The White Sox second base soap opera

by The Cheat on Mar 21, 2008 12:01 AM CDT in White Sox News

Wednesday, Juan Uribe was placed on waivers (of some kind). Thursday, he was apparently pulled back, or he wasn't. We don't really know, since the Sox can't comment. There could be trade talks happening as you read this, or they could have fallen apart already. Uribe was in the lineup Thursday, collecting the Sox first hit of the game. Though his longer-term future with the Sox is in question. Said Guillen, "get back to me tomorrow."

Wednesday, Danny Richar was supposed to play his 5th game of the spring at second base. He was a late scratch, and went in for an MRI instead. Thursday came news that MRI showed a stress fracture in Richar's rib stemming (and I'm assuming here) from a car accident he had in the off-season. He will be out 4-6 weeks and will be placed on the DL sometime before the season starts.

Wednesday, Alexei Ramirez' got his second straight start in center field. By Thursday, Ozzie Guillen has seen enough to practically guarantee he is coming north with the club in one role or another.

"Is he on the roster? Yes," manager Ozzie Guillen said of Ramirez, 26, who has impressed the Sox in his first major-league camp since leaving Cuba. "The thing is: How many games can he play? We're going to sit down and see how many at-bats he can get. Whether it's at second base, not second base, everything is about playing time.

"I don't care if this kid sits for 10 days--if he's going to help us win. Development? I'm not going to develop my players for someone else. I learned my lesson [in Florida]."

I'm going to take Ozzie's advice, and won't bother speculating on the situation until after the weekend wraps up.

"I should have an idea when we go back to Tucson [Saturday night] what type of ballclub we're going to have," said Guillen.

We hope so.

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Comments

ST To Do

Go North with Alexei.

If you can't trade Uribe, waive him. I'd say go with him as a super sub, but I don't know if you can trust Ozzie to use him that way.

Let Richar get healthy, he still has a future.

Trade Crede

MrROFL.com - now with real content!

by shaftr on Mar 21, 2008 12:07 AM CDT reply actions

I'm sure Uribe

has about 4 "Super" Subs a day.

Ozzie: "He got a [migraine] headache. I believe him because he's a real religious guy. Someone else tells me they have a migraine, I know they are hung over."

by BobbySouthSide on Mar 21, 2008 7:18 AM CDT up reply actions

The masked man revealed

Cheat, this sure sounds like your voice over at The Hardball Times - well done, very well done. I'm surprised you have them over .500, you're such a softie at heart!

"One thing about Cubans -- they don't like to be embarrassed," says Cora, a native of Puerto Rico.

by ChicagoPete on Mar 21, 2008 7:11 AM CDT reply actions

Yet not a single mention

of how the Sox are a better team with their speedy CF leading off

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

by Brush Back on Mar 21, 2008 7:30 AM CDT up reply actions

Yeah

I'm not proud of it... After I was finished, I realized it wasn't really a season preview. And the pitching section is crap.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 21, 2008 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions

Aw, Cheat, Pete gives few compliments

It's OK - the perfect is the enemy of the good. Take a bow. Fer Chrissakes.

;)

Hey man, this game is a bunch of front-runners. If you're good, they kiss your butt. If not, you're horse s---.

by winningugly on Mar 21, 2008 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions

i thought it was horseshit, too

christ. one would have thought you would have stumbled into remedial english composition at some point. no special ed classes out in the 'burbs?

by larry on Mar 21, 2008 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions

uh oh...

It was the Josh Fields back in AAA facing 88 mph fastballs "might not be the worst thing for his development," wasn't it?

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

by Toonderstrook on Mar 21, 2008 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Funny story

Cheat has some mild dyslexia. OK, maybe not funny, but true.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 21, 2008 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions

not funny

are you a member of DNA, the national dyslexic association?

by larry on Mar 21, 2008 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions

No

I made it 16 years without being diagnosed. It wasn't until I had ridiculously low reading scores on my ACT that anyone took notice.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 21, 2008 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Nice, lar

Guy bares his soul and it's a punch line. Cold.

(And yet, funny.)

Hey man, this game is a bunch of front-runners. If you're good, they kiss your butt. If not, you're horse s---.

by winningugly on Mar 21, 2008 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions

Can't be too bad

You still right good.

"One thing about Cubans -- they don't like to be embarrassed," says Cora, a native of Puerto Rico.

by ChicagoPete on Mar 21, 2008 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions

It's not

and I actually read better online... I think it has something to do with serifs and line-widths.

I shouldn't have brought it up. There really isn't any reason to acknowledge it -- Like you said, it doesn't generally effect my writing -- I just wanted to take the wind out of Larry's joke.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 21, 2008 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Well, for the sake of SSS readers

I hope the Sox do well this year so you write more often. Not only did last season suck, but you lost your enthusiasm for writing about the team so we missed out on your pithy commentary. For purely selfish reasons I'd like to see more of it - I'm sure I speak for others too. Dealing with Joe Cowley and WinningUgly is brutal without a counterbalance.

"One thing about Cubans -- they don't like to be embarrassed," says Cora, a native of Puerto Rico.

by ChicagoPete on Mar 21, 2008 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions

I am likened to the Cow?

Boy, that hurts, Oh Bipolar One.

Hey man, this game is a bunch of front-runners. If you're good, they kiss your butt. If not, you're horse s---.

by winningugly on Mar 21, 2008 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Hey,

Be happy I didn't lump you in with SouljaBoy

"One thing about Cubans -- they don't like to be embarrassed," says Cora, a native of Puerto Rico.

by ChicagoPete on Mar 21, 2008 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Ouch!

Ladies, ladies, do we have to separate you two? ;)

Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos.

by rhythm on Mar 21, 2008 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Where is he, where'd he go?

Let me at 'im

Just kidding Ugs, you've been the model of decorum lately. I'll throw in the emoticon next time I pull your tail.

"One thing about Cubans -- they don't like to be embarrassed," says Cora, a native of Puerto Rico.

by ChicagoPete on Mar 21, 2008 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Counterbalance, Part 1:

Fuck You CBS!
It's 6 minutes past 11. I don't give a fuck about Jennifer Lopez' newborn twins. Play some fucking basketball already!

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 12:06:37 PM EDT
[ Reply to This ]

Hey man, this game is a bunch of front-runners. If you're good, they kiss your butt. If not, you're horse s---.

by winningugly on Mar 21, 2008 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions

Now that is pithy

"One thing about Cubans -- they don't like to be embarrassed," says Cora, a native of Puerto Rico.

by ChicagoPete on Mar 21, 2008 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions

you certainly took the wind

by larry on Mar 21, 2008 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions

C'mon, don't be so modest

You condensed an entire winter's worth of SSS ranting into a few succinct paragraphs - well done!

"One thing about Cubans -- they don't like to be embarrassed," says Cora, a native of Puerto Rico.

by ChicagoPete on Mar 21, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Giants players banged up...

Ray Durham, Rich Aurilia, Omar Vizquel, and Kevin Frandsen are all hurting.

Take Uribe... PLEASE!!!

by SSH2005 on Mar 21, 2008 8:08 AM CDT reply actions

End of Masset?

*Guillen said the Opening Day roster was set in his mind, with the exception of the last spot in the bullpen between Nick Masset and Ehren Wassermann, who could have the lead.

"I think the [last] guy should be my best guy," Guillen said. "Why have a long man when he's [messed] up? I would rather have one guy pitch one good inning than a guy that gets beat up for three."*

I know KW is in love with Nick but could this be code to ship Masset on the boat to the far east that many of us long for?

Have I told you Jerry Owens sucks? I have? Let me tell you again!

by Tdogg on Mar 21, 2008 8:14 AM CDT reply actions

Good...

Wassermann deserves the spot more. Masset is awful, despite whatever the poster her who likes him says.

by SSH2005 on Mar 21, 2008 8:28 AM CDT up reply actions

Ive been to 10 spring training home games

Alexei is the real deal. He is the quintesential Cuban middle infielder. His D is rusty but he will improve and he looks a little bit like a young Soriano at the plate. His stance and style is very similar but hes thinner and has more gap power than anything else. A very healthy player.

I went to one Sox game in Tucson last year and everyone looked a bit downtrodden this year everyone looks lively. The team is two deep at every position and Crede deserves to start on Opening Day and he will be solid. Fields can play@AAA and when the team realizes they are in the hunt they can recall him for the bench. This team will win the division. I saw Danks throwing alot of heat and locating very well. Contreras is throwing soft working on his location and has a good game and a bad game. I thought Haeger was pretty good but maybe thats a sentimental view for the knuckleballer. He threw very softly , Wasserman is a good sidearm guy. They should carry him. Quentin is a bit rusty and hes arguing called strikes, he thinks hes Jose Canseco. Maybe he is, but it wont be for a few months. Im not sure Dye can repeat 2006 but he will be consistantly good. Thome is hustling and mashing. Crede has looked very bad at times but he deserves to get the chance to turn it around. Brian Anderson has been one of the best players in MLB this month. Hope he makes the team.

by TucsonNative on Mar 21, 2008 8:59 AM CDT reply actions

Walkers Soriano/Alexei comparison

I didnt even read Walkers comparison until just now. I clapped and jumped out of my chair when I read that. I was like "I just said that, amazing"
I should be a scout. For realz, that pretty much is his comparison ....... Soriano. As far as Walkers comment about Alexeis power. I dont think hes as powerfull as Soriano but maybe he will mature into that. I see him as a gap hitter like Orlando Hudson.

by TucsonNative on Mar 21, 2008 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions

What was your prediction last year

based upon your observation that they were "downtrodden"?

You think the division is ours, then? Have you seen Cleveland or Detroit? How about Floyd, for that matter? Crede's not hitting Alexei's weight, 2nd is very unsettled, we're searching in the OF, and our catchers aren't scaring anyone.

I might be stretching, but I consider your assessment "optimistic". I'm still betting the under, your enthusiasm notwithstanding. I will gladly give you props if you are correct, TN.

Hey man, this game is a bunch of front-runners. If you're good, they kiss your butt. If not, you're horse s---.

by winningugly on Mar 21, 2008 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions

I couldn't really see a difference

My dad, who didn't necessarily draw any conclusions, wondered aloud why the Sox didn't have as many guys hanging from the dugout rail as the Rockies and Diamondbacks.

Sox Machine

by Sox Machine on Mar 21, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions

Old men like to sit down.

And since we don't juice, no one is artificially jacked up.

Trying to stay positive.

Hey man, this game is a bunch of front-runners. If you're good, they kiss your butt. If not, you're horse s---.

by winningugly on Mar 21, 2008 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions

They look all rancid and clotted

"One thing about Cubans -- they don't like to be embarrassed," says Cora, a native of Puerto Rico.

by ChicagoPete on Mar 21, 2008 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions

That would be the swagger.

They're so confident, they don't NEED to hang from the rail.

I'll hang up and listen to your answer.

by Hazymania on Mar 21, 2008 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions

They (with a few notable, youthful

exceptions) remind me of guys who have been in the same gig for 20 years and are pointed toward that final day when they can walk away with 50% of their salary as a pension:

Jim: "So, what % of your pay do you get when you are 50 vs. 55?"

Paul: "50% of full pension at age 50, 55% at 55, full at 65."

Jim: "No lie - I get 50% at 50? Is it indexed to inflation?"

Paul: "No, it's fixed - but that's what your investments are for."

AJ (sidling over): "Hey, what about medical?"

Paul: "Well, depending on your length of service, you might get coverage at cost at age 55 or 65."

AJ: "Today's cost?"

JD (rushing up): "No, the same cost as you'd get if you were playing the year you turn 55."

Ozzie: "Hey, JD, get een the box, keed."

JC: "We need to continue this, 'cause I want to clarify the diability coverage we have."

Hey man, this game is a bunch of front-runners. If you're good, they kiss your butt. If not, you're horse s---.

by winningugly on Mar 21, 2008 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions

That is perfect.

Sox Machine

by Sox Machine on Mar 21, 2008 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions

It reads like an investment commercial!!!

I'll hang up and listen to your answer.

by Hazymania on Mar 21, 2008 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions

I am telling you guys

I have seen detroit and cleveland and im not impressed. Jacque Jones is starting for detroit. I dont care who our 2nd baseman or cfer is they still are relying on Jacque "Strap" Jones. Cleveland will still be reeling after that choke job in the ALCS last year. Have faith brothers sox win between 95-100 games. Believe it.

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

by Soulja Boy on Mar 21, 2008 9:33 AM CDT reply actions

Marlins place infielder Jose Castillo on waivers

According to MLB.com, the Marlins have placed Jose Castillo on waivers.
It's not irrevocable waivers, so Castillo may yet enter the season as the team's primary third baseman. Still, the team probably would be open to moving him for a quality prospect. Castillo has had a decent spring offensively, and he's a far better defender than the Marlins' second option at third, Jorge Cantu. Cantu is bad enough that the team might be better off with Alfredo Amezaga over him.

Source: Marlins.mlb.com

I wonder if this hurts the trade market for Crede and Uribe even more.

by SSH2005 on Mar 21, 2008 1:05 PM CDT reply actions

Using the Uribe strategy

of taking the temperature of the market.

Hey man, this game is a bunch of front-runners. If you're good, they kiss your butt. If not, you're horse s---.

by winningugly on Mar 21, 2008 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Not interested in finding out how...

Uribe takes the temperature of anything.

I'll hang up and listen to your answer.

by Hazymania on Mar 21, 2008 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions

''Crede looking like an average Joe''

[Jon Heyman]:

Joe Crede has hurt his chances to be traded by looking rusty in spring training. New Giants center fielder Aaron Rowand has been stumping for his former teammate from the 2005 world champion White Sox, but scouts aren't seeing the Crede who should have been the MVP of that year's World Series.

"He looks like he's still hurt,'' one scout said, referencing the back injury that limited Crede in 2007. It makes little sense for the Giants to trade one of their few prospects for a player who is a year from free agency. A Giants person agreed, saying, "It's only one year.'' Left unsaid was that the Giants are at least two years way from contending.

by The Wizard on Mar 21, 2008 2:44 PM CDT reply actions

two day old news?

you're slipping, wiz.

and if scouts are looking for a guy who produces an OPS over 1.000, they're slipping, too, because that sure as hell is the very definition of small sample size.

by larry on Mar 21, 2008 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions