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Recap: Sox Fall to 0-2 with Loss to Royals By Mario Scalise April 2, 2003 SoxNet.net The second game of the season saw the same results as the first for the White Sox, as missed opportunities and bad decisions led to a 5-4 loss to the Kansas City Royals. Bartolo Colon made the start for the Sox, giving up three runs off four hits in six innings of work, while Royals' lefty Jeremy Affeldt gave up two runs in 5 2/3 innings against a Sox lineup featuring eight right-handed hitters. Offensively the Sox had 10 hits, three off the bat of Tony Graffanino, who started at shortstop in place of Jose Valentin, and two hits from Joe Crede. The Sox had an opportunity in the first with two men on and one out, but Magglio Ordonez and Paul Konerko struck out and grounded out to end the inning. The Sox did, however, come up with the games first runs in the third. After second baseman D'Angelo Jimenez connected for his first hit of the season, Graffanino check-swinged a single to right field. Jimenez rounded second and forced a play at third, causing a bad throw from right fielder Dee Brown. Jimenez scored and Graffanino slide saftely into third. Two batters later, Magglio Ordonez hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Graffanino and putting the Sox up 2-0. The Royals responded in their half of the second with two runs off Colon. With one out, Michael Tucker walked and Joe Randa singled, putting runners on the corner. Mike Sweeney then singled in Tucker and Raul Ibanez tied the game up with a sacrifice fly to center. Ibanez came through again in fifth, putting the Royals on top 3-2 with a RBI-double to score Angel Berroa. Jason Grimsley relieved Affeldt and threw 1 1/3 inning before handing the ball over to Albie Lopez in the seventh. The Sox then tied the game at three with a single by Thomas. It was Thomas' only hit of the game. Colon, who walked three and struck out two, was pulled in place of right-hander Rick White to start the seventh. A throwing error by Graffanino on a Angel Berroa grounder proved costly as two batters later, after striking out Tucker, White gave up a two-run home run to Randa. White then retired Sweeney on a popup, and Damaso Marte finished the inning. Billy Koch threw a 1-2-3 eighth. The Sox made things happen with two outs in the eighth when Joe Crede doubled and then scored on an Armando Rios pinch-hit (for Rowand) single. Brian Daubach, who batted for Olivo, flied out to end the inning. Down 5-4 in the ninth, the Sox had a small opportunity, only to come up empty. With Jimenez leading off with a walk, Graffanino fouled off three bunt attempts for an out and Thomas ended the game with a 6-4-3 double play. Mike MacDougal picked up the save. Sandy Alomar started at catcher and went 1-3 and Konerko went 1-4 at first base. The Sox wil play the finale of the three-game set on Thursday at 1:05 p.m. CT. Jon Garland will be up against righty Miguel Asencio.

