Beat to the punch

by The Cheat on Nov 30, 2006 1:08 AM CST in White Sox News

A few minutes ago, I sat at my computer to go through my normal bedtime routine; one last scan through the e-mail, check to see if there's anything newsworthy to post on the site, check milfhunter.com for new updates, brush teeth, sleep. I came across the most recent article on ChiSox.com titled White Sox not shopping Crede. In the article, Kenny Williams is quoted, no doubt trying to dispel the Crede-for-Figgings rumors...

"I have not approached anyone in trying to trade Joe Crede, and I don't plan to approach anyone."

I then checked out the chatter at SoxTalk, where the consensus seemed to be that the quote meant Crede was a goner. To which I replied...

Kenny doesn't outright lie to the media. He makes lies of omission. This isn't a lie, but it could be a lie of omission.

If he says that Crede's not being shopped, well Crede's not being actively shopped.

Does that mean that Crede will stay with the Sox this year? Not necessarily.

Kenny would be dumb if he didn't listen to all offers for players, but he doesn't have to accept those offers. It's very difficult to make the '07 Sox a better club in the absence of Crede, and that's why I think Crede will still be with the Sox on opening day, no matter what KW says to the media.

After posting that, I decided I would add some more substance to it and make an entry here. I opened the "Post New Story" window here and settled on the title "KW's doublespeak". But before I started typing, I headed to SoxMachine to see if Jim had posted anything on the subject. Sure enough. "K-Doubletalk."

Blah, blah, great minds and all that junk. I'm sure many of you would have posted the same thing in the morning. The point is that even with a seemingly direct quote from Williams, we don't know anything more about Crede's future with the team than we did 24 hours ago.

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Comments

Keith's brought it up before...

Firstly, I wonder if either Anaheim or Seattle would have interest in a starter besides Garcia. If not, then this whole rambling is completely pointless (it usually is anyways)

Anyways, I'm wondering, if Garcia/SP and Crede for Santana and Figgins deal went down, what the possibility would be of a Beltre and pro(j/sp)ect for SP/Garcia would be. To the naked eye, it seems to be a lateral move, or perhaps even a move that sets the Sox back. However, there's a little more security within such a deal - 3 years of a 3Bman, 3 years of a LF/CF, and 4 years of a SP, opposed to 2, who-f'ing-knows, and 1 or 2 respectively.

It's also perhaps worth noting that Beltre was very solid in the second half - .340/.552/.892, including an AB/HR of 17 and 38 XBHs in 302 PAs. Either he got hot when the M's were done, he got hot regardless of position in the standings, or he started to figure out the league.

The downside of such a move is, of course, the fact that it pretty much limits any moves felt necessary beyond that, cuz the trading chips are kinda all gone.

(of course, all this may be moot when it's possible, or rather probable, that the M's really don't want to let go of a GG defensive 3Bman who started to hit much, much better in the second half)

by wite on Nov 30, 2006 3:08 AM CST reply actions

nuts

this is all making me crazy! I wish we can find out already!

by Option27 @ South Side Sox on Nov 30, 2006 10:52 AM CST reply actions

more kenny

[Scot Gregor]

If Williams is overwhelmed by an offer for Crede -- be it from the Angels or another club -- he might make a move. But as he prepares for next week's winter meetings in Orlando, Fla., Williams insists he is not shopping Crede. "We have spoken to all the clubs that we match up with, as far as trade partners. At this point, it is incumbent on them to get back to get back to us. Whether or not that happens, I have no idea."

HEY THIS IS JI
JIM THOME
THE PEORIA POUNDER

by The Wizard on Nov 30, 2006 12:56 PM CST reply actions

and on the crede/freddy-santana/figgins rumor

"I just don't know where these things come from. I've talked to (Angels GM) Bill Stoneman once or twice in the last couple of months."

HEY THIS IS JI
JIM THOME
THE PEORIA POUNDER

by The Wizard on Nov 30, 2006 1:00 PM CST up reply actions

remember that 30yo japanese lefty reliever

I was talking about a couple days ago?

signed for 2 years with the red sox (link)

btw, here are his stats

HEY THIS IS JI
JIM THOME
THE PEORIA POUNDER

by The Wizard on Nov 30, 2006 3:45 PM CST reply actions

Why didn't we sign Okajima?

Hideki Okajima is guaranteed $2.5 million under the terms of the two-year deal he signed with the Red Sox on Thursday. Included is a $1.75 million option for 2009.
It sounds like an even better signing for Boston at that price. GM Theo Epstein said he envisions Okajima as a setup man and occasional specialist against lefty batters. The soon-to-be 31-year-old was introduced at a press conference today. "My name is Hideki Okajima, and I like Boston," he said in English before switching to an interpreter. "Call me Okaji."

Why didn't we sign this guy?

Hideki Okajima (Japanese Stats)

by SSH2005 on Nov 30, 2006 6:52 PM CST up reply actions

Projected to be no better

than a 4th or 5th starter. We have a few of those already. KInd of pricey just for a rommie for Gooch.

by winningugly on Nov 30, 2006 7:03 PM CST up reply actions

starter?

put down the bottle!

seriously, I hope kenny has a plan and doesn't try to half-ass the bullpen...

HEY THIS IS JI
JIM THOME
THE PEORIA POUNDER

by The Wizard on Nov 30, 2006 7:14 PM CST up reply actions

he's a setup man

Just.Win.

by hawksview on Nov 30, 2006 7:15 PM CST up reply actions

Another lefty reliever would have been nice...

2-years, $2.5 million? That's trash money in the current free agent reliever market.

by SSH2005 on Nov 30, 2006 7:18 PM CST up reply actions

So, you want the lefty version

of Shingo? He'll get by the first year because he's new and get pounded the next?

Pass. More pressing needs for the $ (LF, 2nd catcher, etc.).

by winningugly on Nov 30, 2006 7:33 PM CST reply actions

So every Japanese pitcher equals Shingo now?

And even if Okajima is Shingo Part 2, one good season would be worth his 2-year, $2.5 million contract.

While I agree that a LF and a second catcher are more pressing needs, we also need another reliever or two and all of these holes will need to be filled eventually. What does it matter in what order Kenny fills the holes?

by SSH2005 on Nov 30, 2006 7:59 PM CST up reply actions

Pitching performance in one league

isn't necessarily generalizable to another. Plus, if Riske (the devil you know) isn't being offered arbitration, why invest in Okajima (the devil you don't know)?

KW has plans, and he doesn't have to share them yet. Did a decent job last year w/ MacDougal/Thornton pickups, so let's give him a break.

by winningugly on Dec 1, 2006 8:16 AM CST reply actions

with these japanese players

we never really seem to hear right away their reasons for signing with a particular club. remember, one of the reasons we got shingo was because his wife had spent some time in the chicago area. it's not necessarily all about money when these guys sign. they're coming to a new country.

on the other side, i'm sure the red sox overpaid some with the view of getting a japanese player who may help their big target settle.

by larry on Dec 1, 2006 11:02 AM CST reply actions