Special K

I've been calling for an automated strike zone for at least 10 years now. Utterly ridiculous not to have one. No matter how hard they try, the umps cannot (nor should they be expected) have an equal strike zone on every pitch. They're going to make mistakes. Moreover, there is often a bias (whether umps do it intentionally or subconsciously) - some umps don't like certain players, some pitchers have a bigger strike zone if they're a star (the same goes for hitters), and some umps might just get caught up in the heat of the game. There's no place in the game for any of this. The strike zone should be equal for all players, and the game cannot be played fairly without one. Otherwise, one team is literally at a disadvantage.

Not sure if Lawrie will maintain his OBP, but it's far better than whatever Rollins is doing. I am also fine with Melky in 2 hole, but it seems like Lawrie is better suited. Not Rollins tho. Maybe Avi if he maintains.

In a perfect world, Lawrie would be batting second and move Rollins down in the lineup to 7 or 8. Saladino - although a great guy and seemingly solid defender - does not belong starting on this team (or any other major league team for that matter). Saladino cannot hit. He looked pitiful Saturday night when he failed at even laying down a bunt. I'd be open to giving Sanchez more time.

Yep. Stars never work. Jason Heyward has been bad. Max Scherzer too. Cespedes has also been a big disappointment. But in all seriousness, Cespedes has been a monster so far. Still love Jackson, but wouldn't mind having him at DH in addition.

Not to mention Frazier has been very valuable on defensive side. Frazier has been a great addition that's not even debatable. Especially what we gave up for him.

Teixeira is someone we should be focusing on.

Clearly the injury ruined his career. Tough luck. He's financially set and there's probably a club house or commentary job for him down the road. Gonzalez looked decent. Just wondering, why won't EJ get a chance? Didn't he light it up last year? And how's he doing this year?

QUOTE (beautox @ Apr 22, 2016 -> 12:46 AM) I think there will be a market correction for Yadiel, after Castillo, Alex Guerrero and Hector Olivera haven't quite delivered yet. Having said that he shouldn't need too much time in the minors to get game ready and he fits the window and need of the sox while also keeping our farm in shape. Late June L - Eaton - RF R - Abreu - 1B L - Hernandez - LF R - Frazier - 3B S - Cabrera - DH R - Lawrie - 2B R - Jackson - CF S - Navarro - C R - Anderson - SS Make it happen. Would love to see it happen. Why Abreu batting No. 2 though?

Sox best option, IMO, for upgrading Avi (assuming he is playing poorly) is to either (i) eat a bad contract and not give up much in return; or (ii) fill the role internally. Is Sands a fit for the DH role if Avi continues to underwhelm? Realistically, what could we expect from Sands over 162 games? Just curious...

QUOTE (Kalapse @ Apr 13, 2016 -> 11:05 PM) Carlos Rodon is really f***ing good. Agreed. Dude rocks.

We're stuck with Danks until we have an alternative. In the scheme of things, when we're complaining about Danks as our 5th starter, it means we have nice problems. I think the bigger issue is that we will need another "good" bat at some point to replace Avi. Just can't see the offense keeping up at this pace - hope i'm wrong.

Plus Rollins was pretty good like 6 years ago.

QUOTE (SCCWS @ Feb 12, 2016 -> 09:13 AM) What 2nd half rebound. He hit .190 in July and .220 in September. He had a good May and a good August. Defensively his number of errors has increased each year over the last 3 seasons. I would be concerned as a SS he is on the decline. If we're leaving the draft pick and money that none of us will have to pay him out of the equation, he's a clear upgrade over Saladino. That should be the end of the discussion on that front. Any talk about him blocking Anderson is just silly. That means he's playing too well to be replaced. We'll find room for Anderson when he's ready.

Trade for Ethier. Sign Desmond. And let's put this offseason to bed.

Arrieta is garbage.

QUOTE (OmarComing25 @ Jan 22, 2016 -> 06:31 PM) Was anything Dick said wrong? Lip said no changes have been made and Dick listed several. He said there's no accountability for the players yet there's no position player remaining from Opening Day 2013. There are plenty of criticisms to be had for the Sox brass, but not cutting LaRoche "long ago" is not one of them. That seems like a major reach. There's nothing wrong with criticism, but at least be right when you do it. Dick was right. I just notice that he defends sox brass staunchly. The organization is struggling right now. If it's all KW, then JR needs to fire him or sell. We're in the 3rd largest city in the country and 0 playoff appearances in 8 years is pathetic.

Dick is a staunch defender of sox brass. Any criticisms you have about the organization? They haven't made the playoffs in almost a decade. Somewhere in that organization something is going wrong, whether it be manager, front office or players. But even if you lay all blame on players, that's still a reflection on how selected them.

QUOTE (Tony @ Jan 20, 2016 -> 08:46 PM) There have been some reports out there as well about some executives feel like 2015 was a true outlier season for Cespedes and your classic free agent push, and given his career numbers I seem to agree with that. Free agency is always not the optimal route to go, but I feel like with Cespedes, you will absolutely be paying for past performances and not anything close to what he is actually going to give you. Fowler has been a fairly consistent 2 WAR player the last 5 years and should cost as you said, nearly 70 million dollars less than Cespedes, who I'm just not sold on. Just personal preference, and I know I'm in the minority. I will also be excited if Cespedes does join the Sox, but I think it's playing with fire. It's worth remembering Cespedes doesn't cost a pick. That has value in and of itself. All this being said, if we're going to break the bank for the biggest contract ever, should've went for Upton IMO.

I'd rather have a bad record for 5 years and get better internally than win 81 games for 3-4 years. As far as I'm concerned, there should be no middle ground. Either we're trying to win the division or we should be rebuilding. Not trying to be .500.

I will forever hate Upton. That's all I gotta say. What a loser. Money aside, the fact that he would consider playing for the Sox but prefers to go to the dump that is Detroit is just baffling. I truly hope the Sox do something, but, I'm not even confident Cespedes makes us favorites for the division at this point. We still have a weak back end of the rotation and question marks at SS, DH (assuming we sign Cespedes), and possibly C. At this point, I like the idea of Desmond and Fowler/Jackson. Get better at two positions. And I may just be ranting, but, this whole thing of refusing to spend on big contracts for good players is not a good strategy. We just end up over-spending to get average players like LaRoche, Dunn, Melky, etc. Philosophy needs to change asap.

QUOTE (shipps @ Jan 18, 2016 -> 09:04 AM) Multiple sources have said that Upton has already declined the Sox at least twice. He doesnt want to be here for whatever reason. Its not going to happen. I'm just saying, if the Sox are going to dole out their biggest contract ever, I could see it for a guy like Upton as opposed to a Cespedes. And perhaps if the money were there, he might reconsider.

Call me crazy, but, I've got a feeling we scoop up Upton. Kenny loves Upton and lest we forget, Kenny always gets his guy. Whether it be Griffey, Jr., Robbie Alomar, Dunn, Edwin Jackson... Doesn't matter. Kenny always gets his guy.

Unless the Sox make a substantial offer, he is going back to the Mets without a doubt. He's familiar with the team, had great success there, its a better market to play, etc. There's simply no reason to turn to the White Sox unless they make it worth it... Call me a half-glass empty guy, but, I don't see it happening. I think the Tigers will also grab him if they can before the Sox.

QUOTE (ChiSoxFanMike @ Jan 8, 2016 -> 09:28 PM) They have Pompey and Saunders...I doubt they'll be looking for one of the top tier guys. If anything, they'll go after a guy like Jackson. Ryan Braun is also available. I'd do it but this board would kill me. Khris Davis is also available.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Jan 8, 2016 -> 08:19 AM) And how about Gary Sheffield, I'd say that was a successful transition. And let us not forget the "Babe" - Kyle Schwarber. Probably the single purest hitter this game has ever laid eyes on...