A Beautiful Day for a Baseball Game...

by CWSKeith on Jul 30, 2007 1:05 AM CDT in Recaps Comment 68 comments

maybe a little too beautiful for Scott Podsednik. Podsednik provided another adventurous moment in the outfield when he dropped a line-drive that would've ended the eighth inning. Toronto went on to plate four in the eighth for the 4-1 victory.

Interestingly enough, perhaps the fans have started turning on Podsednik a little bit (NOTE: I'm obviously not talking about a majority of the posters here.). When he came to bat in the bottom half of the eighth, a small but audible percentage -- I'm in a numbers mood, so I'll say 15% -- actually booed Podsednik.
Up until that eighth innng, this was a very enjoyable game from a baseball sense. Vazquez and Marcum were on their games, combining for 13 strikeouts and just seven hits allowed. And it's not like hitters were lacing the ball right at defenders -- there were very few hard hit balls in this game.
A small part of me thought Konerko had been traded today (I was at the game, if my earlier comments hadn't given that away). Apparently there was an article out a few days ago that said Konerko would sit for a few games in this series, but I didn't see it. And when I couldn't spot Konerko from section 115 anywhere on the bench, I figured I would see a message pop-up on the scoreboard that Konerko had been sent to Anahiem for Casey Kotchman, Ervin Santana and a prospect. Needless to say he wasn't traded, although his name has been thrown around in rumors over the past couple days.
From where I was sitting, I was impressed with Gavin Floyd's one inning of work. It looked like he had a really good breaking ball working -- not the curveball we've heard so much about, but a slider that was registering at 85 MPH. I will say I was a little dissappointed that he wasn't 'letting it loose' a bit more, only topping out at 91 MPH in his one inning of work, but hey -- I'm not going to be the one to nitpick a scoreless inning from the bullpen.

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I think also of note

Is how ill suited Jerry Owens is for centerfield. Other teams have taken notice, and it was obvious that in a scouting report it was told to the Blue Jays he has no arm.

This became apparent when to my shock John McDonald stretched a line drive single fairly easily into a double. He was thinking two the whole way and Owens could do nothing but soft toss it in.

And it was hot at the Cell yesterday. Very very hot, in case anyone was wondering.

Caulk the wagon.

by rebstock on Jul 30, 2007 6:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He ran on Owens because

Owens kinda dogged it and somewhat paused looking at 2nd before he threw.

by Big Daddy Kool on Jul 30, 2007 7:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sox still considering signing Dye to extension...

Ken Rosenthal wrote:

The White Sox are still considering signing right fielder Jermaine Dye to a contact extension, but it is unlikely a deal will occur before the non-waiver deadline.

The chances of the Red Sox acquiring Dye are perhaps diminishing as the deadline draws closer; the negotiations for Dye to waive his no-trade clause would take time.

Then again, the two sides laid groundwork for such an agreement last week when the Red Sox attempted to acquire Dye in a three-team deal.

The Diamondbacks, who tried to sign Dye as a free agent after the 2004 season, might be a better possibility, but the teams have not had substantive discussions about Dye in recent days.

Diamondbacks right fielder Carlos Quentin is 2-for-11 in his first two games since returning from Class AAA.

I don't really know why Rosenthal through in that last tidbit about Carlos Quentin. Either he was trying to say that the Diamondbacks might not need Dye with Quentin up or he was inferring that the Diamondbacks might offer up Quentin for Dye. Either way, I damn sure would rather have Quentin that re-signing Dye to a new contract.

The Mets have kicked around the idea of trading for White Sox right-hander Jon Garland or A's right-hander Joe Blanton, but the price for both pitchers remains too high.

by SSH2005 on Jul 30, 2007 8:03 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Like all the other years......

this will have been a few weeks of talking about the "what ifs" but in the end nothing will happen.

by stanchar on Jul 30, 2007 8:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

except the Sox suck this year

and Kenny has already traded away an everyday player.

Dubee and Danks and pray for Taco Bell

by hscs on Jul 30, 2007 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Konerko was there signing (kids day)

Prior to the game he was signing autographs with about 10 or more other players (the longest line there) by the dugout.
And yes it was HOT there - probably the hottest I've been to this year.
It was also nice to here some deserved booing when Pods came up to bat. He got quite a bit in the left field area after the drop too.

