Floyd to the pen

by The Wizard on Jul 26, 2007 3:50 PM CDT in Quotes

Gavin Floyd is going to the bullpen. Here's Coop:

"Right now, Gavin is in our bullpen, and he'll probably be available by Friday because the amount of pitches and innings he went [Tuesday]. We want anyone that is going to get us outs. Right now he's going to get that opportunity."

*****

Ozzie says the Sox aren't going to sell low:

"You're not going to sit there and give players away and say, 'Here, here, because we play bad we're going to give up.' No. If it's something that is not the right thing for the organization Kenny is not going to do it. ... Right now if those guys think in their minds that they're going to get traded -- who do they think they're getting traded to? The guys that should be traded, they have to perform better to be honest. Making a trade is not easy -- a good trade. ... If our players think they're going to be traded, make sure they know how to get to 35th and Shields, because they're going to be there for the next two months or three months. Make sure they know how to get here first."

*****

The Angels want Paulie? Well, Kenny "is asking for the house in return." And Ozzie predicts how the negotiations will go:

"If the Angels want to trade for somebody, I'll be happy. Kenny will be asking for a lot of people, and they'll say no."

*****

In other news,

Roland Hemond was named assistant to the Arizona Diamondbacks president.
Also, according to reports out of Buffalo, where Triple-A Charlotte currently is playing, Erstad was a late scratch from Wednesday's contest after feeling some stiffness in his neck following batting practice. Erstad reportedly had difficulty lifting his head when he was taking fly balls.
Steve Stone will replace DJ in the booth for the six-game homestand from August 7-12.
The Mariners are pursuing Jon Garland. Phil Rogers says Former White Sox assistant GM Dan Evans, now a top assistant to Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, absolutely loves everything about Garland. Mark Gonzalez says the Yankees are still in the mix as well (and reviews other rumors).

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Comments

Difficulty lifting his head?

How grindy is that? What kind of Alpha Male can't throw his head back in order to take a shot of Turkey or just to laugh at the mere mortals he must deal with on a daily basis?

Can anybody here play this game?

by winningugly on Jul 26, 2007 3:56 PM CDT reply actions

Its a cover up

He went Gus Frerotte on the center field fence

Xbox live: Marco es DRUNK

by marco054 on Jul 26, 2007 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Take some Vitamin V and get out there!!!!!

Take the panties off this guy, WTF

by ChicagoPete on Jul 26, 2007 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Has Hawk ever teamed with Steve Stone?

A heated disagreement would be a nice distraction from this season.

by hscs on Jul 26, 2007 4:08 PM CDT reply actions

Hawk isn't anti-Semetic, is he?

THAT would be a stitch. This might be a ploy to have Hawk hang himself publicly (like Psycho Lyons with Sweet Lou) so's the Sox can fire his sorry ass.

Can anybody here play this game?

by winningugly on Jul 26, 2007 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Wishful thinking.

by ballyb on Jul 26, 2007 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Hawk: "Tell me Steve,

Where does a Jewish husband hide all that money from his wife?"

by ChicagoPete on Jul 26, 2007 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions

LOL!

"n his drawers - she'll never look there!"

BWAHAHAHA! Oy!

Can anybody here play this game?

by winningugly on Jul 26, 2007 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions

I thought it's under the vacuum cleaner?

by ChicagoPete on Jul 26, 2007 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions

She vacuums at least once a month....

Can anybody here play this game?

by winningugly on Jul 26, 2007 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Garland...

Is only worth one B prospect OF? What? Phil Rogers is a hometown journalist, shouldn't he come up with trades biased toward the Sox? I'm OK with trading for corner OF prospect, but Garland should get more than Wlad. I'd ask for Wlad and Clement or package on par with that.

I love the mlbtraderumors posters...Garland has bad peripherals so he's not worth as much as Wandy Rodriguez.

If Linebrink brings in 3 prospects (one a B pitching prospect), Garland should command significant talent.

by hitlesswonder on Jul 26, 2007 4:23 PM CDT reply actions

Agreed

I wouldn't give it away. It has to be a trade of equal or greater-than-equal value to make sense, and it does not seem to be equal.

Who has more wins than Garland over the past 3 seasons? Um, about 4 guys, if I remember (though my memory is faulty).

Can anybody here play this game?

by winningugly on Jul 26, 2007 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Obviously...

Balentien would be the centerpiece of a Garland deal, not the whole package.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 26, 2007 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions

NO decent pitchers are available.

THEY need a pitcher. We have a stud(-) available. If they don't pay up, trade him elsewhere. OR wait til the off-season. We have all the time in the world.

The need us a hell of alot more than we need them.

by ballyb on Jul 26, 2007 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions

damn right

by The Wizard on Jul 26, 2007 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Even Rotoworld is ripping on Ozzie and Hawk now...

Jerry Owens went 0-for-3 with a HBP on Thursday to snap his hitting streak at 10 games.
If you listed to Ozzie Guillen or, gulp, Hawk Harrelson, Owens has stepped up in a big way lately and just might be the White Sox's center fielder in 2008 and beyond. The numbers, though, don't show it. Owens is batting .254/.319/.270 in 63 at-bats since the All-Star break. The White Sox might as well play him over Darin Erstad after Erstad comes off the DL, but he's still looking like a long-term fifth outfielder.

by SSH2005 on Jul 26, 2007 4:30 PM CDT reply actions

Wiz, what happened to wizardofsox?

