Lillian

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 11, 2012 -> 07:23 PM) Honestly any conversation with the White Sox and Hamilton is a waste of breath. The Sox are up against their payroll as is, and they aren't about to unload enough payroll guys to bring in a guy like Hamilton. Even if the Sox had the money, the guy is the wrong side of 30, expensive, and an ex-hardcore drug user. There is nothing about Josh Hamilton that makes him a remotely realistic topic of conversation for Sox fans. After reading all of the posts, and thinking more about it, I have to agree with you. So, whom should the Sox go after? I see that it has been speculated it would take 4 years, and $40 million to resign Headley. If that is the case, would you like to see the Sox trade and extend him?

If we put this discussion about Hamilton in the proper perspective, the larger point continues to be that the Sox desperately need a potent, high OBP, left handed bat. Not only is the line up weighted too heavily toward right handed hitters, but there isn't a single left handed threat that would force an opposing manager to go the pen for a left hander. Does anyone seriously believe that an opposing manager is going to remove a right handed pitcher, just to face Adam Dunn, much less de Aza? There are far more right handed starters and relievers, than there are southpaws, and the Sox don't have a threat to exploit it. It's not only important in any given game, but in a typical 3 game series, it is advantageous to "burn" through the opposing team's pen, early in the series. So the question is; "Whom do the Sox go after"? Is it Chase Headley, Josh Hamilton, or someone else? You can forget about Hahn trying to acquire a right handed hitter. I'm confident that is not going to happen. If he gets anyone, it will be a solid left handed hitter. Trading Viciedo, Floyd, Thornton and even Beckham would all be worth the price, if it gets this team the bat it needs.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Nov 11, 2012 -> 10:29 AM) The thing that would scare me is the team that really knows him best, and throws money around like it's nothing, is only willing to go 3 years. I haven't looked, but perhaps the Rangers already have too much money committed to other long term contracts.

Most “big market” teams have a high priced star offensive player. The Sox will almost certainly have to find one after Konerko, Rios and Dunn are gone. Hamilton, signed to a long term deal, could be that guy. Hamilton will be 32 this season. He should have 5 good years left, at least. If you add the possibility of him DH’ing perhaps he has 7 or 8 years. An addition of Hamilton would be a "no brainer" for the next couple of years. Of course, it's the long term that gives any GM pause. $25 million per year for the next 5 years is reasonable. He should still be worth close to half of that in years 7 and 8. $150 million for 7 years should be acceptable, if he would take it. However, the question is; whether or not there would be room on the payroll for such an addition. The long term commitment is the biggest concern. In that regard, the Sox are in the enviable position of having almost no money committed past 2014. The only two players under contract for 2015 are Ramirez and Danks: Alexei Ramirez 13:$7M, 14:$9.5M, 15:$10M, 16:$10M club option ($1M buyout) John Danks 13:$14.25M, 14:$14.25M, 15:$14.25M, 16:$14.25M If you look at the 3 year "board", and try to imagine whom management is anticipating might be on the roster, you could project something like this for 2015 and or 2016, with Hamilton added: CF K. Walker (Tekotte, J. Mitchell) 2B C. Sanchez DH J. Hamilton RF C. Hawkins 1B K. Barnum C T. Flowers LF T. Thompson 3B ? SS Ramirez SP Danks Sales Quintana Castro Bullpen Santiago Reed Jones Veal There is potentially a lot of young talent that could fill out the roster, at a low cost. Then there are all of the unknown names that could be added along the way through the draft or trades. The absence of current long term contracts, coupled with some of the promising youngsters who are still 2 or 3 years from being ready to begin MLB service time, might actually give the Sox a little room to contemplate signing Hamilton. Why not go for it now, and see what happens after Dunn, Rios, Konerko, Peavy and some of the other guys are gone after 2014. Until then, that lineup would sure look good with Hamilton's left handed bat.

Is there a way to structure a contract that would nullify it, if a player were found to have serious substance abuse problems? I understand that it would be difficult to do, even if it were approved by the Player's Union. Nevertheless, it does seem fair and reasonable. After all, it's one thing for a player to be injured, and yet quite another for him to become an addict, or relapse into a state of active drug, or alcohol addiction. Perhaps he could be suspended without pay, until he demonstrated that he was no longer using the particular drugs specified in the contract. Again it's complicated, but it just doesn't make sense for a team to not have some recourse, under such conditions. Only in sports!!!!! In the "real" world, a guy would just be fired, with no compensation. It's ludicrous for a team be responsible to pay a player $25 or $30 million per year, under such circumstances? Where is the accountability?

Headley would immediately become our #3 hitter. Viciedo is not likely to be able to fill that role, and even if he did, he's not left handed. The lineup would be so much better balanced with a good left handed bat in the number 3 spot. Then you can bat Dunn 5TH or 6TH, which is a better spot for him. As Caulfield pointed out, it's a lot easier to find another left fielder than it is to find a good hitting third baseman. I wouldn't mind seeing de Aza moved to LF and either Danks or Tekotte being given a shot in CF. That would give you a great defensive outfield. How good is Headley's defense at third? One thing to consider is that Headley already has 3.125 years of MLB service time, so he isn't going to be locked up very long. Last year was a break out year for him as a power hitter, especially in August and September. I hope that it wasn't a fluke. I also noticed that he hit quite a few more homers on the road than at Petco Park, which is not surprising. He might hit close to 40 at the Cell.

Some of the names of players that have been suggested on this board are interesting. However, it seems likely that any significant position player acquisition will be a left handed hitter. And it would be a better move than bringing in another right handed bat. Therefore, it seems very doubtful that players like Justin Upton would be candidates.

QUOTE (lasttriptotulsa @ Nov 9, 2012 -> 07:57 AM) It's your dream to have Sanchez starting at 2B and a AAAA player starting and leading off in center? Those two black holes in the lineup would more than make up the difference between Hamilton and Viciedo. I wouldn't be too quick to dismiss Sanchez. He's very young, and is likely going to be at the top of the order soon. How fast? Who knows, but he's coming, and he is a prototypical # 2 hitter. Walker is a third option in CF.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Nov 9, 2012 -> 07:28 AM) Why trade De Aza? It isn't like he is making a a lot of money. Tekotte is a long shot at best to be on the roster. He couldn't stick with the Padres. Considering him as a leadoff possibility for the White Sox isn't realistic. If you notice, except for Floyd, none of the guys the Sox supposedly have thrown out there make much money. I don't know why trading guys who make no money opens the door for guys making more money than anyone in franchise history. I think you're right. But, I can dream, can't I? It would just be so nice to actually have a potent left handed bat, with a high OBP. Dunn in the middle of the order is just not good enough. If he's still on the team, I hope that he bats somewhere lower than fifth. Maybe they'll go after someone less expensive than Hamilton. I just saw how much he's asking for in free agency. Yikes!!!!

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Nov 9, 2012 -> 06:35 AM) If Hahn is thinking about dealing De Aza to open up a spot for a guy who was DFA'd by the Padres, they need to fire him before he does it. Perhaps, but not if he intends to acquire a big left handed bat for LF. How would Hamilton look in this lineup vs RHP? CF Tekotte or J. Danks (Defense and OBP are the top priority. If they can't provide that, find someone else) 2B Sanchez (Switch hitting, good bunter, speed, can take a walk) LF Hamilton 1B Konerko DH Dunn RF Rios SS Ramirez 3B ??? (hopefully another LH bat and, or solid defense) C Flowers

What surprises me the most is that Thornton isn't on that list. Hahn appears to be determined to address the low OBP problem on this team. Beckham's sub .300, and Viciedo's even .300 OBP's may bother him, as much as it bothers some of us. I wouldn't be disappointed to see either of them go, if it meant replacing them with guys who can actually get on base, especially if they bat left handed. I think that they really like Sanchez, and they may think that he's ready to take Beckham's place at 2B. Another possibility is Asdrubal Cabrera, who the Indians appear to be shopping: I love de Aza, and have for a long time, but Hahn may think that Tekotte, the kid they picked up from San Diego, is ready to be given a shot at CF. He has a similar skill set as de Aza and also swings a left handed bat. He's probably a better centerfielder, and is 3 years younger. J. Danks is another option, and is still regarded as the best defensive outfielder in the organization. De Aza might be a valuable trading chip for a team desperatly looking for a lead off hitter who can steal bases.

QUOTE (Quinarvy @ Nov 3, 2012 -> 06:36 AM) If baseball was a left handed game then it would be a right handed game. Thanks. I fixed it, by putting it in quotes.

Do the Sox really expect to have an effective offense with Adam Dunn and de Aza as their only two left handed hitters? The Tigers will have Fielder, Martinez, Dirks, Avila, Boesch and are said to be considering Melky Cabrera as a free agent to replace Young. The Royals will have Moustakas, Hosmer and Gordon. The Twins have Mauer, Morneau, Doumit and Span The Indians have Choo, Hafner, Santana, Kotchman, Cabrera, Brantley and Kipnis. You would be hard pressed to find a competitive offense in the Majors which consisted of just two left handed hitters, especially the caliber of Dunn and de Aza. "Baseball is a left handed game". It favors left handed hitters. At the very least, it dictates reasonable balance of righties and lefties in the line up. The Sox will almost certainly add one left handed bat to their roster, if they don't bring A. J. back. The question is who. Maybe they will do something creative like move Beckham or Viciedo back to 3RD, and find a left handed hitting left fielder or second baseman.

Another reason that I'd like to see A. J. return is that I think he would be a tremendous asset as a left handed DH if Konerko can't play. He could DH, with Dunn at first, vs RHP, whenever Paulie is hurt, or in need of a day off. A. J. was tremendous vs. RHP last season.

QUOTE (HickoryHuskers @ Nov 2, 2012 -> 07:44 AM) Dan isn't a viable option at 3B. I like him, but he is best suited to a bench role for an NL team where you utilize pinch hitters nearly every day, or he could be an platoon option at 1B if a team didn't have a good enough full-time guy. I assume that your reservations are based upon your assessment of Johnson's defense at 3RD. That is my big concern as well. He has played very little at that position, and I honestly don't have any idea what level of defense he could provide. Does he have the arm? Do you have any insight into his defensive skill as a third baseman?

Most of you know that I've been advocating some playing time for Dan Johnson. He could be a good fit for the opening at 3RD base. He's a left handed hitter, high OBP, sees a lot of pitches, and is arbitration elligible, with a likely very affordable contract. He should be a cheap option. The question is; can he play good enough defense at the hot corner? I'd like to see the Sox give him a shot vs. RHP. Let a better defender play vs. lefties, and when a late inning defensive replacement is needed. If Morel's back holds up, he would be a possible fit for that role. With the money saved at 3RD, maybe the Sox could bring back A. J. to play vs. RHP. His left handed bat would be missed vs RHP, and he brings a lot of intangibles. He seems to provide more intensity and competitive spirit than anyone in the Sox clubhouse. But then I've always loved his game, so maybe I'm not being objective enough.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Nov 1, 2012 -> 08:28 AM) Supposedly the Royals say they will dump a bat for pitching. Someone on Bleacher Report suggested Floyd for Moustakas. Some people appear to be running with it, although Floyd is a better option for teams than Haren. Moustakas would be a great addition, and provide a left handed bat, but I suspect that it would take a lot more than Gavin Floyd to get him. He is still very young and has tremendous potential, and of course, he will be cost controlled for a few more years, which makes him very attractive.

QUOTE (2nd_city_saint787 @ Oct 29, 2012 -> 11:29 PM) The main reason I want AJ back is because he's a LH bat. If they give Tyler the starting job then the Sox are left with De Aza and Dunn as the only LH bats in the lineup and they're top of the order bats. Unless Hahn does some movin and shakin, they need his LH bat....Chase Headley sure would look nice taking his spot from the left side (well both sides actually) I couldn't agree with you more. This team has been overly weighted with RH hitting for a long time. I've said many times that they need to balance the line up with a few LH bats. A. J. helped enormously in that regard last season, and if they don't replace his left handed offense, they better bring him back.

QUOTE (HickoryHuskers @ Oct 29, 2012 -> 10:47 AM) Am I the only one here who would pick up Youk's option? No, you're not the only one. I've been advocating that they pick up the option for quite a while. It's only a $12 million marginal cost, after considering the $1 million buy out. There is a lot to be said for not having to make a commitment beyond one year. Then too, he would be playing for a contract during his free agent year.

Regarding trading for Justin Upton; A right handed, 5 tool right fielder is not one of the needs for the Sox. They already have Rios, who is arguably the best position player on the team. The holes are; catcher, 3RD base and a right handed ace to balance the starting rotation. I suspect that management will concentrate on those needs? I'd like to see them bring back A. J., as he not only fills the catching hole, but provides left handed power, which this team needs, especially with the questions about Dunn's unacceptable batting average and high strike outs. Third base is a big question mark. Do they bring back Youk, go after A-Rod or look elsewhere? To fill the need for a right handed ace, I'd love to see them find someone who will be in his free agent year, who is on a noncontending team, and try to trade for his one year services. Are there any good candidates for that?

A-Rod was still a very good offensive player until mid-season last year, when he had arthroscopic surgery on his knee. Since then, his performance has fallen off pretty dramatically. Moreover, he didn't play much the second half of last season. If he has not used steroids since way back in 2003, as he claims, then that issue should not be much of a factor in evaluating his performance capability. He still looks to be in pretty good shape, and is not too old to be productive, for at least a couple more years. Of course, no one would expect him to produce like he did when he was in his prime, but at a reduced price he could contribute. The biggest concern would be those last 2 or 3 years of the remaining 5 years on that awful contract. We can debate what he might be worth at ages 38 to 40, but we might all agree that we wouldn't want him at any cost after that. It will be very interesting to see how much Cashman will be willing to kick in on a trade. Can anyone shed more light on A-Rod's steroid and injury history, over the last couple of years?

How would the money paid by New York, in a trade for ARod, affect their salary cap issues? If the money being paid would not be factored into that equation, that might provide more incentive for the Yankees to dump him, even if they had to pay a large portion of his salary. What are the rules regarding money paid for a player no longer on the team? Could they avoid having that money count toward future season salary caps by giving the receiving team a lump sum?

Perhaps I'm too influenced by the unbelievable number of games in which Youk played such an integral part of wins, during that portion of the season when he joined the Sox. He was arguably our best clutch hitter for the first couple of months he was on the team.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Oct 18, 2012 -> 06:43 AM) Except Youk wouldn't turn down the offer because he knows he isn't getting that amount of money over two years, let alone one, in the free agent market. That would be fine with me. Wouldn't you take him on another one year deal, after next season? How much do you think that arbitration would award him, assuming that he had the kind of year he had this past season?

Exercising the one year option on Youkilis for $13 million makes the most sense to me. Of course, they would likely be overpaying, but the key is avoiding a long term obligation. The marginal cost would actually be $12 million, when taking into consideration the $1 million buy out. Spending 2 or 3 million dollars extra for one season is not that significant. The biggest problem is having a long term commitment to a declining player, on an expensive contract. Moreover, there is always the motivation factor of having a player who is playing in a contract year. Youklis would be giving it 100%. To me this is a no brainer. Forget about trying to sign him to a multi-year deal. Take him for one year, and let him walk at the end of the season. In that scenario, couldn't the Sox offer him arbitration, at the end of next season, and get the draft pick?