Sox sign Crede

[Big Daddy]

Sox sign Crede, gain options

3rd baseman must prove he's OK after back surgery
By Dave Van Dyck | Tribune staff reporter
11:20 PM CST, January 17, 2008


The White Sox signed third baseman Joe Crede, their only arbitration-eligible player, to a one-year deal for $5.15 million Thursday, making him not only very affordable but very tradable.

If he is healthy after back surgery last season, Crede becomes a veritable bargain after making $4.9 million last season. But his salary rose only slightly because he played in just 47 games, hitting only .216 with four homers and 22 RBIs.

Crede is the most intriguing piece the White Sox have going into spring training, a potential All-Star if he plays and a possibly big bargaining chip if they decide to trade him. But the Sox are on hold, whether he plays for them or someone else, until he proves he has recovered fully from surgery. He has been rehabbing all winter and is expected to be ready to play when camp opens in the middle of February.



Despite hitting 30 homers and playing a Gold Glove-caliber third base in 2006, Crede has become expendable because of the emergence of Josh Fields, a much cheaper alternative who will make about $400,000 this season. Fields led American League rookies in homers and slugging percentage last summer but spent part of the season trying to learn left field.

That was a failed experiment, and general manager Ken Williams has said Fields either will start at third base or be sent back to the minors, which seems unlikely.

So Crede appears to be the odd man out, especially considering he is a potential big-money free agent, and his "low" salary certainly will draw plenty of attention this spring in Tucson. San Francisco is among teams that could be looking for a third baseman.

Crede, represented by White Sox nemesis Scott Boras, has avoided arbitration for the second straight year in the middle of January, being guaranteed the $5.1 million for one year and possibly $300,000 more in incentives.

He will make only $600,000 more than shortstop Juan Uribe, who appears to have lost his starting job to newcomer Orlando Cabrera. Uribe also is on the trade market, although he could get a look at second base during spring training. His salary this season reportedly includes $300,000 in bonuses.

dvandyck@tribune.com

 

[IntenseOperator]

I'm not to quick

Why would Crede sign this? He only picked up a couple bucks more?

 

[IE]

this rumour might come about later



Bill Hall for Joe Crede

Why it makes sense: This rumor may have the most validity because the Brewers have shown heavy interest in Crede, and they would like to improve their defense. Braun could then move to the outfield. He was tied for the league lead in errors last year.

Why it doesn?t make sense: Bill Hall and his .254 BA can stay in Milwaukee. The White Sox have no use for another .250 hitter in the line-up.

Analysis: Crede to the Brewers does make sense, but hopefully the White Sox would get more in return than Bill Hall.

It will be interesting to see how this all pans out. I expect Crede to be traded in mid to late March after the White Sox and other teams have had a chance to see him play. Either that, or it may be an extended trip to the IR.

 

[IntenseOperator]

WSox after Dotel big time right now

 

[Big Daddy]

WSox after Dotel big time right now

Sox seek Dotel to help bullpen
Injury history a concern, but live arm makes righty attractive as setup man
By Dave van Dyck | Tribune staff reporter
10:16 PM CST, January 18, 2008

White Sox general manager Ken Williams apparently wasn't kidding when he said a remodeled bullpen would be a major priority this off-season.

After signing setup man Scott Linebrink for $19 million over four years, Williams appears ready to add hard-throwing, injury-plagued Octavio Dotel to the mix.

Despite one report that a two-year, $11 million deal had been completed, nothing official is expected until this weekend or early next week. But the Sox seem to be the favorites to land the nine-year veteran.




"The White Sox are definitely a team Octavio has interest in," agent Dan Horwits said. "There's mutual interest. Our discussions have been intensifying with the White Sox. We'll see where they lead."

Dotel has other offers, some for one year, some for two years with an option, some to be the closer. With the Sox he'd be a middle-inning reliever.

"He would be fine being a setup man," Horwits said.

The 34-year-old right-hander was the closer for part of last season in Kansas City, then finished the year with Atlanta. Combined, he was 2-1 with a 4.11 ERA and 11 saves. He struck out 41 batters in 302/3 innings.

Dotel's time was limited last summer with strained oblique and back muscles. In 2005 he underwent reconstructive elbow surgery and pitched just 251/3 innings combined in 2005-06.

Among other teams known to have interest in Dotel are the Orioles. He might be a closer there, but the possible deal is believed to be for only one year. Dotel was paid $5 million last year.

The Sox's bullpen had a 5.47 ERA last season, its worst since at least 1957. In a 65-game stretch beginning May 9, relievers had a 3-14 record and a 7.46 ERA while blowing 11 save opportunities.

 

[IntenseOperator]

The retooling of the White Sox bullpen continues. The club is set to sign veteran right-hander Octavio Dotel to a two-year, $11 million deal, according to the reliever's agent, Dan Horwits.

 

[IE]

Dotel will help Scott Linebrink set up Bobby Jenks in Chicago. Mike MacDougal now looks like a definite candidate to be moved during spring training.

 

[Big Daddy]

Dotel, Ramirez signings official, Aardsma designated
By Mark Gonzales, 10:36 a.m.

The White Sox announced the signings of reliever Octavio Dotel and utility player Alexei Ramirez while designating reliever David Aardsma for assignment.

The announcements of Dotel and Ramirez were a formality, while Aardsma was designated so the team could make room on its 40-man roster.

Aardsma, acquired last off-season with left-hander Carlos Vasquez for Neal Cotts, was a disappointment. He was 2-1 with a 6.40 ERA in 25 relief appearances in two stints with the Sox and spent time at Triple-A Charlotte.

Aardsma, 26, is out of options. The Sox have 10 days to trade or waive Aardsma, a former No. 1 pick of San Francisco.

 

[IntenseOperator]

off local radio....

The Padres and Reds looking to possibly trade for Anderson:00hour

 

[Freddog5]

What does the W-Sox starting pitching look like?
I think this team could be a sleeper and has to play better than last season. Could be a nice team to ride to the bank early in the season before Joe Public catches on...
Thoughts??

 

[IntenseOperator]

1. Buehrle
2. Vasquez

3. Contreras
4. Danks
5. Floyd :wall:

 

[IE]

More bark than bite from fans at SoxFest
While Williams gets a free pass, players say they're ready for what awaits in tough AL Central, Joe Cowley reports

January 28, 2008

No yelling. No villagers with torches. As a matter of fact, throw in Bill Murray and a few keg stands, and one would have thought this past weekend at the Palmer House was simply another Cubs Convention love-in.

So for all the White Sox fans who spent the winter complaining about the front-office moves or perceived lack thereof, it's time to forever hold your peace. You had your forum to call out general manager Ken Williams and manager Ozzie Guillen for three days at the town-hall meetings -- meetings that had about as much hostility as an Oprah giveaway show.

In the end, it boiled down to ''Thank you for 2005, Kenny,'' and ''Bring us home another.'' Obviously, the free pass for winning a World Series title doesn't expire after two years.

But there was more learned the last three days, besides the fact that Sox fans suddenly have more bark than bite. For one, this year's collection of players is comfortable with the task that awaits when spring training opens in less than three weeks.

''I think what happens is that you have guys that have been here for a number of years and they're taken for granted,'' first baseman and team captain Paul Konerko said. ''You can overlook a Jermaine Dye or overlook a Jim Thome. I think some things are being brushed over because people are saying, 'OK, they have a lot of the same guys from last year.' We know we have to put it together. Our division is the type of division where if you get out of the gate slowly, by the end of the first month your season can be over.

''There are other divisions where you can come out of the gate, not play well and still be hanging around the first four months, and then get hot and win the division. That's not going to be our division.''

What else was learned between Mark Buehrle's seminar on why camouflage is everyday wear and A.J. Pierzynski teaching youngsters the art of sportsmanship? Well, the starting pitching staff shapes up as Buehrle, Javier Vazquez, John Danks, Jose Contreras and Gavin Floyd -- in that order.

The reason? Guillen wants Contreras in the No.4 spot to break up Danks and Floyd. It's called saving the bullpen's arms and psyche.

Second base will be the biggest spring battle, with Danny Richar, Juan Uribe, Alexei Ramirez and Pablo Ozuna each getting a look. Jerry Owens and Carlos Quentin could be headed for a platoon situation in the outfield, while Brian Anderson is headed for a National League team in a trade.

Then there's third base, where if Josh Fields is the Opening Day starter, it means Joe Crede is either in traction for his back or in San Francisco, reunited with good friend Aaron Rowand.

''The big thing is we have to go out and everybody has to have a chip on their shoulder from spring training on,'' outfielder Jermaine Dye said. ''We need to try and get mad about what happened last year.''

Then again, that kind of talk is cheap. Just ask the fans who attended SoxFest.

 

[IntenseOperator]

IE

I think the writer of this article is way off. From what I heard from other people of the media, Williams was really taking a beating from the fans. At one point, Ed Farmer was running cover for him and even Dye had to feed out a few lines to take some heat off Kenny. If things don't look good after the start the season, it's gonna get ugly for Kenny.

 

[IE]

yeah agree...cowley sucks.

reason for the article was to highlight the possible move of crede to san fran.

should haved clairfied.

 

[IntenseOperator]

It was a nice run.

Thanks Scotty!

http://www.southsidesox.com/story/2008/1/29/234555/119

 

[IntenseOperator]

IE, more from our guy

IE, more from our guy

They're on the hot seat

Everyone in organization under gun after disappointing 2007

February 10, 2008

BY JOE COWLEY jcowley@suntimes.com

No true leadoff hitter. Two third basemen. Gone are Jon Garland and the 46 victories he earned in the last three seasons, the black hat traded for a halo.

Back is a trio of hitters who were expected to carry the middle of the order last season but sputtered until the pack was all but out of sight.


Pressure?

''We all better feel pressure if we want to keep our jobs -- me, the coaches, the players, all of us,'' White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said recently. ''The one guy who should be the most disappointed about last season is me. ... From the first game of spring training on, we played horrible.''

But Guillen isn't stupid. He's one of the few managers who openly admits he is only as good as his players. Period.

So Saturday -- Super Saturday for the South Side -- the polls open when pitchers and catchers report and the decision process begins. Less than a week later, the rest of the position players will roll into Tucson, Ariz., offering up their five-week campaign about why change will come in 2008.

It will be a hard sell for some Sox fans.

And while the organization prides itself in allowing numerous personnel to take part in the evaluation process, when it's all said and done, Guillen and general manager Ken Williams will have the final say.

Considering both of them also have come under fire this offseason -- just two seasons removed from a World Series championship -- those final decisions certainly will be scrutinized.

''When I sat down a number of years ago and used the word 'championships' -- plural -- it was met with ridicule,'' Williams said. ''Believe me, I can year after year make safe moves and put name players in this environment, knowing they won't survive Chicago.

''I would rather take a risk on a high-ceiling player and risk my reputation. We've made a lot of decisions here that have been unpopular, but there is a little bit of a track record.''

As well as five players who will put that ''track record'' to the test.

1 | Jose Contreras, RHP
Guillen always has joked that Contreras, 36, is in his ''late 50s.'' Last season, though, Contreras finally looked like a player more interested in Wilford Brimley commercials than in dominating on the mound.

''The kids are going to be fine,'' Williams said when asked about his starting rotation. ''The key is going to be Jose Contreras. If Jose Contreras throws the ball the way we think he's going to throw the ball, we've got a chance.''

Translation: 10-17 with a 5.57 ERA won't cut it.

2 | Joe Crede, 3B
All things being equal, there is no question Crede would be the leading candidate to start over second-year player Josh Fields. Things are far from equal, though.

Crede is coming off season-ending back surgery and, with agent Scott Boras, remained uninterested in signing a contract extension with the Sox. That's why all eyes will be on him during camp. If he shows he's healthy, the free agent-to-be likely will be traded. If he's not healthy, Fields is the man.

3 | Scott Linebrink, RHP
The veteran enters the office with quite a mess on his hands. The Sox' bullpen ranked 12th in the American League last season with a 5.47 ERA. Linebrink's job is to solidify the bridge to closer Bobby Jenks, as well as to take pressure off the enigmatic Mike MacDougal.

4 | Jerry Owens, OF
If the speedy Owens can show his .340 average in September was no fluke, the Sox will have a lot of questions about their lineup answered. He would move into the leadoff spot, and Nick Swisher would move from center field to left. If he struggles, all bets are off, and the Sox likely will gamble on shortstop Orlando Cabrera or Swisher to lead off.

5 | Alexei Ramirez, IF-OF
The Sox have no idea what he can do against major-league talent, but they know he's versatile enough to be something special if he can handle the jump from playing in international tournaments for Cuba. The best-case scenario would be Ramirez winning the starting job at second base. Worst case? Alexei, welcome to Charlotte.

IN SOX CAMP 72-90 IN 2007, FOURTH IN AL CENTRAL

 

[IE]

Spring Training Preview

by Joe Sheehan

Chicago White Sox

Where: Tucson, Arizona (Cactus League)
2007 record: 72-90 (4th, AL Central)
New guys: Orlando Cabrera, Octavio Dotel, Scott Linebrink, Carlos Quentin, Alexei Ramirez, Nick Swisher
Gone guys: David Aardsma, Ryan Bukvich, Alex Cintron, Darin Erstad, Jon Garland, Scott Podsednik, Luis Terrero
Wow, he?s still here? Josh Fields? moderately impressive rookie season, coupled with his inability to play left field, was supposed to mean the departure of Joe Crede. Teams have not been willing to deal for Crede without seeing him play, however.
Winter grade: B+
If you knew nothing else but the lists of players coming and going, you?d have to conclude it was a good winter on the South Side. The Sox upgraded a terrible bullpen and outfield, and got better at shortstop while dealing just one player, in Garland, who meant anything to them.
NRI to watch: A weak list is headed by former Blue Jays? first-round pick Miguel Negron, who has washed out of four organizations in the last three years. With last year?s collection of lousy fourth outfielders mostly gone, there?s an opening for a speedy glove man to make the team.
Job battle to track: Jerry Owens vs. Carlos Quentin, with Nick Swisher playing left or center depending on who wins. Quentin is the favorite, and could be the steal of the offseason for Kenny Williams. However, if Quentin?s surgically-repaired shoulder doesn?t allow him to hit, Owens? speed in center is going to be attractive to manager Ozzie Guillen. Owens? overall numbers were lousy, but he played better in the second half, well enough to make him a viable option.
One move to make: This improved roster remains one top-tier starting pitcher shy of hanging with the top two teams in the division. They likely don?t have the prospects left to trade for that guy, but it?s the one move they could make that would change the discussion.

The Garland-for-Cabrera trade was the signature move in an offseason that saw the Sox dump a whole bunch of the dead weight from the ?07 team. That deal helps them a lot; you don?t often get to upgrade by 50 points of OBP in the infield, and Cabrera is also a good defensive shortstop. There?s a lot of variance here; guys like Quentin, Cuban signee Ramirez, and Jose Contreras could be six-win players, or they could bounce around replacement level. The Sox have correctly played for the present, and no matter what happens, Kenny Williams can be commended for choosing the right course of action.