The end of White Sox prospect ranking season
by Jim Margalus on Jan 19, 2012 6:02 AM CST
in White Sox Minors
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PrintYoenis Cespedes finally connected in a big way during his slow start in the Dominican League, turning around a 97-mph fastball for a towering home run. Here's the video:
I don't know about you guys, but I really hope the White Sox buy lots and lots of MODESTO.
And while it's a little too convenient to make the comparison, I saw a lot of this guy in the follow-through:
The finish is eerily similar, but while watching their hands, it seems like Cespesdes takes a little more time to get going. If nothing else, this is a reminder that I'm really looking forward to watching Viciedo hit this season.
But should the Sox not sign Cespedes, or trade Gavin Floyd, then we can pretty much close the book on evaluating the farm system. All the major rankings are in. J.J. has it sorted by prospect, and I'll do it the other way.
| SSS* | Sickels** | Goldstein | BA | FanGraphs** | |
| 1 | Addison Reed | Nestor Molina | Addison Reed | Addison Reed | Addison Reed |
| 2 | Nestor Molina | Addison Reed | Nestor Molina | Nestor Molina | Nestor Molina |
| 3 | Tyler Saladino | Tyler Saladino | Trayce Thompson | Simon Castro | Keenyn Walker |
| 4 | Hector Santiago | Trayce Thompson | Jake Petricka | Trayce Thompson | Trayce Thompson |
| 5 | Simon Castro | Hector Santiago | Simon Castro | Jake Petricka | Dylan Axelrod |
| 6 | Jake Petricka | Jake Petricka | Keenyn Walker | Keenyn Walker | Jake Petricka |
| 7 | Eduardo Escobar | Kevan Smith | Eduardo Escobar | Jhan Marinez | Tyler Saladino |
| 8 | Trayce Thompson | Dylan Axelrod | Jhan Marinez | Tyler Saladino | Eduardo Escobar |
| 9 | Keenyn Walker | Andre Rienzo | Myles Jaye | Juan Silverio | Jared Mitchell |
| 10 | Brandon Short | Erik Johnson | Tyler Saladino | Ozzie Martinez | Hector Santiago |
| 11 | Jared Mitchell | Keenyn Walker | Andre Rienzo | Charlie Leesman | |
| 12 | Jared Mitchell | Juan Silverio | Brandon Short | ||
| 13 | Eduardo Escobar | Jared Mitchell | Gregory Infante | ||
| 14 | Charlie Leesman | Brandon Short | Jhan Marinez | ||
| 15 | Gregory Infante | Pedro Hernandez | Scott Snodgress | ||
| 16 | Nate Jones | Gregory Infante | |||
| 17 | Jeff Soptic | Erik Johnson | |||
| 18 | Scott Snodgress | Michael Blanke | |||
| 19 | Jose Quintana | Dylan Axelrod | |||
| 20 | Blair Walters | Ozzie Martinez |
* Larry updated his list to put Castro a notch below Santiago, due to Santiago's handedness and Castro's issues with repeatability that may relegate him to relief work.
**List was published before the acquisition of Castro. [Edit: Sickels revised his list to place Castro at #4.]
Santiago is the oddest duck -- Larry's been a fan since way back, but I would have figured that his successful cup of coffee before September would have warranted more attention from others, but that doesn't appear to be the case. There are other prospects scattered about the chart, but for more solid reasons. I can see Marinez winning some "Pick Your Favorite Power Arm" contests, and we'll have a much better feel for Walker's game after his first full season.
For what it's worth, my getting-on-the-bandwagon-early pick for 2012 is Erik Johnson.
The Baseball America chat took place a week late due to some conflict in Phil Rogers' schedule, and John Manuel ended up handling the questions instead.
Among his insights:
*With Santiago, Manuel pointed out that he struggled upon returning to the minors, but that could be the result of a natural emotional letdown.
*Jared Mitchell still has his bat speed, but said his timetable has been pushed waaaay back.
*Michael Blanke has a chance to be "a Mark Parent type," so he's in the right organization. Manuel loves his arm, grading it a 70.
*Charlie Leesman has top 10 upside, but not top 10 performance or consistency, echoing previous observations that he loses focus during games.
*No White Sox prospect received a "safe" grade, not even Reed. That's a new feature of their annual prospect book, and it will be interesting to see if any other relievers are considered better locks for big-league success on this scale.
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Que?
I am such a blanco.
We're all here because we're not all there.
by winningugly on Jan 19, 2012 7:49 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Tyler Kuhn
Guys I know Tyler Kuhn is 26 years old but it is very hard to ignore the fact that he hit .333 combined ast AA and AAA. He added 59 rbi 16 steals and a 383 OBP. Is he not on the list simply because he is 26? He also plays 2B so I know he probly will be invited to camp to push Beckham.
Limited upside is my guess.
Even in systems as bad as the Sox, no one’s going to look at a guy with utility upside too favorably. I think Manuel (BA) once said he could be a utility guy.
by Craig Grebeck on Jan 19, 2012 8:27 AM CST up reply actions
His only asset is his batting average...
and he had a .395 BABIP at AA and .333 at AAA. He has no power, not a lot of patience and he’s not much of a basestealer. He also can’t play short or center.
From the chat:
John (Louisville, KY): No Tyler Kuhn in the Top Ten?? Interesting. I saw that you had him as “Best Hitter for Average” but that was all?? When do you start rewarding someone who CONSISTANTLY succeeds at every level he’s been at?? Thoughts?
John Manuel: Very quickly, Kuhn looks like a utility guy at best; he’s easy to root for because he does hit and he plays exceedingly hard. He’s in the Top 30 for the Handbook. But he doesn’t have any real big tools other than his ability to make consistent contact. He’s not a guy scouts love but he is getting closer to hitting his way to the majors.
by Jim Margalus on Jan 19, 2012 2:19 PM CST up reply actions
Kuhn
Thanks Jim. He definitely could hit his way to the majors if Beckham doesn’t produce. Worth a look
.750 is entirely reasonable
dude can hit 40 doubles.
"Rhubarb, if you wouldn’t mind, ram your taint into your monitor as hard as you can." - joewho112
Yeah.
Plus glove, .750 OPS. I’m satisfied with that at this point.
Kinda makes ya miss Gooch.
by Shoeless In SC on Jan 19, 2012 10:14 PM CST up reply actions
Kuhn could be a
Placido Polanco or Mark Grudzielanek type minus the great defense. I hope he puts some pressure on Beckham in ST.
by Matt Manzella on Jan 19, 2012 9:56 PM CST up reply actions
Couldn't hurt.
Welcome to the site.
"Many people need desperately to receive this message: 'I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone.'"
I think Beckham puts enough pressure on himself
That’s part of the guys problem.
by Can I Kick It? on Jan 20, 2012 12:35 PM CST up reply actions
Becks has been wilting under pressure.
Hope he finally rises to the occasion.
Welcome.
We're all here because we're not all there.
by winningugly on Jan 23, 2012 12:22 PM CST up reply actions
They're all married to the gay Morman man
Jebediah Orange.
sideways smiley face
by TasteeFreeze on Jan 19, 2012 10:47 PM CST up reply actions
Saladino...
Other than larry and Sickels, I think Tyler Saladino is being REALLY undersold by the prospect community. Heck, even Sickels had him at a C+ (I thought he should have been at least a B-). He’s a shortstop with plus power (.232 ISO) and good patience (11% BB rate). I’m a bit more doubtful than some that he will be able to stick at the position, but with that type of offensive upside, he’d be fine at 2nd. He’s not a burner on the basepaths, but he dropped his K rate below 20% last year and was age appropriate for A+ (21 most of the season). It’s not like you have to do a ton of digging into the numbers to find this guy, power and walks from a shortstop? What gives? There’s absolutely no reason for him to be behind guys like Marinez on any of these lists.
Whole comment disappeared for some reason.
Other than Sickels and larry, I think Saladino is being totally undersold by the prospect community. I mean a shortstop with power (.232 ISO) and patience (11% BB rate)? What’s not to like? The K rate isn’t great, but he cut it under 20% last year. I’m a little more doubtful that some that he will stick at short, but even at second I think he could be an asset. He was also age appropriate for A+. There’s no way this guy should be ranked behind a guy like Marinez or Jaye on any list.
I see both of them and I like how you included Miles Jaye of all people in the second comment
It came from afar and traveled sedately on, a shrug of eternity
Wierd, now it showed up.
Goldstein has Jaye ahead of him. I find that a bit laughable.
Weird how it misspells for you, too.
;)
We're all here because we're not all there.
by winningugly on Jan 19, 2012 11:29 AM CST up reply actions
Except after "c".
Weird and seize are exceptions, if you please.
Or something like that I remember from my childhood.
We're all here because we're not all there.
...
Or when sounded as “a,”
As in neighbor and weigh.
sideways smiley face
by TasteeFreeze on Jan 19, 2012 3:24 PM CST up reply actions
But that doesn't apply to wierd.
Crap I did it again!
by polodude017 on Jan 19, 2012 3:49 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
tons of exceptions
I thought it might have to do with the etymology of the word, but there doesn’t seem to be a common path Old English or French words take.
sideways smiley face
by TasteeFreeze on Jan 19, 2012 5:05 PM CST up reply actions
Just curious -- do you happen to have a ballpark idea about the league-average triple slash in the Carolina League?
I seem to recall it being something in the 700-750 OPS range, but that might very well be a wild-ass guess. In any case, it does seem strange he isn’t higher on some of those lists, particularly given the weakness of the system. Seeing that he’s (relatively) low on both KG’s and BA’s lists, I’m assuming it’s a (lack of) tools, or future projection/growth issue?
I don't know the average triple slash.
Maybe larry would know where to find something like that. I’m pretty sure that league is known as a pitching dominated league though, which should only enhance his standing. Clearly he’s not the greatest athlete in the world and his “tools” might be considered a bit weak, but I’ll take the boring guy that hits for power and takes walks over the great athlete with a .250/.300/.400 line any day of the week.
That's the thing. Saladino's .864 OPS might not impress too much at first glance
until you consider the Carolina Leauge average OPS was .701. Winston-Salem is known for inflating offense, but Saladino’s road OPS was 18 points higher than at home. And as polodude said, he was one of the younger everyday players in the league. If you look at his offense after the first month (recovering from broken hand), his line improves further.
His modest upside probably prevents him from getting higher ranks on some of these lists, but if he can keep it up in Birmingham he’ll have to be placed among the top.
Modest upside.
I don’t understand why people are pinning this type of thing on him? Is he going to be a star? Probably not, but what were we all expecting from Beckham? Good pop, walks and a good average. Minus the average, that sounds like Saladino. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if he’s being penciled in as the starter at second 2 years from now.
Cespedes would be an exciting acquisition for the fans
but more importantly he’d be a good ballplayer. Just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense for the Sox right now.
by Shoeless In SC on Jan 19, 2012 10:07 AM CST reply actions
i am sad that it has come to this;
people thinking the sox should have nothing to do with good ballplayers.
negative reinforcement at its finest/worst.
by craigws on Jan 19, 2012 10:14 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah.
I think if I was going to argue against this signing, I would say something along the lines of “He’d be an exciting signing for the fans, but I’m not sure he’ll be a great player, at least right off the bat.”
by polodude017 on Jan 19, 2012 10:18 AM CST up reply actions
huh.
Not the direction I meant.
Meant it didn’t make sense right now because of the likely cost, the Sox’s current OF, and the likelihood of the Sox actually competing this year.
by Shoeless In SC on Jan 19, 2012 10:37 AM CST up reply actions
its not a signing for this year. if you get him for 5/6 years you will have him when you are ready to compete.
Kenwo4life=ratings. Just call me Mr. USA Today.
He'd be in the minors until Sept unless an injury, right?
but what about 2013? 2014? Rios will still be on this team then. Viciedo you’d have to assume as well. And De Aza, if he’s legit, will be here too.
by Shoeless In SC on Jan 19, 2012 11:19 AM CST up reply actions
i don't think he'd have to be in the minors until september.
id throw him out there from the start. maybe pick matchups at first you think he’ll be successful with kind of like how guillen did it with viciedo 2 years ago.
Kenwo4life=ratings. Just call me Mr. USA Today.
Honest question -- why do you like Cespedes so much, again?
You seem certain that he doesn’t need time in the minors. Is this the usual KenWo bravado and I’m just taking the bait?
by Craig Grebeck on Jan 19, 2012 12:09 PM CST up reply actions
people say he needs time to adjust to "american life" and that is why he needs to be in the minors.
if he’s got viciedo, alexei and their translator dude… he has more resources in chicago than he would in charlotte.
i suppose he can be sent down for a little bit just to see where he’s at. i don’t think he’d have to be there all year though.
I like him because he hits the ball a mile, runs really fast and throws really hard. He also seems to be a character. Something that we desperately need.
Kenwo4life=ratings. Just call me Mr. USA Today.
You are glossing over a lot.
The culture ain’t the only reason he’ll need time to adjust.
We're all here because we're not all there.
by winningugly on Jan 19, 2012 12:29 PM CST up reply actions
what he needs to adjust to is competition that isn't the equivalent of A ball.
he’s going to need a few months. and, anyway, if he signs for less than seven years, the sox can squeeze another year of team control out of him.
The thing that initially turned me off on him is that he thought he needed to make some idiotic marketing video
That shit was ridiculous. Then I looked at his age and the time it would take to adjust to the major leagues and I just really hope we don’t get him. I’m sure he’ll be a fine player eventually.
It came from afar and traveled sedately on, a shrug of eternity
that "marketing" video was awesome.
and ascribing the idea to cespedes, who comes from a country where marketing doesn’t exist, is pretty silly. what the hell does a guy from cuba know about how one gets signed by a major league club?
Saying that marketing video was awesome or silly is an opinion, so you really can't change my mind on that
and I didn’t know that the video had any bearing on who will sign him, how much he will sign for or what his contract is going to look like. So whoever told him that poor quality video was going to get him signed to a major league deal doesn’t know what they are talking about. The video itself was a juvenile effort at marketing so it seems pretty Cuban to me in its lack of modernity.
It came from afar and traveled sedately on, a shrug of eternity
that video was the reason why everyone is talking about him.
he showcases some amazing strength on that thing. so whoever came up with it was pretty fucking smart because nobody knows who the other guy (soler) is because he doesn’t have one.
Kenwo4life=ratings. Just call me Mr. USA Today.
Are you talking about fans of baseball or actual baseball teams?
I’m pretty sure all major league teams knew who he was before you started drooling over his leaping ability or his pig roasting skills.
It came from afar and traveled sedately on, a shrug of eternity
fans, media etc.
if soler held a workout there wouldn’t be 16,000 people standing around like at cespedes’. the video has a lot to do with that.
believe the hype.
Kenwo4life=ratings. Just call me Mr. USA Today.
Maybe I am naive but I think fan and media hype has very little to do with his impending contract
You think that video is going to be responsible for making him more money on a contract than he would have had the video not existed? He was defecting and a major league baseball team was going to sign him. When I first saw the video, i liked it because it was comical, now I hate it because people like you think he is the next coming of christ because of it.
It came from afar and traveled sedately on, a shrug of eternity
i don't think he's the next coming of christ.
I do think he’s going to be a very good player at a premium position. I also think he’d be an exciting addition on a stale club. I also think that the video absolutely increased his value.
Imagine if Champan had a video of him throwing it 105 MPH. He would have made Darvish money… easy.
Kenwo4life=ratings. Just call me Mr. USA Today.
thats only true in ron kittle's case.
Kenwo4life=ratings. Just call me Mr. USA Today.
by KenWo4LiFe on Jan 19, 2012 2:57 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
You telling me Jesus Christ couldn't hit a curveball?
"Many people need desperately to receive this message: 'I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone.'"
by U-God on Jan 19, 2012 2:57 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Perhaps 'next coming of christ' isn't accurate
but you’re jizzing in your pants over a HR in the Dominican League.
It came from afar and traveled sedately on, a shrug of eternity
What kind of endorsements do you think he will receive because of this video?
It came from afar and traveled sedately on, a shrug of eternity
who knows.
if it gets him an extra few bucks, good for him. if it doesn’t do anything, no harm. quit whining about it.
If you call responding to your comments and asking you questions about a something that is on-topic, whining
then you might need some help.
It came from afar and traveled sedately on, a shrug of eternity
i call your original comment whining.
it’s a video. you whined yesterday about how kerry wood allegedly left money on the table. here’s an instance of an agent trying to get a player more money and you begrudge him it. you’re complaining to complain.
Your definition of whining is fucked up
My original comment was that the video was ridiculous and that I don’t believe he is a fit for the Sox. Don’t even try to compare this with Kerry Wood either, there is no fucking correlation.
I find it hilarious that when someone has a different opinion than you, you call it whining. If that is the case you were doing some whining on the RR the other night.
It came from afar and traveled sedately on, a shrug of eternity
to whine: to complain in a childish fashion.
by larry on Jan 19, 2012 3:31 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
How is not liking a video and thinking its tacky, complaining?
The video didn’t make me think he wouldn’t be a good player, I just thought it was comically brutal. Like I said in my original comment, I think he will be a fine player eventually and I don’t think he is a fit for the Sox.
Stop whining about my opinions it makes you look bad.
It came from afar and traveled sedately on, a shrug of eternity
i have no problem with you thinking the video is tacky. or comical.
it was. those are part of the reasons i found it awesome. as i said earlier, having that turn you off to a player is what is silly.
I like players who let the way they play baseball do all the talking
all the bells, whistles, strange hoopla and self-promotion is something that turns me off. It is not a style that I like and it makes me somewhat skeptical about his ability when he or his handlers think they need to do something like that. The video gave me the opposite reaction it gave KenWo. I guess I’ll just apologize for whining about it and leave it at that.
It came from afar and traveled sedately on, a shrug of eternity
or perhaps you had the same reaction as KenWo
and you choose to deny that feeling within yourself. Or KenWo does.
sideways smiley face
by TasteeFreeze on Jan 19, 2012 5:07 PM CST up reply actions
then be sure to be consistent and extend your off turning to chris sale, jared mitchell, gordon beckham, addison reed, john danks and every other white sox player who had their agents make a video about them to promote them prior to the draft.
if you want to be turned off, be turned off by all the people who jizz over anyone who manages to swim from cuba to another country. omg! did you see that some 18 year defected the other day! go get him kenny! he’s cuban so he has to be awesome!
by larry on Jan 19, 2012 5:08 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
The Cespedes video was a little overboard dontcha think?
Catching balls behind his back, leaping five feet in the air, leg pressing his buddies, the pig roast, etc. There is a reason why most people have never seen the promtional videos of the players you mentioned, its probably because it focused on their baseball skills and weren’t meant for viral public consumption. Good point on the last part though.
It came from afar and traveled sedately on, a shrug of eternity
they were obviously having some fun with it
particularly in the second one, when they had seen the reaction to the first video.
while most of those draft videos have been rather mundane, there have been some that had some odd segments along the lines of cespedes’. a lot of it surely is that they wanted the widest audience but i think a lot of it is also cultural. latino players always get criticized for being colorful or for showboating or for goofing around or whatever terms you want to use. their approach is different. and i think this video reflects that difference. as was obvious, it was made by some guys in the DR.
But KenWo...
I think Rios/Viciedo/De Aza would have to be playing something horrific or injured for Cespedes to play regularly. Platooning the guy doesn’t make much sense either, given his likely cost.
by Shoeless In SC on Jan 19, 2012 3:07 PM CST up reply actions
Can someone just kidnap Rios, throw him in a trunk, and pour in some cement, then drive him into Lake Michigan and be done with it?
by Shoeless In SC on Jan 19, 2012 4:47 PM CST up reply actions
maybe Andrea Yates or Susan Smith could adopt him.
sideways smiley face
by TasteeFreeze on Jan 19, 2012 5:08 PM CST up reply actions
The Calumet River.
"Many people need desperately to receive this message: 'I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone.'"
that's just german for The Rios
So fast he could hit a ball up the middle and it would hit him in the ass sliding into second.
Are you telling me that German and Spanish are different languages?
Wierd.
The lords of dawn are men such as Mr. Lucy.
http://ijb.sagepub.com/content/6/3/291.short
So fast he could hit a ball up the middle and it would hit him in the ass sliding into second.
he'd probably be a money losing proposition for at least one year
possibly two unless he was an all star from day 1.
So fast he could hit a ball up the middle and it would hit him in the ass sliding into second.
i know. just giving you a hard time for the line
‘he’d be a good ballplayer. Just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense for the Sox right now.’
I agree 1,000% with that....
White Sox should be a team capable to sign and or generate players like Pujols, Reyes, Cabrera, Texeira, Braun (I still believe he is great)…. screw the mentality of “too much money” for 1 player. I’d pay extra for top of the creme. Great hitters put teams to win or in contention.
For 2012 season: ALEX RIOS is my new TONY PENA.
by JofpGallagher on Jan 19, 2012 11:45 AM CST up reply actions
That A-Rod contract sure put the Rangers over the top.
The Twins sure aren’t regretting the Joe Mauer deal.
The majority of the time, those giant contracts end badly.
"Many people need desperately to receive this message: 'I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone.'"
What you say is true, however...
Some of those contracts bring players that provide some years of joy…specially when the players are in their prime, and they may be good enough to bring a few divisional titles too…
Mauer will rebound although he will never live up the money he is paid.
For 2012 season: ALEX RIOS is my new TONY PENA.
by JofpGallagher on Jan 19, 2012 12:12 PM CST up reply actions
With the current state of the Sox' farm system, it would be a horrible idea to commit $100MM or more to a single player.
"Many people need desperately to receive this message: 'I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone.'"
Will there ever be a "right time" to commit?
For 2012 season: ALEX RIOS is my new TONY PENA.
by JofpGallagher on Jan 19, 2012 12:21 PM CST up reply actions
if this was the early 90s and the sox had a bunch of talented young players
like Alex Fernandez, Wilson Alvarez, Robin Ventura, Frank Thomas, Jack McDowell… and they had a hole in center field and Matt Kemp became a free agent or something… than yah go ahead.
but if there aren’t a lot of people making the minimum-ish salary its not particularly a good idea to commit that kind of money to one player.
unlike basketball one guy doesn’t usually make a huge difference.
Kenwo4life=ratings. Just call me Mr. USA Today.
You do realize that the early 90s was about 20 years ago...that's a lot of years for rebuilding, changes, etc
For 2012 season: ALEX RIOS is my new TONY PENA.
by JofpGallagher on Jan 19, 2012 12:32 PM CST up reply actions
You're missing the point.
"Many people need desperately to receive this message: 'I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone.'"
Oooops...yes I did miss it
For 2012 season: ALEX RIOS is my new TONY PENA.
by JofpGallagher on Jan 19, 2012 12:36 PM CST up reply actions
This.
There are very few teams in baseball that can afford to just outbid everyone and the new CBA is curbing that. But putting those type of contracts on the payroll when you don’t have a great amount of cheap talent on your team really restricts any roster flexibility.
The Blue Jays were stuck in neutral with the giant Wells and Rios contracts. The Brewers could only afford to keep one of Braun and Fielder. The Barry Zito deal may force the Giants to lose Cain or Lincecum.
"Many people need desperately to receive this message: 'I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone.'"
One thing you mau have missed in my point
For 2012 season: ALEX RIOS is my new TONY PENA.
by JofpGallagher on Jan 19, 2012 12:41 PM CST up reply actions
Hit the wrong button
I was not specifically referring to today’s situation
I was referring to the Whitesox since the times of Thomas. No star signings. Even less under KW management.
For 2012 season: ALEX RIOS is my new TONY PENA.
by JofpGallagher on Jan 19, 2012 12:42 PM CST up reply actions
Albert Belle.
And how many of the big money free agents that have signed with other teams since that contract have had careers worth the money?
"Many people need desperately to receive this message: 'I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone.'"
oh man albert belle was great.
i was so sad when he left. guy was awesome. unfortunately for him, (and fortunately for us) his career ended shortly after.
Kenwo4life=ratings. Just call me Mr. USA Today.
Him opting out did work really well for us.
"Many people need desperately to receive this message: 'I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone.'"
belle's contract with the orioles was insured. he had to stay on the 40 man roster throughout the duration of it though.
which is why on fantasy baseball sites he was always available for the taking even though he was retired.
Kenwo4life=ratings. Just call me Mr. USA Today.
I know they are for the players benefit
But if you were in a front office wouldn’t you have some interest in having them in there as well? Not for the Longoria type guys who sign early, but for the actual free agents that are usually signed at 27-29 years old. How bad do the Yanks wish they just let ARod walk after getting 7 years of great play? Same thing with somebody like Prince. He wants 6 years and an opt out after 2 or 3 years, fine. Take the 2 or 3 years of prime performance, and let the next guy pay him for when he is 35 years old and 400 pounds.
For me it would depend on the position.
If it was a guy who plays up the middle, I wouldn’t want an opt out clause in there. A 1B or corner OF? Sure, why not.
"Many people need desperately to receive this message: 'I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone.'"
They are entertaining!
I know baseball is business, but for us fans, is all about entertainment. It’s a heck of a lot more entertaining to watch Alex if his last name was Rodriguez and not Rios. Is he going to be worth the contract? Maybe not, but he will give some productive years and excitmente. Rios makes me turn off the TV. Disclaimer: The Alex Rios vs Alex Rodriguez example is for ilustrative purposes.
For 2012 season: ALEX RIOS is my new TONY PENA.
by JofpGallagher on Jan 19, 2012 12:54 PM CST up reply actions
And then you get to enjoy the excitement of a 40 year old hitter making $20MM a year!
It’s a fairly safe bet that he won’t be worth the contract. If it’s the excitement angle you’re after, look at the Cubs and Soriano. He was exciting for two years and they are stuck with him for another three years and $54MM.
"Many people need desperately to receive this message: 'I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone.'"
he was a lot more exciting that last year before the contract on the nats.
Some people get so rich they lose all respect for humanity. That's how rich I want to be.
i was thinking of the SBs.
Some people get so rich they lose all respect for humanity. That's how rich I want to be.
Whoshtrap
"Hawk Harrelson: Annoying even the hearing impaired": Teahenny Penny paraphrasing Chisoxfan1473
by NorthSidePaulie on Jan 19, 2012 1:25 PM CST up reply actions
Come on
I’ve already got his name tat’d on my leg, there’s no turning back now!
GET TO THE CHOPPA!!!
KenWo's tat is on the middle leg.
"People of privilege will always risk their complete destruction rather than surrender any material part of their advantage."
John Kenneth Galbraith
by Chiburb on Jan 19, 2012 11:31 AM CST up reply actions 5 recs
what is a jabronis?
For 2012 season: ALEX RIOS is my new TONY PENA.
by JofpGallagher on Jan 19, 2012 11:57 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
a jabronie is not a very handsome man.
thanks though. :)
Kenwo4life=ratings. Just call me Mr. USA Today.
a jabronie is a wrestling term.
scott hall and the rock used it. meant to describe people inferior to them.
Kenwo4life=ratings. Just call me Mr. USA Today.
I believe jabronie was the term for the anonymous stooges the big name pro wrestlers would beat up on in the mid1990s and before
On the weekends as a kid I remember they would always have matches like the Ultimate Warrior vs Joe Smith or Hulk Hogan vs Michael Jones.
The big name guys would only fight each other at the big event like Wrestlemania.
but the rock and scott hall would call everyone jabronies.
Kenwo4life=ratings. Just call me Mr. USA Today.
rightly so.
Some people get so rich they lose all respect for humanity. That's how rich I want to be.
The wife is thinking about getting one for the hell of it-
A skull and bones pirate thing with the words “Social Worker”
I am fully supportive of this.
by South Side Expat on Jan 19, 2012 2:06 PM CST up reply actions
i once thought about doing a hulk hogan with a white sox bandana.
lol.
Kenwo4life=ratings. Just call me Mr. USA Today.
First a professional chef, now a tattoo artist?
We’re getting spoiled here.
The lords of dawn are men such as Mr. Lucy.
A tattoo guy at the methup.
GREAT idea.
by South Side Expat on Jan 19, 2012 4:55 PM CST up reply actions
Give each other hard stares
It came from afar and traveled sedately on, a shrug of eternity
by Rhubarb on Jan 19, 2012 9:05 PM CST up reply actions 5 recs
Defend our actions as Americans.
The lords of dawn are men such as Mr. Lucy.
by Uribe Down on Jan 19, 2012 9:42 PM CST up reply actions 4 recs
exchange addresses
So fast he could hit a ball up the middle and it would hit him in the ass sliding into second.
by colintj on Jan 19, 2012 9:43 PM CST up reply actions 4 recs
Put about nine people in a five-person SUV and drive in circles.
The lords of dawn are men such as Mr. Lucy.
by Uribe Down on Jan 20, 2012 12:34 AM CST up reply actions 3 recs
some of us attempt to ride the train back to burbs afterwards
by e-gus on Jan 20, 2012 1:43 AM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Slap each other in the face and draw dicks on scorecards.
"Many people need desperately to receive this message: 'I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone.'"
by U-God on Jan 20, 2012 9:42 AM CST up reply actions 4 recs
Now I know how to say "Put it on the board" in Spanish
White Sox 2012: Helplessly rebuilding?
by greenlight on Jan 19, 2012 10:09 AM CST reply actions 3 recs
Queridos amigos mios y ahora que? Que me dicen? Que me cuentan? Pa’ fuera!, pa’ la calle! Adios pelotica de mi vida!
A lot of words for…..“put it on the board”
For 2012 season: ALEX RIOS is my new TONY PENA.
by JofpGallagher on Jan 19, 2012 11:50 AM CST up reply actions
This guy has already rubbed me the wrong way.
By channeling his inner-Alfonso Soriano, he successfully stood and stared at his homerun instead of running his rear end around the bases.
by nancyfaust on Jan 19, 2012 10:26 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
thats a problem worth having
At least compared to a proper post-popup protocol.
Dave Martinez woulda had that.
No worries
Ozzie will fix that
Ventura will fix that
Ozzie will fix that
by son_of_sophist on Jan 19, 2012 12:29 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Boy, I like this very much.
Reminds me of Manny. And it wasn’t absolutely crushed (though his strength is obvious, as it looked as if he leaned out to pull it).
We're all here because we're not all there.
by winningugly on Jan 19, 2012 12:31 PM CST up reply actions
oh quit being lame. we need some flavor around here.
Kenwo4life=ratings. Just call me Mr. USA Today.
This makes me want a Spanish speaking announcer next year
the broadcasts would be fantastic. Rolling the r in Konerko would be worth it.
It is known
I think you can listen to Sox broadcasts in Spanish anytime you want
or at least some of the games are broadcast on Spanish-language stations.
Dave Martinez woulda had that.
do they say 'hooooommmmmmmmeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!'
for a full minute like the soccer commentators do with ‘goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllll!!!!’?
Not that there's anything wrong with that.
We're all here because we're not all there.
by winningugly on Jan 19, 2012 12:31 PM CST up reply actions
He does say...pu it on the booooooooooooooaaaaaaarrrrddd
board, goal, whatever….. the emotion is what matter!
For 2012 season: ALEX RIOS is my new TONY PENA.
by JofpGallagher on Jan 20, 2012 11:22 AM CST up reply actions
with a siren and/or bull horn going off in the background too.
that’d be death to my ears
by Shoeless In SC on Jan 19, 2012 3:04 PM CST up reply actions
Bring on the vuvuzelas for home games.
Opposing fans watching on Extra Innings or WGN would finally bitch about something other than Hawk.
by Yinka Double Dare on Jan 19, 2012 4:42 PM CST up reply actions
what?
does kenwo think he is in an aol chatroom?
by craigws on Jan 19, 2012 12:17 PM CST up reply actions 4 recs
ah that's nostalgic.
i always enjoyed replying with
61/janitor
by obnoxious american on Jan 19, 2012 6:45 PM CST up reply actions
We could get Brandon Allen back!
"Many people need desperately to receive this message: 'I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone.'"
Floyd for Allen
Kenny gets his man
It is known
id have stayed with Armin Tamzarian
"Rhubarb, if you wouldn’t mind, ram your taint into your monitor as hard as you can." - joewho112
dude i am so disappointed by this.
i loved him from the first time i saw his name. Frosty Corona.
Kenwo4life=ratings. Just call me Mr. USA Today.
pretty impressive dedication on his part to get into character
most guys won’t put on 30 lbs for a role
What percentage of prospects earn a "safe" grade?
That seems like a bold statement of future success.
The lords of dawn are men such as Mr. Lucy.
Just saw this on MLBTR... thought the contrast was pretty funny.
Twins GM Terry Ryan told MLB.com’s Rhett Bollinger that he’s not ruling out the possibility of adding some more pitching (Twitter link). “I don’t think you should ever say you’re set to go,” said Ryan.
A top Royals official told Bob Dutton of The Kansas City Star that he’d “be really surprised” if the team signs or trades for another starting pitcher before Spring Training (Twitter link). Dutton says the team wants to get a look at its in-house options.
"That baseball is the smartest thing out on that field." —Hawk Harrelson
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