kwolf68

I like Abreu, but he should not be obtained under ANY circumstances short of JD being dealt. No more "CF experiementation", ala Swisher. If Dye is dealt then Abreu would be an AWESOME get...he'll hit for a better avg than JD (most likely), more speed, less power...age is about the same, but we'd have flipped JD into some young help. Abreu is a terrific hitter...it seems like Kenny is trying to 'rebuild on the fly'...getting younger and faster, dealing valuable, aging or unproductive resources, yet also keeping his eye on the focus of competing for the AL Central next year. Dye being trading and plugging a prospect into the RF hole suggests full scale rebuilding...plugging a professional hitter like Abreu into that spot suggests we're gonna go for it. I wanted to blow this team up 2 years ago, getting younger and faster...if Kenny can do it while also keeping the Sox competitive then he definately is better than I thought.

QUOTE (EvilJester99 @ Dec 10, 2008 -> 01:49 PM) KW was on the Score update saying he believes his team currently can win the division as the team stands... now of course what else is he going to say but I sure hope he doesn't really believe that. I am pleased with the offseason so far (subtracting duds like Swisher and Javvy), but to suggest this team as it stands can win the division indicates Kenny is beefing up his resume for potential moonlighting gigs at the local comedy club.

Considering also that the plan all along has been to move Alexei to SS. Opening up the hole at 2nd base is probably why Kenny has thrown 3 guys on the wall-Getz, Lilly, Nix-figuring ONE of them will pan out. The fact KW has made a move on all these 2nd basemen tells me the plan to move Alexei to SS is in full motion, which would limit the need for Furcal-an expensive, aging, injury waiting to happen. To me, the real issue is now CF and another SP.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Dec 9, 2008 -> 11:36 PM) You can tell Furcal's agent to keep it quiet all you want to, he's not going to keep it quiet if it means his client will get more money from other suitors. I really think his back issue is a huge scare factor for the Sox. You could sign him to a 4 year deal and you might not get 162 games out of him. I hope we stay clear of Furcal due to his very suspect health. If we could gurantee health he'd be a great addition, but he's more likely to break down at some point and thus I'd rather spend the money elsewhere.

QUOTE (Thunderbolt @ Dec 9, 2008 -> 09:49 PM) I have a feeling somebody from the organization advised Fields on how to get on Ozzie’s good side. Because this is just a genius move by him to get back into good graces. Why was he ever out of their good graces? He was banged up much of last year. Fields is a good kid and works his tail off...his defense DID improve from in the minors, although he struggled some with the Sox. He has good feet, is instictive and is a hard worker...I HONESTLY believe that Fields can make himself into a very servicable defensive third baseman...if he hits .260 with 30+ homers and 10-15 steals (possible) while improving his K-rate, he will have an excellent career.

QUOTE (scenario @ Dec 8, 2008 -> 04:04 PM) He's horrible. We ought to pool our money together and buy him a one-way plane ticket to Japan just to make sure he doesn't end up here.

QUOTE (lostfan @ Dec 8, 2008 -> 11:05 AM) Anyone who thought Swisher would suck so bad is looking at that situation with pure hindsight. If he had put up something close to his career numbers he'd still be here. At the time there was no reason to believe he'd suck so much. His career avg was .247 and he was in decline before his prime. Swisher was always over-rated...he hit the scene, had a couple nice years, and then Oakland flipped him for another orgs 3 best prospects at the time. A year later, that same Swisher is flipped again, this time for 3 marginal (at best) prospects. In two years, Swish will be dealt for a PTNBL, the guy sucks.

Cool...minus one prima donna...whoever he goes to I hope they equip him with direct line to the scorers table. The guy was a CHUMP and I am glad he is gone. I think KW and Ozzie grew tired of his act as well. I am sure about Furcal from the standpoint of cost and health...but I'd be VERY excited if we replaced O-Drab with Furcal.

Maybe Kenny is floating this name out so when he makes a deal for something we actually need we can all act "SHOCKED" that KW has pulled another coup de tat. I sure as hell hope that's the case. Shouldn't Jayson Stark be spreading unsubstantiated rumors about how some stud pitcher is going to end up on the Yankees or Red Sox?

QUOTE (EvilJester99 @ Dec 4, 2008 -> 10:05 PM) Here is another pitcher who might be a decent #5...Jimmy Gooble. He was just cut loose as well. I would rather take a shot on Bedard or Cabrera myself for #5. Maybe You mean Erik Bedard? As a 5th starter? Drinking early aren't you? With health, Erik Bedard would be the ace of our staff, the guy has MASTERFUL stuff. Trouble is he can't stay healthy. I can't believe you meant Bedard as 5th starter. Regarding Cabrera, this is absolutely a KW type player...lots of potential, great arm, good stuff, and probably falling out of favor with the Orioles due to the fact he simply hasn't reached his potential yet. For a kid with the stuff D-Cab has I'd take a shot at this guy, especially if he comes cheap.

QUOTE (103 mph screwball @ Dec 5, 2008 -> 11:01 AM) Disagree Kwolf. Cantu is a more consistent hitter vs. Rhp and Lhp, he's had more than one successful year,he will strike out less, and he is less than a year older than Fields. His defense may not be very good, but I don't think he will be much worse than Fields. I think this would be a good move. Cantu is a safer bet especially if Fields has not been happy with the Sox. Going into his prime in Chicago, I think .280 30 100 are very attainable numbers from Cantu. Rolling the dice on Fields might pay off, or he may strike out 175 times on a team trying to get away from the all or nothing offense. I like fields but, I'll trust KW if this move happens. If we move Fields, we can get someone else that actually provides help to the Sox...leadoff? Speed? Defense? Pitching? Trading one of our 'better prospects' for another low OBP, poor defended base clogger isn't really what I had in mind. I also don't like him in the OF. If he could play the OF, then Tampa Bay and Florida would have used him there instead of letting him play soccer on their infield. The guy provides absolutely NOTHING other than some decent power, which is simply NOT A NEED for the Sox. If we move Armstrong and/or Fields, it better be to help us in CF or in the rotation. This trade simply makes no sense from the perspective of need.

If this trade goes down I hate it worse than being constipated. Cantu isn't anything special and Florida is trying to sell high after his decent year last year...the biggest thing is...WE DONT NEED HIM. He does not and can't play center...how much of an upgrade at 3rd is he over Fields and/or Betemit? He's a disaster in the field, came up as a 2nd baseman, a position we now have THREE players now competing for the job. He has some power, but the only spot I see for him is LF (not available) or DH (not available). Just another all or nothing hitter who takes the UTurn far too often coming from the box and can't play a LICK of defense. I thought we were getting away from these type of players. To give up two young guys (hell, I wouldn't even give up ONE of those guys) with potential is absurd beyond the word itself. We just dumped some dead weight for young potential, why in the hell would we turn around and do just the opposite. Cantu does NOT help this team in any way, shape or form unless he has a 98 mile per hour fastball we don't know about. Just say no to drugs.

What is it with the obsession with low average players around here? Lets find someone who can get on base. Geeze...He's no better than Uribe...has some power, but can't hit otherwise.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Dec 3, 2008 -> 02:06 PM) Getz, from everything I've read, is the perfect 2 hitter, just like Cabrera would/could have been had we other options at leadoff. He is...awesome eye, tough to strike out, understands the strike zone, some speed, good handle of the bat...not much pop, but not totally punch and judy either. Getz is a nice player...will he make it all the way to the starting 9? Hard to say right now.

AJ is one of the few players I honestly don't care about stats with him. I absolutely don't want him to do anything but finish his career with the White Sox...the guy is tough, gritty, heady as hell, calls a great game, smart, other teams hate him, and he's a winner. Stats smats...AJP is the man.

Absolutely NOT...none of these guys we got were in the Padres plans.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Dec 3, 2008 -> 12:54 AM) I can see the Willy Taveras thread arguments transferred to another one if Lillibridge was named the starting CFer (with his 2008 season highlights/lowlights featured prominently). I'm no BA fan, but I would rather have BA or Owens or a BA/Owens platoon than Lillibridge as the starter there. At least we know Taveras can steal bases, and has the arm/speed/range to play the position at much better than MLB average for center. I in no way suggested Lilli should be moved to CF...I have read he has a really good glove at SS. I was just tossing crap on the wall. Oh as a FUNNY aside, I went to some Braves blog and they think we got ripped off....every player the Braves dealt was complete expendable and they got a ... get this.. TOP OF THE ROTATION starter.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Dec 3, 2008 -> 12:38 AM) But what skills would Lillibridge have in CF that would be consided "plus" tools for a MLB player at that position? I think he will get a LONG look, simply because so far he's the only player capable of having an impact on the roster for 2009. And, for whatever reason, KW's trade acquisitions always seem to get their fair share of time before they are declared failures. Speed and experience at the position. I have seen where he used to play CF...his move to SS may have been because he struggled there or maybe he was just good enough overall to make the switch. He has excellent stolen base potential. If he can play solid D in CF, why not?

QUOTE (fathom @ Dec 3, 2008 -> 12:29 AM) What in the world did Lillibridge do last year to make someone even think he'd be the starter over the other 3 guys? It's my belief he will be in competition for the job. I am VERY happy with Chris Getz and the Nix move was solid....so yea we have some talent there. Is it possible Ramirez or Lillebridge could move to CF? There are plenty of decisions to be made as things stand now...Kenny is just warming up I believe.

QUOTE (SEALgep @ Dec 3, 2008 -> 12:10 AM) He is actually said to be a good catcher in the respect that he calls a good game, blocks balls in the dirt well, and offers a big target to pitchers, but his draw back is his arm. He tails the ball a lot, and I guess has trouble throwing out runners. Could be a big deal at the MLB level for sure. I was just reading though that he is open to this trade, and mentioned partly is because there is a DH in the AL. He seemed open to Dhing, if it means being in the majors. Good sign as far as I'm concerned. Good info SEAL... One great thing I hear? THe kid will do whatever it takes to get to the show. The bad? We're already talking DH...for a prospect? I want people who can prevent the other people from scoring runs as well. It's all good, I like the deal...I am not crying for joy, but am far from upset with this deal. It's very obvious only Lillebridge has a shot at coming to Chicago for next season and he is the guy I am very happy about getting...a great acqusition and he's going to win a lot of people over, a typical KW move...grab a talented player kinda out of favor with current club. We got Quentin, Thornton, Floyd for a song and dance...they have been awesome (at least so far)...what Lillebridge follow suit.

QUOTE (scenario @ Dec 3, 2008 -> 12:07 AM) He just finished a season in the Carolina League. That means he'll be in Birmingham (AA) in 2009. So... there's time to work on his defense. Meanwhile, his offensive skills are really advanced for his age... and that's a beautiful thing. I do understand that as a hitter he is a top prospect. I saw "C" by his name and I was like "YEAAA" then I read where he's not so good at defense...I know he can certainly develop that and if he turns out to be a catcher who can play good defense and hit a ton then awesome. AJP isn't much at throwing runners out, but he calls a great game and is one of the 'headiest' players playing the sport. I'd love for Flowers to work a year under AJP, though I don't know if that will ever happen.

I so wish Flowers was a great CATCHING prospect and not just a 'catcher' that can hit. Anyone in the know think he will actually ever catch in the bigs or is he a 1st baseman type in waiting?

Overall, a very lackluster haul, but I am so glad Vazquez is gone so I can't complain too much. Lillebridge still has some nice potential at a couple positions and offers some power and SPEED. I think he'll be on our team in some capacity next year barring another trade. The other guys are really low minors prospects and I never get excited over someone in A ball, though the players we did get have some potential and goodness knows our minor leagues needed a shot of that. The fact Kenny moved that turd earns this move a B- in my book. I also think Kenny isn't even close to being done...I believe he is going to essentially rebuild this team in one season giving it a new look

Would not be shocked to see Lillebridge come this way, he's fallen out of favor. A typical Kenny move...would be a great get as he still has real potential. JoJo Reyes is another guy, didn't perform well last year, but is still a very good prospect. These two guys are Kenny's MO, but I'd like to see a tad more since Atlanta seems ready to move forward without these guys either way...Sounds like something could get done. Shafer would be nice, but I'd be shocked to see that happen...if KW can get JS, BL and JR I'd be stupified, but I believe the deal will include a 2nd pitching prospect.

QUOTE (KevinM @ Nov 29, 2008 -> 12:15 PM) No thanks. I'll take guys that can actually hit. .320 average two years ago and is a career .285 or so...what the hell is your definition of hitting? We need some speed on this team, station to station baseball should go the way of the Dodo Bird.