Are the White Sox looking for a 3rd baseman?

by The Wizard on Dec 7, 2007 2:07 PM CST in News Comment 134 comments

MLB.com says yes. But why?

[Brandon] Inge dives into the pool of available third basemen, which continues to be circled by the Giants, Angels, Dodgers, Phillies and White Sox.

***** Fuku update:

The Cubs and White Sox are the suitors who appear poised to plunge deepest into the bidding for the left-handed hitting outfielder widely considered Japan's top hitter. The smaller-budget San Diego Padres also plan to bid with the hope that geography becomes a factor.

Fukudome decided he'll play for a MLB team next year. UPDATE: Seems Fuku hasn't decided yet. ***** In other news,

Carl-o-rama! Jim lists his favorite Carl cartoon strips. Add the one where BA killed a lion and the one where he worked on the kitchen of a restaurant.
Agent dept.: BA's agent doesn't want BA to face breaking balls! -- Coco Crisp's agent says Crisp wants to be a starter.
ZiPS dept.: Miguel Cabrera's projection: .319/.409/.556 -- Andruw Jones' projection: .249/.344/.503
Hot Stove dept.: Tadahito may sign a 2-year deal with the Rockies. Milton Bradley about to sign a 1-year deal with the Padres.

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right

lets bring inge in too, why the hell not. good job mlb.com.....

"We had a guy go into 2nd base as if his wife was turning a double play."

by The Deacon on Dec 7, 2007 2:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

that

would certainly solve our backup to the backup to the backup to the backup at 3B dilemma we've been struggling with.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 7, 2007 2:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The interns must be at the healm at mlb.com today

What's next? We're looking at Eckstein to back Uribe backing up Cabrera?

by HulkSmash on Dec 7, 2007 3:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Supposedly...

some teams are looking at Eckstein as a 2B.

I'll admit that I was wrong about the market for Eckstein's services - I thought that GMs would overvalue him, particularly as he was the best shortstop on the market. Maybe the league is wising up a bit.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Dec 7, 2007 3:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I see Eck in a softball league

playing short center.

by HulkSmash on Dec 7, 2007 3:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

couldn't throw to first

gotta play short first.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 7, 2007 3:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I played in a softball league..

I batted over .650... I also played RF. Does that mean I can play for the Sox? hmm....

I bet if I had a few months to get in shape I could beat out someone on the team...

"God knows I gave my best in baseball at all times and no man on earth can truthfully judge me otherwise."

by Shoeless In SC on Dec 8, 2007 2:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

"But why?"...

Because we're gonna trade Crede in a package for Hall, and put Josh in LF.

Simple answers to simple questions, have a nice weekend!

It should be called Bill Veeck Park!

by Chiburb on Dec 7, 2007 2:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

If Fields is in left field...

whither Quentin?

Hasn't Ken Williams already said that the "Fields to the outfield" experiment was over?

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Dec 7, 2007 2:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh stop it!

Didn't I say "simpleton answers to simple questions"?

It should be called Bill Veeck Park!

by Chiburb on Dec 7, 2007 2:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Platooning in CF w/ Juan Pierre.

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Dec 7, 2007 2:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

excellent

let's just have the worst outfield defense ever. at least it will be something to watch. can paulie play left sometimes, too?

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 7, 2007 2:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yes!

he did with the dodgers!

"We had a guy go into 2nd base as if his wife was turning a double play."

by The Deacon on Dec 7, 2007 2:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We're trying to work Mackowiak in there.

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Dec 7, 2007 2:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thinking of Mackowiak in CF

makes my head hurt.

That Sat. night vs the Twins where in the first 2 innings he misread 2 identical balls RIGHT AT HIM and they scored about 5 runs. Dye homered in the 9th to tie, but the Twins got a dink run in the 10th to win.

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Dec 7, 2007 2:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

you know

that's the sort of stuff you should keep to yourself. thanks for the reminder.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 7, 2007 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

was it 2 or 3?

by The Wizard on Dec 7, 2007 2:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

However many, IT WAS UNBELIEVABLE.

And I'm thinking WHERE THE FUCK IS ANDERSON.

JUST FUCKING UNBELIEVABLE.

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Dec 7, 2007 2:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

settle down there, slugger

the keyboard doesn't react well to foam.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 7, 2007 2:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well...

not to defend Mackowiak (actually, not to defend Ozzie Guillen for sticking Mackowiak out there), but balls hit right at outfielders are the hardest to read.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Dec 7, 2007 2:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No doubt,

but by this game Mackowiak was scared shitless of being in center - he wanted no part of it - but Ozzie kept trotting him out there.

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Dec 7, 2007 2:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHA/CHA200

Once and for all, the leadoff position is how Jenna Jameson decides to spend the first 8 minutes of video time, which has nothing to do with baseball.

by Toonderstrook on Dec 7, 2007 3:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

A platoon of

Pierre/Owens/BA/Quentin/Chris Singleton. Awesome. Compete with THAT, Tigers!

by palehose67 on Dec 7, 2007 2:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

wait until KW pulls a roger dorn

KW: "at 11:15 this morning, i activated myself."
ozzie: "naw, man, i don need to hear bout yor masturbaton skedool."
KW: "you don't understand, ozzie, i'm your new outfielder."
ozzie: "can you bunt?"

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 7, 2007 2:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL!

by The Wizard on Dec 7, 2007 2:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

KW actually helped me win

the LaSalle St. Rotisserie League in '87. I told him that at the Baseball Writers dinner that winter, and instead of saying "what's that" he said "where's my cut"?
True story.

It should be called Bill Veeck Park!

by Chiburb on Dec 7, 2007 2:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Roger Dorn?? Hah!

Too bad Lou (Ozzie) can't tell Owens, "you may run like Mays but you hit like shit."

by HulkSmash on Dec 7, 2007 3:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

and

too bad we dont have harry doyle as our announcer instead of hawk....
"aw christ i cant find it, the hell with it!"

"We had a guy go into 2nd base as if his wife was turning a double play."

by The Deacon on Dec 7, 2007 3:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Beautiful!

Kenny in a pissing war with the Scrubs. Gotta love it! (If it's true)

Let's get FUKU-ED! I hear he's Chunichi-tough!

"Each one of my (off-season acquisition)targets has that edge to them, that go-getter attitude. We need it. We will embrace it." - Kenny Williams (11/28/07)

by tailgater on Dec 7, 2007 2:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It's official -- Fukudome to the MLB...

"Fukudome decides to leave Japan for MLB"

It's official: Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome will play in the majors next season.

Fukudome, 30, is set to announce that he is leaving Japan, the first step toward him signing a free-agent contract with a major-league club.

His decision on whether to join the Cubs, Padres or an unidentified third finalist might come as soon as late Friday night or early Saturday, sources say.

The Rangers, White Sox and Giants are among the other teams that have shown interest in Fukudome, a player whom major-league scouts frequently compare to Raul Ibanez.

The Tokyo Giants, Japan's pre-eminent franchise, made a substantial offer to Fukudome, but he is opting instead for a major-league deal that is expected to be for three years and more than $10 million per season.

Fukudome is projected by most clubs to be a corner outfielder, though he played center for Japan in the World Baseball Classic in 2006.

A left-handed hitter, he had a .305 career batting average in Japan, averaging 29 homers between 2003 and '06. He appeared in only 81 games for the Chunichi Dragons last season due to a right-elbow injury that required surgery.

by SSH2005 on Dec 7, 2007 2:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

oh

we have to be the mystery team since KW claimed he is now "flying under the radar".....
super stealth mode.

"We had a guy go into 2nd base as if his wife was turning a double play."

by The Deacon on Dec 7, 2007 2:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

haha super stealth...

by Jbasic89 on Dec 7, 2007 3:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

and here's a picture

http://www.southsidesox.com/story/2006/12/4/23525/2648

by The Wizard on Dec 7, 2007 6:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Raul Ibanez?

This guy has more comps than any baseball player EVER!
Too bad none have them have been Henderson or Raines... we need someone to fill the leadoff position.

It should be called Bill Veeck Park!

by Chiburb on Dec 7, 2007 2:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

sigh

already have a master of that position

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 7, 2007 2:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I've already clicked through twice

today. Maybe tomorrow.

It should be called Bill Veeck Park!

by Chiburb on Dec 7, 2007 2:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

(Slurp/burp)

"I can't give you a dollar if I don't have 50 cents. Decisions are made awfully easy for you."

by winningugly on Dec 7, 2007 4:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Josh Hamilton

I see that the reds have made him available. He is a perfect fit for us in cf. He can hit, run, throw, play above average defense, and he has a grinder mentality after all his problems. As long as we can keep him off the pipe...

"Because I'm Chevy Chase and you're not."

by Soulja Boy on Dec 7, 2007 3:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

at what cost?

Sure he'd be a pretty fine pick-up, but I have two reservations

Why is he available? Cheap CFers who OPS .900 aren't easy to come by
Given #1, wouldn't it take Gio or DLS plus something else to get him?

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Dec 7, 2007 3:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

let's see

do you trust a guy who has attempted suicide repeatedly and was a heavy drug and addict to last? i see a guy whose value probably can't get any higher than it is right now.
given #1, why would you trade anyone of such value for that?

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 7, 2007 3:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Never heard of suicide attempts...

He got hooked on snorting coke then went to free basing. As long as he wasn't on heroin or crystal meth I don't have any worries about him relapsing. The reds were talking with the marlins about a dontrell for hamilton swap. At this point in their careers John Danks is better than willis.

"Because I'm Chevy Chase and you're not."

by Soulja Boy on Dec 7, 2007 4:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

eight rehab stints don't have you worried?

i guess eighth time the charm, huh. jesus will keep him high on life instead. cincy is doing the right thing by trying to sell high. snicker.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 7, 2007 4:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I

share some of your concerns, but he is intriguing and Kenny should be kicking those tires.

by dantesox on Dec 7, 2007 4:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hmm...

don't "character issues" ruin trade value? Sounds like we'd get him real cheap!

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Dec 7, 2007 5:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well...

it depends on what you mean by "real cheap". The character issues lower Hamilton's value, to be sure, but the Reds aren't well-served by dumping him for nothing. They'll want something valuable for him.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Dec 7, 2007 5:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Suicide attempts and eight rehab stints?

I own a ballclub, his value is ZERO to me. If the above info is true...

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Dec 7, 2007 5:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well then...

if his value is zero to you, the Reds probably won't trade him to you.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Dec 7, 2007 6:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey now...

If you lived in Cincinatti you'd be tempted to over-medicate as well.

I'll hang up and listen to your answer.

by Hazymania on Dec 8, 2007 1:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

see what it will take

I'd love to have Hamilton, but there are obvious risks that you pointed out.

I wouldn't trade one of Chicago's last few blue chips for him (Fields, DLS, Gio, Danks).

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Dec 7, 2007 4:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

last sentence

meaning John Danks is worth more now than Willis... didn't mean to compare them at after 1 year in the bigs. Also good news for us and bad news for the tigers. Texas was interested in trading for Miggy until they hit a snag (couldn't get an extension window). The tigers said F it and traded for him anyways. He will be a free agent in 2 years and come home to Ozzie meng and the sox. This was a smart move by KW to not trade our farm system for him considering we have a good chance at getting him here via free agency anyways. I notice a ton of people picked the tigers to be the favorites for next year. I tend to agree with Kenny to an extent. They are chasing us... we won the whole friggin thing a couple of years ago and thats what they are striving to get to. I also don't believe that they will stay healthy at all. They have no starting pitching, middle relief, and no closer. Todd Jones is horrible. I think if we strengthen our bullpen even more, in fact we are the favorites. 2006 we had almost everyone on the team batting for .300 and hitting 30+ home runs. We had the 2nd best record within the division next to cleveland that's why the tigers are chasing us.

"Because I'm Chevy Chase and you're not."

by Soulja Boy on Dec 7, 2007 4:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Is this Josh Hamilton, and

are you a danger to yourself or others? The Tiggers are chasing US? WE'RE the favorites?

What color is the sky in your world, SoB?

"I can't give you a dollar if I don't have 50 cents. Decisions are made awfully easy for you."

by winningugly on Dec 7, 2007 4:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And by that rationale

(the Sox won it a few years ago), does that mean the Cards are the team to beat in the NL central? After all, they did win it a year after us...

by HulkSmash on Dec 7, 2007 4:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We had a better divisional record

thats why i think kenny said that. why i kinda agree...

"Because I'm Chevy Chase and you're not."

by Soulja Boy on Dec 7, 2007 5:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

no

kenny said that as a joke. you know, dry humor. some people have trouble picking up such things and thus took him seriously.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 7, 2007 5:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i was hoping

that all of sob's last two posts was a joke, too, but i don't think it was.

Q: well, kenny, you finished 72-90 last year and a couple games from last in the al central. you finished 24 games behind the indians and 16 behind the tigers. what do you think of your chances in '08?

A: actually, if you noticed, we had a better division record than the tigers. so i'd say they're chasing us.

Once and for all, the leadoff position is how Jenna Jameson decides to spend the first 8 minutes of video time, which has nothing to do with baseball.

by Toonderstrook on Dec 7, 2007 5:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

WU, why do you feed him?

isn't it best not to?
though his earlier concept of Hamilton is intriguing. Didn't we roll the dice with Big Boy? Besides, we overwhelmingly endorse Raines for the HOF and he redefined "between the lines" in his day.

It should be called Bill Veeck Park!

by Chiburb on Dec 7, 2007 5:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i don't think

anyone is opposed to having someone with past drug use on the team per se. however, hamilton's history is 1) more extensive and contains far more troubling signs (three suicide attempts) than raines' and 2) he's two, not twenty-five, years removed from it. if hamilton were cheap, definitely grab him. but he won't be. not worth the risk.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 7, 2007 5:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm curious...

what would a "reasonable risk" be to you?
Seriously, of the 40-man, with which would you roll the dice?

