I think money is affecting the dealing of Santana. Perhaps losing 3 top prospects and not having him tied up with an extention is slowing that deal up. My guess is he starts the season with Minnesota.
Seems that he wants $20 mil per year.....ouch.
How bout the Red Sox trade for him, can't sign him and then he leaves to sign with the Yankees the following year... wouldn't that play out well!
nc42, your mlbtraderumors.com is a great site if you like reading all the current rumors about possible and pending deals. Thanks for the heads up.
San Diego Union newspaper says the Cubs have offerred Fukudome between $12-15M/per. Don't know for how many years. The writer said that the Padres made him their 2nd or 3rd highest offer ever by that team, but it will take Fukudome to offer a "west coast" discount for them to sign him. It looks like the Cubs will come with the big offer, and then wait for a decision. The article also pointed out how much more favorable to his game playing in Wrigley would be. Much better hitters park, and not as spacious an outfield. Should know soon. Jim Hendry, I hope you've got a Plan B just in case.
San Diego Union newspaper says the Cubs have offerred Fukudome between $12-15M/per. Don't know for how many years. The writer said that the Padres made him their 2nd or 3rd highest offer ever by that team, but it will take Fukudome to offer a "west coast" discount for them to sign him. It looks like the Cubs will come with the big offer, and then wait for a decision. The article also pointed out how much more favorable to his game playing in Wrigley would be. Much better hitters park, and not as spacious an outfield. Should know soon. Jim Hendry, I hope you've got a Plan B just in case.
Itsrosy
The guy who runs that sight must be a REAL diehard to maintain all that.
I have not followed this Fukudome guy too closely. Does he warrant $12-15M? Your Cubs look to be in a lot better shape than my W Sox.
Sounds like Crede will start Spring training w/ Sox until questions about his back are answered. Seems to me you never have enough pitching & I would expect KW to dump Crede for some high level pitching prospects similar to what he did with Brandon McCarthy.
The guy who runs that sight must be a REAL diehard to maintain all that.
I have not followed this Fukudome guy too closely. Does he warrant $12-15M? Your Cubs look to be in a lot better shape than my W Sox.
Sounds like Crede will start Spring training w/ Sox until questions about his back are answered. Seems to me you never have enough pitching & I would expect KW to dump Crede for some high level pitching prospects similar to what he did with Brandon McCarthy.
Who really knows if a guys is worth $15M per? I just found his recent stats on a Japanese site.
2005- Avg-.328 Slg-.590 OBP-.430 RISP-.329
2006- Avg-.351 Slg-.653 OBP- .438 RISP-.360
2007- Avg-.294 Slg-.520 OBP-..443 RISP-.318
Looks pretty good to me. Also, just 2 errors in the last 3 years.
2005- Avg-.328 Slg-.590 OBP-.430 RISP-.329
2006- Avg-.351 Slg-.653 OBP- .438 RISP-.360
2007- Avg-.294 Slg-.520 OBP-..443 RISP-.318
Looks pretty good to me. Also, just 2 errors in the last 3 years.
With the word of Brian Roberts being involved in trade talks with the Cubs and Fukudome rumblings... Just imagine...
1.Brian Roberts, 2B
2.Kosuke Fukudome, CF (will play either RF of CF)
3.Derrek Lee, 1B
4.Aramis Ramirez, 3B
5.Alfonso Soriano, LF
6.Mark DeRosa, 2B
7.Geovany Soto, C
8.Ryan Theriot, SS
Now thats a balanced lineup! May be a dream.. but possible.
1.Brian Roberts, 2B
2.Kosuke Fukudome, CF (will play either RF of CF)
3.Derrek Lee, 1B
4.Aramis Ramirez, 3B
5.Alfonso Soriano, LF
6.Mark DeRosa, 2B
7.Geovany Soto, C
8.Ryan Theriot, SS
Now thats a balanced lineup! May be a dream.. but possible.
RState,
Except for having 2 2nd basemen and no 3rd outfielder it looks OK to me. LOL. Welcome to the site.
Except for having 2 2nd basemen and no 3rd outfielder it looks OK to me. LOL. Welcome to the site.
Wooops!
