ThunderBolt

QUOTE (greg775 @ Oct 9, 2008 -> 12:30 AM) Is that story an urban legend or did that guy really do that? If so that guy should throw out the first pitch next year. To wait and wait patiently for them to suck in the first round? What a mastermind. It's solid truth there are pictures and everything.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Oct 9, 2008 -> 12:05 AM) What kind of name is Leslie? A very manly one. I've been fascinated by the guy ever since i read a great article on cuban baseball by, Michael (Moneyball) Lewis. He's a 1B/CF. Whos's just an all-around athlete Here are the season stats i was able to get for him. SEASON G TEAM TPA AB R H AVG 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB HBP SO SB CS 7 689 CMG 2884 2498 394 794 0.318 152 16 60 389 1158 295 48 307 35 37 Sadly, i've heard very little about him since , and given his huge status over in Cuba. (he was one of Fidel's favorites) The chances of ever seeing him make the trip over here are doubtful.

Anyone know of any talk of Leslie Anderson defecting? I know he's huge over there, like superstar huge, leading me to believe that the scenario is unlikley, but if he did he's quite the talent.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Oct 8, 2008 -> 10:06 PM) He's a plus fielder. Has a good OBP in sporatic play this season. I think he can hit as well. Yeah, whether you like the Cubs or not I don't think anyone can deny that he (Cedeno) made positive strides this year. However, he made these strides by proving himself a decent backup, and I can't see him truly contributing unless it's as one half of a platoon or as a defensive replacement.

QUOTE (Kenny Hates Prospects @ Oct 8, 2008 -> 09:58 PM) Because one of these guys have to be traded and Swisher is the only one who can't block a trade. It's not really that complicated. Thome would be the guy I'd want to dump too, but he'll only go to the Indians or Cubs. Cubs don't need him and we're not dealing with the Indians, so Thome is here no matter what. Paulie might go to the West Coast, but only if he feels like it. He doesn't have to go anywhere. But why trade Swish? He's coming off the first bad year of his career. A year where statistically he was ludicrously unlucky during the first half, and struggled in the second half due to a lack of consistent playing time. like him or not Swisher was the only one on the team for a while who was willing to take a couple pitches, and work a count, and given his track record every expectation of him is to resume his career norms which are roughly a 25 hr, 80+Rbis, a 250 average, and a .353 OBP. If Swisher comes out next year playing like the guy that he's been his entire life barring one bad year. Then he's exactly the kind of guy the sox need, not the guy they need to trade. I find that defense particularly, in the OF is sometimes drastically overvalued. Swisher may not be Gold Glove quality, but his defense isn't so bad to necessitate his expulsion from the team, and the position.

QUOTE (Lemon_44 @ Oct 8, 2008 -> 08:58 PM) 2B-Freddy Sanchez-acquired in a prospect tradel Sanchez is superficially a very good hitter, because his average is consistently high, and he a decent eye at the plate. That being said he has no pop, does not steal and injuries have transformed him from a fairly consistent doubles hitter to a singles guy. With our lineup this simply would not fly, and would instead be station to station in the most inadequate way possible other than the Sac Bunt

QUOTE (SoxFan101 @ Oct 8, 2008 -> 04:55 PM) The Rangers are overloaded with young good catchers. We prob can easily nab one of them. The problem is that the Red Sox have the same idea, and we really can't compete with them in terms of prospects

QUOTE (Buehrle>Wood @ Oct 8, 2008 -> 05:36 PM) I don't want him taking up a roster spot, but sign him to be on staff. I love him too much to see him go. Hey, if Cora gets the Mariner Job, and everyone rotates up a spot, there might be some room in there. I doubt it, and i'd much rather have Raines back, or Ventura somewhere there instead. That and there is no way Toby is ready to retire

QUOTE (ChWRoCk2 @ Oct 8, 2008 -> 02:34 PM) Gonna be a great series. Really like both teams but would prefer to see the Dodgers in the World Series. It really is a great matchup, but i'd give the Phillies the edge due to the strong infield core, and semi-comparable OF (to the Dodgers, i mean) The only place where the Dodgers have the clear edge is in LF, and C. Their backend of the rotation is also clearly superior, but that matters little in a playoff rotation. I, also, think it would be hilarious for Cubs fans to see the Dodgers just get destroyed. Leaving them to wonder was it really just us?

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Oct 8, 2008 -> 01:53 PM) I would like to know more about Donny Lucy's injury and status. If he'e healthy again come ST, I think he's very much still in the running. But I can't find any sort of updates on him. I'll try to find the link, but i've heard his injury described as "devastating.". and even prior there was a lot of hesitation on him from the Sox Front Office due to his bat.

QUOTE (fathom @ Oct 8, 2008 -> 11:28 AM) Vitters is far and away their best prospect now. Colvin is so overrated, the Cubs should have traded him when he had value. Yeah, Colvin has fallen significantly since being drafted three years ago, but they still have Ceda and Veal which gives them some flexibilty. After them and Vitters it's a steep dropoff.

QUOTE (Texsox @ Oct 8, 2008 -> 11:54 AM) As a matter of policy, I think it is a mistake to dismiss Boras clients immediately. In this case, I'd pass on the two he has. After thinking about it I chose a FA as the probable for next season. One of the modern realities of baseball I really like is the A-Ram kind of story. There is probably some youngish kid playing on a crappy field in South America who has caught K-Dubya's radar. Or at least that's what I want to believe in early October. Josh Bard's a decent option when healthy. He was really spraying the ball in Petco. I think he's 31

QUOTE (scenario @ Oct 8, 2008 -> 11:46 AM) Kevin Dubler I looked up the kid, and he appears to have quite the pedigree. Good on-base skills, some speed and decent pop. Thanks for bringing him to my attention. I'll follow his career with great interest.

QUOTE (scenario @ Oct 8, 2008 -> 10:11 AM) When I look at who we have down there... Armstrong at 25 years old, Gartrell at 24, Derek Rodriguez (25), Carlos Torres (turns 26 later this month)... I get the impression that the Sox are using the AFL to showcase all of these guys to other teams. Now, that Donny Lucy has gone the way of the dinorsaur. I'd love to see the Sox get a decent catching prospect either through a trade or in next years draft.

QUOTE (Ozzie Ball @ Oct 7, 2008 -> 09:02 PM) No Beckham in the line-up for the Saguaros to kick things off. Gartrell in RF. http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?g...peswin_scowin_1 The Peo Saguaros (Beckham's team) lead 4-3 over Scottsdale (led by Manny Buriss of the Giants) Six Inning now, and the game's really dragging. Especially, with Peo's lineup being devoid of any major prospects. You know what would brighten my mood? How about a little Slayer action, coach?

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Oct 7, 2008 -> 10:54 PM) I've become very intrigued with the thought of Alexei in CF to be quite honest. He seems quick enough to cover a ton of ground, has the bat to play it, a strong arm...he'd be a pretty solid choice. The question then is, can you find 3 players for 2B, 3B, and SS? Ellis, Fields, Furcal would work perfectly in my mind. I mean people are nostalgic all the time for the speed + Bat handling Combo that Scottie Pods and Tad Iguchi used to proved at the top of the order. Furcal and Ellis would provide just this. The problem being that both these players are injury prone necessitating the constant presence of Getz, and A Uribe/Bourgeois(Sp?) player on the roster. Assuming Fields surgery goes smooth, and he returns to a somewhat respectable form. We'd have: Furcal (SS) Ellis (2B) 1 or 2 year deal geared towards slotting Beckham in after it expires Q (LF) Thome (DH) Konerko (1B) Dye (Rf) Alexei (CF) AJ © Fields (3B) It could work, but I’d still prefer a consistent lineup with Swisher in the of, and the Missile in the IF over this

QUOTE (WinningUgly85 @ Oct 7, 2008 -> 10:14 PM) SP Mark Buerhle SP C.C Sabathia SP John Danks SP Gavin Floyd SP Lance Broadway Anyone else know any historical examples of a team with 3 successful Lefty starters? (Other than, Buehrle, Danks, and Richard) It seems like it could work, but for some in baseball it's a major issue. Sabathia as unlikely as his acquisition would be would have to be slotted as #1. This would mean in a traditional lefty/righty setup, Floyd a Righty as 2, Buehrle #3, Broadway#4, and Danks #5. Now, I don’t know if we’d want Danks as #5 again. Given the enormous improvements he’s made over the last year. This would be subject to change; as If I remember correctly at the beginning of this year it was Buehrle, Vasquez, Danks, Contreras, Floyd, which would change significantly by the end.

QUOTE (ChisoxFurrious9 @ Oct 7, 2008 -> 07:38 PM) Let's see what you all think about who should be where next year. My lineup as of now is going off who is expected to be on the team next year. 1st = Konerko 2nd = Getz Short=Ramiraz 3rd= Fields Left=Quinten Center=Owens Right=Dye Catch=Piersynski DH=Thome Pitchers=1-Burls, 2-Danks, and 3-Floyd Put Swish in Center, and you've got a chance at being right on target.

QUOTE (Wanne @ Oct 7, 2008 -> 06:15 PM) Not tonight...I don't feel like driving out to Scottsdale. 1st two in Scottsdale and Thursday in Mesa. I plan on going Friday afternoon and Saturday night out to Peoria...and probably Tuesday night out in Surprise. I'll try to get some good pics to post. I plan on getting a couple of MLB balls for Beckham to sign at some point I hope... IF you ever do make it out there. I'd love if you could give some kind of scouting report of the kid too. Nothing professional just what you see.

QUOTE (fathom @ Oct 7, 2008 -> 09:21 AM) Joe Cowley was just on the radio, and said that after some members of the Sox organization heard the OC to Twins rumors last week, they told Cowley they'll be happy to drive him to Minnesota. Maybe they should let the Cubs coaching staff drive him. We all know how that worked out the last time Piniella and his crew went on one of their road trips. It'll be Kingston Trioesque "He's the Cab, that never returned"

QUOTE (Steve9347 @ Oct 7, 2008 -> 03:47 PM) Yeah, I really think Furcal would fit well on this team and should be Kenny's top target. I'd presume he could play 2B? Furcal began his professional career as a second baseman with the Gulf Coast Braves in 1997, but switched to SS in 1999. I wouldn't be suprised if we simply had the Missle play 2B for 2 or so more years until Beckham's ready. (assuming we get Furcal)

QUOTE (Athomeboy_2000 @ Oct 7, 2008 -> 02:41 PM) Notice the #3 hitter? Apparentley, I did not. My bad.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Oct 7, 2008 -> 10:33 AM) Lincecum and Cain are pretty much untouchables. I have the honest impression that Sabean, and his staff vastly underestimates Tim Lincecum. It's ludicrous, I know, but almost every statement they've made has given a clear indication that they value Cain much more than they do Tiny Tim. Now, I’m not saying this is ever going to happen, but I believe if KW made the right offer, and it would have to be a substantial one, a deal could be made

QUOTE (Athomeboy_2000 @ Oct 7, 2008 -> 02:30 PM) 1) Furcal, SS 2) Ramirez, 2B 3) CQ, RF 4) Konerko, 1B 5) Dye, DH 6) AJ, C 7) Fields or Free Agent, 3B 8) Swish, LF 9) Anderson/Wise, CF I like the top, hate the bottom.. I'd love a shot at Chipper Jones and Furcal. Jones, Dye, and PK can rotate at DH. Where is Quentin going? Vacation?

QUOTE (SoxFanForever @ Sep 30, 2008 -> 05:37 PM) Pujols, Lincecum, Soto. Complete agreement here. Pujols is the most difficult for me to get behind, but his season was unquestionably great. With the year that Lincecum had, and the way that Soto hit and managed his staff they're pretty much cut and dry. Although an honorable mention to Jair Jurrjens who nearly won me my fantasy year.