Spring Training Game #23: White Sox vs. Rockies -- Nick Masset vs. Ubaldo Jimenez

by The Wizard on Mar 19, 2008 2:35 PM CDT in Game Threads

Time: 3:05 p.m. CT, TV: CSN, MLB.tv (Live Boxscore; MLB Gameday)

Sox: Ramirez, CF; Cabrera, SS; Thome, DH; Konerko, 1B; Swisher, LF; Fields, 3B; Anderson, B, RF; Ozuna, 2B; Hall, C

Rox: Taveras, CF; Tulowitzki, SS; Helton, 1B; Holliday, LF; Atkins, 3B; Stewart, DH; Baker, RF; Torrealba, C; Nix, 2B

"He's done some good things this spring, and to be honest with you, I'm a little shocked. ... He's definitely looking like he's more comfortable, and the one thing we all noticed is it looks like he's going to be an exceptional fastball hitter. We're sitting around watching him with the breaking ball, and he's shown he can handle that. He's very aggressive. You can tell he's played a lot of baseball."

Walker said he has yet to make any adjustments to the rookie's swing and doesn't know if he will have to. "It's very different but workable. He has a forward press early on, almost [Alfonso] Soriano-like. For a thin guy, he has big-time power. The only time he really loses his mechanics is when he tries to do too much and he comes in and out of it pretty violently. He's a max-effort guy, and that might be something we try to calm down later. But right now, we're just letting him play. He's a unique guy, that's for sure. And he runs great, which is nice to see some more speed out there. There's some big decisions that are going to be made in this camp, and as far as I'm concerned, he's in the mix."

***** In other news,

Jim on the Crede-Fields situation.
Tango on what should Tampa do with Evan Longoria. And the BBTF link.
Can we send Greg Walker to the International Space Station?
Squeezing Out Every Dollar.

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Comments

WSCR reporting Uribe rumor

WSCR reporting Uribe rumor
Rumor is.... that the Sox released Uribe

Note - this is unconfirmed with no press release
Note - this is unconfirmed with no press release
Note - this is unconfirmed with no press release

So instead of a big splash, there were ripples -- enough to change the tide, Williams believes

by Brush Back on Mar 19, 2008 2:38 PM CDT 0 recs

I just heard this as well from a co-worker...

That means that we have to eat his $4.5 million, right? And Ramirez is the 2B?

by SSH2005 on Mar 19, 2008 2:43 PM CDT up 0 recs

No Way....

...I don't believe it.

Ozzie: "He got a [migraine] headache. I believe him because he's a real religious guy. Someone else tells me they have a migraine, I know they are hung over."

by BobbySouthSide on Mar 19, 2008 2:45 PM CDT up 0 recs

I don't like Uribe but this makes little sense

If you are going to pay him and dont see him as a starter. Then pay him to be a utility guy. But cutting him for nothing makes no sense.

by southsideirish71 on Mar 19, 2008 2:45 PM CDT up 0 recs

Exactly, he has to be traded...

The Sox wouldn't eat $4.5 million instead of keeping him as a utility man on the bench.

by SSH2005 on Mar 19, 2008 2:47 PM CDT up 0 recs

Doesn't make any sense

Ozzie: "He got a [migraine] headache. I believe him because he's a real religious guy. Someone else tells me they have a migraine, I know they are hung over."

by BobbySouthSide on Mar 19, 2008 2:47 PM CDT up 0 recs

It sounds like he's been placed on waivers

If no one claims him, the Sox can either release him, outright him to the minors, or pretend like nothing happened. What am I missing?

by Winning is Fung on Mar 19, 2008 6:59 PM CDT up 0 recs

It's wonderful to hear from our brass

that everyone is "shocked, shocked!" that one of our signings is actually working out. Fills me with confidence in our scouting department - just like the New York Knights when they found Roy Hobbs. "He's nobody from nowhere - Ramirez is a joke!"

JR = The Judge
Ozzie = Pop
KW = Gus: "I like the action!"

Hey man, this game is a bunch of front-runners. If you're good, they kiss your butt. If not, you're horse s---.

by winningugly on Mar 19, 2008 2:49 PM CDT 0 recs

whoopie

i doubt this is true, but it would be nice if it was.

by ridebdr on Mar 19, 2008 2:50 PM CDT 0 recs

Really?

Are there a lot of false rumors of players getting cut these days? I gotta say, I've never heard untrue cut rumors before.

The joy of repetition really is in you.

by defensive indifference on Mar 19, 2008 2:52 PM CDT up 0 recs

I just nutted

after hearing it on the score. please be true!

How do you fuck a nut?!

by omnipotent grab on Mar 19, 2008 2:55 PM CDT 0 recs

But why?

To get nothing in return for nearly $5 million? Not even an A relief prospect?

I don't get why that would make anyone happy(?)

Next time, Bhoov, do some research.

by Chiburb on Mar 19, 2008 2:57 PM CDT up 0 recs

keep in mind

1) i believe this is before the deadline for contracts such as uribe's becoming completely guaranteed; thus, it's possible that the sox may not be on the hook for all of it; 2) another team will almost certainly pick up uribe so that would also limit the amounts owed and; 3) perhaps most importantly, the sox may have simply "waived" juan, so they can still trade him, if that's the case.

by larry on Mar 19, 2008 3:01 PM CDT up 0 recs

Well no more chance of his bat in the lineup

thats about it.

Didnt aardsma get DFA'd when we traded him to the Red Sox, or something similar? couldnt the same thing happen here with Uribe?

How do you fuck a nut?!

by omnipotent grab on Mar 19, 2008 3:02 PM CDT up 0 recs

Well...

if you like Alexei Ramirez and want to see him get at-bats, this will (should) make you very happy. As Cheat mentioned a few days ago, the Sox are going to do their damnedest to place Ramirez in a 'psuedo-starter' role, getting him as many at-bats as possible without having him be a full-time starter -- kind of like what Colin was suggesting the Sox do with Fields (or not suggesting, but just seeing if it was possible).

by CWSKeith on Mar 19, 2008 3:04 PM CDT up 0 recs

i think this means ramirez is the starter

at least, arguably, until richar is ready. nothing pseudo about this move.

by larry on Mar 19, 2008 3:12 PM CDT up 0 recs

I like Alexei

but I don't know if that was the correct move
larry says it is
couldn't profundo fill a jack-of-all-trades utility role?
what's $4.5 mil in today's MLB? I'm confused...

by The Wizard on Mar 19, 2008 3:23 PM CDT up 0 recs

well

i didn't mean it was the correct move. i'm optimistic but not sure. but the sox obviously think ramirez is ready. i'm skeptical but, frankly, since i'm not sold on us competing i'd probably rather see ramirez up here getting full-time at bats than uribe.

by larry on Mar 19, 2008 3:27 PM CDT up 0 recs

Doesn't he look awfully raw at 2B?

And more fluid in the OF? Or might he and OC swap (yeah, right)?

Perhaps Owens/BA can learn to play 2B and AR can play CF...

Hey man, this game is a bunch of front-runners. If you're good, they kiss your butt. If not, you're horse s---.

by winningugly on Mar 19, 2008 3:29 PM CDT up 0 recs

oh, sorry

I get you now...

are we sure what kind of waivers has profundo been placed on?
they aren't the kind you can pull back the player if someone claims him?

by The Wizard on Mar 19, 2008 7:25 PM CDT up 0 recs

MEMO TO CATERING

Reduce pre-game buffet budget by $500,000.

Share the passion, show the swagger

by tailgater on Mar 19, 2008 2:58 PM CDT 0 recs

Good one

Cancel KFC contract ASAP!

by Winning is Fung on Mar 19, 2008 3:02 PM CDT up 0 recs

and you can stop buying bananas

"We're actually doing some different things at the top of the lineup, but our key is Jerry Owens being our center fielder and our leadoff guy" - JD

by ChicagoPete on Mar 19, 2008 3:03 PM CDT up 0 recs

more importantly

does this mean people can stop making fat jokes?

really, if you can't come up with anything more intelligent, don't post at all.

by hugh on Mar 19, 2008 3:05 PM CDT up 0 recs

common larry

fat jokes are fun!

by The Wizard on Mar 19, 2008 3:07 PM CDT up 0 recs

that is certainly a silver lining

if this is true.

by larry on Mar 19, 2008 3:07 PM CDT up 0 recs

No way

They just shift to Toby

So instead of a big splash, there were ripples -- enough to change the tide, Williams believes

by Brush Back on Mar 19, 2008 3:10 PM CDT up 0 recs

aw

c'mon hugh-munguous.
it'll be okay, have another 1 lb. bag of peanut m&ms.

just kiddin hugh
i cant help myself sometimes...

by Gus on Mar 19, 2008 5:46 PM CDT up 0 recs

here's the press release

whitesox.com

by The Wizard on Mar 19, 2008 3:04 PM CDT 0 recs

you're a tease

by larry on Mar 19, 2008 3:06 PM CDT up 0 recs

bastard

How do you fuck a nut?!

by omnipotent grab on Mar 19, 2008 3:08 PM CDT up 0 recs

Apparently, Uribe was DFA'ed...

meaning the Sox have 10 days to trade or release him. It sounds like the Sox are hoping the Orioles claim Uribe and pick up his $4.5 million dollar contract.

by SSH2005 on Mar 19, 2008 3:08 PM CDT 0 recs

unless this is a prelude to a deal

which it may very well be, this move certainly would signal a sea change in white sox organization thinking. obviously they think they've got something in ramirez and, i'd argue, richar eventually, and they're making the correct baseball decision to jettison uribe now and open up a spot for those guys. good.

by larry on Mar 19, 2008 3:11 PM CDT up 0 recs

In other words

As I have argued to Im blue in the face. Most of us have no freaking idea what is going to happen.

Have I told you Jerry Owens sucks? I have? Let me tell you again!

by Tdogg on Mar 19, 2008 3:14 PM CDT up 0 recs

i don't think i've gone blue

but the uribe situation is one that i certainly didn't make any pronouncements about how he would certainly be the starter opening day. i would say, however, that this move should surprise even the most sunny sox fans. this sort of stuff just isn't in their past MO. after reading all this crap on the board today, i must say this was a nice surprise.

by larry on Mar 19, 2008 3:17 PM CDT up 0 recs

Crap!?

Aww, Larry, we'll try to be better by Opening Day. :P

The joy of repetition really is in you.

by defensive indifference on Mar 19, 2008 4:34 PM CDT up 0 recs

Seems that kenny

didnt see any option but to take Ozzies toy away.

How do you fuck a nut?!

by omnipotent grab on Mar 19, 2008 3:12 PM CDT up 0 recs

seems to me

that ozzie would be involved in these discussions. and looking back i'd say these contingencies regarding how to use ramirez made the move clear. or maybe i'm just somewhat more optimistic in the organization after reading all the whining today on this board.

by larry on Mar 19, 2008 3:15 PM CDT up 0 recs

then please explain the crede/fields situation

"We're actually doing some different things at the top of the lineup, but our key is Jerry Owens being our center fielder and our leadoff guy" - JD

by ChicagoPete on Mar 19, 2008 4:09 PM CDT up 0 recs

two hours ago

you would have asked me to explain the uribe/richar/ramirez situation. patience, grasshopper. all will be revealed.

by larry on Mar 19, 2008 4:16 PM CDT up 0 recs

hah

Yes Master Po.

If they're releasing Uribe, they might as well release Crede. They're both blocking better players.

"We're actually doing some different things at the top of the lineup, but our key is Jerry Owens being our center fielder and our leadoff guy" - JD

by ChicagoPete on Mar 19, 2008 4:22 PM CDT up 0 recs

i'm not sure the issue is blocking better players

i'd say the issue is players who are rather easily replaceable blocking players. crede has a slightly better track record than uribe - he's actually an average player and likely would be one this year. and uribe was blocking not one but probably two players. if alexei is getting time at 2B down in charlotte where's richar? and vice versa. i'd imagine their contingencies also made clear that ramirez, if he were in chicago, wouldn't be getting as much ABs if uribe was in the picture.

by larry on Mar 19, 2008 4:36 PM CDT up 0 recs

Well, at this point

you can apply the same logic to Crede blocking Fields. Sending Fields back down to AAA doesn't help him develop, and Crede is a DL waiting to happen. I couldn't see the Sox eating Uribe's salary, I just can't see them eating Crede's too - but if there's no market for him, there's no market for him. You're not going to bluff teams into thinking they need a one year rental of a creaky 3B with an average-at-best bat.

