DBAHO Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 Interesting articles to read, On the eve of the crippling 1994 major-league baseball strike, agent Tom Reich was asked if the players union would agree to help put the brakes on escalating salaries. "The salary cap will be accepted about the time the 13 original states restore the monarchy,'' Reich told the New York Times. Fortunately for White Sox fans, Reich isn't serving up similarly flippant statements when it comes to the future of one of his prized clients - Magglio Ordonez. Reich is in Chicago visiting Ordonez, who is on the disabled list for the second time this season with bone marrow edema in his left knee. And while Ordonez's health is the main reason Reich is in town, the right fielder's future financial well-being also is a concern. On July 6, Ordonez declared he broke off talks on an extension when the Sox declined to put a straight five-year, $70 million contract on the table. The White Sox said they came close to meeting Ordonez's request, and they tried a variety of methods to reach a deal. The Sox also said the door was open if Ordonez wanted to come in and talk again. At the time, it looked as though Ordonez was all but guaranteed of departing as a free agent at the end of the season, assuming he wasn't traded first. But his latest round of knee troubles has raised some new questions. • Has Ordonez played his last game with the White Sox? The soreness and swelling in his surgically repaired left knee could keep Ordonez out the rest of the season, but Sox general manager Kenny Williams isn't so sure. "The one thing you can get in trouble for is putting a timetable on when a guy's going to come back from an injury,'' Williams said Tuesday. "But there is a chance we can get Magglio back in mid-to-latter August. The same with Frank (Thomas).'' While Thomas is staying off his fractured left foot at his home in Las Vegas, Ordonez is expected to remain in Chicago while his knee heals. • Is the White Sox' contract extension offer still on the table? According to one source it is. But only time will tell if Ordonez accepts the original deal or still tries testing the free-agent market at the end of the season. • Is Ordonez considered damaged goods? Not yet. But if the four-time all-star misses the rest of the year, one source said there's no way he will get a five-year, $70 million contract, even from big-money clubs such as the Yankees, Red Sox, Mets or Dodgers. Ordonez has been one of the best all-around performers in baseball since 1999, but he has played in only 52 games this season. • Is there a chance Ordonez signs a one-year contract next season? If he doesn't find a suitable long-term deal due to health concerns, Ordonez could very well sign with the White Sox or some other club for one year at $6 million or $7 million, show he can still play, and then cash in for 2006 and beyond. In baseball lingo, it's called a "free look.'' • Does Ordonez's injury improve his chances of staying with the Sox? Once source said Ordonez's knee condition could very well drop him into an affordable position for the White Sox. But Williams isn't interested in looking that far ahead. "At this point, we're more concerned with the here and now,'' the general manager said. "It's certainly unfortunate for us and it's unfortunate for Magglio. But as for his future, we haven't had time to think about it. Not enough time has passed for all of this to sink in.'' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBAHO Posted July 28, 2004 Author Share Posted July 28, 2004 Is White Sox general manager Kenny Williams planning to be active before Saturday's nonwaiver trade deadline? On Tuesday, it sure sounded like he was planning to make a move or two. "I've been holed up in this conference room (at U.S. Cellular Field) the last few days trying to assess where we're at and talking on the phone,'' Williams said. "I've been talking to quite a few clubs.'' Williams already has parted with catcher Miguel Olivo and four minor-league prospects to acquire starting pitcher Freddy Garcia and designated hitter Carl Everett in separate deals. Williams balked at the perception the Sox are tapped out of prospects and no longer able to make trades. "I've heard that from some people out there and that's not the case,'' Williams said. "If you'd look at the moves that have been made, you'd see it's been more a case of us trading quantity instead of quality. That's not to say Miguel Olivo was quantity. But to get Freddy Garcia, we had to give something up.'' With Magglio Ordonez and Frank Thomas on the disabled list, the White Sox could obviously use another bat in the lineup. Adding a catcher and middle relief pitcher wouldn't hurt, either. Outfielders Joe Borchard and Brian Anderson and starting pitcher Felix Diaz appear to be the only three young players Williams is unwilling to trade. One more time: Rookie manager Ozzie Guillen understands the intricacies of baseball. "I played this game,'' Guillen said. "They didn't pick me from the grocery store. I've been in this game for a long time and I know when the play is right or wrong.'' The "play'' occurred in the Sox' 6-2 loss to the Twins Monday night, when Minnesota's Torii Hunter ran over catcher Jamie Burke after tagging up from third base and scoring in the eighth inning. One day later, Guillen still thought Hunter was playing fair. "If I thought it was dirty, I'd be chasing (Hunter) all the way to the dugout fighting with him,'' Guillen said. Guillen said the best thing the White Sox can do is play the game the same way, even if it means injuring the opposition. "Obviously, we aren't going to get Hunter because he plays outfield,'' Guillen said. "But we can get his teammates. Are we going to do it? I hope we get the chance.'' Hat trick: Prior to Tuesday's game, Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said he didn't want his pitchers throwing at any Minnesota hitters in retaliation for Torri Hunter taking out catcher Jamie Burke. Twins third baseman Corey Koskie proceeded to tie the major-league record by getting hit three times, twice by White Sox starter Freddy Garcia and once by reliever Damaso Marte. "It was kind of a weird night for (Koskie),'' said Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire. "I don't know what to say about it. He just kept getting plunked.'' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatchetman Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 OK. If the Sox are still willing to give Ordonez $70 million, they are nuts. and if KW thinks Feliz Diaz is untouchable, he is double nuts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wedge Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 OK. If the Sox are still willing to give Ordonez $70 million, they are nuts. and if KW thinks Feliz Diaz is untouchable, he is double nuts. I disagree with both statements. Maggs, when healthy, is worth it. And Felix Diaz improved in each of his starts. He showed some guts his second two outings. Hopefully, he can take the bump regularly next season! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatchetman Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 You don't give $70 million to someone on the DL with an unusual knee injury. Diaz might be a decent #3 or #4 starter some day. If we're lucky... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WHarris1 Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 Another reason to hold onto Diaz is because he is one of the few pretty much major league ready starters in our farm sytem, IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsideirish Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 You don't give $70 million to someone on the DL with an unusual knee injury. Diaz might be a decent #3 or #4 starter some day. If we're lucky... And you scout for who again? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Queen Prawn Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 And you scout for who again? I didn't think that you needed to be a scout to know you don't give that kind of cash to someone who's got the kind of injury Maggs has. But that is just my opinion... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yoda Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 OK. If the Sox are still willing to give Ordonez $70 million, they are nuts. and if KW thinks Feliz Diaz is untouchable, he is double nuts. I don’t get it. Some posters say the Sox shouldn’t pay Maggs $70 million... well I have a question for you, “Are you going to pay him that amount of money!?” Like Cowbell said, He is worth it when healthy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatchetman Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 And you scout for who again? Maybe you need to be a scout to realize Diaz is a future ace. Of course I've never heard reports of any scout thinking that... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatchetman Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 I don’t get it. Some posters say the Sox shouldn’t pay Maggs $70 million... well I have a question for you, “Are you going to pay him that amount of money!?” Like Cowbell said, He is worth it when healthy. 1. He's not healthy. 2. Knowing our budget limitations, $14 million could be better spent elsewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wedge Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 Maybe you need to be a scout to realize Diaz is a future ace. Of course I've never heard reports of any scout thinking that... I never said he'd be a future ace, just that he could step up as early as next year for this staff. And what we pay Maggs (or don't pay him) will depend on his health. If he's healthy, then we should pay him. If not, then I'd take a one year deal for the guy. Should we cut Frank Thomas because he's hurt? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texsox Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 You don't give $70 million to someone on the DL with an unusual knee injury. Diaz might be a decent #3 or #4 starter some day. If we're lucky... You do if there is a clause regarding the injury . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wedge Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 You do if there is a clause regarding the injury . . . diminished skills clause? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatchetman Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 • Is the White Sox' contract extension offer still on the table? According to one source it is. But only time will tell if Ordonez accepts the original deal or still tries testing the free-agent market at the end of the season. The original deal was reported to be 5 years, $70 million. That is what I'm talking about. If that deal is on the table RIGHT NOW, the Sox are crazy. I seriously doubt that it is... Of course I'd sign him to a one year contract if possible. I have no idea how this will play out because Ordonez already turned down a terrific offer. Maybe he doesn't want to play here anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsideirish Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 Maybe you need to be a scout to realize Diaz is a future ace. Of course I've never heard reports of any scout thinking that... I've never heard reports saying this either: Diaz might be a decent #3 or #4 starter some day. If we're lucky... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatchetman Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 Well, what have you heard? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thedoctor Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 i'm not surprised to see diaz's name listed. his biggest trouble when he came up was with his command, which is what you'll see from a lot of young players. i think he has pretty good stuff, though, and imo you can probably pencil him into the rotation next year in loaiza's spot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsideirish Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 Well, what have you heard? That your not a scout. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LDF Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 That your not a scout. SWEET!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beck72 Posted July 28, 2004 Share Posted July 28, 2004 I agree with keeping these 3 guys. They are most likely players to help the Sox this year and next. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
israel4ever Posted July 29, 2004 Share Posted July 29, 2004 1. He's not healthy. 2. Knowing our budget limitations, $14 million could be better spent elsewhere. If this were any other team, I'd agree with you. Last year, we offerred Bartolo Colon, $39 million, he didn't accept it...did the Sox spend that $39 mill on other free agents? NO! It went right into JR's coffers. That's where the Mags money is gonna go, if they don't use it to sign Ordonez. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YASNY Posted July 29, 2004 Share Posted July 29, 2004 If this were any other team, I'd agree with you. Last year, we offerred Bartolo Colon, $39 million, he didn't accept it...did the Sox spend that $39 mill on other free agents? NO! It went right into JR's coffers. That's where the Mags money is gonna go, if they don't use it to sign Ordonez. That's not quite fair as JR was going to extend payroll to sign Colon. Since Colon didn't re-up with us, he went back to his original payroll budget. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flash Tizzle Posted July 29, 2004 Share Posted July 29, 2004 If this were any other team, I'd agree with you. Last year, we offerred Bartolo Colon, $39 million, he didn't accept it...did the Sox spend that $39 mill on other free agents? NO! It went right into JR's coffers. That's where the Mags money is gonna go, if they don't use it to sign Ordonez. Uncle Jerry didn't "pocket" the 12 million intended for Colon. Instead, the money was likely used to pay another players salary. I honestly believe if Colon were given a 4 year, 48 million dollar contract that one , possibly two players on our roster (Lee and/or Konerko) would have been traded. Furthermore, Maggs situation is different because last years payroll was near its ceiling without Colons contract offer. Next year, with over 20 million off the books, there will be more than sufficient room to acquire talent. Not cheap grinders who have yet to reach their potential, or former stars past their prime, but players who can make an immediate impact on our team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted July 29, 2004 Share Posted July 29, 2004 If this were any other team, I'd agree with you. Last year, we offerred Bartolo Colon, $39 million, he didn't accept it...did the Sox spend that $39 mill on other free agents? NO! It went right into JR's coffers. That's where the Mags money is gonna go, if they don't use it to sign Ordonez. Why do you keep repeating this crap when it isn't true? First of all if Colon signs, someone else gets traded. That money wasn't going to appear out of no where. Second, I don't know what you call Freddy Garcia, but I call that adding payroll. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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