No Pitching Acquisitions says Kenny Williams

by The Wizard on Dec 5, 2007 10:20 PM CST in Quotes

If there were any thoughts that the White Sox would look to add to the starting rotation, general manager Ken Williams put that to rest on Wednesday.

Asked about entering the season with John Danks and Gavin Floyd in the backend of his starting rotation, Williams responded, "Well, they're in the back-end of the rotation now, but in 29 other rooms around the building right here these are two guys that everyone would want, and most people in the industry view as top-of-the-rotation guys. Our pitching is not going to be a problem this year. We'll be fine in that area."

As far as lefty Gio Gonzalez jumping one of them this spring, Williams wouldn't bet on that.

"[Gonzalez is] in a better position than last year in terms of his maturity level and progress, but he's going to be behind John Danks and Gavin Floyd. Gavin Floyd showed us last year that he's ready for full-time big-league work, so did John Danks. The only reason that John Danks at the end of the season did not pitch the last few weeks is because we knew what we had. We know what we have there and we wanted to see that in Gavin Floyd so we could take the next step with both of them."

Can Kenny say that every baseball team would want [to have] Gavin with a straight face?

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Comments

Give him 10 years

And I bet every team will have Floyd for at least half a season.

by ginandtacos on Dec 5, 2007 10:38 PM CST reply actions

"top of the rotation guys"

Has Kenny always thrown around the BS this heavily, and I just hadn't noticed till now?

My theory: he's gone into denial and is in his own little world. And that's fine, denial is the first stage. Eventually we'll progress to acceptance.

by hitlesswonder on Dec 5, 2007 10:48 PM CST reply actions

I was just about to post the same thought

KW is losing credibility by the day in my book, from his explanation for not going after A jones while pursuing Torri Hunter to this. Floyd and Danks have combined to win how many games, and now "most" GMs would put them at the top of their rotation!!? Does he really expect us to believe this non-sense? But as you say, his world and the real world are realms apart.

by egardne on Dec 5, 2007 11:11 PM CST up reply actions

He's swimming in the first 3 stages of grief

Denial... He was solidly in denial last year when Erstad and Pods were deemed acceptable options.

... He was clearly in denial when he signed JD and Pierzynski to long term deals.

... He gets angry when the press ask him questions. I don't expect this to stop anytime soon.

... And the Winter Meetings are all about bargaining. It's only when that bargaining comes up empty that the subject moves on to the final two stages.

Bring on depression!

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Dec 5, 2007 11:16 PM CST up reply actions

Hah!

I'd like to see KW in full out remorse.

by HulkSmash on Dec 5, 2007 11:27 PM CST up reply actions

You will

Right around, oh, June 1...maybe sooner.

"Each one of my (off-season acquisition)targets has that edge to them, that go-getter attitude. We need it. We will embrace it." - Kenny Williams (11/28/07)

by tailgater on Dec 6, 2007 12:43 PM CST up reply actions

all im gonna say is

i really liked what i saw outta floyd in september last year.

by Jbasic89 on Dec 5, 2007 11:06 PM CST reply actions

For sure

Floyd's stuff looked downright dirty at times last year. Give him time. I think he can be a decent pitcher.

by Raf on Dec 5, 2007 11:21 PM CST up reply actions

This spin by KW

makes me wonder: what is the White Sox plan? What has it been over the past few years?

A few seasons ago, they wanted to mimic the Twins, speedy lineup, strong pitching, getting runners over, smart baseball, etc... rather than mashing dingers (they still try to emulate this, or at least say they do, in a sense). Then came the Tigers mimicry of power arms in the pen (and we all know how that fared). It seems like the only thing of the Sox own has been 'grinder baseball' and, more recently, 'Chicago tough,' which anyone with half a mind realizes is nothing more than empty rhetoric meant to appease part of the fan base (KW can sign the blond guy from Queer Eye tomorrow and say he's a real 'grinder...a guy who puts it all out there').

I hear KW talking about plans 1A and 5F and 7Q, and I just don't see it; I don't see the direction he wants the Sox to head in. If he wants to emulate the Twins and Tigers in any way, I'd like to see him do so by building a strong farm system, a strong presence in international scouting, etc...

There's a lot to be said here, I think (I've tried to distill my thoughts as much as possible, for the sake of brevity). Much of which has already been said, of course.

by HulkSmash on Dec 5, 2007 11:12 PM CST reply actions

By the way...

I know it's only December 5th, but even with the rumored moves and players KW won't sign and how he's only got 50 cents to his name... I just don't see the vision. Maybe I'll be surprised, but with so few pieces to move for young talent and so much money locked up in aging guys, it'll definitely be an uphill battle.

by HulkSmash on Dec 5, 2007 11:17 PM CST up reply actions

Well said. . .

Don't even get me started on the 'Chicago tough' banter.
Perhaps this is laying the foundation to get everyone excited about overpaying Rowand whose running-into-walls antics would apparently qualify as Chicago tough.
There really does seem to be no discernible plan for the future. But, of course, KW might say its too great to be perceived by non-baseball professionals which, of course, is again empty rhetoric.

by egardne on Dec 5, 2007 11:19 PM CST up reply actions

Oh yeah...

he's feeling the heat... Gonzales has a ton of quotes

My favorite is this one

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us," Williams said.

Which is a bit like a bug saying the windshield with some new wipers is in a better position to contend with him.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Dec 5, 2007 11:39 PM CST reply actions

Also

Gonzo saw a need to say that Hahn and Williams met with Jamie Torres, Contreras' agent. They can't be working on an extension. He doesn't have a no-trade clause...

The only reason I can come up with for both Hahn and KW talking to Torres is the signing of another client represented by Torres, another Cuban defector perhaps?

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Dec 5, 2007 11:52 PM CST up reply actions

Or maybe

They were telling Torres about the plans to move Jose to CF.

by hitlesswonder on Dec 5, 2007 11:59 PM CST up reply actions

KW

I have a feeling that KW will be talking to the media less after these meetings are over.

by Raf on Dec 6, 2007 12:03 AM CST up reply actions

Alexei Ramirez...

I believe as of last week, he is free to sign with any MLB team and the White Sox did give him a tryout already. Kenny better be viewing him as strictly a utility guy though. He came up as a shortstop and middle infielder and then played the outfield.

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 12:20 AM CST up reply actions

I pretty sure that

Alexei means "big fish" in Russian.

by ballyb on Dec 6, 2007 5:14 AM CST up reply actions

That was good one...

Along with everyone else in baseball being at fault for leaking to the press (that'll win you some friends around the league). And his relationship with the press being irrevocable changed. He's making Ozzie look level-headed.

Kenny -- you won a World Series. Go down with some dignity and just stop saying stuff.

by hitlesswonder on Dec 5, 2007 11:58 PM CST up reply actions

Sad

I'm not taking any joy in watching this grown man have a complete mental breakdown. He's losing touch with reality.

Do I think most teams would like to have a guy like Danks or the September 2007 version of Floyd? Yes. Are they "top of rotation"? Maybe on a team with absolutely no pitching. Maybe at AAA.

I agree with the comments re: a complete lack of a plan. What are they doing? They're targeting 30+ year old free agents and putting up a 9-figure payroll to compete for 4th in the Central.

Christ, admit that they're a big step behind DET/CLE and sell off the quality veterans for good young talent. Konerko looks downright cheap these days. And under contract for 3 more seasons. Thome, Dye....these guys could be valuable.

Let it go, Kenny. Back to reality now. Quentin is a good young player. Get more guys like him and compete in 2009/2010.

by ginandtacos on Dec 5, 2007 11:54 PM CST reply actions

How can they not look at Gonzalez?

Danks wasn't anything special last year. And Gio had ALOT better numbers in the minors than Danks. He should be given a fair shot.

I'm sure he'll get his chance once Contreras goes on the DL.

by striker on Dec 5, 2007 11:56 PM CST reply actions

or

once gavin floyd fails. but i think contreras will get hurt before floyd is down right awful. i really dont have high expectations for floyd, so any ERA under 5 would be magnificent. I think Danks will be a lot better this year, going back to his numbers from the past, hes struggled in his first year everytime he moved up a level, and then the next year he settled down. he still has the stuff to be a good #3.

"We had a guy go into 2nd base as if his wife was turning a double play."

by The Deacon on Dec 6, 2007 7:30 AM CST up reply actions

Andruw Jones

who under no circumstances was signing a short-term deal, is supposedly headed to the Dodgers for 2/$36

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Dec 5, 2007 11:59 PM CST reply actions

Good

He can take his lousy OBP to West Coast and free up Juan Pierre to bring his contact skills and ballplayerness back to the Midwest.

Ahem, seriously though, you have to wonder if that sort of deal would have been possible with Sox. Your "midmarket team" post really was spot-on. The Sox so constrain the ways they allow themselves to acquire talent it's ridiculous.

by hitlesswonder on Dec 6, 2007 12:09 AM CST up reply actions

Jones

http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071205&content_id=2319266&vkey=news _la&fext=.jsp&c_id=la

Dodgers and Andruw Jones agree on 2 years $36 mil

by tbone328 on Dec 6, 2007 12:00 AM CST reply actions

Great

2 years, 13 mil per is a decent signing. I knew we weren't going after him, but I still kinda hoped. Fuku or bust!!!!

by Raf on Dec 6, 2007 12:06 AM CST reply actions

Math = $18

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Dec 6, 2007 12:08 AM CST up reply actions

The dollar is depreciating every day

By the time Jones gets to LA it will be down to $13M.

by hitlesswonder on Dec 6, 2007 12:10 AM CST up reply actions

I bet Kenny didn't even say one word to Boras...

Honestly, that isn't a bad contract at all.

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 12:22 AM CST up reply actions

It's too bad we are looking for high OBP guys...

Andruw Jones didn't fit the bill. We need Coco.

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 12:24 AM CST up reply actions

By the way, Larry was wrong again...

Andruw Jones did not sign a one year deal.

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 12:39 AM CST up reply actions

NO!!!!!! NO!!!!!!

I have lost the will to live!!!!!!!AAARRGGGHHHH!

;)

"I can't give you a dollar if I don't have 50 cents. Decisions are made awfully easy for you."

by winningugly on Dec 6, 2007 10:39 AM CST up reply actions

wow

and how many times have you been wrong? oh, wait, you were wrong on this, too. more wrong than i was. good job, everyone.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 6, 2007 10:43 AM CST up reply actions

Go ahead and reply to this post...

so you can get the last word in. You know that you have to.

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 10:51 AM CST up reply actions

Dodgers

http://www.insidesocal.com/dodgers/archives/2007/12/dodgers_agree_t.html

Tony Jackson has a hunch that the Dodgers will now trade Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier in a package for a frontline starter.

Garland for one of them would be great now

by tbone328 on Dec 6, 2007 12:32 AM CST up reply actions

I'd rather have one season of an old geezer SS...

who helps our main goal of raising the team OBP with his stellar .321 career OBP.

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 12:37 AM CST up reply actions

I didn't like the trade for Cabrera

But I doubt Garland qualifies as a frontline starter. I think they are talking about Bedard or Santana.

by hitlesswonder on Dec 6, 2007 12:41 AM CST up reply actions

So we couldn't have gotten an Andre Ethier...

for Garland?

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 12:43 AM CST up reply actions

I don't know

I'm not sure. Garland was on a one year deal and cost $12M. Ethier has what -- 5 years left before FA? costs nothing and posted an .800 OPS.

I completely agree that Garland should have been flipped for a younger player like Ethier. I just don't know what the market really was like. People really seem hesitant to trade young players.

by hitlesswonder on Dec 6, 2007 1:07 AM CST up reply actions

except the tigers

rick porcello will be playing 7 positions for lakeland next year.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 6, 2007 11:55 AM CST up reply actions

CRAP!!!

Oh man I am out of it. Studying for finals right now. That's it going to bed. Awkward.

by Raf on Dec 6, 2007 12:11 AM CST reply actions

I hope it's liberal arts

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Dec 6, 2007 12:12 AM CST up reply actions

As opposed to Math?

It should be called Bill Veeck Park!

by Chiburb on Dec 6, 2007 9:17 AM CST up reply actions

So Kenny is down to Fukudome and Rowand...

as CF'ers to spend the big bucks on ($12+ million dollars per year).

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 12:24 AM CST reply actions

In Larry's absence...

Can't forget about JO. He's not going anywhere fast... except second base!!! SWOOSH!

I'll hang up and listen to your answer.

by Hazymania on Dec 6, 2007 12:36 AM CST up reply actions

I can't believe this pussy is our GM...

"Critics wearing thin on Williams
Sox GM also chides loose-lipped execs"

Grow a pair, Kenny.

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 12:36 AM CST reply actions

Are you saying KW isn't Chicago tough?

by hitlesswonder on Dec 6, 2007 12:39 AM CST up reply actions

stupid

kenny is one of the loosest lipped(if thats even a phrase?!) execs there is. hes always running his mouth about who hes going after. he needs to get it together.

"We had a guy go into 2nd base as if his wife was turning a double play."

by The Deacon on Dec 6, 2007 7:33 AM CST up reply actions

So realistically...

The Dodgers are now out of the Aaron Rowand sweepstakes with the Andruw Jones signing. I believe it's down to the Phillies and the White Sox, right? The Phillies would rather overpay Rowand on a 3-year deal and the Sox are offering only 4 years but $55 million dollars. Rowand wants a 5-year deal but there aren't any teams that seem to want to give him 5 years.

I think the Phillies move Shane Victorino over to CF, the White Sox sign Rowand, and the Cubs sign Fukudome. Then, SouthSideSox.com will crash from so many people posting about their hatred for Kenny.

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 12:54 AM CST reply actions

and KC too.

Or at least so the rumors say.

I'll hang up and listen to your answer.

by Hazymania on Dec 6, 2007 4:06 AM CST up reply actions

OF Brian Barton to the Padres?

"Baseball America is reporting that the Padres will likely trade with the Rays for the first pick in Thursday's Rule 5 draft and select Brian Barton."

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 12:56 AM CST reply actions

Don't get your hopes up for Fukudome...

I took this quote from a Cubs board...

Olney just repeated that people are expecting things to heat up after midnight Nashville time. The thought is it's between the Cubs and Padres and many feel the Cubs have the biggest offer on the table right now.

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 1:02 AM CST reply actions

I'm sure he'll be a Cub

But KW gave it good try.

by hitlesswonder on Dec 6, 2007 1:10 AM CST up reply actions

Hey, KW can't

give Fuku a dollar if he doesn't have 50 cents. What do you want from the man?

And, KW never, ever overpays the market for free agents (except in the case of declining setup men). I'll tell you what, gents, the White Sox may be heading down the road to complete failure, but we've got standards, and that's something those silly stat-heads can never take away. We just don't go splashing money around like these other clubs, no sir! Where's all that money from increasing ticket sales, ticket prices and revenue share go? Don't you worry about that. The point is: the Sox won't play into the hands of the market. I bet KW still pays one dollar for a gallon of gas. Why? Because he doesn't allow himself to get carried away by the market, you see?

by HulkSmash on Dec 6, 2007 7:47 AM CST up reply actions

Dejesus

I heard something on ESPN 1000 earlier this evening that the Sox are talking about geting David Dejesus from the Royals to play center field. I don't have a link, and it sounds fishy since it would be within the division, but his name has come up in a variety of different trade scenarios with other teams.

by simplesinger on Dec 6, 2007 1:05 AM CST reply actions

Having seen Floyd via MLB tv

in some of those September starts, the difference was that slider. If he's got that, then he's a legitimate starter. It works off his arrow straight fastball nicely, not to mention the curve. Coop had his mechanics much more in order in those later starts, too. Honestly, I might be more optimistic about him than Danks. It was probably just a case of tired arm, but it's not like he'd had a minimal load in the minors. Plus, he's got HR/9 issues.