It should be called Bill Veeck Park!

by Chiburb on Dec 7, 2007 5:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You know, I think he falls in a similar

risk category as Dukes. I love rehab projects (it used to be my profession for 10 years, so I have a soft spot for someone actually turning it around) but I agree with Mr. Ellison here - very risky play with Hamilton. However, if we can pick him up for a song, whattthehell. As larry says, the 40th guys is not a make-or-break guy, right? Why not take an "all or none" risk with limited funds?

As far as SoB, Chi, see above. I like the fiesty, psychopathic, nihilistic ones - which is why larry is growing on me....

"I can't give you a dollar if I don't have 50 cents. Decisions are made awfully easy for you."

by winningugly on Dec 7, 2007 6:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

there are

probably over 20 players on the sox 40 man that i would trade, either alone or in some combination, for him. i don't know whether that's a commentary on him or our players. probably a little of both. there are no projected starters right now - outside of, i guess, jerry owens who is a default starter - who i would give up. if we want to set my ceiling, we're probably talking floyd on the pitching side and crede on the position side.

as pointed out, he's got an injury history, too, in addition to all the other stuff. i think he was a great rule 5 pick-up. but i'm not interested in giving up something valuable for a guy who still looks like a ticking time bomb.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 7, 2007 7:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

but he needs 75%

I hope he gets in

by The Wizard on Dec 7, 2007 9:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't expect Fukudome signing this weekend...

Link:

Refuting an online report today that Japanese free agent Kosuke Fukudome is set to declare his intentions to play next season in the United States, the outfielder's agent said he has not been informed of a decision and doesn't expect an announcement until early next week.

Agent Joe Urbon said he provided Fukudome on Thursday with enough detailed information from the "manageable few" U.S. teams making serious offers that he expected it to take at least much of the weekend for the player to make a decision. And even if he makes the decision to play in the U.S., Fukudome would be expected to meet personally with two Japanese teams with interest before announcing anything to teams in the States.

by SSH2005 on Dec 7, 2007 5:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Isn't Fukudome coming off of...

a very serious arm injury?? What is worth more to the sox... money or prospects? I am not saying Hamilton is coming here, because it was just a tidbit that made me start thinking what if? I like Fukudome but I have not heard much about his fielding. He was also facing inferior pitching. For every player that comes over from Japan and does well there are a handful that struggle possible from the elite pitching they face or culture shock. I believe Ichiro has enormous amounts of talent but what would have happened if he went to texas? Hard to predict/project Japanese players. I don't think Hamilton will jump off the wagon... to my knowledge he has been clean for a couple years now and would be a less risk proposition. Plus in Cincy WHERE WOULD HE PLAY?

"Because I'm Chevy Chase and you're not."

by Soulja Boy on Dec 7, 2007 5:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Forget Fukudome, start the Jerry Owens era

Hey, does anyone know if Jerry Owens has bb ref page and what that link might be?

by hitlesswonder on Dec 7, 2007 5:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

no idea

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 7, 2007 5:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

(Gulp, slurp, wipe)

"I can't give you a dollar if I don't have 50 cents. Decisions are made awfully easy for you."

by winningugly on Dec 7, 2007 6:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

*Possibly

sorry ahead of time englash majurs!

"Because I'm Chevy Chase and you're not."

by Soulja Boy on Dec 7, 2007 5:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I would rather

Start the season with JO as our everyday cf than Rowand or any free agent cf (fukudome). We need a leadoff hitter and a cf. I think we have a good one. I agree with the assessment by the sox and hawk that Jerry is indeed a good player. He also brings a spark to the team for instance in sept. I remember a game where he scored from (first?) and when he slide into home he slammed his hand on the plate, jumped up and started hootin and hollerin. It clearly sparked the team because we ended up having a big inning and won the game. Plus does anyone have an extra "Where would he play?" t-shirt in xl?

"Because I'm Chevy Chase and you're not."

by Soulja Boy on Dec 7, 2007 5:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

jerry owens

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtml
hitless your link didn't work for some reason.

"Because I'm Chevy Chase and you're not."

by Soulja Boy on Dec 7, 2007 5:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

all i can say is wow.

Once and for all, the leadoff position is how Jenna Jameson decides to spend the first 8 minutes of video time, which has nothing to do with baseball.

by Toonderstrook on Dec 7, 2007 5:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Damn. I had NO idea

he was that good. Thx for the link!

It should be called Bill Veeck Park!

by Chiburb on Dec 7, 2007 5:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL! Classic, Chi (though I've had some cab

this evening, so I'm not totally objective).

