SoxFest gives local scribes plenty of copy

by The Cheat on Jan 26, 2008 1:38 AM CST in News Comment 85 comments

via flickr (Chicago Extra)

Sun-Times

Tribune

Daily Herald

Chisox.com

In Summary:

One fan was really upset Williams failed to bring Rowand back to the south side, and wondered if the Palmer House Hilton had sweetbreads on the room service menu.
There will be an open competition for second base between Danny Richar, Juan Uribe, Alexei Ramirez, Pablo Ozuna, Julio Cruz, and Paco Martin.
Kenny Williams is "man enough to admit his mistakes," which is why we added $30MM in bullpen arms. Nick Masset, whose presence on the 40-man roster seems to indicate that he does not fall into the mistake category, shall be called Kenny's happy accident from now on.
Bobby Jenks and Orlando Cabrera could be receiving extensions soon. Neither seems like a good idea right now, but for completely different reasons.

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Comments

I won't be surprised if...

Alexei Ramirez goes on a flukish tear in Spring Training and Ozzie sticks him at 2B and at leadoff. You just know that Ozzie wants to see a speedy guy at the top of his lineup. I don't really want to see this lineup but this is my guess at how Ozzie would order them...

2B Ramirez
SS Cabrera
DH Thome
1B Konerko
CF Swisher
RF Dye
C Pierzynski
3B Fields
LF Quentin

I would rather see...

SS Cabrera
CF Swisher
DH Thome
1B Konerko
RF Dye
3B Fields
C Pierzynski
LF Quentin
2B Richar

by SSH2005 on Jan 26, 2008 8:01 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think we'd all rather see that

Though I might flip Richar with Quentin. Gives us essentially another leadoff hitter, because Quentin can move, and he does get on base fairly well.

"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 Jan 27, 2008 8:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Podthetic close to signing with another team...

Scott Merkin wrote:

Williams also mentioned that Scott Podsednik could be close to signing a deal with another team. But even if Podsednik remained unsigned by late February, Williams would not bring him back through a Minor League deal. "I want the best for Scott Podsednik," Williams said. "And I don't like signing people who don't have a legitimate opportunity to play for us."

Ouch, haha.

by SSH2005 on Jan 26, 2008 8:06 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Also, another ex-Sox player to another team...

Dodgers signed LHP Mike Myers and LHP Tom Martin to minor league contracts and invited them to spring training.
Myers had a 4.80 ERA in 55 1/3 innings out of the pen for the Yankees and White Sox last season. Martin, a former Dodger, didn't log any major league time in 2007. The two will battle Hong-Chih Kuo and Eric Stults to be the second lefty in the Dodger pen.

I was positive that Kenny would bring him back. I'm glad I was wrong.

by SSH2005 on Jan 26, 2008 8:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kenny says NO to Fatolo...

Mark Gonzales wrote:

While the Sox usually listen to all offers, general manager Ken Williams said he has received more offers for third baseman Joe Crede than Josh Fields and virtually ruled out any chance of signing free-agent pitcher Bartolo Colon.

More trade offers for Crede than Fields? Does Kenny actually expect people to believe that?

by SSH2005 on Jan 26, 2008 8:14 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Another source...

Scott Merkin wrote:

Friday's question-and-answer session touched on topics ranging from the situation at second base to the team's potential interest in free-agent pitcher Bartolo Colon to which player currently is on third base.

For the record, Guillen foresees a great Spring Training battle at second between Danny Richar, Juan Uribe, Alexei Ramirez and Pablo Ozuna. He thought that Colon threw fine when watching him recently, but the team's interest seems to have faded, and if he had to pick a winner right now, Josh Fields would be his starting third baseman.

"We have to wait to make sure Joe Crede is going to be healthy," Guillen said.

by SSH2005 on Jan 26, 2008 8:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Why Fatolo Colon won't be with the White Sox...

Impacto Deportivo reports:

"Bartolo Columbus aspires to a contract of eight million dollars for the 2008"

The Yahoo Sports reports this Friday that Bartolo Columbus has not had an impressive work in the winter.

They stand out that his straight line barely has been among 89-91 miles.

And they reveal that the aspiration to win eight million dollars is moving away to the teams, since has a long record of wounds.

Him it is put ugly the panorama.

It sounds like Fatolo wants an $8 million dollar contract for 2008, but his 89-91 miles of straight line and his long record of wounds is scaring off most teams.

by SSH2005 on Jan 26, 2008 9:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I can believe that.

I'm sure that Williams has fielded several "C" prospect offers for Crede. I'm sure many teams would be willing to take a chance on Crede if he comes cheap.

Fields, on the other hand, has real trade value. I'm sure Williams would have to shop him to start getting real offers for him.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jan 26, 2008 9:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Good point...

I wasn't looking at it from that angle -- more offers for Crede than Fields because they are crappy offers from teams trying to get Crede for nothing.

by SSH2005 on Jan 26, 2008 9:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Cheat should've called this thread:

"We Read 'Em So You Don't Have To"

Next time, Bhoov, do some research.

by Chiburb on Jan 26, 2008 9:43 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

i read it so here's some more

so you don't have to read it.

* sounds like ozzie knows what his rotation is going to be. said he is considering moving jose to the 4th spot in the rotation between danks and floyd. [this should be a no-brainer; while jose may not be that great, he's still a good bet to give 6 or 6+ innings - something we can't say about danks/floyd. putting those two back to back would likely tax the bullpen]

by larry on Jan 26, 2008 11:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Yankees wanted Octavio Dotel...

Link:

The Yankees were involved with Octavio Dotel but only wanted him for a year. Once the White Sox offered two years and $11 million, that was that.

by SSH2005 on Jan 26, 2008 9:59 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

on the jenks potential extension

obviously i'd want to see the details, but i don't have any problem in principle with it. signing any player, especially a pitcher, to a longer contract can cause problems (especially when you don't "need" to do it, as is the case with jenks who is under control through 2011). however, there is something to be said for cost certainty/control. also, when it's just money - and only usually a little bit more money with players who are under control - there is something to be said for rewarding players for good performance as it can be a carrot for other players in your organization.

by larry on Jan 26, 2008 11:27 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I like it....

but the Orlando Cabrera extension rumors scare me.

by SSH2005 on Jan 26, 2008 11:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i don't know if i like it

to be really worthwhile, you usually want these things to buy out a free agency year (or more). and to do that with jenks would make the contract waaaay too long for a pitcher. assuming that doesn't happen, it's pretty much a non-offensive move. they'll be throwing a few million around. whoop-de-doo.

by larry on Jan 26, 2008 11:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Jenks

isn't even arbitration eligible until next year. That means he's got 4 years left before he reaches free agency.

Even though Jenks has had 3 successful seasons in a row, I wouldn't bet on him being effective in 4 years time. He's learned to pitch, not just throw, and that will help. But the drop in the velocity every year and the stories from his past make me want to hold off for at least a couple more years.

I mean to get any real savings by giving him a contract now, they'd have to buy out at least one year of free agency, which would mean giving him a 5 year contract. 5 years for a guy with declining velocity, a checkered past, and a screw in his elbow!

This year Jenks will still make near the league minimum. And next year being his first year of arbitration, when he'll still make far less than his peers (closers) do on the open market (I'd guess he'd be in line for $6-7M in '09 assuming he has another successful year).

There's no reason why the Sox shouldn't just wait those two more years to really invest in Jenks. At that point they can can give him the 3-year extension which will buy out a year of free agency, and maybe add an option to get a 2nd year of FA as well.

Signing Jenks to a long-term contract right now would be taking on a (considerable) risk the Sox don't need for some (relatively) small savings in the medium term.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Jan 26, 2008 11:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Drop in velocity

Doesnt really concern me. I think its common as a pitcher learns how to "pitch". I really have enjoyed what Jenks has become. However I agree whole heartedly with your sentiment. Its not time to sign him to an extension.

And to those who think I never disagree, I am NOT in favor of an extension to Cabby.

"There is not a liberal America and a conservative America. There is the United States of America."

by Tdogg on Jan 26, 2008 12:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

relievers don't get much money

that's why it doesn't worry me. i wouldn't call a few million bucks a "considerable" risk. and most pitchers see a decline in velocity from their peak (let's be honest, jenks is decline from 100 MPH so his velocity is still quite good); obviously if it keeps declining, that's a problem. but the pattern isn't anything new.

and the checkered past? maybe it's just me, but i think he's been a good citizen during his whole time with the sox. he just had a third child. he's settled in chicago now and is supposedly following a solid offseason conditioning program. i think maybe it's time to put that concern to bed.

at any rate, i understand the concern. but it's just money for a reliever. it's nothing that will handcuff the sox. good move? no. bad move? probably not that either. non-offensive? probably.

by larry on Jan 26, 2008 12:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Closers aren't relievers

that "S" stands for $$$. You accumulate "S"s you get lots of $$$.

Jenks could be in a class by himself. With another 40-save season, he'd enter arbitration with 125+ saves. Gagne coming off back-to-back 50-save seasons is really the only comp I can come up with (though obviously his other stats would dwarf Jenks) Still the $5M Gagne recieved in his first year seems about right, given inflation.

If the Sox are talking contract with Jenks, it should only be for the next two years, they can revisit it after that. Actually the two year deal might help foster some extra goodwill between the two sides, and lead to a more favorable deal should Jenks be worthy of one in two years time. I think I just convinced myself that the Sox should give Jenks a $1M+ this year (which they don't have to do) and $3-5M next year, right now. That's a contract where the rewards seem to outpace the risks.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Jan 26, 2008 12:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

right

which is why we shouldn't be concerned with the idea in principle. if they give him a 6 year contract or something, then we get concerned. until then, there's nothing wrong with tying him up now at a cost certain amount and not worrying about arbitration or arguing over money.

look at f-rod. they avoided arbitration each time (thus far) but the contract was $3.775M, then $7M, and now they're haggling over $10M or $12.5M. i realize the downside risk. but there's also upside.

by larry on Jan 26, 2008 12:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

just wondering...

how much would tying up jenks for the long-term affect kw's ability to get a haul for him in the event '08 starts to resemble '07 and jenks is a prime trade target?

"On the run from Johnny Law...ain't no trip to Cleveland."

by Toonderstrook on Jan 26, 2008 12:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i'd say it helps the ability to trade

like i said, people like cost certainty. obviously if the contract is ridiculous or something it could be a problem. but a team that's looking to acquire him probably wouldn't be thinking of him as a one year rental and wouldn't be expecting him to get hurt or start to suck something. so having jenks locked up in what would be an "under-market" deal for a closer is a plus.

by larry on Jan 26, 2008 12:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Waiting to sign him in arbitration

is a risky move. It's really a roll of the dice.

Salaries aren't going down. Not unless a salary cap is imposed.

"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 Jan 27, 2008 7:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

jenks and k-rod

are similar pitchers, but percival still took a bunch of his save opps in the first couple seasons. If Jenks has another good season (40+ saves), he'll break the mold for relievers at arbitration.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Jan 26, 2008 12:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

right

and what i mean is look at those amounts he got in his arb eligible years when he's arguably a lesser pitcher numbers-wise than jenks. you can see why the arbitration case could be a mess and quite pricey.

by larry on Jan 26, 2008 12:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I just don't know why we'd do it

this far away from his walk year. And for all his declining velocity, he still averaged 95mph according to the kalk player cards. And his walk rate dwindled. I'm not overly concerned, other than to note that he's a relief pitcher and that means fluctuating performance and general craziness.

But if there was one loss that we could have made back without too much hassle, it'd be Jenks. I might have traded him this offseason and I might trade him next depending on where everything ends up. Or hell, during the season when some desperate rich team finds themselves a closer short. Jenks is a big time asset and if I had my druthers, I think I'd trade him.

His little smile pissed me off.

by colintj on Jan 26, 2008 4:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

you do it

if you think it will be financially beneficial. as pointed out, the arbitration case would be very interesting. and, if you think jenks will keep racking up the saves, very expensive. consider that two years ago trevor hoffman re-signed for a contract averaging about $6M a year. cordero, who is clearly an inferior closer, signed a contract this year averaging almost double that amount. there is really no place in baseball where salary inflation has increased more than closers over the last few years.

and if you want another comp for arbitration, mariano rivera is another good one. in 2000, he lost his arbitration case ($9.25M v. $7.25M) and the following year they avoided arb ($10.25M v. $9MM) by signing a multi-year deal. those are numbers from 2000-2001. i realize jenks likely isn't quite in the same league as rivera. but these are the sorts of numbers they'll be looking at over the next three years if jenks keeps it up. that's what the sox would be attempting to avoid by signing him now and hopefully getting a good discount for guaranteeing some years and, knowing the sox, providing some measure of NTC.

by larry on Jan 26, 2008 4:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Sun-Times

columnist who doesn't write a blog, but a "perpetual web column" has a real doozy today.

