Important Quotes from KW and AJP

[jamesdiego]

Yea, I'm with you nitetrain. Paul with his so called "leadership", and his puss comments need to go. Thome and JD as well, more for just getting old and regressing, but we need to purge ourselves of these nice guys as well. Pauls' ego is out of control. We need some balls, I don't know from where, but we need 'em.

[Rowand44]

I hate to be down on this team because theyre so good on paper and I still have that hope they run off 9 in a row and then sweep the Tigers to take the thing but there is no way they bounce back from what happened this week.

 

The teams we lost to last week and how we've lost the games this week by just blowing up is going to be too much to overcome.

 

I think KW and AJ are right. I was one of the people who openly supported a firesale 2 years ago after 2006 when we won 90 and didnt make the playoffs. I figured Detroit and Minnesota would both hover around 90 wins+ and we'd finish third with our fading bunch of veterans and needed to sell them for youth because of the shape of our farm at that time.

 

We lucked out and finished way worse than third - netting us Beckham. Danks and Floyd have obviously emerged to become very good players. Quentin, if he is healthy, can hopefully join that mix.

 

Last season was a blast. The new acquisitions this year of Peavy and Rios have backed me off Kenny for being a blithering idiot and not getting youth for our veterans because he managed to do it without dealing them and I didnt think it was possible.

 

But at this point. It's sink or swim for our vets. I dont care what Thome's OPS, I don't care that Jermaine Dye was hitting close to .300 until the All-Star break and I certainly don't give two flying tummy tucks about Jenks or anyone in that bullpen (minus Matty).

 

If this team doesn't take this thing - then their run has ended. They no longer need or want to be here. Their is no passion out of these guys. Say what you want about Ozzie or young players but you needthat fire. Dye, Kong, Thome are too professional, too emotionless, and just seem dead right now. Maybe they don't care, maybe theyre worn down because theyre old, I don't know.

 

I will say this. I watched David Ortiz, a guy who gets the same treatment as Thome with the shift, try to bunt the ball away from that shift last night. Maybe I am wrong again but I don't think I've ever seen Jim Thome try and even present that he was thinking about doing it. Not Jim Thome - I'm going to hit 600 homers. I don't show bunt so that it festers in the back of someones mind.

 

And same goes for Dye. It's like this Rios thing has made him even worse because he feels like he deserves better. Play for you life - like a guy like Podsednik is doin. If you told me one of those two are coming back next season then I want Podsednik. Dye is playing like Carlos Lee did here when he refused to play for the team. Last night he pulled his head out on every swing trying to hit a homer. Put the damn ball in play.

 

Sorry for the rant. Needed to be said. Get rid of these bums if they dont step up. Plain and simple.

Awesome, awesome post.

[Pumpkin Escobar]

I'm not sure PK goes anywhere just because it seems easier to let Dye and Thome walk. Hopefully we can get arbitration offers extended where they wont accept them and end up with some draft picks. After last years fiasco though I am a tad worried.

 

I don't think this team can suffer losing all 3 of those big bats. We'd need to make sure we replace them heavily. Meaning they need to get the best hitter out there if they can or deal for 2 of them. Rios wont make up for it from the looks of it. CQ wont remain healthy. Beckham could potentially hit 100 homers but lets let him hit 20 first.

 

I think if we move PK, let Dye and Thome go - you'll see Figgins on this squad, and someone we hardly expect via trade (Adrian Gonzalez, Joey Votto, I'd touch myself for Hanley - it'd be something over the top). I know theyd like to change the dynamic of the club but it's one thing to change things - it's a complete asinine move to change them and not play to your home ballparks advantage. Which we all know is the long ball.

[LVSoxFan]

Trade Jenks while he still has value.

 

It's gonna be Thome or Dye; I think Konerko has a few years still, doesn't he? And right of refusal?

 

I'd say s***: keep Pods, he's cheap and he's been awfully good since coming back. Oh God and Jose: see ya!

 

IMO it's between Thome and Dye and if I had to guess they'll unload Dye.

 

Keep AJ for God's sake; he's still hitting and one of the smartest catchers around.

[Pumpkin Escobar]

Trade Jenks while he still has value.

 

It's gonna be Thome or Dye; I think Konerko has a few years still, doesn't he? And right of refusal?

 

I'd say s***: keep Pods, he's cheap and he's been awfully good since coming back. Oh God and Jose: see ya!

 

IMO it's between Thome and Dye and if I had to guess they'll unload Dye.

 

Keep AJ for God's sake; he's still hitting and one of the smartest catchers around.

 

I'm glad you touched back on the Jenks thing.

 

I've been for dealing him but we missed our boat. We could've sold high on him. Didnt. Now closers are less valuable in trades, teams are reluctant to deal prospects, Jenks stands to make a lot of money and the teams will have health concerns and now guys like Papelbon are potentially available too.

 

Jenks value will be moderate this offseason. If you can get a Bourn for him, or package up something for a Crawford - please do it.

 

One thing I doubt but that could be appealing is making a package around him for Melky or Cano. With Rivera getting up there - why not?

Edited August 27, 2009 by Pumpkin Escobar

[nitetrain8601]

I'm glad you touched back on the Jenks thing.

 

I've been for dealing him but we missed our boat. We could've sold high on him. Didnt. Now closers are less valuable in trades, teams are reluctant to deal prospects, Jenks stands to make a lot of money and the teams will have health concerns and now guys like Papelbon are potentially available too.

 

Jenks value will be moderate this offseason. If you can get a Bourn for him, or package up something for a Crawford - please do it.

 

One thing I doubt but that could be appealing is making a package around him for Melky or Cano. With Rivera getting up there - why not?

 

I think the Sox are better off with Getz or Beckham or Alexei at 2B. Cano will get expensive soon. I think we also need to deal Jenks. I say PK as well because he is getting older, he has the hip thing going on, and to me, and to me he hates when people talk about the club (OC last year, Swisher goofing off, Pods irritated him yesterday)

[LVSoxFan]

I thought PK should have been gone a couple of years ago but not sure that we can unload him. I'm tired of this "quiet leader" myth.

[Wise Master Buehrle]

I'm not sure PK goes anywhere just because it seems easier to let Dye and Thome walk. Hopefully we can get arbitration offers extended where they wont accept them and end up with some draft picks. After last years fiasco though I am a tad worried.

 

I don't think this team can suffer losing all 3 of those big bats. We'd need to make sure we replace them heavily. Meaning they need to get the best hitter out there if they can or deal for 2 of them. Rios wont make up for it from the looks of it. CQ wont remain healthy. Beckham could potentially hit 100 homers but lets let him hit 20 first.

 

I think if we move PK, let Dye and Thome go - you'll see Figgins on this squad, and someone we hardly expect via trade (Adrian Gonzalez, Joey Votto, I'd touch myself for Hanley - it'd be something over the top). I know theyd like to change the dynamic of the club but it's one thing to change things - it's a complete asinine move to change them and not play to your home ballparks advantage. Which we all know is the long ball.

 

NOw there's an interesting thought. In all seriousness, when does Hanley start arbitration? Is he still making league minimum? I don't know much about it, but if Hanley is gonna be making more money then Alexei soon... could you see a SS swap because the Marlins love to dump salary so much?

 

Gonzalez and Votto will stay with their respective teams, IMO.

Edited August 27, 2009 by Wise Master Buehrle

[WCSox]

I'm glad you touched back on the Jenks thing.

 

I've been for dealing him but we missed our boat. We could've sold high on him. Didnt. Now closers are less valuable in trades, teams are reluctant to deal prospects, Jenks stands to make a lot of money and the teams will have health concerns and now guys like Papelbon are potentially available too.

 

Jenks value will be moderate this offseason. If you can get a Bourn for him, or package up something for a Crawford - please do it.

 

One thing I doubt but that could be appealing is making a package around him for Melky or Cano. With Rivera getting up there - why not?

 

Our bullpen is terrible right now, and will be even worse without Jenks. He's literally one of two reliable pitchers in there. I don't know if he'll be worth the $7M or so that he'll make next season, but getting rid of him would be going in the wrong direction.

 

His numbers this year are far from bad in comparison to his peers...

 

Jenks - 1.24 WHIP

Papelbon - 1.30 WHIP

K-Rod - 1.29 WHIP

Valverde - 1.18 WHIP

Fuentes - 1.24 WHIP

 

[Chisoxfn]

Why do people keep mentioning PK being gone? He's under contract.

I think he's one of the leaders and he tends to play tight so if Kenny wanted to make a change that is where you'd probably start. AJ won't be the guy.

[The Ginger Kid]

I am curious to see who will DH next year. I wouldn't mind seeing...(gulp)...pods (runs for cover!)

[GreatScott82]

I am curious to see who will DH next year. I wouldn't mind seeing...(gulp)...pods (runs for cover!)

I'm sure they will consider that. Esspecially with Viciedo waiting in the wings if it wouldn't work out.

[nitetrain8601]

I'm sure they will consider that. Esspecially with Viciedo waiting in the wings if it wouldn't work out.

 

I honestly wouldn't mind Pods as long as they brought in another power hitting OF like Dunn. Who else would be available?

[Wise Master Buehrle]

I honestly wouldn't mind Pods as long as they brought in another power hitting OF like Dunn. Who else would be available?

 

I've had enough power hitters for this decade. Let's build like the Angels/Rays.

[TheChrisSamsa]

He's even throwing out runners now. I've got no complaints with AJ.

 

AJ is a top five catcher these days and he knows atleast 3/5 of who will be pitching to him next year very well. I can't imagine AJ being one of the guys on the chopping block.

 

Trade. He's getting up there and his value would probably be best after this season. Maybe he'll retire a White Sox, but I honestly can see KW being pissed and trading him too.

 

I would be shocked if Konerko got traded.

[Melissa1334]

I've had enough power hitters for this decade. Let's build like the Angels/Rays.

base clogging, homerun-bb-or k power hitters, me too. i agree. enough already with that

[nitetrain8601]

base clogging, homerun-bb-or k power hitters, me too. i agree. enough already with that

 

The thing is, you need power hitters as well to win. Someone who's going to occasionally knock in 3 or 4 runs at a time. It gives you a great ability to come back on teams. Hell even the Rays got Carlos Pena who is the model for swinging for the fences. Old school type power hitter. I think people will realize how slow PK, Thome, and Dye once we actually get any hitter other than those 3. Billy Butler who is much chubbier than Konerko runs much faster. KW has already gone from the baseclogging minus those three guys and AJ. If you got a C who can hit though, you should be able to live with his non-track speed.

[ChiSox_Sonix]

NOw there's an interesting thought. In all seriousness, when does Hanley start arbitration? Is he still making league minimum? I don't know much about it, but if Hanley is gonna be making more money then Alexei soon... could you see a SS swap because the Marlins love to dump salary so much?

 

Gonzalez and Votto will stay with their respective teams, IMO.

 

The Marlins signed Hanley to an extension prior to 2008. He makes ~$8M next year and in '11, $15M in '12, $15.5M in '13 and $16M in '14. He also has a NTC.

 

And the Marlins won't be trading him. I understand the allure, but people gotta stop bringing him up.

[Bubba Philips]

The Marlins signed Hanley to an extension prior to 2008. He makes ~$8M next year and in '11, $15M in '12, $15.5M in '13 and $16M in '14. He also has a NTC.

 

And the Marlins won't be trading him. I understand the allure, but people gotta stop bringing him up.

for a dh , thome, dye and Konerko are all slow they bat in the middle of the lineup I think KW will try and find a Dh or other players that can hit for obp and don't clog up the base paths. Ill never guess who KW will find and actually acquire. Contact hitters that are good in the clutch. A white sox player in scoring position with no one out that doesn't score scenario I believe peturbs KW as much or more than it does us.

[Pumpkin Escobar]

The Marlins signed Hanley to an extension prior to 2008. He makes ~$8M next year and in '11, $15M in '12, $15.5M in '13 and $16M in '14. He also has a NTC.

 

And the Marlins won't be trading him. I understand the allure, but people gotta stop bringing him up.

 

You know. As much as I hate to say it (because I agree I see it impossible that he gets dealt) but everyone said the exact same thing with Miguel Cabrera. The one fundemental flaw is they do not operate a high payroll. They'll keep him around to open up their stadium and then 1-2 years after he will be out the door.

 

 

[Pumpkin Escobar]

I just see us making some outside the box moves if this thing faulters. Kenny doesn't like to look bad and some of these guys are making him look that way.

 

I'm not sure entirely what route we'd go - but I feel like it'll have speculation everywhere and we'll be linked to every name and we'll all be captivated by it all offseason on here. hah I can see it already.

[jamesdiego]

I love it that most here agree on Konerko. KW and Oz have to have some of the same feelings we share. KW took my advice last year about Swish and Javy, hopefully he will this time about Paulie. In the email I sent him, I had the subject heading: "F*** Konerko". He has my opinion on the matter.

[Chisoxfn]

I love it that most here agree on Konerko. KW and Oz have to have some of the same feelings we share. KW took my advice last year about Swish and Javy, hopefully he will this time about Paulie. In the email I sent him, I had the subject heading: "F*** Konerko". He has my opinion on the matter.

I think your being a bit harsh on Konerko and I find it hard to believe that Kenny would take anything with that subject line very serious.

 

We can say what we want about Paulie, but he's been an above average 1st baseman and a high character guy during his tenure here and that goes along way. Could he be the man showed the door this off-season, sure, but I don't think its because the Sox are over him or dislike him cause that clearly isn't the case.

 

They might think a new voice is needed and maybe to do that they move Paulie, but they might also find a way to keep Paulie and bring in a new "captain" so to speak or maybe Beckham starts to grab that role and AJ is given the title of Captain.

 

Either way I see Konerko get spat on a lot and while I have no problem making changes I do think we should respect that he's been an above average player and a very good White Sox during his tenure.

[TheBlackSox8]

I think your being a bit harsh on Konerko and I find it hard to believe that Kenny would take anything with that subject line very serious.

 

We can say what we want about Paulie, but he's been an above average 1st baseman and a high character guy during his tenure here and that goes along way. Could he be the man showed the door this off-season, sure, but I don't think its because the Sox are over him or dislike him cause that clearly isn't the case.

 

They might think a new voice is needed and maybe to do that they move Paulie, but they might also find a way to keep Paulie and bring in a new "captain" so to speak or maybe Beckham starts to grab that role and AJ is given the title of Captain.

 

Either way I see Konerko get spat on a lot and while I have no problem making changes I do think we should respect that he's been an above average player and a very good White Sox during his tenure.

Never have wanted Konerko to leave. Out of all the big power guys that the Sox had 4/5+ years ago...I'm glad they kept Konerko...He's been one of my favorite players. He's played through injury, and it may effect his ability sometimes. He's been beat up pretty much the whole second half....but his heart is there, and that's what matters the most.....gotta have the heart. Seems AJ has it, Beckham, Getz, Danks and Floyd have gotten it, and it looks as if Quentin feels it....but it seems like everybody else is in a no care mood, even Thome and Pods at times seem like they don't care. And I would love to know wtf is wrong with Dye, Dotel, or Linebrink....and a few others. I'm just stunned at how they can perform on opposite ends of the spectrum in one half of the season to the other.

 

[jamesdiego]

I think your being a bit harsh on Konerko and I find it hard to believe that Kenny would take anything with that subject line very serious.

 

We can say what we want about Paulie, but he's been an above average 1st baseman and a high character guy during his tenure here and that goes along way. Could he be the man showed the door this off-season, sure, but I don't think its because the Sox are over him or dislike him cause that clearly isn't the case.

 

They might think a new voice is needed and maybe to do that they move Paulie, but they might also find a way to keep Paulie and bring in a new "captain" so to speak or maybe Beckham starts to grab that role and AJ is given the title of Captain.

 

Either way I see Konerko get spat on a lot and while I have no problem making changes I do think we should respect that he's been an above average player and a very good White Sox during his tenure.

 

 

Yes, I hardly think KW will take my colorful email seriously either. More for his amusement while stating this one fan's opinion. To Paul, I thank you for all that you've done. Now go away please, we need new leadership.