2004 SOX

[Chisoxfn]

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!

I agree 100% with you. I think its a gimme that the Sox will increase their ticket base by at the very least a thousand a game because of him. The Sox could finally open their way into the Asian market in Chicago and it would also help the Sox get more known in the International Community (namely Asia).

 

This kid is definately the real deal. I'd take him over Tejada or Cabrerra and if we could get him it would be awesome. This is the kind of guy you can build your franchise around.

 

Right now my vote at short is Matsui or Cabrerra. Both are huge upgrades over Jose Valentin and Matsui would be a great draw.

 

Can you imagine how many matsui jerseys they would sell, both in America and out. He's exactly the kind of force the Sox could use to rebuild themselves as a major market team.

 

Mix that with the other quality pitchers and a great pitching staff and the Sox could get themselves into "dynasty mode" where they can put themselves in a position where they can spend a little more if necessary.

 

Only thing thats odd is how low his stolen base totals were this season, but if I recall its because in japan they play a different style and they rarely steal (Well if Mr. Baseball is true, lol). I've read that they say he is as fast if not faster then Ichiro. Not sure if I buy that, but if he's even close to that, it would be awesome. That being said he still avg's 40 a year or so.

 

Sox definately are short of speed and small ball players, but that alone won't help...cause Willie Harris would fit that bill. You still need the guy to be a playa and Matsui is exactly that.

[whitesox61382]

Here are the names that draw my attention from the FA list.

 

If the Sox can somehow get rid of Konerko, than Fullmer looks like a nice cheap replacement. He is a lefty which will break the string of righties, and given 500 AB's he is usually good for 30 2B and 20 HR to go with a career average of .284.

 

Castillo is the 2B that I would want, but he might be a little expensive. A decent 2nd option might be Todd Walker. I would also like to see the Sox bring back Graffy.

 

I forgot that Cabrera was a FA at SS. This is a guy that I have always liked. He is very close to being a 5 tool player and would be a huge upgrade over Valentin. In all honesty I would rather have him over Tejada(straight up) and maybe Matsui(I still question Japanese hitters ability to consistantly hit a major league fastball). For every Ichiro and Mutsui(Yankees) there are 10 other Japenese hitters that haven't made the adjustment. His 121 SO's also stick out to me and tell me that he COULD struggle with the adjustment. The one thing I do like about him is the attention and revenue that he would generate for the Sox. With that said I think Cabrera is the best option at SS if the Sox can get their hands on him.

 

If the Sox don't spend 10+M/yr to bring back Colon or go after another top FA pitcher, than here is the list of second teir guys that interest me. Anderson - had a very good year, could be had for possible under 4M/yr, and adds another lefty to the rotation. Escobar - tons of potential, and that potential might make a team overpay for him, but if he could be had for around 6M/yr he would be a solid option. Hernandez - almost a mirror image of Colon with a little less talent, but is a workhorse and had a very good year. Alvarez - the Sox might want to take a flyer on him. He was one of the most dominating pitchers in the 2nd half and would give the Sox another lefty in the pen(could be next years version of Loiaza). Ponson - he might have pitched himself into 8+M/yr money, but if he could be had for around 6M/yr he would be a very good option.

 

I think the Sox need to bring in at least 2 dominating right handed relievers. Gordon and Hawkins would be my top 2 picks. Sullivan, Grimsley, Leskanic, Hasegawa, Nelson, and Rodriguez are other options.

[JoshPR]

Here are the names that draw my attention from the FA list.

 

If the Sox can somehow get rid of Konerko, than Fullmer looks like a nice cheap replacement. He is a lefty which will break the string of righties, and given 500 AB's he is usually good for 30 2B and 20 HR to go with a career average of .284.

 

Castillo is the 2B that I would want, but he might be a little expensive. A decent 2nd option might be Todd Walker. I would also like to see the Sox bring back Graffy.

 

I forgot that Cabrera was a FA at SS. This is a guy that I have always liked. He is very close to being a 5 tool player and would be a huge upgrade over Valentin. In all honesty I would rather have him over Tejada(straight up) and maybe Matsui(I still question Japanese hitters ability to consistantly hit a major league fastball). For every Ichiro and Mutsui(Yankees) there are 10 other Japenese hitters that haven't made the adjustment. His 121 SO's also stick out to me and tell me that he COULD struggle with the adjustment. The one thing I do like about him is the attention and revenue that he would generate for the Sox. With that said I think Cabrera is the best option at SS if the Sox can get their hands on him.

 

If the Sox don't spend 10+M/yr to bring back Colon or go after another top FA pitcher, than here is the list of second teir guys that interest me. Anderson - had a very good year, could be had for possible under 4M/yr, and adds another lefty to the rotation. Escobar - tons of potential, and that potential might make a team overpay for him, but if he could be had for around 6M/yr he would be a solid option. Hernandez - almost a mirror image of Colon with a little less talent, but is a workhorse and had a very good year. Alvarez - the Sox might want to take a flyer on him. He was one of the most dominating pitchers in the 2nd half and would give the Sox another lefty in the pen(could be next years version of Loiaza). Ponson - he might have pitched himself into 8+M/yr money, but if he could be had for around 6M/yr he would be a very good option.

 

I think the Sox need to bring in at least 2 dominating right handed relievers. Gordon and Hawkins would be my top 2 picks. Sullivan, Grimsley, Leskanic, Hasegawa, Nelson, and Rodriguez are other options.

I would like Cabrera too. Gold Glove SS who can hit

[Rex Hudler]

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!

 

That is old news..... they were accused of that years ago.

[Rex Hudler]

I would like Cabrera too. Gold Glove SS who can hit

 

Buyer beware on Cabrera. Word has it that the Expos aren't all that thrilled with him because he has a tendency to dog it. He is very talented, but if he isn't a "give it your all" kind of player, I am not sure Sox fans would be very tolerant of him.

[Bmr31]

Buyer beware on Cabrera.  Word has it that the Expos aren't all that thrilled with him because he has a tendency to dog it.  He is very talented, but if he isn't a "give it your all" kind of player, I am not sure Sox fans would be very tolerant of him.

The same crap was said about Robbie and we all know that not to be true.

[Rex Hudler]

Buyer beware on Cabrera.  Word has it that the Expos aren't all that thrilled with him because he has a tendency to dog it.  He is very talented, but if he isn't a "give it your all" kind of player, I am not sure Sox fans would be very tolerant of him.

The same crap was said about Robbie and we all know that not to be true.

Actually, it was true about Robbie....... in NY.

 

Sometimes a change of scenery can do a guy some good. I don't know the degree to which Cabrera may or may give 100%, I just know that it has happened.

[Rex Hudler]

By the way, the Expos think they can hold their team together. They will gain $7 million paid to Tatis this year and think they can spread that out to cover Vlad and Cabrera, if MLB lets them hold payroll.

[Rex Hudler]

Jason, this one is for you........... what do you think will happen with Frank?

 

Will Frank exercise his $6 mil option?? If not, will the Sox pay him $8 mil or let him walk?? Your opinion/prediction please.........

[JoshPR]

I wonder if the Xpos gained some money by playing down here

[Rex Hudler]

I wonder if the Xpos gained some money by playing down here

That was the purpose of doing it. They were guaranteed a certain amount of money (i forgot what that # was), which is why the promoter was so tight with tickets, etc down there.

 

I think they will play back down there again next year, but some issues have to be settled as of yet.

 

Josh, where were your seats when you want to the 'xpos-cubs game??

[Bmr31]

Jason, this one is for you...........  what do you think will happen with Frank?

 

Will Frank exercise his $6 mil option?? If not, will the Sox pay him $8 mil or let him walk??  Your opinion/prediction please.........

I know you didnt ask me but Frank will take the 6. If he doesnt the sox will let him walk.

[IlliniKrush]

I think Vlad is almost as good as gone from Montreal unless they come through with that money

 

I love Cabrera, i think he's really underrated, and Castillo would provide this offense with a huge kick in the ass. That duo up the middle would do wonders for this team. Cabrera would be a great 2 hole hitter, something we really didn't have all season (yes lee is good, but he's not ur proto 2 hole hitter). He's got some pop, some speed. Good table setters right there.

 

Just a random question cuz i hear a lot of different opinions on this one...how sold are you guys on Garland for next year?

[JoshPR]

Josh, where were your seats when you want to the 'xpos-cubs game??

Somewhat behind Homeplate. but not completly maybe after the runner took about 6 steps. on the Expos side of the Dugout. I was Next to Vidro's wife and behind Henry Mateo's Mom

 

 

It was called Preference A I was almost underneath the press boxes

[YASNY]

I think Vlad is almost as good as gone from Montreal unless they come through with that money

 

I love Cabrera, i think he's really underrated, and Castillo would provide this offense with a huge kick in the ass. That duo up the middle would do wonders for this team. Cabrera would be a great 2 hole hitter, something we really didn't have all season (yes lee is good, but he's not ur proto 2 hole hitter). He's got some pop, some speed. Good table setters right there.

 

Just a random question cuz i hear a lot of different opinions on this one...how sold are you guys on Garland for next year?

I'm sold on him. I think he's going to be very solid next year. He's just about ready, imho.

[southsider2k5]

Buyer beware on Cabrera.  Word has it that the Expos aren't all that thrilled with him because he has a tendency to dog it.  He is very talented, but if he isn't a "give it your all" kind of player, I am not sure Sox fans would be very tolerant of him.

The same crap was said about Robbie and we all know that not to be true.

It was also said about D'Angelo and we all know how that turned out...

[Cerbaho-WG]

Unfortunately, some of us are under the presumption that the Sox will be big spenders in the FA market. We all know that's a blatant lie. KW's main focus will be to resign the "core" of this year's team (mainly Lee, Colon, take option on Loaiza), out to go and bid on players. To be completely honest, I am not sure if Valentin will be back, but my mind wants to say that a cheap alternative (around 1-2 million) will most likely occur. The Sox are on pace to gain a lot of payroll, so someone indeed has to go. That guy is Carl Everett, unless he takes an enormous paycut. C Lee will most likely get a 2-3 million dollar raise, and Magglio, Konerko, Loaiza, Buehrle, Thomas, Garland are due for one as well.

 

This conundrum of money raises the question of who needs to be traded, as some of you have mentioned. Is Konerko tradeable? Sure, but his market value is most likely in a trough right now. Is Koch tradeable? Sure, I'm willing to bet a good majority of teams would take the chance on getting Billy back his lost velo, but at what cost? The Sox would have to eat a portion of Koch's contract, and it seems dumb to do that while resigning Gordon and Sullivan, both of whom are injurt liabilites. Koch will most likely stay, and Marte will become the new closer unless Billy finds vis velo.

 

With the certain departure of Everett, CF will now become a three-dog race: Reed, Harris, Rowand. One major knock on the Sox is that their lineup is predominately right handed, so Rowand wouldn't be much of a help there. If Reed shows the same spark he did last year, there is no doubt in my mind that he will be the odds on favorite for the job. Harris would most likely be relegated to a util player, and Rowand could become the 4th OF, or trade him to Colordao, who have apparently been wanting him for some time.

 

Onto the rotation, which most likely will lose Colon. I just don't see how this is possible to resign him to a 11-12 million dollar deal, while giving raises to a good portion of the team. Take your Type A compensation and be happy with it, because that's all you're going to get. Rotation should look something along the lines of:

 

1)E-Lo

2)Buehrle

3)Garland

4)Schoeneweis

5)For the love of God, anyone but Danny Wright

 

I have no objections to giving Schoeneweis a shot at the rotation, as the 2nd lefty would be an added plus. Number 5 is a crapshoot, and Jon Rauch should be the primary front runner after a good final stretch at AAA Charlotte.

 

Bullpen should be a blast, especially with the departure of Sullivan and Gordon. Assuming Koch stays, look at it this way:

 

Wright

Wunsch

Adkins/Ginter (?)

Marte

Koch

???

???

 

Problems ahoy. Hawkins will be far too much on the FA market, and cheap alternatives will be the only solution here. Ginter seems to be a lock in my mind, but the Sox are going to have to find someone who'll be a right-handed setup man. Who that will be, I don't know. If worse comes to worse, pick up the option of Sully.

 

The only clear-cut problems are the bullpen and shortstop, with the bullpen looking quite bad.

[Chisoxfn]

Jason, this one is for you...........  what do you think will happen with Frank?

 

Will Frank exercise his $6 mil option?? If not, will the Sox pay him $8 mil or let him walk??  Your opinion/prediction please.........

Mark my words if Frank puts the ball in the Sox court then Frank Thomas will be playing somewhere else next year.

 

I think in that case the Sox and Thomas will have a classy breakup. Thomas gets a good contract somewhere else and the Sox free up the strings to not only reup with Colon but to also build a new middle infield.

 

I just can't see giving him 8 mill...it would be foolish, imo. Especially when someone like Fullmer could be had for a million and he is a 25-30 homer guy.

[Chisoxfn]

Just a random question cuz i hear a lot of different opinions on this one...how sold are you guys on Garland for next year?

Jon is gonna establish himself as #2 or 3 on most teams. The good news is he'll likely be the #4 on this team. The kid stepped up big time in my opinion and I think he's pretty much broken into the majors and is a very good pitcher.

 

He's gonna get better though.

[whitesox61382]

Cerbaho-WG - Unfortunately I think you are right. I think both Colon and Everett will be gone. I think the Sox will unfortunately resign Valentin and Alomar. I think both Konerko and Thomas will be back. I think the Sox will only get 1 decent right handed reliever. And I think the only significant FA signing will be a second-teir starting pitcher to replace Colon.

 

I REALLY want to see Konerko or Thomas gone next year(along with Everett for financial reasons and no place to play). If the Sox can get rid of one of those 2 along with the lose of Everett, than they will save about 14M that can be directed towards resigning Colon, adding a cheap replacement like Fullmer, and possible improving the pen. The only other thing that would need to be addressed is improving the middle infield. I wish the Sox could add Cabrera and Castillo. I would only cost about 4-5M/yr total to sign those 2 opposed to resigning Valentin and Alomar. I guess we can dream though, because it will never happen. The above senerio is much more realistic.

 

If you exclude his last couple of starts, than he had a mini breakout year. I could see Garland winning 13-15 games next year, with an ERA in the 4.20-4.40 range, a WHIP in 1.25-1.35 range, and an opponent OPS in the .720-.740 range. Even if he only improves marginally he will still be a better #4 pitcher then most in the league(assuming the Sox sign another quality starter).

[whitesox247]

Just a random question cuz i hear a lot of different opinions on this one...how sold are you guys on Garland for next year?

Jon has had pretty much identical numbers these last two seasons.

 

Team G GS W L SV CG SHO IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP BAA

2002 CHA 33 33 12 12 0 1 1 192.2 188 109 98 23 83 112 4.58 1.41 .258

2003 CHA 32 32 12 13 0 0 0 191.2 188 103 96 28 74 108 4.51 1.37 .260

 

However, I had alot more confidence in him this year. He has cut down on those "Judy" appearances and showed many flashes of brilliance. One problem that he needs to work on is giving up 2 out runs. It always seemed like he gave them up just when he was about to get out of a jam. This kid is only 23 and hes due for a breakout season.

[JUGGERNAUT]

Jason, this one is for you...........  what do you think will happen with Frank?

 

Will Frank exercise his $6 mil option?? If not, will the Sox pay him $8 mil or let him walk??  Your opinion/prediction please.........

Mark my words if Frank puts the ball in the Sox court then Frank Thomas will be playing somewhere else next year.

 

I think in that case the Sox and Thomas will have a classy breakup. Thomas gets a good contract somewhere else and the Sox free up the strings to not only reup with Colon but to also build a new middle infield.

 

I just can't see giving him 8 mill...it would be foolish, imo. Especially when someone like Fullmer could be had for a million and he is a 25-30 homer guy.

This really comes down to Frank's ego. If he walks declines the 6MIL option then he's trashing a guaranteed 27MIL contract. That's what remains. I suspect his agent is on the phone now seeing if there's a sucker out there willing to offer him 24/3.

 

Frank 101:

2004: Frank 6MIL, SOX only 8MIL

2005: Frank 8MIL, SOX only 10MIL, Frank buyout 2MIL

2006: Frank 10MIL, SOX only 12MIL, Frank buyout 2MIL

2007: Frank 12MIL, SOX only 14MIL, SOX buyout 3MIL

 

Again, what the SOX gained in this contract is the right to trade him any time, any where. He waived his 5/10 yr rights.

[Chisoxfn]

Jason, this one is for you...........  what do you think will happen with Frank?

 

Will Frank exercise his $6 mil option??   If not, will the Sox pay him $8 mil or let him walk??  Your opinion/prediction please.........

Mark my words if Frank puts the ball in the Sox court then Frank Thomas will be playing somewhere else next year.

 

I think in that case the Sox and Thomas will have a classy breakup. Thomas gets a good contract somewhere else and the Sox free up the strings to not only reup with Colon but to also build a new middle infield.

 

I just can't see giving him 8 mill...it would be foolish, imo. Especially when someone like Fullmer could be had for a million and he is a 25-30 homer guy.

This really comes down to Frank's ego. If he walks declines the 6MIL option then he's trashing a guaranteed 27MIL contract. That's what remains. I suspect his agent is on the phone now seeing if there's a sucker out there willing to offer him 24/3.

 

Frank 101:

2004: Frank 6MIL, SOX only 8MIL

2005: Frank 8MIL, SOX only 10MIL, Frank buyout 2MIL

2006: Frank 10MIL, SOX only 12MIL, Frank buyout 2MIL

2007: Frank 12MIL, SOX only 14MIL, SOX buyout 3MIL

 

Again, what the SOX gained in this contract is the right to trade him any time, any where. He waived his 5/10 yr rights.

Don't be shocked if thats what happens. I really think they may unload him. He's pretty valuable on the open market and could get someone valuable in return (Not an all star...but a valuable piece none the less).

 

Of course I'd say right now there is about an 80% shot that he returns (just my estimate).

[Soxfest]

Jon is gonna establish himself as #2 or 3 on most teams.  The good news is he'll likely be the #4 on this team.  The kid stepped up big time in my opinion and I think he's pretty much broken into the majors and is a very good pitcher. 

 

He's gonna get better though.

I think Garland is never going to better than he is now he is not a #2 starter with his era and control problems , I would like to see him dealt in the offseason.

[YASNY]

Jon is gonna establish himself as #2 or 3 on most teams.  The good news is he'll likely be the #4 on this team.  The kid stepped up big time in my opinion and I think he's pretty much broken into the majors and is a very good pitcher. 

 

He's gonna get better though.

I think Garland is never going to better than he is now he is not a #2 starter with his era and control problems , I would like to see him dealt in the offseason.

That will turn out to be a major mistake.