White Sox baseball, let the kids learn to play

by Brush Back on Jul 30, 2007 8:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

ozzie

"Owens will dictate to me how [much] he'll play," Guillen said. "If he gets on base and steals second, that's what I want to see, some action. I don't want to sit and drink water and watch the game like everybody else."

link

Matt Murton 4 Life

by larry on Jul 30, 2007 10:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

This pathetic obsession for stolen bases...

is yet another reason why Ozzie is a bad manager.

Hey Ozzie, imagine having a leadoff hitter who can hit doubles and wouldn't need to steal second base to get there. Crazy idea, huh?!?

by SSH2005 on Jul 30, 2007 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Owens

He currently is hitting .240 / .288 / .280. That is our leadoff hitter. Lets compare that to another white sox player who is only 1 year older (Juan Uribe): .217 / .270 / .331
I agree that Uribe has lost his usefulness this season, but I can't fathom any excitement over Jerry Owens.

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Jul 30, 2007 10:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The season is lost...

Give Owens, Richar, Fields, Floyd and hopefully Sweeney some extended at bats to see what they can do.

by Big Daddy Kool on Jul 30, 2007 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, I guess thats it

As bad as Owens is, I'd rather see him in the OF than Podsednik or Erstad. Still, I still think Terrero is better than Owens.

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Jul 30, 2007 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Terstado is definitely better in Center

too bad his bat has been silent for a while. Imagine if he could live up to his 5 tool abilities. He has a cannon that few can run on, its great to watch. He has speed, a good glove, and power. And dont forget his HBP skills.

by omnipotent grab on Jul 30, 2007 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Texeira to Braves a done deal

Texeira and Ron Mahay to Atlanta for Saltalamaccia, Elvis Andrus, and two pitchers.

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Jul 30, 2007 10:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

One of the pitchers is supposedly...

Matt Harrison.

What a fucking haul for Teixeira, pardon my French.

by SSH2005 on Jul 30, 2007 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow.

I didn't think that the Braves would deal Saltamalacchia, but I'd make an exception for Teixeira, too. Nice trade for both teams.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 30, 2007 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

Only thing is I'd be scared to trade for a prospect from the Braves. Still, Salty & Elvis are two intriguing names. Salty is pretty close to a sure thing where Elvis has tons of potential.

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Jul 30, 2007 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

jerry, you disappoint

where's the skepticism? where's the "[insert name of journalist]? i'll pass"? jerry, where's the press release?

Matt Murton 4 Life

by larry on Jul 30, 2007 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Laziness on my part.

I didn't notice that this was not yet official.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 30, 2007 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

salty

here's something i didn't know about this guy:

Salty has an unusual family situation. Salty, now 21, married a teacher at his high school in West Palm Beach, Fla., who is now 37, according to records. His wife Ashley, who recently gave birth to their second child, insisted to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that their personal relationship didn't begin until the fall of 2004, when Salty was 18.

nice.

Matt Murton 4 Life

by larry on Jul 30, 2007 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

good

now maybe things will start moving in this trade market.

Looks like a good deal for ATL. Not a steal, but they filled a void with a difference-maker.

Go Alex Cintron!! (and take Uribe with you...)

by Nordhagen on Jul 30, 2007 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep, the best bat available via trade...

is now off the market. I believe Dye is now the best bat available via a trade.

by SSH2005 on Jul 30, 2007 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Phillips chat so far: ESPN

Roni Chicago, IL: It looks like Texiera was traded to Atlanta.. Already more action than last year's deadline.. What other big names do you expect to be gone before the deadline?

SportsNation Steve Phillips: (12:07 PM ET ) First, I think this is a huge deal for the Braves. They get a gold-glove caliber first baseman and a talented hitter. They have had the second-lowest production from 1st base in the majors. I still expect Jermaine Dye to get traded, along with at least one White Sox pitcher. I don't expect Torii Hunter to be traded, even with the Twins falling out of the race. I do expect Chad Cordero to be traded.

Mike (Dallas, TX): Where does Dye end up and at what price?

SportsNation Steve Phillips: (12:09 PM ET ) Kenny Williams is asking to match the value to two first-round draft picks in return for Dye. GMs don't think Williams would offer Dye arbitration if he doesn't move him and therefore would not get the picks next year. I think ultimately Dye will get traded for a blue-chip prospect and maybe a B-level prospect. The Angels and D-backs and Dodgers have all expressed interest, as have the Mets and, remarkably, the Red Sox. I'm not sure what the Red Sox would do with Dye, considering they gave J.D. Drew 5 years and $70 million to play right field, but the Red Sox are talking to the White Sox about Dye.

SportsNation Steve Phillips: (12:09 PM ET ) I think the Dodgers seemed to be the likely landing spot, but now they have pitching health problems and have to change their focus.

by southsideirish71 on Jul 30, 2007 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey we can help ya out with both of those

Dye and Garland for Hu, Kemp, Kershaw and Broxton.

by bhoov on Jul 30, 2007 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dye for Hu

Is there anyway the Dodgers would do that? If not, what could Chicago throw in to make that deal happen? A pitching prospect?

I don't exactly understand why LA wants OFers (just go with Gonzalez, Kemp & Ethier), but I'd love to have a middle infled of Hu & Richar next yaer.

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Jul 30, 2007 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dye

He could probably play 1st pretty well and replace Nomar.

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Jul 30, 2007 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would give up Dye and Garland for...

Hu and Kemp only.

by SSH2005 on Jul 30, 2007 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh

I wouldn't.

Garland is really valuable, especially for a team like the Dodgers.

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Jul 30, 2007 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It sounds good

but leaves us with too big of a hole at SP. Contreras and Floyd getting 40% of starts would bring back memories of Parque and Wright.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Jul 30, 2007 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd need

Billingsley or Kershaw as well to pull the trigger on that one.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Jul 30, 2007 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

True, I guess I just wouldn't mind dealing Garland

because we will only have him for one more season and I don't see him signing a hometown Buehrle contract. Also, I think Garland is going to get way overpaid and may revert back to the 4.50 ERA pitcher he has almost always been.

by SSH2005 on Jul 30, 2007 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Rangers also get pitcher Neftali Feliz...

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram says the Rangers will get Neftali Feliz along with Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Elvis Andrus and another pitching prospect from the Braves in the Mark Teixeira deal.
It says nothing about Matt Harrison, though he may be the other pitching prospect. If so, this just gets even better for the Rangers. The 19-year-old Feliz had as much upside as any pitching in Atlanta's system.

Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram

by SSH2005 on Jul 30, 2007 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

BIG NEWS ON DYE!!!

Dye chances 'pretty good'
By Gordon Edes, Globe Staff

While Foxsports.com is reporting that the Braves and Rangers have a deal in place for Mark Teixeira, a major league source said a short time ago that chances were �pretty good� that the Red Sox would complete a deal with the Chicago White Sox for outfielder Jermaine Dye.

In exchange for Dye, the White Sox would get Wily Mo Pena and a minor league pitching prospect (not Clay Buchholz or Jon Lester).

Ughhh, I just read it again...

"(not Clay Buchholz or Jon Lester)"

My guess is Craig Hansen. Kenny is going to blow it.

by SSH2005 on Jul 30, 2007 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So all the Red Sox wanted from the Pirates...

for Wily Mo Pena was Salomon Torres but we are going to give up Dye for Pena and a pitching prospect not named Clay Buchholz or Jon Lester? Great. I hope this article is bullshit.

by SSH2005 on Jul 30, 2007 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Michael Bowden

Thats a possibility, but I'd rather get Ellsbury or Brandon Moss.

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Jul 30, 2007 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rotoworld's take on it...

The Red Sox are still working on getting Jermaine Dye from the White Sox for Wily Mo Pena and a pitching prospect.
The prospect wouldn't by Clay Buchholz or Jon Lester, leaving Michael Bowden and Justin Masterson as the top possibilities, unless the White Sox really like Craig Hansen. A source told the Boston Globe that the chances of a deal happening were "pretty good."

Source: Boston.com

by SSH2005 on Jul 30, 2007 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

pitchers

I'm hearing Justin Masterson or Manny Delcarmen.

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Jul 30, 2007 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

can anyone gives a quick take on those 2 names?

masterson "seems" intriguing from a quick look on his numbers

by The Wizard on Jul 30, 2007 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Even though Delcarmen is really good...

I absolutely HATE that Kenny is apparently trying to acquire relievers when they are extremely fluky from year to year and we have no starting outfield whatsoever for next season.

by SSH2005 on Jul 30, 2007 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wily Mo Pena is a free agent after 2008.

Arbitration eligible in 2008, then a free agent.

by ballyb on Jul 30, 2007 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wish this trade would have went through...

Before Ron Mahay was set to be included in the Mark Teixeira deal, the Chicago Tribune's Phil Rogers said he was hearing Gerald Laird and Mahay to the Cubs for Felix Pie was a possibility.
It's hard to believe the Cubs are that down on Pie just because he struggled some as a 22-year-old in the majors. If this was something that was really considered by the Cubs, the Rangers should happily part with the more valuable Joaquin Benoit along with Laird in return for Pie. They don't want to move C.J. Wilson, but he'd also be worth giving up as a second player in this one.

Source: Chicago Tribune

LOL @ Jim Hendry for even considering this trade.

by SSH2005 on Jul 30, 2007 11:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dye for Pie

I'd do that.

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Jul 30, 2007 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

if we get willie mo I quit

the guy is awful, he's dominican joe borchard

by tubesox on Jul 30, 2007 11:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

see what you can get from the mets for dye

now that the braves got teixeira

if you don't get value equal to the 2 draft picks, take the fucking picks kenny

btw, any news on the 2007 draft pick signing negotiations?

by The Wizard on Jul 30, 2007 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yes

seriously, all we can get for Dye is Boston's "gotta dump him" guy and a B prospect? Is that what its come to?

Aren't the two picks better than that?

Go Alex Cintron!! (and take Uribe with you...)

by Nordhagen on Jul 30, 2007 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't be that pissed about this rumor...

if Wily Mo Pena was at least locked up for 3 years or so but he will be a freaking free agent after the 2008 season. I could see him putting up good numbers for us with a full-time LF job (.800+ OPS) but I really don't see how Pena helps rebuild our outfield for the future when he could be gone after next season via free agency. I really hope that this rumor is bogus and that Kenny isn't this stupid.

by SSH2005 on Jul 30, 2007 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pena

Isn't he Arb eligible thru 08?

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Jul 30, 2007 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think...

that's what SSH said.

I'm not super-thrilled about Wily Mo Pena, but I'd do it if the pitching prospect was good (IOW, if Pena was the throw-in rather than the centerpiece).

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 30, 2007 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ohh yeah

sorry SSH.

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Jul 30, 2007 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

absolutely not

If kenny does this his ego gets the best of him again, Wily Mo is awful at everything, he has an arm, but it doesn't matter because guys are already on the base when he gets to the ball, for Jermaine Dye we will be getting a guy who may not never make the bullpen and a terrible version OF

I'm tired of piling arms, and the idiotic thinking that the young OF will get us in the playoffs, just looking

look at who we have in positions of perceived power next year

1b- Konerko
dh- Thome
3b - fields
LF- ? Sweeney
Rf - Pena (?)

- we become the Royals for moves like this

by tubesox on Jul 30, 2007 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep, I don't get this rumor...

Wily Mo Pena has potential but he is having an awful year, he is only under contract for one more year, and Boston seemingly wants to dump him anyways. Pena should be the throw-in player to replace Dye on our roster and that is it. Why would the prospect we get back from Boston be only a B-level pitching prospect?

by SSH2005 on Jul 30, 2007 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What we'll be saying on Aug. 1

"So, um, that's it?"

But to make us feel better, Erstud will be back in the line up any day now!

President - Johnny Dickshot Fan Club

by tailgater on Jul 30, 2007 12:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Does Pena run OK?????

Is he a base clogger like AJ, Konerko, Thome?

by stanchar on Jul 30, 2007 12:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Pena is ENORMOUS but he's faster than...

A.J., Konerko, and Thome. Besides, give me a high OPS over some bum with speed like Podsednik.

by SSH2005 on Jul 30, 2007 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pena

I was initially against getting Pena. But after looking at his stats, I wouldn't mind Masterson and Wily Mo for Dye. Consider: Pena posted a combined OPS of .830 in MLB during his age 22-24 seasons. He has a career OPS of .784 despite coming to the bigs at 19. He is having a bad season at 25 but his history and age strongly suggest that he'll bounce back and could really breakout in his 26, 27 year-old seasons. Contract consideration wise I think we'd have to sign him to 2 year extension at his current below market value to make it worthwile.

Bottom line I'd rather have Pena and Masterson than Aaron Poreda and Kyle McCullough (our last 2 1st round picks).

by bhoov on Jul 30, 2007 12:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Your last comment is great...

People always talk about how we can get two prospects for Dye. Does anyone really trust the Sox do draft anyone good with the picks?

by SSH2005 on Jul 30, 2007 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And they only get the draft picks

if we offer Dye arbitration. I don't see that happening.

by ballyb on Jul 30, 2007 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Aaron Poreda...

has been outstanding thus far, admittedly in a small sample size in Rookie ball. I have heard rumors that the team is worried about his health, though.

I think it's too early to give up on McCulloch, too.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 30, 2007 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

JRE

I'm not giving up on those two, just saying I'd rather have a guy who is succeding at AA than a guy with good stuff in rookie league who may one day succeed at AA. McCullough on the other hand, I'm pretty convinced won't be an impact player in MLB. Middle reliever all the way I think

by bhoov on Jul 30, 2007 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm with bhoov...

Now that the trade deadline is just about 24 hours away, I think the question KW needs to be asking is, "Is this package better than the two picks we'd get for Dye at the end of the year?" I doubt either of the picks would be in the top 30, as it's most likely a winning team would sign him, not one of the bottom 15 (this obviously isn't definite).

by CWSKeith on Jul 30, 2007 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Question Re: Dye

Does Chicago get 2 picks at the end of the season or do they have to offer him a contract first?

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Jul 30, 2007 12:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

They have to offer him arbitration...

and he has to turn it down and opt for free agency.

I'm not sure whether he'd turn down arbitration or not. A lot would depend on how well he hits down the stretch and whether or not he can stay healthy.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 30, 2007 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They have to offer arb,

which you would think they would definitely do with JD's second half resurgence. I wouldn't mind if he took it either. Dye on a 1 yr. 7 million arb deal wouldn't be bad.

by bhoov on Jul 30, 2007 12:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dye for Pena and Delcarmen OR Masterson rumor...

Manny Delcarmen or Justin Masterson would join Wily Mo Pena in going to the White Sox in a Jermaine Dye deal, the Boston Globe reports.
Delcarmen has recently established himself as the No. 3 man in the Boston pen, and giving up two homers yesterday probably won't change that. We're guessing the Red Sox would sooner part with the sinkerballer Masterson, even though he has the greater long-term upside of the two.

Source: Boston.com

by SSH2005 on Jul 30, 2007 12:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'd probably do that deal...

for either pitcher, although I'd be leaning towards Delcarmen (the Sox have enough high-upside minor-league pitchers who haven't yet done anything at the major-league level).

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 30, 2007 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

this probably won't be a surprise

but I'd prefer Masterson.

It looks like he really struggled initially this season in High-A, but he's really turned it around recently. In his last 10 starts (6 in A+, 4 in AA) he's got a 1.65 ERA and a 54/6 K/BB ratio.

I like to see a prospect prove that he can overcome obstacles, demonstrate learning/adapting. And we can never have enough sinkerballnig pitching prospects.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Jul 30, 2007 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

I like the sinkerball aspect.

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Jul 30, 2007 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Masterson

he has some very good GB/FB numbers. This year it sits at 2.31, last year he had it at 2.94. If Kenny somehow convinced Theo to give up all three and add, say, Aardsma to the deal, I think that'd be fuckin' great.

by CWSKeith on Jul 30, 2007 12:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs