BlackSox13

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Nov 7, 2014 -> 08:35 AM) Have you seen Wilmer Flores play SS? It's actually kind of sad. He looks kind of like Hunter Pence, like he's out of some early N64 baseball game with blocky, polygon graphics. The mildest way to put it is probably that he makes routine plays look very difficult, and difficult plays look like miracles. He came up this year for a bit and surprisingly kind of held his own. And everyone was impressed, but in the way you're impressed with something that you assumed was total garbage when it turns out to be anything more than that. I think most of Mets fans, at least, are kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop on his SS defense. Like, it's cool that he's been able to defy the odds, but you can't expect to keep making these plays when your feet and arms move the way his feet and arms do. EDIT: Here's a PERFECT example: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wilmer-flor...-shortstop-yet/ Notice his footwork in the third GIF down. I dare you to watch that and not laugh. I admit that I had not seen him play at SS so I clicked the link and needless to say, I'm still laughing. If the Mets don't believe they can straighten Flores out, I can see how the Mets would have potential interest in Alexei.

As soon as Anderson's name was mentioned, that would be the end of the phone call and I'm willing to bet the Braves know that. Gattis would not cost Anderson, tho I admit I'm not sure what the cost would be.

QUOTE (peavy44 @ Nov 6, 2014 -> 06:26 PM) Ya this story seems like its coming from his butt Agreed, sounds like he was desperate for something to write about. The Yanks and Dodgers is easy to see and I'm sure we all knew those two would be in the market for short stops so that's just easy pickings for Levine and his following. The Mets speculation is what gets me.

Did you hear that Mets? Alexei's price just went up b****es! Seriously tho. Congrats to both on well deserved awards.

QUOTE (TheFutureIsNear @ Nov 6, 2014 -> 06:15 PM) Not going to pretend like I have a clue what they are actually asking for, but a quick glance at their roster shows they aren't exactly set at 2B. I don't think La Stella is their future there. Wonder if Sanchez would get it done? Guess it would all depend on what kind of league interest there is in Gattis....don't know the answer to that either honestly. I hear ya. I'm rather clueless myself. I'm thinking the Braves might be after pitching.

QUOTE (woods of ypres @ Nov 6, 2014 -> 06:06 PM) Mets are a close to competing. They only need a SS, and LFer they have a rotation and bullpen. If they think they can compete I could see it. Their payroll is low too. According to stuff I've read, they aren't expected to contend in 2015 but that is subjective. In all honesty, after looking at Flores numbers for the half season he played in Alexei is not THAT big of an upgrade. Flores put up nice numbers for a 23 year and I see no reason why he won't improve. Again, Alexei to the Mets makes zero sense. Contender or not, I would not replace Flores with Alexei. Let's say that Brucey boy is right, I would tell the Mets I want Flores in return as part of the deal. Then use one or two of Sanchez, Semien, Johnson as trade bait in another deal with another team. QUOTE (peavy44 @ Nov 6, 2014 -> 06:08 PM) Isnt bruce levine a cubs guy reporter? I think he reports for both, or should I say he creates gossip for both.

I like the idea but what do the Sox offer for Gattis?

Why would a rebuilding team like the Mets trade for a 33 year old SS when they have a young budding 23 year old already there in Wilmer Flores? Murphy is at second so where does Flores fit in? Alexei makes zero sense for the Mets and just another reason why Levine is a complete and utter moron.

I almost forgot... f*** Josh Hamilton! I would rather beg Dunn to come out of retirement. Better yet, I would MUCH rather trade for CarGo.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Nov 6, 2014 -> 02:38 PM) That is absolutely Ethier. Crawford would probably be able to fetch a bit of young talent on the trade market with the Dodgers eating some of his salary, but Ethier probably fetches nothing. I wouldn't have a problem with Ethier but his lack of power is what gets me. For some reason I thought he had a little more than what he really does. Maybe I was thinking he would have a bit more hitting at the Cell. That said, Alexei Ramirez/ John Danks for Andre Ethier/ Corey Seager it is.

Typical Levine, pointing out the obvious while pulling s*** from his arse for his idiot readers to choke on. The Yanks and Dodgers are easy to speculate on but the Mets make no sense with Wilmer Flores already at SS. Good grief Levine is an idiot!

Which one of Crawford or Ethier would have the closest value to Danks in a trade?

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Nov 6, 2014 -> 12:52 PM) I dont see any way the Nationals trade him right now(unless he forces it). He is still on his rookie contract, they are paying him peanuts My crazy thought (which admittedly came from a discussion with a friend) is Tulo at third base. I would love that idea accept Full apparently does not. I remembered something being said about a move to third during 2014 so I did a quick search and yup, he hates the idea... “Moreso than any other position on the field, shortstops take [the identity created by their position] to heart. When guys get moved to third, they take it as a punch in the gut,” said Tulowitzki. “I would do the same thing. I want to stay at shortstop. I want to be there for a long time, hopefully my whole career. “If someone had said [that a move to third was necessary] to me, there would have been a big argument. I’m going to stay here and I’m going to prove you wrong,” he added. “Maybe it worked better for [bogaerts'] team, him moving to third. I know that it’s something that I wouldn’t do personally. I’m a shortstop at heart. That’s what I take passion in. That’s what I put in all my workouts in the offseason, which are designed to play the shortstop position.” http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/ba...nch-in-the-gut/ Who knows, as Tulo gets older he might rethink that.

I can see a Crawford for Danks scenario as a genuine possibility. Crawford can still hit, steal some bases and play decent defense when he's healthy and his salary would. Add another OF and the DH spot can be used as part of an OF rotation. This would clear the way for Rodon and leave the Sox plenty of money to sign a guy like Rasmus, Melky or trade for a guy like CarGo ( puke). Point is it financially leaves the Sox with lots of options since Crawford adds just 6M to the current payroll.

QUOTE (Al Lopez's Ghost @ Nov 6, 2014 -> 12:32 PM) Chris Sale won't throw at him? Rumor has it that Sale has been saranading love songs to Victor in an effort to get Victor to sign with the Sox.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Nov 6, 2014 -> 12:26 PM) Unless the White Sox significantly outbid everyone else, I can't think of a compelling reason to pick the White Sox over most other teams. Yup, VMart has said he wants to sign with a contender and the Sox are not a contender. IMO, the Sox would have to make some combination of key signings and trades in order to gain VMarts interest in signing a contract. There are other teams that are already contenders and will be bidding on VMart. VMart actually signing with the Sox is just sports writers hype and nothing more.

QUOTE (Dam8610 @ Nov 6, 2014 -> 10:28 AM) The only player on your list I wouldn't pursue is Martinez because he has a QO, and he's old and will get WAY too much on the Free Agent market. I know what you mean. I only consider VMart if other free agents are signed, otherwise, forget it. Plus, I've said before, I just don't see VMart being interested in the Sox.

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Nov 6, 2014 -> 08:01 AM) The only history that matters is his injury history, which shows that Cargo probably cant carry his own jock without breaking his wrist Good one! With CarGo's money, he probably hired a jock manager to handle a of CarGo's jock affairs.

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Nov 6, 2014 -> 07:59 AM) This is a myth, at least in the last decade it is. The Sox have spent plenty of money with terrible attendance since 2005. Exactly, and that's why I don't want to hear the excuse of "attendance is down" which fans have heard before. Either live up to " we think we can contend" bit or admit that 2015 will be a continuation in the rebuild. If its a continuation then fine, no problem, just shut up about the " we can contend" bit because Sox fans aren't as nieve as cub fans. Sox fans can see how many holes there are on this team, how low the current payroll is and how limited the rebuilding farm is on assets that could be used to acquire players to fill holes. If JR wants to keep his money in his pocket, I will happily do the same.

QUOTE (CaliSoxFanViaSWside @ Nov 6, 2014 -> 06:53 AM) Next year our 1st round pick might not be protected so if you want a premium hitter or 2 which comes attached with a qualifying offer then your giving up a 1st rd. draft pick. If we get a premium hitter or 2 this year. we give up a 2nd and 3rd round draft pick. Also if you target some of those guy above will it not impact the Sox ability to get those guys next year since you have now occupied much of the payroll flexilbilty ? If we're going to make moves for premium talent then this is the ideal year for it. Exactly. If the Sox wait til next years FA then its likely the Sox don't have a protected first rounder and then hind sighters come out saying the Sox shouldn't sign any top free agents because the last player they signed that cost a first round pick was Adam Dunn and we know how the song will go from there. If there's a year when the Sox should fill a few holes through FA, this is it. The more I hear about CarGo and his horrible contract, the more I like the idea of going after Rasmus who would give similar production, one year younger, cheaper and will not cost anyone from the farm teams. Rasmus AND VMart would add some very nice power from the left side and Rasmus is definitely an upgrade over Tank in LF. I would try to give the Yanks some competition with regards to Headley too. If the Sox aren't willing to spend on a few quality free agent bats and a reliever or two then they should stop with the " we think we can contend" bs because there's no friggin way they will without spending the money. Then comes another season of excuses starting with " attendance is down and the whole bleeding heart bag o bs.

QUOTE (Vance Law @ Nov 5, 2014 -> 08:59 PM) Cargo doesn't need a jockstrap because he's always on the DL collecting $16 million. Did I answer the riddle right? I actually laughed out loud Vance, well said. Lmao

Agreed, I'm not willing to sell the farm for one player. That's a big salary to take on for a 30 year old that has had injury issues. I'm absolutely fine with Alexei at SS.

QUOTE (LDF @ Nov 5, 2014 -> 07:26 PM) I like that reasoning.

QUOTE (Feeky Magee @ Nov 5, 2014 -> 07:13 PM) You would take Tyler Flowers over Jason Castro, straight up? That's insane. A lot of people here are going to look silly if the Sox make Flowers their regular catcher and he doesn't get the huge luck he got last year. Castro walks more, strikes out considerably less, hits for only very slightly less power, runs the bases better, and is probably about to pass Flowers in framing given the rate of improvement he's shown as a young catcher. Its a matter of perspective. From where I'm standing, taking Castro, his salary and giving up prospects is far more insane than sticking with Flowers, keeping the prospects and using the few million saved towards an upgrade at LF or DH or the bullpen, all of which are far more important to upgrade.

QUOTE (LDF @ Nov 5, 2014 -> 07:04 PM) thanks and yeah you are right. the power numbers > Flowers. the avg > Flowers esp since he got those what contacts / glasses. with the rest of the stats on Defense I will give way to those who are way better than I. so for my book it is flowers. however, here is the wildcard. does the sox believe Flowers can sustain those improve numbers for the course of the yr??? I think there's little doubt the Sox truly believe in Flowers since they have clearly stuck by him since AJ departed. I believe Flowers has earned the starting catcher job for 2015 and will continue to improve. Got to love those magic glasses of his!