White Sox acquire Jim Thome per ESPNnews

[whitesoxmanager]

QUOTE(JUGGERNAUT @ Nov 24, 2005 -> 12:25 PM)

Numbers-wise this is a no-brainer & a steal.

@ Cell: 210AB,  .286A,  .382O,  .600S, 43R, 8D, 2T, 18HR, 50RBI 

@ Jake: 630AB, .306A, .440O, .629S,  452R, 126D, 7T, 176HR, 500RBI

@ Minn: 251AB, .343A, .424O, .677S, 51R, 11D, 2T, 23HR, 53RBI

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/4762/s...er&type=Batting

He's got good #'s vs our nemesis (OAK) as well.

 

Whether it's Thome-Konerko, or Thome-Thomas, Thome-Dye, or Thome-Everett the fact is any one of those combinations will significantly increase the White Sox R totals. 

 

At $7M/yr (with Philly picking up the rest of the signing bonus) the White Sox now have the $ to sign Konerko to a $52/4 + option deal.  Many analysts are saying his stock has dropped with the Winter activity & this is likely to be his best deal.

 

It pains me to say it but it looks like Thomas won't finish his career with the White Sox.  At least he got a WS ring for his efforts. 

 

Probably the most important part of this deal is the keep away aspect.  If you add a healthy Thome to CLE I don't think we can beat them.  If Kenny did not pull the trigger on this trade there is no doubt in my mind he would have gone to CLE.  That's why Kenny had to pay the price of Rowand & two promising arms.  It's not always about what's best for you club.  You need to keep the opposition from getting stronger as well.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Juggernaut thanks for taking the time to see the positive today. I just tend to be the guy sitting next to AROW in his home and hearing his phone ring all day long. I bet he feels like a part of him just died. I sure feel that way right now. I bet it is really hard to hang up the phone on Crede and all the fellas. Of course in the end they are all saying the right things, but deep down in their hearts, i know THIS ONE REALLY HURTS THOSE GUYS! the way that AROW says goodbye to all his fellow teammates & friends on a World Series champion team is a phone call on Thanksgiving?! THAT PART DESTROYS ME!

[whitesoxmanager]

QUOTE(JimH @ Nov 24, 2005 -> 12:50 PM)

Not really, no.

 

Aaron is a smart guy, he knows it's a business, he is a millionaire and he is probably excited to get onto the next stage in his career and life.  Overachievers think that way, they are resilient and don't need anyone to feel sorry for them because they aren't feeling sorry for themselves in the slightest.

 

This is a classic case of rooting for the player above and beyond rooting for the team.  Again, it is a business.  When players leave as free agents, do they care that it makes the fans depressed, I doubt it. 

 

The name on the front of the jersey is way more important than the name on the back.  As for embracing Thome, I suspect he really doesn't care because he's more concerned with doing his best for his teammates and the White Sox organization.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

The only analogy i can think of is the following:

 

Is ONE satisfied with a woman who fakes her orgasm just so ONE can HAVE sex?

 

Arow waited his turn to play the outfield in our organization. Showed us his hustle & desire every day as a SOX player. Established friends with every player in his way. Became confident as a man and player in the WhiteSox organization. Then won a WS with the guys he had shared deep emotions over this career. You expect him to just shrug off all the love and think this next stage in his life was what he & his teammates were looking forward to? They were looking forward to having the opportunity to do it again TOGETHER as the family they have become. Anything in the way of that is pure detrimental to the family we Chicago White Sox fans have are made of enjoyed.

Edited November 24, 2005 by whitesoxmanager

[hi8is]

hey, you know what ken.... your right it is thanks giving.... and i s*** you not but i GAREN-f***ING-TEE YOU that every single member of the chicago white sox is thankful for 2005 and is thank full for being able to have arow as a part of the team since 2000......

 

and im sure every single one of the white sox players who talk to arow will tell him that...

 

"arron, we're all thankful that we had you to help us do what we did last year."

 

you yourself need to be thankful for that... i know you are... but its easy to over look when something hits you below the belt

 

also be thankful that we're getting a DH who has the potential to hit over 50 home runs and drive in 120+ runs while getting onbase at a .400 clip

 

a lot to be happy about still in white sox world.

[whitesoxmanager]

QUOTE(hi8is @ Nov 24, 2005 -> 01:13 PM)

hey, you know what ken.... your right it is thanks giving.... and i s*** you not but i GAREN-f***ING-TEE YOU that every single member of the chicago white sox is thankful for 2005 and is thank full for being able to have arow as a part of the team since 2000......

 

and im sure every single one of the white sox players who talk to arow will tell him that...

 

"arron, we're all thankful that we had you to help us do what we did last year."

 

you yourself need to be thankful for that... i know you are... but its easy to over look when something hits you below the belt

 

also be thankful that we're getting a DH who has the potential to hit over 50 home runs and drive in 120+ runs while getting onbase at a .400 clip

 

a lot to be happy about still in white sox world.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

this is very true and thanks for the guarantee. but how do you as a fan answer this question:

 

That the team that just won the 2005 WS isnt good enough to win it in 2006? This is the burning question across the board in each and every player on our team right now and is definitely being discussed with those who talk to AROW today. HI8IS if someone told me that you were now a member of the cardinals fan club I would be just as outraged.

 

I just remember all to well what happened to the Chicago Bears the year after the superbowl when Wilbur Marshall didnt get paid and left to go to the Redskins. A little different scenario but the same gut wrenching feeling!

Edited November 24, 2005 by whitesoxmanager

[KevHead0881]

this is very true and thanks for the guarantee.  but how do you as a fan answer this question:

 

That the team that just won the 2005 WS isnt good enough to win it in 2006?  This is the burning question across the board in each and every player on our team right now and is definitely being discussed with those who talk to AROW today.  HI8IS if someone told me that you were now a member of the cardinals fan club I would be just as outraged.

 

I'm sure most of them understand that Kenny is trying to make the team better. Its not saying that the same group of guys can't win another championship. Its saying that we want to better our chances of winning another championship. All these players want to win, and if they honestly believe that Jim Thome makes them a worse team, then they're delusional. Sure, they'll miss Aaron. But they'll move on. Things like this happen all the time.

 

The teams that have continued success are always trying to get better. Its the ones that rest on their laurels that come and go. Take the Red Sox for instance. They trade a fan favorite in Nomar Garciaparra because they thought it was better for the team...and the rest is history.

 

Believe me, I'm going to miss Rowand too. But in the end, I want to win and I think Thome can only help us if he's healthy. And I believe many of the players will feel the same.

Edited November 24, 2005 by KevHead0881

[Chisoxfn]

this is very true and thanks for the guarantee.  but how do you as a fan answer this question:

 

That the team that just won the 2005 WS isnt good enough to win it in 2006?  This is the burning question across the board in each and every player on our team right now and is definitely being discussed with those who talk to AROW today.  HI8IS if someone told me that you were now a member of the cardinals fan club I would be just as outraged.

 

I just remember all to well what happened to the Chicago Bears the year after the superbowl when Wilbur Marshall didnt get paid and left to go to the Redskins.  A little different scenario but the same gut wrenching feeling!

The key is to get better and Kenny is trying to do that. This years best isn't necessarily next year's best. The Sox had a couple key weaknesses last season that they were able to get through with, but whose to say they will next year. Plus next year anything can happen. Someone may have injury set backs or another team may just explode or the Sox may not be hot in the post-season.

 

There are a lot of factors. I know one thing, the Angels stayed exactly put following there World Series win and they really paid for it. Your job as a GM is to do everything you can to improve your team and Kenny feels like this was that. Its tough to give up Aaron Rowand (he was a guy who has given nothing but his all and has been a part of this organization his entire professional career). That said he knows its a business.

 

You can tell he's sad to be gone, but he has a new chapter in his life and he may end up back in Chicago in another year or two (you never know). Aaron enjoyed his time here and is thankful for that. Crede, him and AJ will be friends for life as far as I'm concerned. The two's bond wasn't just because they were teammates. Sure thats how they met each other, but they will continue to hang out and I'm sure when the Phils are in Chicago he will be spending some time with the 2 other stooges

 

I too get sad when I think about not seeing Aaron patrol in center. He did his job so well, but from the business standpoint Brian Anderson has his tools and should be able to come in and post semi similar numbers. Thats not the key, but the key is the Sox will be able to get similar production (all around) out of CF while adding a DH thats superior to anything the Sox have had since Thomas' hay days.

 

Who knows if it will pay out, but the move really filled a major void of last years team (DH) and a legit middle of the order bat to join Paulie. Ozzie has made it obvious he wants to find a new 2 hole hitter, that will probably be next.

 

Aaron will never be forgotten and he'll always be thanked by Sox fans (at least myself, I will do nothing but pull for him). He isn't just a White Sox, he's an alumni of my school and I've been rooting and pulling for him since his minor league days.

[Jordan4life_2007]

this is very true and thanks for the guarantee.  but how do you as a fan answer this question:

 

That the team that just won the 2005 WS isnt good enough to win it in 2006?  This is the burning question across the board in each and every player on our team right now and is definitely being discussed with those who talk to AROW today.  HI8IS if someone told me that you were now a member of the cardinals fan club I would be just as outraged.

 

I just remember all to well what happened to the Chicago Bears the year after the superbowl when Wilbur Marshall didnt get paid and left to go to the Redskins.  A little different scenario but the same gut wrenching feeling!

 

When was the last time we had a repeat champion? You gotta go back to those great late 90's Yankees teams. I don't care what the situation is, if you have a chance to better yourself you go out and do it. Thome is a HUGE upgrade at dh. Everybody loves and will miss Rowand. But he is replaceable, and it's time to see what guys like Anderson, Sweeney, ect can do.

[Guest JimH]

The only analogy i can think of is the following:

 

Is ONE satisfied with a woman who fakes her orgasm just so ONE can HAVE sex?

 

Arow waited his turn to play the outfield in our organization.  Showed us his hustle & desire every day as a SOX player.  Established friends with every player in his way.  Became confident as a man and player in the WhiteSox organization.  Then won a WS with the guys he had shared deep emotions over this career.  You expect him to just shrug off all the love and think this next stage in his life was what he & his teammates were looking forward to?  They were looking forward to having the opportunity to do it again TOGETHER as the family they have become.  Anything in the way of that is pure detrimental to the family we Chicago White Sox fans have are made of enjoyed.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

The analogy is completely flawed because one is a personal situation and unfortunately the other is a business situation.

 

Players come and go. Those who get emotionally attached to individual players will get heartbroken and torn apart every time.

 

It's a good thing KW is able to put the emotional and the business aspects in proper perspective.

[whitesoxmanager]

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Nov 24, 2005 -> 01:38 PM)

The key is to get better and Kenny is trying to do that.  This years best isn't necessarily next year's best.  The Sox had a couple key weaknesses last season that they were able to get through with, but whose to say they will next year.  Plus next year anything can happen.  Someone may have injury set backs or another team may just explode or the Sox may not be hot in the post-season.

 

There are a lot of factors.  I know one thing, the Angels stayed exactly put following there World Series win and they really paid for it.  Your job as a GM is to do everything you can to improve your team and Kenny feels like this was that. Its tough to give up Aaron Rowand (he was a guy who has given nothing but his all and has been a part of this organization his entire professional career).  That said he knows its a business.

 

You can tell he's sad to be gone, but he has a new chapter in his life and he may end up back in Chicago in another year or two (you never know).  Aaron enjoyed his time here and is thankful for that. Crede, him and AJ will be friends for life as far as I'm concerned.  The two's bond wasn't just because they were teammates.  Sure thats how they met each other, but they will continue to hang out and I'm sure when the Phils are in Chicago he will be spending some time with the 2 other stooges

 

I too get sad when I think about not seeing Aaron patrol in center.  He did his job so well, but from the business standpoint Brian Anderson has his tools and should be able to come in and post semi similar numbers.  Thats not the key, but the key is the Sox will be able to get similar production (all around) out of CF while adding a DH thats superior to anything the Sox have had since Thomas' hay days. 

 

Who knows if it will pay out, but the move really filled a major void of last years team (DH) and a legit middle of the order bat to join Paulie.  Ozzie has made it obvious he wants to find a new 2 hole hitter, that will probably be next. 

 

Aaron will never be forgotten and he'll always be thanked by Sox fans (at least myself, I will do nothing but pull for him).  He isn't just a White Sox, he's an alumni of my school and I've been rooting and pulling for him since his minor league days.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Jason thanks for being politically correct with your response but are you endorsing the trade or are you like me? if we dont win the WS next year i will be asking myself the why did we do it question over and over. especially if thome gets hurt before the allstar break & arow is killing it in either Philly BOS or NY.

[Jordan4life_2007]

Jason thanks for being politically correct with your response but are you endorsing the trade or are you like me?  if we dont win the WS next year i will be asking myself the why did we do it question over and over.  especially if thome gets hurt before the allstar break & arow is killing it in either Philly BOS or NY.

 

And if Thome hits as he has his whole career, save last year, you will be praising Kenny for making the trade.

[Chisoxfn]

Jason thanks for being politically correct with your response but are you endorsing the trade or are you like me?  if we dont win the WS next year i will be asking myself the why did we do it question over and over.  especially if thome gets hurt before the allstar break & arow is killing it in either Philly BOS or NY.

I'm a fan of this deal. If Thome is healthy this is a great deal. If Thome is hurt it won't be a good deal, but all in all I think it makes sense. I think in the long run this opens up a spot for a talented Centerfielder who can be as good as Rowand defensively (I don't think he's there yet, but I know a lot of people within the org and on this board that I respect think that Anderson has the ability to be a top notch defensive CFer). Anderson also has pretty good pop and speed, the only thing I don't think he'll ever do is win a batting title (nor will Aaron).

 

Its tough to see him go though, but I am favoring this deal. If Thome is healthy, him and Konerko give the Sox one of the best 3 3-4-5's in the AL, if not the game.

[KevHead0881]

I just remember all to well what happened to the Chicago Bears the year after the superbowl when Wilbur Marshall didnt get paid and left to go to the Redskins.  A little different scenario but the same gut wrenching feeling!

 

Well, I'm sure we'd have felt alot better about losing Marshall if we got something in return. In his case, the Bears got nothin. In the Sox case, we got a guy who can solidify the middle of our order and potentially hit around 40 bombs while being a great clubhouse guy as well.

[whitesoxmanager]

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Nov 24, 2005 -> 01:49 PM)

I'm a fan of this deal.  If Thome is healthy this is a great deal.  If Thome is hurt it won't be a good deal, but all in all I think it makes sense.  I think in the long run this opens up a spot for a talented Centerfielder who can be as good as Rowand defensively (I don't think he's there yet, but I know a lot of people within the org and on this board that I respect think that Anderson has the ability to be a top notch defensive CFer).  Anderson also has pretty good pop and speed, the only thing I don't think he'll ever do is win a batting title (nor will Aaron). 

 

Its tough to see him go though, but I am favoring this deal.  If Thome is healthy, him and Konerko give the Sox one of the best 3 3-4-5's in the AL, if not the game.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

My take is that KW & the White Sox got greedy & that AROW asked Kenny immediately WHY during that morning phone call. Also you gotta ask yourself when is the right time to know NOT to make a trade or acquistion to make the team better. IMO this was the time.

Edited November 24, 2005 by whitesoxmanager

[KevHead0881]

My take is that KW & the White Sox got greedy!

 

Yes, they got greedy. They want more championships. I'm pretty greedy for those too.

 

Speaking of being greedy, that turkey smells awefully good.

[TheBigHurt]

While I am stoked about getting Thome and people are trying to convince us Anderson and other prospects will live up to playing CF for Aaron, Aaron is a spectacular Center fielder, a team player, a stooge, a really funny guy in the clubhouse, and a MAJOR factor that made the 2005 Chicago White Sox what it was. Aaron, personally I love you, I wish you well in Philly, and you will be greatly missed.

 

Here's to you, Aaron.

Edited November 24, 2005 by TheBigHurt

[TheBigHurt]

Forgive me for making this thread as I just noticed it's about the same as the one already posted. If a mod deletes this, I'll understand. Sorry for my lack of attention XD

[Chisoxfn]

Merging

[hi8is]

so wait, kenny williams just traded arron rowand for freddy garcia???? i dont get it.

[The Beast]

I really like this trade. I ultimately think that Thome will add so much of a bat in our lineup. It is a MUST that the White Sox re-sign Paul Konerko long term. IMO, this deal would not have been made without Thomas being questionable.

 

With the trade being done; we now have the most powerful lineup in the American League; with the following being done.

 

Damaso Marte straight up for Pierre.

Signing Konerko long term.

 

There's your offseason. Maybe sign a relief pitcher to boost the bullpen. We can only hope that Hermanson is going to be back to his old form for next year. Hoping Jenks stays around on this club too.

 

Now you guys can complain about these two prospects all you want; but didn't we make trades involving other pitching prospects before? Honestly, those guys would NOT have made it to the big leagues in the next few years. We can deal with the problem of lack of pitching eventually; but lets win now. What happened when we won now? We won the World Series this year.

 

And we didn't give up a guy like BMac. I think its safe to say that Konerko will stay now. I don't believe he'll leave.

 

Remember; this could affect us positively at the park with attendence. "Lets go see Jim Thome play!" He's a big name throughout the league with the rest of the bunch. Remember how awesome he was with Cleveland? He scared the living piss out of me when he came up to bat. We have such a small-dimensioned ballpark that he'll get at least 40+ homeruns, 100+ RBI's.

 

To what soxtalk posters have said, we have 22 million to spend. I don't get it; because the media says thats for his contract.

 

I love this trade. Screw the prospects. I want to win again. And I want to win now.

 

Jim Thome, your table is ready; Welcome to the South Side.

Edited November 24, 2005 by Beastly

[Felix]

Damaso Marte straight up for Pierre.

Signing Konerko long term.

Without looking at the numbers, I'm almost certain the Sox cannot afford both Pierre and Konerko.

[The Beast]

Without looking at the numbers, I'm almost certain the Sox cannot afford both Pierre and Konerko.

3-6 mil and 12-14 mil?

 

It is quite possible for them to do that. However; all of this is speculation, especially Pierre, who is being courted by the Cubs, too.

[RME JICO]

Without looking at the numbers, I'm almost certain the Sox cannot afford both Pierre and Konerko.

Depending how exactly the $22 Million will be broken out per year, the Sox would only increase their current team salary by abour $4-5 Million for the Thome trade, Konerko resigning @ 4/52, and some sort of Pierre trade.

 

Thome's contract:

2006 - $12.5 Million (-6.5 Phils) $6 Million

2007 - $14.0 Million (-6.5 Phils) $7.5 Million

2008 - $14.0 Million (-6.5 Phils) $7.5 Million

 

Phis also pay 2.5 Million signing bonus due to Thome (total= $22 Mill)

 

Savings in 2006 from lost salaries:

Frank Thomas - $8 million

Carl Everett - $4 million

Aaron Rowand - $3.25 million

 

Total - $15.25 million

 

2006 Costs

 

Jim Thome $6 million

Frank Thomas buyout $3.5 million

Carl Everett buyout $0.5 million

 

Total $10 million

 

Available money from moves - $5.25 million

 

Paulie's last salary: $8.75 million

Estimated salary: $13.0 million (4/52)

Difference: $4.25 million

 

Remaining cash: $1 million

 

Pierre's 2006 salary: $5 million

Marte's 2006 salary: $2.25 million

 

If the Sox add Pierre and lose Marte, with the remaining million left over, there would only be a $1.75 million increase!

Edited November 25, 2005 by WinninUgly

[The Beast]

Depending how exactly the $22 Million will be broken out per year, the Sox would only increase their current team salary by abour $4-5 Million for the Thome trade, Konerko resigning @ 4/52, and some sort of Pierre trade.

Has JR set a budget? How can we be certain they don't have the money?

[RME JICO]

Has JR set a budget? How can we be certain they don't have the money?

What I mean is the Phils agreed to pay X amount per year ($22 Million overall), so the Sox don't actually get that money, the Phillies just continue to pay that portion of Thome's contract.

The number that comes out even per year is if they pay $6.5 million per year and also cover the $2.5 million bonus Thome is due this year. That would total the $22 million exactly. I can be WAY off, like they front or back load the deal, but it should be fairly close to the numbers above.

Edited November 25, 2005 by WinninUgly

[The Beast]

What I mean is the Phils agreed to pay X amount per year ($22 Million overall), so the Sox don't actually get that money, the Phillies just continue to pay that portion of Thome's contract.

The number that comes out even per year is if they pay $6.5 million per year and also cover the $2.5 million bonus Thome is due this year.  That would total the $22 million exactly.  I can be WAY off, like they front or back load the deal, but it should be fairly close to the numbers above.

No problem with the numbers; dude, I was just like, everyone will blast me if I say "they have 22 mil to spend" instead of "soxtalk users said we have 22 mil to spend."

 

I am so very excited about this offseason, SoxFest, and this year.