Chombi

Hah...I said I was out of it...It's a bad joke I know, but I felt like saying it I guess. lol. Chris Carter could be a beast if we don't rush him IMO.

I don't think it makes us a playoff team, it could, we are definately improved...I think it's a step in a better in a more immediate direction if we aren't contenders this season. We aren't a playoff team right now IMO. Division is too tough. Adding Hunter and keeping everything intact, still not a contender. Add in a Garland deal for whatever we get, still not. There is very little we can do this offseason that I think makes us immediate playoff contenders. I think right now, prior to a Cabrera move, we were looking @ an OF, and bullpen. Count, Garland and a few others were bait to improve the team @ those positions in the future. An addition of Cabrera improves your team b/c you have added a superstar, he also allows you to move a valuable piece like Konerko to fill the leadoff/bullpen void. While you also could probably nab a good looking prospect pitcher. Blow this thing up. It's the way of sports. You go at it with like a 3-5 year period and if it isn't working you blow it up and do it again. One more thing. Our crosstown rivals are talking about doing the same thing as we are for Crawford. If they pull it off and we don't I think KW will get crucified. This team wanted to not be "backpage" news after we won and made all these gaurentees as to why we wouldn't be...Well a terrible season and now the inability to acquire a superstar for whatever reason would most certainly cause some PR issues.

I agree but at the same time I just think Quantity will win out. We have proven prospects like Fields and even Owens...They seem to want both. We have Garland or what he gets in a deal. One of those players will surely be another B talent or higher. Then we have a lot of good prospects. No blue-chips (maybe DLS, but I am not goin there yet) but I think surplus could win out here. The thing w/ the Marlins is you know they're smart. They can evaluate talent. If we are even in the discussion right now, then we know we have stuff they want. We may be 4th on their list but the top 3 are going to take their time and may not offer what the Marlins demand....We on the other hand will. The fact our prospects aren't Blue Chips makes them a lot easier to trade from our end b/c we won't consider the reprecussions as we would if we dealt a Clayton Kershaw/Matt Kemp, and then watched Miggy walk in FA. We have seen a lot of teams not bite on dealing their prospects. Even now, the Twins could deal Johan for the two Dodgers mentioned and it would happen. I'd imagine it's partly Minnesota holding it up, but it is also the Dodgers seeing the struggles of teams like NYY and NYM when they just build a team of superstars instead of growing your own crops. Our farm is weak to the point that I don't think we will miss any of these guys we deal. Maybe Gio but that's it. If the Sox have a chance KW needs to be on the phone w/Florida everyday asking them what else can I give you w/that...??

Garland is no a 1-1 for Weeks...Not now, not ever. The comparison you make about the Lilly and Marquis deal is they were signed via FA...Not a trade. If the Brewers are going to trade Weeks...They can land much, much better pitchers then John Garland. That's the difference. Bill Hall they would deal. Rickie Weeks. No way.

I'd have Weeks 2nd too. He hasnt figured it out yet and I know the Brewers are disapoointed, but when he does...look out. I get a lot of slack for that w/my buddies. Usually he settles in 4th or 5th. I usually go back and forth as to whether I'd want Weeks or Gallardo 2nd.

Didnt realize we were in on either Linebrink or Dotel during the season...Guess I am somewhat glad too. Idk why this just popped into my head, but it did...Anyone know the status of Duaner Sanchez of the Mets? I always liked that guy while he was with the Dodgers and even two years ago w/ the Mets. I know he was hurt all season so I am curious as to if they would possibly sell low on him.

True that...And we can draft another undersized guard or fill one of our biggest needs at the defensive minded/athletic/lengthy PF position...We clearly don't need any Offensive minded post players or anything else that would be useful.

Garland to the Met's just gets more doubtful to me. As much as they need pitching, they have such a thin farm system now and I can't see them throwing it away anymore on Garland. I used to think so, but not anymore. Santana, sure...Garland, not so much. Boy I'd love Gomez or Martinez though. The Rockies would never move Holliday. They'd deal Stewart, Atkins, Helton and any of their arms before Holliday and Troy. Do you have a link for any of these rumors? Sox I pray have no interest in Hall. I'd aim high on someone like LaPorta long before I settled for Hall. Jones is our target if we believe this season was a fluke and have no problem dealing w/Boras. This contract may be worse to settle then A-Rod's. Cause Boras is either fighting for one year which we won't do, or he is not budging from his 18 mil price that he probably had set prior to this season.

The more I hear what other columnists think or whoever is leaking these "rumors"...the more I laugh. I also get excited. Not for the deal itself because it is such a small chance it occurs but for the prospects being identified in this deal if it were to happen. I expected any deal to start...start...with DLS, Gio, Fields and go from there. Since I have seen different looks and it honestly excites me a little because... (1) my original trade is apparently more then they are seeking, so if it eventually gets to that, they'd prolly take it. (2) Guys who I thought had no value hold weight in someones eyes which is good for both this deal or others (3) We are essentially having a chance at keeping our most promising prospect If right now guys like Owens, Massett, etc. are something they are considering I am thrilled. Owens, Gio, Fields, Massett and throw in something else...Lots of players but only 2 of those guys I truly would miss. One or both are easily replaceable by Cabrera's bat being here. Do this deal if it is only costing us guys like that. I figured DLS, Danks, Jenks, Carter, etc would all have to be mixed in with Gio/Fields if we stood a chance at competeing. Some people said it would only cost us three guys so I assumed Jenks/Danks, Gio, Fields. I am excited and I think we are much more of a contender then the media indicates. Also, getting his bat just makes everything else easier to deal IMO...Paulie, Garland, etc.

I'd like to request a name change...nothing major...just drop "and the fungi" from my name. It's too long to type when I sign in and for some reason it won't "remember me" on this site. Boras is a friend of mine and informed me of possible collusion from the mod's on here to keep me out by having me signed out even when I ask it to save me! (i don't know how to make it green in the fast reply so don't take that serious)

I've tried to avoid this thread because I have a short temper and just know I'd explode on the Bulls. I understand it's early and this team "gets going late" but tonight was pathetic. I was fortunate there was a fight on ppv or else I would've had to watch this whole thing. Is there anyway we can get rid of Wallace? He is useless. I really can't take him. If he isn't rebounding, he isn't doing anything because he has no other skill set. I knew that contract was a mistake, as I am sure most of you did. The NBA is hard enough to watch. I don't need the Bulls playing like this. I am an ND fan. It's hard enough. I have so much rage when I see this team right now (thanks god for the Packers and Mizzou not playing as bad as they were expected to or else I'd have had multiple heart attacks). Someone mentioned Kobe but they're winning. Ugh. I'll try to avoid further annoying you regulars in this thread. Just had to get a little (there's much more) off my chest.

I wouldn't be shocked if it is all hot air. I go back and forth as to whether I believe the Twins. If the Tigers were claiming to be doing this, I'd believe it. The Twins...not so much. I don't understand the purpose of trading Santana prior to the all-star break. I expect them to still get the same talent in return b/c let's face it, it's Johan. A half season of Johan for a contending club is huge. I can't see the Dodgers for instance offering Kemp/Kershaw now, and then be 2 games out at the break and turning down that deal for Johan. Who knows though? Teams and their prospects lately is weird. They do have a lot of holes but I expect them to be gun-shy w/their arms in the offseason unless it's a huge deal for them. Bonser yea but I don't count him as a member of their core staff anymore. As far as Garza, Santana, Liriano, or Slowey....Don't see them biting unless it's a very good deal for them.

That's what I usually like to do but I think the values may not even be close. Prior to last season I'd say so but it seems Danks hardly impressed this year while facing mlb talent. The fact he is still so young is huge. They said he was always a second half type pitcher all throughout the minors. He needed the adjustment period and then he'd come out and pitch up to his ability. He definately got worse to me. Like a lot worse. I am not sure if his numbers changed much other then wins and losses (I am pretty sure he was like 4-6 in the first half), but it definately seemed like he was getting worse or not making those "adjustments". Meanwhile, Gio did well in his repeat of AA. I was hoping for more but o well. It seems he has much more value around baseball now..Not because of his performance but moreso of how poor Danks looked. I go back and forth as to whether I see Gio as a "B" talent or an "low A" talent. For the most part I see him as a 2-3 starter and Danks to me is nothing more then a 3. Idk if it's close as to who which team would want and I am not so sure I'd deal Gio unless it brings back a better player. Not even, a much better player. Be it an offensive prospect or a proven mlb talent in a bigger deal.

Yea my fault on that...Didn't even catch it as I was typing. Sorry for confusing you.

I saw soemthing on baseball prospectus I think that the word is he may be seeking a 400 million dollar contract...I'll go look for the link.

I think Carter's problem is that he lacks "game breaking" speed. Otherwise, he has incredible hands, great route running and a great sense of the sideline. Ok old joke but I just spent a whole Saturday watching football and boxing so mentally I may not have it all to comment with any useful information...Something new and different right?

I didn't see this anywhere. Maybe it's in the main Sox news cuz I only checked the FutureSox section. Anyways, I don't have a membership so if someone else does, they can post the whole thing. Feel free to comment... Five-Star Prospects 1. Fautino de los Santos, RHP Four-Star Prospects 2. Gio Gonzalez, LHP 3. Aaron Poreda, RHP Three-Star Prospects 4. Chris Carter, 1B 5. John Shelby, CF 6. Jose Martinez, OF Two-Star Prospects 7. Jack Egbert, RHP 8. Ryan Sweeney, OF 9. Lance Broadway, RHP One-Star Prospects 10. Brian Omogrosso, RHP 11. Kyle McCulloch, RHP Just Missing: John Ely, RHP; Christian Marrero, 1B; Jerry Owens, OF 1. Fautino de los Santos, RHP DOB: 2/15/86 Height/Weight: 6-0/205 Bats/Throws: R/R Acquired: NDFA, 2005, Dominican Republic 2007 Stats: 2.40 ERA at Low-A (97.2-49-36-121); 3.65 ERA at High-A (24.2-20-7-32) Year In Review: Beginning the year as an obscure Dominican arm in a weak system, de los Santos first blew away the coaching staff in spring training and then was almost literally unhittable in the Sally League, allowing one hit for every two innings pitched. The Good: Built like a tree trunk, de los Santos gets tremendous drive. His fastball sits at 91-95 mph, touching 98 at times; it also has late movement, and he commands it very well. His breaking pitch is a power curve with hard late bite, and it's a true out pitch when he’s on. He understands the importance of developing an offspeed pitch, and he improved his changeup over the course of the year. The Bad: De los Santos gets into bad habits at times, and can overthrow all of his pitches, costing him life on his fastball, break on his curve, and decreasing the velocity gap between the heat and his changeup. Some worry that his aggressiveness might work against him when facing more advanced hitters, and that he needs to learn how to set up batters and be more aware of the count, as opposed to challenging hitters with every pitch. If his changeup doesn’t continue to improve, some fear he’ll be limited to a relief role. Fun Fact: In 18 fifth innings, de los Santos allowed just three hits while striking out 26. Perfect World Projection: Star-level starter or closer. Timetable: De los Santos has the highest ceiling of any player in the system, but he’s still at least two years away. He’ll likely begin 2008 at High-A, with an expectation than he could be ready for a look at some point in 2009.

I am all for teachers getting theirs. They have an important job in our society and I have no issues. My problem is they just got a damn raise. So to me personally, it is a joke. My parents were heavily involved in the boosters there and they worked their asses off to get that referendum passed a couple years back. Now the teachers want more. It's rediculous. I have been out of the district for 4 years but I have family, friends, etc...To me, it is a slap in the face to my mother and father, and everyone else who helped them out last time when I believe the district wanted to cut salary because of it being in debt and nearly bankrupt...so for this to happen again is a shame. They can't go on strike every 2 years. It's a joke. It would've been a real shame if those students in athletics didn't get to compete in the heat of the playoffs and what not because of how greedy the teachers are. I am assuming they are playing because I saw the paper w/Fremd still playing so I'll take that as they're allowed to go on. I did hear at first though that athletics would be cancelled so I am still uncertain.

I was saying to pm me cuz I like to talk music but rap isn't as popular as rock on these types of boards...So if anyone wanted to chat I'd be down. Especially more underground as opposed to mainstream. That and it just hit me to check back now, so clearly like i said, i'd forget.

Very true...Problem is... We don't scout well...we have made some signings internationally but those are many years away from anything...Our drafting is a joke up and down the board. The Red Sox have an incredible scouting group and they are willing to spend money. By spend money, I mean spend it. Not go half ass like we do. Rockies have built internally and idk where you got turning systems around in 102 years because they've had a losing record (like 70 wins) in 5 of the last 6 years. So that is how they rebuilt. I am totally confused as to why they were mentioned...Maybe cuz they didn't deal Helton? But thats cause no one wanted his contract more then anything else. Met's same deal. They had 3-4 pretty bad years not long ago. Those years they drafted guys like Kazmir, Milledge, Humber, and signed guys like Gomez. And they had those years while spending 90+ million. That rediculous. And o yea. They signed Beltran, Delgado, Pedro, Glavine, Castillo, Reyes (technically they did), Wagner....So how did they not blow it up? It's a completely bought team or drafted from when they were bad. 100 million isnt the same as 7-10 years ago. If you're going to spend money an increase is necessary. Not much but like a 30-40 mil increase minimum just based off how contracts go today. Sox payroll is still in the upper 15 payrolls but teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, Mets, Cubs, Angels, Dodgers, Seattle, and all those teams excluding the Yankees and Mariners seem to get that. All are appearing to be expanding payroll even more this offseason excluding the Yankees and Mariners. The Yankees are well above the rest of the league so it's not much but the Mariners just had expiring contracts. To spend 100 mil and get the 7th pick is a joke. Next year we will improve but end up with the 15 pick. We spent 100 mil and got nothing out of it....Or we can spend 70 mil this season by trading several guys for one or two good prospects, sign a guy like Hunter or whatever as an offering to the fans we won't complete tank it and then play. No expectations. A top 15 pick doesn't hurt us that way cuz we didnt just throw away 40 mil extra on mediocrity. If we want to keep this team and play up to potential...We finish in 2nd-3rd. Probably 3rd. That's great since they aren't young and then next year everyone will play the same "one more shot" card. If we sell now, it will benefit us later.

They can't count on it. I just think they'll bounce back. Mac is the Javy/Jose of our bullpen. His stuff is crazy. Thorton, Logan, Jenks...just need someone to step up in ST. Yea. Obviously Idk how well he can warm up in a hurry for one and two, is his emotion. He is a headcase but for one inning stuff wise I think he'd be untouchable. I hope he bounces back like you do. For a SP though I think he is over the hill. Take his age and add 10 to it. I answered my theory on their batting elsewhere. I hope for a bounce back but out of Thome and Dye, I just expect one to underperform and one to have a nagging injury. they're old, it happens. You guys on this board are getting my hopes up for Richar. So you better be right. I saw him as filling a hole so we could deal Tadahito. I didnt see him as a 2nd basemen of the future. I hope you all are right. Well the firesale would be fun. The deals we make would be exciting and our team would have no expectations. Our organization got into a mess w/poor scouting and a .500 ballclub every year. I think you need to be contenders, and if you arent, then why waste a chance to get talent that will make you contenders in a couple years. Every other team in our division did it. Their fans probably said the same thing as we are...and look at them now. Legit contenders every year with young talent and more and more coming. We have old players w/ minimal young talent coming and 0 blue chip. So a firesale I am ok with. We can still be a 60 win team if it's done right. I'd hang on to a couple guys (Mark B., Javy, and I guess Thome w/ his no trade clause) but otherwise why not.

1) See the problem w/ Javy is no one denies his stuff. The problem is he did well last year but the 3 previous he had an ERA around like 4.7 so I am not confident in him repeating it yet. And he has been around 200 k's the last 3 seasons so his k's are always there. I agree about Liriano but I am saying that they both have question marks. Obviously Lirianos is a health one so that is bigger. 2) I used to think so but guys like Andruw Jones, Jermaine Dye, Mark Buehrle, Mike Cameron, Gagne, etc...For every one who does well, there is one who does bad and another who does their usual. So to say Garland is automatically going to perform well is just a bad idea. 3) I won't argue with but we shouldn't assume age won't hit those guys either. Dye and Thome are old and aren't exactly guys with perfect health records. Paulie is just weird. He just has that one random season or really like 1.5 and then he is fine for the next couple years. 4) Enh...Zips...I hope they're right about him. I'd love to have more faith in Richar and Owens but..I just dont. They also show Aaron Rowand, Hunter, etc not having that great of seasons next year but they are about to cash in. So I think those are not taken very seriously. I for one tend to look at Zips more then the average person so I am prolly bashing myself in saying that. The point is, We have a better chance at repeating last years performance then we do making the playoffs. If we were in the NL central maybe go for it but we aren't. We have one of the most competitive divisions in baseball and I just think it would serve us well to deal as much as we can. I can't stress enough how cheap our owner can be sometimes. So he can't be enthusiastic about dropping 100 mil to keep losing and he'll take it out on us down the road when it matters using this as his reasoning against a payroll increase.

Yea..I said that in my first post. It's pretty well known Boras is his agent, how he acts, and his relationship with the Sox. Unfortunately, he seems to be in a bit of a mess with the owners. If Arod is going to suffer, I can only imagine what happens to someone like Jones. In my first post, I said, If what I heard was true...he may be looking at a 13 million dollar deal. I said I thought I saw it through mlbtr.com so there is no real substance to it. However, I said that in my next post, if it is true and you can get him at 13 mil. You do it. I went and found the lil blip on it where I said I thought I had seen it somewhere. It was mlbtr and as I said, I didnt think there was substance to it. "The Nationals could sign Andruw Jones long-term if they felt it was a bargain - say, $13MM a year. The Giants, White Sox, and Padres may be in the mix as well. Hmmm, White Sox and Boras? And if Scott Boras changes his tune and hunts for a one-year "rebuild value" contract for Jones, the Red Sox could get involved. " - via mlbtraderumors.com So yea, I understand Boras, the Sox, and was merely commenting on something else I had seen.

Is that because of your attraction to Ryan Sweeney or do you actually believe that? If it was there, I am torn between how it'd work out. I don't mind improving our bullpen but not at the costs they were talking (Garland for example). I also am not interested in a 8 mil FA. Every year there is a whole new wave of guys who do well and guys who don't. BP is so tough to judge and outside of closers, there are less "locks" for that position then there are hitters/SP. BP is scary to judge and very risky to sign/trade for. Giving up a Sweeney is a tough call but if we are going to deal for a guy like Qualls, a prospect would be my ideal starting point and not someone like JG.

I'd prefer it Hunter, Jones, Rowand. I know we will overpay for someone and they will underperform. I think Jones underperforming (unless it's a repeat of this year) is better then Hunter and Rowand. All 3 had career years. Hunter and Rowand had career bests while Jones had a monumental worst. If they all even settle in at their averages I'd say Jones is the best bet. If you can get him for 13 mil, maybe it's not a bad idea.