Uribe news: Not.Good.

by The Cheat on Jan 5, 2007 2:36 PM CST in White Sox News

Still no English Language articles to forward, but Yahoo did give us an indication on how things went inside the Dominican courtroom today with this picture caption.

Chicago White Sox shortstop Juan Uribe, center, leaves the Court after appearing on a shooting case in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, Friday, Jan.5, 2007. Uribe was questioned along with his brother and a friend following a shooting in October that wounded a Dominican farmer in the coastal city of Juan Baron. Uribe said that he may sit out the 2007 season after a judge ordered him to make twice-monthly court appearances.

Update [2007-1-5 16:59:28 by The Cheat]: Uribe speaks:

"I am going to decide if I am playing in the major leagues or not this year. It looks very ugly to be accused of something. But first I am going to resolve this and then I will go to the major leagues."

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google translation: Judge Instrucción SC fails measurement against torpedo boat Juan Uribe

can someone translate this?

HEY THIS IS JI
JIM THOME
THE PEORIA POUNDER

by The Wizard on Jan 5, 2007 2:53 PM CST reply actions

Juan Uribe prepares the lenses ...

Juan Uribe prepares the lenses while he listens to the failure emitted yesterday by the magistrada judge of Instruction of San Cristóbal, that orders to him to appear every 15 days by before the Office of the public prosecutor of this province sureña.

HEY THIS IS JI
JIM THOME
THE PEORIA POUNDER

by The Wizard on Jan 5, 2007 2:56 PM CST up reply actions

LOL

Juan Uribe, Torpedo Boat

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Jan 5, 2007 2:57 PM CST up reply actions

ozzie's orders

HEY THIS IS JI
JIM THOME
THE PEORIA POUNDER

by The Wizard on Jan 5, 2007 2:59 PM CST up reply actions

what i got from it

was not much different than what cheat posted already, other than that he apparently has three days to appeal this ruling to appear twice monthly. but my spanish is pretty rusty.

by larry on Jan 5, 2007 2:58 PM CST reply actions

doesn't it look like the judge rejected the charge

from the other guy? I say that from reading this:

The magistrada one rejected therefore the request of the complaining part, represented by Roberto Faxas and Carlos De la Cruz who had asked for an economic guarantee of 10 million weights and one measurement of coercion against the torpedo boat.

HEY THIS IS JI
JIM THOME
THE PEORIA POUNDER

by The Wizard on Jan 5, 2007 3:07 PM CST up reply actions

i believe

the complaining party wanted uribe to deposit money (for a possible later judgment) and be confined. that doesn't say anything about the substance of what uribe is charged with.

by larry on Jan 5, 2007 3:11 PM CST up reply actions

That reads

like he rejected the Dominican Dirt Farmers (legal) extortion demands.

Of course, the bi-monthly court dates strengthens his (illegal) extorion demands. Though at this point, I doubt the charges will be dropped outright thanks to an exchange of $$$.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Jan 5, 2007 3:13 PM CST up reply actions

No, I think

it says that the judge rejected the complainant's request to set bond at 10 million pesos. I don't know what "medida de coercion" means, though.

by GhostOfRooney on Jan 5, 2007 5:10 PM CST up reply actions

"Juan Uribe could not play in the 2007"

google translation

original

HEY THIS IS JI
JIM THOME
THE PEORIA POUNDER

by The Wizard on Jan 5, 2007 3:13 PM CST reply actions

Who in the hell goes to court looking like they're

headed out for a night at Ice Bar?

Viking God, Bears Fan

by Toonderstrook on Jan 5, 2007 4:14 PM CST reply actions

I'm guessing

anyone in the Dominican. If Uribe showed up in a 3 piece suit, looking flush with cash, there might have been a dozen more farmers with the bright idea to shoot themselves in the arm for financial gain.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Jan 5, 2007 4:41 PM CST up reply actions

Riggght.

Because everybody down there doesn't already know who he is. Not to mention that the bling around his neck and in his ear probably gives it away regardless. And there some middle ground between a 3-piece Armani suit and looking like you are Pimp Daddy Torpedo.

