Omar Vizquel

[witesoxfan]

I look at it this way. With Juan starting the season in a utility role, he gives us some insurance in case Crede or Harris don't get better. Juan can play 2B and 3B too, and could easily split time with Willie or Joe.

That's almost what I'd prefer to see happen.

 

If Crede gets off to a slow start again, but Willie starts off decently, let Juan take over practically full-time at 3B, and vice versa too. And if they both get off to a slow start, Willie hits RHP, Crede LHP...it's that simple.

[Gene Honda Civic]

Harris is the one who should be filling the utility role. Juan deserves a starting position in either 2B or SS; whichever position is not filled via FA.

Ding Ding Ding... WINNAR.

[jackie hayes]

Put payroll out of your mind. Pretend, for the moment, that payroll doesn't exist.

 

You wouldn't take a veteran, who, unlike Roberto Alomar, is a team player and, even if he does stink it up, would be an excellent bench presence, as well as pinch hitter.

So, would I take Omar Vizquel for free? Yeah, sure, I'm not saying he's not worth a roster spot. If nothing else, he can be damn funny. But from the interest he's (apparently) attracting, it seems likely he'll get more than bargain-basement money. Vizquel is famous for his fielding, but he's much slower in the field nowadays. His hitting had a renaissance this year, but it's been quite erratic in the last 4 years. I think the Sox could get better value.

[MurcieOne]

I think Omar would be a solid if he signs here.... im not worried about that.

 

The only thing I question is why? We need a more concrete answer at SS and I assume we all consider Omar a stopgap right... but a stop gap to who? I mean we have NOWONE waiting in the wings at that position for another couple years.

 

If Furcal can be had (not saying he could... I get him) I think you have to explore an option that has more than the next season in mind.

[Rex Hudler]

I think Omar would be a solid if he signs here.... im not worried about that.

 

The only thing I question is why? We need a more concrete answer at SS and I assume we all consider Omar a stopgap right... but a stop gap to who? I mean we have NOWONE waiting in the wings at that position for another couple years.

 

If Furcal can be had (not saying he could... I get him) I think you have to explore an option that has more than the next season in mind.

Sure Furcal would be a great addition. In fact, he would be a huge addition.

 

But to say the Sox have no one waiting in the wings is a bit off, my friend. I am not sure it will happen, but I do think the Sox feel Uribe could be their SS of the future.

 

The Sox also have three pretty solid SS prospects, albeit none are within two years of the big leagues. A long time Major League Scout (the Sox are one of the teams he scouts) said he lists Gonzalez, Lopez and Valido as potential MLB SS's. Gonzalez is still raw and has some growing up to do, but he probably has the greatest upside of the three because of his potential with the bat. Lopez had a solid year with the bat and held his own in a late season callup to AA. He is also playing well in the AFL right now. Lopez has very soft hands and is very fluid in the field. Valdio could be the best of the three if Gonzalez bat doesn't get better and if Lopez hits .250 at higher levels.

 

Granted they are all prospects, but if one of the three make it, the Sox are a winner. Although they don't have the sure thing of a Furcal, they do have options.

[Gene Honda Civic]

I'll take .283/.327/.506 from my shortstop anyday... It'd be nice if he took a walk a little more often, but there's certainly bigger problems than plugging that into your line-up everyday...

 

... and yes I think Uribe needs to show a little more seasoning/consistency before I hand him the job.

[YASNY]

One of three things will happen with Vizquel.

 

1. Sox get a good deal and sign him relatively cheaply.

Reaction: There goes JR scrapping the bottom of the barrel. No one else would pay Omar to play for them.

 

2. He signs elsewhere.

Reaction: Dam JR is too cheap to sign a 38 year old stop gap SS.

 

3. Sox outbid other teams.

Reaction: KW overpaid for this bum.

[Chisoxfn]

Sure Furcal would be a great addition.  In fact, he would be a huge addition.

 

But to say the Sox have no one waiting in the wings is a bit off, my friend.  I am not sure it will happen, but I do think the Sox feel Uribe could be their SS of the future. 

 

The Sox also have three pretty solid SS prospects, albeit none are within two years of the big leagues.  A long time Major League Scout (the Sox are one of the teams he scouts) said he lists Gonzalez, Lopez and Valido as potential MLB SS's.  Gonzalez is still raw and has some growing up to do, but he probably has the greatest upside of the three because of his potential with the bat.  Lopez had a solid year with the bat and held his own in a late season callup to AA.  He is also playing well in the AFL right now.  Lopez has very soft hands and is very fluid in the field.  Valdio could be the best of the three if Gonzalez bat doesn't get better and if Lopez hits .250 at higher levels.

 

Granted they are all prospects, but if one of the three make it, the Sox are a winner.  Although they don't have the sure thing of a Furcal, they do have options.

Rex, I dont' know what your take was, but even though Andy had his struggles in Bham, when I saw him he looked so so so much better at the plate this time around then he did the year before.

 

I looked back at some footage I had from two years ago and this year and his swing was so much smoother and much better ease. I think if he continues to make strides in that department and continues to develop more of a line drive swing he'll see things change.

 

The few times I've seen him get a hold of the ball, you can see he at least has "gap" power. Defensively I love him, Lopez, and Valido. Both can make really pretty plays, although all still got to work on their constistency but thats pretty typical of any young middle infielder.

 

Plus ya gotta love the fact that Andy actually draws walks. I couldn't belive how many web-gems I saw when I watched Pedro/Andy up the middle and then saw Valido down in Kanny. Their were at least a few times by all of them where I was just in awe.

 

If the Bats develop, the Sox got some special middle infielders.

 

Plus you hit the nail on the head, their is no reason to think the Sox don't see Uribe as a ss of the future. He has good range, a CANNON, and a ton of power. I still see him developing into a Miguel Tejada like force over the next couple years. In fact, if the Sox worked on some other areas, ie pitching, bullpen, good bat to replace Maggs, I would have no problem with an infield of Crede/Uribe/Harris(EY on the bench)/Konerko. I realize it would be questionable at the top of the lineup, but I have enough confidence in the young guys taht I do think they will pan out.

 

As far as Harris goes, we'll see how much faith the Sox have, cause I do think Bmore will give the Sox a call in regards to Hairston. If the price is right, it would be nice to have a veteran leadoff hitter. And of course the Sox will give Vizquel's agent a ringy ding ding.

[Rex Hudler]

Gonzalez stay in Birmingham was short and he really struggled. He did show some pop, but not much else. I'll have to take the word of you and others that the potential is there. I agree that taking walks should help him as he moves up. He may be a guy who moves up one level at a time, perhaps even repeating a level, yet still reaching the Majors by 25.

[beck72]

Some thoughts on Omar.......

 

-- He is interested in the Sox.  To what degree, I am not sure, but I know he has interest.

-- He would still like to stay in Cleveland if possible.  He knew his option would not be picked up.  If Cleveland would give him a halfway decent deal, he would stay in a heartbeat.

-- Staying in Cleveland isn't likely because Omar would like at least a two year deal.  They will likely only offer him one year.

-- Omar and Ozzie both being Venezuelan will help the Sox, but Ozzie is not the only reason he would come here.  He likes the city of Chicago.

-- All players care about the money, but Omar is not "all about the money" like many others.

-- He hates batting leadoff, so the Sox plans could have an impact on their ability to sign him.

-- Health is not an issue.  He had a shoulder problem early in the season, but that has healed and he is in the best shape he has ever been.

-- He is still very productive and one of the best defensive SS in the game. 

-- Omar never was, nor never will be the type of hitter that Nomar, ARod, are.  Don't expect it.

I'll take your word on the "inside Omar" thoughts.

 

Omar would be a great #2 hitter for the sox, someone who can handle the bat and do the little things right. If they signed him, they still would go out and get a leadoff man via trade.

[beck72]

Plus you hit the nail on the head, their is no reason to think the Sox don't see Uribe as a ss of the future.  He has good range, a CANNON, and a ton of power.  I still see him developing into a Miguel Tejada like force over the next couple years.  In fact, if the Sox worked on some other areas, ie pitching, bullpen, good bat to replace Maggs, I would have no problem with an infield of Crede/Uribe/Harris(EY on the bench)/Konerko.  I realize it would be questionable at the top of the lineup, but I have enough confidence in the young guys taht I do think they will pan out. 

 

As far as Harris goes, we'll see how much faith the Sox have, cause I do think Bmore will give the Sox a call in regards to Hairston.  If the price is right, it would be nice to have a veteran leadoff hitter.  And of course the Sox will give Vizquel's agent a ringy ding ding.

Uribe may be the sox SS of the future. Yet not for 2005, w/ big questions about Crede and Harris. That threesome, if progress isn't made by the other two, is fine for a 3rd place team.

 

Uribe should see the bulk of time at 2B, with Harris playing a reduced role. Yet he's also insurance for 3B and SS. If a #2 hitter like Vizquel can be signed for $5 mill, that's worth it keeping Uribe moving around for a yr or two