You're the GM: White Sox edition

[mwolfson]

sure thing, just come up with the 50 mil its gonna take to sign PK, the 30 mil itll take to sign wagner, and the 43.5 mil still due to thome on his contract, the 5 mil thomas will command, and i think we might have a solid team! please, even the yankees dont spend like that in one offseason

 

 

Well honestly, I'm only thinking about increasing the salary 12-17 next year.

I know both Konerko and Wagner maybe on average about 10 and 7.5 per year year and hopefully Thome's contract will be eaten up mainly by the Phillies. So we will see, doubtful but how sweet would it be to have Thome back in Chicago...

 

PODSEDNIK

IGUCHI

THOME

KONERKO

DYE

PIERZYNSKI

ROWAND

CREDE

URIBE

[Randar68]

Well honestly, I'm only thinking about increasing the salary 12-17 next year.

I know both Konerko and Wagner maybe on average about 10 and 7.5 per year year and hopefully Thome's contract will be eaten up mainly by the Phillies. So we will see, doubtful but how sweet would it be to have Thome back in Chicago...

 

PODSEDNIK

IGUCHI

THOME

KONERKO

DYE

PIERZYNSKI

ROWAND

CREDE

URIBE

 

We have a closer... heck, if Hermanson is healthy, we have 2! I would rather spend that money that some are spending on Wagner and put it towards Furcal. I would rather sign youth at a key position like SS.

 

I like Uribe a lot, but he just is not as good as Furcal. It also allows you to move Iguchi down into a more natural #5 or #6 hole for him, allow him to be a run-producer.

 

That would give me:

PODSEDNIK

FURCAL

THOME, DELGADO or HELTON, whichever they can get.

KONERKO

DYE

IGUCHI

PIERZYNSKI

CREDE

ANDERSON

 

Heck, maybe move AJ into the 5 hole to break up all the righties in a row, but that would be for Ozzie to decide. For a similar price to what Wagner is going to get, the Sox could get Furcal...

 

It also allows them to include Uribe and/or Rowand in any deals for Thome, Delgado, Helton, or bullpen help...

[fathom]

FWIW, the rumor going around is that the Phillies are going to try and sign Wagner for 3 yr/27 million.

[DBAHO]

FWIW, the rumor going around is that the Phillies are going to try and sign Wagner for 3 yr/27 million.

I heard that's what he wanted all along, but the Phillies were offering him a 2 year deal with an option for a 3rd. With Ed Wade gone now though, it'll be interesting to see where the negotiations go.

[Randar68]

I heard that's what he wanted all along, but the Phillies were offering him a 2 year deal with an option for a 3rd. With Ed Wade gone now though, it'll be interesting to see where the negotiations go.

 

They're really going to have to give Thome away if that's what they're going to pay him. 3 yrs @ 9 million per?

 

Resign Pauly and bring on Furcal, Thome/Delgado/Helton and a lefty specialist and this will be a far-improved lineup...

 

You can trade El Duque, Marte, Uribe and probably Rowand in any of those deals as well...

[BlackBetsy]

You can trade El Duque, Marte, Uribe and probably Rowand in any of those deals as well...

 

Who is going to overpay for Rowand and give the Sox value? That's an interesting concept.

 

I'd actually trade Rowand after 2006 for a couple of reasons:

 

(1) Give Anderson 200 at bats as a 4th outfielder - let him show a little more of his stuff;

 

(2) I think Rowand bounces back from 2005 to put up a .840 OPS season (i.e., worse than 2004, but better than 2005) in 2006, and will greatly increase his value.

 

I also think that Chris Young might be the guy to replace Rowand anyway.

[fathom]

Who is going to overpay for Rowand and give the Sox value?  That's an interesting concept.

 

 

A team that wants to improve their defense up the middle. There are quite a few teams that could be interested in him.

[Randar68]

I also think that Chris Young might be the guy to replace Rowand anyway.

 

I think at this rate, Young will be the CF'er in 2007. However, nothing says Anderson can't play CF full-time now and move to RF in 2007 when Dye's contract is up...

[3E8]

(1)  Give Anderson 200 at bats as a 4th outfielder

Get ready to hear it from Randar...

[Randar68]

A team that wants to improve their defense up the middle.  There are quite a few teams that could be interested in him.

 

Who the hell the Yankees got in CF? Tony Womak? Case in point I suppose.

 

Also would be interested in signing Matsui if the Yanks do indeed fail to negotiate a new contract by the deadline...

[YASNY]

Who the hell the Yankees got in CF?  Tony Womak?  Case in point I suppose.

 

Also would be interested in signing Matsui if the Yanks do indeed fail to negotiate a new contract by the deadline...

 

In a New York minute, so to speak.

[fathom]

Who the hell the Yankees got in CF?  Tony Womak?  Case in point I suppose.

 

Also would be interested in signing Matsui if the Yanks do indeed fail to negotiate a new contract by the deadline...

 

Yankees will have either Damon or Hunter in CF next season.

[Randar68]

Yankees will have either Damon or Hunter in CF next season.

 

Torii? His contract isn't up... (although contract isn't all that attractive either)

 

Maybe you mean Brian Hunter? LOL!

 

Damon, I could see, but the Yankees will end up at 250 million unless they trade some of those big contracts and eat a LOT of money on them too. Isn't AJ Burnett also rumored to be a Yankee target?

 

Hell, offer them Rowand for the rights to Matsui (giving the Sox a window to sign an extension) as soon as the Sox post-season is over.

 

Move Dye to 1B/DH, resign Konerko and sign Furcal... done deal, LOL!...

Edited October 11, 2005 by Randar68

[BlackBetsy]

I think at this rate, Young will be the CF'er in 2007.  However, nothing says Anderson can't play CF full-time now and move to RF in 2007 when Dye's contract is up...

I think we agree on Young being the CF in '07. His improvement/learning curve at B'ham - increasing his walks & power and cutting his K's as the season went on - was really awesome.

 

However, I'm not sure that Anderson will ever produce enough to be a corner OF. Rowand certainly does NOT produce enough to be a RF (although his 2004 stats were worthy of a corner OF spot). If Anderson does produce enough to be a corner OF, that's great, but I think he's a 15-20 homer guy, not a 25-30 homer guy. He hit 16 in 450 at bats at Charlotte, so I think 20 is probably a good expectation. Unless that comes with 50 doubles per year, it's not enough. Those 115 K's worry me, too.

 

I just think that Rowand might have a greater value if you trade him after '06 than if you trade him after his subpar '05. He's not that expensive in '06 anyway.

 

You also always have the option of trading Rowand mid-'06 if Anderson comes on strong in the 4th outfielder role, a la Austin Kearns.

[BlackBetsy]

Damon, I could see, but the Yankees will end up at 250 million unless they trade some of those big contracts and eat a LOT of money on them too.  Isn't AJ Burnett also rumored to be a Yankee target?

 

 

I think $250 million is not a problem for the Yankees. Steinbrenner's blood continues to boil and the Yankees have gone FIVE WHOLE SEASONS without winning it all.

 

Unfortunately for the rest of the league, Kevin Brown's $15 million comes off of the Yankees' payroll next year. So does Matsui's $8 million, and Bernie Williams' $11 million. They were also paying Steve Karsay (!) $6 million this season for not pitching, which also comes off their payroll, and Mike Stanton was being paid $4 million. The Yankees were throwing away much more than other teams were spending.

 

Even if they re-sign Matsui (say $8 million again), they have $36 million to spend without lowering their payroll. Yikes. They could sign Damon to play CF at $10 m per, AJ Burnett at $10 m per, and Konerko at $10 m per and actually lower their payroll. Double Yikes.

 

I expect the Boss to be spending like a drunken sailor this offseason, and that good old Paulie will be in his crosshairs.

[ZoomSlowik]

I'm really not that big a fan of getting Furcal (by the way, I might have posted this before). Frankly, some less than stellar players at SS are getting too much money of late (ie Cabrera, Renteria). Granted Furcal is better than those two, but I don't want him at $10 mil a year, especially since that kind of contract might cost us Paulie. He's probably a .280 hitter tops in a park with a less spacious outfield than the one in Atlanta, although he might be able to push towards 20 homers. Only once in the last 4 years has he hit over .270 on the road, and it's an abysmal .246 this year. Also, this is the best year defensively he's had in some time. He's been well over 20 errors each of the past 3 years. I think the money could be better spent elsewhere.

 

I really like the idea of Brian Giles as a DH/utility OF. In our park he could be an absolute beast again. If not for Petco Park, he'd probably be getting a much bigger payday this offseason. My only concern is that he is already 34, meaning I'd be cautious if signing him for more than 3 years.

 

Billy Wagner seems way too expensive relative to his value to the team. While an elite LHRP could be a major boost to our bullpen, if he is going to cost $9 mil a year that's just too much. B.J. Ryan would fill a similar role, and might actually be a better fit since he would be willing to be a setup man. However, he probably wouldn't be cheap either.

 

It seems like we have some quality trade ammo, with two expendable pitchers on the major league roster in El Duque (if he keeps performing in the playoffs, his value might go up) and Marte, plus some pretty good prospects at AA or higher. Hopefully that can net us a decent hitter.

[fathom]

Great post Zoom

[southsider2k5]

Torii?  His contract isn't up... (although contract isn't all that attractive either)

 

Maybe you mean Brian Hunter?  LOL!

 

Damon, I could see, but the Yankees will end up at 250 million unless they trade some of those big contracts and eat a LOT of money on them too.  Isn't AJ Burnett also rumored to be a Yankee target?

 

Hell, offer them Rowand for the rights to Matsui (giving the Sox a window to sign an extension) as soon as the Sox post-season is over.

 

Move Dye to 1B/DH, resign Konerko and sign Furcal...  done deal, LOL!...

 

Torii's convinced he is getting traded this off season, and after his fistfight with Morneau, that wouldn't surprise me.

[Randar68]

Would it be that out of the question, or dumb if we traded Cotts insted of Marte, getting alot back for one of the best LHRP in the game,then signing BJ Ryan? While your payroll goes up because of Ryan, you could get alot back for Cotts, correct? A package of El Duque, Cotts and Anderson could bring us a nice bat, no?

 

Cotts is cheap as heck, why trade him now? You might not get as much back, but you're not getting Andruw Jones for either one... Marte is an issue of clearing salary...

[BlackBetsy]

I really like the idea of Brian Giles as a DH/utility OF. In our park he could be an absolute beast again. If not for Petco Park, he'd probably be getting a much bigger payday this offseason. My only concern is that he is already 34, meaning I'd be cautious if signing him for more than 3 years.

 

 

Zoom, I agree 100%, I think Giles is the best player available on the market.

 

(1) He's a lefty bat, and gets on base like a fiend and hits for power, even at Petco.

 

(2) He probably can be had for a reasonable price;

 

(3) He is the type of player that ages well; his PECOTA comps are guys like Sheffield, Yaz, Edgar Martinez, Darrell Evans, and Brian Downing who all maintained high levels of productivity well into their late 30's.

 

I'd be willing to give Giles 4 years (through his age 38 season) at $40-$44 million, especially if it's structure so that the first two years are higher than the back end, e.g., $12, $11, $9, $8, allowing the Sox to get out of it in the last few years easier if he stops being productive.

 

Like I've said before, it's going to be a trick to get him out of Southern California. I think the Dodgers will make a run at him and get him.

 

I think if the Red Sox lose Damon, they will be making a run at him as well - his OBP is just too good and the Red Sox have fallen in love with lefties over the last 3 years.

 

If the Sox got Giles, I would be extremely psyched.

[Rowand44]

Would it be that out of the question, or dumb if we traded Cotts insted of Marte, getting alot back for one of the best LHRP in the game,then signing BJ Ryan? While your payroll goes up because of Ryan, you could get alot back for Cotts, correct? A package of El Duque, Cotts and Anderson could bring us a nice bat, no?

I would not trade Neal right now, he's to damn good and to damn cheap at this point. As much as Damaso has sucked he'll still have some decent trade value.

[fathom]

I would not trade Neal right now, he's to damn good and to damn cheap at this point.  As much as Damaso has sucked he'll still have some decent trade value.

 

Don't forget the possibility of Cotts becoming a starter down the road. Not a chance in hell I would trade him. Marte, on the other hand, might as well put his Chicago residence on the market.

[3E8]

Let me put it this way, I'd rather use $40 million to sign a 35 year old Giles as a DH rather than using it to sign a 30 year old Konerko as a 1B. The chances of this happening are slim to none.

[BlackBetsy]

Let me put it this way, I'd rather use $40 million to sign a 35 year old Giles as a DH rather than using it to sign a 30 year old Konerko as a 1B.  The chances of this happening are slim to none.

I'd agree the chances are slim, but what do you think are the reasons why the chances are slim?

 

(1) Giles won't leave Cali;

(2) The Sox won't let Konerko go;

(3) The Sox wouldn't spend $40 million on a 35 year old

(4) The Sox won't spend that money on anyone?

 

Just curious. I actually see #1 as the biggest reason, followed by #2.

 

I'd also agree with you that Giles' 36-38 year old seasons at the Cell would likely be better (sabremetrically, at least) than Konerko's 31-33 seasons.

[Randar68]

I'd agree the chances are slim, but what do you think are the reasons why the chances are slim?

 

(1)  Giles won't leave Cali;

(2)  The Sox won't let Konerko go;

(3)  The Sox wouldn't spend $40 million on a 35 year old

(4)  The Sox won't spend that money on anyone?

 

Just curious.  I actually see #1 as the biggest reason, followed by #2.

 

I'd also agree with you that Giles' 36-38 year old seasons at the Cell would likely be better (sabremetrically, at least) than Konerko's 31-33 seasons.

 

The Sox need 1B and DH help, and IMO Konerko returning is not necessarily exclusive of signing another guy. In addition, this team badly needs a legit #3 hitter, and Giles would be one of only a few options who would not interfere with Konerko remaining at 1B, while also providing a great source of rotating guys for rest days. Heck, Giles could play CF in a park as small as USCF, although I'd prefer him at DH or a corner OF spot.

 

I think #1 will just be the overwhelming reason why he won't be interested in the Sox. The Sox tried badly to get him when Pittsburg wanted to get rid of him, and he wouldn't even waive his no-trade clause to come here to get out of Pittsburg! I just don't see him as a realistic option based on those external factors...