But I really did like a lot of Danks' starts too.

His little smile pissed me off.

by colintj on Dec 6, 2007 2:26 AM CST reply actions

KW has lost it...

"What we have started this off-season, I'm proud of. And where we're headed is right toward being a well-rounded team in all facets of the game."

Yeah i'm proud of letting Detroit get 2 very good players, missing out on numerous center fielders in free agency (not wanting to give a long-term deal but then not being able to sign jones 2 years/36 mi)

kenny needs to be straightened out and stop blaming the media etc for his failures.

Watch him settle for patterson or some cheap ass minor leaguer to play center field

My White Sox Blog http://chicagosox.mlblogs.com AIM- NeverEnough013 Lets talk baseball

by LeftyPride on Dec 6, 2007 6:11 AM CST reply actions

I'd find it hard to believe that anyone has more..

disdain for Scott Boras than I do but, shit, what the Dodgers got Jones for was a steal. For that I would've wanted Kenny to make nice with Borass.

Maybe he didn't want to play in the AL. I don't know. But, I sure would have offered more than that or a 3 year deal and I would think that a GM that insists that he's goingforiyall THIS YEAR and has no CFer would also.

by White Sox Randy on Dec 6, 2007 8:15 AM CST reply actions

Great minds...........

by ballyb on Dec 6, 2007 8:21 AM CST up reply actions

Wait till the draft

When we pass up on an impact player because he decided to go with Boras for representation. Then get some "Chicago Tough" guy because even though the other guys are future superstars, we need "baseball players". Because if you get a lot of "baseball players" you can in fact have a team.

by southsideirish71 on Dec 6, 2007 9:23 AM CST up reply actions

How is $18 million

dollars a year a steal for someone who just hit .222 with a .306 OBP? Will Jones bounce back? Probably. But I wouldn't be betting 18 mill on that. The Dodgers just made him the 5th highest paid player in MLB. He's likely to be the 100th best player or so. No thanks. For the Dodgers this is really stupid, unless they can get a taker for Juan Pierre.

I'd rather have Rowand for 4/52 than Jones for 2/36. Or Fuku for 3/36 or even 3/39. I think we're denigrating Aaaron unfairly. I mean he is a good CF with a career .800 OPS. Very similar to Torii actually (although not quite as good due to ballpark inflation). If Andruw is worth 2/36 and Torii 6/90 then Rowand is certainly "worth" 4/52.

Although at this point I'm starting to come around to Larry's point of view concerning Fuku: Heck, sign him, give him a shot at CF and if he can't hack it trade JD at the trading deadline (yes, I know he has a no-trade, but I get the feeling that if we're 10 games under .500 at the All-star break with no MCab or Torii he'll take a trade to a contender). Or Quentin may be hurt by that time.

So my preferences would be:
1)Sign Fuku: Max 3/40
2)Sign Rowand: max 4/52

I'm not concerned about draft picks. At this point we're only losing a 3rd rounder. I'd rather sign a type A this year when we're only losing a 3rd rounder as opposed to next year when it could be a 1st rounder.

by bhoov on Dec 6, 2007 10:54 AM CST up reply actions

I'm not optimistic this morning.

No Andruw Jones. Not even an effort (maybe he really wanted to stay in NL). But as mentioned, Boras represents many of the very top players. A blanket rule not being interested in his clients is troubling. Desperate times sometimes require desperate approaches. Great, be shackled with another aging player for 5 years. But he is a fan favorite.
A whiny GM. Not easy to be upbeat when the captain is crying. Can't wait til Mariotti's next Sox column, and most likely I'll agree with much of it. It will be suitable for framing

by ballyb on Dec 6, 2007 8:19 AM CST reply actions

as said before

i'd rather have him do nothing today, than go out and overpay for the legend. i've got a bad feeling hes going to try to make a move to please the masses....

"We had a guy go into 2nd base as if his wife was turning a double play."

by The Deacon on Dec 6, 2007 8:25 AM CST up reply actions

Woke up this morning...

...and got myself a gun.

Well, I'm not that mad, but very disappointed and confused. To see Andruw Jones sign a 2-year deal at a very reasonable price makes me wonder why the Sox won't deal with his agent, Scott Boras. Yadda, yadda, yadda..he's tough to deal with...blah, blah, blah...We are "Chicago Tough" and aren't going to be pushed around. Well, KW and crew needs to wake up and realize that if there was ever a time to deal with Boras, it was to acquire Andruw Jones. That contract fits into KW's "plan" even if he is not sure what that plan is. Oh well,just another swing and miss. Ok, I feel better now.

by BoKnows on Dec 6, 2007 8:56 AM CST reply actions

ugh

I don't know. I'd like to have Andruw Jones, but I'm not going to get upset over this. Whats the difference if Chicago has him for 2 years? What is going to happen? It's a more interesting team, but it certainly still isn't a playoff team. There are 3 things that need to happen, and if they don't I'll be upset.

a) Trade Uribe
b) Trade Crede
c) Acquire a CFer

I'd rather have Rowand at 4 years / 55 million than Jones at 2/36. Perhaps in 3 years this will be a contending team.

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Dec 6, 2007 9:09 AM CST reply actions

i fear

that we are going to be stuck with uribe because no one wants to "eat" his 4.5 mil salary this year. and it makes no sense for us to pay half, when we'd have to pay a backup somewhere near a million anyways im guessing.

"We had a guy go into 2nd base as if his wife was turning a double play."

by The Deacon on Dec 6, 2007 9:14 AM CST up reply actions

We are sooo going to end up with Rowand...

Link:

Rowand a long shot. The Phils continue to talk with Aaron Rowand's agent, Carl Landis, but Gillick acknowledged that a deal is unlikely. "Yeah, I'd say it's a long shot," he said.

No Cameron. Mike Cameron's agent spoke with the Phillies about a possible match, but Cameron is seeking a multiyear contract and the Phillies aren't interested. Manuel said Shane Victorino would be the everyday centerfielder, with Jayson Werth getting playing time in right field, if Rowand does not return.

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 9:12 AM CST reply actions

uh oh

so whats going to happen to this site, will it overload and shut down because of so many angry mob posts?

"We had a guy go into 2nd base as if his wife was turning a double play."

by The Deacon on Dec 6, 2007 9:17 AM CST up reply actions

Rule V

Oakland took F.Hernandez

Liotta went in the minor league portion.

by Bull Pain on Dec 6, 2007 9:30 AM CST reply actions

Earlier picks...

Rays selected RHP Tim Lahey from the Twins with the first pick in Thusday's Rule 5 draft.
Baseball America says he's being traded to the Cubs. Lahey, who was drafted as a catcher out of Princeton in 2004 and turned into a reliever the next year, had a 3.65 ERA and a 59/35 K/BB ratio in 81 1/3 innings last season, all but three of them coming in Double-A. There's going to be little reason for the Cubs to keep him in their pen.

Pirates selected RHP Evan Meek from the Rays with the second pick in the Rule 5 draft.
Meek, who went undrafted in 2005, had a 4.30 ERA and a 69/34 K/BB ratio in 67 innings for Double-A Montgomery last season. Nick DeBarr of the Rays was probably a better bet among unprotected relievers.

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 9:32 AM CST up reply actions

Charlotte Knights draft RHP Santo Luis from Astros

Santo Luis' minor league stats

The White Sox lose:

Fernando Hernandez to the Oakland A's
Ray Liotta to Omaha (KC)
Ryan Rodriguez Norfolk (BAL)

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 9:49 AM CST up reply actions

Also, Garry Bakker to the New Orleans (NYM).

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 9:50 AM CST up reply actions

well

at least we're not the rangers. i was just lookin at the players they are looking to bring in (mike lamb, latroy hawkins....) and then looked at there roster, and all i can say is wow. so i guess it could be worse.

"We had a guy go into 2nd base as if his wife was turning a double play."

by The Deacon on Dec 6, 2007 9:52 AM CST reply actions

KW, please resign. Go into politics...

where this type of spinning is the norm. I don't even think Ozzie buys his nonsense anymore.

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us," Williams said.
(Do the Tigers plan on losing 90 games this year?)

"What [the scrutiny] does is make me wonder why I even bother spending the time that I do expounding on what our plan is and how we go about our plan," Williams told reporters.
(THERE IS NO PLAN. HIS MOVES MAKE NO SENSE.)

by LVSoxFan on Dec 6, 2007 9:55 AM CST reply actions

The problem lies deeper

than not having a plan for this year. The whole organizational philosophy is a joke. The lack of international talent and not paying above slot have both crippled KW's ability to make big trades.

by BoKnows on Dec 6, 2007 9:57 AM CST reply actions

I'm not sure...

why so many people wanted the Sox to sign Andruw Jones. There's a decent chance that the Dodgers are paying him a lot of money to suck.

Anyhoo, I'm more worried that this means that Juan Pierre is headed to the South Side - he's perfect for the leadoff position!

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Dec 6, 2007 10:06 AM CST reply actions

he wanted a short term deal

why would we want to waste money on jones for two years when we're doing nothing in those years?

i think it's a great deal for the dodgers. they're paying lots of money to other players to suck. it's not like the dodgers are poor or something.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 6, 2007 10:38 AM CST up reply actions

Exactly.

I don't see what Andruw Jones has to offer this team.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Dec 6, 2007 10:44 AM CST up reply actions

strikeouts, from what i've heard

and lower OBP. and swinging at the first pitch.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 6, 2007 10:46 AM CST up reply actions

What do you mean we're doing nothing....

in the next 2 years ? We're goinforitall in 2008! Aren't you paying attention ?

by White Sox Randy on Dec 6, 2007 10:55 AM CST up reply actions

Juan Pierre, Gary Matthews Jr., Coco Crisp.

Down to the stems and seeds.

by ballyb on Dec 6, 2007 11:05 AM CST up reply actions

haha

Hey, you forgot Corey Patterson!

Bally, what the hell are you doing over here in the whining section?

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

by ChicagoPete on Dec 6, 2007 11:08 AM CST up reply actions

The lithium wore off.

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Dec 6, 2007 11:20 AM CST up reply actions

so

has kenny gone into pout mode and now we'll no longer hear of any rumors because hes mad at other execs for leaking rumors?

"We had a guy go into 2nd base as if his wife was turning a double play."

by The Deacon on Dec 6, 2007 10:48 AM CST reply actions

hopefully

it's because he's stopped pretending that the sox are competing next year. more likely, it's because he's in deep cover plotting one of those out of nowhere trades.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 6, 2007 10:55 AM CST up reply actions

For

the fiftieth time.....what is all the bitching about? if we get a capable centerfielder for a reasonable sum, add another bullpen arm....Kenny will have had a decent offseason. We'll have an OK team, won't have given up out top prospects, and we'll, hopefully, continue to invest in and develop our farm system. What more did anyone expect? Now, I agree that Kenny's comments and attitude are sour and, well, weird....but so what? He hasn't done anythong near catastrophic.

by dantesox on Dec 6, 2007 11:07 AM CST up reply actions

And...

it's still only December 6....the winter meetings are just three days out of a 150 or so day offseason. Get a grip.

by dantesox on Dec 6, 2007 11:10 AM CST up reply actions

hahaha

i think most of us are just having some fun with a few sarcastic remarks, no one is jumping off a bridge here.

"We had a guy go into 2nd base as if his wife was turning a double play."

by The Deacon on Dec 6, 2007 11:14 AM CST up reply actions

Yeah, but he's not done yet

He's become Kurtz in Heart of Darkness. His methods have become...unsound.

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

by ChicagoPete on Dec 6, 2007 11:10 AM CST up reply actions

unsound?

I am not disclosing any trade secrets. In fact, the manager said afterwards that Mr. William's methods had ruined the organization. I have no opinion on that point, but I want you clearly to understand that there was nothing exactly profitable in these players being there. They only showed that Mr. Williams lacked restraint in the gratification of his various lusts, that there was something wanting in him-- some small matter which, when the pressing need arose, could not be found under his magnificent eloquence. Whether he knew of this deficiency himself I can't say. I think the knowledge came to him at last--only at the very last. But the baseball world had found him out early.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 6, 2007 11:16 AM CST up reply actions

Excellent

Although I'd prefer if the Sox were taking a page from Conrad's "Victory".

by hitlesswonder on Dec 6, 2007 11:26 AM CST up reply actions

Williams lay febrile and exhausted on his bed

after the horrible journey upriver from Nashville. You should have heard his disinterred body saying, "My intended." You should have heard him say, 'My Miggy.' Oh yes, I heard him. "My intended, my Miggy, my Hunter, my ivory, my station, my river, my--' everything belonged to him. It made me hold my breath in expectation of hearing the wilderness burst into a prodigious peal of laughter that would shake the fixed stars in their places. He had no restraint, no restraint--just like a tree swayed by the wind.

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

by ChicagoPete on Dec 6, 2007 11:47 AM CST up reply actions

If nothing else

This stuff is really raising the reading-level score of this site.

by hitlesswonder on Dec 6, 2007 12:00 PM CST up reply actions

Heart of Darkness!

Keith with the turn-around jumper from the baseline... AND BURIES IT!

by CWSKeith on Dec 6, 2007 12:35 PM CST up reply actions

Since we're getting literary...

"The world will end not with a bang, but with a whimper' - T.S. Eliot.

Sounds a lot like the White Sox since the second half of 2006 on, going out with a whimper and all.

(I may have transposed some words in that quote, but you get the gist).

by HulkSmash on Dec 6, 2007 12:58 PM CST up reply actions

These options might work the for '08 CWS as well

Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.

by BustedFlush on Dec 6, 2007 1:05 PM CST up reply actions

That's either Frost,

or Dr. Seuss.

by HulkSmash on Dec 6, 2007 1:09 PM CST up reply actions

Frost

but Dr. Seuss did the illustrations.

by BustedFlush on Dec 6, 2007 1:12 PM CST up reply actions

Great unknown movie, by the way.

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 11:26 AM CST up reply actions

With Tim Roth & Malkovich?

I love that movie, but they never show it! "I-vo-ry, mon Capitan, Ivoire"

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

by ChicagoPete on Dec 6, 2007 11:29 AM CST up reply actions

Apocalypse Now?

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Dec 6, 2007 11:47 AM CST up reply actions

seems to be referring

to the one from the early 90s that was made for tv by TNT (i think).

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 6, 2007 11:53 AM CST up reply actions

I hope he signs Rowand or Fukudome

For the following reasons:

To preclude a trade of Gio+more for Crisp or a Crisp-like CF.
The Sox would only lose a 3rd round pick this year as opposed a higher pick next year (Fukudome means losing no pick -- even better).
IF the Sox can refrain from giving out a no trade clause and the player's performance isn't catastrophic then they've added a tradeable asset to the organization

by hitlesswonder on Dec 6, 2007 11:09 AM CST up reply actions

i know

what KW is up to. hes plotting a trade for Griffey. He EXACTLY fits the KW mold for this years team.
a.) hes over 30 years old
b.) hes always had a boner for him
c.) the reds have a surplus of OF.
d.) i guess he can play CF still.

so there, we have our last 30+ year old, station to station type player.

"We had a guy go into 2nd base as if his wife was turning a double play."

by The Deacon on Dec 6, 2007 11:04 AM CST reply actions

you guys

making me depressed. can we talk about how we can win if we get really really lucky?

by boyonthedock on Dec 6, 2007 11:53 AM CST reply actions

no! no soup for you! next!

Once and for all, the leadoff position is how Jenna Jameson decides to spend the first 8 minutes of video time, which has nothing to do with baseball.

by Toonderstrook on Dec 6, 2007 11:56 AM CST up reply actions

LOL

Way to kneecap a kid, Toonder.

"I can't give you a dollar if I don't have 50 cents. Decisions are made awfully easy for you."

by winningugly on Dec 6, 2007 12:07 PM CST up reply actions

well

i wasn't going to talk about this but what the hell. i've devised a plan to blow up the charter aircrafts of each of the teams in the AL central. anyone who wants in, let me know. we may have to finish off buffalo, too, but we'll see.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 6, 2007 11:57 AM CST up reply actions

Blowing up is harsh...

Maybe we can just arrange for them to be "detained" someplace. You're a lawyer -- how does one go about getting that done?

by hitlesswonder on Dec 6, 2007 12:01 PM CST up reply actions

harsh?

look, if you don't have the stomach for it, stay out of our way. no prisoners, lawrence of arabia style.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 6, 2007 12:06 PM CST up reply actions

larry, have you founds your pants yet?

I believe they are being displayed in Millenium Park, at the Bean.

;)

"I can't give you a dollar if I don't have 50 cents. Decisions are made awfully easy for you."

by winningugly on Dec 6, 2007 12:08 PM CST up reply actions

13-game Ozzie ticket plans are on sale now

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Dec 6, 2007 11:56 AM CST reply actions

full rule 5 results

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/events/winter_meetings/y2007/index.jsp?mc=rule5

Major League Phase


Pick Player Position Drafted By Drafted From 2007 Club 

1 Tim Lahey RHP Tampa Bay Minnesota Rochester 

2 Evan Meek RHP Pittsburgh Tampa Bay Montgomery 

3 Randor Bierd RHP Baltimore Detroit Erie 

4 Jose Capellan LHP San Francisco Boston Lowell 

5 Jose Guevara RHP Florida Cincinnati VSL 

6 Sergio Valenzuela RHP Cincinnati Atlanta Rome 

7 Matt Whitney 3B Washington Cleveland Rome 

8 Wesley Wright LHP Houston Los Angeles (NL) Jacksonville 

9 Fernando Hernandez RHP Oakland Chicago (AL) Birmingham 

10 Brian Barton OF St. Louis Cleveland Buffalo 

11 Randy Wells RHP Toronto Chicago (NL) Iowa 

12 R.A Dickey RHP Seattle Minnesota Iowa 

13 Steven Register RHP New York (NL) Colorado Tulsa 

14 Michael Gardner RHP San Diego New York (AL) Trenton 

15 Travis Blackley LHP Philadelphia San Francisco Fresno 

16 Garrett Guzman OF Washington Minnesota New Britain 

17 Callix Crabbe 2B San Diego Milwaukee Nashville 

18 Lincoln Holdzkom RHP Philadelphia Boston Pawtucket

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 6, 2007 12:08 PM CST reply actions

Who cares

if signing Jones means "taking risk" or "overpaying him to suck"
AT LEAST THE OTHER TEAMS GM'S ARE TRYING TO IMPROVE THEIR TEAMS!!!

The White Sox have money, they just don't want to spend it obviously, why try so hard for Hunter then all of the sudden not have any money for Jones, Hunter in his best year isn't even as good as Jones has been in his normal years. Ok so Jones had an off year, big deal, Kenny needs to grow up and stop being a little kid and talk to Boras, half of the good free agents are signed with him anyways.

But anyawys.. what big name player has Kenny signed in the last 5 years.. none.

Fire KW

by LeftyPride on Dec 6, 2007 12:24 PM CST reply actions

yawn

darn writer's strike.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 6, 2007 12:25 PM CST up reply actions

Padres sign Milton Bradley...

"Padres set to bring back Bradley
Outfielder will receive one-year deal to stay in San Diego"

A baseball source said Thursday that the Padres are close to signing free-agent outfielder Milton Bradley to a one-year deal worth between $3.5 million and $4 million.

What a steal. Does this take them out of the Fukudome sweepstakes?

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 12:29 PM CST reply actions

i dont think so

i think they are still deciding on whether to bring cameron back. obviously if they decide they want cameron, then they would be out.

"We had a guy go into 2nd base as if his wife was turning a double play."

by The Deacon on Dec 6, 2007 12:31 PM CST up reply actions

White Sox select Santo Luis in Rule 5 Draft...

Official Press Release.

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 12:35 PM CST reply actions

Now this makes sense.

"God knows I gave my best in baseball at all times and no man on earth can truthfully judge me otherwise."

by Shoeless In SC on Dec 6, 2007 12:43 PM CST up reply actions

The pieces falling into place. Brilliant!

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Dec 6, 2007 12:48 PM CST up reply actions

I'm agog watching a master at work.

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Dec 6, 2007 12:49 PM CST up reply actions

Wow, I was only ebullient

by Brush Back on Dec 6, 2007 12:54 PM CST up reply actions

Something to do with ebola?

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Dec 6, 2007 12:55 PM CST up reply actions

A hard-throwing reliever...

with control problems? We've never seen one of those before!

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Dec 6, 2007 12:46 PM CST up reply actions

and we'll never see this one

the sox probably thought they should do something with the oh so massive financial windfall they're receiving from five players being drafted. might as well replace one of them.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 6, 2007 12:49 PM CST up reply actions

What are the odds...

that Hernandez stays on the A's roster all season?

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Dec 6, 2007 12:50 PM CST up reply actions

i wouldn't want to handicap that

until i see what beane's plans are. if they're "rebuilding," it's probably pretty good. if they're not, probably not so good. the clear majority of players drafted are offered back to their original teams.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 6, 2007 12:53 PM CST up reply actions

a's

obviously everything general managers say are to be taken with an entire shaker of salt, but as of this morning beane indicated he is leaning toward keeping haren and blanton.

also, i don't know if people posted on this before, but the cubs apparently made multiple calls regarding nick swisher.

Once and for all, the leadoff position is how Jenna Jameson decides to spend the first 8 minutes of video time, which has nothing to do with baseball.

by Toonderstrook on Dec 6, 2007 12:58 PM CST up reply actions

it didn't seem like

beane was serious in trading those two. just kicking the tires once he saw the ridiculousness of the santana offerings (or just kicking the tires because that's what a good GM does). but i don't see how the As compete next year, even if they were to add bonds.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 6, 2007 1:03 PM CST up reply actions

Don't worry -

A week or two in the majors and Coop will send him back down

by Brush Back on Dec 6, 2007 12:50 PM CST up reply actions

He won't be in the bigs

He was selected in the minor league phase. There aren't really any requirements as to where he must play next year. He doesn't have to even be in AAA or AA.

by Bull Pain on Dec 6, 2007 1:44 PM CST up reply actions

Nope...

Jenks, Thornton, MacDougal, Aardsma, Masset, Sisco, Eduardo Sierra...

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 12:52 PM CST up reply actions

So when will the Rowand signing be announced?

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 12:54 PM CST reply actions

Right after

KC finds out the Cubs got Fuk...

by Brush Back on Dec 6, 2007 12:55 PM CST up reply actions

And then we land

Dejesus? What's that, plan 13L?

by HulkSmash on Dec 6, 2007 12:59 PM CST up reply actions

good gesture

12:40 p.m., from Jerry Crasnick
* The Cubs are talking to former Pirates GM Dave Littlefield about joining the organization in an advisory capacity. Littlefield was fired by Pittsburgh this season and replaced by Neal Huntington.

so the cubs want to give him a job after absolutely stealing players from him for nothing? how nice of them

"We had a guy go into 2nd base as if his wife was turning a double play."

by The Deacon on Dec 6, 2007 1:00 PM CST reply actions

Report: Astros close to acquiring Tejada...

790 AM in Houston is reporting that the Astros are close to acquiring Miguel Tejada from the Orioles for Adam Everett, Chris Burke and a pitcher.
MLB.com's sources Tuesday were reporting that the chances of an Astros-Orioles deal had dropped to "zero," so we'll remain skeptical until further confirmation comes along.
Source: MLB Trade Rumors

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 1:01 PM CST reply actions

Everett and Burke and ?

No way. Unless the pitcher is Oswalt, I wouldn't trade my 97 Ford Taurus for that package.

by hitlesswonder on Dec 6, 2007 1:33 PM CST up reply actions

I guess it isn't happening now...

Neither is Brian Roberts to the Cubs, or at least both trades are on hold...

Orioles president Andy MacPhail left Nashville on Thursday morning, suggesting that he wasn't close to sending Miguel Tejada to the Astros or Brian Roberts to the Cubs.
It sounds as though Roberts to the Cubs is still a possibility, but we're guessing that the radio station reporting the Tejada-to-Houston rumor received some bad info. If the deal was that close to getting done, MacPhail would likely still be in Nashville.
Source: ESPN.com

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 1:37 PM CST up reply actions

The A's must love our relievers...

Athletics claimed LHP Jay Marshall off waivers from the Red Sox.
This makes twice already this winter that we've had a player claimed off waivers and then reclaimed by his previous team. It was Cody Hearther going from the Cardinals to the Jays and back to St. Louis last month. Marshall, a Rule 5 pick a year ago, had a 6.43 ERA in 42 innings for the A's last season. The Red Sox were probably going to stash him away in Triple-A. The A's could do the same, assuming they don't lose him on waivers again this winter.

by SSH2005 on Dec 6, 2007 1:43 PM CST reply actions