What's up with the Walker love?

by The Wizard on Nov 29, 2007 5:11 PM CST in Quotes

Leaving behind Greg Walker, a man Rowand refers to as "not only the best hitting coach in baseball, hands down, but also one of my best friends," Rowand was forced to rely more on his own knowledge to make corrections with his swing. This bit of personal growth should help answer critics who point to 2007 as a spectacular anomaly compared to his past solid seasons.

"During the last couple of years, I learned a lot about myself and my swing," said Rowand, who hit .309 in 2007, with 27 home runs, 45 doubles, 89 RBIs and 105 runs scored. "[In Chicago] I depended on [Walker] to watch and break down every one of my swings, and I leaned on him and depended on him too much, instead of learning a feel.

"Milt Thompson is Philadelphia's hitting coach, and I have nothing bad to say about Milt whatsoever. But he doesn't break down your swing mechanically the way that Walker does. He's more of a feel guy than about mechanics with the swing.

"So it's almost like I became my own hitting coach and had to make adjustments myself," Rowand added. "I'm already out swinging right now. Two months have gone by, and normally when I start hitting, I feel like I don't know what I'm doing. This year, I feel like I'm right there still."

***** In other news,

Ron Schueler is the Giants new senior advisor.
Jim's take on the Linebrink signing.
Speaking of Linebrink, he attributes his struggles last year on "personal issues." He, also, says that his decision came down to offers from 3 teams.
Kevin Goldstein and Joe Sheehan on yesterday's Garza-Young trade. BTB too. And BA.

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Comments

So Rowand leaves the Sox and Greg Walker...

and proceeds to have his best season ever, yet he still licks Walker's boys? Crazy.

by SSH2005 on Nov 29, 2007 7:01 PM CST reply actions

didn't he have his worst season ever first?

by larry on Nov 29, 2007 7:02 PM CST up reply actions

If by worst season ever you mean...

...worst in every way conceivable, than no.

Technically his '02 season was comparably below average, in fact a little worse in just about every statistic, but '06 was certainly his worst season since establishing himself as an everyday player.

by Hazymania on Nov 30, 2007 6:07 AM CST up reply actions

I think larry was talking about '06

by 3E8 on Nov 30, 2007 9:01 AM CST up reply actions

Yeah...

"worst season ever" generally implies taking samples from the course of his entire career.

I think Larry thought '06 might have been his worst season ever, and it wasn't. End of story.

by Hazymania on Nov 30, 2007 11:04 AM CST up reply actions

oooh, end of story, eh?

i guess i just don't generally count seasons when someone isn't playing full-time or is quite young. seems kind of an apples to oranges sort of comparison.

by larry on Nov 30, 2007 12:22 PM CST up reply actions

haha

I knew speaking in absolutes would bring you to the table.

In 2002 Rowand had 302 AB's in 126 games. Not a full season mind you, but a respectable sample size. Granted that's in comparison to 405 AB's in 109 games in '06 (compliments of losing a fight with a wall), but earlier in the thread I acknowledged that he had yet to become an everyday guy.

At this point, I'm just arguing for the sake of arguing, and I don't like my chances against a professional.

I'll hang up and listen to your answer.

by Hazymania on Nov 30, 2007 12:30 PM CST up reply actions

ROTFLMAO

The internets equivalent of setting fire to a bag of shit on his front step and ringing his doorbell.

"We can stay with Jerry Owens in center field...So we've got a lot of flexibility" - Kenny Williams

by ChicagoPete on Nov 30, 2007 1:18 PM CST up reply actions

Aaron Rowand is the

Best.Hitting.Coach.Ever.

by krushcuts on Nov 29, 2007 11:56 PM CST up reply actions

I thought milledge was a true CFer, no?

[Robothal]:

What's more, the A's are no longer as interested in Mets outfielder Lastings Milledge and right-hander Aaron Heilman as they were when they tried to acquire both in a package for left-hander Barry Zito before the non-waiver deadline in 2006.