2003 Minor League Preview: Winston-Salem Warthogs By Mike Doyle April 2, 2003 SoxNet.net Not many words can describe the Warthogs' '02 season, but awful comes to mind first. Devoid of any offensive talent, the Warthogs had to rely on their pitching, which was very solid. No top-tier prospect graced the team of the 'Hogs, but an abundance of solid and polished prospects reinforced their status. Level: High-A - League: Carolina Coach: Razor Shines 2002 Record: 50-90 This year should be a different story. Inheriting such talents as Jeremy Reed, Kris Honel and a strong supporting cast, the Warthogs could be the most exciting team in the Sox organization. But before we dive into the 2003 campaign, let's see who is leaving Winstom-Salem for Birmingham and beyond. Who's leaving? Jim Bullard (LHP, SP) - 143 2/3 IP, 147 H, 46 BB, 89 SO, 3.32 ERA Bullard might not have the stuff other Sox pitching prospect possess, but he makes up for it with above-average command and great knowledge of his pitches. Bullard is not afraid to come after the hitter and can throw just about every pitch in any count for a strike. Bullard was lucky enough to travel with the big league club for the Hall of Fame Game in Cooperstown, where he more than held his own. Bullard was called up to Double-A Birmingham for a short stint which consisted of three starts, all solid, but losses. Bullard has made his blip on the Sox Radar, and if he continues his 2002 success in Birmingham this year, he could just find himself on the South Side in September. Josh Fields (RHP, RP) - 45 2/3 IP, 45 H, 19 BB, 50 SO, 2.96 ERA Aaron Kirkland (RHP, RP) - 44 IP, 41 H, 23 BB, 34 SO, 3.68 ERA Both Josh Fields and Aaron Kirkland showed why there is no such thing as too much good relief pitching. Kirkland was a great surprise in 2002, putting up astounding numbers in rookie ball. Kirkland started out with 62 strikeouts before he issued a single walk. The Sox wanted to see if Kirkland could handle the jump from Arizona to Winstom-Salem, and he did soundly. Kirkland's outpitch is a deceptive splitter, along with a sharp slider. Fields added another solid season under his belt and has yet to be noticed by scouts. Another good year in Birmingham would do just the trick. Heath Phillips (LHP, SP) - 179 IP, 184 H, 50 BB, 112 SO, 3.52 ERA The leaders of the Raelian Cult and Clonaid were dead wrong, the first human being cloned was Mark Buehrle, and Heath Phillips was the result. Phillips improved on his strong outing a year ago in Kannapolis by compiling a sub-3 ERA until his final starts of the season. Unfortunately, when Heath pitches, his offense proceeds to rot on the bench, giving him a combined 8-23 record. Don't let that fool you as Heath has amassed a solid mid-3 ERA over the past two seasons. Expect him, along with Jim Bullard and Neal Cotts to anchor the Birmingham rotation. Frank Francisco (RHP, P) - Sarasota (BOS) 53 IP, 33 H, 27 BB, 58 SO, 2.55 ERA Trenton (BOS) 16 IP, 10 H, 16 BB, 18 SO, 5.63 ERA Winstom-Salem 25 2/3 IP, 31 H, 18 BB, 25 SO, 8.06 ERA Obtained from the Red Sox in the Bobby Howry trade, in which the Sox also received Byeong An, Francisco did not live up to his potential as shown in Sarasota. Many minor league scouts are unsure that Francisco has three plus pitches to become a starter, but his fastball and curveball are so good that he might turn into a closer. Along with Fields, Kirkland and possibly Ring, Francisco could turn Birmingham's bullpen into its strong point. Royce Ring (LHP, P) - 23 IP, 20 H, 11 BB, 22 SO, 3.91 ERA "Rolls" Royce Ring is an intriguing story. Coming out of San Diego State, Royce was considered the best closer in the draft, and one of the most major league ready players at the time. After blowing away hitters with ease at Arizona, Ring was ushered to Winstom-Salem where he did a great job as the Warthogs' closer. One might think that Royce would be sent to Birmingham or even Charlotte, but the Sox organization might turn Royce into a starter. Royce has three solid, above-average pitches (fastball, curve, change), but I think moving him to starter would be a huge mistake. Let Royce stay as a closer and let him be. He could turn into a great closer or setup man if Billy Koch stays on the South Side. If Royce stays a closer, a September callup is definetly not out of the question. If Royce is converted to a starter, on the other hand, expect him to stay with the 'Hogs for one more year. Edwin Yan (2B, Bats: S, Throws: R) - .253 BA, 124 H, 88 SB, .312 OBP, 42 BB, 57 SO The unknown player in the Matt Guerrier for Damaso Marte trade, Edwin Yan has exploded onto the Sox radar because of his insane speed. Edwin set a Warthogs single season record with 88 stolen bases, while only being caught 19 times. Edwin has little power and reminds some of Luis Castillo with his speed, and stance at the plate. Edwin showed very good plate discipline, drawing 42 walks. If Edwin improves his stroke a bit and uses his speed to his advantage, he will rocket up the Sox prospect list. Keep an eye on Edwin, he could blossom into a leadoff hitter the Sox haven't had for a long time. Guillermo Reyes (SS, Bats: R, Throws: R) - .279 BA, 127 H, 30 SB, .335 OBP, 35 BB, 71 SO Billed as the Sox' shorstop of the future several years ago, Guillermo Reyes has been passed up at his position by Andy Gonzalez and the newly accquired Jorge Nunez. But don't think you won't be hearing a lot about Guillermo, because he still oozes potential. Signed out of the Dominican Republic at the age of 16, Guillermo was originally a second baseman before being moved to shortstop in 1999. The best asset Guillermo has is his fielding, which is very smooth, with above average range. Unfortunately, Guillermo committed 25 errors last year in Winston-Salem, something he must improve on in order to regain his status as the Sox' top shorstop prospect. Guillermo must also practice his plate discipline as shown by his 35 walks last year. Expect Guillermo to inherit the shortstop position in Birmingham this year. Who's arriving? A major influx of talent is on the way to Winstom-Salem, and I'm assuming manager Razor Shines couldn't be happier. Here are several high and mid-echelon prospects who will be donning the 'Hogs jersey this year: Jeremy Reed (OF, Bats: L, Throws: L) - .319 BA, 67 H, 4 HR, 17 SB, .377 OBP, 11 BB, 24 SO Jeremy Reed fulfilled the Sox's expectations and beyond as the second round draft pick of 2002 proceeded to punish South Atlantic League pitchers. Reed's hitting abilities sgould not be questioned as he was an Alaskan League MVP and led Team USA in batting average. Reed has above average speed, but is very smart on the basepaths. With his speed, Reed was moved into center field in Kannapolis, but projects better in a corner spot. If Reed is mvoed to a corner spot, he must improve his power numbers, which were somewhat lacking last year. As Reed is put into a strength program, expect his power numbers to gradually increase. Kris Honel (RHP, SP) - 158 IP, 131 H, 55 BB, 160 SO, 2.79 ERA Even though Honel is rated as the best Sox pitching prospect, he still didn't even come close to being ranked the #1 prospect in his own league (South Atlantic League). Honel was rated as the #7 prospect in the SAL, lodged behind such prospects as Gavin Floyd and John VanBenschoten. While it is understandable that Honel is placed behind Floyd and VanBenschoten, it puzzles me why he is not in the top five. A prime reason for this, in my mind, is because Honel was not throwing as hard as he did last year and in High School. Even though he lost several miles per hour on his pitches, Honel still made SAL hitters look like fools. Because Honel was drafted by his hometown team, his motivation should not be questioned. Expect Kris to start off in Winston-Salem, but eventually end up in Birmingham. Ryan Wing (LHP, SP) - 124 IP, 111 H, 60 BB, 109 SO, 3.78 ERA Wing is yet another left-handed starter who you should soon be hearing noise about. There is a slight difference between Wing and the other lefties in the system; his stuff is flat out filthy. Wing brings a low-to-mid-90's fastball, slider and changeup to the table, and his mound presence is probably the best in the system. Wing is not afraid of hitters, and does not take too kindly to hitters leaning over the plate, as he reguarly blows them back with chin music. The only negative aspect of Wing is that his control can be somewhat erratic. If Wing can cut down on his walks, but still throw the same stuff, look out. A 1-2 punch of Honel and Wing should make manager Razor Shines very, very happy. Ryan Meaux (LHP, RP) - 81 1/3 IP, 79 H, 12 BB, 70 SO, 2.16 ERA (Cumulative totals) After being traded, along with righy Felix Diaz, for Kenny Lofton, Meaux proceeded to keep his great season going, compiling a 1.35 ERA in Kannapolis. Meaux is not your typical closer, possessing a variety of pitches but not throwing overly hard. After compiling a solid 29 saves last year for Hagerstown (San Fransisco A-ball affiliate) and Kannapolis, I was quite surprised to see that Meaux is not being recognized as a mid-tier prospect. Another 29 saves and a low 2 ERA should do just the trick for Meaux in getting himself recognized. If Royce Ring is promoted to Double-A Birmingham, expect either Meaux or Jason Stumm to be the closer for the 'Hogs. Other inbound players to watch: Mike Spidale (OF) - 37 SB, blazing speed, good hitter but little power. Scott McKee (1B) - Solid season last year. Must improve power numbers and OBP. Chris Amador (2B) - 56 SB, faster than Spidale, but horrible plate discipline and a shoddy bat. Carlos Lee (LF) - Brother of our own Carlos Lee.

No money they'll claim. I think the Sox will realize Valentine is out of work and he will come cheaper then normal. Plus think of the money they will lose if they suck. Bringing in a very experienced and well thought of manager would be HUGE. Not that there is a guarantee Manuel gets canned. If he does, I hope we do it quick, cause if we wait and then can him, it means our season is in the toilet and I don't expect that to happen.

shocking isnt it Just wait till they visit the sports compound(The olympic one)

Well, I'd think the top 10% at every school would be able to get in. The thing is, how do you judge the top 10%. Is it strictly on grades, do you count SAT's. All I know is if your smart and want to go to college you can. Heck, if you want to go to college you can go there. You can either go 4 year direct or do the JC system which is a great system. You save money the first two years, get more of an adjustment then transfer to a school. Both are great options and they allow anyone that wants more education that opportunity.

Damn, thats rather noble of them. I agree, if I need to buy anything and I know Sears has it, I'll try to get it from them.

s***, bunting on a 3-1 count with a guy that can't throw strikes. Thats ridiculous. I understand the idea of getting the guy over, but in that situation its tough. Still, the idea is there and you want the guy on second. I didn't see the game, but did Graffy look bad getting the bunt down? I mean with Frank and Maggs due up after, you want Jimenez on 2nd where a single from one of your big guys ties the game. if im pena...if that bunt was successful id walk thomas even if he is the go ahead run and pitch to maggs who led the sox in hitting into dp's last year.. i dont want to take the bat out of franks hands..hit and run would have been a much better option with graffy Graffy is great in that situation and with a 2-0 count you know the odds are good that your seeing a fastball, which is a great hit and run pitch.

Yes. The closest Gaffenino came to laying the bunt down was on a 2-0 count, he bunted the ball about 20 ft down the line before it went foul. Seems to me like he's the guy to blame. Especially if he bunted and struck out on ball 4.

As long as the pitching is there, I am not worried at all.

The Sox can't wait that long. They will have to fire him early if things to turn around. Not jumping off or anything. I know the talent is there and this team will win. I also think if they start 3-10 we can easily come back, but more importantly he would get fired.

Mac, I like your sig. I'm not worried yet, but he's on a short string cause this team has underachived too often. I like the idea of Backman, but with this team, just hire Bobby Valentine and get an experienced guy in.

s***, bunting on a 3-1 count with a guy that can't throw strikes. Thats ridiculous. I understand the idea of getting the guy over, but in that situation its tough. Still, the idea is there and you want the guy on second. I didn't see the game, but did Graffy look bad getting the bunt down? I mean with Frank and Maggs due up after, you want Jimenez on 2nd where a single from one of your big guys ties the game.

Vince, we should know a lot more about the board tomorrow. We should know a lot more, but were trying to get the site up and get back to providing quick content and are still learning a lot about the software and all that stuff. And we are going to do everything we can to keep everyone happy, and were reading everyones comments and advice figuring ways to improve things.

Not sure, just hit this https://secure.theinsiders.com/a.z?s=261&p=5&c=3 I think that link works. Otherwise, just don't register, that would be my advice. There is no need to as long as we can keep this message board and we will do all we can to do so.

For those who happen to be flying in for games, definately take the red line. Its so easy taking the L. You can get to the games without worrying about traffic, etc.

Sweet, Black Jack will be there. They should have his band play

I think most teams fans are unrealistic, why, because if your realistic you wouldn't have things to look forward to most of the time. Cubs have a solid team. The team isn't much worse then the Giants team that lost in the World Series. The Sox have a good team and over 162 games, usually things even out and the good teams are on the top with the mediocre in the middle, and the bad on the bottom. Of course a few teams do better then expected and a few do much worse then expected. I don't think the Sox will be one of those that do worse then expected, and I think they will do better then most expect.

Ring will be fine. Most people that have seen him pitch say very good things about him. Plus in the modern day game, relievers are much more important than they used to be. Look what K-Rod did for the Angels last posteason. Heck, the whole Angels bullpen was a huge reason they were there.

This isn't KW's fault. I think he put the pieces there. I'm not gonna blame JM yet either. I've always had some worries about JM, but the players seem to like him, and it seems like to me as long as thats the case, then your doing alright as a manager. I think a lot of the other aspects get overhyped. Of course I'd take Scioscia or Baker any day over him. I really like Scioscia because of all the hit and runs and steals. They really play small ball and I think the Sox would do real well putting guys in motion, considering how many contact hitters they have. Too bad Manuel seems to just play AL ball. Last year early in the season they were agressive and we were winning, then they just stopped doing it. In 2000 we were more agressive too. Lots of hits and runs. Go back to what was working. I think if the Sox start off bad in the first two weeks, you'll see them hire Bobby Valentine or some very respected manager with the hopes of righting the ship.

I like your thinking Steff. I'm not worried at all. I know this is a good team and I know they are going to be there. Remember how the Angels started last year.

I agree Manuel is on the hot seat, but guys were worrying way too much. I had a bad feeling about this series, just because KC seems to play us tough early in the season and we rip up on them later in it. I really think we will win tomorrows, sweep Detroit and go into Cleveland over .500 I am not concered about the offense, as every offense struggles for two days. Also, remember the Sox are a terrible team during day games. Of course tomorrows is a day game as well. Of course I didn't see the game, only the first two innings. Gonna be watching tomorrows though, finally going to be home for the whole game.

I think its interesting. Good way to get more fans out there. I just wouldn't want to be down wind

When it comes to premium stuff, we aren't going to have any. So don't worry about that. The network has a page there cause they want to make all this money, but we aren't thinking things that way and it was our biggest concern going into this. We've always pledged about a free site and were going to keep it that way. The stuff we do for SoxNet will be free and available for everyone to read. The premium thing applies to the network in general as we don't have any control over what other sites do. The network offers a ton of things for NFL prospects and college teams and the membership applies to the entire network so you get a ton of inside info, including all info on all sports teams. Of course the Sox is going to be free, so you dont' have to worry about it. And any money we get, like Mario said is going to go into making the site better. Were doing this to learn and grow and if we make money it will be because of the experience we got, not taking it from those who have supported the site along the way. Without you, were nothing.

I don't believe it was made by anyone who works here. Unless I'm totally off confused, that will be the new board. I'm told the look will be different, but again, Jason has to answer that question. Guys, ignore that board. We may be using it, but if so we'll be making quite a few changes to fix it up. We will be building a new board if we have to. We hope to continue using these to be honest. There are a lot of things were still learning and were hoping and are going to do all we can to work things out for the best. If you guys aren't happy, tell us, and we will do everything we can to make you happy.

Even though I kinda work here, I'm not positive, so Jason will have to back me on this, but that's the new message board. Soxtalk will be kept up but you won't be able to post. Well were working on that. Were doing all we can to keep this as our message board. Thats just because we haven't updated all the links and such and are in talks trying our best to keep this as our board.