Iguchi Article

[DBAHO]

For next season, which shows the main aim this off-season for this lineup is to get a #2 hitter, unless someone like Aaron Rowand can fill the void;

 

"I'm definitely not satisfied with my performance to this point," Iguchi said through a translator. "If I was able to hit freely, I probably would be a lot more satisfied."

 

Pause. An interviewer's raised eyebrow prompts an amended answer before a follow-up can even be asked, much less translated.

 

"But that's not something the team is looking for or something that is good for the team," Iguchi said. "For me to sacrifice that and do what is good for the team is what I'm here to do right now."

 

Speaking of which, Iguchi hopes to return to that style of play next season. Breaching the language barrier, I jotted .300, 25 and 105 on my notebook, showed it to Iguchi, pointed at his chest and said, "Next year?"

 

Through his interpreter, he replied, "If I worked hard, put on some more muscle, I think I can accomplish that — if I'm hitting in the third spot."

 

http://www.dailysouthtown.com/southtown/co...ia/x11-ard1.htm

[RibbieRubarb]

For next season, which shows the main aim this off-season for this lineup is to get a #2 hitter, unless someone like Aaron Rowand can fill the void;

http://www.dailysouthtown.com/southtown/co...ia/x11-ard1.htm

 

Actually, I don't know why it hasn't been tried yet this year.

[Tadahito15]

Very interesting. Cant complain much at all with what Iguchi has done this year in the 2 hole. He has really been fantastic. It would be interesting to see his approach if he is moved to the 3 hole next season.

[DBAHO]

Actually, I don't know why it hasn't been tried yet this year.

Probably just because of what he's done in there, and how important it is to have a good hitter behind Scotty.

 

But looking at his K's, and the way he's swung the bat when he's made contact this season, I've got no doubts he'll really produce if we give him the chance in the #3 spot for next season.

[AddisonStSox]

It's nice to see he's thinking about some power production.

 

Who knows, he may very well get a chance in the 3-hole in 06'.

[CWSGuy406]

What about, as a switch in the order, going with...

 

Podsednik

Uribe

Iguchi

Konerko

Everett

Dye

Pierzynski

Rowand

Crede

 

Uribe goes opposite field most of the time anyways, so you're not really affecting him all that much. And Iguchi gets to do what he's done most of his career, other than this year, so that'll help him, too.

Edited September 11, 2005 by CWSGuy406

[wsox08]

I wouldn't mind seeing Rowand hit #2 next year... He hit leadoff part of last year and he did well.

[Rowand44]

Furcal will be our 2 hitter next year, imo.

[fathom]

Furcal will be our 2 hitter next year, imo.

 

I'll guarantee that the Sox don't sign Furcal. Iguchi is our 2b, and Uribe is our starting SS. It's the 3b spot we need an upgrade, and we're not going to stick Uribe at 3b.

[fathom]

I would not rule that out at all.

 

However, I believe KW is going to rekindle some talks with TB or MIL, and Overbay or Huff will be on the Sox next season.

 

I just think that Furcal is going to get a ton of money from a Chicago team....and he'll be playing SS for the Cubs. I think there's a very good chance we trade for Overbay if Konerko leaves town. I'll be shocked if Contreras and Marte are on the Sox next season.

[Whitewashed in '05]

I'll guarantee that the Sox don't sign Furcal.  Iguchi is our 2b, and Uribe is our starting SS. It's the 3b spot we need an upgrade, and we're not going to stick Uribe at 3b.

We do need an upgrade at 3B that is a given. I think our success in the postseason (pending we get there first) will effect our interest in Furcal. Maybe if we do poorly offense wise KW will look to upgrade with Furcal wether we do good or bad.

 

Either way, we need some offensive help and we need to upgrade.

[nitetrain8601]

I just think that Furcal is going to get a ton of money from a Chicago team....and he'll be playing SS for the Cubs.  I think there's a very good chance we trade for Overbay if Konerko leaves town.  I'll be shocked if Contreras and Marte are on the Sox next season.

 

Why? Count has had a really nice year. I can guarentee Count is with this team unless we're getting a stud in return.

[AddisonStSox]

Why? Count has had a really nice year. I can guarentee Count is with this team unless we're getting a stud in return.

 

Oh, no, no, no.

 

Contreras will not be back with the White Sox next year.

[fathom]

Why? Count has had a really nice year. I can guarentee Count is with this team unless we're getting a stud in return.

 

With the weak FA crop this offseason, and the Sox offensive needs, Contreras is easily our best trade chip. Trust me, I'd rather get rid of Duque...but that would do nothing for our team in regards to getting talent in return.

[SnB]

Oh, no, no, no.

 

Contreras will not be back with the White Sox next year.

i think he has a better chance than duke

[fathom]

i think he has a better chance than duke

 

Who the hell would want Duque at about 5 million next season?

[AddisonStSox]

i think he has a better chance than duke

 

Ok, so, now, you're the general manager of any team in baseball save the White Sox...

 

Who would you rather have: Contreras with his bad contract or El Duque with nothing but a decent one-year deal?

 

/end

 

This isn't MVP. GMs want talent. Clearly, Contreras is the better of the two.

[Bubba Philips]

For next season, which shows the main aim this off-season for this lineup is to get a #2 hitter, unless someone like Aaron Rowand can fill the void;

http://www.dailysouthtown.com/southtown/co...ia/x11-ard1.htm

why is everything next season. Ozzie changes the lineup all the time. Uribe has shown much improvemnet at taking pitches and if anyone hasn't noticed Pods hasn't been as active on those base paths lately.

[Chisoxfn]

If I were to trade for a 3rd baseman, I'd take a chance and talk to Seattle about taking on Beltre and the remainder of his contract. I don't know if Seattle wants to shift their focus from two big boppers or not (it would be early for them to give up on it).

 

However, Beltre is a really good offensive player and a stud defensive player as well.

[fathom]

If I were to trade for a 3rd baseman, I'd take a chance and talk to Seattle about taking on Beltre and the remainder of his contract.  I don't know if Seattle wants to shift their focus from two big boppers or not (it would be early for them to give up on it). 

 

However, Beltre is a really good offensive player and a stud defensive player as well.

 

He's the person that I keep thinking would really be a good fit. However, there's a lot of money involved with him, and I'm not so sure the Mariners would give up on him. Would they consider trading him and a lot of money for Iguchi? It's easier to find a quality 2nd baseman than it is a stud 3b.

[CWSGuy406]

If I were to trade for a 3rd baseman, I'd take a chance and talk to Seattle about taking on Beltre and the remainder of his contract.  I don't know if Seattle wants to shift their focus from two big boppers or not (it would be early for them to give up on it). 

 

However, Beltre is a really good offensive player and a stud defensive player as well.

 

I've been thinking about that for a while.

 

He fits right in with pitching and defense.

 

And, he's coming off a down year. If Seattle eats some of the contract, I'd definitely be for it.

[Chisoxfn]

As far as Huff is concerned, forget about it. The Drays aren't going to give him up without getting a total ransom. Plus he doesn't fit in the Sox plans unless he's a DH. Personally I think that would be a really nice pickup.

 

Could you imagine the club, resigning PK, trading for Beltre (package would obviously involve Crede, Duque or another starter, and 2 top notch prospects plus they take on his contract) and than trading for Aubrey Huff or a bat of his caliber.

 

All of a sudden you have a rather potent lineup and you haven't negatively effected your defense: Pods/Guchi/Beltre/Huff/Konerko/AJ/Dye/Rowand/Uribe

 

Odds are that won't happen, but if upgrades are to be made the two spots they should be made are 3rd base and DH. That would cost the Sox probably 20 million though in salary (Which would bring payroll up quite a bit). I know they'll have money to spend though, especially since Everett/Thomas, and than Duque would be gone.

[fathom]

If we don't make the playoffs, you're not going to see an increase in payroll.

[Chisoxfn]

If we don't make the playoffs, you're not going to see an increase in payroll.

Like I said, there will be an increase in payroll.

[fathom]

Like I said, there will be an increase in payroll.

 

We've agreed to disagree on this. Don't think this last week of awful attendance didn't give JR every excuse possible to not raise payroll this offseason.