that it's a quality starting rotation with solid depth, but who is the #1 starter amongst this group? I'm not even sure there's a #2 on this staff. Yes, each of these guys is likely to give a quality start when they pitch, and they do tend to keep the team in most ball games, but there's no ace on the staff, and I'm not sure there's a closer either.

QUOTE (nitetrain8601 @ Nov 16, 2010 -> 09:02 PM) I read about it. It says One GM thinks it would be that much for a starting point. He's probably going to get more. With that said, my favorite part was: From Kenny. This is the absolute right attitude. I don't think any sports team should settle for being middle of the pack. It's the worse thing to do. Ironic, isn't that exactly where they are? Williams has added payroll (and traded young players) for Jackson, Peavy, and Rios (that was just money), and the team has extremely little flexibility in adding payroll, and getting better without losing it's best offensive player (Konerko and maybe it's catcher in AJ) from last season. Meanwhile, the team is slightly better than a .500 team and sort of a middle of the road team.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Oct 6, 2010 -> 11:36 AM) Gavin is under the Sox's control through the end of 2013 if they pick up a team option. Edwin Jackson could be on the block...but his value is not "boosted" even by a good end of the season. He's a guy who has been dumped by 3 teams in the space of 2 years, who is 1 year away from Free Agency and a Boras guy. He can't be expected to help a team long-term, he's already not cheap, and his pitching record the last 2 years is at best described as inconsistent. Put it this way...why do you want to be the team picking up a guy that 4 teams dumped in 2 years? They might try to trade Jackson, but they're not getting anything of serious use for him. It's a salary dump. If they trade Jackson, maybe it's too save salary, but I think they could get a solid piece back. He's a veteran pitcher who shown the ability to be a solid starting pitcher. The team acquiring him isn't forced to take on years/money so while you're not getting anybody's top prospect(s), but you can get back a useful piece.

QUOTE (bucket-of-suck @ Oct 5, 2010 -> 10:22 PM) We all know Kenny likes to trade to acquire talent more than sign free agents. This offseason more than most I think he's willing to deal his own impact talent to shake up the make up. Players likely to be on the Sox Block: Gavin Floyd Carlos Quentin Edwin Jackson Tyler Flowers The window for the current core closes after 2011. Time to build a new one. Some young players the team should consider trading for: Daric Barton - Young, quality lefty 1B, that can hit and get on base. Barton has walked 15.8% of the time, tops in the majors. .800 OPS in 2010. Quality glove as well. Matt Kemp - OF. Five tool player that needs a change of scenery. Power + speed. Kenny willing to risk to acquire young, big time upside with attitude? You bet. BJ Upton - OF. Another five tool talent that would upgrade the OF defense a ton. Power + speed. See above... Travis Snider - OF. Young lefty hitting power prospect. Could replace Quentin in RF. Leo Nunez - RHP. Had 30 saves in 2010. Intense competitor. They need starters and Floyd or Jackson would fit nicely. John Axford - RHP. Emerged as the Brewers closer in 2010. They desperately need starters and Floyd or Jackson would fit nicely. Kyle McClellan - RHP. Sinkerballer worked in the bullpen the last 3 seasons. His ERA/WHIP has lowed each year. Also had 2 saves for the Cards in 2010. Nice list. As for Kenny, I think he's going to try to accomplish as much as he can via trade, and he normally heads down this route as well. Gavin Floyd is an interesting name. How many more years is he under White Sox control? I also wonder if Edwin Jackson may be on the block. He did pitch well, but he's a Boras guy with 1 year left on his deal. Isn't this the ideal time to move him while his value is boosted? Looking at the White Sox heading into next year, there are open holes at catcher, 1B, 3B, and DH offensively. Obviously, some of these holes can be filled by B.Morel (can he hit enough?), resigning AJ and/or Konerko, and maybe moving Viceido to DH so it's possible that Williams goes this route to close the holes. Pitching is what I find most interesting. They have Danks, Floyd, Jackson, Buerhle, Peavy (seems to be on track to return on time), Pena, Garcia (assuming the Sox resign him, which I wouldn't), and maybe Chris Sale. Obviously, a closer is needed with Jenks likely gone, and maybe it's Chris Sale or JJ Putz who needs to be resigned to go with Thornton and Santos in the backend of the bullpen, but with 8 possible starting candidates, I have to think Kenny Williams will move one of these guys (Jackson, Buerhle or Floyd) for either bullpen help or a RF. Obviously, Quentin can be part of a trade as well, but I think it's highly likely that Williams goes through the trade route, with Quentin and a starting pitcher, probably two trades, to add bullpen help and another bat.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Sep 9, 2010 -> 11:11 AM) Just like the term "liberal", but I still don't see how either is an insult or name-calling. Its just a label, and I see no offense in it. Clearly, it's racist.

Twins take 2 of 3 from the White Sox. They have taken 22 of 31 from the White Sox. They have been the better team this season. I see no reason why this series will turn out any different than previous matchups between these teams.

QUOTE (justBLAZE @ Sep 4, 2010 -> 10:21 AM) Pierre LF Vizquel 3B Rios CF Konerko 1B Ramirez, M. DH AJ C Jones RF Ramirez, A. SS Beckham 2B Danks -P Jones has been swinging the bat better of late, and I'm getting sick of Quentin's act so no problem with seeing a bit more of a platoon until Quentin shows he can hit (especially on the road).

QUOTE (daggins @ Sep 3, 2010 -> 10:20 AM) Boston on the road is the hardest series we have left. Meanwhile, the Tigers have been tough at home but have been reduced to playing a lot of their AAA positional guys. Overall i'd be pleased with 4-3 and thrilled with 5-2, and I think this team can do it. Getting back Thornton would be huge, getting back Beckham will be a big help as well. Boston's rotation is pretty damn good. Very imposing. I'd take 2 out of 3 if we can get that.

QUOTE (chw42 @ Sep 1, 2010 -> 01:06 PM) Let's get a 3 spot here. Not likely, offense has hit the skids again after scoring 5 in the opening 2 or 3 innings on Monday (thankfully AJ's HR saved them yesterday).