SB Nation User Blog: Stealfirstbase

Juan Uribe shoots a couple of guys in DR

Stealfirstbase — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 01:45:40 -0000

Per the good old Rotoworld:

"Juan Uribe and his brother reportedly shot and injured two men in the Dominican Republic on Friday.

The men who were shot have already been released from the hospital. According to the report, Uribe opened fire, perhaps in self defense, after the men approached his vehicle. An investigation is ongoing. Asked to comment on the incident, Steve Lyons said he wanted all four men searched in case they stole his wallet.
Source: El Nacional "

Most surprising, it didn't occur in Venezuela! I can't help but laugh. No deaths, so this is humorous.

I can't even figure out a question to ask for the comments. Just discuss.

Poll

Juan Uribe

Carl Crawford

Stealfirstbase — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 14:22:35 -0000

Per rotoworld:

"The White Sox are expected to make a play for Carl Crawford, a player Tampa Bay is said to be willing to move this offseason.

Chicago would have to part with one of its six starters, but at least that would open the door for Brandon McCarthy to finally move into the rotation. The Chisox would probably also need to deal one or two prospects."

I've been pushing this idea for some time, and it looks like I was right. The Sox could be going after Crawford this offseason. Personally, I say we can give up just about anyone to get him. Josh Fields and whoever we get for trading Freddy Garcia / Mark Buehrle should do it, if the return on those starters is good--and I think it will be.

We could also toss in Charlie Haeger. Tampa Bay is very interested in pitching.

Good for Kenny Williams, I say. Even if he gives up McCarthy, I can live with the deal. Getting back Crawford is--I think--exactly what this team needs.

Poll

Carl Crawford

Some rumours, as the Brits would say...

Stealfirstbase — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 01:16:45 -0000

These are all taken from the FOXsports rumor page. Copy and paste is a wonderful thing.

Discuss what looks good for 2007:

White Sox general manager Ken Williams said that last fall he asked Philadelphia's Pat Gillick for either designated hitter Jim Thome or Ryan Howard, who leads the major leagues with 56 home runs and 139 RBIs. "I'll take either one," Williams said. "Which one do you want? You can't play both." The Phillies gave the Sox about $23 million as part of a multiplayer trade for Thome, who has hit 39 home runs and stabilized the middle of the Sox batting order.

A's slugger Frank Thomas was hitting .178 and had only seven home runs through May 20. But by hitting .320 with 29 homers and 78 RBIs in 88 games since then, Thomas has stepped forward as the leading hitter for an Oakland team that is putting on its usual second-half kick.

The White Sox have more than $99 million committed to 12 players for 2007 if they pick up the options on pitcher Mark Buehrle, right fielder Jermaine Dye and second baseman Tadahito Iguchi. That nearly equals the Sox's entire payroll for 2006.

The Los Angeles Angels' Chone Figgins also has haunted the White Sox, but several scouts have questioned his .325 on-base percentage, outfield skills and endurance to produce on a consistent basis.

The White Sox could settle for free agent Julio Lugo, who has been relegated to a reserve role with the Dodgers.

Left fielder Scott Podsednik is arbitration eligible, and the Sox would like to get some compensation in the likely event Podsednik doesn't return. The Cubs' Juan Pierre ($5.75 million) is a free agent, but Brian Anderson's strong arm makes him a better fit in center field. A cheaper free-agent option could be San Diego's Dave Roberts ($2.25 million), who could handle the leadoff duties for one season until Owens is ready. Texas' Gary Matthews Jr. is experiencing a breakout year and could command a high price despite not having a long run of success. Boston's Coco Crisp is a notorious Sox killer who is completing the first year of a three-year, $15.5 million contract. But Anderson is better suited to play center.

GM Ken Williams always has aimed high and the White Sox could try for Texas' Michael Young, especially after owner Tom Hicks put the majority of the blame on the players for their decline. Young is a favorite of Guillen, though he doesn't possess blazing speed, and his $3.5 million salary for 2007 is a big bargain. It's probably too good for Texas to move.

Trading Freddy Garcia ($10 million) and/or Javier Vazquez ($12.5 million) would provide financial relief. Each would be very attractive to a team seeking a starter to bolster their 2007 playoff hopes. With Florida possessing a surplus of pitching, the White Sox could aim for Florida left-hander Dontrelle Willis ($4.35 million in 2006) or attempt to land one of the Marlins' youngsters. The Sox have scouted the Los Angeles Dodgers' farm system thoroughly but weren't able to make a deal before the All-Star break.

Rowand for Garland

Stealfirstbase — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 05:13:27 -0000

Per rotoworld, regarding Brian Anderson:

"Brian Anderson went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts on Tuesday, dropping his average to .158. Anderson needs to be in Triple-A. He's 1-for-10 in June after batting .161 in April and .167 last month. The rumored Aaron Rowand-for-Jon Garland swap seems like a long shot, but the White Sox do need to address their center field situation, even if it's just to demote Anderson and go with a Rob Mackowiak-Pablo Ozuna platoon."

Any thoughts? I'd do the trade and put McCarthy in the rotation. Garland is a durable starter who I would consider above average. He'd probably do better in the national league, and the Phillies are looking for starters, if I'm not mistaken. The move would make Shane Victorino the center fielder in Philadelphia. He could also be another player to target in a trade.

The trade helps both teams. we're all familiar with what Rowand brings--he'll never be a star, but he's certainly a competent starter who's inexpensive for two years.