Viking God, Bears Fan

by Toonderstrook on Jan 5, 2007 4:45 PM CST up reply actions

It's a different culture

If you can show me pictures of other Dominican defendants dressed from Law and Order's payroll, I'll cede that you're correct. But from the two pictures I've seen, Uribe is actually the most presentable of the group.

There is a guy with a sport coat (no tie) in the background of this picture. He's what you'd call a gringo, though. A lawyer, I presume. It also looks like the "bling" around uribe's neck is something you'd be more likely to find around the neck of a surfer rather than a balla.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Jan 5, 2007 5:00 PM CST up reply actions

and by "payroll" I meant wardrobe

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Jan 5, 2007 5:03 PM CST up reply actions

Still looking for a D.R. example, but

here's a picture of Ugueth Urbina in court garb in Venezuela.

Part of my bitching about this is just frustration with Uribe, who just never seems to care all that much about anything (i.e. stretching, lifting, sitting out an entire f*$&ing season).

Viking God, Bears Fan

by Toonderstrook on Jan 5, 2007 5:14 PM CST up reply actions

From a Dominican travel site...

"Dominicans dress up for the evening, especially in more urban areas. They have a sophisticated, metropolitan style for evening attire and you will feel out of place if you do not dress up for going out to dinner and the disco."

So now I'm supposed to believe that people in the D.R. dress up (and don't tell me jeans are ever sophisticated) to go out to dinner, but not to go before a judge?

Viking God, Bears Fan

by Toonderstrook on Jan 5, 2007 5:20 PM CST up reply actions

Insert "Puerto Rico"

and replace "Dominican" and it reads the same - the Carribean folk fancy themselves quite "sophisticated".

Toonder, you were just in Miami. You are now practically an expert in "sophistication" (ask D. Willis as he was urinating on S. Beach). You don't think Juanto looks "sophisticated" to a few hundred thousand goat farmers?

I empathize with your frustration at Juan's "manana" mentality, but you can't take the Dominican out of the boy (and maybe not this year, take the boy out of the Dominican).

Is he appealing to the Sox to rescue his ass by threatening a sit-down for the year?

by winningugly on Jan 5, 2007 5:55 PM CST up reply actions

if he's out for the season,

does anyone think that cintron would be up for the every-day duties?
if not, do we have any internal solutions, or is it possible that some of those arms we've been acquiring going to be used in a trade? who would we target?

by jd23 on Jan 5, 2007 4:45 PM CST reply actions

I don't think we have any SS prospects

would crede bring us brandon wood and an arm?

HEY THIS IS JI
JIM THOME
THE PEORIA POUNDER

by The Wizard on Jan 5, 2007 4:59 PM CST up reply actions

article on whitesox.com

Manager Ozzie Guillen has pointed out in the past that the White Sox are a far stronger team with both Cintron and Ozuna coming off the bench.

by jd23 on Jan 5, 2007 5:04 PM CST up reply actions

hmm

I doubt we could get Wood; Kendrick and Wood look to be the angels future. Which would appear to make 2B Sean Rodriguez & SS Erick Aybar available maybe throw in Phillips or Logan and OF Reggie Willits becomes available since the angels have very little LHP depth. They just gave Brendan Donnelly away for AAAA Phil Seibel. Willits is a little old to wear the prospect tag(25), even though he has never repeated a lvl, and the angels outfield is very crowded hes not even a top 20 prospect in their system even though he led milb in OBP last year.

I'd love to see all them on the south side and Josh holding down the hot corner.

S Reggie Willits LF
R Tadahito Iguchi 2B *
L Jim Thome DH
R Jermaine Dye RF
R Paul Konerko 1B
L A.J. Pierzynski C
S Erick Aybar SS *
R Brian Anderson CF
R Josh Fields 3B

I think during spring training Aybar and Iguchi could switch spots in the line up.

Also that would spend Podsednik packing possibly to the Padres to replace that horrid platoon of Terrmel Sledge & Jose Cruz in LF. Cesar Carrillo + Kyle Blanks anyone?

by beautox on Jan 5, 2007 5:28 PM CST up reply actions

don't hold your breath

the sox aren't going to overhaul the roster just because Uribe might sit out the year.

by brianekst on Jan 5, 2007 5:32 PM CST up reply actions

i wouldn't

call it an overhaul. I'd call it bringing in ML ready talent(Fields/Aybar/Willits) and replacing two of our biggest holes last year with cheaper cost effective players that would have even better OBP and a push with defense. Willits has a very good glove and Aybar isn't on the lvl with Uribe, but he can at least be average if not above average. Crede > Fields, but at the same time i think Josh could be average at 3B next year.

Throw in Rodriguez & Carrillo & Blanks, and were setting our self up for the future so we won't have to deal with a 100 loss season.

by beautox on Jan 5, 2007 5:44 PM CST up reply actions

what has KW ever done

to give you the indication that he would do this?

by brianekst on Jan 5, 2007 5:50 PM CST up reply actions

his

interview with hawk and DJ this past spring training(regarding the braves philosophy and bringing in young cheap talent when its possible) and his recent mike north interview and the direction he has taken acquiring young talent and refusing to give into this market.

by beautox on Jan 5, 2007 5:52 PM CST up reply actions

yes

but what indication do you have that he is interested in moving Crede this year? and what makes you think he would let the fact that Uribe MIGHT sit out a year force him into a chain reaction of trades that would result in three rookies being thrust into the starting lineup, which also includes Brian Anderson?

by brianekst on Jan 5, 2007 5:59 PM CST up reply actions

why you ask?

I'll give you a some reasons(provided Juan can't play for 07)

1.)Crede's value is at an all time high, and his name has been linked in alot of rumors with the angels and speculation.

2.)He refused to get the out-patient procedure on his back (as advised by his agent)

3.)KW has publicly stated he and Boras don't agree on the prices for his players services.

4.) Cintron is a good back up but KW isn't going to let him be a regular player no matter how much Joe Morgan thinks he could be one.

As for starting 3 rookies, KW isn't just looking to win in 07, hes looking toward the future too.

by beautox on Jan 5, 2007 6:15 PM CST up reply actions

well we're obviously never going to agree

and i'm too lazy to keep going in circles with our argument (and the bulls are about to start), but I will say this: I guarantee you that these pipe dream moves of yours will never happen and it is very, very likely that Crede will not be traded this year.

by brianekst on Jan 5, 2007 6:20 PM CST up reply actions

and

trading Crede this year would be stupid if you have any intention of winning in 2007. And if the Sox have no intention of winning in 2007, then KW is a liar and foolish because his core is only getting older(Thome, Konerko, Contreras) or a lot pricier(Dye, Buehrle) in the very near future. I don't think KW is either a liar or foolish, so don't count on any of the aforementioned moves happening.

by brianekst on Jan 5, 2007 6:24 PM CST up reply actions

agree to disagree

a pipe dream would be asking for Wood and Kendrick.

Aybar and Rodriguez (2 B specs) and maybe Willits is what i see Crede's value at. Anyways good discussion.

by beautox on Jan 5, 2007 6:27 PM CST up reply actions

and

KW hasn't exactly acquired young TALENT this year, he has stockpiled young PITCHING this year, so to say that the moves you mentioned--which would require trading young pitching for everyday players--would remotely match his MO is just plain wrong.

by brianekst on Jan 5, 2007 6:02 PM CST up reply actions

Pass the pipe

Podsednik for Carrillo?

Please, this isn't OOTP, bud.

by CWSKeith on Jan 5, 2007 11:34 PM CST up reply actions

BTW...

You pimp Reggie Willits a lot, but he looks to me like a good 4th OFer, not a guy you want as your starting LFer. ZiPS has him at .272/.352/.346 for next year. Podsednik can probably do that. And that's Willits' age 26 season. His peak can't be much more than a .290/.360/.375 line.

The Crede rumors I like best are the packages for Tejada...

by CWSKeith on Jan 6, 2007 12:01 AM CST up reply actions

Some of my thoughts

Cesar has been injured alot since his draft in '05, and there are whispers he'll need TJ.

Podsednik might not have alot of value in the eyes of sox fans, but i think two years of Podsednik at around 7mil total is a reasonable deal for a B lvl SP spec that has a checkered injury past and a 1B who hasn't moved above A. Scott would certainly be better than Terrmel Sledge & Jose Cruz in LF and hes cheap, how much more $ do the padres have left to pay on Petco?

The marlins got 3 good arms for Pierre in his contract year.

As for Willits, i do pimp him alot around here, because he has an got amazing batting eye and incredible OBP skills(something the sox lack at the top). Just looking at Reggie's track record i think he will easily surpass his ZIPS provided he gets regular ABs. Yes the PCL is a hitters league, but that doesn't take away from the fact Reggie walked 77 times while only striking out 50. yes hes 25, but hes never repeated a lvl his prime years are ahead of him 27-31, add in the mix hes a switch hitter, a very good bunter, and has a very good glove, and hes fast he has the tools to steal 40+SB while getting on at a .370OBP+, I'd gladly take him over Podsednik.

by beautox on Jan 6, 2007 5:57 AM CST up reply actions

Willits

He's always been old for his league, and has always played in very hitter friendly leagues. He hasn't had a reasonable slugging percentage since rookie ball. If he came for Heath Phillips, I'd make the trade, but they aren't getting anything of value from our end.

And Carrillo is SDs top pitching prospect. Injury or not, they're not giving him up for Scott Podsednik. End of story.

by CWSKeith on Jan 6, 2007 1:33 PM CST up reply actions

agree

he has been a little old for his league but not by that much he's 25 its not like hes 27(like Tommy Murphy). Being old for your league hasn't stoped other players from going on to help contribute to a club; Dan Uggla comes to mind(and that was at AA at age 25 after repeating it again).

Define a reasonable slugging percentage in the lead off spot? Willits would reasonably hit 4HRs/5.3B/20.2B during the course of a full season and if hes getting on base at a 370 clip and stealing 40+ bags all the while making the routine plays in LF and then some i would love to have him on the sox. As i said earlier it would be a talent for talent swap by both organizations Logan &/or Phillips for Willits. Both KW and Stoneman have shown they're not against doing that this offseason Danks and Masset for McCarthy and Stoneman with Gregg for Resop.

Crede brings back Sean Rodriguez and Erik Aybar. For two years of Joe that seems fair on both ends, especially when you consider each organizations needs, we've got Fields they've got Wood and Kendrick along with Cabrera, Izturis & Figgins at the ML lvl.

As for Carrillo, it feels as if hes the padres only pitching prospect and his injury history and durability issues have alot to do with it, you have to give something to get something. I feel people overate him alot because he went to Mt. Carmel, as it stands now hes a B lvl spec in a very thin system that might need TJ. Once again i'll bring up Juan Pierre going to the cubs for Nolasco, Pinto and Mitre in his contract year. Scott has two years left and the Padres don't exactly have 1337 prospects down on the farm knocking on the door and lastly his $2.9 million contract is below the current market.

And Finally

San Dimas High School football rules!

by beautox on Jan 6, 2007 3:17 PM CST up reply actions

Okay...

Define a reasonable slugging percentage in the lead off spot?

His career minor league numbers are .302/.397/.397. Now, as we've already discussed, consider that he's been old for his league and has hit in some very hitter-friendly environments. We're talking about a guy who's peak -- ie, if everything breaks right -- is probably no more than .300/.375/.400. That's no great 'peak'. More likely, I think his ZiPS projection seems right on as a solid fourth OFer. He's most likely a bit better than Podsednik , but still, I don't think that's someone you trade anything of value for. I don't think that the disparity between the two is all that great.

With that being said...

As i said earlier it would be a talent for talent swap by both organizations Logan &/or Phillips for Willits.

If this offer was on the table, don't you think Williams would have already made this trade? Especially if Phillips was the one that Stoneman (unlikely) wanted? I mean, I hate to be so blunt, but Phillips has no future in our organization. With all our SP depth, he's behind a long list of guys who we would look at as starters. Unless he can become helacious on lefties (thus becoming our future LOOGY), he really has no place with the Sox.

I just don't think you're giving Williams enough credit. In the 2005 draft, Broadway and Carrillo sure seemed like #1 and 2 on a short list of who take at that 15th (or 16th) spot in the draft. If Towers had already asked for Podsednik and offered Carrillo, straight up, you don't think Williams would have taken it? Carrillo has had injury concerns, but when healthy, he's shown that good sinking fastball that Kenny seems to want out of the pitchers he's been acquiring.

Again -- if either of these deals were on the table, I'm sure Kenny would have pulled the trigger by now. In fact, the two deals would compliment each other quite nicely. Pods + Phillips for Willits + Carrillo? We make out like bandits in those collective deals, and I'm not sure there's any other way to see it.

by CWSKeith on Jan 6, 2007 3:42 PM CST up reply actions

If I thought...

Podsednik could post a .350+ OBP next year, I wouldn't be complaining that they brought him back.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jan 6, 2007 12:04 PM CST up reply actions

pods post an OBP over .350?

ZiPS has him at .272/.352/.346 for next year. Podsednik can probably do that.

yeah, and my grandma is the queen of england...

HEY THIS IS JI
JIM THOME
THE PEORIA POUNDER

by The Wizard on Jan 6, 2007 1:29 PM CST up reply actions

i wouldn't be surprised

if he was around .350. to me, the most obvious difference between 05 and 06 was his horrible bunting. if you just give him a few infield hits last year, he's around .350. pods - for all the things we can say bad about him - is not as shitty of a bunter as we saw last year. his technique was just awful. that's something pretty easy to correct and i would expect it to be addressed.

by larry on Jan 6, 2007 1:51 PM CST up reply actions

Gooch

if you look at his MLB audition tapes he's shown playing SS in Japan. His stats show he played 366 out of his 894 games and posted a .976 FP. He hasn't played there since 2000. But it looks like he could potentially sub there if we wanted to play Mack at 2b and rest Cintron.

Comonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn You White Sox!

by zokmaad on Jan 5, 2007 6:51 PM CST up reply actions

I could be wrong....

but I believe that the reason Iguchi switched from SS to 2B was because he injured his throwing shoulder and his throwing strength decreased to the point he wasn't able to play short anymore.

by brianekst on Jan 5, 2007 7:38 PM CST up reply actions

he had surgery

5 years ago on the shoulder. His move to second was probably to protect it in the short term.

I maintain he could play as a sub to spell Cintron not as a regular. 90% of the SS battle is picking up the ball and knowing what to do with it. Having a gun is gravy - yeah its just my opinion.

Cheat is Gooch considered a weak armed 2b?

Comonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn You White Sox!

by zokmaad on Jan 6, 2007 11:59 AM CST up reply actions

Time in court

I'm amazed that this only took one hour. OJ trial this is not.

He's got 3 months to strat filing for an audience with the next court up to appeal the ruling today (which seems analogous to a US bail ruling on what kind of rules they'll put on him to keep him from going AWOL).

"Polish--mustard and onions." "Any pop?"

by DepotMan on Jan 5, 2007 4:46 PM CST reply actions

I'm amazed he has to appear twice a month

I haven't heard anything about any evidence...

HEY THIS IS JI
JIM THOME
THE PEORIA POUNDER

by The Wizard on Jan 5, 2007 5:01 PM CST up reply actions

puzzled

"District attorney Robert Lugo said in November that he had no evidence that Uribe was involved, but a judge decided to move forth with the case last month."

but why?

HEY THIS IS JI
JIM THOME
THE PEORIA POUNDER

by The Wizard on Jan 5, 2007 5:15 PM CST up reply actions

It's a blessing.....

if he sits out the 2007 season.....

by stanchar on Jan 5, 2007 5:14 PM CST reply actions

who's your proposed replacement?

I disagree that it is a blessing but let's see what do you have in mind

HEY THIS IS JI
JIM THOME
THE PEORIA POUNDER

by The Wizard on Jan 5, 2007 5:17 PM CST up reply actions

Yes, because

we can replace him with a player with a similarly low OBP, but without the power or the gold glove deserving defense.

sign me up.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Jan 5, 2007 5:19 PM CST up reply actions

If people thought we had a big hole at #8

in the order with Uribe, wait'll they get a load of the lack of profundo.

Viking God, Bears Fan

by Toonderstrook on Jan 5, 2007 5:22 PM CST up reply actions

expanding...

I think you may be letting Uribe's dismal '06 OBP excessively affect your view of his probable '07 value.

He'll remain relatively the same defensively, which conservatively is about 10 runs (1 win) better than Cintron -- It could be as much as 25-30 runs

At the plate, Uribe doesn't figure to post an OBP nearly as poor as '06. He's not going to be a top of the order hitter, but I'd project him to have an '07 batting average higher than his '06 OBP. Something like a .255/.295/.445 line. Cintron I'd project to have something like .275/.305/.390 line.

Hah.. I just decided to look up their ZiPS. I almost nailed 'em.
Uribe -- .253/.292/.455
Cintron -- .263/.298/.362

Based on those projections, (offense and defense) I'd say that Uribe is worth anywhere from 1 to 5 wins over Cintron. With 1 win marking a great season from Cintron and vs. a poor one from Uribe, and 5 marking a great one from Uribe vs. an average projection from Cintron.

I think a similar comparison would be the drop off from Crede to Fields. Fields might post a slightly better OBP than Crede, but that value would be offset by the drop in power and defense. I don't think there would be too many people happy if KW shipped Crede out this year.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Jan 5, 2007 5:42 PM CST up reply actions

Why are we still debating

the efficacy of Juan? Come up with a better, more reliable alternative or get off the idea that he's not a worthwhile SS!

by winningugly on Jan 5, 2007 5:57 PM CST up reply actions

Like I said last year.....

Omar Vizquel...too bad Mark Loretta is not a SS b/c he would've been perfect for this team...Clint Barmes?

by stanchar on Jan 5, 2007 8:33 PM CST up reply actions

Clint Barmes?

He wasn't even good enough to stick on the Rockies last year. One of the few ways to downgrade on offense over Uribe.

I don't think the Giants would really be interested in trading Vizquel, and even if they were, he's a Boras client. It's not going to happen.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jan 5, 2007 9:07 PM CST reply actions

what does boras have to do with it?

omar is signed to a contract.

by larry on Jan 5, 2007 9:16 PM CST up reply actions

For one more season.

I'm assuming the White Sox are planning on fielding a team in 2008...

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jan 5, 2007 9:19 PM CST up reply actions

and a 41 year old omar vizquel

has to be on it? first, we have an option on juan uribe. second, we're talking about finding a stopgap solution to deal with an unexpected situation. considering the circumstances and the late date, i'd say it's far more likely that we find a one year solution available than a long-term one.

by larry on Jan 5, 2007 9:24 PM CST up reply actions

I thought we were talking about...

a long-term replacement for Uribe. The original point was that Uribe being out would be a blessing for the Sox (with the implication being that it's an addition by subtraction situation).

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jan 5, 2007 9:29 PM CST reply actions

i think you missed the point

stanchar wouldn't be suggesting a 40 year old player for a long-term solution. the math sorta doesn't work out there.

by larry on Jan 5, 2007 9:34 PM CST up reply actions

Definitely......

was not suggesting Vizquel for a long-term solution. Barmes' .330 OBP is now what it should be, but I'll take it over .275....

Can Ron Belliard play SS? I don't think so..but maybe...

Just makes me think more and more about working something out with the Yanks to get AROD......

AROD at SS...Fields at 3B...

by stanchar on Jan 6, 2007 1:02 PM CST up reply actions

Clint Barmes' OBP...

Is .295 for his career, .264 last year. Uribe has as good a chance of posting a .330 OBP as Barmes does.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jan 6, 2007 1:27 PM CST up reply actions

Wow....

didn't realize his numbers were so pathetic--scratch that idea.

by stanchar on Jan 6, 2007 5:01 PM CST up reply actions

Well, he said he suggested it last season.

Meaning that he's pro-dumping Uribe.

Even as a stopgap, I don't know if I'd trade for Vizquel. It would probably take a lot to pry him away from the Giants, somebody of real value.

In any case, I'd be willing to bet that Uribe will be in camp this spring.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jan 5, 2007 9:36 PM CST reply actions

i agree he'll be on the team this year

unless we know for sure he's out, trading for someone of the caliber of vizquel is silly. if uribe doesn't make it to camp on time, we should then explore finding a utility man to back up cintron. this is pretty much a wait and see situation until march. but if he ends up in the pokey or something, i don't think we can afford to not make a move for a quality player. cintron is a nice utility guy but, as cheat points out, we're giving up quite a bit in that exchange.

by larry on Jan 5, 2007 9:45 PM CST up reply actions

Juan Uribe...

Still the fattest shortstop in history.

That's not an indictment of his play, it's just that he doesn't look like a typical shortstop. And, in 2007, he may not be a shortstop in the big leagues.

Even with all that baggage he totes around, I still prefer him to Alex Cintron.

by Stealfirstbase on Jan 6, 2007 12:09 AM CST reply actions

Guzman

Cristian Guzman may be fatter, even though he is listed at 25lbs lighter than Uribe. He probably has significantly less muscle to go with his lesser talent.

http://tinyurl.com/ye6qdo

by krushcuts on Jan 6, 2007 10:41 AM CST up reply actions

I know, Ozzie can play Mackowiak at SS

If he's not too busy out in center. Or, maybe, like in slowpitch he can play shortcentre.

Canada's finest

by MarkD on Jan 6, 2007 9:39 AM CST reply actions

I like Mack

in LF late in the game as a Pods sub where his arm could save a run. Ozzie started to get the message late in the year. SS? In 737 career games he's played exacly 0 at that position. I'm not thinking that's a good idea.

Comonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn You White Sox!

by zokmaad on Jan 6, 2007 12:06 PM CST up reply actions

out of context?

[Joe Cowley]

Sox general manager Ken Williams was attending a funeral Friday but said he would "reach out to Juan" this afternoon. The Sox were in contact with Uribe's representatives and were told he was taken out of context [about missing the season] and that he intends to play this season." Our expectation is that Juan will be at spring training," Sox spokesman Scott Reifert said. But Reifert couldn't say if Uribe's spring training would be interrupted, however, with him going back and forth from Tucson, Ariz. to the Dominican.

HEY THIS IS JI
JIM THOME
THE PEORIA POUNDER

by The Wizard on Jan 6, 2007 1:42 PM CST reply actions

cintron

[Nathaniel Whalen]

The Sox do not have a logical choice as a fill-in if Uribe, 27, does not return. Newly re-signed utility infielder Alex Cintron could assume the starting duty, but Guillen said last year he doubts Cintron could be an effective everyday player. Considering most major free agents have already signed, the Sox would likely either have to trade for or sign a middle-of-the-pack shortstop if Uribe doesn't play. The only realistically feasible option in the minor leagues, Pedro Lopez, is unlikely to be a full-time starter in the majors, meaning Williams will likely be busy soon if Uribe chooses not to play in 2007.

HEY THIS IS JI
JIM THOME
THE PEORIA POUNDER

by The Wizard on Jan 6, 2007 1:45 PM CST up reply actions

Kidding about Mack

The "Ozzie could" should have tipped you off that I was kidding about Mackowiak and taking a shot at how Ozzie used him last year. Mack has skills to play LF, 3rd base, 1st base, and, in a pinch RF.

It looks like Juan's off season conditioning program is going quite well...

His lack of conditioning is going to catch up with him sooner or later. You can get away with that stuff when you are about 25 and under, but after that conditioning becomes increasingly important.

Canada's finest

by MarkD on Jan 6, 2007 1:51 PM CST reply actions

he doesn't look any different

than he does during the season.

and tell that to tony gwynn. uribe isn't kevin mitchell or something. meet uribe sometime. he's just a big fella. i'd bet his game would suffer if he tried to keep that weight off. an athlete shouldn't fight the way their body is built. it's not like uribe has a potbelly.

by larry on Jan 6, 2007 1:55 PM CST up reply actions