"We're actually doing some different things at the top of the lineup, but our key is Jerry Owens being our center fielder and our leadoff guy" - JD

by ChicagoPete on Mar 19, 2008 4:49 PM CDT up 0 recs

exactly

ozzie would never have used uribe as a sub...just like he'll never use jerry owens as a sub.

if KW is smart, he'll find a way to trade owens, ozuma and crede too. it's the only way the kids will play.

by longdrive on Mar 19, 2008 3:19 PM CDT up 0 recs

what larry suggested?

[MLBTR]:

According to George Ofman WSCR 670 The Score out of Chicago, the White Sox are expected to place infielder Juan Uribe on outright waivers. Ofman mentioned that this rumor is unconfirmed by the White Sox. I believe this would give any team a chance to claim Uribe by taking on his $4.5MM salary.

The one team I've seen linked to Uribe is the Orioles, who currently have a need at shortstop and may have one at second if they trade Brian Roberts.

by The Wizard on Mar 19, 2008 3:11 PM CDT 0 recs

Remaining from '05

So instead of a big splash, there were ripples -- enough to change the tide, Williams believes

by Brush Back on Mar 19, 2008 3:21 PM CDT up 0 recs

Gonzo just updated his article...

He seems to think that another 2B is coming via a trade...

The move raises the possibility of the Sox acquiring a second baseman. Although Brian Roberts has been mentioned as a trade possibility, the Sox could be looking at another second baseman despite Baltimore's need for a shortstop. One possibility is Oakland's Mark Ellis.

by SSH2005 on Mar 19, 2008 3:27 PM CDT up 0 recs

Updated again

It's been removed from the website.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 19, 2008 3:38 PM CDT up 0 recs

larry is "Deep Throat"

Do you ever tire of being correct?

;)

Hey man, this game is a bunch of front-runners. If you're good, they kiss your butt. If not, you're horse s---.

by winningugly on Mar 19, 2008 3:22 PM CDT up 0 recs

I still say

He's Rick Hahn

So instead of a big splash, there were ripples -- enough to change the tide, Williams believes

by Brush Back on Mar 19, 2008 3:25 PM CDT up 0 recs

Sun Times Blog - Uribe's gone!

Uribe's gone!

So instead of a big splash, there were ripples -- enough to change the tide, Williams believes

by Brush Back on Mar 19, 2008 3:22 PM CDT 0 recs

Alexei shows Uribe the door

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 19, 2008 3:27 PM CDT 0 recs

pics?

by larry on Mar 19, 2008 3:28 PM CDT up 0 recs

10 pitch at-bat

lead-off HR...

Thome follows.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 19, 2008 3:29 PM CDT up 0 recs

wow

Might as well go with Richar/Ramirez, I guarantee they won't be worse than Uribe and they are cheap.

MrROFL.com - now with real content!

by shaftr on Mar 19, 2008 3:29 PM CDT 0 recs

I have no dislike for todays Outfield

So instead of a big splash, there were ripples -- enough to change the tide, Williams believes

by Brush Back on Mar 19, 2008 3:30 PM CDT 0 recs

Ozzie and the Media

So in Donovan's article on the Sox today, initially the article, referring to Guillen, said "Gay may be exaggerating." They have since corrected to say "Guillen may be exaggerating."

Has Mariotti infiltrated SI?

"They say that blood is thicker than water. What we have is thicker than blood."

by Toonderstrook on Mar 19, 2008 3:35 PM CDT 0 recs

Your sensitivity has been on the

upschwing since moving Left Coast, T-der.

Hey man, this game is a bunch of front-runners. If you're good, they kiss your butt. If not, you're horse s---.

by winningugly on Mar 19, 2008 3:37 PM CDT up 0 recs

Toolzakowski?

Next time, Bhoov, do some research.

by Chiburb on Mar 19, 2008 3:35 PM CDT 0 recs

Almost had it there

keep trying.

How do you fuck a nut?!

by omnipotent grab on Mar 19, 2008 3:38 PM CDT up 0 recs

From Mark Gonzalez

Wow, I can't believe they're willing to eat his salary, very un-Sox like - I don't see anyone claiming him within 72hrs and taking on his payroll. They needed to shake it up, I like this:

Uribe waived, another second baseman coming?

By Mark Gonzales, 3:18 p.m.

TUCSON, Ariz. -- The White Sox placed infielder Juan Uribe on waivers Wednesday, according to a major-league scout.

If Uribe is not claimed by another team in 72 hours, the Sox will have to release him and be obligated to pay his $4.5 million salary for 2007.

The news came after a lengthy meeting of the Sox staff Wednesday morning. Uribe was batting .333 and had a six-game hitting streak.

An Orioles source said Wednesday the club's baseball staff wants to deal Roberts to fortify its entire system but has been held up by owner Peter Angelos, who is said to be fond of Roberts.

Uribe participated in morning drills and was playing dominoes with teammates before the clubhouse was closed ahead of Wednesday's game with Colorado.

Second baseman Danny Richar was scratched from the lineup because of back pain. Alexei Ramirez has impressed the Sox staff in his first spring training but is considered raw defensively.

The Sox, in accordance with major league rules, cannot comment on which players are on waivers.

Uribe moved to second after the Sox acquired Orlando Cabrera this off-season.

"We're actually doing some different things at the top of the lineup, but our key is Jerry Owens being our center fielder and our leadoff guy" - JD

by ChicagoPete on Mar 19, 2008 3:37 PM CDT 0 recs

Mark Ellis would be sweet.

Let's get all my favorite Oakland players while we're at it. If Kenny can work a deal for Ellis, Blanton, and Huston Street I will cease all complaining. Forever.

How can Mark Gonzales think the Sox have any chips worth trading for Mark Ellis or Brian Roberts? Do people really regard Egbert/Broadway/anyone else in the system that highly? I mean, those are 2 good to very good 2B.

by parkermo on Mar 19, 2008 4:50 PM CDT up 0 recs

josh fields pulled from game after hbp

anyone see it on CSN?

by hugh on Mar 19, 2008 3:43 PM CDT 0 recs

yea

prolly just as a precaution, he looked fine after the hbp

by tbone328 on Mar 19, 2008 3:47 PM CDT up 0 recs

I hope more pitchers come down with the flu

the more Masset pitches, the less likely he is to make the team.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 19, 2008 3:52 PM CDT 0 recs

looks like Nick

strapped on the "incest mask" for today's game.

by Ryno on Mar 19, 2008 3:53 PM CDT up 0 recs

Over my head

Inside joke, or am I old?

Hey man, this game is a bunch of front-runners. If you're good, they kiss your butt. If not, you're horse s---.

by winningugly on Mar 19, 2008 4:03 PM CDT up 0 recs

incest mask

is an anagram of nick masset. somebody posted it last season. it was so apt i could never forget it.

by Ryno on Mar 19, 2008 4:05 PM CDT up 0 recs

Ah, now I remember

Thanks.

Hey man, this game is a bunch of front-runners. If you're good, they kiss your butt. If not, you're horse s---.

by winningugly on Mar 19, 2008 4:08 PM CDT up 0 recs

I thought the same thing about Owens

then the jerk decided to play well. :)

Lord, beer me strength.

by Nordhagen on Mar 19, 2008 3:53 PM CDT up 0 recs

Might to join Juan

With the exception of Pablo at third - any thoughts on the lineup today - (Insert Joe or Josh there as the regular) - I know Jason has played 2nd, though I have not seen him play it.

So instead of a big splash, there were ripples -- enough to change the tide, Williams believes

by Brush Back on Mar 19, 2008 3:55 PM CDT up 0 recs