iamshack

QUOTE(whitesoxfan101 @ Aug 8, 2007 -> 11:38 PM) I know, reminds me why everybody wanted that duo when Stone was cut by the Cubs. I'm still baffled by Ozzie's managing tonight though, kudos to our players for overcoming it. I honestly agree with your point of view here. And I think that was somewhat vindicated when Owens stole that base so easily. However, there are two schools of thought here, and Ozzie is clearly more comfortable with the other one. It isn't as though his point of view isn't one espoused by several commentators. I disagree with it, but that's what happens when you are the manager- you get to make the calls.

QUOTE(michelangelosmonkey @ Aug 8, 2007 -> 11:43 AM) I think there's limited evidence that someone is really "clutch". Jeter for his career has a .317 batting average, and .463 Slg. With runners in scoring position he's .312 and .436. Yet if we listen to the media he's the greatest clutch guy of all time. Thome is .281/.563 career, and .279/.543 career with runners in scoring position. You look at one year and it's just small sample size confusion. Dimaggio was a .325 career BA/.579 slg hitter but a .271ba/.422slg hitter in the World Series. Does that mean you'd bench him for Juan URibe who has a .286 playoff batting average with a .422 playoff slugging percent. Or maybe, you know, you'd keep Joe D in the game figuring it was just a case of small sample size. (and yes...I'd bat the long dead Dimaggio over Uribe). Jeter gets his clutch reputation because he has had more opportunities to come through in the clutch than almost any other player in the history of the game. It isn't the percentage that he is successful that he gets his clutch moniker from, unfortunately. It's because the number of times he has been successful, a result of him having had so many chances, resonates in the minds of people. He's not that clutch. He's just had more chances to be remembered.

QUOTE(Gene Honda Civic @ Aug 8, 2007 -> 11:06 AM) No. But there would be some more evidence against Jerry Owens as a major leaguer. And I'm sure there would have been a thread on that. Let's remember Game 4 of the World Series. Willie harris reaches on a single, but Ozzie is bunting with Pods. Why? Because Willie has been killed by the media and the team for his inability to steal a base. JD comes through with 2 outs. If Owens can't be counted on to steal in a key situation, why isn't he being run out of town like Harris? In a tie game you go the more conservative route. When you're down a run, you have to gamble a bit more in my opinion.

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Aug 8, 2007 -> 01:35 AM) Reid Brignac (unrealistic I know), would be a position prospect I would love to have on the Sox for the next 6 seasons. Is Brignac not a butcher with the leather?

He should have been stealing. That's what he is on this team to do. Lost in all this is that Fields laid down a crap bunt that if Victor Martinez has any stones he tells JoBo to go to second where they had Jerry Owens dead to rights with any kind of throw. The entire thing should have backfired. Luckily, it didn't. I'm sorry, I understand that JoBo is a tightrope closer, but he's 31 for 34 in save opportunties. Teams have been putting the tying run in scoring position with less than two outs on him all damn year, and he's not giving up the big hit. Based on the performance of our offense all night long, I'm excited as hell that Jerry gets on thanks to a gift from Victor and I am taking my chances running on a righthander. If we were three games up in this division, and have been executing all year long, I lay the bunt down and hope for the base hit. But we have not been executing. We are 10.5 games out of first place. Desperate times call for desperate measures. This is not even counting the fact that Victor is probably a little nervy after not catching the third strike. I tell Josh to take two, and tell Jerry to pick a pitch and get a jump. If he beats it, you need Josh to get him over. If he gets thrown out, you still have three home run hitters in a row at the dish.

QUOTE(daa84 @ Aug 7, 2007 -> 09:29 AM) overrated IMO.......its easy to be a pitching coach with maddux glavine and smoltz in their primes....yes some other guys like russ ortiz, steve avery had good years under mazzone, and this is not to suggest that he is not a good pitching coach, i just always felt like he got too much credit for the braves success He turned a number of guys into solid pitchers while in Atlanta, including Jaret Wright, John Thompson, and some of the others you mentioned. Now he's in Baltimore, and Bedard is finally fulfilling his potential, Jeremy Guthrie is looking excellent, and DCab is actually starting to come around. I think Leo had quite a big part in their success over the years in Atlanta.

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Aug 7, 2007 -> 12:26 PM) Is the word "especially" really necessary? That's only the second double he's had over his last 175 PAs. He hasn't shown any signs of power or an ability to work the gaps, he's shown that he might be able to eek a few singles through the infield and beat out weak grounders to the SS. The 2 BBs he's drawn over his last 71 PAs have been spectacular though. I wonder what Alex Sanchez is up to these days, think he'd be interested in a body double job for Jerry Owens? Oh wait he knew how to work a gap now and then. Hey wait, he was on steroids! Honestly, we've got to work with what we've got to work with. I have no interest in trading Jon Garland for Michael Bourn (maybe Jason Bourne). And considering the Phillies will not want to give Aaron what the DBacks just did for Byrnes, I'm sure they have Bourn projected in their 08' OF, so he won't come cheap. Don't you think if Bourn was available something would have been worked out for Dye? Anyways, I know you are all about getting a top notch leadoff hitter in here, but face it, they really don't exist right now. Unless you want to pay out the ass. Which we cannot afford to do.

Surprised they would do this with all those outfielders they have coming up.

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Aug 7, 2007 -> 12:18 PM) He'll never be as good as a healthy Podsednik. Never. And I sat near his girlfriend in Baltimore July 12th. She'll never be as hot as Scottie's wife, either.

QUOTE(29andPoplar @ Aug 7, 2007 -> 11:47 AM) I can also see the White Sox doing a full court press with the Phillies for Michael Bourne for CF, again the Sox have pitching to deal if they so choose. I honestly am close to buying into Jerry Owens. He's showed glimpses of power I didn't know he had (especially the opposite field gapper he hit the other day), he's taking pitches well, he obviously can steal bases, and he can bunt. He's played a solid center field. Obviously I would have preferred Brian to be the one to be our future at CF because of his considerable defensive skills, but he isn't going to get that chance. Given what Owens has shown us and how he has improved, I'd rather give him the gig than exhaust our limited resources bringing in someone who would do a similar job.

QUOTE(Steff @ Aug 7, 2007 -> 11:22 AM) Carol is such an idiot... What if he still pulls off the deal for Miguel Tejada?

QUOTE(max power @ Aug 7, 2007 -> 11:20 AM) This seems rather obvious to me, and I'm surprised to see so many people doubting it still. Kenny is going to try to fill the holes and win next year, no doubt in my mind. It will probably be with one big contract(over 30 million) and a bunch of smaller ones. It would seem more obvious if we weren't all seeing the payroll and trying to figure out how the hell he is going to do that.

QUOTE(michelangelosmonkey @ Aug 7, 2007 -> 10:26 AM) I don't think the White Sox ARE cheap. They're payroll is in excess of $100 million....top five last year...maybe top ten this year. So why would it be impossible for them to go out and spend $15 mill on a couple of players? They save $3 mill from Iguchi. $3 Mill for Mack. $2 mill for Cintron. $2 mill for Pods. $6 mill for Dye. Not to mention the $10 from Freddie. They use that money to sign Bobby Abreau at $10 per and Scott Linebrook at $6 per? According to Forbes the Sox annual revenue is $173 mill per year...the most in the division...$3 more than Detroit, $15 more than Cleveland and $40 and $50 more than Minn/KC. In spite of all the second-team nonsense...the Sox have money, they spend it and there's no reason to think they won't spend more. With the Trib likely to sell the Cubs this year the hearts, minds and wallets of the countries 3rd largest market is really up for play. Reinsdorf is smart enough of a business man to recognize that he could increase profits if he spends more money. I really wish the Sox would get moving on developing the area around the ballpark a little more quickly. To be consistently successful, the organization has to continue to find more stable revenue sources than their notoriously fickle fans.

QUOTE(Steff @ Aug 7, 2007 -> 09:34 AM) I wish I was. I've accepted that we're stinky and I just have to love it for how it entertains me. It's how I made it during the late 80's and 90's. See, you are pessimistic. We are not stinky!

QUOTE(Steff @ Aug 7, 2007 -> 09:30 AM) I don't think Kenny is going to do anything close to what has been incinuated by Mark, however saying he has some incredible names on his wish list IMO does not equate to being pessimistic. Unless pessimistic = realistic dumbed down a few notches. Sorry, I was reading your earlier comments as being sarcastic.

QUOTE(kapkomet @ Aug 7, 2007 -> 09:26 AM) Yea, because this is XBOX games, Chicago White Sox style. Hey, you can't blame them for trying.... And I happen to think Kenny is an XBox kind of GM...

QUOTE(Steff @ Aug 7, 2007 -> 09:17 AM) As there should be, I'm sure there are a lot of fabulous names on that list. Ahh Steff....so pessimistic....

QUOTE(Steff @ Aug 7, 2007 -> 09:13 AM) He didn't say he was pursuing anyone. He revealed his wish list. For whatever reason, I think that Andruw Jones is on that wishlist.

QUOTE(Steff @ Aug 7, 2007 -> 08:56 AM) So the wrap up is that Mark had a "gut feeling". I'd say his perception was a bit off. Says Kenny actually discussed actual players with him that he intends to go after... This article seems almost too convenient to just "happen" to be written now...

