Sox signed Giambi to help keep Frank?

[Jabroni]

http://www.suntimes.com/output/sox/cst-spt-sox14.html

Why the Sox are giving Jeremy Giambi a chance is up for debate. He's expected to play at Class AAA for an organization loaded with left-handed hitters on the major-league bench. And then there's the fact that the Sox knowingly brought in a player who has a cloud of steroids hanging over his head.

 

But Giambi does have a .263 career batting average for four teams with 52 home runs and 209 RBI in 510 games.

 

Still, the most obvious reason Giambi is in camp is that his agent is Arn Tellem -- also the agent for Frank Thomas and one who is known to have a strong working relationship with Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.

 

The Sox possibly are giving Giambi a place to showcase his talent. General manager Ken Williams admitted Sunday that Giambi's minor-league contract has an out if another major-league team is interested.

 

And doing a favor for a client of Tellem's could go a long way in possibly restructuring Thomas' contract to make sure he ends his career with the Sox. The Sox have the option of buying out Thomas' contract for $3.5 million at the end of this season, but that doesn't mean they can't put that $3.5 million toward a new multiyear deal that makes better sense for the team.

 

As it stands now, if the Sox decline the buyout, Thomas has an option to renew his Sox contract for one more season at $10 million.

 

Until the Thomas situation is resolved, the Sox will house a player in Giambi who has admitted to being part of one of the biggest scandals in the game's history. No matter. If getting a second chance is what you need, the Sox seem to be the team to call.

This actually makes alot of sense. Keep in mind that signing Jeremy Giambi was Reinsdorf's call, not Kenny's. This is why Kenny refused to comment on the signing. Also, keep in mind that both Giambi and Frank have the same agent, Arn Tellum. Reinsdorf loves Frank and knows how important it is that he retires as a member of the White Sox. But Jerry also knows that his $10 million player option / $12 million team option is alot of money and they still need to re-sign Paulie. Maybe Jerry is trying to angle for a restructured 3-year retirement contract for a little bit less money to help Frank hit 500 homers in a White Sox uniform.

Edited March 16, 2005 by Jabroni

[Texsox]

We know how much Jerry values a superstar finishing in a Chicago jersey

 

 

Fisk, Jordan, Frank? Do we really believe that Jerry is going to care where Frank finishes his career?

[DBAHO]

We know how much Jerry values a superstar finishing in a Chicago jersey

 

 

Fisk, Jordan, Frank? Do we really believe that Jerry is going to care where Frank finishes his career?

What's a fair contract for Thomas to finish off his career then Tex? At the expense of Konerko even?

[southsider2k5]

Looks like writers have been reading Soxtalk again...

 

http://www.soxtalk.com/forums/index.php?sh...ndpost&p=604927

[YASNY]

Looks like writers have been reading Soxtalk again...

 

http://www.soxtalk.com/forums/index.php?sh...ndpost&p=604927

 

I don't mind that the writers scroll Soxtalk to find original thoughts. I just wish they'd drop a prop to us in their column from time to time.

[jackie hayes]

We know how much Jerry values a superstar finishing in a Chicago jersey

...3 times.

 

And Fisk did end his career in a Sox jersey, just not on his terms.

[YASNY]

...3 times.

 

And Fisk did end his career in a Sox jersey, just not on his terms.

 

 

Jordan ended his career in a Bulls jersey ..... TWICE!

And once in a Sox affiliate's jersey.

[Texsox]

What's a fair contract for Thomas to finish off his career then Tex? At the expense of Konerko even?

 

My comment is Jerry has shown through the years that sentimental gestures like wanting Frank to finish his career in a Sox uniform isn't his style. I certainly do not buy the conspiracy theory that signing Giambi to a minor league team is linked in any way to Frank. Maybe tossing a bone to Giambi's agent, but that is about it.

 

Jerry does not allow sentiment to get in the way of winning and money.

 

And as far as it only being 3, name 3 bigger superstars on JRs payroll? Going smaller, Sandy Alomar wanted to play one more year, he's in Texas. He has been praised and mentioned as a possible Manager someday.

 

There's no crying in White Sox baseball . . .

[jackie hayes]

My comment is Jerry has shown through the years that sentimental gestures like wanting Frank to finish his career in a Sox uniform isn't his style. I certainly do not buy the conspiracy theory that signing Giambi to a minor league team is linked in any way to Frank. Maybe tossing a bone to Giambi's agent, but that is about it.

 

Jerry does not allow sentiment to get in the way of winning and money.

 

And as far as it only being 3, name 3 bigger superstars on JRs payroll? Going smaller, Sandy Alomar wanted to play one more year, he's in Texas. He has been praised and mentioned as a possible Manager someday.

 

There's no crying in White Sox baseball . . .

No, I meant Jordan ended his career in a Chicago jersey twice (not that it's 3 people). Enough is enough. He wanted too big of a role, and it was the right decision to not give it to him. He certainly didn't help Washington much. Jordan's the best ever, but you don't sacrifice your whole team for nostalgia. And Fisk was my favorite player when I was young, but it really was time to go. Everyone could see that but him.

 

Frank is still playing at a very high level, and all he wants to do is play. I don't think this is implausible.

 

And YASNY, yeah, I forgot about ending the baseball career. Though I could quibble about it being Chicago or Birmingham, but whatever.

[YASNY]

No, I meant Jordan ended his career in a Chicago jersey twice (not that it's 3 people).  Enough is enough.  He wanted too big of a role, and it was the right decision to not give it to him.  He certainly didn't help Washington much.  Jordan's the best ever, but you don't sacrifice your whole team for nostalgia.  And Fisk was my favorite player when I was young, but it really was time to go.  Everyone could see that but him.

 

Frank is still playing at a very high level, and all he wants to do is play.  I don't think this is implausible.

 

And YASNY, yeah, I forgot about ending the baseball career.  Though I could quibble about it being Chicago or Birmingham, but whatever.

 

 

Quibble away, but I did specify a Sox affiliate jersey. Regardless, the post was made in jest.

[Texsox]

OK, y'all convinced me JR's a lovable, sentimental fool, who I am certain wants Frank to finish his career in a White Sox uniform and if that means signing an admitted steroid user to a minor league contract, then by golly he will.

 

And Frank will consider that magnanimous gesture in his decision to stay, because he and Giambi are tight, like brothers.

[jackie hayes]

Quibble away, but I did specify a Sox affiliate jersey.  Regardless, the post was made in jest.

I know, I know.

[jackie hayes]

OK, y'all convinced me JR's a lovable, sentimental fool, who I am certain wants Frank to finish his career in a White Sox uniform and if that means signing an admitted steroid user to a minor league contract, then by golly he will. 

 

And Frank will consider that magnanimous gesture in his decision to stay, because he and Giambi are tight, like brothers.

Well that's better. Glad you've seen the light.

 

I still don't think the Giambi signing is bad in and of itself, but this does make it a little less surprising.

[southsider2k5]

OK, y'all convinced me JR's a lovable, sentimental fool, who I am certain wants Frank to finish his career in a White Sox uniform and if that means signing an admitted steroid user to a minor league contract, then by golly he will. 

 

And Frank will consider that magnanimous gesture in his decision to stay, because he and Giambi are tight, like brothers.

 

[Too bad there is no liberal media to investigate this miscarriage of justice.

[CWSGuy406]

I personally believe Frank is more useful to this team as a player, and if they restructure, Thomas should get 6-8 million per year from us.

 

Let's see how Konerko fairs away from US Cellular before he gets a Sexson/Glaus-like contract...

[southsider2k5]

I personally believe Frank is more useful to this team as a player, and if they restructure, Thomas should get 6-8 million per year from us.

 

Let's see how Konerko fairs away from US Cellular before he gets a Sexson/Glaus-like contract...

 

I am really curious why you think Frank is more useful as a player? He cannot play the field anymore, and he hasn't been able to stay healthy either. Also why would you discount how Konerko plays at home, when Frank has a huge disparity home vs road too?

