2004 SOX

[JUGGERNAUT]

Do you think we can put all 2004 chatter in 1 thread?

 

THE MANAGER:

Hot: Ozzie Guillen, Buck Dent Cold: Wally Backman

$$$: Maneul due 1.2mil for 2004.

 

BARTOLO COLON:

Angles GM Moreno puts him at the top of his list.

[DonkeyKongerko]

Florida Marlins bench coach. That will be two Florida Marlins bench coaches in a row that have gone on to manage the White Sox.

[JUGGERNAUT]

http://kmbumb.people.wm.edu/04agency.html

http://kmbumb.people.wm.edu/05agency.html

http://kmbumb.people.wm.edu/06agency.html

 

x-club option for 2004; m-mutual option for 2004; y-player option for 2004; v-player can void contract.

 

DH:

CHICAGO (10): m-Frank Thomas, dh;

SEATTLE (9): Edgar Martinez, dh;

 

1B:

ANAHEIM (2): Brad Fullmer, 1b

TAMPA BAY (5): Travis Lee, 1b;

TEXAS (3): Rafael Palmeiro, 1b;

ATLANTA (10): Julio Franco, 1b;

CHICAGO (13): x-Eric Karros, 1b;

LOS ANGELES Ron Coomer, 1b; Fred McGriff, 1b;

MONTREAL (8): Todd Zeile, 1b.

NEW YORK (4): Jay Bell, 1b; Tony Clark, 1b;

SAN FRANCISCO (13): Andres Galarraga, 1b; x-J.T. Snow, 1b;

 

3B:

BALTIMORE (8): Tony Batista, 3b;

DETROIT (3): Dean Palmer, 3b;

KANSAS CITY (11): Joe Randa, 3b;

ATLANTA (10): Vinny Castilla, 3b;

CHICAGO (13): Lenny Harris, 3b;

LOS ANGELES (9): Robin Ventura, 3b.

MONTREAL (8): x-Fernando Tatis, 3b;

PITTSBURGH (8): Jose Hernandez, 3b;

 

2B: Roberto has plenty of competition to drive down his price.

BOSTON (9): Todd Walker, 2b.

CHICAGO (10): Roberto Alomar, 2b;

CHICAGO (10): Tony Graffanino, 2b;

TAMPA BAY (5): Terry Shumpert, 2b.

ARIZONA (7): Carlos Baerga, 2b;

CHICAGO (13): x-Mark Grudzielanek

COLORADO (5): m-Chris Stynes, 2b;

FLORIDA (8): Luis Castillo, 2b;

PITTSBURGH (8): Jeff Reboulet, 2b; x-Pokey Reese, 2b;

ST. LOUIS (12): x-Fernando Vina, 2b;

SAN DIEGO (3): Keith Lockhart, 2b.

SAN FRANCISCO (13): x-Eric Young, 2b.

 

SS: Wow! The SOX are sure to be able to upgrade this position.

BALTIMORE (8): x-Deivi Cruz, ss;

BOSTON (9): Damian Jackson, ss;

CHICAGO (10): x-Jose Valentin, ss.

MINNESOTA (8): Chris Gomez, ss; Denny Hocking, ss;

OAKLAND (4): Miguel Tejada, ss.

SEATTLE (9): Rey Sanchez, ss.

TAMPA BAY (5): Rey Ordonez, ss;

TORONTO (4): Mike Bordick, ss;

CHICAGO (13): Tony Womack, ss.

CINCINNATI (3): Juan Castro, ss; Barry Larkin, ss.

FLORIDA (8): Andy Fox, ss;

HOUSTON (6):; Jose Vizcaino, ss;

MILWAUKEE (6): x-Royce Clayton, ss;

MONTREAL (8): Orlando Cabrera, ss;

PITTSBURGH (8): Pat Meares, ss;

ST. LOUIS (12): x-Edgar Renteria, ss;

SAN FRANCISCO (13): Rich Aurilia, ss;

 

C: Wow! The SOX can upgrade here as well.

BALTIMORE (8): x-Brook Fordyce, c;

CHICAGO (10): Sandy Alomar Jr, c;

CLEVELAND (4): Tim Laker, c;

DETROIT (3): Matt Walbeck, c.

KANSAS CITY (11): Mike Difelice, c; x-Brent Mayne, c;

NEW YORK (9): John Flaherty, c

SEATTLE (9): Pat Borders, c;

TORONTO (4): Greg Myers, c.

ATLANTA (10): Javy Lopez, c;

COLORADO (5): Gregg Zaun, c.

FLORIDA (8): Ivan Rodriguez, c;

HOUSTON (6): Brad Ausmus, c;

MILWAUKEE (6): Keith Osik, c; Eddie Perez, c;

PHILADELPHIA (9): Todd Pratt, c; m-Kelly Stinnett, c;

ST. LOUIS (12):Joe Girardi, c; Chris Widger, c.

SAN FRANCISCO (13): Benito Santiago, c;

 

 

R/LHP: Wow! What a glut of FA arms! The SOX should definitely buy a 5th starter & Schow is not a lock for 4th.

BALTIMORE (8): Hector Carrasco, rhp; Scott Erickson, rhp; x-Pat Hentgen, rhp;

BOSTON (9): John Burkett, rhp; x-Bobby Howry, rhp; Todd Jones, rhp; x-Derek Lowe, rhp; Robert Person, rhp; x-Jeff Suppan, rhp; Mike Timlin, rhp;

 

CHICAGO (10): Bartolo Colon, rhp; Tom Gordon, rhp; x-Esteban Loaiza, rhp; x-Scott Sullivan, rhp;

 

CLEVELAND (4): Jason Bere, rhp; x-Mark Wohlers, rhp.

DETROIT (3): Steve Avery, lhp;

KANSAS CITY (11): Brian Anderson, lhp; Jason Grimsley, rhp; Curtis Leskanic, rhp; Jose Lima, rhp; Graeme Lloyd, lhp;

 

MINNESOTA (8): Mike Fetters, rhp; Eddie Guardado, lhp; Latroy Hawkins, rhp; x-Rick Reed, rhp; Kenny Rogers, lhp;

 

NEW YORK (9): Felix Heredia, lhp; Jeff Nelson, rhp; x-Antonio Osuna, rhp; Andy Pettitte, lhp; x-David Wells, lhp; Gabe White, lhp.

 

OAKLAND (4): Keith Foulke, rhp; Jim Mecir, rhp;

SEATTLE (9): Armando Benitez, rhp; Shigetoshi Hasegawa, rhp; Arthur Rhodes, lhp;

TEXAS (3): John Thomson, rhp.

TORONTO (4): Kelvim Escobar, rhp; Cory Lidle, rhp;

ARIZONA (7): x-Miguel Batista, rhp; Mike Jackson, rhp; y-Matt Mantei, rhp; Mike Myers, lhp.

 

ATLANTA (10): y-Paul Byrd, rhp; Roberto Hernandez, rhp; Darren Holmes, rhp; Kent Mercker, lhp; m-Shane Reynolds, rhp;

 

CHICAGO (13): Antonio Alfonseca, rhp; Shawn Estes, lhp; x-Mark Guthrie, lhp; Dave Veres, rhp; Tony Womack, ss.

CINCINNATI (3): y-Jimmy Haynes, rhp;

COLORADO (5): Darren Oliver, lhp; x-Steve Reed, rhp;

FLORIDA (8): Chad Fox, rhp; Rick Helling, rhp; Ugueth Urbina, rhp.

HOUSTON (6): Brian Moehler, rhp; Ron Villone, lhp; Rick White, rhp.

LOS ANGELES (9): Wilson Alvarez, lhp; x-Andy Ashby, rhp;x-Hideo Nomo, rhp;

MILWAUKEE (6): Dave Burba, rhp; Todd Ritchie, rhp;

MONTREAL (8): Vic Darensbourg, lhp; x-Joey Eischen, lhp; x-Livan Hernandez, rhp;

NEW YORK (4): Pedro Astacio, rhp; John Franco, lhp.

 

PHILADELPHIA (9): Terry Adams, rhp; x-Rheal Cormier, lhp; x-Jose Mesa, rhp; Kevin Millwood, rhp; r-Dan Plesac, lhp; Turk Wendell, rhp; x-Mike Williams, rhp.

PITTSBURGH (8): Jeff D'Amico, rhp; Julian Tavarez, rhp.

ST. LOUIS (12): x-Chris Carpenter, rhp; x-Mike DeJean, rhp; Cal Eldred, rhp; x-Jeff Fassero, lhp; x-Sterling Hitchcock, lhp; Lance Painter, lhp; Russ Springer, rhp;

SAN DIEGO (3): Rod Beck, rhp; x-Trevor Hoffman, rhp;

SAN FRANCISCO (13): y-Robb Nen, rhp; Sidney Ponson, rhp; m-Felix Rodriguez, rhp; Kirk Rueter, lhp;

 

OF: The glut here again will drive down Carl's price.

BALTIMORE (8): Albert Belle, of; B.J. Surhoff, of.

ANAHEIM (2): Eric Owens, of.

CHICAGO (10):Carl Everett, of

CLEVELAND (4):x-Ellis Burks, of;

KANSAS CITY (11): Raul Ibanez, of; Mike Tucker, of; Rondell White, of.

MINNESOTA (8): Shannon Stewart, of.

NEW YORK (9): Ruben Sierra, of;

OAKLAND (4): Jose Guillen, of;

SEATTLE (9): Mike Cameron, of;x-John Mabry, of; Mark McLemore, of;

TAMPA BAY (5): Ben Grieve, of; Al Martin, of;

TEXAS (3): Juan Gonzalez, of;

ARIZONA (7): Raul Mondesi, of;

ATLANTA (10): Darren Bragg, of; Gary Sheffield, of.

CHICAGO (13): Doug Glanville, of; Tom Goodwin, of; Kenny Lofton, of; Troy O'Leary, of; v-Sammy Sosa, of;

COLORADO (5): Mark Sweeney, of;

FLORIDA (8):Todd Hollandsworth, of;

HOUSTON (6): Orlando Merced, of;

LOS ANGELES (9): Jeromy Burnitz, of; Rickey Henderson, of; x-Brian Jordan, of;

MILWAUKEE (6): John Vander Wal, of.

MONTREAL (8): Wil Cordero, of; Vladimir Guerrero, of;

PITTSBURGH (8): Reggie Sanders, of; Matt Stairs, of;

ST. LOUIS (12): Orlando Palmeiro, of;

SAN FRANCISCO (13): Marvin Benard, of; m-Jose Cruz Jr, of; Jeffrey Hammonds, of;

 

KW, with the exception of Colon to not jump to quickly to re-sign these guys.

Wait & see how the market shakes out as many might drop to rock bottom prices.

[Rex Hudler]

Bring back Albert Belle..... LOL

[Rex Hudler]

Florida Marlins bench coach.  That will be two Florida Marlins bench coaches in a row that have gone on to manage the White Sox.

Guillen is the Marlins 3B coach, not bench coach. A technicality yes, but there is a difference.

[JUGGERNAUT]

After seeing the 1B FA list, Koney appears as an achor.

Why would you trade for Koney & his career 279A, 812 OPS when the Fullmer's available with a career 284A, 829 OPS? Fullmer made 1MIL last yr.

There are bargains to be had this year at 1B for any team.

[KipWellsFan]

I would really like to see Luis Castillo come here. We are in desperate need of a true leadoff hitter. Anyone think we can get him?

[JUGGERNAUT]

Here's the problem with re-signing Robbie & Carl.

The SOX have 3 options:

1-sign them to a new contract

2-offer them arbitration (80% min pay)

3-re-sign them after ST

 

This is how I believe it works. If you offer a player arbitration & he declines you can then attempt to re-sign them any time thereafter as a FA. If you decline to offer a player arbitration then you must wait until May 1st before you can re-sign them.

 

If the SOX were to offer Carl arbitration, they risk the chance he will accept & have to pay him betw 7-9MIL for 1 yr. If he declines then they can continue negotiating with him as a FA. I'm hoping that KW is smart enough to know this & can work a deal with his agent to where the SOX will go ahead & offer arbitration & Carl will decline it so that they can continue to try & sign him. This is what Gonzo's agent worked out with CLE in the past.

 

The same can be said for Alomar.

KW really needs to be thorough in this process.

I'm saying he will be, because w/out a doubt he should have taken Koney to arbitration last yr. Even if Koney had his normal 2star,2avg, 2poor months I doubt his salary would be close to 8MIL in arbitration this yr. The bottom line is the KW overpaid Koney's arbitration price on the belief he would emerge as another Thome.

There was no evidence to suggest that. He should have at least waited more year to see if Koney would be able to put up 3star months. Dumb, dumb, dumb.

 

I hope he's learned his lesson.

[SuperSteve]

...SS: Wow!  The SOX are sure to be able to upgrade this position.

MINNESOTA (8): Chris Gomez, ss; Denny Hocking, ss;...

Everyone has been saying Guzman is available. How so if he is not on here? This list looks pretty good.

[JUGGERNAUT]

...SS: Wow!  The SOX are sure to be able to upgrade this position.

MINNESOTA (8): Chris Gomez, ss; Denny Hocking, ss;...

Everyone has been saying Guzman is available. How so if he is not on here? This list looks pretty good.

Guzman is still an RFA & not an FA. He's only avail if the Twinks make him available.

[Chisoxfn]

...SS: Wow!  The SOX are sure to be able to upgrade this position.

MINNESOTA (8): Chris Gomez, ss; Denny Hocking, ss;...

Everyone has been saying Guzman is available. How so if he is not on here? This list looks pretty good.

He is arbitration eligible and the Twins have said him and Hawkins most likely won't be back.

 

As far as that list...I swear Scott Spiezo is a free agent, but I could be wrong.

 

Another shortstop that would be nice is Orlando Caberra. He made Jose Valentin money last year and I think you could get him right at that again this year, maybe a bit less and then go with Castillo as well.

 

Those two would be beautiful up the middle. I'm pretty much in love with the idea of Luis Castillo at 2nd base and then go with matsui, Guzman, Cabrerra at shortstop.

 

For those that say they would take Alomar Jr. over Castillo I have to say your nuts

 

Here's each of their numbers this year:

Alomar: .258 AVG, .333 OBP, 12 SB, 5 HR, 39 RBI (Those are his overall numbers; He was actually worse with the White Sox...both avg and OBP

Castillo: .314 AVG, .381 OBP, 21 SB (19 CS though...stolen base numbers were way down from previous years), 6 HR, 39 RBI, 63 BB, 60 K

 

Now heres the shortstops numbers (Can't give you Matsui's)

Jose: .237 AVG, .313 OBP, 28 HR, 74 RBI, 54 BB, 118 K, 8 SB

Cabrerra: .297 AVG, .347 OBP, 17 HR, 80 RBI, 52 BB, 64 K, 24 SB (2 CS), .807 OPS, 47 DOUBLES

Guzman: .268 AVG, .311 OBP, 30 BB, 79 K, 18 SB, 3 HR, 53 RBI, .676 OPS

Aurilla: .277 AVG, .325 OBP, 36 BB, 82 K, 13 HR, 58 RBI, 2 SB, .735 OPS

 

I think after looking at these stats its obvious that the Sox should invest 10-12 million per year between 28 year old Luis Castillo and 28 year old Orlando Cabrerra. The two of them have great speed, are good defensive players and are good offensive players. You let Castillo lead off with Cabrerra in the two hole.

 

I'd say Cabrerra is the 3rd best of the Tejada/Matsui and those two will command the money. Its been said a few times that not too many teams are in drastic need of a shortstop and are willing to spend the money. If the Sox can move Konerko and even pay a few mill of his salary then they would be much better off with these two compared to what they had.

 

They would get an additional .56 points in AVG at 2nd base and basically the exact same increase in OBP. You also get more steals and more runs scored. At shortstop they get an additional .60 points in AVG and .34 points in OBP as well as a ton of doubles and a lot more stolen bases.

 

If anyone wants to tell me the Sox wouldn't be an incredibly better team with those two players compared to what we had all season. Plus best of all it wouldn't be a huge increase in payroll compared to what they paid Jose. Basically they are paying double Jose and are getting two all star middle infielders who are entering the prime of their careers.

 

Then resign Colon and spend some money in the pen...cheapen up in center with Reed/Rowand and let the 5th spot be settled in house.

 

Rotation the same with Scho as the 5th. Bullpen the same but you add Latroy Hawkins and lose one of Gordon/Sully. Then in the 7th spot you let one of the young relievers the Sox have get the role. Whether its Munoz/Sanders/Adkins/Majewski/Ginter/etc.

 

That would be a hell of a team. And you could put it together right around 65 mill. You get a 5 mill increase in the middle infield...a mill increase with Frank's new deal...4 mill increase in Maggs contract...lose part of Konerkos (I'll say 4 mill)...add 3 mill to Elo...3 mill to Buehrle...and 5 mill to everyone else arb eligilbe (Roughly speaking).

 

That is 68 mill next year and you figure there are some other things that could be done. If you lose all of Konerko's payroll somehow then you really find yourself in good shape. But either way that leaves with enough room to give Buehrle his extension (Figured in there), give Garland an extension, Carlos an extension, and sign one of your in house relievers and Hawkins or someone else thats good.

 

KENNY...please if you can..pull this off.

[Bmr31]

Jason, great post. You have a great baseball mind. However, I just dont see the sox signing a 2b or cf. THey have young guys who they have groomed for those positions. I think its a virtual lock that Willie will get 1st shot at 2nd next season. Also, I see the sox giving Rowand a shot in CF. I think the only free agent we add is at SS. I would LOVE to see us get Cabrera. I do think we will see a trade or two, though.

[Bmr31]

By the way, Jason, Just to tell ya, Your not even that much older than I am, but your one of the guys on the site I really learn somthing from when I read your posts. 

Tony, if you want to learn the game well, do two things. Get the mlb extra innings package and join fantasy baseball leagues. Good ones, not those crappy yahoo leagues. You will learn a lot. You really dont want to or need to depend on others. Most people dont know the game as well as you can.

[Bmr31]

I have extra innings, and what other good leagues are there for next year?

 

And i dont "depend" on others, but you can learn alot from your peers.

Im not going to give you good leagues. Youre a big boy and can do that research on your own.

[HighHeat45]

Fantasy Baseball Sucks cus it costs $$$$

[Bmr31]

Fantasy Baseball Sucks cus it costs $$$$

Not if you win it doesnt.......

[Rex Hudler]

I have extra innings, and what other good leagues are there for next year?

 

And i dont "depend" on others, but you can learn alot from your peers.

Don't be afraid to go watch a game or two live as well.

 

Go with or find someone that knows the game and learn it live. And be careful, while fantasy baseball can be fun and even useful, it can also distort the reality of the game.

[Bmr31]

I have extra innings, and what other good leagues are there for next year?

 

And i dont "depend" on others, but you can learn alot from your peers.

Im not going to give you good leagues. Youre a big boy and can do that research on your own.

Ok........ Thanks for all your help....

Leaning things yourself is much more valuable.

[Rex Hudler]

I have extra innings, and what other good leagues are there for next year?

 

And i dont "depend" on others, but you can learn alot from your peers.

Don't be afraid to go watch a game or two live as well.

 

Go with or find someone that knows the game and learn it live. And be careful, while fantasy baseball can be fun and even useful, it can also distort the reality of the game.

We did the 11 game package with the Sox this year. We have done it for the last two years. As i get older, I learn more and more.

You also have much cheaper options in the Chicago area...... Kane County and Schaumburg...

 

You can get much closer and see the game much better there......

[JUGGERNAUT]

I was wrong about Kazuo. There is no posting process this time. He's a true FA.

The SOX just have to meet his price. No bid cost.

 

http://www.online-shrine.com/matsui_kazuo/

Why We Dig Kazuo Matsui

A speedy shortstop with surprising power, Kazuo Matsui is Japan's premier player in the wake of Hideki Matsui and Ichiro Suzuki leaving for the United States. After this season, "Little Matsui" may be the next Japanese star to take the MLB by storm. His performance in Japan has been something of a combination of what Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter have been in the USA. Some analysts feel he may make a bigger impact than Ichiro and Godzilla. That remains to be seen, but many major league teams will line up to find out after the 2003 season, with the Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres among the teams already rumored to have their eye on Kaz.

 

Did You Know?

Kazuo Matsui had the opportunity to come to the major leagues through the posting system after the 2002 season, but instead opted to wait and see if he wants to come over after 2003 in true free agency.

 

Stats:

Switch Hitter/Right

Career Games PA AB Runs Hits 2B 3B HR TB RBIs SB CS SacH SacF BB HBP K DP Avg OBP Slg Rank Err

Totals: 1019 4507 4051 658 1254 235 47 117 1934 485 293 60 84 30 321 21 627 51 .310 .361 .477 - 99

 

http://japanesebaseball.com/teams/stats.jsp?TeamID=SL

I was able to find his 2003 stats:

Games AB Runs Hits 2B 3B HR TB RBIs SB Sacs BB HBP K DP Avg RiSP OBP Slg Err

136 567 100 172 36 4 31 309 80 13 3 55 4 121 4 .303 .287 .366 .545 17

 

This guy is very marketable. See the picture in the link.

[JUGGERNAUT]

Having see his numbers & knowing that the SOX did take part in the A-ROD auction, I want Kazuo playing SS.

 

Here is a chance to get a name that will instantly draw attention, fans from Chinatown & the rest of the metro, & might just be a low cost A-ROD. If we we're willing to spend 189MIL on A-ROD I think we should role the dice & outbid all others for Kazuo's services. Even if it means trading Thomas in mid-season.

 

Something about Thomas I didn't consider. The SOX could throw in cash to make him more desireable in trade. If they were to do so 2004 would be the year to do it.

 

Kazuo is much better looking than Ichiro. If this dude can put up the same #'s for the SOX that he has for the Lions he can own this town. This dude will definitely sell tickets.

I'm so confident in what I've read (especially with his following in the Japanese media)

that I'm confident his presence will easily pay for his salary & then some.

 

KW get the red carpet ready to give him a tour of CHI-TOWN.

I maybe dreaming right now, but Kazuo could be the biggest star Chicago has owned since MJ.

 

Aside:

http://mdn.mainichi.co.jp/waiwai/0308/0804balls.html

Recent reports in the Minneapolis Star Tribune claim the air-conditioning system in the Metrodome used by the Major Leagues' Minnesota Twins could be manipulated so the home team's hits could fly further, hopefully into the bleachers for home runs.

 

Hmmmmm.......very interesting!

[JUGGERNAUT]

http://ww1.baywell.ne.jp/fpweb/drlatham/pl...ers/players.htm

Kazuo Matsui is probably the best athlete in the Pacific League. He's a gold glove shortstop, a career .302 batter as a switch-hitter, and he's stolen 208 bases in five years. He'll become eligible for free agency in 2003, just after his 28th birthday.

 

After reading this I'm pissing in my pants over the possibility the SOX get him.

208 SB's in 5 yrs?!! Holy crud knockers! You put this guy on base with Lee driving him in & I guarantee you we won't be shutout again.

 

This dude fills SO MANY needs on the SOX!

C'mon JR open the F'g wallet!

I want this guy signed more than any other player including Colon.

[JoshPR]

In the Link of the Japanesse Baseball League check out the numbers of the League Leader in ERA

[Chisoxfn]

Jason, great post.  You have a great baseball mind.  However, I just dont see the sox signing a 2b or cf.  THey have young guys who they have groomed for those positions.  I think its a virtual lock that Willie will get 1st shot at 2nd next season.  Also, I see the sox giving Rowand a shot in CF.  I think the only free agent we add is at SS.  I would LOVE to see us get Cabrera.  I do think we will see a trade or two, though.

Your probably right. I'm with ya in regards to Rowand...somehow I'm just hoping and thinking the Sox are gonna go big this year.

 

I believe the only trade made will be one that involves Paul Konerko.

[Chisoxfn]

Tony, if you want to learn the game well, do two things.  Get the mlb extra innings package and join fantasy baseball leagues.  Good ones, not those crappy yahoo leagues.  You will learn a lot.  You really dont want to or need to depend on others.  Most people dont know the game as well as you can.

Xtra innings is awesome. Allows you to watch a ton of games. Pretty much when I'm home doing homework or just sitting around with some buddies we just turn the games on and will catch a few innings.

 

You learn a whole lot, whether its hearing the announcers or watching the game and coming up with ideas.

 

By the way thanks, now if only one day I can convince Jr or whoever the Sox owner is then the Sox will be in great shape