Reinsdorf on the Score

[Guest JimH]

Just tuned in ...

 

He says he likes the job KW is doing ... Reinsdorf believes you judge the moves when they're made and that to an extent KW has been unlucky.

 

Talking about Manuel, he says Manuel prefers a slugging team and it didn't work, Reinsdorf prefers the team Ozzie likes.

 

Offered Maggs $60M cash, no deferred, left the offer on the table even after Maggs got hurt.

 

Would he like to see Ozzie tone it down re: Maggs? Reinsdorf says he doesn't overreact to anything Ozzie says ... he says Ozzie is a free spirit and he speaks from the gut.

 

Now talking about Fisk, he says Schueler and Lamont wanted to cut Fisk at the beginning of the year. Reinsdorf says he told Schu and Lamont they couldn't cut him until he broke the record. Says Fisk was an incredible athlete, a hard worker, and he turned the franchise around. This is a collective decision to put up a series of statues ... Minne Minoso was an obvious choice, Scott Reifert the PR guy was the main guy pushing for a Fisk statue.

 

Now talking about the Bulls.

[Guest JimH]

Caller asks what would it take to raise the payroll to $100M.

 

Reinsdorf says they have to match revenues and expenses. He says they have NOT maxed out the payroll, there is room. If they need to add something mid season they have room to do so. He did not say how much, etc. Stupid Mike North ignored a GOLDEN opportunity to follow up on this.

[southsider2k5]

Wow, that is really interesting. KW said he asked for a million extra here and there a couple of times over the winter. I wonder if that extra money is from the UScell thing?

 

Also very interesting about Pudge. They are really trying to mend burnt bridges. I wonder if they are trying to get him a job in this organization?

[Guest JimH]

More yapping about the NBA minimum age limit issue.

 

He is talking about Jerry Krause now, looks like this is the last question.

 

And that's it.

[Steff]

Also very interesting about Pudge.  They are really trying to mend burnt bridges.  I wonder if they are trying to get him a job in this organization?

 

 

 

It wont happen. Jerry could have controlled the way it went down and he didn't. Carlton has been very outspoken about his feelings towards Jerry. Every time I have asked him the past 5 years it's always the same answer... "no". He doesn't need the $$, and has plenty of other things on his plate. Besides, he likes his privacy now. I don't see him giving that up in the near future.

[Guest JimH]

OK, here is my take on the "tone" of the interview.

 

North asked Reinsdorf if some things couldn't have been handled better re: Fisk. Reinsdorf claimed a certain amount of memory loss on all the details, which IMO is a cop out. Anyway. JR did make sure to praise Fisk but at the same time was pretty blunt about saying the guy was 45 years old when released and just couldn't catch any more.

 

On the payroll issue ... very straightforward and matter-of-fact. The same as always on this topic. They are a business and they match revenue with expenses.

 

The big nugget was they are not maxed out on payroll, they left themselves some room for a midseason addition. Reinsdorf was quick to say they all like this club as it's currently set up, i.e. they like how it looks on paper.

 

Once again, Mike North was too willing to listen to himself talk instead of following up and probing on an issue (payroll) that is of significant interest to the listening audience. He could have said "tell us more about that, how much more room, are we talking $500K, $1M, $10M??" Or, "Why wouldn't you max out at the beginning of the season, tell us your reasoning?"

 

Bottom line though ... big news from this interview, they are not maxed out on payroll. From what Williams has said, they apparantly have agreed to be maxed out for now and have also agreed they want to give themselves flexibility for an acquisition mid season.

[quickman]

OK, here is my take on the "tone" of the interview.

 

North asked Reinsdorf if some things couldn't have been handled better re: Fisk.  Reinsdorf claimed a certain amount of memory loss on all the details, which IMO is a cop out.  Anyway.  JR did make sure to praise Fisk but at the same time was pretty blunt about saying the guy was 45 years old when released and just couldn't catch any more.

 

On the payroll issue ... very straightforward and matter-of-fact.  The same as always on this topic.  They are a business and they match revenue with expenses.

 

The big nugget was they are not maxed out on payroll, they left themselves some room for a midseason addition.  Reinsdorf was quick to say they all like this club as it's currently set up, i.e. they like how it looks on paper. 

 

Once again, Mike North was too willing to listen to himself talk instead of following up and probing on an issue (payroll) that is of significant interest to the listening audience.  He could have said "tell us more about that, how much more room, are we talking $500K, $1M, $10M??"  Or, "Why wouldn't you max out at the beginning of the season, tell us your reasoning?"

 

Bottom line though ... big news from this interview, they are not maxed out on payroll.  From what Williams has said, they apparantly have agreed to be maxed out for now and have also agreed they want to give themselves flexibility for an acquisition mid season.

 

 

Jim we ahve talked about this for years. They have not been maxed out during the season. They have always tried to get players for the push or they consider themselves out of it, and sell off. I don't think that was such a reach. Furthermore it portrays hope for whitesox fans and keeps this in the back of there minds.

[beck72]

Thanks for the update. Based on the sox m.o. the last few years with KW, I couldn't see the sox passing up chances to improve midseason. It's good to hear JR confirm they could put out some cash to get a guy or two.

[Guest JimH]

Jim we ahve talked about this for years. They have not been maxed out during the season. They have always tried to get players for the push or they consider themselves out of it, and sell off. I don't think that was such a reach. Furthermore it portrays hope for whitesox fans and keeps this in the back of there minds.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I agree with your thoughts.

 

One reason I wanted to emphasize it though ... there are lots of people on this and other websites who seem to think and/or claim the Sox are maxed out payroll wise.

 

When Reinsdorf comes out publically to say they have flexibility it's worth emphasizing.

[SoxFan562004]

Thanks for the update. Based on the sox m.o. the last few years with KW, I couldn't see the sox passing up chances to improve midseason. It's good to hear JR confirm they could put out some cash to get a guy or two.

I think they are taking a wait and see attitude with money because of Frank. I think they really want to see where he's at, because if he's healthy they don't need to find another power hitter, but if he's not going to recover well or quickly enough they may have to spend their money there

[beck72]

I think they are taking a wait and see attitude with money because of Frank.  I think they really want to see where he's at, because if he's healthy they don't need to find another power hitter, but if he's not going to recover well or quickly enough they may have to spend their money there

 

I think the sox are holding some money back in case they need to fill any spot, whether its DH or an injury/ ineffectiveness somewhere else.

[CubKilla]

Now talking about Fisk, he says Schueler and Lamont wanted to cut Fisk at the beginning of the year.  Reinsdorf says he told Schu and Lamont they couldn't cut him until he broke the record.  Says Fisk was an incredible athlete, a hard worker, and he turned the franchise around.

 

Drop dead JR :fyou . Nice of you to pass the buck on the Fisk issue. Any and all player decisions..... and the way they are treated when said decisions are made..... begin and end with you.

Edited March 3, 2005 by CubKilla

[AddisonStSox]

Drop dead JR :fyou . Nice of you to pass the buck on the Fisk issue. Any and all player decisions..... and the way they are treated when said decisions are made..... begin and end with you.

 

So, when you saw Killa hanging around in this thread, who else was just waiting for this post?

 

I could have nearly wrote it for you, word for word. Time to get a new gig dude. This one's soooooo old.

[Steff]

Drop dead JR :fyou . Nice of you to pass the buck on the Fisk issue. Any and all player decisions..... and the way they are treated when said decisions are made..... begin and end with you.

 

 

No buck passed. It didn't begin with him, but he could have changed the ending - exactly as he stated it. You think Carlton dislikes Jerry.. you should hear the things he says about Shu.... oye ve.

[CubKilla]

So, when you saw Killa hanging around in this thread, who else was just waiting for this post?

 

I could have nearly wrote it for you, word for word.  Time to get a new gig dude.  This one's soooooo old.

 

Do it next time then. The treatment of Fisk has been a long time bone of contention with me and shaped my overall impression w/JR, his Organization, and how it is run. Look back at the history of that decision and tell me if you honestly think the White Sox looked good to the fans and, more importantly, MLB players in regards to their unceremonious dumping of Fisk in Cleveland.

 

Don't like what I post, don't read.

[southsider2k5]

I've been thinking more about JRs payroll quotes.

 

This is what it comes down to. Say we have $5 million in unspent payroll (I have no idea how much in reality, that is a just a number I pulled out of my ass) Would having another $5 million type player all year be more valuable to the Sox vs picking up a $10 million type player in July (and only owing him that same $5 mil for the 2nd half of the season).

 

Opinions?

[Guest JimH]

Do it next time then. The treatment of Fisk has been a long time bone of contention with me and shaped my overall impression w/JR, his Organization, and how it is run. Look back at the history of that decision and tell me if you honestly think the White Sox looked good to the fans and, more importantly, MLB players in regards to their unceremonious dumping of Fisk in Cleveland.

 

Don't like what I post, don't read.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Anyone can respond to any post they want to. That's the way it goes.

 

Geezus, so that's the issue? You've got a bone in your throat over Carlton Fisk? It's almost 12 years ago now. And by the way, what did they ever win with Fisk, a division title and that's all. Once.

 

He said today that Schueler and Lamont wanted him cut at the beginning of '93. If they'd have cut him in spring training, before he got the record, what would've been the fans reaction? Pretty bad, I'm guessing. They should've handled the release better but to me that's balanced by hanging on to a guy who was clearly well over the hill to let him attain an individual record.

 

Understanding how proud an individual Carlton Fisk was and is, Fisk would've been pissed off no matter how the Sox eventually cut the cord.

[Punch and Judy Garland]

Drop dead JR :fyou . Nice of you to pass the buck on the Fisk issue. Any and all player decisions..... and the way they are treated when said decisions are made..... begin and end with you.

 

 

My problem witht hepayroll thing is a bit different. I feel that it is smart to leave yourself some room. If Buehrle tears a rotator cuff (god forbid) then you'd want to have an out. I agree with the Beane theory as far as part of the season is finding out who you are and what you need. But, my issue is with the trades. I feel that we overpay in terms of prospects to avoid actually paying the players contracts. I hope that the payroll room means that we won't trade one of the big three prospects in order to avoid paying another milion or two. That is because that is very shortsighted. You don't invest 2 million in signing bonus money and time developing to skimp out on the same money later. As far as the interview, pretty much company line stuff and nothing new.

[Guest JimH]

My problem witht hepayroll thing is a bit different. I feel that it is smart to leave yourself some room. If Buehrle tears a rotator cuff (god forbid) then you'd want to have an out. I agree with the Beane theory as far as part of the season is finding out who you are and what you need.  But, my issue is with the trades. I feel that we overpay in terms of prospects to avoid actually paying the players contracts. I hope that the payroll room means that we won't trade one of the big three prospects in order to avoid paying another milion or two. That is because that is very shortsighted. You don't invest 2 million in signing bonus money and time developing to skimp out on the same money later. As far as the interview, pretty much company line stuff and nothing new.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Interesting post, good perspective.

[SoxFan562004]

My problem witht hepayroll thing is a bit different. I feel that it is smart to leave yourself some room. If Buehrle tears a rotator cuff (god forbid) then you'd want to have an out. I agree with the Beane theory as far as part of the season is finding out who you are and what you need.  But, my issue is with the trades. I feel that we overpay in terms of prospects to avoid actually paying the players contracts. I hope that the payroll room means that we won't trade one of the big three prospects in order to avoid paying another milion or two. That is because that is very shortsighted. You don't invest 2 million in signing bonus money and time developing to skimp out on the same money later. As far as the interview, pretty much company line stuff and nothing new.

Well I think if the Sox make an off-season move another one of the top OF prospects is gone (anderson or sweeney) since Dye is signed for 2-3 years, Pods is still only 27 or 28, A-Row is young, it's the area of depth.

[Iwritecode]

I've been thinking more about JRs payroll quotes. 

 

This is what it comes down to.  Say we have $5 million in unspent payroll (I have no idea how much in reality, that is a just a number I pulled out of my ass)  Would having another $5 million type player all year be more valuable to the Sox vs picking up a $10 million type player in July (and only owing him that same $5 mil for the 2nd half of the season).

 

Opinions?

 

It really depends on the strengths and weaknesses of the team at mid-season and what the standings look like IMO.

 

As the team stands right now, I don't think there are many $5 million players that would actually be a significant upgrade from what they already have. Might as well save it just in case someone gets injured, or just doesn't meet expectations.

[YASNY]

Regarding Fisk. My main bone of contention is that they wouldn't let him visit the clubhouse during the playoffs. Inexcusable, imho. As for the release, Carlton's pride was hurt because he was released. He probably would have been pissed no matter how that occured. I also get the impression that Carlton is one stubborn SOB, so I don't see any fence mending in the near future though I suspect JR would be all for it.

 

Regarding prospects. I think KW has established his M.O. is to draft, develope and trade prospects for veterans to fill needs. Prospects are always questionable. Some work out, possibly like Reed. Others don't, Hummel, Ring, etc. I think you can expect more of the same. Personally, if you can trade a prospect for a need to get over the hump, do it.

 

Regarding payroll. I'm glad they are saving some to fill holes that appear during the season. Whether it be due to injury or ineffectiveness, those holes always arise. Sometimes the moves you don't make are the ones that pay off for you. For example, based on Crede's production the past two years, another person may have replaced him. Yet, if Crede has solved his problems this offseason, it may pay off that KW didn't make that move.

[AnthraxFan93]

Talking about Manuel, he says Manuel prefers a slugging team and it didn't work, Reinsdorf prefers the team Ozzie likes.

 

 

Thats funny, since If I remeber correctly Manuel when he first got here was talking about Small ball and he got "boppers".

 

On the quote of JR likeing KW.. of course you do, he is your puppet, and comes cheap.. A typical JR type guy.

[YASNY]

Thats funny, since If I remeber correctly Manuel when he first got here was talking about Small ball and he got "boppers". 

 

On the quote of JR likeing KW.. of course you do, he is your puppet, and comes cheap.. A  typical JR type guy.

 

 

You are correct about that. Manuel did talk about an NL type game. One time around the AL, though, and that was the end of that.

[Punch and Judy Garland]

Regarding Fisk.  My main bone of contention is that they wouldn't let him visit the clubhouse during the playoffs.  Inexcusable, imho.  As for the release, Carlton's pride was hurt because he was released.  He probably would have been pissed no matter how that occured.  I also get the impression that Carlton is one stubborn SOB, so I don't see any fence mending in the near future though I suspect JR would be all for it.

 

Regarding prospects.  I think KW has established his M.O. is to draft, develope and trade prospects for veterans to fill needs.  Prospects are always questionable.  Some work out, possibly like Reed.  Others don't, Hummel, Ring, etc.  I think you can expect more of the same.  Personally, if you can trade a prospect for a need to get over the hump, do it. 

 

Regarding payroll.  I'm glad they are saving some to fill holes that appear during the season.  Whether it be due to injury or ineffectiveness, those holes always arise.  Sometimes the moves you don't make are the ones that pay off for you.  For example, based on Crede's production the past two years, another person may have replaced him.  Yet, if Crede has solved his problems this offseason, it may pay off that KW didn't make that move.

 

 

I agree with you, but none of those guys has gotten us over the hump yet. You can claim bad luck, but sooner or later there needs to be accountability for failed moves.