KW speaks about the offseason

[beautox]

Williams' plan for 2007 Sox: Sit tight

GM says few changes afoot for '07; Sox win keeps Twins tied for 1st

 

By Mark Gonzales

Tribune staff reporter

 

September 29, 2006, 11:23 PM CDT

 

MINNEAPOLIS -- Despite falling short of high expectations, general manager Ken Williams spoke of the White Sox needing only "a little bit of tweaking" to get back to postseason play in 2007.

 

"We're going to bring back most of what we have," Williams said Friday night before the Sox held on for a 4-3 victory at Minnesota that kept the Twins from taking over sole possession of first place in the AL Central. "A lot of the players [some people] want out of here are the same players who brought them a championship.

 

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"It's not easy to find championship players. We had a year where we underachieved. I'm not as quick to give up on those guys as maybe everyone else is."

 

Williams defended the shape of his offense while intimating Brandon McCarthy will join the rotation next year, endorsing Juan Uribe as his shortstop and saying he would talk to manager Ozzie Guillen and his coaching staff before deciding on the future of mercurial leadoff batter Scott Podsednik.

 

Williams had no regrets about his 2006 team, other than possibly adding a right-handed-hitting reserve center fielder. He did reveal, however, he had raised the possibility of a six-man rotation including McCarthy, but the coaching staff and pitchers rejected the idea unanimously in spring training.

 

He raised the option because he was concerned Mark Buehrle, Jose Contreras, Freddy Garcia and Jon Garland had pitched too many stressful innings in leading the Sox to the 2005 World Series title.

 

"I learned, again, the value of … to quantify to a greater degree what stressful innings and playoff innings can do to pitchers," Williams said, adding some pitchers would have had as many as eight days' rest under this proposal. "That's why it pained me about some of these guys not pitching up to their level this year. … A lot of people forgot what they did last year."

 

McCarthy's probable move to the rotation likely will force the Sox to trade one of the other starters—earning from $9 million to $12.5 million in 2007. It also would free up money to fortify the bullpen and address other areas Williams will try to fill through free agency and trades.

 

Garcia (17-9) won his fourth consecutive start Friday night and Guillen said he wants Garcia to stop suggesting he might be dealt.

 

"I don't want my players to be negative," Guillen said after watching the Sox survive the Twins' two-run ninth in which they left the bases loaded.

 

Williams, meanwhile, took exception to observations that the Sox were returning to a slow-pitch softball team but stressed the need for a pressure-type offense at the top and bottom of the order.

 

"I prefer to think of the stolen base as pressure," Williams said before Jermaine Dye hit his 44th homer to move into solo possession of second place on the Sox's single-season home run list. "I like keeping the defense on its heels because the guys at the top and bottom are hitting and running, doing different types of things."

 

Podsednik's stolen base total has dipped from 59 to 40, but Williams said his exit wasn't certain because of the difficulties of acquiring a fast player.

 

"Everyone has the answer," Williams said. "They want a better bullpen, more speed in the lineup, more power in the lineup. It's not Domino's pizza. You can't call and place an order. It's not fantasy baseball. "Coming up with championship players to fill all those needs is a lot easier said than done."

 

His group of championship players includes Uribe, who has drawn 13 walks and committed 14 errors this year.

 

"It's going to take one heck of a player to remove Juan Uribe, who, if we didn't have last year, we wouldn't be wearing these rings," Williams said.

 

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[SoxAce]

This is going to be an interesting conversation. *Grabbing popcorn*

[Gene Honda Civic]

Gonzalez hates Uribe.

[CWSGuy406]

Reading in between the lines a bit, there's a distinct difference in how Podsednik is viewed by the organization vs how Uribe is viewed by the organization.

 

I think Kenny realizes that the OBP sucks for Uribe, as most of us can quite easily see.

 

But, who honestly is a guy we can acquire who's actually a better value than Uribe, when taking everything into consideration (what we'd give up, the contract of the new guy). I know Rollins seems to be the God-child so far, but is he really a better value than Uribe, Fields, and Broadway (just a guess on the package)? Is he worth that, plus the couple million difference in salaries?

 

Podsednik, OTOH -- I pretty much think his writing is on the wall. I haven't once seen Williams back Pods like he does Uribe in this article.

 

Out of all the different directions that Kenny can go this offseason, I could honestly see him just sticking Sweeney in LF, trading Garcia for the best package of prospects he can get, make some minor tweaks to the bench and bullpen, and call it a winter. I think KW wants to get back to having an elite defense (the 06 Sox were good defensively, not great), and obviously, have a staff that ranks just sliiiiightly better than 10th (or whatever it was) in the AL in ERA.

[Kalapse]

"We're going to bring back most of what we have," Williams said Friday night before the Sox held on for a 4-3 victory at Minnesota that kept the Twins from taking over sole possession of first place in the AL Central. "A lot of the players [some people] want out of here are the same players who brought them a championship.

What the hell did KW say in place of [some people]? What could he possibly have said that called for brackets?

[santo=dorf]

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Sep 30, 2006 -> 12:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

But, who honestly is a guy we can acquire who's actually a better value than Uribe, when taking everything into consideration (what we'd give up, the contract of the new guy). I know Rollins seems to be the God-child so far, but is he really a better value than Uribe, Fields, and Broadway (just a guess on the package)? Is he worth that, plus the couple million difference in salaries?

Omar Vizquel will be making a little less than Uribe next season.

[SleepyWhiteSox]

What the hell did KW say in place of [some people]? What could he possibly have said that called for brackets?

 

"Soxtalk"

[Big Hurtin]

But, who honestly is a guy we can acquire who's actually a better value than Uribe, when taking everything into consideration (what we'd give up, the contract of the new guy). I know Rollins seems to be the God-child so far, but is he really a better value than Uribe, Fields, and Broadway (just a guess on the package)? Is he worth that, plus the couple million difference in salaries?

 

Alex Gonzalez (Red Sox) will be a free agent. How much do you think he will demand?

[SoxAce]

Alex Gonzalez (Red Sox) will be a free agent. How much do you think he will demand?

 

Ozzie's man crush. Was it Ozzie who called him "The most underrated/best shortstop in the AL"?

[Big Hurtin]

Ozzie's man crush. Was it Ozzie who called him "The most underrated/best shortstop in the AL"?

 

The kid's definitely great (with the glove, anyway). I don't mean it as a smartass thing either, but does anyone have an idea of what he could/would demand for salary?

[santo=dorf]

He made 3.4 million in 2005 and 3 million in 2006. There's a start.

[Kalapse]

The kid's definitely great (with the glove, anyway). I don't mean it as a smartass thing either, but does anyone have an idea of what he could/would demand for salary?

Well he made $3M on the Red Sox this year so that's where you start at. He's 30 years old and plays excellent defense at a very important defensive position he has some definate injury concerns (missed 120 games in '02, ~30 games in '05 and ~50 games this season) so that's not good. He's crazy inconsistant at the dish but usually posts a batting average in the .225-.255 range and an OBP around .300 which is pretty horrible. He has displayed some good power in the past (18 HR in '03, 23 HR in '04) but doesn't seem to have a knack for driving in runs and seems to enjoy striking out (100K 4 times). He's likely going to make $2.5M - $3M next season. IMO, he's really no better than Uribe.

[Gene Honda Civic]

So what does AGon bring to the table that Uribe doesn't?

 

Low OBP? Check

Good Glove? Check

Power? disappearing... wonder why?

 

How is he an upgrade?

 

Uribe had a terrible year, and he's still arguably better than AGon. I fail to see how an OLDER player with a lower career OBP and less power and a less range than Uribe is an upgrade. Spin this season's numbers anyway you want, but Uribe is better bet to be a more effective offensive and defensive player than Gonzalez in '07.

[Big Hurtin]

Well he made $3M on the Red Sox this year so that's where you start at. He's 30 years old and plays excellent defense at a very important defensive position he has some definate injury concerns (missed 120 games in '02, ~30 games in '05 and ~50 games this season) so that's not good. He's crazy inconsistant at the dish but usually posts a batting average in the .225-.255 range and an OBP around .300 which is pretty horrible. He has displayed some good power in the past (18 HR in '03, 23 HR in '04) but doesn't seem to have a knack for driving in runs and seems to enjoy striking out (100K 4 times). He's likely going to make $2.5M - $3M next season. IMO, he's really no better than Uribe.

 

I knew he wasn't an offensive guy or a speed guy, but I didn't realize how injury prone he is. It comes down to the devil you know, I guess.

[Dick Allen]

Podsednik's stolen base total has dipped from 59 to 40, but Williams said his exit wasn't certain because of the difficulties of acquiring a fast player.

 

 

KW is laying it on pretty thick here. Pods may be a "fast" player, but he certainly hasn't played fast for a while.

[DBAHO]

Gonzalez hates Uribe.

He was a reporter for the Arizona Republic IIRC, so I think he thinks that Alex Cintron could do a better job than what Juan Uribe is currently doing, because he saw Cintron put up his best season back in 02 or 03.

 

And if Alex was better defensively, well there would be your solution, but unfortunately he's not.

 

I know there are some people who think Juan should return next season because he's great defensively and his price-tag isn't too high, and I respect that, but I don't agree with it.

 

He's gone backwards in the 3 seasons since he's been here. To me that's totally unacceptable. In the environment that he's hitting in, he should be putting up the same type of numbers as what he did when he first came here. Whether he's too stubborn to change his approach, use that damn leg kick was which good for him last season, I don't know, but something needs to change.

 

Unfortunately there's really not a guy out there who could replace him. There's no point in getting Alex Gonzalez, unless you trade Uribe before hand in a deal. He's basically the same type of player as Uribe with an OBP below .300. Jimmy Rollins would be nice, but his contract is huge and he'll cost quite a lot in a trade.

 

My best solution would probably be to trade a starter like Contreras for John Danks and Joaquin Arias. You then trade Danks and Fields onto Tampa Bay for Carl Crawford, and Arias takes over for Uribe in 2008, when Uribe's deal finishes.

 

And yes Arias numbers this season weren't pretty. But he's only 21 or 22, and he was hitting in AAA for the 1st time this season. Give him another season there and I'm sure he'll do a much better job, and IIRC, the reports I've heard on him say he's very good defensively.

 

But getting off Uribe now and onto Pods, the signs are there that he won't be there. I just hope if that is the case, that the Sox don't non tender and get at least some type of compensation for him. An N.L team like the Nats (if they lose Soriano) or the Padres (if they lose Roberts, possibly even to us) should have interest in him.

 

But we need a 1 year stop-gap in there, because Ryan Sweeney still isn't ready IMHO, and Josh Fields may not be with the organization next season, so we'll have to fill the void there.

 

I hate hearing all of the talk about trading Garcia. I think that now that he has realized that he also throws a splitter he has been amazing. I think that he is a very valuable part of this team. I would rather see Javy or MB go than Big Freddy.

This is the thing. I think Freddy may have possibly saved his job here next season, even though he is still the favorite to go.

 

I doubt the Sox would trade Javy because he's been our joint 2nd best pitcher over the 2nd half, and KW won't want to cut his losses. And MB's value is at it's lowest right now, so I can't see us getting fair value in a trade there.

 

So to me, that leaves 2 options, Garland and Contreras. The only reason I throw up Garland is because if a team wants to overpay for him, by all means do it, and make the deal. I'm a fan of his, but there's always the question whether a guy like him where hitters put the ball into play so much can be successful over the long - term.

 

For Contreras it comes down to his age, and whether that's getting to him along with the various injuries he's suffered.

[Dick Allen]

I hate hearing all of the talk about trading Garcia. I think that now that he has realized that he also throws a splitter he has been amazing. I think that he is a very valuable part of this team. I would rather see Javy or MB go than Big Freddy.

Freddy has been great lately, but where was he when the Sox really needed him, back when they had a very realistic chance. I heard Hawk say last night that there is no reason to believe Freddy won't be able to regain his fastball next season. I have to disagree with this. What reason is there to believe he suddenly will be able to throw hard again? How many pitchers lose 5-7 mph off their fastball supposedly with no injury and then suddenly refind it? I think his September domination is a mirage, and I think his value is higher now than it was earlier this season. I hope he is sent packing.

[DBAHO]

Good to see Rotoworld get it;

 

Kenny Williams again suggested that Brandon McCarthy will be a starter next year, according to the Chicago Tribune.

 

Manager Ozzie Guillen needs to get on the same page as his GM. Williams wanted McCarthy to be a starter this year, going as far as to suggest the Sox go with a six-man rotation, an idea the rest of team wisely shot down. If McCarthy is not given a rotation spot next year, the Sox will deserve whatever horrible fate befalls them.

[Baines3]

Looks like we're in for a interesting offseason.

[The Ginger Kid]

trade Javy, not freddy. Let him have a good half with someone else. We need someone to have a good year. Freddy was never right coming off the WBC. Let him go home and harvest his crops, kick it, and come back strong.

[That funky motion]

Freddy has been great lately, but where was he when the Sox really needed him, back when they had a very realistic chance. I heard Hawk say last night that there is no reason to believe Freddy won't be able to regain his fastball next season. I have to disagree with this. What reason is there to believe he suddenly will be able to throw hard again? How many pitchers lose 5-7 mph off their fastball supposedly with no injury and then suddenly refind it? I think his September domination is a mirage, and I think his value is higher now than it was earlier this season. I hope he is sent packing.

 

He is 4-1 with a 2.49 era in Sept. 7-3 since Aug. If all of our starting pitching put up # like Freddy, we would be in the playoffs. To me Freddy is the only one who showed up!

[Flash Tizzle]

Despite falling short of high expectations, general manager Ken Williams spoke of the White Sox needing only "a little bit of tweaking" to get back to postseason play in 2007.

 

"We're going to bring back most of what we have," Williams said Friday night before the Sox held on for a 4-3 victory at Minnesota that kept the Twins from taking over sole possession of first place in the AL Central. "A lot of the players [some people] want out of here are the same players who brought them a championship.

 

Removing a starter from the team which "brought [us fans] a championship" isn't what I'd call "a little bit of tweaking." I'm calling bulls*** here. He'll reinforce confidence in this team because now, with even two games remaining, can you expect him to blatantly state his offseason goals? He didn't even state with a direct quote his desire to put McCarthy in the 2007 rotation. Should tell you something right there.

Edited September 30, 2006 by Flash Tizzle

[CWSGuy406]

trade Javy, not freddy. Let him have a good half with someone else. We need someone to have a good year. Freddy was never right coming off the WBC. Let him go home and harvest his crops, kick it, and come back strong.

 

Oh boo friggin who. I'm quite sick of hearing about the WBC as an excuse for Freddy. He pitched 7 1/3rd innings over two outings. We're not talking about a guy who threw two complete games in the WBC.

 

And yes Arias numbers this season weren't pretty. But he's only 21 or 22, and he was hitting in AAA for the 1st time this season. Give him another season there and I'm sure he'll do a much better job, and IIRC, the reports I've heard on him say he's very good defensively.

 

WTF, Joaquin Arias? Why the hell do you guys talk about him like he's Brandon Wood? His OBP was under .300 this year IN THE PCL!!!!!! His career minor league OPS is barely over .700. I'd rather hand the starting job over to Pedro Lopez than trade for Arias...

[beck72]

Freddy should be asking for a big contract after 2007--dollars the sox shouldn't pay. He may have accepted a "hometown discount" for his first sox contract. But Freddy has a lot of miles on his arm, and showed how bad he could be for long stretches. I just don't think the sox should put out a 3 yr deal for him worth over $36 mill--which is what some team will give him. IMO, he's the most likely of the current sox SP's to pitch the worst the next 2, 3 yrs. Somehow those 36 HR's Freddy gave up this yr give me visions of Russ Ortiz.

 

Jose on the other hand, should be willing to go yr to yr after his new deal expires.

 

MB should come back fine. He stated publicly that he needs to get in better shape after taking it easy in the 2005 offseason. Put money into MB rather than Freddy, esp. if MB comes back and pitches like he has in the past. He's proven his worth since 2001. I'd give him the benefit of the doubt, no matter how bad MB looked this yr.

[witesoxfan]

trade Javy, not freddy. Let him have a good half with someone else. We need someone to have a good year. Freddy was never right coming off the WBC. Let him go home and harvest his crops, kick it, and come back strong.

 

I'm just gonna go ahead and pretend this is a joke.

 

I'd rather have 1 good half from Vazquez then no good halves from Garcia