Travis Buck and Nick Swisher since have emerged as starting corner outfielders. The A's need a long-term answer in center, but consider Milledge more of a corner player. Heilman, meanwhile, has been the past two seasons pitching entirely in relief, reducing his value.

or is this more beane's attempt to decrease milledge's value?

how would milledge's CF defense compare to, say, BA's?

by The Wizard on Nov 29, 2007 7:08 PM CST reply actions

The Linebrink signing is going to look bad...

David Riske to the Brewers for around 3-years, $12 million (according to Rotoworld.com).
Troy Percival to the Rays for 2-years, $8 million.
Yasuhiko Yabuta to the Royals for 2-years, $6 million with a 2010 team option worth $4 million.

by SSH2005 on Nov 29, 2007 7:15 PM CST reply actions

but kenny didn't give a no-trade clause to bricky

oh wait, nevermind...

by The Wizard on Nov 29, 2007 7:17 PM CST up reply actions

Those contracts are every bit as outrageous

as Linebrink's when you consider who those guys are and what they got, and I'm no Linebrink loveror fan of the contract we gave him.

by dantesox on Nov 29, 2007 8:00 PM CST up reply actions

Riske - 4 mil a year

Now thats insane - of course David was always great of not allowing his runners to score... however whoever is on base when he comes in...

by Brush Back on Nov 29, 2007 8:19 PM CST up reply actions

Linebrink is positvely Wannstedtian

"They were one of the biggest suitors. Kenny Williams came to Texas to meet with me and my wife and explained that the White Sox had been trying to get me for three years. Plus, they seemed to have the most pieces in place. There were only about three teams that were really aggressive. I think it's a case where middle market teams are not willing to spend money on a middle reliever."

And when he says "middle market" he means "smart"...

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Nov 29, 2007 8:24 PM CST reply actions

this must make angels ticket holders feel good

"I would have signed for less," said Hunter, who had five-year offers, ranging from $70 million to $75 million, from the White Sox, Rangers and Royals, and the day before the Angels offer dined with Texas Rangers owner Tom Hicks.

What if the Angels offered less than those other teams?

"I still would have taken it!" Hunter said."Arte [Moreno, Angels owner], he didn't want to negotiate.

arte sure drives a hard bargain.

link

by larry on Nov 29, 2007 8:40 PM CST reply actions

re

"I still would have taken it!" Hunter

and the tooth fairy is real!

by The Wizard on Nov 29, 2007 8:50 PM CST up reply actions

correction

"I still would have taken it!" Hunter said.

yeah torii, and the tooth fairy is real!

by The Wizard on Nov 29, 2007 8:57 PM CST up reply actions

marlins may have rejected sox mega offer

Chicago White Sox - The White Sox were aggressively going after Cabrera, offering a package of 3B Josh Fields, CF Jerry Owens, LHP Gio Gonzalez and reportedly LHP Jon Danks. That probably won't cut it, as the Marlins seem to be going after superstar prospects and nothing less.

http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/Morisato/2007/11/29/On_The_Block_Miguel_Cabrera

by Jbasic89 on Nov 29, 2007 9:46 PM CST reply actions

You realize that

Marisato is no more reputable than SSH2005, MLBTR, or, youknow, The Cheat himself. Just a rangers fan who started a blog on FOX Sports dime.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Nov 29, 2007 10:19 PM CST up reply actions

didnt notice that

i would have figured that would definately get the job done

by Jbasic89 on Nov 29, 2007 10:24 PM CST up reply actions

I don't think it's enough...

Moreno said the Marlins want 4 players, with 3 being major leaguers. I don't think Owens fulfills the role of major leaguer, and Danks and Fields barely do. And anyway, the Angels supposed offer of Kendrick, Santana, Willits, and Mathis is better anyway.

by hitlesswonder on Nov 29, 2007 11:03 PM CST up reply actions

I would have bought into the rumor more...

if the guy could at least spell Danks' first name correctly.

by SSH2005 on Nov 29, 2007 11:23 PM CST up reply actions

And he's a Rangers fan no less...

by hitlesswonder on Nov 29, 2007 11:49 PM CST up reply actions

That

package is nothing to sneeze at.....that is not a low-ball offer. Our pitching would take quite a hit.

by dantesox on Nov 30, 2007 8:16 AM CST up reply actions

I never claim to have any inside info...

I just post stuff from Rotoworld.com. ; )

by SSH2005 on Nov 29, 2007 11:11 PM CST up reply actions

Astros sign 2B Kaz Matsui for 3-years, $15 million

"Report: Astros beat Cubs to Matsui"

Damn, I was hoping the Cubs would make this stupid mistake.

by SSH2005 on Nov 29, 2007 11:03 PM CST reply actions

Kenny Williams is not the worst GM in baseball

that is all

by hitlesswonder on Nov 29, 2007 11:04 PM CST up reply actions

In other MLB news...

by SSH2005 on Nov 29, 2007 11:10 PM CST reply actions

Isn't it funny how...

Merkin is really selling us on the White Sox interest in Rowand and vice versa, while the Sun-Times and Tribune are making it sound like Kenny isn't going to pony up the cash for Rowand and is already looking at other CF options? So who's right?

by SSH2005 on Nov 29, 2007 11:21 PM CST reply actions

A couple of days ago

Cowley was the only one saying Rowand was a no-go... The Trib was still running with Rowand is gonna be back stuff...

I tend to disbelieve everything on the MLB site.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Nov 29, 2007 11:33 PM CST up reply actions

Except whey they post those rumor articles like...

"Sources: Sox close to deal with Linebrink"

Whenever they actually post rumors like this about a potential signing or trade at a MLB.com site, they are usually true.

by SSH2005 on Nov 29, 2007 11:42 PM CST up reply actions

Mark Gonzales of the Tribune...

seems to selling Coco Crisp now. He make no mention of Aaron Rowand in his latest article.

by SSH2005 on Nov 29, 2007 11:52 PM CST up reply actions

It acts more as the marketing/PR

site for every team rather than an objective source of information. I don't put much stock into it other than entertainment value.

2008 - Sox version of The Battle of the Bulge: The Final Stand

by winningugly on Nov 30, 2007 7:31 AM CST up reply actions

This is disgusting...

Mark Gonzales wrote:

The Sox now have 14 players under contract for 2008 at $99.975 million.

by SSH2005 on Nov 30, 2007 12:14 AM CST reply actions

Makes you think

Someone else must be getting traded if the Sox are going to sign anyone significant. Contreras? Konerko? Looking at that number, it does seem likely they'll try to shed Uribe's salary.

by hitlesswonder on Nov 30, 2007 1:20 AM CST up reply actions

Remember, (Bruce) Levine said

Konerko DEFINITELY going to be traded.

by ballyb on Nov 30, 2007 6:38 AM CST up reply actions

Sox interested in Kosuke Fukudome and Jason Bay...

Ken Rosenthal wrote:

The White Sox have backed off free-agent center fielder Aaron Rowand because they prefer to sign him for four years rather than five years, according to a source with knowledge. The Sox are among the teams interested in Japanese free-agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, a rival GM says, and also are exploring a possible deal for Pirates left fielder Jason Bay. The Cubs also are pursuing Fukudome and waiting to hear from another Japanese player, free-agent second baseman Kaz Matsui.

Please happen... please.

by SSH2005 on Nov 30, 2007 12:40 AM CST reply actions

One of these is not like the other...

Bay would cost the Sox something like Fields and Gio, wouldn't he? I'd really rather see the Sox just spend money on Fukodome. I know he's not a sure thing, but Bay isn't either. Bay is going to be 30 this year and it's very possible he's just going to be an .800 OPS LF going forward. I'd rather see the Sox gamble money and not players.

by hitlesswonder on Nov 30, 2007 1:17 AM CST up reply actions

I'm not sure about that

Bay's dropoff last season took some of the luster off him, and he's not young. We don't know what Neal Huntington is asking for him -- or, for that matter, how Huntington wants to reshape the Pirates' roster. I would imagine he'd want young players who could contribute to the offense, but maybe he'd want low-ceiling pitching prospects like Broadway or McCullough. (Maybe not. I have to remember that Littlefield is gone.)

The Pirates could be a team interested in Brian Anderson, though he would only be a piece of any deal for Bay. Who the others would be, I don't know, but it may not have to be Fields, Gio, Fautino, or Egbert.

by asinwreck on Nov 30, 2007 7:03 AM CST up reply actions

At this point...

I'd just be glad to be rid of Anderson. I still believe he's going to be an above average major leaguer, but I'm just so sick of the morons on sports radio ::coughcoughDeFalcoandHoodcoughcough:: fire on him every time they mention the White Sox if he were to go elsewhere, they could at least focus on something else.

by Hazymania on Nov 30, 2007 7:12 AM CST up reply actions

I think it would be best for Kenny

to avoid trades with Neal Huntington.

by BustedFlush on Nov 30, 2007 10:36 AM CST up reply actions

Bay is not really that much of a gamble

At least Id put money on him first over Fields. OPS+ of 93, 138, 150, 132. Come to poppa. I keep seeing Gio's name tossed around. I just don't believe KW will give him up easily considering how he wanted him back so bad in the first place.

"Find out what you are doing wrong and STOP doing that."

by Tdogg on Nov 30, 2007 10:07 AM CST up reply actions

Jason Bay

I'd be all for buying low on Bay. Didn't he have some sort of injury problem last year?

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Nov 30, 2007 9:36 AM CST up reply actions

Sittin on the Dock of the....

I'm not so sure fields would have to be included in a Bay swap because the Pirates already have Neil Walker, the 5th best 3B prospect in baseball. I'm sure however, Bay would cost us either Gio. I'm not really sure how i feel about this trade. Part of me wants to sell Gio High because he hasnt hit the majors yet, but then again, he is only 22. Its tough when you're talkign about dealing prospects for a Proven major leaguer. And Bays numbers have declined due to injury, but i believe he was supposed to get that cleared up this off season.

by The Deacon on Nov 30, 2007 7:21 AM CST reply actions

Another thing...

granted it was just a rumor, but if we were offering Gio, Sweeney, and Fields for Mig Cab, there is no way we would have to pay close to that price for bay, they arent anywhere near the same level.

by The Deacon on Nov 30, 2007 7:28 AM CST reply actions

Rowand/Walker...

Aren't his comments almost a "damning with faint praise"? He's really saying (to prospective employers) "Last year was no fluke. Once I got away from thinking too much under Walker, learned to trust 'my feel/touch', I blossomed."

Also, doesn't Milt Thompson get even a little credit for the last 2 NLROY's?

It should be called Bill Veeck Park!

by Chiburb on Nov 30, 2007 8:24 AM CST reply actions

All I can guess re: why all the (sucky)

hitters gush over Walker is they somehow have succumbed to the Stockholm Syndrome, or Walker = Svengali - the Evil Eye, gypsy that he is. Like John and Bo Derek back in the day. How else to explain this total nonsense?

2008 - Sox version of The Battle of the Bulge: The Final Stand

by winningugly on Nov 30, 2007 9:47 AM CST reply actions

Better deal or no?

"Riske looks to add some relief
Brewers, pitcher close to a deal"

The three-year deal could be completed as early as today. Neither side would reveal the financial terms being discussed, but the going rate for set-up men this winter has been $4 million to $5 million per season.

So Riske will receive either 3-years, $12 million or 3-years, $15 million. Would you rather have Riske at one of those contracts or Linebrink at 4-years, $19 million?

by SSH2005 on Nov 30, 2007 10:04 AM CST reply actions

Neither is an option

by hitlesswonder on Nov 30, 2007 10:09 AM CST up reply actions

Neither one.

I really thought that Ken Williams had the right idea last year when he stockpiled a bunch of young, live arms. It didn't work out, but it was worth trying again. There's just no reason to spend $4-5 million on middle relievers.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Nov 30, 2007 10:09 AM CST up reply actions

Worth trying again?

Last year's bullpen was NOT A BORDERLINE FAILURE. It was an unmitigated disaster. Tragic, laughable, you plug in the description. I still shudder when I think of the disasters last summer.

IT WAS NOT, REPEAT NOT worth trying again.

by ballyb on Nov 30, 2007 10:53 AM CST up reply actions

Re. Riske

There was a discussion on SoxTalk.com about Riske, specifically "(his) value is in keeping the team close when it is down a couple runs. As soon as the game is tied or you get a lead he folds."

Summary: No good in pressure situations.

Comments????

by ballyb on Nov 30, 2007 11:00 AM CST up reply actions

The numbers...

sort of bear that out, actually.