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/splits?statsId=4527

 

Franks hit 14 HRs at home and only 4 on the road, with his slugging and OPS dropping 200 points when he hit the road. You can't discount ones stats, and ignore the other guy.

[Texsox]

[Too bad there is no liberal media to investigate this miscarriage of justice.

They are all busy reading internet message boards so they can write their stories

[AnthraxFan93]

What's a fair contract for Thomas to finish off his career then Tex? At the expense of Konerko even?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

2-3 mil a year unless he gets the MVP then we can bump him up to 4mil

[southsider2k5]

They are all busy reading internet message boards so they can write their stories

 

I knew it

[greasywheels121]

I am really curious why you think Frank is more useful as a player?  He cannot play the field anymore, and he hasn't been able to stay healthy either. Also why would you discount how Konerko plays at home, when Frank has a huge disparity home vs road too?

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/splits?statsId=4527

 

Franks hit 14 HRs at home and only 4 on the road, with his slugging and OPS dropping 200 points when he hit the road.  You can't discount ones stats, and ignore the other guy.

 

Konerko's best year still didn't match Frank's worst year in a lot of areas. Also to think Frank had his best years here when Comiskey was still a pitcher's park.

[southsider2k5]

Konerko's best year still didn't match Frank's worst year in a lot of areas.  Also to think Frank had his best years here when Comiskey was still a pitcher's park.

 

Past tense.

 

Do you think 2006 Frank will be better than 2006 Paul. That is the question. Is it worth losing Paul Konerko in 2006, so that Frank Thomas will retire with the Sox, even if he can't put up the numbers anymore.

 

We all know Frank's career will blow away anyone since Joe Jackson's untimely departure from baseball.

[jackie hayes]

Past tense. 

 

Do you think 2006 Frank will be better than 2006 Paul.  That is the question.  Is it worth losing Paul Konerko in 2006, so that Frank Thomas will retire with the Sox, even if he can't put up the numbers anymore.

 

We all know Frank's career will blow away anyone since Joe Jackson's untimely departure from baseball.

I'm not sure about Frank vs Paulie, it's a close call, but that's largely b/c of injury worries. I don't know why you think Frank can't put up good numbers. Frank still draws 125+ walks in a full season and gets on base at a ridiculously good rate, home and away. That, and he'll still hit for power, though probably only 10-15 hr on the road. Those are great numbers, unless you restrict yourself to the single number, hr on the road.

[southsider2k5]

I'm not sure about Frank vs Paulie, it's a close call, but that's largely b/c of injury worries.  I don't know why you think Frank can't put up good numbers.  Frank still draws 125+ walks in a full season and gets on base at a ridiculously good rate, home and away.  That, and he'll still hit for power, though probably only 10-15 hr on the road.  Those are great numbers, unless you restrict yourself to the single number, hr on the road.

 

I haven't said I don't think Frank can put up good numbers. I don't know if he can outproduce Konerko.

 

Honestly I think they bring them both back and this is a moot arguement. I just wanted to jump in when I didn't see both sides of an arguement being made. It wasn't fair to diss PK's road numbers, and then not mention Frank's. That is all.

[jackie hayes]

I haven't said I don't think Frank can put up good numbers.  I don't know if he can outproduce Konerko.

 

Honestly I think they bring them both back and this is a moot arguement.  I just wanted to jump in when I didn't see both sides of an arguement being made.  It wasn't fair to diss PK's road numbers, and then not mention Frank's.  That is all.

Fair enough.

 

I hope you're right about Frank coming back. We've seen in the papers that KW is ready to cut ties w/ Frank at season's end to save $6.5 mil, which would be a colossal misjudgement if he comes back from the injury and plays this year like he did when healthy in 2004. I'm encouraged to hear that Reinsdorf would make a push for Hurt -- even if it is mostly speculation.

[Texsox]

Intersting the people here who called Maggs a selfish, greedy, MF for becoming a free agent and NOT showing any LOYALTY. Suddenly don't have a problem with dumping Frank if it means helping the team.

 

LOL. You guys kill me.