ChiSox59

QUOTE (bmags @ Dec 16, 2014 -> 10:43 AM) I really hope when Abreu gets to camp he is not fat as hell again. Hmm. I don't know if "fat as hell" is the words I would use. Jose's a big dude, no doubt, but he certainly is not "fat as hell".

Just let Flowers do his thing. Brantly will be a serviceable backup. I mean, I'd take a flyer on Castro if it didn't cost much, but that is unlikely. AJP though? C'mon now.

QUOTE (Mike F. @ Dec 15, 2014 -> 06:04 PM) Anyone think Emilio Bonfacio would be a good fit on the Sox? He can play almost anywhere. Oh yeah. Been advocating for it, along with at least a few others. It makes wayyyyy too much sense.

93-69. Sale Cy Young. Q and Shark receive votes. Abreu MVP runner-up. Eaton has a .400 OBP

I was given a Pablo Ozuna jersey once. It is authentic and has the 2005 WS patch on it. It's pretty sweet, but I wish like hell it was someone else. I was 14 at the time, and man did I love me some Ozuna. Just so I don't get too much flack, I also own a Rowand, Buehrle, Konerko, Peavy, Quentin, Danks, Beckham and Sale jerseys. Sale is my most recent and I went with the Red pinstripes 1971 jersey they wore a few years back, so it doesn't blend in too much.

QUOTE (CaliSoxFanViaSWside @ Dec 14, 2014 -> 01:36 AM) Someone like Gordon Beckham ? Can platoon with Conor too at 3rd base since the only good thing he does is play decent defense and hit lefties pretty well. Fine w me at this point. I was Bonifacio but as this point what the heck!!!

Holy balls! Melky was our guy and we got him. 90-95 wins??!? Let's goooooooo

QUOTE (Buehrlesque @ Dec 12, 2014 -> 09:46 AM) He wants 5 years and teams seem to be balking at that a little. I would go 4 years for him or Chase Headley if their markets stall. I like Headley and all, but we shouldn't be spending our assets on a 3B. Conor has a solid stick, one that is very under appreciated around here, and his defense improved ten fold last year. He's not winning any gold gloves anytime soon, but he is passable. Melky makes way too much sense. And all this talk about Lh/RH in his thread, well Melky is a switch hitter. I know the market for his services is a robust, but a four year $60M makes a lot of sense. He will probably end up getting more though.

QUOTE (thxfrthmmrs @ Dec 12, 2014 -> 11:05 AM) If you want to look at it glass half full, Porcello seems like he's been around forever, but he was a top 20 prospect years ago, reached the majors at 20 years old and is only just turning 26. Last year was the first year he finally put up a shiny ERA, but he's been pretty good in FIP and WAR for a few years now. I think he has finally put it together and will be a solid #3 or #2 starter from here on out. And for the record Cespedes is also a free agent at the end of the year for the Tigers. Wilson is the definition of a AAAA reliever, whose ERA is an outlier according to FIP. The other kid they got in the deal wouldn't even see the big leagues for another 4 years or so, if he doesn't fall apart between now and then. I don't think Detroit did bad, but I like the trade better for Red Sox since they struck out on the big names pitchers, but was able to trade from an area of surplus to fill their needs, while getting good value in return. I am well aware of Porcello's pedigree and Cespedes' contract status. Even without the lottery ticket and Wilson, who will compete for a spot in their pen, they still needed help in the OF big time and flipped one year of a mid rotation pitcher for a guy that is going to add to a very formidable middle of the line up. It is the definition of a good baseball trade.

I like the trade for DET. I have never been a big Porcello guy. Yeah, he's a solid pitcher, but prior to last season, he was in every way shape and form, a back of the rotation pitcher. He took a nice step forward last year, but with only one year of control remaining, it made sense for DET to upgrade their OF. Not to mention, they got a guy in Wilson who will be in their pen, plus a low level lottery ticket. It also freed up about $2M for this coming year. It wasn't a great move by any stretch, but Cespedes will help them.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Dec 11, 2014 -> 04:16 PM) Allison Urycki ‏@AllisonUrycki the great moment when your ex gets traded from the white sox to Miami! Thank you sweet baby jesus! ??#hegone #imfree HAHAHAHA, Andre a bit of a stalker??

QUOTE (GreenSox @ Dec 11, 2014 -> 02:38 PM) You missed the #2 need. A fourth starter. And a LF. C (a defensive position) and 3B aren't holes. We have made the moves this year giving up secondary players. That's what the Sox should give up with still a 2nd tier farm and a building team. John Danks, while not well liked around these parts, is a solid #4. Sure, he's paid like 2 or 3, but he is just fine as a #4. Danks and Noesi can hold down the 4/5 slots just fine, and we'll likely see Rodon with at least 10-15 starts. While I would obviously love to add another SP (I liked the idea of Masterson or E. Santana - those ships have sailed, and I doubt the Sox spend their assets on a SP). A decent reclamation project would be welcomed, however - say, Billingsly, Josh Johnson, Medlan, Beachy, Morrow or even Floyd. I do expect the Sox to bring someone like that, or maybe a slightly lesser name, into the fold. The main need is obviously LF. I still expect to see Melky, Rasmus or Aoki on this club, and if not, the LF will come via trade. I am fine going to battle with Gillaspie at 3B (sign Bonafacio, Rick..he's a perfect fit and platoon w/ Conor against LHP) and Flowers at C.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Dec 11, 2014 -> 09:45 AM) Oh, I thought Parra was non-tendered. I don't believe so.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Dec 11, 2014 -> 09:34 AM) Which is like saying that DV hit 21 homers last year. It's the only way you can possibly make an argument that either player contributed anything on offense. And it is incomplete and misleading. He put up an 88 wRC+ and was a -5 defender by UZR for the first time in a while. Ichiro is a legend, but at this stage in his career, I'd MUCH rather we try to sign Gerrardo Parra for similar money. I keep hearing a Gerrado Parra signing suggestions on here. Parra is in his 3rd year of arbitration and is still owned by the Brewers. Sure, we could trade for him, but Parra is NOT a free agent. What am I missing? As for Ichiro, as others have said, if he is coming in to be the 4th outfielder and pinch hitter/runner, great. If it is to be the everyday LF, I think we can do much better. It is not the worst idea ever, but I think Rick has bigger plans for LF.

QUOTE (kwill @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 07:35 PM) I would trade for Crawford then have Viciedo platoon for Larouche and Crawford. I don't want to give up on him yet. Crawford is still a very good fielder, could deepen the lineup and add some speed to the bottom of the lineup. Plus, he seems like a great guy in the clubhouse. He is not too old to be productive throughout the rest of the contract. I really think there is not much difference between Crawford and Melky. I agree if you can get the money to even out.

QUOTE (flavum @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 07:21 PM) I would doubt it. That's his prerogative, and Marlins knew that possibility....or it's possible they were just doing the Dodgers a favor. Possible. The Dodgers are picking up his tab.

Looks like Dee Gordon is headed to Miami now as well. Heaney going back to LAD.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 04:57 PM) The Sox just sent out an email saying that singing was now official. Pretty sure the 40 man is still at 39.

QUOTE (Lillian @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 04:50 PM) The Dodgers still need to move an outfielder or two. Apparently, they didn't accomplish that in this trade. Yeah, would have been intriguing for the Sox to get involved here, but it doesn't appear to be the case. LAD still needs to move Kemp, Ethier or Crawford..

QUOTE (chitownsportsfan @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 04:46 PM) The poster above me didn't know it... Ahhh, sorry, I thought it was directed at me. In any event, I didn't get that vibe from his post. Nevermind

QUOTE (chitownsportsfan @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 03:47 PM) Uh you have to keep the pick on the 25 man active roster I believe at least 110 or so days. You can't just draft a guy and stash him in aa or something he will get offered back. That rules out pretty much anyone other than a near mlb ready reliever. Maybe a utility guy. Deshields will probably be long gone by 8. Uhhh...not sure who the first bolded part was directed at, but I highly doubt anyone around here doesn't understand that. As for the 2nd bolded part, FWIW Luhnow has stated that he'd be shocked if Deshields was taken. Probably doesn't mean much, but still interesting. I personally agree that he'll be gone in the top 5.

For those curious, here is a link to a whole bunch of profiles on eligible players. http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/nota...e-rule-5-draft/

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 01:45 PM) They don't have an open roster spot unless they make another move. Thought Robertson signing brought it to 39?

The Sox have the 8th pick in tomorrow's Rule 5 Draft. Here are a few of the top prospects: Cody Martin, RHP, Atlanta Braves 2014 Stats (AAA): 27 G/26 GS, 156 IP, 3.52 ERA, 1.327 WHIP, .254 BAA (17 HR), 3.2 BB/9, 8.2 K/9 Cody Martin is one of the few notable pitching prospects available in this year’s Rule 5 draft, as he likely would have reached the major leagues in 2014 if not for the Braves’ surplus of starting pitching. A seventh-round pick in 2011, Martin owns a 3.07 ERA over 433.1 minor league innings, and it would likely sit below 3.00 if not for a career-worst 3.52 ERA at Triple-A Gwinnett last season. Other than that, the 25-year-old right-hander continued to miss bats at a high rate (8.2 K/9) in the International League and even lowered his walk rate while logging a career-high 156 innings. Though his track record is undeniably impressive, Martin has never profiled as anything better than a No. 4 or 5 starter due to his lack of a plus pitch; he has a deep arsenal of four pitches and knows how to change speeds, but none of them are going to be standout offerings at the highest level. On top of that, Martin’s tendencies as a fly-ball pitcher caught up to him last season in Triple-A, as he allowed a career-worst 17 home runs (1.0 home runs per nine innings) as well as a .726 opponents’ OPS. However, Martin should still appeal to teams looking for a cheap back-end starter headed into spring training. Yes, there are concerns about whether his stuff will translate in The Show, but the right-hander has done his part by checking all of the boxes in the high minors. Delino DeShields, OF, Houston Astros 2014 Stats (AA): 114 G, 507 PA, .236/.346/.360, 27 XBH (11 HR), 54 SB (14 CS), 12.0 BB%, 22.1 K% A first-round draft pick back in 2010, DeShields is arguably the most intriguing Rule 5-eligible player this year thanks to his combination of power, speed and his ability to play two up-the-middle positions. The 22-year-old put up huge numbers in 2012 between both Class-A levels (mostly Low-A), batting .287/.389/.428 with 44 extra-base hits (12 home runs) and 101 stolen bases in 135 games, and he followed it up with a career-best .873 OPS at High-A Lancaster in 2013. This past season saw DeShields bat .236/.346/.360 with 27 extra-base hits through 114 games in his first taste of the Double-A level, though a broken cheekbone he suffered in late April as a result of an errant pitch might have contributed to his underwhelming production. Still, the second baseman-turned-center fielder’s speed translated favorably at the higher level, as he ranked second in the Texas League with 54 stolen bases. Speed alone could get DeShields popped in the Rule 5 draft later this week, and he might be particularly attractive to teams that believe the once highly regarded prospect still has some upside—which he does. Taylor Featherston, SS, Colorado Rockies 2014 Stats (AA): 127 G, 550 PA, .260/.322/.439, 53 XBH (16 HR), 14 SB, 6.9% BB%, 20.7% K% A fifth-round draft pick out of Texas Christian in 2011, Featherston has spent the last four seasons moving at a level-per-year pace through the Rockies system, and he’s quietly posted some impressive numbers along the way. Coming off of a career-best offensive campaign in 2013 playing in the hitter-friendly High-A California League, Featherston, 25, proved his power was for real this year at Double-A Tulsa by setting career highs in doubles (33) and home runs (14) while once again achieving double digits in stolen bases (14). Plus, Featherston lowered his strikeout rate from the previous year by nearly nine percent, and he did so without sacrificing any power. Featherston would likely be used as a utility infielder if selected in the Rule 5 draft, as he’s logged significant time at shortstop (113 games), second (242 games) and third base (18 games) over four minor league seasons. In general, Featherston is a sound defender with a solid glove, average range and above-average arm strength, and his tools tend to play up thanks to his strong instincts. Reymin Guduan, LHP, Houston Astros 2014 Stats (Rk): 13 G/9 GS, 44.1 IP, 4.47 ERA, 1.80 WHIP, .286 BAA, 5.5 BB/9, 11.8 K/9 Reymin Guduan turns 23 next March and lacks significant experience above the rookie level, but he’s a 6’4” left-hander with a legitimate upper-90s fastball and a track record of missing bats. Guduan spent 2014 in the Appalachian League where he posted a 4.47 ERA in 44.1 innings, though his FIP of 3.50 highlights how he suffered from bad luck (like opposing hitters’ .402 batting average on balls in play). Meanwhile, the left-hander continued to miss bats at a high rate as he struck out 11.8 batters per nine innings (K/9), which actually lowered his career rate to an 11.0 K/9. Houston promoted Guduan from the Gulf Coast League to Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2013 for one appearance out of bullpen. He walked three batters and surrendered a run, but Guduan allowed only one hit over 2.1 innings and struck out four. J.R. Graham, RHP, Atlanta Braves 2014 Stats (AA): 27 G/19 GS, 71.1 IP, 5.55 ERA, 1.472 WHIP, .289 BAA, 3.3 BB/9, 6.3 K/9 Graham, 24, simply hasn’t been the same after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in mid-May of 2013, as it cost him velocity and sinking action on his fastball. However, the right-hander, who was officially moved to the bullpen late in the 2014 season at Double-A Mississippi, still has the potential to carve out a role in the Braves bullpen if he's able to return to his 2012 form. Breyvic Valera, 2B, St. Louis Cardinals 2014 Stats (A+/AA): 132 G, 570 PA, .313/.361/.367, 163 H, 22 XBH, 17 SB (15 CS), 7.0 BB%, 6.1 K% Valera solidified his prospect stock with a quietly impressive 2014 season between the High- and Double-A levels, as the athletic switch-hitter combined to bat .313/.361/367 with 17 stolen bases and more walks (40) than strikeouts (35). Since he’s still realistically at least a year away from holding a role in the major leagues, the Cardinals opted not to add Valera to the 40-man roster last month, making him eligible for the upcoming Rule 5 draft. Steve Baron, C, Seattle Mariners 2014 Stats (A+/AA): 60 G, 235 PA, .261/.319/.360, 17 XBH, 29 RBI, 7.2 BB%, 16.6 K% Baron, a first-round draft pick out of high school in 2009, stands out for his superb defense behind the plate, as his excellent catch-and-throw skills and plus-plus arm strength have helped him throw out 46 percent of attempted base stealers over six seasons in the minor leagues. The 24-year-old will never offer much offensively—he’s a career .221/.268/.335 hitter in 1,589 plate appearances—though he did take a step forward in 2014 with a .261/.319/.360 batting line in 235 plate appearances and reached Double-A for the first time in his career. Rafael De Paula, RHP, San Diego Padres 2014 Stats (A+): 28 G/25 GS, 131.2 IP, 4.92 ERA, 1.443 WHIP, .265 BAA (12 HR), 3.8 BB/9, 9.9 K/9 Acquired at the trade deadline from the Yankees in the Chase Headley deal, De Paula, 23, posted a 4.92 ERA and 145/55 K/BB ratio over 131.2 innings this season between High-A Tampa and High-A Lake Elsinore. The 6’2” right-hander has a big-time fastball that registers in the mid- to upper-90s, but he’s struggled with his control at times and seems destined for a long-term bullpen role. Kaleb Cowart, 3B, Los Angeles Angels The 2010 first-round pick has combined for a .222/.286/.312 batting line in over 1,000 plate appearances at Double-A Arkansas over the last two seasons, and he officially stopped switch hitting along the way. Sadly, the 22-year-old increasingly looks like a lost cause on both sides of the ball, but the Angels will give him one more season to bounce back before moving him to the mound. Drew Vettleson, OF, Washington Nationals The Rays drafted Vettleson with the No. 42 overall pick in 2010, envisioning him as a power/speed right fielder at maturity. However, the 23-year-old never developed as expected and amassed only 26 home runs and 45 steals in 314 games over three seasons in the Rays system, which prompted the club to trade him to Washington before the 2014 season. Vettleson held his own with a .715 OPS and 27 extra-base hits over 83 games at Double-A Harrisburg, though injuries limited him to only 83 games. Jed Bradley, LHP, Milwaukee Brewers The No. 15 overall pick in the 2011 draft, Bradley began last season back at High-A Brevard County after back-to-back dismal performances at the level in 2012 and 2013. The 24-year-old left-hander finally enjoyed some success in his third tour of the Florida State League, posting a 2.98 ERA in 60.1 innings, and ended up spending the final three months of the season at Double-A Huntsville. However, Bradley struggled in the Southern League with a 4.55 ERA in 87 innings, while opposing hitters raked against him at a .307/.377/.472 clip. Bradley’s greatest strength is his ability to neutralize left-handed batters, as they collectively batted .196/.266/.238 against him last season and struck out 31.7 percent of the time in 158 plate appearances. If he’s popped in the upcoming Rule 5 draft, it’ll likely be for his potential in a specialized bullpen role.

QUOTE (Jose Paniagua @ Dec 10, 2014 -> 12:45 PM) Will be interesting to see if the next five years of Semien equal, surpass or are less than the production of the Gordon Beckham era Will never have Gordo's glove. Will likely be marginally better with the bat.