Cliff Politte

[DBAHO]

Interesting article here from the Sun - Times;

 

With that in mind, the Sox likely will treat the July 31 deadline as a time to find future stock more than spare parts for the second half of this season. Williams already made a key move in mid-June, acquiring right-handed reliever David Riske from the Boston Red Sox for minor-league pitcher Javier Lopez.

 

That deal has helped put the team in position to dangle right-hander Cliff Politte, who has struggled all season in part because of shoulder inflammation that led to a stay on the disabled list. Since returning June 29, he has allowed 11 runs and 16 hits in seven innings, and his opponents' batting average has climbed to .358.

 

But Politte was almost unhittable last season, with opponents batting only .181 against him as he established a career high in victories at 7-1 with a 2.00 ERA. He was one of only seven pitchers to hold both right-handed and left-handed hitters below .200. It's that record that the Sox can try to sell to a team looking to upgrade its bullpen for a playoff run.

 

While Politte, 32, might not look good in the Sox' bullpen now, a half-dozen major-league scouts attended his rehab appearances with Class AAA Charlotte, where he posted a 1.93 ERA, allowing one run in 42/3 innings.

 

With a high number of National League teams in the wild-card hunt, Politte might be an upgrade over some team's existing bullpen stock. His playoff experience with the Sox last season might be a bonus, and a change of scenery might help revive his pitching.

 

The Sox would seek prospects in return, shaping their plans for the future while opening a spot for Dustin Hermanson, who might be able to return this season after back problems, or a prospect such as Sean Tracey.

 

The Cleveland Indians are in a similar position as the Sox, looking to trade right-handed reliever Guillermo Mota, 32, who is struggling with a 1-3 record and 6.12 ERA but did well for the Los Angeles Dodgers (8-4, 2.14 ERA) before a trade to the Florida Marlins during the 2004 season. He was 2-2 with a 4.70 ERA and four saves last season for the Marlins.

 

"Kenny is real aggressive,'' Guillen said. As for a trade, "I don't see anything right now, but we'll see. We'll try to stay on the same level the next couple of years so fans can enjoy this. We want to make sure we stay on top. The way we look at stuff and handle things, Kenny and [team president] Jerry Reinsdorf will make moves to keep us where we'll win.

 

"Winning is up to me, but they'll continue to put together a team to compete.''

 

Guillen said he has a continuing interest in acquiring pitching.

 

"I always worry about pitching,'' he said. "If you don't pitch, you won't win.

 

"But the fans don't have to worry about us [not] trying. We will compete. That's what we'll promise the fans.''

[Felix]

I'd be surprised if he had any value, but hey, if the Sox got any sort of prospects back for him, I'd be ecstatic.

[Greg The Bull Luzinski]

The sooner the dead weight of Cliff Politte is gone the better. Right now, he is a wasted bullpen spot.

[wsox08]

Please make Cliff Politte leave somehow.. or just send him down until he learns how to pitch again.

[Kyyle23]

I dont like the quote "opening a spot for Dustin Hermanson". I would be very surprised if Hermanson had anything left to offer.

[beautox]

Man Kyle you've been really down on Hermanson since the news of his possible return was announced. Did he piss in your Cheerios?

 

Seriously though. Yesterday he pitched again in one inning threw 10 pitches 8 for strikes, 2 ground outs and 1 strike out. He then came back out for the next inning and preceded to walk two batters, but they were both on full counts, that makes two scoreless IP, and he has yet to give up a hit. Why wouldn't you want him coming back? were paying him for this year and were only asking for him to have a career norm year(4.21ERA & 1.36 WHIP). All this sox BP needs is a person for low leverage work that wont s*** the bed.

[BigSqwert]

Guillen said he has a continuing interest in acquiring pitching.

 

"I always worry about pitching,'' he said. "If you don't pitch, you won't win.

Good. At least we know that the organization isn't content with the pitching we have right now.

[Kyyle23]

Man Kyle you've been really down on Hermanson since the news of his possible return was announced. Did he piss in your Cheerios?

 

Seriously though. Yesterday he pitched again in one inning threw 10 pitches 8 for strikes, 2 ground outs and 1 strike out. He then came back out for the next inning and preceded to walk two batters, but they were both on full counts, that makes two scoreless IP, and he has yet to give up a hit. Why wouldn't you want him coming back? were paying him for this year and were only asking for him to have a career norm year(4.21ERA & 1.36 WHIP). All this sox BP needs is a person for low leverage work that wont s*** the bed.

 

Hmmm, didnt realize that I should put so much trust in a guy who gave pretty much nothing to the team the second half of last year due to injury, had the winter to rehab, and had the injury resurface after only a couple of ST outings.

 

2 Scoreless IP. Wowee, let me do a backflip at the great news.

 

While Politte, 32, might not look good in the Sox' bullpen now, a half-dozen major-league scouts attended his rehab appearances with Class AAA Charlotte, where he posted a 1.93 ERA, allowing one run in 42/3 innings.

 

Wow, Politte was AWESOME in his rehab stint! That means he is good, right?/green

Edited July 9, 2006 by kyyle23

[kapkomet]

Good. At least we know that the organization isn't content with the pitching we have right now.

We all know it. Fans, management, owners, etc. We don't have that same edge we did last year. It's not to say that we won't get it back, but ... we need to find the MOJO.

 

This is eerily similiar to last year, didn't we get swept in the series before the ASB? I can't remember exactly.

[Kyyle23]

We all know it. Fans, management, owners, etc. We don't have that same edge we did last year. It's not to say that we won't get it back, but ... we need to find the MOJO.

 

This is eerily similiar to last year, didn't we get swept in the series before the ASB? I can't remember exactly.

 

I was thinking the same thing, actually. The Sox got spanked in Oakland last year before the AS break, and came out all guns blazing in Cleveland after the AS break. The difference I see in Detroit this year and the Sox last year is that the Sox had an incredible amount of breathing room in the second half. If the Tigers slip at all, the Sox are right there behind them. the second half should be fun to watch.

[beautox]

Hmmm, didnt realize that I should put so much trust in a guy who gave pretty much nothing to the team the second half of last year due to injury, had the winter to rehab, and had the injury resurface after only a couple of ST outings.

 

So he did piss in your Cheerios. The guy was automatic the first half of last year, and a lesser man would stay at home and wait for his checks in the mail, Dustin is actually trying to be proactive, i see nothing wrong with having some hope for him taking over mop up role for the sox.

[MSHAWKS]

I dont like the quote "opening a spot for Dustin Hermanson". I would be very surprised if Hermanson had anything left to offer.

 

 

I agree. I think Bobby Thigpen has a better chance of resurrecting his career and helping the Sox this year than Hermanson.

[Kyyle23]

So he did piss in your Cheerios. The guy was automatic the first half of last year, and a lesser man would stay at home and wait for his checks in the mail, Dustin is actually trying to be proactive, i see nothing wrong with having some hope for him taking over mop up role for the sox.

 

Hey, if he contributes, great. im not holding my breath. Im not putting my faith in his back, which had plenty of time to heal in the offseason.

 

I agree. I think Bobby Thigpen has a better chance of resurrecting his career and helping the Sox this year than Hermanson.

hey, looks like he pissed in your cheerios too!

[Whitewashed in '05]

I guess I can say that Politte still might have some value based on 05. I just don't know why and how much because he has been just been beyond terrible.

 

As far as Hermie replacing him I'd like to see him up with the big club for a few innings before we pass on trading for someone.

 

In my opinion, get someone else. KW already took a risk in leaving the bullpen how it was at the beginning of this season and he hasn't been burned too badly, but he still can be if he again decides to leave it as is and go with what we have. The way Detroit is playing and I just don't know how they can still be that good, we need someone who we know can do the job.

[Thunderin'Thome]

He has no value at this point to be tradeable. If he does get traded, it would be another Ken Williams masterpiece then.

[beautox]

He has no value at this point to be tradeable. If he does get traded, it would be another Ken Williams masterpiece then.

ha!, don't you know Kenny can make something out of nothing. you should have more faith in KW it would serve you well

[Jordan4life_2007]

Was that article written by Cliff's wife? LOL. Sell last year's fluke season to swindle some team out of prospects? LOL. Change of scenery? OKKKKKKK.

[Baines3]

Who ever would want Politte, can have him as far as I'm concerned.

[Hatchetman]

no one would pick up politte if he were released.

[Rowand44]

no one would pick up politte if he were released.

He'd get a few looks, I guarantee it.

[Jake]

I was hoping Vasquez would get win 10 for a little extra help shopping him around.

[SoxAce]

If K Dub can actually get value for Cliff f***ing Pollite (esp spects) than I will never rip on him for anything (not even his analyst days) ever again.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if there was a Pollite- R.Hernandez[pirates] (and a spect or two) swap since there are rumors we are looking at him..

[VAfan]

In the pathetic NL, Politte would be a star!

 

Still, I don't expect him to be traded. I'm not sure what we're going to do, since top notch relievers just simply are not available at this time of year.

 

I wouldn't be shocked if we simply brought Hermanson back -- he seems to be surviving so far on his rehab stint -- and carried Politte too, for 12 pitchers. Politte would never have to pitch a second inning, and indeed, would likely be used batter-to-batter until someone got on base. He might be serviceable in very short stints were he doesn't pace himself.

 

The way we've been pitching, having 12 arms in the second half is likely more valuable than having Ross Gload.

[knightni]

I'm just glad that I don't like Cheerios.

[witesoxfan]

I think Politte has more value than you guys think.

 

You're not going to get a 5 star prospect for him, but just due to how thin relief pitching is everywhere in baseball, there will be teams who will take a shot on him. The guy was one of the best relievers in baseball last year...a team will hope that he can regain some of that form, or atleast eat some innings for them down the stretch.