Y2Jimmy0

QUOTE (Middle Buffalo @ Dec 13, 2015 -> 06:58 PM) I listen to the score interviews on podcast, and I don't think I heard anyone (host or Bears analysts) criticize him last week after missing two chip shots. I used to listen to ESPN 1000 full show podcasts daily, and Jeff Dickerson was on the Bears' beat, and he has a man crush on RG. So, like I said, I doubt they'll be too hard on him. But, it could be that I don't know the Chicago media very well. Boers hammered Gould all week.

I actually think LaRoche is a good bounce back candidate. The problem with having LaRoche is that Melky is in the OF rather than DH

QUOTE (oldsox @ Dec 12, 2015 -> 10:13 PM) Unfortunately, I agree with you. Looks like a top 5 draft pick in 2017. So you think the Sox will be the 5th worst team in baseball next year, even though they've already upgraded 2 spots and it's only December 11th? This board is absolutely maddening sometimes.

QUOTE (hi8is @ Dec 12, 2015 -> 06:34 PM) I'm pretty sure it doesn't matter what plans we have for next year... We're not going to win anything. 2017 opens our window - at the earliest. 2018 is more likely. After being in the optimist crowd for the last decade, I've finally joined the dark side. I actually disagree. The Sox were 5 wins away from .500 last year with the worst offense in the league. I think they just picked up at least 3 wins alone at 3B. Make a couple more marginal upgrades and they should battle for a 2nd wildcard honestly.

QUOTE (Vance Law @ Dec 12, 2015 -> 03:27 PM) This is way too broad a statement. Particularly in a season (perhaps the only season in the coming years) in which the first round pick is protected. Losing a #30 draft pick to sign Justin Upton or Yoenis Cespedes for 5 or 6 or more seasons is certainly justified and a good idea. Whoever is drafted at that spot or later is guaranteed to be a much worse player than either of those guys. You don't know that. And it's not just about the #26 pick in the draft. It's about the overall draft flexibility that having that many picks gives you. What if one of the top pitchers in college goes down with Tommy John this year? That pitcher very well could fall to the late 20's and be sitting there for the White Sox to take in that spot. I'd be willing to sacrifice that pick for Davis/Upton but we have no idea how good the player chosen there will be and that's not really the point anyway.

Fair points in this thread. Elite closers are being way overvalued by teams. That's the only reason why I asked.

QUOTE (BlackSox13 @ Dec 12, 2015 -> 02:59 PM) Imo, Montas is just 22 and should have a chance to fail as a starter before moving to the pen. To date, Montas has not failed as a starter and should be in Charlotte's rotation in '16. Again, he's just 22! Have a little patience Sox fans. I'm patient enough. But he has 45 command and no 3rd pitch.

QUOTE (bear_brian @ Dec 12, 2015 -> 02:52 PM) Was listening the ESPN1000 Fred Huebner's show today. His partner - whose name I did not catch - is an avowed Cub fan. the conversation was about the Sox, and what they should be doing to improve their team. At one point Huebner's partner offered up the idea that the Sox "would jump" at a Cub offer of Baez and Soler for Quintana and Eaton; though he then said the Cubs "would never consider" such a deal. I almost drove off of the road. In my mind, that thinking epitomizes many Cub fans. They are beginning to believe the hype. There is no way, at least IMO, that the Sox would be interested in that sort of deal. It certainly undersells Quintana's value, and almost disregards Eaton. Just thought I would share. Don't listen to Mike Murphy

Most people always say that a starting pitcher is more valuable than a relief pitcher. I almost always agree with that premise. Many people don't think that Montas can start (no 3rd pitch, bad command, body type). I think there's a chance he could be really good as a late inning reliever though. After seeing the deals for Ken Giles and Craig Kimbrel, would the White Sox be better off using Montas in the big league bullpen this year or letting him start at Charlotte? Isn't there a chance that Montas could be as dominating out of the pen as someone like Giles?

The Astros could have Kris Bryant and Carlos Rodon right now.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Dec 11, 2015 -> 03:53 PM) Kinda fun do to this in the winter... I put together my guesses as to the affiliate rosters. Looks to me like BHAM and KAN will have the most exciting teams, though the Dash rotation looks good and Charlotte's lineup can do some damage. Here are my guesses, then I'd love to hear thoughts as a weekend discussion topic... CHARLOTTE C Kevan Smith 1B Danny Hayes 2B Joey DeMichele SS Tim Anderson 3B Nick Delmonico OF Jason Coats OF Jacob May OF Scott Hairston DH Matt Davidson B1 Rob Brantly © B2 Leury Garcia B3 Steve Lombardozzi B4 Eudy Pina SP Frank Montas SP Chris Beck SP Scott Carroll SP Matt Lollis SP Nik Turley* RP Daniel Webb RP Miguel Chalas RP Kyle Hansen RP Cody Winiarski RP Onelki Garcia* RP Zach Phillips* RP Will Lamb* -- BIRMINGHAM C Omar Narvaez 1B Keon Barnum 2B Jake Peter SS Eddy Alvarez 3B Trey Michalczewski OF Courtney Hawkins OF Adam Engel OF Keenyn Walker DH Nick Basto B1 Jeremy Dowdy © B2 Brian Fletcher B3 Marcus Lemon SP James Dykstra SP Tyler Danish SP Brandon Brennan SP Brian Clark* SP Carson Fulmer SP Colin Kleven (6 man rotation) RP Matt Cooper RP Peter Tago RP Robin Leyer RP Brad Goldberg RP Andre Wheeler* RP Jake Cose RP Michael Ynoa -- WINSTON-SALEM C Brett Austin 1B Cody Daily 2B Ryan Leonards SS Cleuluis Rondon 3B John Ziznewski OF Louie Lechich OF Michael Suiter OF Mason Robbins DH Zach Fish © B1 Sean O'Connell © B2 Michael Danner B3 Toby Thomas B4 Christian Stringer SP Jordan Guerrero* SP Spencer Adams SP Thaddius Lowry SP Zach Thompson SP Luis Martinez RP Kelvis Valerio RP Jacob Morris RP Connor Walsh RP Tanner Mendonca RP David Trexler RP Manny Martinez RP Ryan Riga* -- KANNAPOLIS C Seby Zavala 1B Corey Zangari 2B Bradley Strong SS Danny Mendick 3B Johan Cruz OF Jackson Glines OF Landon Lassiter OF Tyler Sullivan DH Frank Califano B1 Casey Schroeder © B2 Louis Silverio B3 Grant Massey B4 Ethan Gross SP Yosmer Solorzano SP Jordan Stephens SP Aaron Bummer* SP Brandon Quintero SP Brandon Magallones RP Tanner Banks* RP Lucas Shearrow RP Drew Hasler RP Jonathan Frebis* RP Matt Ball RP Danny Dopico RP Alex Katz* -- REPEATING ROOKIE BALL Jacob Cooper Sikes Orvis Dante Flores Jake Jarvis Victor Velazquez Micker Adolfo Antonio Rodriguez Jake Fincher David Walker Daniel Gonzalez Christopher Comito Yelmison Peralta Dylan Barrow Taylore Cherry Ryan Hinchley* Jack Charleston Ryan Powers Victor Done Jaider Rocha* Richard McWilliams Jhoandro Alfaro Amado Nunez Felix Mercedes Maiker Feliz Hanleth Otano Joxelier Garcia Andres Sanchez Kevin Escorcia Yeuris Guerrero -- INJURED Josh Richmond Nolan Sanburn Jace Fry* Josh Goosen-Brown Andrew Mitchell Blake Hickman -- THE ONES I COULDN'T FIND A HOME FOR Jeremy Farrell INF Mark Blackmar RHSP Michael Johnson INF Jefferson Olacio LHRP Zach Isler RHRP Tony Bucciferro RHP? Tyler Barnette RHP? Matt Heidenreich RHSP Chadd Krist C Ethan Wilson INF Nolan Earley OF Brannon Easterling RHSP Do you think Brennan will remain in the rotation? The White Sox protected him for Rule 5. Do you think there's any chance that they fast track him as a reliever?

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Dec 12, 2015 -> 09:16 AM) They'd have to include Trey M. as well. That's fine. I'd move something like Montas, Micah, and Trey for Frazier. Not sure that's the splash Cincinnati needs though

QUOTE (greg775 @ Dec 12, 2015 -> 03:06 AM) What would it take to get Frazier if we're not including Anderson? Get it done. Not sure. They are rumored to want position players. The problem is the Sox just don't have much in the system to deal. Sox have a few guys at the top that are too much to deal for a guy like Frazier. I think the 15-30 range players in Sox system are similar to most teams. The problem is the back half of the top 10. Most teams trade from that inventory and the Sox just don't have those guys yet. Unless Cincy took something headlined by Avi, Micah, Montas, a trade probably can't happen.

QUOTE (SoxAce @ Dec 12, 2015 -> 08:11 AM) I honestly believe Theo/Jed are bluffing. Heyward is such a question mark in CF. There is no way they go into the season with Schwarber and Soler as the corner OFs. That D would be bad. I still think Heyward is their RF on opening day and Soler (or Baez) is dealt for a CF. Completely Agree here. I fully expect Heyward to be in RF when the season starts. They'll acquire someone in CF.

QUOTE (Harry Chappas @ Dec 11, 2015 -> 02:00 PM) The NL will be much tougher next year. Cubs, Cards, Pirates, Mets, Nationals, Diamondbacks, Giants, and Dodgers are battling for 5 playoff spots. Reds, Brewers, Braves, Phillies, Rockies, Brewers, and Marlins are all bad though.

The thing that's annoying is the Sox don't move up in the draft because the Cubs already forfeited their 1st rounder.

QUOTE (Baron @ Dec 11, 2015 -> 12:20 PM) Cardinals really crapped the bed...they could not lose him. They'll sign Alex Gordon now and a pitcher and still win 90 games.

They won't give up a top 30 pick for Fowler. At least I hope they don't.

QUOTE (SleepyWhiteSox @ Dec 11, 2015 -> 08:06 AM) Yup, same one Lebron gets for losing to the warriors Not sure why it was necessary to bring the Warriors into this but alright.

QUOTE (soxfan49 @ Dec 11, 2015 -> 11:05 AM) A week or so ago he admitted he still had pain. This many days later it has to be painful still unless football practices help pain. It's also not a playoff team that's supposed to play in a downpour on Sunday. Letting White play would be senseless and it's a smart for him to not play until September 2016. It's not senseless if he's cleared though. He's getting strength back in the leg. He's been doing 11 on 11 stuff in practice. I don't necessarily think he should play but I wouldn't be against it if he were cleared.

QUOTE (knightni @ Dec 11, 2015 -> 10:20 AM) 19 HR 68 RBI 17 SB 72 BB 123 K .268 AVG .353 OBP .431 SLG .784 OPS Averages in career. He hasn't hit more than 14 HR in 4 seasons. Basically his career averages are close to Adam Eaton's 2015 season. I like advanced stats but in this case I'd agree with the traditional types. He's a really good player. 5-6 WAR player usually. He's an excellent defender and baserunner. If I'm paying $200 million though, I need you to hit for power.

The Kevin White story is so weird. The Tribune is reporting that he will not play this year. Said he's working hard and looks good but they don't want to risk it because his leg isn't as strong as the other leg. It all make complete sense. The problem is, so many people (including coaches and players) have been optimistic and even talking about him playing at some point. Aaron Leming's source told him White was playing Sunday. I was told by an athletic training source I have that knows someone that works up there something similar. Many media members including Jeff Dickerson and Moon Mullin were acting like he'd be playing. the Tribune guys (Biggs, Wiederer,Campbell) have all said from the get-go that he'd be shutdown at some point. I don't think it's a big deal that he won't play this year. The way this story has been reported and handled has been really strange though.

QUOTE (SleepyWhiteSox @ Dec 11, 2015 -> 12:52 AM) Ugh hoiberg But I just can't get behind wanting to "blow it up" when these players and this team as currently constructed can and should get to the conference finals at least. Do they get to hang a banner for losing to Lebron in the playoffs?

QUOTE (greg775 @ Dec 10, 2015 -> 11:04 PM) Great post. Made me laugh out loud. I actually was thinking I wouldn't mind seeing Frazier in a Sox uniform. It's risky acquiring NL guys but would they take Eaton/Rodon and a Class A guy? We got Trayce to take over for Eaton. Rodon? Seriously?

QUOTE (daggins @ Dec 10, 2015 -> 11:39 AM) Gonna say trade for CarGo and sign Howie Kendrick. Then pen and rotation depth. I really doubt they'd give up a top 30 pick to sign 32 year old Howie Kendrick.