"I can't give you a dollar if I don't have 50 cents. Decisions are made awfully easy for you."

by winningugly on Dec 7, 2007 6:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hmmm.........

I wouldn't trade a whole lot for Hamilton. No doubt that he has the talent to be an excellent player but along with mental/drug problems he can add a long history of injuries to his resume. I would be shocked if he turned out to have anything resembling a solid career. He's a huge risk and I have to believe that if Cincy was confident that he was going to be a fixture for them, they would hold onto him. The fact that they want to trade him and haven't found an acceptable offer says a lot to me.

I certainly wouldn't give up Danks for him. Cincy needs arms though and I would certainly give it a shot. Between Broadway, Haeger, Aardsma, Masset, Sisco and Mac. They might get it done.

As far as JO, well if we had a big hitter in LF, I might be inclined to give him a shot. The biggest problem with him is that he has never shown any power whatsoever anywhere that he has played.

A guy that's going to play a full season and hit about 22 doubles, 5 triples and 3 homeruns is going to have play fabulous defense, hit about .330 with a .400 OBP and be 70 for 80 in steals to be an asset. Is that JO ? I don't think so.

by White Sox Randy on Dec 7, 2007 6:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

You guys....

are not so quick to give up on an even bigger piece of shit in Brian "I don' need winter ball" Anderson. Who cares if your lead off hitter can't hit home runs??? Pod's didn't lead the league in avg and obp and we won the world series with him at lead off. Cabrerra can bunt and if JO can get on base at all we got a man on 2nd with 1 out and the mashers coming up to the plate. Don't think the season is over just yet. We didn't need Hunter or Rowand unless JO is going to platoon in lf. Speed disrupts more than obp.

"Because I'm Chevy Chase and you're not."

by Soulja Boy on Dec 7, 2007 6:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

More runs score from 1st

With 0 out than from 2nd with 1. Keep your Sacs to yourself.

It should be called Bill Veeck Park!

by Chiburb on Dec 7, 2007 6:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Really?

Did not know THAT.

by Raf on Dec 7, 2007 6:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Pods is a power hitter compared to Owens

by White Sox Randy on Dec 8, 2007 9:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Plus

No one has commented on that horrifying pitching staff the tigers are going to trot onto the field. Zumaya is out again for the whole season... Verlander is going to lose his velocity and bonderman, robertson, willis, and old man suck. Those are facts those 2 had 1 good year for detroit and came back down to earth. I like our pitching much better. As for cleveland... they showed us what a choke job they are like tigers in 06. I think if we can keep par with those teams until august and stay healthy we can over take them for the division. This is not a pipe dream. No pun intended.

"Because I'm Chevy Chase and you're not."

by Soulja Boy on Dec 7, 2007 6:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ok. I've straddled

the fence as to whether Soulja Boy is real or the concoction of one of the more active posters who is bored with recent events (larry? wu?). I'm now convinced that he must be. He is the exact antithesis of SSS thought.

We are the '08 favorites
Jerry Owens is good
Leadoff hitter IS a position
Speed Kills
Bunting is good

It's too perfect. Then the refs to stuff from old SSS threads indicate someone familiar with SSS prior to Solja's appearance. Can't be wu though he's too old to know who solja boy is! Cheat, wiz have you checked on this?

by bhoov on Dec 7, 2007 6:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

wining ugly is all about the wiki!

Once and for all, the leadoff position is how Jenna Jameson decides to spend the first 8 minutes of video time, which has nothing to do with baseball.

by Toonderstrook on Dec 7, 2007 6:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

bhoov,

let me congratulate you on the undercard fight with larry 3-4 days ago. Here's to keeping it going.

I am a sincere guy who would never think of posting under an(other) assumed name. I am never bored with the wit and wisdom/delusion I read, so it ain't me. No one I know has the pure, unadulterated id of SoB. It is to be respected, awed, and studied from a distance, I believe.

"I can't give you a dollar if I don't have 50 cents. Decisions are made awfully easy for you."

by winningugly on Dec 7, 2007 6:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

SoB

every time i read one of his posts, i think of one of two things: visits from the d.a.r.e. officer in elementary school or the egg in frying pan this is your brain on drugs commercial.

Once and for all, the leadoff position is how Jenna Jameson decides to spend the first 8 minutes of video time, which has nothing to do with baseball.

by Toonderstrook on Dec 7, 2007 6:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I haven't checked

but I agree with you

I'm looking at larry!

by The Wizard on Dec 7, 2007 6:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I bet...

it's somebody who doesn't post nearly as much as he/she used to!

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Dec 7, 2007 7:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

SOB's true identity....

ozzie fucking guillen

just a thought.

by longdrive on Dec 7, 2007 7:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

my guess is "sockpuppet"

for someone previously ridiculed and too shamed to post under his original name.
On the other hand, being a shameless liberal/progressive, I can't rule our that he's someone going through rehab or otherwise needs our support and compassion.
Or maybe it IS larry fucking with us...

It should be called Bill Veeck Park!

by Chiburb on Dec 7, 2007 7:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ifyou are TRULY a hopeless

liberal, you know larry needs your compassion as much as SoB.

Maybe more. He is more defended.

"I can't give you a dollar if I don't have 50 cents. Decisions are made awfully easy for you."

by winningugly on Dec 7, 2007 7:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i'm flattered

that people would think i was this good. but i'm not. at any rate, i wouldn't endanger my SSS posting ability by posting under multiple names. i'm not sure any regular poster would consider it because it would be quite easy for Cheat to figure it out.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 7, 2007 7:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Mr. Ellison = Buzz Kill

Besides, lar is too into the JO BP site-self promo thing, which reminds me of the (very) old joke - why does a dog lick his balls?

Because he can!

;)

"I can't give you a dollar if I don't have 50 cents. Decisions are made awfully easy for you."

by winningugly on Dec 7, 2007 7:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

bhoov:

have I ever thanked you for posts, and told you how glad I am you're not a Cleveland or Detroit fan?
Nuff said.

It should be called Bill Veeck Park!

by Chiburb on Dec 7, 2007 7:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

Chiburb!

by bhoov on Dec 7, 2007 7:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

sounds like Ozzie...

"God knows I gave my best in baseball at all times and no man on earth can truthfully judge me otherwise."

by Shoeless In SC on Dec 8, 2007 2:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I never said

Lead off was a position... It is in fact the first name the manager writes down. Funny you guys think I'm the SSS anti-christ! Jerry Owens is good look at his sept. numbers.... you guys were willing to shave off the last 10 games in 06' to make BA's BA look good. >;D No one told me if you guys have that "WHERE WOULD HE PLAY" Buehrle t-shirt still for sale???

"Because I'm Chevy Chase and you're not."

by Soulja Boy on Dec 8, 2007 2:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Milton Bradley postpones decision...

Link:

Outfield Milton Bradley told the Padres today he needs more time to decide whether to accept their one-year, $4-million offer, according to the club. The club expects to hear from Bradley in a day or two.

On Thursday, Padres executives said they were optimistic that Bradley, 29, would accept their offer today. The club generated a lot of publicity that made it sound like a deal was imminent -- but Bradley's agent had said a decision hadn't been made.

The Texas Rangers showed trade interest in Bradley last summer; after the Padres acquired Bradley, General Manager Kevin Towers said that if he hadn't acted quickly, he believed that Texas would have obtained him. The Rangers can offer DH duties to Bradley, who is coming off reconstructive knee surgery.

by SSH2005 on Dec 7, 2007 7:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Salomon Torres to Brewers

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3145905

"I can't give you a dollar if I don't have 50 cents. Decisions are made awfully easy for you."

by winningugly on Dec 7, 2007 7:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

The Reds are loaded!

http://www.minorleagueball.com/story/2007/12/7/16485/6608

and they got the 7th pick in June...

by The Wizard on Dec 7, 2007 8:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I've seen many projections picking the Reds

as a dark horse next year... I mean they have improved while the Cubs are the same and the Cards are worse. The Assblows are the assblows... and the Brewers are likely the Central favorite. I can see the Reds competing with the Braves and Pads for the Wild Card.

"God knows I gave my best in baseball at all times and no man on earth can truthfully judge me otherwise."

by Shoeless In SC on Dec 8, 2007 2:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd have more faith if

Wayne Krivsky wasn't so prominently involved.

His little smile pissed me off.

by colintj on Dec 8, 2007 6:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My ultimate favorite strip...

The "Kason Gabbard" debacle:

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7577/1975/1600/dribble.jpg

by Stealfirstbase on Dec 7, 2007 8:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It sounds like...

Iguchi is signing with the Rockies because they just dumped some salary by trading infielder Jamey Carroll to the Indians for a PTBNL.

by SSH2005 on Dec 8, 2007 12:18 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

More Kosuke Fukudome news...

Taken from a Cubs board:

Dave Kaplan interviewed Fukudome's agent and he said Fukudome has all the information he needs about the level of interest in the states. He also said Fukudome and his family will go over the information during the weekend and a decision could come on monday.

Will anyone be surprised if Kenny misses out on yet another CF target?

by SSH2005 on Dec 8, 2007 12:26 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yet another quote from the same Cubs board...

Dave Kaplan said on his show tonight that the Cubs have told Fukudome's agent that if the decision comes down to money, no team will outbid them. Kaplan said a trusted source told him that. At this point, it looks like the only thing that can keep him away from being a Cub if he leaves Japan, is if he really likes the west coast. We will see.

by SSH2005 on Dec 8, 2007 12:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll bet he stays in Japan

Did anyone else make this kind of noise coming to MLB from Japan? They all seemed to have made up their minds before entering the sweepstakes. From what I read, he's weighing his Dragons offer pretty equally as his US offers.

"I can't give you a dollar if I don't have 50 cents. Decisions are made awfully easy for you."

by winningugly on Dec 8, 2007 6:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hopefully he'll outbid everyone for Pierre

by hitlesswonder on Dec 8, 2007 12:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Busch light is nasty.

that is all.

"God knows I gave my best in baseball at all times and no man on earth can truthfully judge me otherwise."

by Shoeless In SC on Dec 8, 2007 2:33 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

SCREW YOU!

not everything has the sweet tasting nectar of a fresh Appletini

Bring Back BA

by marco054 on Dec 8, 2007 10:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This is true...

If beer tasted like fresh Appletinis... man... I don't even want to think of the consequences...

I really shouldn't have been drinking anyway, but I am pretty sure I just flunked a final so I felt like I needed to blow off some steam.

"God knows I gave my best in baseball at all times and no man on earth can truthfully judge me otherwise."

by Shoeless In SC on Dec 8, 2007 11:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i know what you mean

I got 2 on monday and went out last night, going out tonight. So sunday i'm going to study hungover. Oh well just as long as i get a C

Bring Back BA

by marco054 on Dec 8, 2007 11:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I can't wait to see how the White Sox do...

in '08. At least this year I have lowered expectations... (anyone remember the MAD TV skits... Lowered Expectations???) anyway... at least this way I can't be disappointed when we lost to the Royals in the season series.

Bannister is probably a number 2 on our staff. People seem to forget that he was a AL ROY candidate last year.

Royals gonna own our ass.

"God knows I gave my best in baseball at all times and no man on earth can truthfully judge me otherwise."

by Shoeless In SC on Dec 8, 2007 2:36 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

bannister is not better than Vazquez or Burs

by Jbasic89 on Dec 8, 2007 10:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

nor is he has good

as he pitched last season. he'll be a solid #3 in the mold of a jon garland or a paul byrd.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/owensje01.shtm

by larry on Dec 8, 2007 10:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think I meant a number 3.

I don't think he's better than Vasquez or Buehrle but he is pretty darn solid.

I was pretty toasted last night and I guess I slipped into despair. Again.

"God knows I gave my best in baseball at all times and no man on earth can truthfully judge me otherwise."

by Shoeless In SC on Dec 8, 2007 11:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

id rather have floyd personally

by Jbasic89 on Dec 8, 2007 11:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm pretty sure Bannister had a BABIP

fluke year. It was a .266 and his stuff, evidenced by his miniscule K rate, is pretty poor. He's a strike thrower that gets groundballs, but he's still really hittable. Maybe like a poor man's Jon Garland? He's valuable, but I like 3 pitchers on the Sox staff to do better than him this year. Well, maybe more like "Is distinctly possible but perhaps not probable."

His little smile pissed me off.

by colintj on Dec 8, 2007 6:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Some MLB news...

The Brewers have found their closer in Eric Gagne. They are close to a one-year deal.

The Chicago Tribune says Mark Prior is not expected to agree to the Cubs' proposal of a one-year deal with an option for 2009.

by SSH2005 on Dec 8, 2007 1:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Riske, Torres, and Gagne?

Not a bad bullpen revamp by the Brew-Crew.

by HulkSmash on Dec 8, 2007 1:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And Turnbow...

the Brewers now have an excess of relievers. I think Crede is headed to the Brewers for a reliever.

by SSH2005 on Dec 8, 2007 1:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

mlbtr

is reporting that torres is contemplating retirement...

"We had a guy go into 2nd base as if his wife was turning a double play."

by The Deacon on Dec 8, 2007 1:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't see Torres turning down $3.2 million.

by SSH2005 on Dec 8, 2007 1:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I wonder what Prior will get

I don't think you can get free agent bargains for pitchers right now, but the guy hasn't looked good in how long now? I'd love and 1 year for 5M plus team option for 10M the following year, but that seems way low to me. Prior can't think he can pass up any offer anything resembling a long term deal, so maybe another interesting way would be to give him 2M for 5 years. Carrying a guy like that for 5 years for a team like the White Sox wouldn't be much of a burden at all; you're basically hoping that he has 1 year worth 10M over the course of the 5. You expect to have long term wiggle room on your 40 man considering the talent in the minors. You don't count on him, but you give yourself a chance to suddenly increase your talent level.

His little smile pissed me off.

by colintj on Dec 8, 2007 6:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Long wait for Fukudome...

and it doesn't sound good for the White Sox.

"Kosuke Fukudome: Expected to Announce Decision Tuesday"

Update: Fukudome (elbow) is expected to announce his contract status on Tuesday, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Recommendation: His agent reports that Fukudome has not yet decided whether to play in the United States. Fukudome's top options appear to be the Yomiuri Giants, Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres. It seems like the Cubs are the front-runners because Fukudome is expected to make a financially based decision and they are believed to be the highest bidders at the moment.

by SSH2005 on Dec 8, 2007 1:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It will be interesting to see what he goes for...

Anywhere over 3/40 is an overpay, but that might be what it takes to get him.

I still want him, and Williams has put himself in this position where he is going to have to overpay for a CF, so he needs to get it done.

by Tony82087 on Dec 8, 2007 2:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And if he doesn't...

will thou join my minion of Kenny-bashers? ; )

Unfortunately, I think Fukudome goes to the Flubs and then Kenny freaks out and shoots his load on Rowand.

by SSH2005 on Dec 8, 2007 2:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm almost with hitless one this one...

I would rather seem them go after Rowand than give up ANYTHING for Crisp.

They are just going to put themselves in a bad spot because once Fuk is gone, Rowand is the only real option left on the market, outside of Cameron who is on a different level IMO, and Rowand and Landis can kinda bend Williams over....

by Tony82087 on Dec 8, 2007 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I totally agree with you...

Coco is absolute trash. His defense in CF is great and he is locked up to a cheap contract but his offense sucks something fierce. I don't want him at all.

Rowand at least has a chance at putting up some good offense, although he could easily bust and put up a .750 OPS. That's the scary thing about giving Rowand a big contract. The funny thing is that his career line is better than Torii Hunter's.

I don't really think that Kenny views Mike Cameron as an option due to the roid thing and the fact that he will miss the first 25 games of the season.

My guess is that Kenny is hoping to land one of Fukudome, Rowand, or Coco, in that order.

by SSH2005 on Dec 8, 2007 3:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

please no coco

bostons demands for crisp are out of this world. there is no way you give up an upper tier prospect for crisp. i wouldnt have given up chris carter for him, i wouldnt give up much for him.

"We had a guy go into 2nd base as if his wife was turning a double play."

by The Deacon on Dec 8, 2007 3:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I know it's been said

before, but Crisp and Owens had almost identical AVG and OBP last year. While Crisp had a better SLG, Alex Cora's SLG was actually slightly better that Crisp's SLG! Alex Cora! Boston's demands for Crisp are ridiculous.

by palehose67 on Dec 8, 2007 3:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Boston can Eat Coco Crisp

They have Ellbury and they're trying to shake people down for a guy they don't have any room for??

He isn't worth a cold bratwurst..... ok, well, I'd give Boston a -cold- brat for him.

by ruffster on Dec 8, 2007 3:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Pitching

Is it just me or does Contrers, Danks anf Floyd scare the heck out of you? Bill James has Floyd and Danks projected with ERA's of over 5.70 next year.

by cachhubguy on Dec 8, 2007 4:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It is what it is....

If the Sox wanted to really pretend to compete, instead of just half-assed pretend to compete, they would sign someone like Clement and an OF. But, KW has already said no SP acquisitions.

In actuality, that's OK with me. I'd rather see Danks, Floyd, Gio, Egbert, and Haeger get innings to see what the Soc have that might help them in 2010 (2011?).

by hitlesswonder on Dec 8, 2007 5:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

ZIPS

has

Rowand: .783 in one of the best hitter's parks
Cameron: .758 in one of the best pitcher's parks

Bill James has it Rowand .820, Cameron .764.

One of these years Rowand has to have a true talent level year (assuming his true talent is .800 OPS) instead of these .740 or .900 OPS years.

It is frightening to realize that even in Rowand's bad years his OPS was 100 points higher than JO.

By the way Cameron was 27 runs better than JO with the bat. So 2.7 wins with the bat better than JO in an off year.

3-5 wins from (Cameron, Rowand, Fukudome), 4 wins from Cabrera vs. Uribe, 3 wins from Quentin (if he can stay healthy) vs. podzales, 4 wins from a league average bullpen. Of course subtract 2-3 for Garland vs. Floyd. That's 13 wins, enough to keep season tic holders interested without mortgaging your future (assuming Cameron for 2 year, Fuk for 3 or Rowand for 4).

When you're at replacement level at 4 positions you can upgrade dramatically with just league average.

by bhoov on Dec 8, 2007 6:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs