Alright, I’m even more happier. According to this story, not only did Jim Thome pass his physical, but it looks like Gio Gonzalez is not part of the deal unless he’s the “player to be named later.” Everything else that I reported on Thursday is still pretty valid.
Ken Williams is saying that Paul Konerko is the next player he’s targeting, but I’m still not convinced this is what we should be focusing on. While we don’t have a ton of holes, but we could make some upgrades. Namely left field, but I have a feeling Scott Podsednik and his career .252 EQA are pretty safe.
I wouldn’t mind the White Sox getting into the Manny Ramirez mix, but Williams has pretty much said that isn’t going to happen. I could see fist fights in the dug out between he and Guillen, but from what I’ve read, Manny Ramirez’s “bad attitude” is overblown and that he’s actually a pretty good team mate (other then him wanting to move every year.
Things are starting to heat up. B.J. Ryan signed for a ton of money (five years, $47 million). That’s the most money ever thrown at a closer over the course of a contract. Makes you wonder what A.J. Burnett is going to go for. Thankfully our rotation is decent shape.
November 29th, 2005 at 1:33 pm
Jay - I am a Phillies fan who was on the web trying to find out some facts about the “other guys” in the Thome/Rowand trade. I have attached a link for a Philly paper that says Gonzales is the player to be named later.
http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/13279499.htm
Philly is really happy with this trade. Thome is a great guy but his long contract really tied up the Phillies. I like the fact that we are getting two young solid arms in return. Rowand will probably not be a big impact player, but the two pitchers could have long and successful careers.