Dye signs extension

[whitesoxfan101]

IT is more that they are not going to play him at LF right now because they don't know whether Crede can play, plus they are going to want as much leverage as they can. Plus, moving to left isn't going to be that difficult. A full spring training, plus some off-season drills and he'll be serviceable in little time (He's a good enough athlete).

 

However, if Fields makes defensive strides as the remainder of the season progresses they could decide they are better off going after a FA outfielder (or trading for one). The problem is if they do that than they really have two pickups left because I don't think they have any other ML starting outfielders on the current roster (that is if Fields is at 3rd).

 

If you stick with Crede, than all you got to do is find a CFer (and I realize that isn't easy) and than swap someone at SS for Uribe. The more I see it the more I see the pen staying pretty much the same (give or take an in-house swap) with Contreras probably on his way out (and possibly Garland).

 

^^^^^^^^

 

That about sums it up right there.

[Chisoxfn]

DH: Thome

1B: Konerko

2B: Richar

SS: ?

3B: Crede playing for a contract

LF: Fields

CF: ?

RF: Dye

 

That doesn't make my eyes bleed at least, but we still have 2 glaring holes we need to figure something out about. Better than I thought we'd be at this point looking towards 2008 though, I like our pitching still. I don't mind this extension either, 2 years for JD at 11 million is worth it if he can be a 30 homer guy the next 2 years and hit .270, and I think he can. And what Rowand said about eating his words about not trading Dye, I echo those sentiments.

Exactly...thats my thoughts. Either sign a guy like Willie for CF or find a prospect you like and get him (s***, Matt Kemp can play CF and I still say the Dodgers would move him for a guy like Garland).

 

Could Kemp/Hu be at SS/CF. I realize you'd be counting on some youngsters atop the order, but you'd still have Konerko/THome/Dye/AJP/Crede/Fields so that gives you some relatively stable bats in the middle. You'd also have a lot more speed with Kemp/Hu/Fields/Richar all being able to move a bit and all 4 of those guys would be long term solutions as well.

 

The problem is there is no doubt you'd be opening up a massive hole in your rotation (knowing that Buerhle/Vaz are your two aces and that after that you would have issues), unless of course you can move Contreras for something valuable.

 

Or the Sox, could keep Garland and use guys like Sisco/Broadway, etc to trade for a younger CF and use another prospect or two to find yourself a younger SS that they like.

[whitesoxfan101]

I'd like to see us trade pitching to get something in CF and then try and find a cheap, average player type option at SS who will play defense. We can afford to trade pitching for a CF and be fine there, and then at SS we kinda gotta get lucky I think.

[Chisoxfn]

I'd like to see us trade pitching to get something in CF and then try and find a cheap, average player type option at SS who will play defense. We can afford to trade pitching for a CF and be fine there, and then at SS we kinda gotta get lucky I think.

The best part is, if you can find a way to pull things out, you'd get your #1/#2 hitter from those two spots as well (thus giving the Sox increased speed over Erstad/Uribe who entered this season at those positions). Hopefully we'd get better production as well.

 

Regardless the one piece they need to find, whether it is a SS or CF that does it, is there leadoff hitter. I'd prefer for that guy not to be a youngster, but if it were a real good prospect I'd still take my chances knowing at the very least at least we'd have a guy that should grow and get better and better atop the lineup.

 

Hell, I still wouldn't be shocked with Juan Pierre leading off for the Sox (we know Ozzie likes him). I think the Dodgers would deal him on the cheap (picking up some of his contract). I doubt theyd' be interested in Contreras, but there would be some options in that type of deal as well (with the Sox getting an overpaid guy...even a Julio Lugo type, who they think could fill a hole and add the top of the order speed).

 

And like him or not, Pierre gets singles and does what Ozzie likes (I'd like to see his OBP improve significantly though, but regardless he'll get hits at least and he's been a pretty resilient/healthy guy). He definitely wouldn't be my favorite pick-up, but I could see getting him on the cheap (a Lance Broadway or who knows who to the Dodgers for Pierre and a little cash).

 

The move opens up a full time spot for Matt Kemp and gets the Dodgers another young arm (which they could use to get another bat somewhere else, plus frees up some payroll).

[GreatScott82]

Okay lets say we do the whole Fields in LF experiment next year, that leaves SS and CF to provide a leadoff hitter. You figure Rowand is 60% sure on coming back to play CF, that leaves SS to provide a leadoff hitter... Who can that be?

[whitesoxfan101]

I think I trust Jenks, Logan, MacDougal, even Wassermann and Bukvich more than Thornton right now. Matt has only 1 pitch, and people have figured it out. He's like a lefty David Aardsma it seems like, only it took them way longer to figure out Matt since he's a lefty. And Masset, Aardsma, and Sisco showed me enough to not trust them this year. Sisco and Masset are starters and starters only it seems like, and Aardsma has only 1 pitch.

[Dick Allen]

What's amazing is everyone has a problem with Uribe at SS but seems sold on Richar as a regular secondbaseman. Am I missing something here? If Richar and Owens and Andy Gonzalez get regular playing time next year, things probably won't change much.

[Greg The Bull Luzinski]

I am going to guess that this means the White Sox will not pursue Fukodome this off season. I kind thought maybe that was the name KW gave Buehrle in their super secret meeting. IF Dye rebounds from an off year and we are able to fill the other holes, I am not totally against this move. $11 mil is not a lot IF Dye stays healthy.

[Dick Allen]

I am going to guess that this means the White Sox will not pursue Fukodome this off season. I kind thought maybe that was the name KW gave Buehrle in their super secret meeting. IF Dye rebounds from an off year and we are able to fill the other holes, I am not totally against this move. $11 mil is not a lot IF Dye stays healthy.

I read in SI that he's going to get $15 million a year for 4 or 5 years. The Sox wouldn't have gone there, and I don't blame them.

[Chisoxfn]

I think a salary swap between the Dodgers and Sox makes a ton of sense. Contreras for Pierre or Furcal makes so much sense for the Sox, especially Furcal.

Well if the Dodgers decide to go with Hu next season, than ya, Furcal would make an assload of sense and I'd give up a s***load of prospects for him. While I think he's a bit over-rated, he's a very good defensive shortstop that is a significant offensive upgrade over Uribe and he would also stabilize the top of the order. However, I would think the Dodgers would move Pierre before they ever moved Furcal because Hu could always end up replacing Kent at 2B while no matter how you put it Pierre takes up Loney/Ethier/Kemp's playing time. Plus the Dodgers need to find a way to get a power bat in (whether a 1st baseman or a corner outfielder).

 

However, you also have to remember Furcal only has one year left on his deal which makes it less likely that he'd be a money casualty.

 

I'd love a Furcal pickup, pending him signing an extension, but I think Pierre seems more reasonable (Dodgers more willing to part with him, due to him having 4 more years left).

[Chisoxfn]

What's amazing is everyone has a problem with Uribe at SS but seems sold on Richar as a regular secondbaseman. Am I missing something here? If Richar and Owens and Andy Gonzalez get regular playing time next year, things probably won't change much.

Richar is oozing with talent and I'm perfectly comfortable with him at 2nd. I'm so glad people continue to right off players after 2-3 weeks in the majors. Fields/Richard are must haves in the 2008 lineup. The Sox need to start breaking in 2-3 young players every season (1-2 position guys, 1 or so pitchers) and do it consistently.

 

That type of mentality (albeit you have to have talented young players) helped the Braves stay so damn good for such a long time as it allows you to always have a good mix of talent/vet presence/young affordable players.

[Greg The Bull Luzinski]

I read in SI that he's going to get $15 million a year for 4 or 5 years. The Sox wouldn't have gone there, and I don't blame them.

 

Just for s***s and giggles, I will be interested to see who pays for it since the Red Cubs have a pretty full outfield and the Yanks would seem to have bigger issues (1B, starters not named Roger).

[Dick Allen]

Richar is oozing with talent and I'm perfectly comfortable with him at 2nd. I'm so glad people continue to right off players after 2-3 weeks in the majors. Fields/Richard are must haves in the 2008 lineup. The Sox need to start breaking in 2-3 young players every season (1-2 position guys, 1 or so pitchers) and do it consistently.

 

That type of mentality (albeit you have to have talented young players) helped the Braves stay so damn good for such a long time as it allows you to always have a good mix of talent/vet presence/young affordable players.

I'd like to see him hit a little better than Uribe before appointing him a star. I'm not writing him off, but on the other hand, it seems ridiculous to name this guy the starter when he has only 45 ABs in the major leagues and isn't even hitting .200. Uribe happens to be oozing with talent as well. It doesn't mean its all going to come together.

[Chisoxfn]

Just for s***s and giggles, I will be interested to see who pays for it since the Red Cubs have a pretty full outfield and the Yanks would seem to have bigger issues (1B, starters not named Roger).

If he doesn't get a ton of major deals, I could see the Sox going for him. One thing people forget about the Japanese players is all the potential for additional/new sources of revenue that you can get if the player pans out. Hell the Daitske signing by the Red Sox is looking like a steal because of all the Japanese money that has been filtering into the Red Sox organization (money that they wouldn't have gotten a year ago).

[Greg The Bull Luzinski]

If he doesn't get a ton of major deals, I could see the Sox going for him. One thing people forget about the Japanese players is all the potential for additional/new sources of revenue that you can get if the player pans out. Hell the Daitske signing by the Red Sox is looking like a steal because of all the Japanese money that has been filtering into the Red Sox organization (money that they wouldn't have gotten a year ago).

 

... and Chicago does have a sizable Japanese population (no I am not a census taker). I think/hope the price will drop at some point and then I wonder if he would play LF.

[WCSox]

If he passes his physical and is healthy, there is no way you'd get anyone near as good as Crede at 5M.

 

Passing a physical is no guarantee that Joe's back will stay healthy over the wear and tear of a 162-game season.

 

If you don't bring back Crede, than it means you need to sign 2 FA outfielders (or trade for 2).

 

The Sox could get away with one FA to replace Pods and have Owens/Sweeney in CF next year (or a FA in CF with Sweeney in LF). It isn't the best-case scenario, but it may be worth it if KW doesn't want to give Rowand 4/40 or whatever he'll be commanding. Having veteran talent at every position doesn't necessarily translate into production at the plate (Tad, Uribe, Pods, Erstad, etc.) and KW shouldn't just go out and over-pay for two veteran FA outfielders if the market this off-season is below average. I'd rather he stand pat than pay a veteran salary to Pods, Part II.

 

That costs a lot more than the $5M Crede costs and the one FA/Trade that you need to fill the outfield (with Fields filling in at LF).

 

Paying Joe $5 million to sit on the DL for half of the season, moving Fields back to 3B, and having to trade for another outfielder at the deadline costs a lot as well.

 

I'd love to see Joe back for one more year, but sentimentality shouldn't overshadow the fact that Joe will be a huge question mark next year and that the Sox need to spend money elsewhere (SS, bullpen, and C after next year). My hope is that ownership gives KW the financial freedom to bring Joe back AND address those other needs. We'll see what happens.

 

[WCSox]

... and Chicago does have a sizable Japanese population (no I am not a census taker).

 

They do? Certainly not in comparison to Seattle, San Fran, LA, etc.

 

[Dick Allen]

Passing a physical is no guarantee that Joe's back will stay healthy over the wear and tear of a 162-game season.

The Sox could get away with one FA to replace Pods and have Owens/Sweeney in CF next year (or a FA in CF with Sweeney in LF). It isn't the best-case scenario, but it may be worth it if KW doesn't want to give Rowand 4/40 or whatever he'll be commanding. Having veteran talent at every position doesn't necessarily translate into production at the plate (Tad, Uribe, Pods, Erstad, etc.) and KW shouldn't just go out and over-pay for two veteran FA outfielders if the market this off-season is below average. I'd rather he stand pat than pay a veteran salary to Pods, Part II.

Paying Joe $5 million to sit on the DL for half of the season, moving Fields back to 3B, and having to trade for another outfielder at the deadline costs a lot as well.

 

I'd love to see Joe back for one more year, but sentimentality shouldn't overshadow the fact that Joe will be a huge question mark next year and that the Sox need to spend money elsewhere (SS, bullpen, and C after next year). My hope is that ownership gives KW the financial freedom to bring Joe back AND address those other needs. We'll see what happens.

There's no guarantee that anyone remains healthy. I wonder if Crede would be able to get $5 million in arbitration anyway. I would imagine he would have to show he was healthy. Sandy Alomar Jr. had the exact same procedure that Joe had, and while Sandy was often injured, his back was never a problem again. Of course, that's no guarantee that Joe will be the same, but its a one year deal at half of what you would have to pay a guy on the open market for the same production if Joe is healthy. Unless there is obvious signs the surgery, which remember the White Sox wanted him to have in the first place, was not successful, non tendering is not wise. If you don't want to pay him, if he's healthy you could always deal him. 3rd base is a problem area for a lot of teams.

[Greg The Bull Luzinski]

They do? Certainly not in comparison to Seattle, San Fran, LA, etc.

 

... more so than say Kansas City

[Lemon_44]

I don't agree with it,but i think they let Crede go. They let Ordonez walk and a back injury seems to be a more serious injury. Plus, they let Ordonez walk with no viable replacement at the time. THey have Fields ready to take over at 3b.Also, I can easily see Torii Hunter manning CF over Rowand next year. KW and Ozzie love the Twins style and Hunter is about the best defensive CF around. Ozzie said he wants alot speed next year. A lineup of Hunter in CF, Owens in LF, Richar at 2b, and a SS(Greene??) would give you 4 pretty fast guys to go laong with the power or Konerko,Thome, Dye,Hunter and Fields.

[Kalapse]

I'd like to see him hit a little better than Uribe before appointing him a star. I'm not writing him off, but on the other hand, it seems ridiculous to name this guy the starter when he has only 45 ABs in the major leagues and isn't even hitting .200. Uribe happens to be oozing with talent as well. It doesn't mean its all going to come together.

Uribe will make $5M next year if he's back while Richar would make the minimum. I'm 100% behind giving Richar the starting 2B job for next year, he's quick, slick defensively, knows how to take a walk and incredibly cheap. If I can get those 4 things out of my 2B/#9 hitter, I'm happy. Having 2 near minimum salary players in the starting lineup in Richar and Fields adds a whole lot of financial flexibility.

[RealSouthsider]

SWEET. I'm glad he's staying in Chicago, everyone got a bad start this season....and I don't think we can judge a lot of the players by this seasons.

 

Dye has been hot since the all star break. He is a keeper, now lets get T. Hunter with him in the outfield. woot woot!

 

[Baines3]

I'm glad Dye is still back he still has power. Chances are Thome will be back as I'm sure he would like to get 500 home runs.

[TLAK]

I'm glad JD resigned, he is one my favorite players to watch. He is moving better and covering more ground since he had the 'oil change' done to his knee so it's not unreasonable to think he will be good for a couple more years.

 

That Kenny Williams sure is a funny fellow. The team wins the World Series and he tears it apart, changing a quarter of the roster before spring training. This year they are 13 under and he's resigning everybody. Go figure.

[RME JICO]

With the Iguchi and Mackowiak trades the Sox freed up an estimated $8 million off the books for 2008 and the Buehrle/Dye deals will cost the team $7 million more in 2008. So with the addition of Richar and Gonzalez's league minimum salaries, it is almost a wash.

 

The Sox can free up about $13.5+ in 2008 from the following players: (Crede - $4.94 in 07, Pods - $2.9 in 07, Erstad $3.5 TO in 08, Cintron $1.9 in 07) to realistically fill only 2 positional slots (Starting OF and Bench player) and maybe one solid bullpen arm.

 

IF - Konerko, Richar, Uribe, Fields, Pierzynski

OF - Dye, Owens, FA

DH - Thome

BN - Gonzalez, Ozuna, Sweeney, Hall, FA