What to do with Pods

[beck72]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Sox have control over Pods and is eligible for arbitration. That means they can trade him without signing him to a deal. The team that deals for him can take him to arb. or sign a new deal.

 

With that in mind, the sox should find a few trading partners for Pods. Guys like Roberts and Pierre will be getting big deals. Pods should be a bargain for a mid salary team that thinks it has a shot at the playoffs.

 

One possible destination is Colorado. Looking at what they have available in the minors--and that Colorado won't and shouldn't part with their best pitching prospects, one guy is very intriguing. 23 yr old Juan Morillo.

 

He's been a SP with only 1 pitch--a 100 mph heater. Put him in AAA and work out of the bullpen, and the sox have a guy who can be called up mid year. Here's his writeup from BA's 2006 Prospect Handbook:

 

The Rockies #7 prospect--"Morillo fires easy, effortless gas, and the White Sox reportedly clocked him at 104 mph in 2004. He regularly pops 100 mph and pitches at 95-97. Durable and resilient, he never has missed a start as a pro. He may light up radar guns but Morillo is primarily a one-pitch pitcher. He still needs to learn to command his fastball and improve his secondary pitches. He has a hard slider and a changeup, but he doesn't have enough command to throw them with confidence. His slider reaches the upper 80's but he'll try to throw it too hard and lose break. He led the California league in walks and even when he throws strikes he often leaves pitches up in the zone. Because he has one reliable pitch, several scouts see Morillo moving to the bullpen where he could develop into a big league closer. He'll stay in the rotation in AA in 2006."

 

If he's moved to the pen, he should regularly throw close to 100mph. And if he can at least get one more pitch over for strikes, he could be a lights out bullpen guy. While he's a risk, the sox should be able to get a low level prospect along with Morillo for Pods.

 

Thoughts? Any other possible destinations for Pods?

[cwsfan13]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Sox have control over Pods and is eligible for arbitration. That means they can trade him without signing him to a deal. The team that deals for him can take him to arb. or sign a new deal.

 

With that in mind, the sox should find a few trading partners for Pods. Guys like Roberts and Pierre will be getting big deals. Pods should be a bargain for a mid salary team that thinks it has a shot at the playoffs.

 

One possible destination is Colorado. Looking at what they have available in the minors--and that Colorado won't and shouldn't part with their best pitching prospects, one guy is very intriguing. 23 yr old Juan Morillo.

 

He's been a SP with only 1 pitch--a 100 mph heater. Put him in AAA and work out of the bullpen, and the sox have a guy who can be called up mid year. Here's his writeup from BA's 2006 Prospect Handbook:

 

The Rockies #7 prospect--"Morillo fires easy, effortless gas, and the White Sox reportedly clocked him at 104 mph in 2004. He regularly pops 100 mph and pitches at 95-97. Durable and resilient, he never has missed a start as a pro. He may light up radar guns but Morillo is primarily a one-pitch pitcher. He still needs to learn to command his fastball and improve his secondary pitches. He has a hard slider and a changeup, but he doesn't have enough command to throw them with confidence. His slider reaches the upper 80's but he'll try to throw it too hard and lose break. He led the California league in walks and even when he throws strikes he often leaves pitches up in the zone. Because he has one reliable pitch, several scouts see Morillo moving to the bullpen where he could develop into a big league closer. He'll stay in the rotation in AA in 2006."

 

If he's moved to the pen, he should regularly throw close to 100mph. And if he can at least get one more pitch over for strikes, he could be a lights out bullpen guy. While he's a risk, the sox should be able to get a low level prospect along with Morillo for Pods.

 

Thoughts? Any other possible destinations for Pods?

Wow. Thats some serious heat .I wouldnt mind something like that .Get that kid into spring-training and let Cooper get work with him .

[beck72]

Wow. Thats some serious heat .I wouldnt mind something like that .Get that kid into spring-training and let Cooper get work with him .

No doubt the guy is a bit of a project. But the sox wouldn't need him on the 25 man roster right away. The sox should have their bullpen pretty straightened out by the time spring comes, with a veteran or two to compliment what the sox already have. But to get a guy with that kind of arm, IMO that would be a decent return for Pods. Though I still think the sox could get another prospect as well as Morillo for Pods.

[cwsfan13]

No doubt the guy is a bit of a project. But the sox wouldn't need him on the 25 man roster right away. The sox should have their bullpen pretty straightened out by the time spring comes, with a veteran or two to compliment what the sox already have. But to get a guy with that kind of arm, IMO that would be a decent return for Pods. Though I still think the sox could get another prospect as well as Morillo for Pods.

Exactly .Even though Pods had a bad year he will still be pretty a cheap lead off hitter for around about 3m considering what Roberts and pierre will get .Im sure there are alot of teams who would be interested in him .

[beck72]

Exactly .Even though Pods had a bad year he will still be pretty a cheap lead off hitter for around about 3m considering what Roberts and pierre will get .Im sure there are alot of teams who would be interested in him .

 

There are more teams in need of a leadoff hitter than there are available. With the free agents probably getting big deals like Matthews, Pierre, Roberts and Soriano, Pods should get a decent return in a trade. Esp. seeing how he won't be expensive.

[maggsmaggs]

Why exactly would the Rockies do this move? Pods is a worse option than what they have. Why would they give up someone who throws that kind of heat. The Rockies are always looking for pitching. Realistically, nobody wants Pods.

[spiderman]

Why exactly would the Rockies do this move? Pods is a worse option than what they have. Why would they give up someone who throws that kind of heat. The Rockies are always looking for pitching. Realistically, nobody wants Pods.

 

I don't know that a team like Colorado is going to trade for a guy who's eligible for arbitration...I think the White Sox will just wash their hands of him, and let him go.

 

Personally, although I know they're going to allow him to become a free agent / trade him, I am still not opposed to bringing him back, and letting him compete with Sweeney/Anderson/Fields for playing time. The guy does have something to prove, and he would give provide depth at worst.

[aboz56]

and he would give provide depth at worst.

Why would we pay him 3 million to be a backup?

[cwsfan13]

Why would we pay him 3 million to be a backup?

Yup .Even though owens has almost no mlb experience he would be more the type as a back-up or late inning speed off the bench and wouldnt cost nearly as much .Hell with way Pods batted last year I wouldnt have a prob. starting owens in left as opposed to keeping Pods .I dont think he would be much worse if at all.

[spiderman]

Why would we pay him 3 million to be a backup?

 

That's the big reason why it most likely won't happen.

 

Playing devil's advocate though, if the OF consists of Sweeney, Anderson, and Dye, you might decide to have another veteran player around, whether it be Pods or someone else, to have as insurance.

[beck72]

Why exactly would the Rockies do this move? Pods is a worse option than what they have. Why would they give up someone who throws that kind of heat. The Rockies are always looking for pitching. Realistically, nobody wants Pods.

The Rockies are in the market for a CFer who can hit leadoff. Pods isn't perfect but he could be a fit for them. The Rockies have two rooks already to step in to start 07--Jimenez and Corpas. Jimenez is similar to Morillo. To get a leadoff hitter, they may cut ties with a bullpen guy like Morillo. We'll see.

 

I don't know that a team like Colorado is going to trade for a guy who's eligible for arbitration...I think the White Sox will just wash their hands of him, and let him go.

 

Pods will be a team's property for two more years when he can become a FA. He has value in the trade market. If the Sox get a deal for Pods done soon, then they don't have to worry about offering him arb. Why let him go when the sox can get something for him?

[beautox]

Why exactly would the Rockies do this move? Pods is a worse option than what they have. Why would they give up someone who throws that kind of heat. The Rockies are always looking for pitching. Realistically, nobody wants Pods.

 

The Rockies payroll next year is going to be 52 million according to Troy Renck(denver post), as of now their roster sits at $42,850,000 locked up in 19 players. Scott is set to make about 3million in ARB and Dave Roberts is looking for a deal longer than 2 years and might command as much Pierre this offseason. It looks like a good fit for both teams, he would be moving back to CF for the rox .

 

Aside from Morillo, i wouldn't mind the sox getting their hands on any of these other prospects.

 

RHP David Patton BP Prospect

RHP Andrew Johnston BP Prospect

2B S Corey Wimberly Lead off potential

CF S Dexter Fowler toolsy

[greg775]

Pods isn't very good. Time to part ways with him while thanking him for the nice

year we won it all. Wouldn't have won it w/out Pods.

[Soxfest]

No to Pods time to go into another direction!

[shipps]

I bet if he goes back to the national league he will have a good season next year,and thats most likely were hes goin.I just feel like there is way too much hatred for Pods when he really did contribute alot to this organization in his short time here.

[DBAHO]

I bet if he goes back to the national league he will have a good season next year,and thats most likely were hes goin.I just feel like there is way too much hatred for Pods when he really did contribute alot to this organization in his short time here.

The 1st half of 2005 Scott Podsednik contributed a hell of a lot to this franchise and for what he did in the World Seres that year, I'll be forever grateful. But have a look at these numbers since that 1st half;

 

Post ASB 2005 - .284/.326/.356

2006 - .261/.330/.353

 

He had 55 stolen bases in a period of about approx 240-250 games in that time frame, and was caught stealing 33 times, so a 3:5 ratio there.

 

So I don't think having an OBP of about .328 is really getting the job done, and when you add to that his lack of effectiveness stealing bases and his below average fielding in LF, well I think the writing is just on the wall there.

[TLAK]

I have a hard time buying into this board's conventional wisdom that Roberts would be an upgrade over Podsednik.

 

Player Age G.. AB.. R.. H.. 2B. 3B HR RBI BB. SO.  BA. OBP. SB. CS
Podsedn 30 595 2255 354 620 111 23 25 175 219 374 .275 .342 212 65
Roberts 34 666 2204 358 594 76  42 21 181 245 278 .270 .344 207 50

 

Roberts is older and, coming off his best year, his career stats are pick 'em versus Pods coming off a poor year. Some of the best deals are the ones you don't make and I have a feeling this is one of them. I think they should hang on to Scott and let Ozuna, Sweeney and Owens push him for playing time.

 

Out of the layers I named Owens is the one to watch. He has the tools to do what Scott did for the Sox last year but is too green to bank on. Should the White Sox get lucky and he matures quickly this whole thread will become irrevelent.

[beck72]

I have a hard time buying into this board's conventional wisdom that Roberts would be an upgrade over Podsednik.

 

Player Age G.. AB.. R.. H.. 2B. 3B HR RBI BB. SO.  BA. OBP. SB. CS
Podsedn 30 595 2255 354 620 111 23 25 175 219 374 .275 .342 212 65
Roberts 34 666 2204 358 594 76  42 21 181 245 278 .270 .344 207 50

 

Roberts is older and, coming off his best year, his career stats are pick 'em versus Pods coming off a poor year. Some of the best deals are the ones you don't make and I have a feeling this is one of them. I think they should hang on to Scott and let Ozuna, Sweeney and Owens push him for playing time.

 

Out of the layers I named Owens is the one to watch. He has the tools to do what Scott did for the Sox last year but is too green to bank on. Should the White Sox get lucky and he matures quickly this whole thread will become irrevelent.

 

I'm not sold on Roberts. Esp. not as he'll get a 3 yr deal at minimum from some team. But Pods isn't the answer either. A play for Crisp or Figgins should be ahead of staying pat with Pods. Owens isn't ready for 2007.

[TLAK]

I'm not sold on Roberts. Esp. not as he'll get a 3 yr deal at minimum from some team. But Pods isn't the answer either. A play for Crisp or Figgins should be ahead of staying pat with Pods. Owens isn't ready for 2007.

Crisp would give you more power but less speed on the bases and OBP. Figgins certainly fits the role but like Roberts, his numbers are close to Pods so why change. I guess it comes down to what you project Scotty to do next season. If you see him on a down slope then make the move. If he can hover around his career norms then you can win with him while Owens develops.

[beck72]

Crisp would give you more power but less speed on the bases and OBP. Figgins certainly fits the role but like Roberts, his numbers are close to Pods so why change. I guess it comes down to what you project Scotty to do next season. If you see him on a down slope then make the move. If he can hover around his career norms then you can win with him while Owens develops.

 

I don't think SB's is the key to what the sox need from a leadoff guy. It's a guy who can do different things with the bat [bunt for hits and SF; put the ball in play on the ground to get IF hits--no more Pods and his weak pop ups; hit for doubles and triples]; get on base a decent amount; and steal bases when needed.

 

Both Figgins and Crisp get a lot of IF hits, bunt well and get a lot of XBH's.

[BobDylan]

Has the name Carl Crawford ever been mentioned?

[spiderman]

The Rockies are in the market for a CFer who can hit leadoff. Pods isn't perfect but he could be a fit for them. The Rockies have two rooks already to step in to start 07--Jimenez and Corpas. Jimenez is similar to Morillo. To get a leadoff hitter, they may cut ties with a bullpen guy like Morillo. We'll see.

Pods will be a team's property for two more years when he can become a FA. He has value in the trade market. If the Sox get a deal for Pods done soon, then they don't have to worry about offering him arb. Why let him go when the sox can get something for him?

 

I just don't think that a team with a limited payroll is going to take on a player who struggled last season, and now is due for arbitration where he's going to get some sort of raise.

[SoxHawk1980]

The talk of any team giving up anything of value for Podsednik is a joke. Every team in the majors has a minor leaguer who can do what Pods does. Podsednik has become a zero-tool player. He can't hit for average (or get on base with any frequency). He has no power. His OF defense stinks. He has no arm. And his speed/baserunning/base stealing has gone from great to merely above average.

 

He is a below replacement level player who is no longer particularly good at any aspect of the game. Is some team going to give up anything of value for him when the best you can say about him is that he used to be fast?

 

I hate it when fans come up with fantastics scenarios where we can get something good in exchange for crap.

[ptatc]

The talk of any team giving up anything of value for Podsednik is a joke. Every team in the majors has a minor leaguer who can do what Pods does. Podsednik has become a zero-tool player. He can't hit for average (or get on base with any frequency). He has no power. His OF defense stinks. He has no arm. And his speed/baserunning/base stealing has gone from great to merely above average.He is a below replacement level player who is no longer particularly good at any aspect of the game. Is some team going to give up anything of value for him when the best you can say about him is that he used to be fast?

 

I hate it when fans come up with fantastics scenarios where we can get something good in exchange for crap.

 

Could this be due to the injuries sustained last year and he will return to the "great" level you said he was before? After all he's only about 30 and shouldn't have lost his physical speed yet.

 

Not that I think he is a great player by any means but I'm just asking.

[beautox]

The talk of any team giving up anything of value for Podsednik is a joke. Every team in the majors has a minor leaguer who can do what Pods does. Podsednik has become a zero-tool player. He can't hit for average (or get on base with any frequency). He has no power. His OF defense stinks. He has no arm. And his speed/baserunning/base stealing has gone from great to merely above average.

 

He is a below replacement level player who is no longer particularly good at any aspect of the game. Is some team going to give up anything of value for him when the best you can say about him is that he used to be fast?

 

I hate it when fans come up with fantastics scenarios where we can get something good in exchange for crap.

 

I'm sorry but im going to have to completely disagree, Podsednik isn't worthless, it just appears that way sometimes. the rox have 10mil to spend on about 5 players.

 

The marlins got 3 good pitching prospects in return for Juan Pierre in his contract year, Scott has two more years in ARB and isn't going to command that much money, if the Rox are looking at Pierre and Roberts they're going to have to give the $ and years, and i doubt they can afford to do either of those things. Podsednik's whole career has been a rollercoaster a good/great year followed by disapointment, i think going back to NL will help him alot.

 

As for "fantastics scenarios where we can get something good in exchange for crap", care to explain to me how the Yankees got a warm body in the form of a promising 23yr old reliever with ML experience for Wright? asking for a one pitch pitcher in Juan Morrilo and A level reliever in David Patton, along with a 24yr old 2B @ A+ doesn't sound very fantastic at all.

 

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB CS OBP SLG AVG

 

162 656 96 181 19 13 2 47 232 41 45 57 17 .326 .354 .276 Pierres '05

 

139 524 86 137 27 6 3 45 185 54 96 40 19 .330 .353 .261 Pods '06