A couple rumors

by The Wizard on Nov 6, 2007 9:45 PM CST in Rumors Comment 52 comments

MLBTR says the Sox have a strong interest in 34 year-old Japanese right-handed reliever Yasuhiko Yabuta:

Yasuhiko Yabuta - Yabuta, the right-handed set up man for the Chiba Lotte Marines, is probably best known for striking out A-Rod, Derrek Lee, and Johnny Damon in the 2006 World Baseball Classic. The Chicago White Sox need a set-up man and are rumored to have a strong interest in Yabuta, who has racked up 86 holds and a sub 3.00 ERA over the last 3 years for the Marines despite not panning out as a starter. [Note: the Red Sox are said to have a working agreement with the Marines, also.]

Wikipedia agrees: "Japanese media reported that the White Sox has a strong interest in him. (Oct 2007)." Rotoworld too. Must've slipped under the radar. ***** And Kenny says he has no interest in Miguel Tejada:

Among the potential suitors -- teams that have holes on the left side of their infield -- most appear to be focused in a different direction from Tejada. The Chicago White Sox haven't decided whether they will exercise shortstop Juan Uribe's option, and third baseman Joe Crede is coming off back surgery and is reportedly a target of the New York Yankees to replace Rodriguez. However, asked today about the possibility of acquiring Tejada, White Sox GM Ken Williams said he had no interest. Williams was one of the most aggressive suitors for Tejada last season, offering the Orioles veteran starter Jose Contreras and pitching prospect Gio Gonzalez for the shortstop, according to a source.

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yeah

jose and gio for tejada. i'm guessing that source was paul from las vegas. or jeremy in sugar grove.

by larry on Nov 6, 2007 9:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

kenny reluctant?

usa today:

Some general managers might be reluctant to negotiate with free agents or make trades for fear a player could be named in former senator George Mitchell's report on steroids and other illegal performance-enhancing drugs in baseball.

"It's a precarious situation," Chicago White Sox GM Ken Williams said Tuesday at the general managers' meetings. "By making the wrong decision and having it blow up in your face, you can set your franchise back for years to come."

by The Wizard on Nov 6, 2007 10:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Oh Christ

Last year it was all about I will wait for the market correction, now the built in excuse for inaction is the Mitchell report. The team lost 90 games last year, if he just plays the "well last year was a fluke" game then this franchise will be in a big hurt for a long long time.

by southsideirish71 on Nov 6, 2007 10:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The solution

is to sign guys who's names are already out there... like Mike Cameron! Gosh damn would he be a good fit for this team.

As far as the Japanese reliever, I'd be surprised and dissappointed if the Sox didn't bring one reliever in from that part of the world. For now it looks like it's the biggest 'inefficiency' in free agency.

by CWSKeith on Nov 6, 2007 10:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's the same old bullshit...

Kenny making up yet another excuse on why the Sox won't be signing any top free agents and instead will stick with cheaper signings like David Eckstein and Shannon Stewart. Just admit that it's the money.

by SSH2005 on Nov 6, 2007 11:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Smoke screen

KW is averse to signing guys who've used PED's? These numbers courtesy of ruffster's post the other day. Gee, I wonder if this guy below was using something the season before he declared his free agency?

erstad
22 81
23 112
24 114
25 74
26 137
27 82
28 86
29 72
30 97
31 87
32 57
33 68

If I were the Angels I'd be really pissed at this guy. He must've stuffed everything known to man and then some to post that 137 OPS+. He should've at least had the courtesy to continue using part of whatever it was he was doing before he got that huge contract out of them. Not only does he suck, he's devious.

"We've missed a little bit of that grind and edge and we've got to get that back." - Kenny Williams

by ChicagoPete on Nov 7, 2007 9:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i bet kenny

thinks tejada is on that list

by Jbasic89 on Nov 6, 2007 10:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

On Cabrera (from a paper of record)

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/07/sports/baseball/07yanks.html

Executives from other teams say the Marlins would demand a center fielder and one or two premier young pitchers in return for Cabrera. In the Yankees' case, that would mean Melky Cabrera and Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain, perhaps with Ian Kennedy thrown in.

Ian Kennedy!

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Nov 6, 2007 11:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

At least Jim Hendry isn't our GM...

"Dempster moved from Cubs bullpen to the rotation"

by SSH2005 on Nov 7, 2007 12:00 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

New Pirate's GM seems to get it:

The Pirates upper management has widely ignored OBP (on base percentage) in the past. How important will OBP be in player evaluation under your leadership?
-- Eric S., Pennsboro, W.Va

We are going to utilize several objective measures of player performance to evaluate and develop players. We'll rely on the more traditional objective evaluations: OPS (on base percentage plus slugging percentage) , WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched), Runs Created, ERC (Component ERA), GB/FB (ground ball to fly ball ratio), K/9 (strikeouts per nine innings), K/BB (strikeouts to walks ratio), BB%, etc., but we'll also look to rely on some of the more recent variations: VORP (value over replacement player), Relative Performance, EqAve (equivalent average), EqOBP (equivalent on base percentage), EqSLG (equivalent slugging percentage), BIP% (balls put into play percentage), wOBA (weighted on base average), Range Factor, PMR (probabilistic model of range) and Zone Rating.
Courtesy of:
http://www.firejoemorgan.com/

It should be called Bill Veeck Park!

by Chiburb on Nov 7, 2007 7:36 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Get him out of baseball!!!!!

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

by Tdogg on Nov 7, 2007 8:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I saw that earlier -

This whole talking to fans as through they are knowledgeable (or at least recognizing some are) has to stop.

QA with GM Link

They seemed to be trying to open communications between management and their fan base. Nice to see.

Ask Huntigton Link

by Brush Back on Nov 7, 2007 8:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The biggest Sox cock-tease ever...

"Sox interested in Miguel Cabrera
GM MEETINGS | Williams has what it takes -- young starting pitchers -- to land 3B"

I won't even bother to comment since it obviously isn't going to happen.

Also, Kenny is apparently talking trade with the Houston Astros...

Link:

Wade said that as a policy, he doesn't comment on his trade talks, which is why he declined to say what he and the Chicago White Sox discussed Monday.

Bruce LeVineLine of ESPN 1000 reports that Kenny has been talking to the Astros about SS Adam Everett.

Haha, is Kenny actually looking for WORSE shortstops than Uribe? What a joke.

by SSH2005 on Nov 7, 2007 8:50 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Adam Everett

His glove is probably worth it. I'd be fine with him playing short.

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Nov 7, 2007 9:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No, his glove isn't worth it...

He is a bigger offensive hole than Uribe. Everett has a career line of .248/.299/.357/.656 with a career OPS+ of 69. Those numbers equate to a horrible starting SS. Everett is basically a defensive replacement at best.

by SSH2005 on Nov 7, 2007 9:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He is the best defensive player in baseball...

and many think the best defender at SS since Ozzie Smith. He is very bad offensively, but he's so good defensively that he's really a league average SS. Overall, he's quite a bit better than the now slightly above average with the glove Uribe.

by bhoov on Nov 7, 2007 10:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If he is the best defender in baseball...

Then where is his gold glove? Simply put, I do not think Everett's defense is so impressive that it makes up for his putrid offensive performance. Personally, I'd rather keep Uribe for another year. His offensive production makes up for the minimal difference in Everett/Uribe defensive comparison.

by BoKnows on Nov 7, 2007 10:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Since when did gold glove

Become a real standard for defensive work? Jeter has won multiple gloves.

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

by Tdogg on Nov 7, 2007 10:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOLerz at the gold glove argument

That one always cracks me up.

If Houston wants something even reasonably significant for Everett, though, I'd just rather go with Uribe, but if they're giving him away for a reliever or prospect fodder, I wouldn't mind him. As has been mentioned, he's the best defender in all of baseball.

by CWSKeith on Nov 7, 2007 10:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What are you talking about

The upgrade defensively and saving 2.5 million makes this a decent deal in reshaping the roster. Get over your blind hate of KW

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

by Tdogg on Nov 7, 2007 10:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He's interesting

I mean - what exactly is the overall personality of this team going to be the next couple of years? If you think the strength is your pitching, which I think it is, pairing the guy who many consider the best defensive SS in the game (quick, duck head) with a hopefully healthy Joe Crede gives you by far the best defensive left side of the IF in baseball.

Put a Rowand or Hunter or Cameron in CF and you've got a pretty solid defensive club out there.

"We've missed a little bit of that grind and edge and we've got to get that back." - Kenny Williams

by ChicagoPete on Nov 7, 2007 10:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Everett is a FA in 2009

I don't see the marginal value of trading any kind of talent for a year of Everett.

by hitlesswonder on Nov 7, 2007 10:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It depends on the cost

What would the Astros demand for Everett?

As great a defender as he is, I don't see him coming for free. If the Sox could trade Masset or Sisco or Aardsma for him, that's fine. But it would likely take more than that. And all the Sox get would be 1 year of GG defense and no hitting.

Talent is more valuable than money to the Sox right now. I don't see trading for Everett as being any better than just picking up Uribe's option.

by hitlesswonder on Nov 7, 2007 10:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If it's one year forget it,

I thought he was under contract for another two.
I was getting excited for a moment about Adam Everett. Man, this is really clutching at straws.

"We've missed a little bit of that grind and edge and we've got to get that back." - Kenny Williams

by ChicagoPete on Nov 7, 2007 10:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That is a different argument

Than someone claiming he is a defensive replacement at best. I wouldnt want to give up anything valuable either. But I like the idea of building a very good defense. Pitching and defense can we win.

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

by Tdogg on Nov 7, 2007 10:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not against building a good defensive team

At all. I actually like the idea of the Sox having a player who is the best in baseball at something (fielding at SS in this case). If the Sox can get Everett for one of the bad relievers that are logjammed on the roster that's great. Trading Brian Anderson for him would be fine with me. But something like Egbert or Sweeney I just wouldn't do. The Sox need cheap talent more than they need a one year defensive upgrade.

by hitlesswonder on Nov 7, 2007 11:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The 2008 CWS super "d" licious version

Cameron CF
Fields LF
Thome DH
PK 1B
JD RF
AJ C
JC 3B
Richar 2B
Everett SS

This lineup might possibly score even fewer runs than last year's team. But man, I tell ya, these boys'll throw some leather atcha!

"We've missed a little bit of that grind and edge and we've got to get that back." - Kenny Williams

by ChicagoPete on Nov 7, 2007 11:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Cabrera

I wonder if Fields, Gio, and BA/Sweeney would get it done? Probably not. They'd probably want DLS too.

by rhombusface on Nov 7, 2007 10:13 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

any uribe news?

isn't today decision day? is it by the end of business that they have to make the decision?

i can't wait to get his -3 grinder rating back for next season.

by hugh on Nov 7, 2007 10:18 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

According to Bruce Levine

They just signed him for 1 year 4.5 million.

Its back. More of the Low OBP, swing for the fences on every pitch, overweight loving on the southside. Fuck

by southsideirish71 on Nov 7, 2007 11:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sigh

Did they at least get a weight clause?

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

by Tdogg on Nov 7, 2007 11:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Clause - If he adds 5 more pounds

He gets to play Santa Clause

by Brush Back on Nov 7, 2007 11:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

press release?

it's cheap and (presumably) prevents the sox from making a terrible mistake in the free agent market with a guy like eckstein. fine with me. we're either punting to next year, which has a stronger potential SS free agent class, or at least getting insurance in case a trade doesn't go through. i find it hard to get upset with one year deals that don't cost much - especially when the other options aren't all that enticing.

by larry on Nov 7, 2007 11:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I concur

This doesn't make the 2008 Sox better, but it doesn't make the team worse going forward. It's better to overpay Uribe by a few million and be assured someone can play SS in 2008 than trade away Sweeney for Jack Wilson or Adam Everett.

by hitlesswonder on Nov 7, 2007 11:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This

was the prudent move.....anybody who gets warped about this has no sense of prioritization/perspective. Again, AT MINIMUM, its great insurance att all infield positions, and, just maybe, a semi-regular to regular starting SS.

by dantesox on Nov 7, 2007 11:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

hELL,

they even saved themselves 500,000...they must have formally declined first, 'cause the contract called for 5 mil....as I said yesterday, the only thing they didn't do right...(or did they?)...was get the weight clause I was calling for. Kenny did fine.

by dantesox on Nov 7, 2007 12:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Pulling a Vince Lombardi.

Contract states that Uribe lives in Ozzie's basement during the season.

by ballyb on Nov 7, 2007 12:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He's signed

Juan to stay another year

Press Release

by Brush Back on Nov 7, 2007 11:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ah crap

I agree with the reasoning posted on why this is a prudent move going forward (and why this doesn't mean Uribe is definitively the SS in 2008), but it still not something to get excited about. The free agents give little to desire. Eckstein or Uribe? That's like choosing between the firing squad or guillatine? (although the latter gives the possibilty of those few moments of decapitated consciousness...)

by HulkSmash on Nov 7, 2007 12:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think the problem KW has (or us as fans)

Is its very obvious where the Sox have issues - its also obvious there are no internal alternatives for those problems. So any negotiation he wants to do is at a disadvantage. If I'm a GM and know KW is interested in my SS, I'll ask for the world - if I can't get it, or close to it, I'll walk away.

So unless KW is willing to take a huge risk with the minimal amount of potential future talent we have, that he can move - he's left with the FA market of older/declining players. This does not paint a rosy picture of the near years coming.

by Brush Back on Nov 7, 2007 11:35 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Plus it's timing

These calendar deadlines don't work in KW's favor, he had to make a decision today or else we have nothing at SS and now he has a gun to his head next week.

But look at the bright side - NO ECKSTEIN! woohoo

"We've missed a little bit of that grind and edge and we've got to get that back." - Kenny Williams

by ChicagoPete on Nov 7, 2007 11:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Eckstein

Still a strong possibility I think. Eckstein could play 2B or Uribe 3B. Or Uribe could be traded or sit on the bench. I don't think this settles the SS picture for 2008.

by hitlesswonder on Nov 7, 2007 11:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

nope

it just gives us protection. i think it lessens the chance of eckstein simply because we don't absolutley have to do anything now. but we all know KW. i don't think he views this as settling anything.

by larry on Nov 7, 2007 11:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not Eckstein.

Maybe a young guy, like the Cubs Cedeno if we can swing a trade.

by ballyb on Nov 7, 2007 12:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

if the mets get Arod

they're going to sign eckstein to play 2B. classic move: counteract the prima donna with a grinder.

by larry on Nov 7, 2007 12:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Goldstein's Top 11 Prospects:

here

Nothing too surprising. He finally gives something definite about Gio's projection and matches my impressions. He slotted in Poreda higher than I would have. I don't know where he pulled Omogrosso from, but he did have a solid season. On the whole, though, it's basically what we knew: DLS, Gio, Carter and crickets chirping. I suppose you could add Poreda and Shelby to that, though I'd be more inclined to add the latter than the former.

OK, bring on the Craigslist chick! Bathe her and bring her to my tent! And keep the Valtrex coming!

by colintj on Nov 7, 2007 12:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

He's pretty high

on DLS and Poreda. I'll take his evaluation way before I'll take the evaluation of some dunderhead who happens to live in Great Falls or Arizona posing as a sox scout. I still can't believe some of you fell for that!

Here's last years list by Goldstein:

Excellent Prospects
None
Very Good Prospects

John Danks, lhp
Ryan Sweeney, cf/rf
Josh Fields, 3b

Good Prospects

Gio Gonzalez, lhp
Charlie Haeger, rhp

Average Prospects

Aaron Cunningham, lf
Lance Broadway, rhp
Kyle McCulloch, rhp
Chris Carter, 1b
Nick Massett, rhp

So he sees DLS as our best prospect in the last 2 years. Last year's excellent (5 star) prospects went down to 43 on his top 100. So DLS is probably gonna make his top 40 prospects. I would imagine Gio will make the top 60 and Poreda will make his top 100.

by bhoov on Nov 7, 2007 12:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

In comparison to last year

It's clear we're getting better as a system, imo. Last year, Masset had to fill out the end because KG couldn't find anyone else. While I dn about Omogrosso, there are interesting guys like Gallagher whom you could slot in toward the end and not feel totally embarrassed by. Masset had a good couple weeks in the AFL to his credit and that's it.

OK, bring on the Craigslist chick! Bathe her and bring her to my tent! And keep the Valtrex coming!

by colintj on Nov 7, 2007 1:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

uribe

... maybe he has a chance to get his weight down and step up to the plate (pardon the pun). He has to know the Sox aren't kidding around about stepping up. If he plays to his potential I think he's worth having. This off-season, no off-the-field nonsense but some serious training. It could be worthwhile.

Nothing like a contract year to motivate somebody.

That dive into the stands in game 4, 2005 WS was one of the all-time great Sox highlights.

by ruffster on Nov 7, 2007 12:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Uribe is who we thought he was

The knock on him at Colorado was good talent, lazy and undisciplined. He doesnt play to his potential and he never will. Before every game he tells the radio crew he will hit a home run, then spins like a top trying to get into one. His plate discipline is almost spastic. The only reason he is here still, is because of the deadline and the fact that no other options were available.

The dive into the crowd was great, but that was 2 years ago. The same guy who dove into the stands, waved off everyone last year in detroit and let a ball hit his feet.

I just hope he comes into ST in baseball playing shape, instead of the shape known as round.

by southsideirish71 on Nov 7, 2007 12:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs