beck72 Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 From today's papers: Daily Southtown: "We have a center fielder, we have a left fielder and we have to see who's out there to see who we can get," Guillen said. Guillen wants the Sox to have more speed and a stronger defense next year — with or without Ordonez. "I want defense. I want people who can run," Guillen said. "I think (hitting coach) Greg Walker doesn't want to hear that, but that's the way we're going to go. "To me, the teams that win are the teams that have speed, chase the ball and pitch." Chicago Tribune: "But now it appears that general manager Ken Williams is looking to fill as many as five of the nine starting positions, among them third base, catcher, right field, shortstop or second base and either first base or left field." ************************************************************** From the sounds of this, here's who would likely be set for '05: CF-Rowand DH-Thomas LF--Lee 2B or SS--Uribe 1B-- could be manned by Ross Gload, with PK traded. [Not many FA's available here; wouldn't make sense to trade for a "impact 1B" if the Sox trade one to begin with] 3B--open, with Crede unlikely kept as a bench player who can only play one position; acquire via trade, FA? FA Placido Polanco plays both 3b and 2B--the sox could use him for an important role, might be attractive for a FA as a reason to sign; Koskie may be a long shot but a solid choice 2b or SS--the sox don't seem sold on a Harris / Uribe starting tandem; of the two, Uribe has shown the most promise and should get a starting spot at either SS or 2B. Omar Vizquel is likely available C--A Davis/ Burke tandem could get the nod. Not many other C's around fit the "speed and Defense" mold; [only a Jason Kendall would fit that description, and its hard to see the sox getting him--though I'd love it, and would give the Sox a position player/ leadoff hitter/ grinder signed for a few years] RF--Someone in house, of Everett, Timo Perez, Escobar, Borchard, Brian Anderson, Andres Torres, or sign a FA to a 1 yr deal, or Via Trade. Not a lot of good options here. {Unless the Sox could trade for an impact CFer [ala Juan Pierre], having Aaron in RF would be a solid choice. There are many unknowns. But for some reason, I look for some deal with FLA this offseason. With Florida not making the playoffs after some big moves, and a stadium deal unlikely, something tells me that one of Pierre or Castillo could be traded for in the right deal. LoDuca could hit #2, and both Pierre and Castillo could hit leadoff. Either could fit in nicely on the Sox. And their GM has shown a willingness to take big chances. And we know how KW operates. Should be an interesting offseason to say the least. and its long overdue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBAHO Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 Marte, Crede and a prospect for Pierre perhaps? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatchetman Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 this makes me think about last offseason when we waited and waited and waited for something to happen. KW is going to have to take a new approach... 8 years since we signed a significant FA in the offseason - belle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beck72 Posted September 19, 2004 Author Share Posted September 19, 2004 Marte, Crede and a prospect for Pierre perhaps? I can see Marte in a package. Ozzie doesn't seem impressed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beck72 Posted September 19, 2004 Author Share Posted September 19, 2004 this makes me think about last offseason when we waited and waited and waited for something to happen. KW is going to have to take a new approach... 8 years since we signed a significant FA in the offseason - belle. There will be FA's signed. Not the biggest names but some will come to the Sox. The biggest reasons--The Sox have openings and cash to spend Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowand44 Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 If the sox trade for either Castillo or Pierre, I'd be the happiest person in the world. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngelasDaddy0427 Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 If Ozzie doesn't make Uribe the starting SS and Harris the starting 2B then he is a f***ing idiot. They are great defensively and Harris would end up being the #9 hitter. Seriously he would have something wrong with him if he's too stupid to see that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JimH Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 If Ozzie doesn't make Uribe the starting SS and Harris the starting 2B then he is a f***ing idiot. They are great defensively and Harris would end up being the #9 hitter. Seriously he would have something wrong with him if he's too stupid to see that. You keep beating this drum, but I don't think Guillen is listening. Further, IMO, Guillen knows a lot more about baseball than you do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 this makes me think about last offseason when we waited and waited and waited for something to happen. KW is going to have to take a new approach... 8 years since we signed a significant FA in the offseason - belle. Why does it have to be a free agent? We have picked up ton of quality players through trades. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T R U Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 Marte, Crede and a prospect for Pierre perhaps? Thats a bit much to give up for Pierre... Marte (Our best reliever) Crede (young 3B with potnetial) and a Prospect (Range from anywhere) for Pierre.. ide want more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoxAce Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 Marte, Crede and a prospect for Pierre perhaps? I'd do it, but I'll try and see if we can get another person out of the trade first than Marte. If not, I'd do the deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatchetman Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 Why does it have to be a free agent? We have picked up ton of quality players through trades. b/c we dont' develop an excess of talent to trade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngelasDaddy0427 Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 I think we have more to trade then most people will admit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danman31 Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 Thats a bit much to give up for Pierre... Marte (Our best reliever) Crede (young 3B with potnetial) and a Prospect (Range from anywhere) for Pierre.. ide want more Are you kidding? If I were the Marlins I'd want more than that.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danman31 Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 How old is Pierre? If he is 27 or under, then yes, I dont think its to much either. He's 27. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackBetsy Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 I'm encouraged that Kenny is thinking of a dump 'em all strategy, but with a 4.99 ERA, I'm not so sure that focusing on the pitching staff isn't more important. Also - Freddy Garcia with a 4.95 ERA in a Sox uni doesn't look so good. Jose Contreras starting to look like a bust inasmuch as the Sox have two more years of him at $6 million per. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cerbaho-WG Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 "To me, the teams that win are the teams that have speed, chase the ball and pitch." Welcome to 3rd place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WilliamTell Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 If Ozzie doesn't make Uribe the starting SS and Harris the starting 2B then he is a f***ing idiot. They are great defensively and Harris would end up being the #9 hitter. Seriously he would have something wrong with him if he's too stupid to see that. I totally agree. Unless the Sox can get a significantly better second baseman or shortstop, then Uribe and Harris should be playing. I mentioned earlier I'd like to see Harris play in center, Rowand in right, and Uribe at second. Then the Sox could sign Visquel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witesoxfan Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 Ozzie has not been impressed with Harris. So, you probably will see a new 2Bman next year...be it Uribe, Castillo, or someone else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WilliamTell Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 Harris is doing pretty good today. I just wish he could keep it going every day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackie hayes Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 I'm encouraged that Kenny is thinking of a dump 'em all strategy, but with a 4.99 ERA, I'm not so sure that focusing on the pitching staff isn't more important. Also - Freddy Garcia with a 4.95 ERA in a Sox uni doesn't look so good. Jose Contreras starting to look like a bust inasmuch as the Sox have two more years of him at $6 million per. Re: your point on pitching, I think you're right, and this is more important than everyone's making it. 3 of our 4 starters for next year are talented (good stuff), but maddeningly inconsistent. We can't count on 3 break-out seasons on our staff. But I don't like the "dump 'em all" strategy. We get rid of PK or Lee, we have another question mark. We're not going to get two players who are just as good for one of them -- if we're the one shopping them, I'm not sure we'd get even value. Does anyone know how many teams have had this much turnover (4-5 lineup players) and competed (at least won their division) the next year? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beck72 Posted September 19, 2004 Author Share Posted September 19, 2004 If Ozzie doesn't make Uribe the starting SS and Harris the starting 2B then he is a f***ing idiot. They are great defensively and Harris would end up being the #9 hitter. Seriously he would have something wrong with him if he's too stupid to see that. Only if the Sox landed a 3B man like Koskie or better, and traded for a leadoff man. Then the Willie/ Uribe combo wouldn't be bad. A crede, uribe, willie and gload IF, without a top notch OF, would make the sox a 4th place team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elrockinMT Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 I would ask the fans that post here to step back and consider the overall impacct to the team if certain trades are made. I can't understand the clamor to trade someone like Paul Konerko and replace him with Ross Gload. Paulie is hitting .280 plus with 39 homers and over 100 RBI's. Gload is a utility player, who does very well in filling that role. Trade Carlos Lee, who is hitting .300 with 26 plus homers and 90 RBI's and who does a real good job in the OF. Trade Crede, who has a lot of talent, but replace him with who? Uribe is a super sub, who perfomrs even better than Graffanino did in that role. Valdez is a possible I.F. reserve. We need pitching folks #1. We need an ace closer more than anything in my book and a good starter. I would even be reluctant to let Valentin go. We have given up too much in the last 2 years in young talent going after Everett and Robbie Alomar, not once but twice. I see Jon Rauch over in Montreal is now 2-0 and has thrown two consecutive 3 inning long relief stints giving up zero runs. Keith Foulke saved game #30 with Boston. We could have still had Keith if we had been willing to pay a little money. We haven't had a solid relief ace since he was traded. Folks, you don't trade away all-star caliber players and have nothing and no one to replace them with. You need someone who can play just as good if not better. Slow down on the "let's get rid of our players bandwagon." There isn't just one player that's responsible for the Sox decline. I even could point a finger at Ozzie Guillen and say fire him, but lets give him and the others a chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackie hayes Posted September 19, 2004 Share Posted September 19, 2004 I would ask the fans that post here to step back and consider the overall impacct to the team if certain trades are made. I can't understand the clamor to trade someone like Paul Konerko and replace him with Ross Gload. Paulie is hitting .280 plus with 39 homers and over 100 RBI's. Gload is a utility player, who does very well in filling that role. Trade Carlos Lee, who is hitting .300 with 26 plus homers and 90 RBI's and who does a real good job in the OF. Trade Crede, who has a lot of talent, but replace him with who? Uribe is a super sub, who perfomrs even better than Graffanino did in that role. Valdez is a possible I.F. reserve. We need pitching folks #1. We need an ace closer more than anything in my book and a good starter. I would even be reluctant to let Valentin go. We have given up too much in the last 2 years in young talent going after Everett and Robbie Alomar, not once but twice. I see Jon Rauch over in Montreal is now 2-0 and has thrown two consecutive 3 inning long relief stints giving up zero runs. Keith Foulke saved game #30 with Boston. We could have still had Keith if we had been willing to pay a little money. We haven't had a solid relief ace since he was traded. Folks, you don't trade away all-star caliber players and have nothing and no one to replace them with. You need someone who can play just as good if not better. Slow down on the "let's get rid of our players bandwagon." There isn't just one player that's responsible for the Sox decline. I even could point a finger at Ozzie Guillen and say fire him, but lets give him and the others a chance. I imagine you'll get a lot of flak on this post, but...count me as at least one fan of this post. I'd prefer we get a better 3b, not sure about Valentin, but definitely agree w/ Konerko, Lee, and absolutely agree w/ the main idea. We should be disappointed w/ the team, but to ship off the best parts doesn't make much sense. Even though I don't agree w/ some of your specific points, I think you're very right about the "start all over" tenor on the site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beck72 Posted September 19, 2004 Author Share Posted September 19, 2004 There isn't just one player that's responsible for the Sox decline. I even could point a finger at Ozzie Guillen and say fire him, but lets give him and the others a chance. Good points. A few questions for you though. *What do you see as the reason for the Sox failing to make the playoffs four the 4th yr in a row? *Who exactly do you want to see given more chances? *Do you see any problems with the Sox offense, and what changes would you make? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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