Opponents' OPS vs. Riske-

when margin of game is -

> 4 runs - .701
within 4 runs - .708
within 3 runs - .712
within 2 runs - .755
within 1 run - . 735
tied - .785

And the big difference seems to be that he starts walking more guys.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Nov 30, 2007 11:08 AM CST up reply actions

Who cares what Kenny Williams does?

He's a step behind in all of these moves. Now, Coco Crisp might be going to the Twins. If he really wanted him, he's going to be gone now. Maybe that's why he said JERRY OWENS would be OK in CF.

KW talks a great game but his moves are underwhelming. I thought he couldn't sleep because of the crappy year last year and he didn't want to see that again... Guess what. It's going to be Groundhog Day for him.

by LVSoxFan on Nov 30, 2007 10:43 AM CST reply actions

Tigers re-sign Kenny Rogers...

"Tigers agree to terms on one-year deals with Kenny Rogers and Francisco Cruceta"

by SSH2005 on Nov 30, 2007 10:52 AM CST reply actions

Ozzie and Hawk just blew their loads...

Link:

Additionally, the Tigers today designated the contracts of first baseman Chris Shelton and outfielder Timo Perez for assignment. Shelton spent the entire 2007 season with Triple-A Toledo, hitting .269 (134x498) with 14 home runs and 65 RBI in 139 games. Perez saw action in 29 games with the Tigers in 2007, batting .389 (35x90) with nine doubles and 13 RBI.

Also, Ed Farmer loves Chris "The Babe" Shelton.

by SSH2005 on Nov 30, 2007 11:06 AM CST up reply actions

I think...

that Shelton could be a decent major-leaguer if given a shot. The Tigers don't like him for some reason, but I think he'll catch on somewhere and do okay.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Nov 30, 2007 11:09 AM CST up reply actions

Rays sign Troy Percival...

Rays agreed to terms on a two-year contract with RHP Troy Percival that guarantees him $8 million with up to $4 million more in incentives.
The 38-year-old Percival figures to move into Tampa Bay's closer role, with Al Reyes sliding into a setup job. Percival is said to have passed up offers from the Yankees and Brewers because he wanted to close again and is familiar with manager Joe Maddon from their time together with the Angels.

by SSH2005 on Nov 30, 2007 11:11 AM CST reply actions

Timo!

I want Timo Perez back, even if it's just for nostalgia. I used to love the triple threat of Willie Harris, Timo Perez, and Pablo Ozuna.

by Raf on Nov 30, 2007 11:49 AM CST reply actions

consolation prize

for the loser of the johan sweepstates: dan haren on the block.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/11/30/haren/index.html

by larry on Nov 30, 2007 11:49 AM CST reply actions

No press release...

as of yet, but rumor has it that the Mets have traded Lastings Milledge to Washington for Ryan Church and Brian Schneider. If true, it's one less CF option...

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Nov 30, 2007 12:15 PM CST reply actions

wow

i never thought id see the day when brian schneider and ryan church are more valueable than jose contreras.....

by The Deacon on Nov 30, 2007 12:17 PM CST up reply actions

Some confirmation...

Newsday reports this as fact.

One wonders what the Mets plan to do with Johnny Estrada, then. Nice pickup for the Nats.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Nov 30, 2007 12:42 PM CST up reply actions

i imagine

he'll end up getting non-tendered. nothing like completely wasting an asset in mota, huh.

by larry on Nov 30, 2007 12:54 PM CST up reply actions

Holy crap is that a bad trade for the Mets

No reason to even play "what would it have taken." This is just plain lunacy.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Nov 30, 2007 1:31 PM CST up reply actions

2 thoughts

I'm grateful Minaya's not our GM
We could have offered something better than that. Except it appears to me Minaya was dead set on acquiring a catcher that can "handle the pitching staff" and we don't have one of those. Pretty idiotic on Minaya's part. Then again maybe there is a minor league component?

by bhoov on Nov 30, 2007 12:42 PM CST up reply actions

yeah

if i were a mets fan, i'd be marching on shea with torches and pitchforks looking for minaya. maybe there's something more to this but it's hard to see how even that would help justify it.

by larry on Nov 30, 2007 12:49 PM CST up reply actions

Church

is a pretty decent player, as we've talked about, but damn... Church and Schneider for Milledge? That's brutal. What a coup for Bowden, and kudos to another very good deal on his part. That OF is going to be lots of fun to watch with Kearns, WMP and Milledge, not to mention Zimmerman in the infield. Get that team some pitching and before long they'll be competing in the East.

by CWSKeith on Nov 30, 2007 12:52 PM CST up reply actions

What a dumb bastard of a trade...

