Bartolo Colon signed by White Sox?

Yay...

I buy us as a contender now. Kenny has had a truly successful offseason. Larry was right when he told me that the offseason wasn't over when I was bashing Kenny.

by SSH2005 on Feb 19, 2008 9:16 PM CST reply actions

From everything we've read

re: Colon's health, fitness and velocity, how adding Colon makes us any better. Please do that.

by CWSKeith on Feb 19, 2008 9:34 PM CST up reply actions

Keith are u arguing

That Colon doesnt make them a contender or that they shouldnt sign him without any contract particulars. Just curious.

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

by Tdogg on Feb 19, 2008 9:54 PM CST up reply actions

I think keith can't understand SSH's thinking that

the colon signing makes us a contender

I can't understand it either

by The Wizard on Feb 19, 2008 10:01 PM CST up reply actions

You're kidding right?

dude, that was totally not swish you saw on rush street last night. swish was at home playing xbox.

by colintj on Feb 19, 2008 10:56 PM CST up reply actions

While I like the signing, Colon hasn't been good for two full seasons. Unless he got off the Whopper diet and decides to throw 150+ innings in 2008, our rotation still looks pretty shaky to me. I guess we will see...

by SSH2005 on Feb 19, 2008 11:13 PM CST up reply actions

That's my bad

Apparently my sarcasm detector is broken. Upon further review it looks rather plain to see the sarcasm there.

Looks like I get the dunce cap for the rest of the night.

by CWSKeith on Feb 19, 2008 11:40 PM CST up reply actions

colon?

you mean the guy that can't pitch more than two innings?

yipee!

by The Wizard on Feb 19, 2008 9:20 PM CST reply actions

i don't know

he only has a 6.34 effectiveness.

MrROFL.com

by shaftr on Feb 19, 2008 9:21 PM CST reply actions

no ''Congratulations'' ?

hmmm...

by The Wizard on Feb 19, 2008 9:23 PM CST reply actions

btw, jose is excited

[Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY]:

Jose Contreras was so excited to hear about the permanent transition of power in his native Cuba that he couldn't go back to sleep. Instead, after he heard the news at 3 a.m., the Chicago White Sox right-hander read as much as he could on the Internet about the transfer of power from longtime dictator Fidel Castro, who is in failing health, to brother Raul Castro.

"This is great news," said Contreras, who defected in October 2002. "Friends have told me there's been a big difference (under Raul), and also Raul's comments have indicated they need to make changes, and in fact he's carried out some."

Though Cuba has a tradition of baseball excellence, only eight Cuban-born players were in the majors last season, all defectors. The White Sox's Alexei Ramirez is expected to join the group this year.

Baseball executives have long wanted free access to signing Cuban talent, and New York Mets general manager Omar Minaya said he hopes Tuesday's development is a step in that direction.

"Hopefully, there will be a day that players will be allowed to play here without defecting," Minaya said.

Others were more skeptical, including Minnesota Twins right-hander Livan Hernandez.

"He plays with people," Hernandez said. "One day they say Fidel is dead. Everybody celebrates. The next day, he comes on TV and says, 'Hi. Hi.' "

by The Wizard on Feb 19, 2008 9:32 PM CST reply actions

I was waiting for Alexei to report

to get our Castro piece in the sports section.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Feb 19, 2008 9:36 PM CST up reply actions

It will be bigger than US Steel

So instead of a big splash, there were ripples -- enough to change the tide, Williams believes

by Brush Back on Feb 19, 2008 10:00 PM CST up reply actions

why does it say

bartolo colon almost sined a deal with the white sox in the headline. I dont understand this article. Did we sign him or is it saying we almost signed him in the past?

by rspata on Feb 19, 2008 10:14 PM CST reply actions

because it's a translation

It seems to say that Ozzie watched Colon pitch (which he did, weeks ago)

Nothing came of it, but now it appears to be "bearing fruit."

Third paragraph being the key: " According knew this Tuesday Impactodeportivo.com.do, Columbus has reached a preliminary agreement with the White Sox." And the next paragraph says something about a physical.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Feb 19, 2008 10:25 PM CST up reply actions

do you

like the sining or would you rather have danks as the fifth starter? I mean I like danks better than floyd, but since floyd is out of options, this probably pushes danks to AAA right?

by rspata on Feb 19, 2008 10:28 PM CST reply actions

check out the brother's numbers

from '06 and '07...

http://www.baseball-reference.com/c/colonba01.shtml

signing him shouldn't guarantee anything.

"They say that blood is thicker than water. What we have is thicker than blood."

by Toonderstrook on Feb 19, 2008 11:00 PM CST up reply actions

injuries

have surely played a role in his demise, but one would think if he were healthy, he would have gotten a deal already from somebody else.

"They say that blood is thicker than water. What we have is thicker than blood."

by Toonderstrook on Feb 19, 2008 11:03 PM CST up reply actions

Later than ever, now will be the fruits

Classic poetry is necessary in describing the sphere that is Colon.

I would be extremely diappointed if we signed even one fruit.

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 20, 2008 1:12 PM CST up reply actions

Realistically

Signing colon will give us more competition and better options at the 5 spot. Our starters are already a huge question mark, so why not add another quesion to the test? Personally I think our rotation should look like this :
Buehrle
Vazquez
Danks
Contreras
Floyd

I think its a matter of time before Jose/Floyd/Danks shit the bed, so might as well add another veteran pitcher to eat up some innings. I believe this is a Minor League deal, which would be nice cause we can get him into the weight room and have him do conditioning until the eventual shitting of the bed occurs.

by oldComiskey91 on Feb 21, 2008 9:10 AM CST up reply actions

yes!

good to see someone else using "shit the bed".

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 21, 2008 9:32 AM CST up reply actions

I also agree

That this does not, at all make us a contender (if it's true). I just hope we're not shelling out anything near his '07 money (16 mil according to bb-ref) for a guy who's made 28 starts the last two seasons combined. But, wouldn't put it past kenny, sadly.

BTW, anyone see that article on, i believe, hardball times when they talked about how A-Gon had a terrible win shares value besides making the league minimum? Well, if i remember correctly colon had the worst WSV in the league. Obviously largely due to injury, but still...

by parkermo on Feb 19, 2008 10:36 PM CST reply actions

It sounds counterintuitive

but signing Colon to a minor league deal would make the team stronger (deeper) than signing him to a major league one.

We are past the official start of spring training. Colon is supposed to be in camp somewhere by now. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see Colon signed with the Sox on a minor league deal. A split contract more likely. Nobody seemed to be willing to pony up for a guaranteed major league one, so why not sign somewhere he thinks he's better than 3/5ths of the rotation?

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Feb 19, 2008 11:01 PM CST up reply actions

I don't really understand the point

but if they think it'll sell more tickets, I doubt the impact on the franchise will be any less than nil. If Danks has to go to AAA, that's not the worst thing in the world, especially if he's (supposedly) learning that cutter.

dude, that was totally not swish you saw on rush street last night. swish was at home playing xbox.

by colintj on Feb 19, 2008 10:58 PM CST reply actions

Colon signed by Sox?

What do you think?

http://mlbfleecefactor.com/2008/02/19/colon-and-white-sox-reach-agreement/

/removes middleman

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Feb 19, 2008 11:13 PM CST reply actions

lulz

by 3E8 on Feb 19, 2008 11:18 PM CST up reply actions

Cheat 1, Annoying Douches 0

dude, that was totally not swish you saw on rush street last night. swish was at home playing xbox.

by colintj on Feb 20, 2008 2:45 AM CST up reply actions

Columbus has reached a preliminary agreement

It should be interesting watching him pitch from the deck of the Santa Maria.

Sorry I had to make this my first post, but I couldnt resist.

by lod773 on Feb 19, 2008 11:17 PM CST reply actions

My question is...

how the hell did you find this article? Do you normally peruse Google-translated Impactivo Deportivo on a regular basis?

by SSH2005 on Feb 19, 2008 11:20 PM CST reply actions

soxtalk

by 3E8 on Feb 19, 2008 11:22 PM CST up reply actions

Wait...

The Sox offered an incentive-laden contract that he turned down 3 weeks ago? I must have been slacking on my sox news, I didn't hear anything about that.

by parkermo on Feb 19, 2008 11:50 PM CST reply actions

Rotoworld and MLBTR have picked up the news.

by SSH2005 on Feb 20, 2008 12:00 AM CST reply actions

How Colon pitches in 2008 (if he does)...

will likely change a lot of Sox fans' views on the Garland for Cabrera trade, one way or the other.

by SSH2005 on Feb 20, 2008 12:10 AM CST reply actions

wheres JRE?

official press release anyone?

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 20, 2008 7:15 AM CST reply actions

Dusty knows about THE position

"Everybody needs a good leadoff hitter," Baker said. "I think that is the most unappreciated, hardest to find quality position in baseball."

the secret is out about the lead off position...

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 20, 2008 7:47 AM CST reply actions

It's definitely going to happen now...

"White Sox reportedly lure Colon
Right-hander said to be coming back to Chicago"

The Sun-Times' Joe Cowley has also picked up the rumor.

by SSH2005 on Feb 20, 2008 8:37 AM CST reply actions

If Cowley has it, ain't gonna happen.

Next time, Bhoov, do some research.

by Chiburb on Feb 20, 2008 9:18 AM CST up reply actions

I'm sure

cowley read a rumor site like mlbtraderumors and posted on his own blog like he stumbled across it.

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 20, 2008 9:21 AM CST up reply actions

If Merkin would post this on the White Sox...

official website, I'm sure there is some truth to it.

by SSH2005 on Feb 20, 2008 9:38 AM CST up reply actions

Only thing is..

the rumor is all coming from the same source. Once Foxsports, Espn, ect. picks it up, then it should really be a done deal.

by Tony82087 on Feb 20, 2008 10:09 AM CST up reply actions

Sure...

just saying that when they actually post a rumor to a MLB.com website, it usually eventually happens. The same thing happened with the Linebrink, Dotel, and Alexei Ramirez signings.

by SSH2005 on Feb 20, 2008 10:12 AM CST up reply actions

Trip down Memory Lane

Old Comiskey
http://ballparks.phanfare.com/slideshow.aspx?username=ballparks&album_id=338350&section_id=- 1

those who never saw a game there should definitely check this out.

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 20, 2008 9:31 AM CST reply actions

Pirates sign Byung-Hyun Kim to major league deal.

http://postgazette.com/pg/08051/858870-100.stm

How funny would it be if Colon has to accept a minor league deal after Byung-Hyun Kim gets a major league deal? Crazy.

by SSH2005 on Feb 20, 2008 10:19 AM CST reply actions

Guillen shoots down Colon rumor

TUCSON, Ariz. - Manager Ozzie Guillen shot down a report that the White Sox were on the verge of signing free agent pitcher Bartolo Colon.

According to Dominican site Impactodeportivo.com.do, Colon is close to finalizing a contract with the White Sox. The media outlet states that the pitcher needs only to pass a physical examination.

Guillen, who met earlier Wednesday morning with assistant general manager Rick Hahn, said the Sox hadn't spoken with representatives for Colon in several weeks.

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 20, 2008 10:30 AM CST reply actions

Mark Gonzales reported this...

"Colon report shot down"

Didn't the White Sox also deny the early reports that they had signed Octavio Dotel until he had actually passed the physical?

by SSH2005 on Feb 20, 2008 10:34 AM CST up reply actions

i believe they did deny it at first

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 20, 2008 10:36 AM CST up reply actions

And Impacto Deportivo was also the website...

that first reported the Octavio Dotel signing with the correct contract details (2 years, $11 million).

I won't be surprised if this Colon signing comes out officially in a few days or so.

by SSH2005 on Feb 20, 2008 10:38 AM CST up reply actions

but that denial

was more of the "we have an offer on the table and nothing is final" variety than the "we haven't talked about him in weeks and do not have an offer on the table" variety.

by larry on Feb 20, 2008 10:41 AM CST up reply actions

yeah

i dont really remember exactly what was said, im sure i could find it if i really wanted to, but i just remember them denying it. either way, i dont really care if they do or dont sign him.

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 20, 2008 10:46 AM CST up reply actions

Mark Gonzales has updated his original report...

Now, his blog reads:

"Sox close to bringing Colon back?"

Guillen, who personally scouted Colon and met earlier Wednesday morning with assistant general manager Rick Hahn, said he hasn't spoken to Colon's representatives in a few weeks. That doesn't mean that the Sox have completely closed the door on Colon, but merely that a signing isn't imminent.

General manager Kenny Williams, worn of speculation, declined to talk about Colon but endorsed the candidacy of John Danks and Gavin Floyd as starting pitchers.

Joe Cowley agrees with Gonzales:

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen confirmed Wednesday morning that the report from Impactodeportivo.com indicating the club had reached an agreement on pitcher Bartolo Colon is in fact false.

Guillen said that the organization hadn't even spoken to Colon's representatives in "weeks,'' but a team representative said there was more recent dialogue without a deal taking place.

So it sounds like there is no official Colon signing yet but that the Sox are still talking to Colon and his agent. This seems very similar to what happened with Dotel. It seems to be a case of Ozzie not wanting to hurt the negotiations with Colon so he is completely denying them.

by SSH2005 on Feb 20, 2008 11:33 AM CST up reply actions

WhiteSox.com and Scott Merkin...

have yet to take down or revise their Colon report. Maybe Merkin will post something a bit later.

by SSH2005 on Feb 20, 2008 12:23 PM CST up reply actions

I sure hope

They don't get him.

That would just shout "desperate" to the whole league

AIM : Option27

by Option27 @ South Side Sox on Feb 20, 2008 10:42 AM CST up reply actions

desperate for whom?

now is the time for teams to do some dumpster diving on the remaining free agents. i've said many times that i do not want colon on this team because i think he's past it and will merely take starts away from pitchers who can do the same or better. however, a minor league deal, as cheat points out earlier in this thread, isn't such a terrible idea - so long as no one in the organization is married to him and is more than willing to look past his name and cut him later in ST if he doesn't perform. i don't like the idea but there are worse things in the world to be doing at this point in the year.

by larry on Feb 20, 2008 10:47 AM CST up reply actions

Colon

The Dominican David Wells with Chico Marx hair. Not sure if it's worse than Magg's hair, however.

Share the passion, show the swagger

by tailgater on Feb 20, 2008 10:45 AM CST reply actions

Swisher looks chubby...

Check out the video named "Swisher ready for new opportunity" a WhiteSox.com.

Our CF'er better lose some pounds this spring.

by SSH2005 on Feb 20, 2008 11:07 AM CST reply actions

He may look a little heavy,

but DAMN is his enthusiasm infectious. Watching that clip got me more excited for this baseball season than I have been this entire offseason. How about the way the media guys are already almost pandering to him? It kind of reminds me of the way they talk to Jim Thome. You can tell he is gonna be just as popular with the media as he will be with the fans. Now if he plays like I think he is capable, we might be looking at a bona fide all-star year-in, year-out.

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

by MarketMaker on Feb 20, 2008 11:31 AM CST up reply actions

"Solid," not heavy

He'll look just fine next to all the fine physical specimans the Sox have like Paulie and Thome. And how can we forget "El Gordo" Uribe?

He'll definitely be a fan favorite and media darling.

Have the Swisher jerseys made it to the Sports Authority racks yet? Gotta get mine.

Share the passion, show the swagger

by tailgater on Feb 20, 2008 12:08 PM CST up reply actions

specimans = specimens (duh)

Share the passion, show the swagger

by tailgater on Feb 20, 2008 12:09 PM CST up reply actions

Exactly..

What im feeling right now. This interview really gets me excited. I am going out to but my swisher jersey tomorrow. This guy can really infect the clubhouse with his confidence. Great trade in my eyes. I would however rather see Swish starting in LF with BA or JO in CF, but if he can lose a few pounds and prove he's got the range needed, then I am all for it. Whatever makes us better, and that would be Swisher.

by oldComiskey91 on Feb 21, 2008 9:23 AM CST up reply actions

Rowand wants the Giants to trade for Crede...

"Rowand pushing for ex-mate Crede
Center fielder would love S.F. to make a trade with the White Sox"

"It all depends on what the White Sox want," Rowand said.

The Giants might be able to get Crede without parting with a pitcher like Jonathan Sanchez. Outfielder Fred Lewis is out of options and generated interest with several teams this winter.

While Crede is a free agent after this season, the Giants consider him a potential long-term piece because they have no third base prospects anywhere in the system. Crede might not be as athletic as the Giants would prefer -- he has four stolen bases in 701 career games -- but Rowand said his agility at third base ranks with Gold Glove fielders Scott Rolen and Eric Chavez.

by SSH2005 on Feb 20, 2008 11:57 AM CST reply actions

Fred Lewis

Not bad, but do we need another corner OF?

Next time, Bhoov, do some research.

by Chiburb on Feb 20, 2008 12:05 PM CST up reply actions

Nope...

and I think that Kenny would want pitching prospects for Crede. We still have Owens and Anderson as fourth and fifth outfielders. Well, Owens SHOULD be a fourth outfielder but I guess we shall find out.

by SSH2005 on Feb 20, 2008 12:13 PM CST up reply actions

Psst: (whispers: Bill Hall)

Next time, Bhoov, do some research.

by Chiburb on Feb 20, 2008 12:42 PM CST up reply actions

I'm too realistic for that...

We aren't getting a good player for a pile of crap.

by SSH2005 on Feb 20, 2008 12:49 PM CST up reply actions

Depends on what's in the package

Crede, Masset, and Owens? Or Crede, Haeger, and Owens?

Stranger things have happened, it all depends on how much Yost sees Hall the way Ozzie sees BA.

Next time, Bhoov, do some research.

by Chiburb on Feb 20, 2008 12:52 PM CST up reply actions

Both packages you just suggested...

are piles of crap. It isn't going to happen. Kenny didn't trade for Quentin to watch him play in AAA.

by SSH2005 on Feb 20, 2008 12:55 PM CST up reply actions

yost doesn't see hall

in the same way as ozzie sees BA. notice how hall is their starting 3B? notice how hall got 500 PAs last year?

at any rate, the price would be same as it's always been: crede + starting pitching. with starting pitching being a heck of a lot more important than crede in such a package. and haeger and masset aren't starting pitching. gavin floyd probably isn't starting pitching. john danks would get the conversation started. and i surely hope KW isn't that stupid.

by larry on Feb 20, 2008 1:06 PM CST up reply actions

KW tired of answering to electronic media

Just heard a clip on The Score radio of KW voicing his displeasure with Web sites, blogs, etc. who report rumors as being true (e.g. the Colon signing) and then he must confirm or deny such reports.

Kenny believes this is taking up too much of his precious time more and more each day.

So let's leave Kenny alone so he can concentrate on his next blockbuster move, OK?!

Share the passion, show the swagger

by tailgater on Feb 20, 2008 12:03 PM CST reply actions

Sounds to me like Kenny is pissed...

that he is trying to keep all of his moves secret until they are finalized, only to see some website scoop him on his moves before they are made official.

by SSH2005 on Feb 20, 2008 12:07 PM CST up reply actions

And Kenny is probably still pissed about Hunter.

by SSH2005 on Feb 20, 2008 12:08 PM CST up reply actions

let's see

posted in section: rumors. Headline finishes with a freakin' question mark. Yeah. Those fucking blogs better get their shit right before they post.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Feb 20, 2008 12:32 PM CST up reply actions

I'll give Kenny GM

the benefit of the doubt and guess he's referring to Cowley and Gonzo's blogs.

I hear rumor that he's a BIG fan of SSS!

Next time, Bhoov, do some research.

by Chiburb on Feb 20, 2008 12:44 PM CST up reply actions

"I hear rumor that

he's a BIG fan of SSS!"

for realsies?

dude, that was totally not swish you saw on rush street last night. swish was at home playing xbox.

by colintj on Feb 20, 2008 2:25 PM CST up reply actions

You'll have to wait for

the press release....

Next time, Bhoov, do some research.

by Chiburb on Feb 20, 2008 2:57 PM CST up reply actions

Cheat -- you bloggers are the problem

When are you going to get out of your parents' basement, remove your head out of that damn spreadsheet and actually watch a game?

Fucking bloggers.

Signed,

Stephen A. Smith (among a bevy of others)

by CWSKeith on Feb 20, 2008 12:58 PM CST up reply actions

F'in Fleece.

Sox Machine

by Sox Machine on Feb 20, 2008 2:58 PM CST up reply actions

WhiteSox.com update on Colon...

"White Sox mum on Colon talks
Club neither confirming nor denying reports of one-year pact"

by SSH2005 on Feb 20, 2008 1:01 PM CST reply actions

What flavor is Nick Swisher?

''Because he was good,'' Guillen said of the former Oakland Athletic. ''I like the cockiness, and we're missing that. We need people with a little flavor on the ballclub. When you're good, you have a tendency to hate the guy when he plays against you.

''You look at him after they scored a run, look in the dugout, shaking people's hands in a different way. He brings a little flavor for the team, and that's one of the biggest reasons, besides his on-base percentage and what he brings to the table on the field, that we put him on this ballclub.

by BoKnows on Feb 20, 2008 1:13 PM CST reply actions

ESPN sox fantasy preview

right here. That said, I can't get past the first paragraph with this one. Did he forget that Freddy was a bust to begin with last year??

by onlysoxfaninboston on Feb 20, 2008 1:22 PM CST reply actions

The author has a pretty sweet last name.

by SSH2005 on Feb 20, 2008 1:28 PM CST up reply actions

Personally, I love Colon.

Whoa....um, that doesn't sound right.

I'm already imagining a scenario in which a Big Bartolo Colon makes it through 8 2/3 on a hot summer day at the Cell but is struggling to get that third out, at which point Ozzie brings in Big Bobby Jenks to finish the deal. Would this be the record weight for a starter/closer combination?

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Feb 20, 2008 1:49 PM CST reply actions

8 2/3's what?

hot dogs?

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 20, 2008 1:54 PM CST up reply actions

Colon might be enough

to tip the scales!

Next time, Bhoov, do some research.

by Chiburb on Feb 20, 2008 2:13 PM CST up reply actions

colon signing is a done deal

link

by The Wizard on Feb 20, 2008 2:24 PM CST reply actions

those crazy russians

so mad for baseball and always scooping american sports journalists.

by larry on Feb 20, 2008 2:28 PM CST up reply actions

Did you read the article?

Or is this a joke, hehe. The article just sources the Impactivo Deportivo article and the White Sox press conference today.

by SSH2005 on Feb 20, 2008 2:37 PM CST up reply actions

yes comrade!

by The Wizard on Feb 20, 2008 2:43 PM CST up reply actions

Da!

And it's "Russkies", lar. Don't forget - we have a new Cold War on.

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 20, 2008 2:57 PM CST up reply actions

Wow what a big fat Colon

As above that doesn't sound good...

In that picture of him this winter in the DR it looks like instead of a baseball he should be throwing a turkey leg,or beer bottle, or, giant polish sausage.

I'd love to see the highlight reel on him and Juan Uribe combine on a comeback DP grounder (or pick off at 2nd base).

Athleticism!!

Canada's finest

by MarkD on Feb 20, 2008 2:59 PM CST reply actions

I got an idea

If starting pitching needs to be included for Hall... we could sign Colon and trade him with Crede for Hall!

p.s. I already ordered my Swish #30 jersey off ebay a week ago... cant wait. I still cant stand KW, but at least he brought a really sweet dude to town. You ever see that picture of him with a mullet and sweet 'stash next to his car (license plate: SWISH)? god, hes so awesome.

by parkermo on Feb 20, 2008 9:38 PM CST reply actions