Trying to break a jinx or what?

by ChicagoPete on Jul 26, 2007 4:37 PM CDT reply actions

Huh?

"P.S. if Cintron gets traded or released I will buy drinks for the whole board" - tubesox 6/24/07

by mjthor on Jul 26, 2007 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions

I haven't used that ever!

but it sounds nice!

by The Wizard on Jul 26, 2007 7:26 PM CDT up reply actions

you're kidding? uh..you're not, are you?

Good stuff, I must be hallucinating. I could have sworn...

by ChicagoPete on Jul 26, 2007 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions

That quote by Guillen...

has me confused. Does he not want a trade to happen? Is he happy with the team as it is?

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 26, 2007 4:59 PM CDT reply actions

Diversionary tactics.

IMO, he should pipe down and refer trade questions to KW.

by ballyb on Jul 26, 2007 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Ozzie doesn't want the Sox

to help the Angels win anything this year, or something along those lines.

by hscs on Jul 26, 2007 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions

of course

the quote above is much more confusing. I thought Ozzie was starting to pitch OnStar.

by hscs on Jul 26, 2007 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions

It actually makes sense to me...

Well, I think I have reasoned through it.

It looks like Ozzie is saying that he would be happy if the Angels were interested in trading for Sox players because Ozzie seems to understand that the Angels have good prospects. But Ozzie is also admitting that Kenny would ask for too many of these prospects in return for his own players so Ozzie doesn't forsee any deals getting done between the Sox and the Angels.

by SSH2005 on Jul 26, 2007 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions

I think it's the Southtown Ozzie

quote that has people confused.

by hscs on Jul 26, 2007 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions

I think it goes like this

"If the Angels want to trade for somebody, I'll be happy [to listen]. Kenny will be asking for a lot of people, and they'll say no."

if you're talking about the Angels quote

by The Wizard on Jul 26, 2007 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Sigh...

I picked one hell of a time to start taking an active interest in the Sox again. 1. Garland is worth at least 2 mid-to-high level prospects and possibly a lesser prospect as well. He led the majors in cumulative wins over the last 2 seasons, he's entering his prime, and if it wasn't for him, MB, and JV, the Sox would be about 30 games out right now.(Assuming replacement level starters, league average ERA, combined with this offense.. blecchhh....)
In any case, if we trade him we're left with 2 quality starters, 1 old man, 1 possible #3 starter who is still inconsistent enough to be in doubt, latest start notwithstanding, and 1 certifiable Big Black 5 starter hole at the end of the rotation.(2004 anyone?) We don't have anyone to fill that. Haeger, Floyd, and Masset are all either not ready/never will be ready/bad, respectively, and DLS is in high-A. There's probably someone I'm missing, but I doubt they're any good this year either. We would have to get at least 1 major-league quality pitch(er/ing prospect, which defeats the whole purpose. (A similar argument applies for Javy) A better idea would be to trade Mack/Cintron. That's an overused idea, but if we packaged them, I'm sure someone desperate for utility players would take them (The Giants could use some players who aren't on Medicare as insurance, tho I don't know anything about their farm system.)</ramble>
2. Roland Hemond still exists? The first(and only) time I heard of him before today was in a book of White Sox history, written the year of the Reinsdorf takeover (1988/9? Anyway, it all happened before I was born)

It isn't a low ceiling...it's a high floor

by evilcookie on Jul 26, 2007 4:59 PM CDT reply actions

You're forgetting...

Gio Gonzalez, who will probably be ready early in 2008, if not right out of Spring Training.

Mackowiak and Cintron are tradeable, but they won't bring back anything worth noting. Think Jon Adkins.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 26, 2007 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions

and jack egbert

Jerry Owens: putting the 'suicide' in suicide squeeze.

by larry on Jul 26, 2007 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Doesn't Egbert...

project as a reliever? I could be wrong about that, but I thought that's what I read.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 26, 2007 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions

i certainly hope not

only an idiot would make this guy a reliever. maybe you're thinking of russell.

Jerry Owens: putting the 'suicide' in suicide squeeze.

by larry on Jul 26, 2007 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Russell projects as a reliever

but he's already moved to the pen.

Egbert, from all accounts, appears to be a guy that will be a starter long term. Perhaps a 3-4 at best, but a starter nonetheless.

There has been speculation that he could be of use in the White Sox bullpen right now, but I don't think he's a long term reliever at all.

by wite on Jul 26, 2007 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Well,

if Egbert projects as a #3-4, and Gio projects as a #2 (from what I've heard/read), then we're left with a "projected rotation" of:
W/Garland traded
#2(MB),#1(JV),#5(Count, due to the death of his arm), #4/5(Danks),#2/3(Egbert or Gonzalez)
W/JV traded
#2(MB),#2(JG),#5(Count),#4-5(Danks),#2/3(E/G)

I have Danks as a #4/5, because that's what I've heard most often, and I also haven't heard anything higher then a #3 type guy. He hasn't really impressed me with his stuff, save on a few occasions, and he seems to have very little stamina compared to the rest of the starters(A subject touched earlier).
I'm a bit of a classicist in my roation preference, because I prefer a true #1, instead of projected/prospect #1. Obviously, it can work either way.

(Disclaimer)This is in no way a particularly well-informed opinion, and is based solely on my opinion. Share feedback.

It isn't a low ceiling...it's a high floor

by evilcookie on Jul 26, 2007 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Goldstein says "above average starter"

and he wasn't expected by most to be this ready. Both his curve and change are plus outings and stamina shouldn't be a concern for a guy who's throwing his first big league season. Verlander had the same issues and he's got, like, 5 inches on Danks. Gio is seen by Sickels as a 2, though Goldstein doesn't like him any better than a 3. Haven't seen anything on Egbert, but he gets a ton of groundballs and isn't walking anybody, plus he's got some good K numbers. There aren't a lot of pitchers around who have all three, so I'd peg him for a 3 as well (sight unseen, obvs). DLS is the guy everyone sees as a number 1 it seems like. Rotation by '09:

1)Buehrle - he'll probably be more like a 3-starter at this point

2)Vazquez/Danks - whether or not Vazquez will be there is dependent on DLS' readiness. Javy could still be a legit #2, as he's actually increased his K rate and decrease his BB rate this year in a hitter's park. That definitely bodes well going forward

3)Danks/Gio - Gio should be on his second turn through the majors at this point, though I'm not sure if that means he'll be more of a 4 or a 3. Keeping Vazquez makes it matter much less

4)Gio/Egbert - Egbert is probably more ready to have immediate and sustained success because of his groundballing ways, good control and age. He's leapt across the injury nexus already, which means he's by far the most certain of the four to be what we hope he can be. We should definitely keep in mind that the other three are still highly susceptible at this point in their careers.

5)Egbert/DLS - My guess is that if DLS is ready to pitch, he'll be better than a 5, because his stuff is so good and he's demonstrated good control thus far.

In any case, even if we lose both Garland and Contreras, we should still be in a position where we have the depth to handle it. On another note, Poreda has been dominant in his short stint in rookie ball so far, with 17 K's/1 BB and a 75% GB rate. Looks like they're limiting his innings by using him out of the bullpen this year, which is probably not a bad idea.

by colintj on Jul 27, 2007 2:28 AM CDT up reply actions

No way man.

Check those numbers, man

by colintj on Jul 26, 2007 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions

Hey, just what I wanted!

Floyd should have two plus pitches to work with out of the pen, plus he's got decent control. The big problem is his flyball rate, but maybe a bigger fastball and a heavier reliance on the curve will curb that predilection. I see him as a guy who could work the seventh as a baseline, with upside thanks to two strike out pitches. But if he keeps up this low-intensity "easy heat" crap, he's not going to get the action on the fastball he needs.

And: damn right we're asking for the house. Paulie's signed at 12 mil a year! He'd probably guarantee the Angels the division crown and make them significant contenders come October.

by colintj on Jul 26, 2007 5:01 PM CDT reply actions

Realistically,

what could the Sox get for Mackowiak?

When's he signed thru? How much?

I ask because of Rogers note re. on Ty Wigginton ChicagoSports.com.

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_hardball/2007/07/cubs-eye-wiggin.html

by ballyb on Jul 26, 2007 5:01 PM CDT reply actions

realistically?

probably a decent minor leaguer. his contract is pretty expensive for a utility guy, as is his buyout/option. he's signed through the end of this year with team option.

Jerry Owens: putting the 'suicide' in suicide squeeze.

by larry on Jul 26, 2007 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Mackowiak...

has a $3.25 Million option for 2008 (or $300K buyout).

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 26, 2007 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Do options transfer with a trade?

by ballyb on Jul 26, 2007 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions

They do...

unless the contract says otherwise. I haven't read that Mackowiak's option is voided if he's traded.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 26, 2007 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions

Hmm...

Gio and Egbert. Knew I forgot someone(apparently multiple someones) Then again, wouldn't a lefty-heavy rotation put us at a bit of a disadvantage because of the more frequent L/L matchups versus the R/R matchups? I also seem to notice a trend of reversed splits for lefties at USCF(Cotts, MB) If I recall correctly, their OppBA was lower for lefties then righties. There are similarities between them though, and it's a small sample. Still, it's worth a look.
Egbert is at A-,A+,AA? I don't know where he is, but I'm a bit wary of promotions from A ball, because it's a huge difference from AA. If he is in AA, then it's a bit easier to see that, but he's still a prospect. And prospects, by definition, are liable to fail. (Remember how excited everyone was about Jason Grilli? Arnie Munoz? Kris Honel?Britt Burns?) They don't always flop immediately, but they ARE extremely volatile.

It isn't a low ceiling...it's a high floor

by evilcookie on Jul 26, 2007 5:13 PM CDT reply actions

he's at birmingham, just like gio

Jerry Owens: putting the 'suicide' in suicide squeeze.

by larry on Jul 26, 2007 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions

How did that happen?

The Sox finished 6-6 vs. CLE, BOS & DET

Is the AL that bad this year? We got pummelled in the interleague games.

by ChicagoPete on Jul 26, 2007 5:14 PM CDT reply actions

No

The Sox were playing terrible baseball during that time period, and now they are playing better; so long as Contreras isn't on the mound, the Sox have a realistic shot at winning every game.

The AL is much better than the NL. I figure the Sox would be a .500 team in the NL Central and if Konerko could play like SS.

by wite on Jul 26, 2007 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions

But we're still playing shitty baseball

It's not like everyone started raking and the bullpen is suddenly untouchable.

Must be Jesse.

by ChicagoPete on Jul 26, 2007 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions

IF

we played .500 in interleague games, we'd be a .500 team and only 9 games back in THE ALL IMPORTANT LOSS COLUMN in the wild card race.

It's been awhile since I calculated "games back in THE ALL IMPORTANT LOSS COLUMN."

by ballyb on Jul 26, 2007 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Mack

is hitting ridiculously well this month, just in time for the deadline. I'm sure we can con someone into taking him. (And as for my Giants idea, don't forget that he's probably going to become better then Randy Winn in the near future, through repeatyed deterioration. He could also be used to rest Bonds/Alou, and isn't he supposed to be able to play infield. He'd probably be used every day in that configuration, because they are going to break down FAST, and soon.

It isn't a low ceiling...it's a high floor

by evilcookie on Jul 26, 2007 5:16 PM CDT reply actions

LOL, do the Mets and Giants get to share Macko?

Alou signed with the Mets in the offseason

just playful ribbing

by wite on Jul 26, 2007 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions

OK, that explains it.

I can see the promotion working, especially with the rediculous peripheral stats he's putting up. (And isn't Birmingham a bandbox or something?)

It isn't a low ceiling...it's a high floor

by evilcookie on Jul 26, 2007 5:17 PM CDT reply actions

No, actually...

Birmingham is considered something of a pitcher's park. But neither Gonzalez nor Egbert have notable home/road splits.

The Sox should be able to round out their rotation just fine without Garland.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 26, 2007 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions

Birmingham

Ok, I must be confusing it with a few other minor league stadiums. The splits are encouraging though, I decide to drop my argument. I do think Vazquez should be traded first though.

It isn't a low ceiling...it's a high floor

by evilcookie on Jul 26, 2007 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions

Charlotte is a hitter's park

-Jeeves Life in the Cell, a Sweet Home Sports site

by jeeves on Jul 26, 2007 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions

why does everyone say Charlotte is a

hitter's park? Dimensions are symetrical, 325 down the lines, 365 to the gaps, 400 to CF. Those are pretty standard, and Charlotte's not at altitude. It gets humid, but that's just about any park in the south.

by ChicagoPete on Jul 26, 2007 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions

It just is.

You could say the same thing about New Comiskey, and that's a hitter's park, as well.

The ball flies in Charlotte.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 26, 2007 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions

It just is?

Josh Fields hit 10 homers in 200+ ABs in Charlotte.

He comes up and faces MLB pitching for the first time, and hit's 8 in 160+ ABs up here (home and road).

I'd think he'd be hitting them at a much higher rate/AB at Charlotte if it's such a bandbox.

by ChicagoPete on Jul 26, 2007 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions

why?

because of stats like this.

http://www.minorleaguesplits.com/pf.html

Jerry Owens: putting the 'suicide' in suicide squeeze.

by larry on Jul 26, 2007 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions

are those normalized across all leagues?

or just their own?

by colintj on Jul 27, 2007 2:30 AM CDT up reply actions

Oops

Thanks for the correction. I'm still stuck w/ the '05 edition of THT, so it's kinda messed up in my head. I'm sure Cintron could be foisted on them as a Durham backup too. (He could hide his lack of endurance behind the fact that everyone else on that team needs a rest every 3rd day too.)

It isn't a low ceiling...it's a high floor

by evilcookie on Jul 26, 2007 5:21 PM CDT reply actions

I guess it's possible......

that the Chase Utley injury today (broken hand=possibly out a month) might add the Phillies to the list of potential suitors for Iguchi.

by stanchar on Jul 26, 2007 6:01 PM CDT reply actions

rumors, rumors, rumors

Phil Rogers:

# Believe it or not, the Mets totally haven't lost interest in Jose Contreras, but they're not sending the White Sox anything of significance for him. They would give up some of their older prospects (Lastings Milledge and Mike Pelfrey) if the White Sox would move Javy Vazquez, who has been throwing a lot of zeroes lately.
# The Twins could go into a dumping mode after their recent slide, which has left them closer to the bottom of the AL Central than the top. It's a total longshot but executives with other organizations don't rule out Minnesota moving one of its pitching studs, Johan Santana or Joe Nathan. Both of those guys are eligible for free agency after next season. Torii Hunter might also be in play. This is the time for GM Terry Ryan to determine what it will take to keep him off the free agent market this winter.
# The recent pitching problems have caused Angels GM Bill Stoneman to reassess his stand-pat approach with his lineup. According to a source, he is now aggressively looking for a bat. Paul Konerko seems unlikely, but Stoneman might deal from his stable of prospects for Miguel Tejada, Jermaine Dye or even Mike Piazza. Tejada is due off the DL this weekend, giving scouts only a few days to assess his health and play. It wouldn't be a shock if Andy MacPhail traded him, assuming he gets a good offer.
# Yes, the White Sox and Mets do have the potential for a blockbuster. In addition to Contreras or Vazquez (maybe even Jon Garland), the Mets have kicked the tires on Dye and Tadahito Iguchi. But the Sox scouts appear to have spent more time checking out the Yankees' system than the Mets.

by The Wizard on Jul 26, 2007 7:55 PM CDT reply actions

this one is funny!

"Given the overhype of the last few years, only a real dope would predict a flurry of deals before baseball's deadline for non-waiver trades. So here goes:

There's going to be a flurry of moves before the deadline this year, including some that have the potential to qualify as genuine blockbusters."

by The Wizard on Jul 26, 2007 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Hobby is doing a great job this season...

but I would trade him in a second for Milledge and Pelfrey. Kenny could do a lot with Vazquez's salary to improve the rest of the outfield.

by SSH2005 on Jul 26, 2007 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't think I would

If Rick Peterson can't make Pelfrey an effective starter in Shea, Cooper and the Cell are not what he needs. He may turn out to be a great pitcher. But apparently he only has a fastball now. I don't think he's a particularly better prospect than Gio. Milledge -- I don't know. He had nice AAA stats, but I don't anything about his D in CF.

Vazquez is signed at a reasonable rate and long term and is pitching like a top 10 AL starter. The Mets would have to give up more than their #3 OF prospect and their #2 pitching prospect. I know that seems like a lot, but this isn't a rental and prospects aren't sure things.

You are probably right that it's time to sell high on Vazquez, but I hate to give up the only strikeout pitcher on the staff.

by hitlesswonder on Jul 26, 2007 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions

We're in agreement about Pelfrey

I don't like what I'm reading about Pelfrey at all, and his peripherals aren't very good this season. He only has 41 Ks in 54 innings. His GB/FB is decent but that's about it.

I still like Milledge a lot, and it really seems like the Sox and Mets would make a great fit, but so far nothing. I would trade both Dye and Iguchi for Milledge alone. I understand that the Mets would only be getting a combined six months of Dye and Iguchi, but both figure to be upgrades on the Mets (I guess Gotay + Easley vs Iguchi is debatable, but I'd bet on Iguchi's performance of the past two seasons vs the former two). Post ASB Dye would also be one of the better hitters on the Mets.

by CWSKeith on Jul 26, 2007 11:31 PM CDT up reply actions

I wouldn't. I'm pretty sure Pelfrey is coming up

bust. I think we need Javy going forward a lot more than we need Garland anyway.

by colintj on Jul 27, 2007 2:32 AM CDT up reply actions

Santana

will not be traded this season. With Liriano and Santana in the rotation next season, the Twins are a serious World Championship contender. Plus at this point there is still a good chance Santana signs with the Twins.

by hitlesswonder on Jul 26, 2007 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Do not sell low on Contreras.

Value CANNOT get lower. What's the risk of keeping him til the off season?

by ballyb on Jul 26, 2007 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions

dies of old age

or a broken heart?

Jerry Owens: putting the 'suicide' in suicide squeeze.

by larry on Jul 27, 2007 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions

I've been researching therapists for him.

Big guy like him and a broken heart. Sad.

by ballyb on Jul 27, 2007 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions

that is so depressing to think about

big sad Cubans :(

by colintj on Jul 27, 2007 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions

more garland

mlbtraderumors.com:

Regarding Jon Garland, we've already heard that the Mariners, Braves, and Yankees are interested. Stark adds the Dodgers, Mets, and Phillies to that list. However, he thinks Kenny Williams really just wants to trade Jose Contreras.

by The Wizard on Jul 26, 2007 8:08 PM CDT reply actions

would i be nuts

if the sox dealt Tadahito/Mackowiak (either) and Dye for Shane Victorino....I just know the Phils still have Werth, Bourn, and Burrell under contract, and really face a logjam with Adrian Cardenas being a SS will likely move to the outfield?

by tubesox on Jul 26, 2007 10:17 PM CDT reply actions

i think they are really high on Victorino

he's the heir apparent. Plus, I think they only want pitching in return. I don't think they are in the market for Gooch. They can ride out the Utley injury with that lineup.

Maybe get Bourn for MacD and a Phillips?

Go Alex Cintron!! (and take Uribe with you...)

by Nordhagen on Jul 26, 2007 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions

gio is feeling it baby! oneli too

gio*: 6.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 11 K, 2 BB, 3.04 ERA
oneli: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 4 K, 0 BB, 1.88 ERA

by The Wizard on Jul 26, 2007 11:11 PM CDT reply actions

For you Owens haters

Just remember how awesome Jeremy Reed finished his first season and how he's doing now. I wouldn't get too down on Owens because of his stats. He has speed and speed has kept alot of players around (Juan Pierre, Scott Podsednik, etc etc).

by striker on Jul 26, 2007 11:21 PM CDT reply actions

not sure our point

but Owens has a lower OPS now than Reed ever had in the majors.

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Jul 26, 2007 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Who hates him?

I just don't think he should be starting in the Sox OF in 2008. So Owens is Juan Pierre or even Pods? I don't think so...

by hitlesswonder on Jul 26, 2007 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions

yeah

not following this at all, and to consider him with Pods and Pierre is awful, maybe in the horrid defense category

by tubesox on Jul 26, 2007 11:40 PM CDT up reply actions

"Owens haters"

Lol. Have you watched him wield a bat or a glove yet? We don't think he sucks because we're disinclined to value speed. It's because he has no bat speed, poor bunting skills and bad defensive instincts. His swing is just terrible. And furthermore, those players you mention? They're awful. Their speed has kept them around, but they didn't deserve to actually be kept.

by colintj on Jul 27, 2007 2:35 AM CDT up reply actions

Not figuring

Why everyone wants the Diamondbacks to be sellers with Livian, the wild card is there for taking with injury to Lowe and possibly Penny, Utley going down, the Braves start Franco at 1b, and the Cubs have holes in bullpen. I think they should be interested in a bat addition, kinda like the Twins always acquire.

by tubesox on Jul 26, 2007 11:42 PM CDT reply actions

and Byrnes

goes yard upping his price and the snakes playoff chances

by tubesox on Jul 26, 2007 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions

he's going to make some team very sad

next year.

by colintj on Jul 27, 2007 2:37 AM CDT up reply actions

Pelphrey= Floyd...

If the Mets starting pitching prospects really were top notch, they'd be....on the Mets because the Mets have no pitching. The Mets have been peddling Millege and their pitching prospects for 2 years. Javy is one of the better pitchers in the AL - top 7 or so. Trade him for two dubious prospects? Forget it.

by DrBox on Jul 27, 2007 8:22 AM CDT reply actions

You nailed that shit on the head

by colintj on Jul 27, 2007 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions

Mack

I would be in favor of keeping him around if he truly remains a bench player. I think we soured on the guy because he was thrust into a starter role.

Then again, $3 million is a lot of dough.

President - Johnny Dickshot Fan Club

by tailgater on Jul 27, 2007 9:12 AM CDT reply actions

Only when it buys Pods,

or if you are a steelworker/teacher/accountant/investment advisor...

Hey, that IS a lot of $!

Can anybody here play this game?

by winningugly on Jul 27, 2007 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions

Yep...

$18,518.52 per game (before taxes).

Why oh why didn't I try harder when I was playing high school ball? Instead...a life in "Corporateland."

Then again, playing baseball is a terrible grind for these guys. The long season, being on the road, etc.

Bwa-ha-ha-ha! Who are they kiddin'? What a frickin' life.

President - Johnny Dickshot Fan Club

by tailgater on Jul 27, 2007 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions

And don't forget...

all that jersey chasing trim that gets thrown their way!

GO SOX!

by rhythm on Jul 27, 2007 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions

For the single guys only

right? ;)

President - Johnny Dickshot Fan Club

by tailgater on Jul 27, 2007 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm ready to pass the hat for them

NOT!

Can anybody here play this game?

by winningugly on Jul 27, 2007 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions

Plus, what's daily meal allowance for MLB?

by ballyb on Jul 27, 2007 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions

Dr. Evil says...

"One BILLION dollars!"

(Insert evil laugh here)

President - Johnny Dickshot Fan Club

by tailgater on Jul 27, 2007 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions

Braves make tempting offer to Rangers...

Ken Rosenthal wrote:

The Braves, major-league sources say, have made the Rangers a whopper of an offer for first baseman Mark Teixeira.

The Rangers evidently would receive three highly regarded young players -- catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Class AA left-hander Matt Harrison and Class A shortstop Elvis Andrus -- while sending the Braves only Teixeira.

Wow. If this is true, Kenny should really be thinking about trading Konerko, even though he is one of our only good bats.

by SSH2005 on Jul 27, 2007 10:11 AM CDT reply actions

Well...

Konerko's good, but Teixeira is even better, younger, and cheaper (he's not eligible for free agency until after 2008). Teixeira's trade value is extremely high.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 27, 2007 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions

Teixeira is obviously better than Konerko...

and he's cheaper but the fact that Teixeira is only locked up for a season and a few months should lower his trade value. Meanwhile, Konerko is locked up for 3 more years at $36 million. That's below market money for a top first baseman. I would love to know who the Angels were/are offering for Konerko.

by SSH2005 on Jul 27, 2007 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions

I don't know if...

the fact that Konerko's under contract until after 2010 increases his value. Those last two years probably don't look that great to an interested team.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 27, 2007 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions

He'll be a great DH.

by ballyb on Jul 27, 2007 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions

Like Thome, only...

not quite as good.

If the Sox sent along a good chunk of cash, like the Phillies did, it's likely that they'd get a very good prospect or two.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 27, 2007 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions

yeah, especially if the cash were back loaded.

say 3 million for '09 and 6 for '10.

by colintj on Jul 27, 2007 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions

I think they do...

What player can a team sign for only $12 million these days that is good for 35-40 homeruns, 100+ RBI's, and a ~.900 OPS?

by SSH2005 on Jul 27, 2007 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions

Problem is...

that there's a decent chance that he won't be good for that anymore by the time that contract is up.

A team (like the Angels) that trades for Paul Konerko is really only interested in what he can provide for them in 2007 and 2008. The fact that he's under contract beyond that might even reduce his trade value.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 27, 2007 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions

the way the angels throw around money

i'm not sure they care much about the cash. may use it as a leverage point a bit but i don't think it would be an obstacle to any deal getting done.

Jerry Owens: putting the 'suicide' in suicide squeeze.

by larry on Jul 27, 2007 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions

I have to believe you don't 86 the guy

who owned the city 2 years ago, even if it is a fantastic deal. I would have the Big One if Paulie was traded this year.

Jon/Mack/etc. totally believable, but not Paulie. 2 untouchables - Mark and Paulie. They are true Reinsdorf employees because of longevity, loyalty (signing below market - yes, JRE, below market), and basically never ripping the boss in public.

The rest are here until something better comes along. N'est pas?

Can anybody here play this game?

by winningugly on Jul 27, 2007 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't think...

he'll get traded either (I don't think anyone on this roster is getting traded until winter), but that's not really what we were talking about. We were just speculating as to what his value would be.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 27, 2007 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions

OK -

but if that is the case that has to icrease his cost (i.e. the assumption that he might have "icon" status raising his value).

Was that a decent recovery?

Can anybody here play this game?

by winningugly on Jul 27, 2007 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Well...

I don't think that would mean very much to the Angels, or to any other team. It might make Ken Williams less likely to deal him, though.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 27, 2007 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions

That's pretty surprising

I would have thought a pitcher made more sense for them. Schuerholz is pretty much not questionable though. When was the last time he was wrong? He even totally owned Billy Beane (who's not a god or anything, but he usually doesn't get completely swindled).

by colintj on Jul 27, 2007 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions

Yeah

Beane got totally pantsed with the Hudson trade

GO SOX!

by rhythm on Jul 27, 2007 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions

How pathetic does Ozzie sound in this article?

"Guillen: Sox see value in Contreras
Manager insists his velocity is OK, says command is concern"

So Ozzie, you kill any trade value that Contreras has left by hanging him out to dry in his starts to give up more and more runs. Now, you try to save face by saying that Contreras' velocity looks good and that he should still have good trade value with scouts? Pretty sad.

by SSH2005 on Jul 27, 2007 10:29 AM CDT reply actions

Tigers Blog (Blah-g)

While killing time during lunch, I clicked over to the "Bless You Boys" (Tigers) blog to put a finger on the pulse of Tigers fans who just got beat by our lowly (yet beloved) White Sox.

Yesterday's game thread had 10, count them, 10 total comments. Although I did enjoy one exasperated fan who wrote:

JOSH $%#! FIELDS???
This guy has KILLED us. We get beat by Josh Fields and Scott Podsednik??? This is unreal!

They do have The Internet in Michigan, right?

President - Johnny Dickshot Fan Club

by tailgater on Jul 27, 2007 12:12 PM CDT reply actions

I'm pretty sure most Tigers fans

are either

A) Older than Ernie Harwell, and therefore are terrified of the internet

B) Frat pricks from Birmingham with BMW's that do their interneting for them.

the remainder are pretty cool though

by colintj on Jul 27, 2007 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions

No - laid off from Ford, GM,

and Chrysler assembly lines, and can't afford the hookup.

Can anybody here play this game?

by winningugly on Jul 27, 2007 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions

LOL

"Terrified of the Internet"

"Frat pricks"

Love it.

At the game Monday I was surrounded by a couple of Tiger-fan families. They were an oddly quiet group (probably afraid a Sox fan might "cut" them), but every once in awhile someone would pipe up (quietly) and say something like:

"Buehrle is stupid for pitching to Sheffield. He should walk him."

Then when Sheffield struck out...

"Buehrle was lucky that time."

Nice enough...just seemed like a group of numb nuts.

President - Johnny Dickshot Fan Club

by tailgater on Jul 27, 2007 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions

haha

Actually, Tiger fans have a lot of similarities
to Sox fans.

I used to got to the old Tiger Stadium when I was in college, and it was a LOT like the Old Comiskey - stadium was dark and dirty, lots of serious drinking, lots of brawls, lots of action. You know how Cubbie fans throw paper cups and hot dog wrappers on the field when they don't like an umps call? I was at one game Tiger Stadium, someone threw a KEG on the field from the bleachers. The guy got a standing ovation.

Comerica is a lot like new Comiskey, all sanitized and corporate. Not nearly as dangerous - or fun.

by ChicagoPete on Jul 27, 2007 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions

I'd bet Cleveland is more or less the same way

The demographics for those three cities back when the baby boomers were growing up were way similar.

For the record, Tiger Stadium ruled.

by colintj on Jul 27, 2007 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Unavailable for comment:

Sox Machine

by Sox Machine on Jul 27, 2007 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Hey, how did you get ahold

of my portrait? Damn privacy laws need to be expanded and enforced!

Can anybody here play this game?

by winningugly on Jul 27, 2007 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions

Josh Fields...

in July - .276/.344/.529. If Fields produces like that for much longer, people will start remembering his name.

Now getting beat by Podsednik, I can see that being frustrating.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 27, 2007 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Wrap your arms around it. JRE:

"Killing" Fields.

Though the Cambodian fans might not like it much...

Can anybody here play this game?

by winningugly on Jul 27, 2007 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions

no

Strawberry Fields Forever

Go Badgers!

by shaftr on Jul 27, 2007 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions

Perhaps even...

Josh "Don't call me Kim" Fields

(for you "Facts of Life" fans)

President - Johnny Dickshot Fan Club

by tailgater on Jul 27, 2007 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions

tailgater

just wanted to let you know that the windy city cornhole classic is tomorrow.

http://www.chicagocornholeclassic.com/

Jerry Owens: putting the 'suicide' in suicide squeeze.

by larry on Jul 27, 2007 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions

BWAHAHAHAHA

Mr. North, you are a funny guy.

And juxtaposed on the Cornhole as is a "Fathers helping fathers" ad.

How about a NAMBLA ad, too?

Can anybody here play this game?

by winningugly on Jul 27, 2007 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions

yeah

i was just going to leave that one without comment and just set it up for whomever wanted to spike it.

Jerry Owens: putting the 'suicide' in suicide squeeze.

by larry on Jul 27, 2007 8:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Sicko me,

that in my estimation is one of the funniest posts of the year. And the fact that you remembered tailgater was all verklepmt over it make you, well, sensitive and caring.

Not two qualities generally associated with those in the business of arguing for a living.

Can anybody here play this game?

by winningugly on Jul 27, 2007 8:26 PM CDT up reply actions

Yet another instance

of communists ruining everything good and pure about our way of life.

by colintj on Jul 27, 2007 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Kenny Lofton traded to the Indians...

Link:

Evan Grant reports that the Rangers have traded center fielder Kenny Lofton to the Cleveland Indians for 23-year-old catcher Max Ramirez.

Details to come.

by SSH2005 on Jul 27, 2007 12:28 PM CDT reply actions

That's pretty cool...

Lofton on the Indians, I mean, but I have a hard time figuring where he fits on that roster. Left field?

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 27, 2007 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions

Rotoworld thinks that...

Lofton would take over as Cleveland's left fielder against right-handers, at least until David Dellucci returns. Trot Nixon would likely lose a lot of playing time to Franklin Gutierrez in right. Ben Francisco could be sent down. The Rangers would go with Marlon Byrd as their regular center fielder.

by SSH2005 on Jul 27, 2007 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions

Good news for those who want Wily Mo Pena...

"Pirates Notebook: Torres' grievance could affect trade"

The Red Sox were rumored to want Salomon Torres for Wily Mo Pena last week but this may change things. Both the Pirates and the White Sox were said to be interested in trading for Pena.

by SSH2005 on Jul 27, 2007 12:31 PM CDT reply actions

Well, big man, you can't spell Willie or

Wilson without "wil". At least SOME of the letters are changing.

;)

Can anybody here play this game?

by winningugly on Jul 27, 2007 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't really want Wily Mo Pena...

I think Kenny needs to do much better this offseason but Pena probably could hit 30 bombs at the Cell next season. And he would damn sure be better than watching piece of trash players like Podthetic and Erstad.

by SSH2005 on Jul 27, 2007 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions

But let me ask you this

Is he Fast?

by omnipotent grab on Jul 27, 2007 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Fast enough to get caught stealing all the time...

and pull up lame three times a season... just like Podsednik.

by SSH2005 on Jul 27, 2007 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions

How is his throwing arm?

Just curious if he could be of use in right - he appears to have played in all 3 OF positions. Though my understanding is he defense is not that great. Though its nice he's only 25.

White Sox baseball, let the kids learn to play

by Brush Back on Jul 27, 2007 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Excellent...

supposedly he has one of the better arms around. Think of him as like Sammy Sosa, when Sosa was on the Sox. All the tools, trouble putting it together.

Frankly, I'm not sure about him.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 27, 2007 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm interested

What will it take to get him though?

Xbox live: Marco es DRUNK

by marco054 on Jul 27, 2007 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions

Not much...

at this point.

Unlike Sosa, I don't think that Pena is going to amount to much. He's actually regressed during his time in the majors.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 27, 2007 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions

I just want to trade someone

I have no patience and after the Buerhle trade hype I've just been waiting for something to happen. I feel like I'm taking crazy pills

Xbox live: Marco es DRUNK

by marco054 on Jul 27, 2007 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions

How is his throwing arm?

Just curious if he could be of use in right - he appears to have played in all 3 OF positions. Though my understanding is he defense is not that great. Though its nice he's only 25.

White Sox baseball, let the kids learn to play

by Brush Back on Jul 27, 2007 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Weird... double entry on my question

White Sox baseball, let the kids learn to play

by Brush Back on Jul 27, 2007 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions

he is awful

on defense, and is no better then Dye, the way he was playing in May, this guy is awfu to pick up

by tubesox on Jul 27, 2007 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions

His range is bad

but Jerry is right, he has a great arm. Boston doesn't have a whole lot of leverage, either -- they just signed Brady Clark so they're clearly not thrilled with WMP.

by CWSKeith on Jul 27, 2007 1:57 PM CDT reply actions

Also, the Red Sox may...

acquire the recently DFA'ed Bobby Kielty from the A's soon or sign him when he becomes a free agent. They clearly want to move Wily Mo Pena and probably want a right-handed reliever to replace Julian Tavarez.

by SSH2005 on Jul 27, 2007 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions

If only Riske was still here

We could send him back

White Sox baseball, let the kids learn to play

by Brush Back on Jul 27, 2007 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Bukvich for Pena!

Done and done!

Anyone going to see The Simpsons Movie tonight? (With apologies to the Pena/sosa comparison:)

It's like Casablanca, Citizen Kane, and The Godfather, except it's really like Gigli.

No, really, I bet it's hysterical. Even the WSJ loves it, Krusty bastards they.

Can anybody here play this game?

by winningugly on Jul 27, 2007 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Unfortunately, Bukvich probably isn't enough...

The only stat Bukvich has that looks good is his ERA. Everything else is horrible.

I saw The Simpsons Movie last night at midnight. I fell asleep numerous times during it. I was pretty tired though. I still didn't think that it was all that great. Definitely a "wait for DVD" movie.

by SSH2005 on Jul 27, 2007 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Yep.

Bukvich is a AAAA reliever, and the whole league knows it.

The Red Sox might listen if the Sox offered Aardsma, but I'm wondering if it's not still too soon to give up on him.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jul 27, 2007 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions

As Jimmy Serrano the heroin dealer

in "Midnight Run" tells Jack Walsh - "You're way too serious>" I am joking - anyone who would allow us to pass the Buk has clearly been doing "too much coke, too much smoke" to be able to put up with the agita his pitching provides.

Can anybody here play this game?

by winningugly on Jul 27, 2007 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions

Someone likes the Buk...

of course, he exists in the (crappy) Chicago sports media

GO SOX!

by rhythm on Jul 27, 2007 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Im sick and tired of the Simpsons

The only reason anyone will go is because its the Simpsons not because its going to be funny. The Show hasnt had quality writing since the 8th season and Im still horrified when I hear laughter and the Simpsons in the same room(unless its and older episode). I mean really "SPIDERPIG"?!! WTF IS FUNNY ABOUT THAT?! The Simpsons havent been relevant for nearly a decade and there are far better things to waste my time on.

by omnipotent grab on Jul 27, 2007 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions