I have an early start today, and anything I write might be overshadowed by a big addition, anyway. So a Christian Marrero Reading Room and open thread for your Friday thoughts:
*Edwin Jackson is doing everything in his power to make the Daniel Hudson trade worth it. He topped 10 strikeouts in back-to-back starts for the first time in his career during a much-needed thrashing of Baltimore, and here's how the two stack up:
- Jackson: 2-0, 0.96 ERA, 28 IP, 23 H, 7 BB, 34 K
- Hudson: 3-1, 1.72 ERA, 36 2/3 IP, 26 H, 6 BB, 36 K
Given what we saw from Hudson with the Sox, I don't think you can transfer his line over to the American League so cleanly. So far, so great. Now, about that other guy...
*Manny Ramirez is either coming or staying, and we'll find out by this afternoon. I'm just going to link to MLBTradeRumors' Manny category to remain relevant. The latest twist is that Ramirez would be seeking an extension as part of a deal, but I think that would remove a lot of the appeal of acquiring him, since it would also remove any motivation to play through injury.
That link also includes a hint, hint quote by Kenny Williams: "We are stretched [financially], and quite frankly we're looking at walkups every day to see exactly what we're going to have available to us."
*Doug Padilla talks to scouts who say Ramirez is far from done.
*Williams also mentioned that Ramirez might not be the only waiver option, but Trevor Hoffman isn't one of them, contrary to earlier rumors.
*Ozzie Guillen talks a lot about nothing, with no direct response to the Twitter controversy.
*Carl's take on Oney is better, anyway. Check it out -- and a bonus cartoon!
*Don Cooper is the latest to knock the fans -- at least the fair-weather ones praising Bobby Jenks after wanting him out of town. Personally, I thought the "Bobby! Bobby!" chant was one of the coolest moments of this season. Whether or not some or most of the fans in attendance had given up on him, the fans needed somebody in the bullpen to step up, they put their all behind Jenks, and Jenks delivered, big-time.
*Erik at Pale Hose Pariah looks at White Sox relievers and their shutdown/meltdown rates. Give Threets a chance!
*For some crazy reason, J.J. is already looking ahead to 2011 and wonders if and how Paul Konerko fits into the plans.