Would you rather have Church and Schneider OR Milledge and Estrada? Stupid.

by SSH2005 on Nov 30, 2007 1:22 PM CST up reply actions

wow, that's just stupid

Milledge is probably already the player Church is and Schneider just makes Estrada redundant, whom they acquired for Guillermo Mota. Looks like the Braves are going to start off on another streak if Minaya keeps this up.

His little smile pissed me off.

by colintj on Nov 30, 2007 1:21 PM CST up reply actions

Where the hell is KW?

We couldn't cough up BA and Contreras for Milledge (or some like package)? Instead, Minaya gets jacked by the Nats, a team in his own division no less. Bad, bad trade, made worse by KW's inactivity. Hello Shannon Stewart, Owens, Dye, OF.

by HulkSmash on Nov 30, 2007 1:44 PM CST up reply actions

you seem to be ascribing rationality

to minaya. not sure why, considering all this points to quite the opposite.

by larry on Nov 30, 2007 1:46 PM CST up reply actions

iT

isn't what I'd do, but I'd say people here are way overrating an unknown in Milledge...that trade ISN'T AS TERRIBLE AS it's being made out....and the over-valuation of prospects continues....that's not to say I wouldn't love to have Milledge....I would....but he is not even close to a sure thing. Those two Minaya got will help...it could bite him, this deal....but it's laughable the extremism here.

by dantesox on Nov 30, 2007 1:57 PM CST up reply actions

If the outlook here...

is "extreme", then the whole world is extreme. I haven't seen anyone reputable who likes this trade from the Mets' perspective.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Nov 30, 2007 2:09 PM CST up reply actions

I don't either....

but I understand why....I don't think Milledge alone is NEARLY as valuable as you think he is......and, in terms of the Mets, he MAY have gone a bit for need more than value, but I can see where he nedds/wants a defensive-minded catcher AND a pretty versatile and left-handed hitting outfielder.

by dantesox on Nov 30, 2007 2:13 PM CST up reply actions

his performance to date

is what's being evaluated, not hype. milledge is impressive and the Mets cared more about his rap album. the Nats just got their CF for the next 4 years, where they'll be at least average. that's huge value. Minaya is a moron.

His little smile pissed me off.

by colintj on Nov 30, 2007 2:31 PM CST up reply actions

Are you serious?!

Milledge just posted a 105 OPS+ at age 22! Guys that are above average hitters at 22 in MLB often develop into stars and sometimes develop into superstars. Worst case he provides cheap league average production for the next 5 years. By contrast Church was in A ball at 22. Now Church is a league average to above average player but he's 29 and thus is very unlikely to get any better.

I think that this is far and away the single worst transaction of the offseason. It's way worse than our worst recent trade (Vazquez for Young).

I mean imagine if we had waited until Young had logged 200 league average AB's and then traded him for pre surgery Toby Hall and the Trot Nixon of 3 years ago?

by bhoov on Nov 30, 2007 2:20 PM CST up reply actions

Cardinals sign SS Cesar Izturis to a 1-year deal.

I think we are going to have to eat some of Uribe's contract if we want to move him.

by SSH2005 on Nov 30, 2007 1:06 PM CST reply actions

Hmmm...

I can't imagine teams balking at an out-of-shape, sometimes erratic fielder with no plate discipline.

I'm gonna eat your brains and gain your knowledge.

by Toonderstrook on Nov 30, 2007 1:13 PM CST up reply actions

This offseason sucks

A lot of action going on and KW's face is pressed up against the window. Our next big announcement will be picking up Crede's option, woohoo.

"We can stay with Jerry Owens in center field...So we've got a lot of flexibility" - Kenny Williams

by ChicagoPete on Nov 30, 2007 1:23 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah...

It's fun watching Delmon Young and Lastings Milledge go to other teams.

by SSH2005 on Nov 30, 2007 1:28 PM CST up reply actions

That Twins/Tampa trade

is an exciting trade - for both sides. You're talking a trade where multiple players on both sides of the deal will be making a major impact for five years to come. In the meantime we swap a year of Garland for one year of a 33yr old SS, and stockpile fat SSs and crippled 3Bs for $4.5mm.

"We can stay with Jerry Owens in center field...So we've got a lot of flexibility" - Kenny Williams

by ChicagoPete on Nov 30, 2007 1:32 PM CST up reply actions

The Sox...

never had the pieces to get Young, and the Mets apparently wanted a decent catcher for Milledge. I'd trade Pierzynski for Milledge, but I doubt that Ken Williams would.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Nov 30, 2007 1:41 PM CST up reply actions

I don't think Omar

takes AJ. He was looking for someone who can "handle a pitching staff". Of course that's even more horrifically stupid than needing someone to play "leadoff hitter". Given AJ's issues with "handling the pitching staff"in SF I'm pretty sure he doesn't fit that definition.

by bhoov on Nov 30, 2007 1:51 PM CST up reply actions

This post from Kalapse on SoxTalk.com.

"Well he (Hunter) was also just on with Waddle and Silvy saying the same thing and he's absolutely right the only competition the Angels will have in the West next year is the Mariners and they don't really scare anybody. Anaheim has the easiest path to the playoffs of any team in baseball. Torii did say that KW's plan is brilliant and that Sox fans are going to love it but who the hell knows if he truly believes what he says. He did say that 2 things in KW's plan have already come to fruition with the Cabrera trade and the Linebrink signing so if he is telling the truth that's a good sign."

Note middle: "Torii did say.......brilliant......love....."

by ballyb on Nov 30, 2007 1:41 PM CST up reply actions

Nothing against Torii Hunter...

but he's not a GM.

And I think that there's a decent chance that the A's will be good next year, although not as good as the Angels, of course.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Nov 30, 2007 1:42 PM CST up reply actions

So what?

The Angels have no competition (allegedly) in the west. Call us when you get past the 1st round.

by HulkSmash on Nov 30, 2007 1:46 PM CST up reply actions

Torii loved everything this offseason

Sox Machine

by Sox Machine on Nov 30, 2007 1:49 PM CST up reply actions

And with

about 90 million good reasons.

I'm gonna eat your brains and gain your knowledge.

by Toonderstrook on Nov 30, 2007 1:50 PM CST up reply actions

$90 f-ing million.

America..........What a great country!

by ballyb on Nov 30, 2007 1:57 PM CST up reply actions

Except the kids in Texas

he stiffed - T. Hick, Torii, and a Youth Baseball Academy = Ticket to Heaven.

2008 - Sox version of The Battle of the Bulge: The Final Stand

by winningugly on Nov 30, 2007 2:38 PM CST up reply actions

How is it every quote relating to Juan

includes the verb "eat"?

2008 - Sox version of The Battle of the Bulge: The Final Stand

by winningugly on Nov 30, 2007 1:21 PM CST up reply actions

What in the hell is going on down in FL?

My buddy said their are SWAT teams and machine guns all over the place? Musharraf move to Orlando?

I'm gonna eat your brains and gain your knowledge.

by Toonderstrook on Nov 30, 2007 1:31 PM CST up reply actions

Got me - too busy

doing financial planning to notice. Of what does your (butt?) buddy speak, Left Coast (like Lisa "Left Eye", are you).

2008 - Sox version of The Battle of the Bulge: The Final Stand

by winningugly on Nov 30, 2007 2:39 PM CST up reply actions

PS You sure this isn't NH -

Clinton's office with the "human bomb"?

Also, nutty day in Chi-town, too:

CHICAGO -- An Amtrak passenger train plowed into the back of a freight train Friday on the South Side of the city, seriously or critically injuring at least five Amtrak employees, fire officials said.

2008 - Sox version of The Battle of the Bulge: The Final Stand

by winningugly on Nov 30, 2007 2:42 PM CST up reply actions