Will KW acquire a Lefty reliever?

[GreatScott82]

The team is pretty much set. However, we are missing a lefty to go along with Cotts in our bullpen. Has anyone heard anything about acquirering a lefty? Things have been silent lately. There were some rumblings about Bradford but his health is a concern. Some of KW options are to bring up a lefty from the minors such as Munoz, or aqcuire a veteran via trade or free agency. How do you guys think KW will approach in filling in this minor hole?

[Guest JimH]

Yes, he (KW) said it would likely be filled by a non roster invitee or one of the two guys from the minors, Munoz or Reynoso.

 

BTW Chad Bradford is a righty and he signed with the Mets.

[GreatScott82]

Yes, he (KW) said it would likely be filled by a non roster invitee or one of the two guys from the minors, Munoz or Reynoso.

 

BTW Chad Bradford is a righty and he signed with the Mets.

sounds good. a little competition in Spring Training is always fun to see. And your right Bradford is a righty. my bad.

[maggsmaggs]

Reynoso is terrible. He walks nearly a hitter per inning and gives up only a little less hits than innings pitched. Basically, two players reach base every inning. That is worst than Marte and Reynoso did this in AA. He does not even deserve a shot at a bullpen role. IMO, Munoz is the best candidate because he can keep the walks down and is lethal on lefties. With your second lefty in the pen (a luxury few teams really have) all he has to be able to do real well is get lefties out. Munoz can do that. However, I do want KW to get some competition and no Kevin Walker is not competition. Just my two cents.

[Dick Allen]

I know he struggled in the minors last year, but does anyone know if Carlos Hernandez reinjured himself? If not, I think KW should try and bring him into spring training. Another year after surgery may be the ticket this guy needs to get back up to speed. Pun is intended.

[RME JICO]

I scrubbed the FA list for serviceble RPs who could fill the Viz / Innings eater role.

 

Here are some candidates:

 

Scott Sullivan - 34

737.1 IP, 281 BB, 622 K, 3.98 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, .244 BAA

 

Felix Rodriguez - 33

557.0 IP, 267 BB, 497 K, 3.51 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, .238 BAA

 

Ramiro Mendoza - 33

797.0 IP, 181 BB, 463 K, 4.30 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, .283 BAA

 

Alan Embree - 35

567.1 IP, 217 BB, 518 K, 4.68 ERA , 1.33 WHIP, .252 BAA

 

Dan Miceli - 35

668.2 IP, 290 BB, 614 K, 4.51 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, .257 BAA

 

Jeff Nelson - 39

782.0 IP, 423 BB, 827 K, 3.41 ERA , 1.35 WHIP, .223 BAA

 

Paul Quantrill - 37

1255.2 IP, 336 BB, 725 K, 3.83 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, .292 BAA

 

Jay Powell - 33

542.1 IP, 272 BB, 423 K, 4.17 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, .261 BAA

 

Shingo Takatsu - 37

98.2 IP, 40 BB, 88 K, 3.38 ERA¸1.23 WHIP, .221 BAA

 

Julian Taveras - 32

1081.1 IP, 413 BB, 626 K, 4.33 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, .281 BAA

 

Jason Christiansen - 36

434.0 IP, 217 BB, 384 K, 4.29 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, .249 BAA

 

Antonio Alfonseca - 33

547.1 IP, 216 BB, 371 K, 3.95 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, .279 BAA

 

A few of those don't seem so bad and would be an upgrade over Viz if the price is right. A couple of guys had down years in 2005, so they could come cheap. Any word on Sullivan, I remember he had a short stint with the Sox, but I can't recall much about him. His career stats look pretty good. Rodriguez looks like he has a lot of potential as well.

Edited January 5, 2006 by RME JICO

[SoxFan1]

How could we pass up a reliever with 6 fingers? Oh wait, his name is Antonio Alfonseca.

[RME JICO]

Darren Dreifort is available. Here are his salaries from his last contract:

 

LA Dodgers (5 yr deal)

 

2001 $9,400,000 - 94 IP

2002 $9,400,000 - DNP

2003 $12,400,000 - 60 IP

2004 $12,400,000 - 50 IP

2005 $13,400,000 - DNP

 

9 wins total as a SP.

 

$279,411 per inning pitched

$6,100,000 per win

 

What a deal. He was drafted one spot after A-Rod in 1993.

 

That contract might be one of the worst in history.

Edited January 5, 2006 by RME JICO

[Dam8610]

Scott Sullivan - 34

737.1 IP, 281 BB, 622 K, 3.98 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, .244 BAA

 

Felix Rodriguez - 33

557.0 IP, 267 BB, 497 K, 3.51 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, .238 BAA

 

Jeff Nelson - 39

782.0 IP, 423 BB, 827 K, 3.41 ERA , 1.35 WHIP, .223 BAA

 

Paul Quantrill - 37

1255.2 IP, 336 BB, 725 K, 3.83 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, .292 BAA 

 

Julian Taveras - 32

1081.1 IP, 413 BB, 626 K, 4.33 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, .281 BAA 

 

I like those guys. Taveras was pretty good for the Cardinals the past year or two, Quantrill might have a year or two left, Nelson's slider will always get some hitters out, and Roriguez and Sullivan have good stats for releivers. Anyone else think Kenny brought Redding in to compete for that final pen spot? That's about the only reason I can think of for the Sox to sign him.

[whitesoxfan101]

I know they aren't lefty, but I for one can't wait to see what Tracey and Baj can do.

[beck72]

With BMac in the bullpen, he's not just going to sit there and wait for the trade deadline waiting for Jose to be dealt. He's going to get a lot of quality innings, with the game on the line. I'd look for him to go like 2 innings at a time [say the 7th and 8th on the day after Cotts and Politte pitched to give them both a rest, and then Jenks can come in].

 

So you're looking to fill the last two spots in the bullpen--guys who may not get any time. As far as mop up innings go, Tracey looks to be that guy, and right now Tim Redding and he seem to be vieing for the spot. The last spot should be filled with a vet who hasn't had a FA offer [no one available looks decent though], or a minor league rule 5 guy who is a FA now [the situation Jon Adkins finds himself in now]. I'd say a converted reliever who used to be a SP, someone who can give the team a few innings at a time. Preferably a LHP.

 

So the pen looks like:

Jenks=closer

Hermanson=set up/ closer

Politte=set up

Cotts=set up

BMac=setup

 

Tracey or Redding=long man

Unknown

Edited January 7, 2006 by beck72

[beck72]

That's what it is the---6 year minor league free agent list. That's where the sox picked up Pablo Ozuna last yr and offered him a minor league deal. Other teams are now coming up with offers for players and I suspect the sox will soon announce around 5-6 guys who they'll have come to spring with them. A bullpen guy or two should be among the list.

[Kyyle23]

A few of those don't seem so bad and would be an upgrade over Viz if the price is right. 

 

Which ones? I dont think I want KW to touch any one of those guys with a ten foot pole.

 

Embree-gas can, did you see this guy pitch last year? gives me the willies

Felix Rodriguez-gas can(18 K in 32 innings. Not good for a K pitcher)

Alfonseca-gas can(27 IP last year, and six goddamn fingers, and he couldnt handle any pressure)

Tavares-head case, potential gas can

Nelson-way past his prime, plus he is a dick and doesnt pitch anywhere not named Seattle or NYY(his Texas year was an abberation )

Sullivan-sinkerball pitcher one year removed from tommy john. Although the ex-cub factor may be worth checking out

Quantrill-past his prime(6.75 ERA in the AL last year)

Miceli-may be worth looking in to, but still past his prime(18.3 IP last year)

Mendoza-Hasnt been the same since he left the yankees.(1 IP last year)

Powell-He is still in the league?(3.3 IP last year)

Christiansen-The one guy on this list I would really consider

 

If these are the choices, I say let the kids play. There has to be someone in the minors that is better than the above mentioned pitchers.

[SSH2005]

Has anyone heard ANYTHING on Hermanson? I am really startng to worry, and it seems when everyone is coming up with bullpen scenerios, Hermanson is always in that setup role. If Hermanson cant go next year, we have another big hole in the pen. More reason to get one more solid BP guy.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was thinking that he would be in middle relief if he was healthy...

 

Long relief / spot starter: McCarthy (if we don't trade Contreras)

 

Middle relief: Hermanson

Middle relief: Bajenaru / Munoz / Redding / Reynoso / Tracey / non-roster invitees

 

Setup: Politte

Setup: Cotts

 

Closer: Jenks

[Kyyle23]

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sp...-home-headlines

 

The White Sox should have at least four lefties in camp competing for the last spot in their bullpen. Chad Bentz, who has big-league experience, signed a minor-league contract and will compete with internal options Arnie Munoz, Paulino Reynoso and Corwin Malone.

[SSH2005]

Worth a shot. I remember him pitching for the Expos. He lacks control though.

 

http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/B/chad-bentz.shtml

[SSH2005]

Wow, check out this article on Bentz...

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=1778047

MIAMI -- Jim Abbott made Chad Bentz's road to the major leagues a little easier.

 

Bentz grew up watching Abbott play without a right hand and always believed he could do the same. He proved it Wednesday night.

 

He made his major league debut against the Florida Marlins, allowing a hit in two-thirds of an inning of relief.

 

But his accomplishment can't be measured solely by a boxscore.

 

Bentz was born with a deformed right hand, what he calls his "birthmark," and pitches and catches with his left hand, switching his glove between hands the way Abbott did.

 

"On the field, I'm not any different," Bentz said. "I'm just like any left-handed pitcher trying to get guys out. Off the field, yeah, I might be a little different."

 

Despite plenty of staring and teasing, Bentz said he overcame his handicap at a young age. He grew up in Juneau, Alaska, and was pegged for stardom since Little League.

 

He met Abbott as a freshman in college, and Abbott assured him he could make it in the major leagues.

 

So far, so good.

[Bubba Philips]

Worth a shot.  I remember him pitching for the Expos.  He lacks control though.

 

http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/B/chad-bentz.shtml

I read the stats on Chad don't know what Cooper can do with him. He can work miracles. About our 6 starters and a strong reliever. Most of the members belive that McCarthy will be the one in the relief role in 2006. Does anyone remember that when the sox didn't know what to do with Contreras that there was talk of making Jose either the closer or set up man. I still believe he would be the best if one our starters was not having his Best game the person I would most want to go to is Jose.

[White Sox Josh]

Munoz will be fine as the 2nd Lefty Reliever. I am glad he is getting another chance.

[fathom]

Munoz will be fine as the 2nd Lefty Reliever.  I am glad he is getting another chance.

 

He will be? To be honest, if those are our lefty candidates, I'd rather we ditch the idea of 2 lefties in the pen, and just go with the best available arm. Last year, when we were desperate to have two lefties on the team, it cost us a couple of games cause we had Kevin Walker on the team.

[White Sox Josh]

He will be?  To be honest, if those are our lefty candidates, I'd rather we ditch the idea of 2 lefties in the pen, and just go with the best available arm.  Last year, when we were desperate to have two lefties on the team, it cost us a couple of games cause we had Kevin Walker on the team.

Don't judge Munoz by the start against the Expos. He was put in an awful situation. He came back in September of that year and had a an ERA below 2 pitching out of the bullpen for the sox. I think hitters hit like .180 off of him that month.

[SSH2005]

Don't judge Munoz by the start against the Expos.  He was put in an awful situation.  He came back in September of that year and had a an ERA below 2 pitching out of the bullpen for the sox.  I think hitters hit like .180 off of him that month.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

True, but it was only 10.0 IP. And he still gave up 6 hits and walked 8 batters for a 1.40 WHIP in that September.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlbhist/players/...ching&year=2004

[SoxFan1]

Josh displays some pretty blatant Arnie-love. Freakishly similar to that of Kyle Orton. I don't think Munoz is the best option. Tracey or Baj, yay. Munoz, nay.

[SSH2005]

The 31st Team, 2005 Edition

Edited by Jim Callis

March 29, 2005

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/featu...0329team31.html

Chad Bentz, lhp, Marlins

 

Born: May 5, 1980. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 210. Bats: R. Throws: L. School: Long Beach State University. Career Transactions: Selected by Expos in seventh round of 2001 draft; signed June 10, 2001 . . . Released by Nationals, Dec. 15, 2004 . . . Signed by Marlins, Dec. 18, 2005. Signed by: Robby Corsaro (Expos).

 

Like Jim Abbott, Bentz didn't let being born without a complete right hand stop him from reaching the major leagues. He didn't pitch well for the Expos last year, in part because he wasn't used regularly. After returning to the minors, he was shut down in August with a nerve problem in his right foot that required surgery. The newly transplanted Nationals released him in mid-December, but the Marlins quickly snapped him up and reunited him with roving minor league pitching coordinator Wayne Rosenthal, one of Bentz' first coaches as a pro. He relies heavily upon his 91-93 mph fastball and his curveball can be an out pitch, though he struggled with it in the majors. He's a very aggressive pitcher with a tough demeanor, but he needs to tighten his breaking ball and work on his slider. That should make him more effective against lefthanders, who batted .411 against him in his first taste of the majors. His lack of command also gets him in trouble at times. Farmed out in mid-March, Bentz will open 2005 at Triple-A Albuquerque. His ceiling is as a lefthanded specialist.

The ironic thing is that both Corwin Malone and Paulino Reynoso are also listed in the above article. Bentz sounds like a guy with good stuff and upside but terrible control is holding him back from being a decent situational lefty. Bentz's minor league stats show that he walks a lot of batters. This picture shows the handicap to his right hand...

 

Edited January 8, 2006 by SSH2005

[SSH2005]

White Sox signed LHP Chad Bentz to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.

Bentz allowed seven runs in two innings for the Marlins and had a 4.22 ERA in 30 appearances for Triple-A Albuquerque last season. As things stand now, he'd compete with Arnie Munoz, Paulino Reynoso and Corwin Malone to become the second lefty in the White Sox pen. The team will keep looking for alternatives, though.

Source:  Chicago Tribune