QUOTE(Lemon_44 @ Aug 6, 2007 -> 11:42 PM) I think any scenario for the Sox this off season includes the trading of Jon Garland and Jose Contreras. I think the ideal landing spot for Garland is in Milwaukee. They desperately need SP and have some young guys that the Sox could definitely use. I would offer up Garland and AJ for Corey Hart and Johnny Estrada. If there was a way to get Trurnbow in the deal then i would add a prospect. I'm sure Estrada is more available after the confrontation with Yost. Next, moving Contreras may be tough but a big market team like the Dodgers could afford his contract. Plus, he'd be in a pitcher's park so they may be willing to take a chance. KW has always liked Scott Proctor and the Sox need all the relief help they can get so a Contreras for Proctor deal seems reasonable. Lastly,on the trade front.I would see what Baltimore wants for Tejada. I don't think his price will be too exorbinant because the O's would love to rid themselves of his salary. It's possible a deal of Brian Anderson amd Lance Broadway would be plenty to get Tejada as long as the Sox take on his full contract. On the free agent market, i would be on the quiet side. I would re-sign Dye and try to acquire Linebrink. Budget-wise the Sox come out ahead because they will have rid themselves of Garland, Contreras in trades, and Pods,Erstad,Macdougal and Uribe(all released) contracts and only picked up Tejada's in big money deals. That would leave a 25 man roster of: SP-Buehrle, Vasquez, Danks, Floyd, and Gio,Masset,Haeger, or another youngster to battle out for the 5th spot. RP-Thornton, Logan,Linebrink,Proctor, Turnbow, Closer-Jenks OF-Fields, Hart, Dye, Owens, Sweeney IF-Crede, Tejada,Richar,Konerko,Ozuna and either Cintron or Gonzales C-Estrada, Hall DH-Thome I think this is a pretty good mix of youth and veterans to go along with a good mix of speed and power in the field. The pitching has some youth in the rotation but the bullpen would look to be a strength. First of all, I would not trade Jon and AJ for a package centered around Corey Hart. As far as I am concerned, there is little difference between AJ and Estrada. If we are going to deal Jon, I'd like to think we could get more than one quality young player, and I would target a team like the Dodgers or Arizona in any trade involving him. Secondly, despite any drop in production experienced by Tejada this season, he is extremely well-thought of in Baltimore, and his contract, while somewhat hefty, does not significantly reduce his value. A package of Anderson and Broadway wouldn't come close to being enough. As much as the Sox have interest in Miguel, I would avoid dealing much with the Orioles simply because Peter Angelos is ridiculous. It's a waste of time and a waste of energy to try and get any solid player from his organization. To rid ourselves of Contreras without eating much of his salary should be the main offseason priority. In order to so, it is probably imperative that Jose shows he can produce quality starts in some form of consistent fashion for the remainder of the season. I believe the organization believes this as well, and that is the only reason this "6-man rotation" is even being discussed. Otherwise, it would be best to shut him down until September and give him some extended rest. I think it's fairly impossible to speculate much on what the 08' team will look like. We have a few pieces that likely will be here, such as Konerko/Thome/Fields/AJ/Richar/Buehrle/Vazquez/Danks/Jenks. Outside of that, a lot can change. We may learn some things in the next two months about what direction Kenny will likely go, but it's always tough to assume with him. We know he'll probably keep the rotation strong, but because of the lack of talent in our system, and the money Jose is eating up right now, it's possible Jon could be gone. What his deal would bring back is anyone's guess, and holds alot of answers as to which direction Kenny will take. I have faith KW will put us in a spot to compete, and I still believe we have the pieces to do so. It just depends on which route he believes will get us there most expeditiously.

QUOTE(Gregory Pratt @ Aug 6, 2007 -> 10:20 PM) I take that back. It's probably a lot closer between them. Schuerholz is still the GM and he makes all the moves, but Cox is a great baseball man to have around, and they work closer than arguably any GM-Manager tandem in history. Don't forget that guy Leo.

QUOTE(kapkomet @ Aug 6, 2007 -> 02:50 PM) Which can't happen with this team - because they aren't trading anyone BALTIMORE would consider frontline starting pitching - unless it's Garland. For some reason, though, I don't think Baltimore wants Garland as they don't consider him "front line"... Funny that you mention Garland. I was peeking in at a similar thread on an Orioles forum, and one poster (who is quite respected on their site) stated "I wouldn't mind working out a deal with the White Sox in the offseason. What scares me though, is that we would trade him for someone like Jon Garland..."

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Aug 5, 2007 -> 09:57 PM) The problem is the possiblility of claiming someone with an undesirable contract and the his team says fine just take him. You would be on the hook for the balance of the contract. The White Sox claiming Tejada is because they wanted him. Not to block him. The White Sox have been after Miggy for a long time. Why do some posters let it slide that he will never play for this team? What's that all about?

QUOTE(Gregory Pratt @ Aug 5, 2007 -> 09:17 PM) The Rangers already traded him away, why would they buy him back? I don't know that he'll get that much, but if he does...sheesh. I really think he'll sign somewhere he wants to play for a reasonable amount. The Rangers offered 8/140 and he turned it down. There has been massive speculation that he would like to play for the Orioles, being a Maryland native, but I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him sign in Atlanta for something like 7/100.

QUOTE(BaseballNick @ Aug 5, 2007 -> 01:32 PM) There is no 6-man rotation. Gavin Floyd has taken over for Contreras, and Jose is now in the bullpen. Outside of Contreras, I think the rotation looks every bit as good as it did in '05. Garland has struggled lately, but Buehrle and Vazquez seem to be throwing the ball better now than in any point in their careers. I think this six man rotation has everything to do with the Sox thinking they can maybe deal Jose in August if he can put 2-3 solid starts together. Otherwise, there would be no downside to putting him on the DL for a few weeks and bringing him back possibly in September.