DeRosa- RF
DeRosa- RF
CoachIU,
Huh? again,
Imagine this scenario if you are a Sox pitcher:
Uribe @ SS and Cabrera @ 2nd.
You would have the top 2 AL SS from last year
in the same infield.
They were 1 and 2 in range and zone.
Now, I believe KW sees Richar @ 2nd, but that would be a huge mistake.
With Fields backing up Crede and Richar spelling JU and Cabrera we would have the best defensive infield in all of baseball....even withb Mr. Statue at 1st!
Lets get Fukadome or Rowand, bring up Anderson and Owens and a better back-up catcher.
I'd go to war with that group.
Huh? again,
Imagine this scenario if you are a Sox pitcher:
Uribe @ SS and Cabrera @ 2nd.
You would have the top 2 AL SS from last year
in the same infield.
They were 1 and 2 in range and zone.
Now, I believe KW sees Richar @ 2nd, but that would be a huge mistake.
With Fields backing up Crede and Richar spelling JU and Cabrera we would have the best defensive infield in all of baseball....even withb Mr. Statue at 1st!
Lets get Fukadome or Rowand, bring up Anderson and Owens and a better back-up catcher.
I'd go to war with that group.
Sox,
Very interesting scenerio. It got me thinking about an oldie that I remembered from May, 1960. A singer by the name of Johnny Burnette had a hit with "dreamin". That's what you're doing! LOL.
Very interesting scenerio. It got me thinking about an oldie that I remembered from May, 1960. A singer by the name of Johnny Burnette had a hit with "dreamin". That's what you're doing! LOL.
"Dreamin" may be all the White Sox and their fans do this year---I see a tough year ahead for them
The smart money is on the Red Sox, Angels, Tigers, maybe Indians & Yankees - everyone else is a pretender.
As for the W Sox, they do not have the pitching to compete with any of the above. Contreras a #3? His skills really diminished last year - he should be a #5. KW has a lot of work to do.
IMO, I think I would try Masset as a starter. He did pretty good against the Cubs. He looked horrible out of the bullpen or perhaps, we have given up on him too.
As for the W Sox, they do not have the pitching to compete with any of the above. Contreras a #3? His skills really diminished last year - he should be a #5. KW has a lot of work to do.
IMO, I think I would try Masset as a starter. He did pretty good against the Cubs. He looked horrible out of the bullpen or perhaps, we have given up on him too.
Fidel thought Contreras was washed up 10 years ago!
Steinbrenner thought that 4 years ago.
We shall see.
Btw, rosy that was a great song!
We should all be "dreamin" this time of year....
instead of all the "bellyachin"!
Steinbrenner thought that 4 years ago.
We shall see.
Btw, rosy that was a great song!
We should all be "dreamin" this time of year....
instead of all the "bellyachin"!
I'm pulling for the Marlins!!!
Maybe if they trade everybody away, my kid will move up the food chain faster. Ha ha But seriously, I like what they have in the minors better than the Sox.
Those **** Yankees - Hughes, Chamberlain, & Kennedy. Someoone did their homework...
Go Marlins!!!
Maybe if they trade everybody away, my kid will move up the food chain faster. Ha ha But seriously, I like what they have in the minors better than the Sox.
Those **** Yankees - Hughes, Chamberlain, & Kennedy. Someoone did their homework...
Go Marlins!!!
I think it might take 5 more 72-90 seasons to humble KW, maybe. His silly comment might just be an attempt to rally the troops. He'd better get busy or a young but maturing KC team may pass the Sox and leave them in the cellar, just a few years after South Siders were envisioning a dynasty.
You've got an aging team with little speed and questionable pitching to go along with a depleted minor league system.
I'd objectively take the Cubs & Marlins future over that of the Sox. 20 players having career years in the same season along with all the other things that took place tend to make one think they're a genius. I can't blame KW for feeling that way after 05 but reality is reality.
Jerry Krause & Mike Ditka both learned quite harshly that it's all about talent and there are no lifetime passes. I think Ozzie & KW are good people but they will likely realize the same fate in 3 years or so.
You've got an aging team with little speed and questionable pitching to go along with a depleted minor league system.
I'd objectively take the Cubs & Marlins future over that of the Sox. 20 players having career years in the same season along with all the other things that took place tend to make one think they're a genius. I can't blame KW for feeling that way after 05 but reality is reality.
Jerry Krause & Mike Ditka both learned quite harshly that it's all about talent and there are no lifetime passes. I think Ozzie & KW are good people but they will likely realize the same fate in 3 years or so.
Make up your mind. 20 players having career years is luck? Or did KW do something right? Why haven't Cubs had that luck?
Ditka was a coach not a GM. I doubt he wanted Wilbur Marshall to leave. Also, the Super Bowl year, two studs, Todd Bell and Al Harris, sat out because the Bears wouldn't pay them. If the Bears had lost in '85, wouldn't people have blasted management for not paying great talent?
Krause won 6 championships. Jordan didn't win until Krause got him Pippin, Cartwright and Grant. and Paxson. When those guys left he reloaded and got Rodman, Tony Kucoch (I can't remember how he spelled his name) and Kerr. Krause knew about talent. When the team broke up he tried to attract more players, but Jordan was ****ed and poisoned the well.
It is interesting how people re write history to make their point. KW wanted Hunter, and LA came in at the last minute with a great deal for Hunter, He may have been out manuvered, but he was still trying to get talent. The minor leagues are bare partly because he used prospects to get veterans so the Sox have a World Series win. I'll take the win. No one wins every year and some never win at all no matter how much they spend.
Ditka was a coach not a GM. I doubt he wanted Wilbur Marshall to leave. Also, the Super Bowl year, two studs, Todd Bell and Al Harris, sat out because the Bears wouldn't pay them. If the Bears had lost in '85, wouldn't people have blasted management for not paying great talent?
Krause won 6 championships. Jordan didn't win until Krause got him Pippin, Cartwright and Grant. and Paxson. When those guys left he reloaded and got Rodman, Tony Kucoch (I can't remember how he spelled his name) and Kerr. Krause knew about talent. When the team broke up he tried to attract more players, but Jordan was ****ed and poisoned the well.
It is interesting how people re write history to make their point. KW wanted Hunter, and LA came in at the last minute with a great deal for Hunter, He may have been out manuvered, but he was still trying to get talent. The minor leagues are bare partly because he used prospects to get veterans so the Sox have a World Series win. I'll take the win. No one wins every year and some never win at all no matter how much they spend.
Does anyone remember the last time that the Sox and Cubs were actively going after the same player? With Fukudome coming over to play, it seems that the Padres, Cubs and Sox are the 3 big suitors. The Padres won't be the top bid, but they have the geographical edge, the Sox have the money that they wanted to give to Tori Hunter, and the Cubs apparently have the money also. It will be interesting to see if a bidding war develops between our 2 teams, and who will be willing to pay whatever is necessary to sign this guy. Good stuff.
itsrosy,
I can only imagine how Harry Cary would pronounce that name.
I can only imagine how Harry Cary would pronounce that name.
How about if he tried to pronouce it backwards??
MLBrumor site says the Cubs willing to spend $50M on Fukudome. I'm thinking that won't get it done, even for a player who has never played over here. Tori Hunter's contract, the $18.1M per for Andruw Jones pushed the current trend for outfielders way, way, up. I think that if Hendry is committed to signing this player, he needs to jump in with a killer bid, something like what the Angels did and just overwhelm the other suitors. I expect KW to be forced to do that because if he were to lose another potential "free agent", and to the Cubs, the Sox fans might actually want to tear up his "lifetime pass".
MLBrumor site says the Cubs willing to spend $50M on Fukudome. I'm thinking that won't get it done, even for a player who has never played over here. Tori Hunter's contract, the $18.1M per for Andruw Jones pushed the current trend for outfielders way, way, up. I think that if Hendry is committed to signing this player, he needs to jump in with a killer bid, something like what the Angels did and just overwhelm the other suitors. I expect KW to be forced to do that because if he were to lose another potential "free agent", and to the Cubs, the Sox fans might actually want to tear up his "lifetime pass".
itsrosy -
"Hey everybody,
me o duk uf"
I still think he will get punched if he tries to pronounce it the way it is spelled. Especially by the 7th inning.
"Hey everybody,
me o duk uf"
I still think he will get punched if he tries to pronounce it the way it is spelled. Especially by the 7th inning.
What's all this I hear about the Cubbies building a $50 million dollar dome over Wrigley Field? How they gonna grow ivy in there?
Seems like a lot of money to give a guy who has never played in MLB before but what do I know.
I'd be shocked if the sox signed this guy. It looks like another dog and pony show by kw to make fans think he is trying to compete with the teams that spend money.
He has done this before many times. If he wants to spend money how about signing Crede to a deal? Joe will draw a lot of attention and get big bucks when he goes the free agent route. Let's keep in mind Crede has already gotten he job done for the sox.
He has done this before many times. If he wants to spend money how about signing Crede to a deal? Joe will draw a lot of attention and get big bucks when he goes the free agent route. Let's keep in mind Crede has already gotten he job done for the sox.
Fields better than Cabrera? Doubtful, considering they are the same age.
Give a lot of money to Crede who has a bad back and you don't know whether he will ever be a good ball player again. You need your back to hit and field. Have you seen him play since early last season? I can't believe no one has hired you for GM.
By the way, the Sox had the 4th highest payroll in the majors. How can you say they don't spend money???
no thanks bballdad, I don't want to be a GM unless I get to spend your money.
The sox offered me the job but since I don't have your approval I guess I'll have to turn them down, even though as kw showed even a blind dog finds a bone now and then.
I'm just trying to help the sox, haven't you noticed I'm a big fan?
Yeah, and I suppose you think they were really in the A-Rod hunt, too.
The sox offered me the job but since I don't have your approval I guess I'll have to turn them down, even though as kw showed even a blind dog finds a bone now and then.
I'm just trying to help the sox, haven't you noticed I'm a big fan?
Yeah, and I suppose you think they were really in the A-Rod hunt, too.
Actually Cabrera is younger than Fields.
Cabrera could win the AL MVP this season in that lineup.
Cabrera could win the AL MVP this season in that lineup.
quote:Originally posted by FastballDad:
even a blind dog finds a bone now and then.
Uh, FBD, if that's true about KW and the Sox, what does that make the Cubs, profoundly retarded?
not at all, CPLZ...the Cubs are deaf, dumb and blind dogs.
On the other hand, the sox also had their century of futility, so it's not like there is a "profound" difference between the two teams.
On the other hand, the sox also had their century of futility, so it's not like there is a "profound" difference between the two teams.
Don't get me wrong because I really hate the Twinkies but it will be interesting to see where they and the Sox are at 4 years from now. Twinkies are cleaning house (or about to once they unload Santana)& although we have this huge payroll, no one is knocking down our door at the moment for any of our regulars/prospects. I hate to say it but we should have unloaded Buerhle,Dye last summer & Konerko the winter before. Look at the D-backs after winning the WS. They got rid of everyone and they are back in the hunt already. It took them how many years? Cubs=1900 and the Sox=1917. ?????
ESPN is reporting that Fukudome is coming to Chicago to play for the Cubs. Reported to be a 4 year deal possibly paying him between $12 million and $14 million per season.
If true, congratulations Jim Hendry, you got the guy you targeted from day one. Your outfield just got a whole lot better, as did your lineup.
If true, congratulations Jim Hendry, you got the guy you targeted from day one. Your outfield just got a whole lot better, as did your lineup.
KW loses out again!
Maybe he has some career .222 hitters in mind...
Maybe he has some career .222 hitters in mind...
The jury is out on whether KW lost on this...methinks it may not pan out the way some hope.
Sushi anyone???
quote:Originally posted by CPLZ:
The jury is out on whether KW lost on this...methinks it may not pan out the way some hope.
Of course the jury is still out. It always is. But, does that mean that a team should not take a chance to get better by signing a 30 yr old Japanese superstar? I doubt if KW had made this signing that Sox fans would be anything but giddy.
CPLZ, how are things at West Point going? I'm proud for your son, for you and your family and I don't even know you. Merry Christmas.
Rosy,
I would be one Sox fan that wouldn't be giddy, I have serious reservations about whether he'll make the transition well. It's that keen baseball eye that I have for talent (gives a whole new meaning to blind pig).
As to West Point, all is well, thanks. He suffers the rollercoaster ride that is being a plebe (freshman), but overall is enjoying the experience (as much as that's possible) and has earned a spot in the weekend rotation (although the person slated to be their closer left West Point, and the coach is considering using him as the closer his first year).
Have a great holiday season yourself, and the best to your family also.
Chip
I would be one Sox fan that wouldn't be giddy, I have serious reservations about whether he'll make the transition well. It's that keen baseball eye that I have for talent (gives a whole new meaning to blind pig).
As to West Point, all is well, thanks. He suffers the rollercoaster ride that is being a plebe (freshman), but overall is enjoying the experience (as much as that's possible) and has earned a spot in the weekend rotation (although the person slated to be their closer left West Point, and the coach is considering using him as the closer his first year).
Have a great holiday season yourself, and the best to your family also.
Chip
This guy is the real deal!
Best move by Hendry since Soriano.
I'm definetely not giddy about this development.
Best move by Hendry since Soriano.
I'm definetely not giddy about this development.
I'll predict that he'll be a bust.
Not much of an arm. Doesn't run well. And he's supposed to be a "star". Sounds like the redhead that they are trying to trade.
Hits home runs in those Japanese bandboxes.
And he's already 30 years old!
Not much of an arm. Doesn't run well. And he's supposed to be a "star". Sounds like the redhead that they are trying to trade.
Hits home runs in those Japanese bandboxes.
And he's already 30 years old!
Been, nothing but sour grapes. Aaron Rowand just signed for 5 years and $60 Million with the Giants. Maybe your egomaniacal GM will swoope down and sign Cory Patterson. KW, if you don't like what's going on, maybe just take your ball and go home.
You can predict anything you'd like, but this player is a 2 time MVP, with all tools above average. Bobby Valentine was on the radio raving about his skills and predicting an easy transition for him in our league. Believe what you want, but it won't help what's going on (or not going on) at 35th and Shields. And, the NL has a lot of new "band boxes" right here in this country.
You can predict anything you'd like, but this player is a 2 time MVP, with all tools above average. Bobby Valentine was on the radio raving about his skills and predicting an easy transition for him in our league. Believe what you want, but it won't help what's going on (or not going on) at 35th and Shields. And, the NL has a lot of new "band boxes" right here in this country.
Cubs upside looking even brighter now with Fukudome. Age and transition to U.S. a concern, I'm more concerned he's coming off of wrist surgery. Nobody, anywhere that's seen this guy has doubted his tools. Will it work out, who knows but most of the Cubs moves don't.
At least they're trying instead of arrogantly sitting back and snubbing their nose at the rest of baseball.
BBd1954, you either don't read well or don't comprehend what you read. I'm aware Ditka wasn't the G.M. He and his gargantuan ego thought he could win with any team in any city. He found out that was pure nonsense. The guys on the South side are finding the same thing. And yes, it is lucky when 20 guys have career years in the same year.
The Cubs might be able to take the career year of their best 20 players, combine them and still find a way to lose. Kudos to the Sox for doing it and winning. Today, they're a fading franchise.
Regarding Krause, you may not remember his arrogant comment that "organizations win championships". Infuriated players around the league and he couldn't land any free agents. He turned a dynasty into a laughingstock that may not recover for another 10 years. Sensing a similar arrogance at the cell.
If you're such a Ditka lover recall his comment that "the past is for cowards and losers". 72-90 just ain't very good if you choose to live in the present.
At least they're trying instead of arrogantly sitting back and snubbing their nose at the rest of baseball.
BBd1954, you either don't read well or don't comprehend what you read. I'm aware Ditka wasn't the G.M. He and his gargantuan ego thought he could win with any team in any city. He found out that was pure nonsense. The guys on the South side are finding the same thing. And yes, it is lucky when 20 guys have career years in the same year.
The Cubs might be able to take the career year of their best 20 players, combine them and still find a way to lose. Kudos to the Sox for doing it and winning. Today, they're a fading franchise.
Regarding Krause, you may not remember his arrogant comment that "organizations win championships". Infuriated players around the league and he couldn't land any free agents. He turned a dynasty into a laughingstock that may not recover for another 10 years. Sensing a similar arrogance at the cell.
If you're such a Ditka lover recall his comment that "the past is for cowards and losers". 72-90 just ain't very good if you choose to live in the present.