KW speaks about the offseason

[beck72]

His OBP is .329 coming into today. Even Scott f***ing Podsednik had a higher OBP coming into today.

 

So yes, he doesn't get on base enough.

 

You don't seem to get it.

Relax, wise guy. Had a bad day?

 

We're talking career avgs here. The guy didn't hit for the 1st two months. And still upped his avg. to near .300 like professional hitters always seem to manage. His OBP is off this yr. A difference of .38 between his BAvg. and OBP.

 

Pierre's career avg of .303 and OBP of .350 would look more than fine on the southside.

 

BTW-I'd love to hear your idea for a leadoff hitter.

[Kalapse]

With Freddy Garcia, before you give a definative answer as to whether you want him traded or not just ask yourself on simple question.

 

Would you be willing to give Freddy Garcia a 3 year ~$33M deal with a 4th year option/buyout RIGHT NOW.

 

If yes then you obviously do not want him traded

 

If no then you should want him traded.

[Dick Allen]

If you were to review my posting history, you would see that I have been a Pods basher pretty much from the get-go of his White Sox career. That said, he is not the reason the White Sox failed this season. Rickey Henderson in his prime could have been leading off for this team and it wasn't going to win. Pitching was and is the problem. That needs to be addressed first. Whether you want to admit it or not, enough runs were scored this year. Seriously, just about every pitcher on the White Sox staff has issues. Even Bobby Jenks, who has been absolutely horrible lately.

 

With Freddy Garcia, before you give a definative answer as to whether you want him traded or not just ask yourself on simple question.

 

Would you be willing to give Freddy Garcia a 3 year ~$33M deal with a 4th year option/buyout RIGHT NOW.

 

If yes then you obviously do not want him traded

 

If no then you should want him traded.

 

I think people are getting too excited about his success at the end of this season, thinking it just will carry over to next year. He was pretty successful at the end of last year, and was brutal for a long time this year.

[Kalapse]

Relax, wise guy. Had a bad day?

 

We're talking career avgs here. The guy didn't hit for the 1st two months. And still upped his avg. to near .300 like professional hitters always seem to manage. His OBP is off this yr. A difference of .38 between his BAvg. and OBP.

 

Pierre's career avg of .303 and OBP of .350 would look more than fine on the southside.

 

BTW-I'd love to hear your idea for a leadoff hitter.

Wouldn't it be more realistic to look at what he's done recently as opposed to what he's done over the course of his career? If you're going to go by career stats only then we should definitely get Jim Edmonds in here next year to take over CF duties.

 

Over the past 2 seasons Juan Pierre has walked a total of 73 times which is pretty horrible for any baseball player but especially a leadoff hitter, he's also put up a line of .283/.328/.371 and a SB% of 76% that's a pretty horrendous line and the SB% is only average.

 

He's also played his entire career in the National Leauge, so who knows how much his statline will dip once he faces the superior pitching that the American League has to offer.

 

When evaluating a player it makes much more sense to see what he's done over the past 2 seasons than to see what kind of numbers he's stockpiled over a career, it's all about "What have you done for me lately" not "what did you do 3-4 years ago and have not managed to duplicate since."

[beautox]

Lets just get Rollins and Crisp, and bat them 1-2 respectively, i expect our pitching to be much better next year.

 

Yes im well aware of the fact Rollins OBP is .337 this year, but he can steal at a very sucessful rate 36SB/4CS and he is going to knock himself in 20-25 times a year i can deal with is so so OBP, plus hes fast and can score from 1st on a gapper and he can hit LHP (.287) and hes a switch hitter and only 27. Also Rollins can play SS well.

 

Crisp is having a down year in Boston and is out of posisition you put him in LF and in the central again and i bet he excells and he imediatly improves our OF defense. you figure he can do the "little" things in the #2 hole, while hitting 15+HR, and stealing 20-25 bags a sucessful rate(4-6CS) and not striking out 100+ a year while posting a .340s OBP, plus hes only 26 that helps this team get younger.

 

Deal Uribe, Pods, Garcia and Jose and fields to get it done.

 

SS Rollins S

LF Crisp S

RF Dye R

DH Thome L

1B Konerko R

3B Crede R

C AJP L

2B Iguchi R

CF Anderson R

 

No longer will a Loogy be able to go threw are 1-3(when Thome was in the 3 hole) with no problem and that line up is pretty balanced.

[CWSGuy406]

We're talking career avgs here. The guy didn't hit for the 1st two months. And still upped his avg. to near .300 like professional hitters always seem to manage. His OBP is off this yr. A difference of .38 between his BAvg. and OBP.

 

Pierre's post-ASB OBP was .339. So, Pierre at his best is a .340 OBP guy? But at least he'll be super-fly on the bases, right?

 

Pierre's career avg of .303 and OBP of .350 would look more than fine on the southside.

 

Well, if you like leadoff hitters with OBPs of less than .330, than I guess that's your thing. I like to aim a little bit higher, mmkay? We don't need a leadoff man who can run real fast. We need a guy who can get on-base at an acceptable rate, so when Thome and Dye and Konerko launch their homers, it's not just a solo shot.

 

You do realize that next August, Pierre will be 30 years old, ie in the end of his peak years? And you do realize that once Pierre starts to lose speed, he'll be a completely useless player, yes? And you do realize that Pierre will probably get a four year deal for close to $30 million because apparantly there are still GMs out there under your dilusional impression that speed is more important than having a good OBP, yes?

 

BTW-I'd love to hear your idea for a leadoff hitter.

 

He's already on the team. Tad Iguchi.

 

He's going to finish the seaso with an OBP right around .350. He won't have to hit behind Scotty anymore, so I could see him posting an OBP closer to .360. Plus, we won't have to give up anything to get him.

 

BTW, Beck, I should add that I'm not totally against your ideas; I do like the idea of buying low on Crisp.

 

But, there's also a situtation arising in New York, where Milledge is being "outted" by some of his teammates. I'd love to see Kenny swoop in and (a semi pipe dream) tag Milledge along with a pitching prospect for Garcia.

Edited September 30, 2006 by CWSGuy406

[Dick Allen]

Pitching is what matters, although Thome, Dye, Konerko and Crede are going to be hard-pressed to duplicate this year's numbers again as a group and individually. It will place more importance on the other guys in the line-up.

[GreatScott82]

It seems like the only moves he plans to make is to aqcuire a new left fielder and some solid bullpen arms. Ozzie's patience ran out with Anderson (after he finally started hitting, which makes no sense) that means Sweeney, Fields and Owens will likely NOT be in our OF next year. I garuntee you Ozzie will tell Kenny he wants a new leadoff hitter/left fielder with mlb experience. The names that go through my head are Chone Figgins, Coco Crisp, Juan Pierre, Alfonso Soriano and Carl Crawford. I expect one of these guys in a white sox uniform for 2007.

I expect KW to give Tampa a sweet offer they cant refuse for Crawford. Like a BMac and Owens for Crawford or something along those lines. Then we will have the same 5 starters as we did in 2006 and a 'Real' leadoff hitter who can play solid defense, something we lacked in 2006.

[fathom]

But, there's also a situtation arising in New York, where Milledge is being "outted" by some of his teammates. I'd love to see Kenny swoop in and (a semi pipe dream) tag Milledge along with a pitching prospect for Garcia.

 

I haven't heard of this...what's going on?

[ZoSo]

It seems like the only moves he plans to make is to aqcuire a new left fielder and some solid bullpen arms. Ozzie's patience ran out with Anderson (after he finally started hitting, which makes no sense) that means Sweeney, Fields and Owens will likely NOT be in our OF next year. I garuntee you Ozzie will tell Kenny he wants a new leadoff hitter/left fielder with mlb experience. The names that go through my head are Chone Figgins, Coco Crisp, Juan Pierre, Alfonso Soriano and Carl Crawford. I expect one of these guys in a white sox uniform for 2007.

I expect KW to give Tampa a sweet offer they cant refuse for Crawford. Like a BMac and Owens for Crawford or something along those lines. Then we will have the same 5 starters as we did in 2006 and a 'Real' leadoff hitter who can play solid defense, something we lacked in 2006.

 

That's basically all we need. Well, that and the starting rotation to produce more in line with their career numbers. A great leadoff man is all this offense needs to be quite amazing. As it is, it's already a very good lineup.

 

I'm a big fan of Crawford and I'd give up McCarthy to get him here even if it means we'd have somewhat of a hole in the 5th rotation spot. If KW can really shore up the bullpen and build around Jenks, Macdougal and Thornton, we can get by with having a weak link in the rotation. After all the bullpen's a factor virtually everyday whereas one starting pitcher is a factor only one out of five days.

[Baines3]

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.

 

My thoughts exactly. Trade Vazquez we were crazy to trade for him in the first place.

[Kalapse]

My thoughts exactly. Trade Vazquez we were crazy to trade for him in the first place.

Except for the fact that trading Vazquez is completely unrealistic when you really think about it of course you're not so what does it matter.

[shoota]

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.

 

I had wanted Freddy G gone since midseason, but now he's changing my mind. I think KW needs to think about keeping Freddy and trading Contreras because of his age, contract, injury and value.

 

The offense isn't blameless, is what I'm saying. I wasn't ranking the causes of the sox 2006 downfall. If you think the sox offense is complete, so be it. I don't.

And what's the deal with the Buerhle hate? One bad season and he's all that in your sig?!

 

Actually only a bad 1/2 season. His first half was great.

[Gene Honda Civic]

I agree with Keith. I'd use Iguchi as the leadoff hitter, and look to acquire a near 800 OPS #2 hitter. That will upgrade the offense more than acquiring speed and slotting him into the #1 spot because it upgrades two spots with just one move.

 

Now, Crawford or Crisp might be those #2 hitters, but I don't really like either as leadoff guys. Crawford is a year or two away from developing into a prototypical #3 guy, and I think a healthy Crisp will rebound to post numbers near his final two seasons in Cleveland.

[3E8]

Dayton Moore is no fool. Dejesus is signed through 2010 and is making a paltry $4.7M in that last year to give you an idea of how cheaply he was signed. Not going anywhere.

[max power]

Two cheaper options to look at for the two hole could come from KC. Emil Brown or David Dejesus. Dejesus could be expensive, and for good reason. Guy has put up solid numbers since he got to the big leagues, and like Cheat said, if you wanted Gooch to lead off, you get to guys that can post a .350 OBP in the 1-2 spots, both having decent speed.

 

I'll take that any day of the week.

Emil Brown does not impress me at all. I hope we don't have to go that route

[max power]

I like his 40 2B and .357 OBP.

No doubt he looks like a modest improvement in some areas if he puts up numbers like this year again. I am hoping for a little more than a 33 year old guy who might be good maybe. Did he play in Japan or something? I feel like I am missing something.

Edited September 30, 2006 by max power

[max power]

Look at his lines the last two years. 2006 was no a fluke. Im not saying Emil Brown is the answer, but he could be guy to fall back on that isnt a bad hitter, at all.

Well I agree with you there. He is a bit more proven than guys we have in the franchise.

[nitetrain8601]

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.

 

A Gon is defiantely more consistant than Uribe, both offensively and defensively

[fathom]

Look at his lines the last two years. 2006 was not a fluke. Im not saying Emil Brown is the answer, but he could be guy to fall back on that isnt a bad hitter, at all.

 

He was a guy who I was thinking we should try and get at the deadline this year, as he could help us against LHP in LF.

 

A Gon is defiantely more consistant than Uribe, both offensively and defensively

 

Uribe is much more dangerous on offense though...and doesn't have the attitude issues that AGon has.

[nitetrain8601]

For Ozzie, it's guys who can make contact/ situational hit/ create their own offense rather than swing for the fences and hit into DP's.

 

Which is why Walt Hriniak would make much much more sense than Greg Walker as hitting coach.

[max power]

Is Julio Lugo going to be a free agent this year or is that old news?

 

If so what kind of contract would he demand/expect?

[nitetrain8601]

He was a guy who I was thinking we should try and get at the deadline this year, as he could help us against LHP in LF.

Uribe is much more dangerous on offense though...and doesn't have the attitude issues that AGon has.

 

This lineup already has dangerous hitters, it needs more consistancy. A consistant hitter is better than some guy who's going to have a crazy 3 weeks of the season. Also AGon > Uribe defensively. Uribe only has the arm and he gets very wild with it.

[CWSGuy406]

I haven't heard of this...what's going on?

 

Read here:

 

http://www.newsday.com/sports/printedition...ny-sports-print

 

Also AGon > Uribe defensively. Uribe only has the arm and he gets very wild with it.

 

You mean, in your opinioin AGonz>Uribe. Because Uribe ranks better than Gonz in zone rating, and was rated the best defensive shortstop in the AL by David Studes at The Hardball Times. So, in your unproven, non-fact based opinion, AGonz is better than Uribe defensively.

[DBAHO]

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...

He's a 21 year old kid hitting in AAA for the 1st time. Of course he's no Brandon Wood, but how much harder will it be to trade for a Brandon Wood?

 

You don't trade for Arias so he can be the starting SS next season, the Rangers are grooming him to be their starting SS for 2008, and I assume that's what another organization would do if they traded for him.

 

It may not be a great idea if he doesn't improve in AAA next season (which I think he definitely will), but the Sox need to start thinking about a long - term replacement for Uribe if they are going to keep him next season, and he decreases offensively again which he has for the past 3 seasons.