J.D. Drew?

[BobDylan]

Don't have insider, but on the fron't page of ESPN says,

 

"Now that Drew has opted out of his contract with the Dodgers, the Red Sox, Cubs, White Sox, Indians, Astros and Rangers could pursue Drew."

 

Direct link to article

 

Drew is a pretty good player when he's healthy. He'll get you, at the very least, 20, 100 and a good BA. Aside from that, I don't really know much about him. Is he a good fielder? Will the White Sox want to dish out the money Drew will likely command?

Edited November 12, 2006 by BobDylan

[CWSGuy406]

Drew is a pretty good player when he's healthy. He'll get you, at the very least, 20, 100 and a good BA. Aside from that, I don't really know much about him. Is he a good fielder? Will the White Sox want to dish out the money Drew will likely command?

 

Very solid defensively. Could probably play an average CF if asked.

 

The main reason people like him is because he's an OBP machine. His lowest OBP ever was .349, and for his career, it's at .393. Plus, if he were to stay healthy for a whole season, he'd probably hit 25 homers playing at US Cellular.

[Flash Tizzle]

Will the White Sox want to dish out the money Drew will likely command?

Problem here is he opted out of the remaining 33million, 3yrs left on his contract with Los Angeles. Obviously, he's seeking more years and (likely) more money over that term. Considering the teams you've listed as interested, I would be SHOCKED if Williams negotiated with Boras for J.D. Drew.

 

I really hope this issue with Boras resolves itself someday. It's becoming annoying immediately scratching out free agents or draft picks because he's representing the player. We're continually distancing ourselves from some of the best players in the game. Sure, we drafted Joe Crede; but that was more than 5 years ago.

[ptatc]

Problem here is he opted out of the remaining 33million, 3yrs left on his contract with Los Angeles. Obviously, he's seeking more years and (likely) more money over that term. Considering the teams you've listed as interested, I would be SHOCKED if Williams negotiated with Boras for J.D. Drew.

 

I really hope this issue with Boras resolves itself someday. It's becoming annoying immediately scratching out free agents or draft picks because he's representing the player. We're continually distancing ourselves from some of the best players in the game. Sure, we drafted Joe Crede; but that was more than 5 years ago.

 

It will never go away. Boras is great at his job in getting clubs to overvalue his players and overpaying for them. The Sox operate within a budget and will not get suckered into this. KW knows the value of his players and will compensate them fairly.

[Flash Tizzle]

Drew is interesting, but for 12+....PASS.

You just have to wonder, if these players are commanding 12+ million, how much will Dye make? Another huge year from Dye and he's possibly making 16+mil. Watching this market, I honestly don't believe he'll be here beyond next season. I imagine if we're unwilling to provide a sizable increase over 7 million -- good-guy image considered -- he'll be out of here.

 

That's why if it were 2008, I'd be willing to pay a player such as J.D. such a contract. What other options would we have? Search for another 'under the radar' player who will magically replace Dye's production? You don't even want me to go into our minor leauge system replacing him. Eventually, whether it fits our business philosophy or not, we're going to have to overpay for an OF.

 

I would LOVE nothing more than Anderson and Sweeney patrolling CF/LF respectively, but honestly, can we tolerate their growing pains simultaneously? 'Immediate success' and 'White Sox prospects' just don't go together, which makes planning long-term rosters even more difficult. This is really why I look at Drew and think to myself, "we may be overpaying -- and there's a definite risk -- but it's either overpay with money or prospects." I'd select money every time. We wouldn't exactly be strapped finanically either, considering the payroll is increasing and one starter is due to leave.

 

You have Drew in CF, Guillen may even have his wish of kicking Anderson to the crub. With Drew in CF and Dye in RF, you can also save money by perhaps inserting Sweeney in LF. I don't even know where you'd place Drew. Second?

 

1. Iguchi ®

2. Drew (L)

3. Dye ®

4. Thome (L)

5. Konerko ®

6. Pierzynski (L)

7. Crede ®

8. Uribe ®

9. Sweeney(L)

 

You'd have to have a 4th OF who could reasonably handle lefties though. Our lineup obviously hasn't improved much against southpaws, but IMO, it's much more balanced. 2-5 is the order is ridiculous. This is just one scenario which I wouldn't mind. I'm sure Guillen would since it doens't fit his typical 1-2 mold. If I were Williams I'd f*** his demands and go about business anyway.

 

I've heard several people bring up the need for Williams to acquire a lead off hitter via trade. More the route Guillen would approve. It's fine with me either way as long as: one, Oneli Perez or McCarthy aren't traded; and two, either one of Anderson/Sweeney are given a starting job.

 

My fear still remains the same, though -- if Dye leaves in 2008, we're going to have to overpay for someone. Drew is incredibly appealing to me because he's shown onbase capabilites while playing good defense in a demanding position. Either from the trade route or on the market. Might as well do it now with the payroll enhanced. We should take advantage of our 100+ million dollar payroll while it still exists.

Edited November 12, 2006 by Flash Tizzle

[beautox]

I would LOVE nothing more than Anderson and Sweeney patrolling CF/LF respectively, but honestly, can we tolerate their growing pains simultaneously?

 

I think we could provided we deal Uribe for Omar Vizquel, and Scott Podsednik to the Rockies for some of the following prospects: RHP David Patton BP Prospect, RHP Andrew Johnston BP Prospect, 2B S Corey Wimberly Lead off potential, CF S Dexter Fowler toolsy.

 

I think Anderson is only going to improve and won't be a black hole. Omar > Uribe, I also think sweeney could provide the same offense as Scott next year, more power a lot less SB all the while doing it from the 9 hole.

 

Iguchi

Vizquel

Dye

Thome

PK

Crede

AJP

Anderson

Sweeney

 

I don't think Vizquel would cost much in terms on milb talent maybe some fringe prospects like Rogo and Tracey.

[spiderman]

The White Sox are not going to sign JD Drew. Forget about it.

As it has been mentioned, Drew is going to want more than the 3 years/33 million he walked away from, meaning a 5 year deal, and probably something starting at at least 13 million a year.

 

No thanks!

 

Besides adding another Dave Roberts type player, I really don't think the White Sox are going to upgrade their offense much in the OF.

 

Scott Podsednik is probably gone as they probably won't offer him arbitration, and Brian Anderson may get another year in CF with Dye in RF.

 

Ryan Sweeney is probably the front runner for LF, and could challenge in CF should the Sox want to get Josh Fields up on the big club....

 

I think most of the available money the White Sox have will be spent on the bullpen.

[Drew]

I'd say Drew lands in Boston. Trot Nixon looks to be on his way out of town.

 

Nice pickup, but as has been said already, 11M is a little rich and does not account for the pay bump he is likely seeking. It also does not seem to solve the most pertinent position-player needs of leadoff hitter and/or shortstop.

 

However, while not the prototypical speedy leadoff man Ozzie says he wants, putting someone with Drew's OBP in front of Thome, Konerko, and Dye would score us a lot of runs.

[GoodAsGould]

If Boston has supposedly won that bid for the japanese pitcher I dont know how they can afford JD Drew as well. Plus Josh Beckett is getting a big raise and they still have Manny's contract which wont be easy to unload.

[DBAHO]

I'm going to say he's ending up with the Angels. They'll end up with either him or Aramis Ramirez.

 

Many people also believe that Drew wouldn't mesh well in the White Sox clubhouse under Ozzie, so I think it's pretty unlikely that he ends up here.

 

Is he worth the 5year/60M type of contract that he's probably going to get? I don't know. His slugging percentage has decreased in both years since he had that big season for the Braves, and I doubt he'll be worth it when it comes to the end of that contact.

[BobDylan]

I think we could provided we deal Uribe for Omar Vizquel, and Scott Podsednik to the Rockies for some of the following prospects: RHP David Patton BP Prospect, RHP Andrew Johnston BP Prospect, 2B S Corey Wimberly Lead off potential, CF S Dexter Fowler toolsy.

 

I think Anderson is only going to improve and won't be a black hole. Omar > Uribe, I also think sweeney could provide the same offense as Scott next year, more power a lot less SB all the while doing it from the 9 hole.

 

Iguchi

Vizquel

Dye

Thome

PK

Crede

AJP

Anderson

Sweeney

 

I don't think Vizquel would cost much in terms on milb talent maybe some fringe prospects like Rogo and Tracey.

 

And when Omar retires the Sox have SS options where?

[DBAHO]

And when Omar retires the Sox have SS options where?

Omar could still play for another couple of seasons (whether it's at the same high level as it is now, I don't know).

 

The Sox can always go into the FA market to sign a SS when he retires, or find a solution in the trade market just like they did when they first traded for Uribe giving up Aaron Miles.

 

Plus it gives time for the likes of Robert Valido to prove whether or not if they are ever going to be part of our plans for the future.

[beck72]

And when Omar retires the Sox have SS options where?

 

The sox would be in the same boat if they keep Uribe for '07 and decline his '08 option. But if they rade for Omar, the sox could re-sign him for '08. The chances they would pick up Juan's 08 option--slim and none.

 

As far as going after Drew, no. He'll ask for and get over $12 mill a yr for 3 yrs. And reading an LA article, Drew is the kind of guy who takes it far too easy on the field. After having to "baby" Pods for much of the last 2 yrs because of his legs/ groin, the sox shouldn't go after an injury risk who won't give 110% on the field. This isn't saying Pods didn't give his all. Just that the sox should get a guy with a clean history on his legs who can run with abandon--ala Figgins, crisp.

Edited November 12, 2006 by beck72

[DBAHO]

The sox would be in the same boat if they keep Uribe for '07 and decline his '08 option. But if they rade for Omar, the sox could re-sign him for '08. The chances they would pick up Juan's 08 option--slim and none.

 

As far as going after Drew, no. He'll ask for and get over $12 mill a yr for 3 yrs. And reading an LA article, Drew is the kind of guy who takes it far too easy on the field. After having to "baby" Pods for much of the last 2 yrs because of his legs/ groin, the sox shouldn't go after an injury risk who won't give 110% on the field. This isn't saying Pods didn't give his all. Just that the sox should get a guy with a clean history on his legs who can run with abandon--ala Figgins, crisp.

If Boston do go out and sign Drew, then the chances of them trading Coco Crisp increase as well, IF the Red Sox have Drew in mind to play CF, which I think they will considering they can just use Willy Mo Pena in RF.

[cwsfan13]

Ive read that Boston is poss. looking to deal Coco anyway and since they need pitching it could be a real trade poss..I know Coco's #s were down last year but thats from his injury .Before that he had great #s .311 against lefties .Hes a switch-hitter so he could lead off every game and he still has 2 yrs left at about 5 m per year which isnt bad considering he can drive in runs too .The fact that he just turned 27 helps too .I would rather see the Sox look into a guy like Coco instead of Roberts .

[beck72]

If Boston do go out and sign Drew, then the chances of them trading Coco Crisp increase as well, IF the Red Sox have Drew in mind to play CF, which I think they will considering they can just use Willy Mo Pena in RF.

 

Boston likes to cut its losses pretty quick, ala Renteria prior to 06. IMO, Crisp is all but out from Boston. The key is would the sox be interested. Crisp would seem to be a very good fit for the sox. Plug him right into LF, leaving CF for BA and Sweeney. And Crisp could also play Cf and plug ryan into Lf. We'll see.

[cwsfan13]

Boston likes to cut its losses pretty quick, ala Renteria prior to 06. IMO, Crisp is all but out from Boston. The key is would the sox be interested. Crisp would seem to be a very good fit for the sox. Plug him right into LF, leaving CF for BA and Sweeney. And Crisp could also play Cf and plug ryan into Lf. We'll see.

 

I think Kenny would be very interested its just a matter of would it be a straight up trade or would Boston have to give up a minor along with Coco .

 

This is the kind of trade KW would typically pull off .You know the kind of trade that hardly anyone suspects.

[beck72]

I think Kenny would be very interested its just a matter of would it be a straight up trade or would Boston have to give up a minor along with Coco .

 

This is the kind of trade KW would typically pull off .You know the kind of trade that hardly anyone suspects.

I could see the Red sox being interested in Neal Cotts for Crisp. Though I wouldn't give up on Neal just yet. Not unless the sox picked up another LHP like FA Jamie Walker.

[cwsfan13]

I could see the Red sox being interested in Neal Cotts for Crisp. Though I wouldn't give up on Neal just yet. Not unless the sox picked up another LHP like FA Jamie Walker.

 

Not sure if KW will let cotts go just yet condering hes still only 26 and Walker is what 34/35 something like that .On the other hand if it means getting a guy like Coco you never know .Personally I would like to see them try to trade someone like Ragowski (since we wont have room for him til hes about 28 anyway) and maybe a lower level pitching prospect .

[beck72]

Not sure if KW will let cotts go just yet condering hes still only 26 and Walker is what 34/35 something like that .On the other hand if it means getting a guy like Coco you never know .Personally I would like to see them try to trade someone like Ragowski (since we wont have room for him til hes about 28 anyway) and maybe a lower level pitching prospect .

 

Boston will and should only take someone who can help them win in 2007. They won't go for prospects. The Red sox have some nice young arms that might interest the White sox if Freddy was appealing to them.

[cwsfan13]

Boston will and should only take someone who can help them win in 2007. They won't go for prospects. The Red sox have some nice young arms that might interest the White sox if Freddy was appealing to them.

I think Coco is the type of guy KW is looking for so if he can get a reasonable trade worked out he'll make it happen .Maybe Garcia for Coco and a minor leaguer .If Garcia wasnt in the last year he would be worth more .Maybe we could get Lopez back with Coco .

[elrockinMT]

Interesting free agent year, but I think the fact there aren't a lot of top of the line players will make it a tough year to sign without paying too much. I like JD Drew, but not at $12M plus ayear. You always have the usual suspects waiting and willing to pay a Japanese import or Cuban defector with no ML experience an outrageous amount. My guess is we keep Pods or go with our youngsters and maybe sign a free agent reliever or even make a trade, but no big time FA signing.

[beautox]

And when Omar retires the Sox have SS options where?

 

What opitions do we have after '07 anyways? i don't believe Juan is going to go anywhere but down, i doubt the sox would pick up his 5mil opition for '08. '07 is supposed to be the deepest draft of the past 15 years, draft SS heavy and hope our first round pick can get on the fast track.

[YASNY]

Boston offered Crisp to the Sox for Buehrle at the trade deadline last year. I doubt they'd give him up for just Cotts.

[zenryan]

not worth it