It's bad enough that the White Sox already have blown their World Series cachet -- blown it, by the way, quicker than any championship team in memory.

He can't remember which Boystown establishment he stumbled out of last night, so why bother remembering the 2006 Cardinals or the 1997 Marlins.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Jan 26, 2008 12:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

read this yesterday.

"Over their two post-World Series seasons, the White Sox have declined by 27 victories. That is the largest two-season post-World Series title dropoff since the Yankees went from 114 wins in 1998 to 87 in 2000. The difference is the Yankees still finished first and won the World Series."

"On the run from Johnny Law...ain't no trip to Cleveland."

by Toonderstrook on Jan 26, 2008 12:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Get thee behind me, Satan/Toonder

Reading the New York Times is bad for your objectivity...

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

by winningugly on Jan 26, 2008 2:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

should we also

suspend our subscriptions to the economist, the new yorker, and harper's?

"On the run from Johnny Law...ain't no trip to Cleveland."

by Toonderstrook on Jan 26, 2008 2:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hell the 2003 Angels

Fresh off a WS win and 99 wins, finshed 77-85 in 3rd place. How does this dude have a job?

"There is not a liberal America and a conservative America. There is the United States of America."

by Tdogg on Jan 26, 2008 2:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

by the way

if anyone wants to know how much sports teams are able to hide injuries to players, look no further than the chargers. rivers has surgery the week before the AFC championship (no one knew about that) and had a torn ACL. their kicker had a fractured plant leg and played on it for five games. some dumbfucks were questioning the "toughness" of tomlinson - who knows what injury or the extent of such injury that guy had.

bottom line, we should always keep in mind that we, as fans, don't know a lot of what's going on out there. people question bullpen moves (why wasn't x brought in instead of that fuck-up y during a high leverage situation?) - not knowing that a player is unavailable due to fatigue or injury. or people wonder why z player isn't living up to expectations, not knowing that he's carrying a wrist injury.

all we need to do is look at what ricciardi said about the extent of bj ryan's injury to know that baseball GM's are certainly not above hiding - and, in that case, outright lying - about the condition of a player.

by larry on Jan 26, 2008 1:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Well said

So often as fans we revert to 'armchair quarterbacks', or managers as it were, and we constantly second guess simple moves that we assume lead to losses.

In reality though, we have no idea why coaches and managers make the decisions they do. We're not privy to all the information they have, and we never will be.

I'll hang up and listen to your answer.

by Hazymania on Jan 26, 2008 1:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

isn't it a little bit different

in that in football, you are trying not to give the opponent an idea of who is physically vulnerable to hits, etc. and to who is going to play? if you bring in a hurt reliever, it doesn't matter...a dinged up jenks isn't much of a decoy.

by the way, if you are having some physical issues that are affecting your ability to do your job, how sympathetic are your clients going to be (or should they be) if you don't disclose?

"On the run from Johnny Law...ain't no trip to Cleveland."

by Toonderstrook on Jan 26, 2008 1:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I would think

that a closer like Jenks has developed something of a "dominant" reputation in the league. With that being said, when a batter steps into the box against him, there could be a potential for intimidation. However, if that batter knows that Jenks isn't full strength maybe that takes away from that intimidation.

I'll hang up and listen to your answer.

by Hazymania on Jan 26, 2008 1:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i think there is probably a higher incentive

to hide things in football. but if you know a hitter has a certain injury that makes it harder for them to handle a certain pitch, what do you think an opposing team will do? if you know a basestealing threat has a leg problem, will you be as worried about a steal?

also, if you know a team doesn't have x star reliever/closer available, it's going to affect strategy. for example, a manager is likelier to take risks earlier in a game if he knows that scot shields and f-rod are waiting in the 8th and 9th innings than if two putzes (let's call them, say, ryan bukvitch and nick masset - an extreme example, i know) will be pitching.

i'm not sure what you mean by clients. you mean the fans? i would think fans should be happy that such things aren't publicly disclosed. totally different scenario if you don't reveal it to the team (see, e.g., mike macdougal).

by larry on Jan 26, 2008 1:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Mike MacDougal...

Cliff Politte ... Dustin Hermanson ...

Cave must've really cracked a whip in the bullpen.

Sox Machine

by Sox Machine on Jan 26, 2008 1:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i hate studying.

i just don't think what deion sanders or a chargers fan thinks of LT really matters or affects him much. my point was that if i see PK is out there and sucking it up or not out there at all, i'm not going to feel bad for him if i have no information that he's actually badly injured, but instead told by the team, etc. that he's healthy.

"On the run from Johnny Law...ain't no trip to Cleveland."

by Toonderstrook on Jan 26, 2008 1:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I too hate studying

That's why I'm watching Indiana/UConn

I'll hang up and listen to your answer.

by Hazymania on Jan 26, 2008 1:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the california bar examiners are evil.

"On the run from Johnny Law...ain't no trip to Cleveland."

by Toonderstrook on Jan 26, 2008 1:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

you don't have to feel badly

but you should also be aware that you don't know everything, either.

and i didn't mean that LT cared. he doesn't really seem the type that cares (most athletes aren't). i just find it amusing to hear people run their mouths off about these guys thinking they know everything. i heard the same thing from some people about rivers the week before. and his goddamn ACL was torn at the time.

by larry on Jan 26, 2008 2:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

absolutely agree.

just a weird situation when what you do "know" is really BS coming straight from the horse's mouth.

"On the run from Johnny Law...ain't no trip to Cleveland."

by Toonderstrook on Jan 26, 2008 2:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

which is why you take everything

with a requisite grain to half-ton of salt. kenny williams and ozzie guillen and every other manager and GM in the game is not talking to give everyone out there a perfect idea of what they're thinking or planning. that would be dumb. sometimes what they say is perfectly good and accurate info. other times it's a bj ryan situation where he gives an almost complete lie. and then there's stuff in between, which is where most info from these guys falls.

by larry on Jan 26, 2008 2:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think in mlb the ones who tend to

obfuscate are the players (think Damasco Marte), which is infuriating to managers trying to make a realistic assessment of future performance.

I may be all wet, but I think football coaches like the "lay through pain" mantra and would rather ignore injuries - except to the "key" position players (think Parcells and the Terry Glenn "she" comment).

Different cultures.

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

by winningugly on Jan 26, 2008 2:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

oh, i don't agree with that

i'm sure players give the "sure, coach, i'm fine, i can play" to the managers/trainers. but i'm also sure the managers and GMs are not telling anyone the whole story about injuries or availability of, for example, relievers.

by larry on Jan 26, 2008 2:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

well said, and good points

"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 Jan 27, 2008 7:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

things heard on 670 the score at soxfest today

KW- "Joe Crede and Josh Fields will not be on the same team."
will you trade Fields?
"No."

adios Joe Crede.

Then later Walker said that they sucked so bad last year because of a World Series hangover, 2 years later.

huh?

southside hitmen are back.

by Gus on Jan 26, 2008 2:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

white sox and knights aren't the same team...

"On the run from Johnny Law...ain't no trip to Cleveland."

by Toonderstrook on Jan 26, 2008 2:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

sure

but you know KW isn't going to go into the season with two 3B if he can help it. and, assuming joe can stand up straight, he can.

by larry on Jan 26, 2008 2:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i agree.

but this goes to the take everything with a half-ton of salt. what is kenny bs'ing about? that fields in LF is a no go? that fields and crede won't be on the same team? i don't understand why you would make it so so obvious that you are 100% sold on trading crede if you want to get anything for him, assuming he is healthy and shows it in ST.

"On the run from Johnny Law...ain't no trip to Cleveland."

by Toonderstrook on Jan 26, 2008 2:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

well

you can try to hide your intentions. but sometimes what one ought to do in a situation is so obvious that it's rather hard to hide them - and you look kind of stupid and lose credibility if you directly say otherwise. like in this situation. everyone - and i mean everyone - knows that the smart and obvious move is to put fields at third and trade crede. KW, as you point, isn't coming out and saying "crede is gone and fields will be starting at 3B in chicago." but he's pretty close.

and just because you're putting a guy up in the window for sale doesn't mean you won't get anything for him. presumably, there is more than one team out there who is interested in him. if that's the case, they still have to bid against one another to get him. his price may be depressed some because the teams know the sox want to move him. but they still need to beat the other guy's offer if they want him.

by larry on Jan 26, 2008 3:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

JR said nothing more emphatically

at the camp than "The Josh Fields LF experiment is OVER". Book it.

And what about Barron's, the WSJ, and/or the Cato Institute, for balance, Toonder?

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

by winningugly on Jan 26, 2008 5:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

psh.

i get plenty of objectivity from national geographic.

"On the run from Johnny Law...ain't no trip to Cleveland."

by Toonderstrook on Jan 26, 2008 6:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Here's objectivity, my man:

Purdue 60, Wisconsin 56.

Go Boilers!

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

by winningugly on Jan 26, 2008 8:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

that was rough

I assumed it would happen, but that was a bad no call on Flowers at the end of the game. Replays clearly showed his wrist getting hit (hence the ball not being blocked down, but going up in the air). Either way, this young Purdue team is good and that's a tough place to play.

MrROFL.com

by shaftr on Jan 26, 2008 10:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i miss gene keady

so much.

His little smile pissed me off.

by colintj on Jan 27, 2008 2:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

cmon...

true, but no way in hell rede goes to the minors...so see ya,Joe

....STRETCH!

by suicidesqueeze on Jan 26, 2008 10:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We shouldn't sign Cabrera

to jack until we're sure what we've got in Ramirez. Who knows what that is, but if he can handle short and the bat, Cabrera should get the heave. Mid-season, even.

His little smile pissed me off.

by colintj on Jan 26, 2008 4:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It'll be interesting to see.....

what/if any SS/2B needs to develop (hopefully not one of our own) because I think Uribe still may have some value in the trade market....we'd have to go get a utility guy....

by stanchar on Jan 26, 2008 4:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

What will the 2008 White Sox tag line be?

Brooksy needs some help deciding

One key campaign component -- a tag line -- was still up in the air as of Thursday. Boyer said he was trying to decide between a risky tag line from Energy BBDO and another by his own staff. Boyer said he would either choose one of the two lines by the time he talks to fans at the annual winter SoxFest this weekend at the Palmer House Hilton, or mull his options a couple more weeks.

"We want to end up with a line that will generate some buzz, even if it is risky," he said.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Jan 26, 2008 5:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Mark Buehrle Camo Jersey

I can picture Buehrle sitting in a tree stand with this thing on

Brooks Boyer, the Sox's vice president/chief marketing officer, was sporting a Mark Buehrle camouflage jersey. The Sox will wear camouflage jerseys at home on July 4 against Oakland

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Jan 26, 2008 5:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

july 4

is white (sox) trash day at the cell?

by larry on Jan 26, 2008 5:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

it's probably a few

more than that

His little smile pissed me off.

by colintj on Jan 27, 2008 2:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

jarrod parker

[MG]:

A Sox fan who said he was the uncle of Jarrod Parker, Arizona's No. 1 pick in last year's draft, pleaded with general manager Ken Williams to trade for his nephew.

"Jarrod grew up a big Sox fan, and our family are huge Sox fans," the uncle said.

The uncle was aware of the Sox's frequent trades and added, "We'd want nothing more than to have Jarrod with the White Sox."

Parker was ranked as the Diamondbacks' top prospect by Baseball America. He was the ninth overall selection in the 2007 draft after striking out 68 in 34 innings in addition to a 7-0 record and 0.20 ERA for Norwell High School in Indiana.

by The Wizard on Jan 26, 2008 6:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I know people who know people

who are close to Parker, so I've known about him for well over a year... He wasn't considered a first rounder at this time last year. I don't think any HS player moved up as much as he did, and he's already considered a top prospect as a pro.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Jan 26, 2008 8:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Parker

Jarrods mom is my orthodonist and she always has all kinds of good stories to tell me. Last time I talked to her was before the Draft so I bet she'll have alot to talk about.

Bring Back BA

by marco054 on Jan 27, 2008 5:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I can't imagine what we'd have to give up

for Parker. Probably Nick Swisher.

"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 Jan 27, 2008 7:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

june draft

[MG]:

He [KW] didn't rule out taking the best player when the Sox draft ninth in the 2008 amateur draft, regardless of that player's adviser.

8 not 9 mark...

by The Wizard on Jan 26, 2008 6:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

correct link

here

also,

[MG]:

Williams insinuated he wouldn't rule out drafting a player because of his family adviser. That bears watching, since the Sox have the eighth pick in the June draft and have shied away from selecting amateur players who hire agent Scott Boras.

"I would hope that we could get the best player we could draft," Williams said.

by The Wizard on Jan 27, 2008 1:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

interesting...

should be, at least, to see how the Sox -pay- for their draft picks. Not only in regards to the bonus they give, and the advisor the kids have (who calls them advisors anyway, aren't they agents?), but in if they draft high schoolers over college players.

"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 Jan 27, 2008 7:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

batting leadoff...

[SG]:

So, what's the White Sox' lineup going to look like this season? Manager Ozzie Guillen said it's too early to tell.

"A lot of it depends on how (Jerry) Owens does,'' Guillen said.

As a rookie last season, Owens came up from Class AAA Charlotte in early July after Darin Erstad went down with another ankle sprain. While he had a low on-base percentage (.324), Owens batted .267 and stole 32 bases in 40 attempts while showing promise as a leadoff hitter.

If Owens holds on to his starting job in center field, he'll stay at the top of the order. Orlando Cabrera would hit second, followed by Paul Konerko, Jim Thome, Jermaine Dye, Nick Swisher, Josh Fields, A.J. Pierzynski and Danny Richar/Alexei Ramirez.

"Pierzynski hitting eighth, that's a pretty good lineup if we do that,'' Guillen said.

If Owens doesn't win the starting job, Cabrera moves to the leadoff spot, followed by Swisher.

While Cabrera, 33, doesn't have Owens' young legs, he did steal 20 bases with the Angels last season. More important, Cabrera batted .301 and had a .345 on-base percentage.

"A lot of people say if you fly, you're a good leadoff hitter,'' Guillen said. "That's a plus, but we need a leadoff hitter that can get on base. That was our problem last year.''

by The Wizard on Jan 27, 2008 1:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Go Quentin!

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Jan 27, 2008 3:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh dear God...

Please... Quentin... don't let us down!

I -must- have Swish batting 2nd or 3rd. If not, it's truly a waste of his abilities.

"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 Jan 27, 2008 7:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You know that...

if Swisher bats second, Guillen will have him bunting, right? That's what #2 hitters do!

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jan 28, 2008 10:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I really hope that if

Owens does earn the starting job, and bats leadoff, that Ozzie will bat OCab 2 and Swish 3, and just move everybody else down a spot. Why do they want Thome batting 3rd so badly when Swish will give you high OBP and work deep counts, too? Plus he can actually get down the line.

Why don't you crack an egg of knowledge all over me, buddy.

by MarketMaker on Jan 27, 2008 1:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

MAN SPRING TIME IS COMING! AND I CAN'T WAIT!

Just hearing Hawk blow a load in his pants over Nick Swisher. "I loooove Nick Swisher" is going to be great. I can't take this cold weather anymore.

Toonderstrook's myspace page http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=67492521

by Soulja Boy on Jan 27, 2008 2:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

If only if only.....

J.Owens could become an OBP machine....I'd love the script of an Owens 1B or BB, SB, OCAB SAC, SWISHER/THOME RBI...quick 1st inning run.

by stanchar on Jan 27, 2008 2:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Rendering Carlos Quentin meaningless!

I could see it already!

by CWSKeith on Jan 27, 2008 3:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like the Sox

playing for 1 run in the first inning

by 3E8 on Jan 27, 2008 4:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's essentially what we had in 2005

and it works in the first inning, and may, may not work in other innings depending on the # of outs.

I'm still of the opinion that bunting in the AL is almost useless. I'd rather have Jerry Owens getting on base, then letting Swish see pitches and maybe getting a walk, bringing up big Jim 3rd.

Can't really put a shift on Thome with runners at 1st and 2nd.

"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 Jan 27, 2008 8:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The poll

I disagree with the majority of votes on the current poll.

The Tigers had a great team last year. It's essentially the same as last year, only adding Miguel Cabrera and Renteria. Their rotation took a hit, and their system is fairly depleted as well.

The White Sox improved the most, IMO. They had the most ground to improve in. The bullpen is much better, I think. Our lineup is better with OC, Quentin, and Swish. (Don't forget addition by subtraction... see Pods, Scotty; Cintron, Alex; and Erstad, Darin).

"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 Jan 27, 2008 3:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs