KW on the radio Wednesday

[southsider2k5]

First thing KW said is that Hermanson will not be the closer.  He'll be the setup, or will close in case Shingo falters.

That I am glad to hear.

[Guest JimH]

Also said Hermanson is versatile, and he's got 4 pitches. But they think bullpen is the best role for him, and they want him as a backup closer in case Shingo isn't available.

[JoshPR]

Stop with the Angels infatuation.

 

Erstad is one of the worst players in all of baseball. As a 1B, he's the worst by miles. Can hit for average, doesn't walk enough and has marginal, if that, power. He would be an atrocious pickup for the White Sox. There's a reason why BP's Hacking Mass has him on almost every team.

 

Figgins would be an interesting acquisition, but the Angels aren't going to deal a guy who's making the league minimum.

 

Eckstein has a sub 700 OPS and .339 OBP. He would be an awful pickup.

 

DaVanon is on the wrong side of 30 although he does put up solid stats and an 800 OPS. He should be a servicable 4th OF an nothing more. There are younger players available who could put up numbers along the same lines as DaVanon.

Davanon just turned 31 today

[Chisoxfn]

Cerb, your wrong on this. Erstad may not be a statiticians dream, but he's a hell of a 2 hole hitter and the best defensive first baseman in baseball.

 

He also is more then capable of hitting .300 with a .350 or so OBP and is a very good baserunner and an exceptional hitter (from the aspect he uses all parts of the field and is a good contact guy). He does all the little things and is a leader.

 

As far as Davannon goes the guy is an OBP machine, can play all 3 outfield positions and is a good average hitter. Maybe he's 31, but he flat out produces. The angels have a ton of guys that fit this mold and they seem to be able to win despite having a pretty crappy pitching staff, mainly rotation (it should be better this upcoming year).

[Guest JimH]

They were just joking about Jermaine Dye ... and KW clammed up, they caught him off guard.

 

The way I took it ...

 

VERY safe to say they're going after Jermaine Dye.

 

Edit: Now that the interview is over, some elaboration:

 

Boers said to KW something like, "We don't get to talk to you near enough, is it ok we get to talk to you after the Jermaine Dye signing?"

 

And KW goes, "ummm ... ahhh ... (chuckle) ... well ... ahhh (chuckle)".

 

Pretty obvious to my ears they're targeting Dye.

[JoshPR]

They were just joking about Jermaine Dye ... and KW clammed up, they caught him off guard.

 

The way I took it ...

 

VERY safe to say they're going after Jermaine Dye.

Or he's flying under the radar?

[Chisoxfn]

They were just joking about Jermaine Dye ... and KW clammed up, they caught him off guard.

 

The way I took it ...

 

VERY safe to say they're going after Jermaine Dye.

I'd be pleased with a Jermaine Dye signing. When done it means the Sox then open up the possibility of dealing Lee or Konerko or they can hold onto all parties involved.

 

It would be them doing something before instead of countering a move which is something I like to see. I still say look for him to get a similar deal like Hermanson. I'm thinking 2yr 8 mill or 3yr 9-12 mill. Probably some incentives as well.

[Chisoxfn]

Even sounds like they are close based on that. Is he going to be on ESPN radio today as well?

[Guest JimH]

I think there's better out there than Jermaine Dye, but what do I know? Not much.

 

They need a left handed bat ... badly. RF is a great place to put one.

[AnthraxFan93]

I think there's better out there than Jermaine Dye, but what do I know?  Not much.

 

They need a left handed bat ... badly.  RF is a great place to put one.

 

ANd look Jay Gibbons is both a LHB and an RF..Hmmmm

 

 

But, why worry we will sign DYe for to much money have him injuried by July, be out of it by AUgust and people still will think KW is a great GM..

[Hatchetman]

KW was just speechless when Boers said, "will you join us after the Jermaine Dye signing is announced?"

 

Dead silence and then they all started laughing.

[Chisoxfn]

I think there's better out there than Jermaine Dye, but what do I know?  Not much.

 

They need a left handed bat ... badly.  RF is a great place to put one.

You know me Jim, the one guy via free agency I like as much, if not more is Jay Gibbons. Only problem is you have no idea if he's going to be non-tendered and it seems like Kenny wants to get some moves in place before the meetings.

 

For example, signing Dye now means he can freely discuss Lee or Konerko without worrying that if it takes too long he won't have an option out their. If Gibbons was on the market for sure, then I think things could be different.

 

And for those bashing Gibbons. Throw out his 2004 season. Some may disagree with me on this, but its well documented how he was injured all season pretty much.

 

Anyway, that aside 2001 he joins the majors and hits .236 in 73 major league games.

2002 he improves his average 9 points to .247 while hitting 28 HR's.

2003 his average once again improves, this time to .277 while hitting 26HR's and playing in 160 Gibbons.

 

So looking at that you see a guy who entering 2004 had improved steadily in each major league season and was going to be 27 in 2004.

 

Now he ends up being hurt in 2004 so that progress goes the other way. So consider 2005 his 2004 and he should imo, match 2003 numbers while hitting for potentially more power if 100%. Thats pretty damn good from the left side of the plate.

 

Not to mention his versatility.

[Guest JimH]

 

ANd look Jay Gibbons is both a LHB and an RF..Hmmmm

 

 

But, why worry we will sign DYe for to much money have him injuried by July, be out of it by AUgust and people still will think KW is a great GM..

I have several concerns about a possible Jermaine Dye signing. One is, how healthy is this guy?

 

That exact concern holds true for Gibbons. I realize I'm in the minority here, but I keep getting hung up on wanting a lefthanded bat out in RF.

 

Dye could have great numbers at U.S. Cellular, maybe that's what they're thinking if they sign him.

 

Who knows.

[AnthraxFan93]

You know me Jim, the one guy via free agency I like as much, if not more is Jay Gibbons.  Only problem is you have no idea if he's going to be non-tendered and it seems like Kenny wants to get some moves in place before the meetings.

 

For example, signing Dye now means he can freely discuss Lee or Konerko without worrying that if it takes too long he won't have an option out their.  If Gibbons was on the market for sure, then I think things could be different.

 

And for those bashing Gibbons.  Throw out his 2004 season.  Some may disagree with me on this, but its well documented how he was injured all season pretty much.

 

Anyway, that aside 2001 he joins the majors and hits .236 in 73 major league games.

2002 he improves his average 9 points to .247 while hitting 28 HR's. 

2003 his average once again improves, this time to .277 while hitting 26HR's and playing in 160 Gibbons.

 

So looking at that you see a guy who entering 2004 had improved steadily in each major league season and was going to be 27 in 2004. 

 

Now he ends up being hurt in 2004 so that progress goes the other way.  So consider 2005 his 2004 and he should imo, match 2003 numbers while hitting for potentially more power if 100%.  Thats pretty damn good from the left side of the plate. 

 

Not to mention his versatility.

SHHHHHHHHHHHHh

 

Your Talking Logic..It doesn't work here

[Chisoxfn]

I have several concerns about a possible Jermaine Dye signing.  One is, how healthy is this guy?

 

That exact concern holds true for Gibbons.  I realize I'm in the minority here, but I keep getting hung up on wanting a lefthanded bat out in RF.

 

Dye could have great numbers at U.S. Cellular, maybe that's what they're thinking if they sign him.

 

Who knows.

I have the same hang up. Maybe if the Sox contacted the O's and offered them a little something to acquire him now, and getting a window to negotiate a deal with Gibbons, but I don't think KW wants to wait for Gibbons, knowing that he may not get non-tendered or that at that point other options are gone and Gibbons price gets driven up.

[Guest JimH]

You know me Jim, the one guy via free agency I like as much, if not more is Jay Gibbons.  Only problem is you have no idea if he's going to be non-tendered and it seems like Kenny wants to get some moves in place before the meetings.

 

For example, signing Dye now means he can freely discuss Lee or Konerko without worrying that if it takes too long he won't have an option out their.  If Gibbons was on the market for sure, then I think things could be different.

 

And for those bashing Gibbons.  Throw out his 2004 season.  Some may disagree with me on this, but its well documented how he was injured all season pretty much.

 

Anyway, that aside 2001 he joins the majors and hits .236 in 73 major league games.

2002 he improves his average 9 points to .247 while hitting 28 HR's. 

2003 his average once again improves, this time to .277 while hitting 26HR's and playing in 160 Gibbons.

 

So looking at that you see a guy who entering 2004 had improved steadily in each major league season and was going to be 27 in 2004. 

 

Now he ends up being hurt in 2004 so that progress goes the other way.  So consider 2005 his 2004 and he should imo, match 2003 numbers while hitting for potentially more power if 100%.  Thats pretty damn good from the left side of the plate. 

 

Not to mention his versatility.

Great analysis Jason. I was talking about this last nite but didn't have the patience to lay it all out.

 

I agree on the difficult timing of the non-tender situation. If the Sox want him, and more importantly are convinced he's healthy (big if), frankly they're better off tossing something the Orioles way and getting it done.

 

I realize that wouldn't be popular, and KW would get hung out to dry here, but sometimes you target a guy and go get him.

 

BTW, Gibbons had a back injury and a torn muscle in the hip area. That's a concern. He also had laser eye correction surgery, which is not a big deal. He said he's amazed at how much better he can see with the vision correction vs. wearing contact lenses (I can personally vouch for that).

 

My guess is, the Orioles will want to extract something for Gibbons vs. non tendering him, solely because there are some astute teams who've done the same analysis you've done Jason and they see this guy's got an upside.

 

It all comes down to his health, though. Sox do not need another injury problem.

[Guest JimH]

SHHHHHHHHHHHHh

 

Your Talking Logic..It doesn't work here

That's not true.

 

There are lot of legitimate opinions here, and some very knowledgeable people.

 

Maybe be a little more willing to go the "agree to disagree" route?

[Hatchetman]

i'd rather have gibbons. he's a lefty and should come cheaply. younger too.

[southsider2k5]

That's not true.

 

There are lot of legitimate opinions here, and some very knowledgeable people. 

 

Maybe be a little more willing to go the "agree to disagree" route?

To steal a phrase....

 

"Your(sic) Talking Logic..It doesn't work here"

 

No sense banging your head against a wall Jim

[Guest JimH]

To steal a phrase....

 

"Your(sic) Talking Logic..It doesn't work here"

 

No sense banging your head against a wall Jim

One never knows when medical science will discover a breakthrough Mike

[Chisoxfn]

Great analysis Jason.  I was talking about this last nite but didn't have the patience to lay it all out.

 

I agree on the difficult timing of the non-tender situation.  If the Sox want him, and more importantly are convinced he's healthy (big if), frankly they're better off tossing something the Orioles way and getting it done.

 

I realize that wouldn't be popular, and KW would get hung out to dry here, but sometimes you target a guy and go get him.

 

BTW, Gibbons had a back injury and a torn muscle in the hip area.  That's a concern.  He also had laser eye correction surgery, which is not a big deal.  He said he's amazed at how much better he can see with the vision correction vs. wearing contact lenses (I can personally vouch for that).

 

My guess is, the Orioles will want to extract something for Gibbons vs. non tendering him, solely because there are some astute teams who've done the same analysis you've done Jason and they see this guy's got an upside.

 

It all comes down to his health, though.  Sox do not need another injury problem.

Haha Jim, we both have the same idea in offering up a little something. Kind of like the Sox did to get Damaso Marte instead of fighting to get a waiver claim on him.

 

You mention the back injury and thats as good of reason to struggles as possible, so if he's healthy (big if) he's one of the biggest bargains out their. Just like I think Hermanson could turn into a big bargain, especially considering his versatility. He could slide into the closer slot and potentially turn into a stud closer, he could be a good to very good setup man or if stuff doesn't go right they could pencil him into the 5th spot. Very good signing for 2.75 mill a season.

 

Gibbons on the other hand gives the Sox something they haven't had in years, a legitimate left handed power hitter, who if healthy hits 25 hr's no doubt and to me has the potential for 35 Hr's and 100 RBI. Also isn't going to strike out 100 plus times which is good for a power hitter.

 

Here's something to think of though. Sox sign Dye to play RF and then deal Konerko. This move opens up 1st base and its been said by Levine that the Sox don't think of Gload as an everyday player. Well then Gibbons gets non-tendered and they sign him for 2 mill or so.

 

Gibbons plays a good 1st base and provides power. He can also play RF on ocassions spelling Dye. And all of this guys can also DH at times while Frank is out. For 5-7 mill a year you could get Dye and Gibbons plus a solid starting pitcher for Paul Konerko and his salary.

[southsider2k5]

One never knows when medical science will discover a breakthrough Mike 

That's an awful lot of hope

[AnthraxFan93]

That's not true.

 

There are lot of legitimate opinions here, and some very knowledgeable people. 

 

Maybe be a little more willing to go the "agree to disagree" route?

Naa, that doesn't work here.. you have 3 people here who think they are god among ants cause they can reference a couple of sites to throw BS numbers at you, only to miss the points you were trying to make.

 

NO worries, as long we both know what it takes to win and other are soon joining.. they will follow.

[Guest JimH]

Gibbons isn't going to strike out 100 plus times which is good for a power hitter. 

 

Here's something to think of though.  Sox sign Dye to play RF and then deal Konerko.  This move opens up 1st base and its been said by Levine that the Sox don't think of Gload as an everyday player. 

 

Gibbons plays a good 1st base and provides power.  He can also play RF on ocassions spelling Dye.  And all of this guys can also DH at times while Frank is out.  For 5-7 mill a year you could get Dye and Gibbons plus a solid starting pitcher for Paul Konerko and his salary.

Yes.

 

Now we are absolutely thinking the same.

[AnthraxFan93]

ChiSox.. my biggest question mark.. Who from Baltimore would be a good starter here?

 

But I agree with the Gibbons move, been trying to get him to the Sox since the end of this past year.