Y2HH

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Feb 21, 2005 -> 11:11 PM) KW: so then I take it winning is fung? OG: No dumbass, winning is when you score more runs then other team

KW: Please explain to me what the #@CK fung is... OG: Fung is winning.

I absolutly agree, and after reading this, my respect for Freddie Garcia has doubled, if not more. It's good to see there are some talented players who could easily hold out for the most money, rather than signing with a team/people they want to play with. I've always felt like this, back as a kid, I remember dreaming of playing in the majors (of course this never happened), but me and my friends would always talk about wanting to sign with our favorite teams and wanting to play together and how we'd do anything to make it happen, even if it meant not getting every dime we could get. Of course this is only kids talking, but that's what shows the purity of it...we wanted to play, and we wanted to play together and win, period. It wasn't about a paycheck in the day of Bora$$. It's refreshing to see Freddie on the South Side with Oz, since they are family. The same goes for Shinjo and Iggy. And all this on the heels of Paul Konerko saying he wasn't about to try to rob the Sox in his contract year and all he wants is something fair. Usually when players say this sort of thing (Mags), we realize shortly after what really matters to them. For some reason, I believe Paulie. I love how this team is coming together. -y2 QUOTE(Jeckle2000 @ Feb 21, 2005 -> 09:28 PM) It's nice to know there are still classy players in baseball.

The second I heard Rauch, who stands at 6'11" could barely hit 90mph on the gun, I knew he was a bust waiting to happen. With that kind of height, he should easily be able to generate enough force to throw into the mid 90's. Unless you have Maddux like pinpoint accuracy, throwing less than 90 in the majors is a death knell. Rauch found that out. As for Cotts, I think he COULD be an exceptional pitcher if he doesn't rely so much on his funky fastball delivery. He needs to develop his curve more so he can get it over for strikes whenever he wants, but when you watch him pitch, his odd delivery which sometimes tricks batters isn't "odd enough", like say, El Duque's is to keep using it and getting away with it. -y2

Speaking of AJ, I wouldn't mind seeing him sign a 3 year extention while we are at giving out the longer term deals. I know a lot of people question AJ, but I think mostly hes misunderstood and the media blows a lot of things out of proportion. Nothing wrong with a little attitude, especially when that attitude whos how badly you want to win the game. Everyone says how average this team looks. I say good. The Patriots are average, too. -y2 QUOTE(SoxFanForever @ Feb 21, 2005 -> 04:48 PM) Great article. Gotta love Freddy.

No need to compare our pitchers to the likes of Clemens and RJ, we have what we have, and everyone knows, if healthy, El Duque will be lights out for us. Bottom line is we have a better staff this year than last year, and a more balanced team that doesn't have to lock in and rely on the home run. I'm happy with what we have...would I like a 200M budget, yes, but we don't. If these guys are winning this year, nobody will be talking about their age. I'd say more, but from the looks of it, your baby picture avatar will kill me. -y2 QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Feb 20, 2005 -> 02:00 PM) I didn't ask how many surgeries they had. I asked how many arm surgeries they had. And I was also talking about RJ and Clemens. Fact be told, they also have more god given talent. Not everyone can throw it in the 95-98 MPH, touching 100 range either...they still can.

I don't know why you guys keep fanning the flames. Just do what I do, agree with him. QUOTE(qwerty @ Feb 19, 2005 -> 02:20 PM) Hanfer was a career .298 hitter in the minors.

See, now that was a better post. Every team has weaknesses, and if you--as a fan--ignore them, they don't just go away. Posting both positives and negatives about your team makes your posts worth reading, but coming here and saying the Sox are terrible, you have a better offense, etc. accomplishes nothing and causes senseless arguements. I love discussing baseball with fans of other teams, but to come right out and say "MY TEAM IS BETTER", is pointless, especially when you come into enemy territory flying your colors. -y2 QUOTE(YoungstownIndians @ Feb 19, 2005 -> 02:09 PM) Okay you say I should be banned since I DONT BACK UP WHAT I SAY? Okay sure... I got ya there Now to say you only lost Lee is pathetic. Maggs, despite playing only a third of the year, and Valentin who helped you win games, 3 Game Winners against my team on homeruns; they are all big losses. I say my rotation is not as good as year, I say my bullpen is about the same as you. {And Trust Me It Is! We loaded it up!} I say my offense is better than you. Okay I admit your rotation from top to bottom is a bit better than the Indians. You guys have more experience so Kudos to you on that. Now What hits me is you think the Indians don't have a good offense. To say Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner had Break Out years is lame. They had an average .300 average from A-MLB. Now this lineup is loaded whether you like it or not. Crisp, Belliard, Broussard, Martinez, Hafner, Blake, Gonzalez, Boone, and Peralta {AAA MVP} Now I am always shaky with out 6-9 hitters. Blake has proven he can stay at .290 for a whole year. Gonzalez, if healthly, could really give us the insurance in the back. Our 8-9 will be average. I admit it.

I have no problem with people coming here and making good conversation while defending their team with some substance...but people like this guy, who come only to make bold predictions based on NOTHING absolutly need to be banned. I have no problem with saying the Sox are one big ?, but the real question should be...what IF? If things fall into place for the Sox as we are all hoping they do, this COULD be one of the most dangerous teams in baseball. It's easy to simply say, yeah well this team is full of questionmarks, therefore the Indians will finish ahead of us. Really? Based on what, the fact you overperformed for a half season last year before running out of gas? Nice "prediction". As previously stated, I have no problem with opposing viewpoints, as a matter of fact, I welcome them when well written/backed up with some actual baseball knowledge...they bring the dreams down to earth a bit. -y2 QUOTE(Chisoxmatt @ Feb 19, 2005 -> 01:22 PM) Yeah we are so angry that you are ahead of us in the poll. Its not like the games matter. Its all about the polls. This guy is a troll. He comes on to our message board and bad mouths the sox. Ban this guy... nobody would give a s***.

No, you are not ready to contend, to even try to say you are with a straight face makes you look stupid. You overperformed offensivly last season and ran out of gas. You're offense will not reproduce it's last year totals, not a chance, all the more power to you if you think they will, but be real here, take off the rose colored glasses. I don't think the Sox are ready to contend, and top to bottom we have a better pitching staff than you, and as we all know, pitching wins, not hitting. Honest fact, NOBODY in the AL Central can contend with the likes of the Yankees or Boston...not on paper, not in the field. Everything we have, they have better. Not the White Sox, not the Twins, not the Indians. Could any one of our teams have a dream season? Absolutly, and that's what we have to hope for...all the blocks have to fall into place, injuries have to be avoided, etc. The Yankees and Boston are SO stacked, they can afford injury...nobody in the ALC can. THAT is what's called being honest when posting. Not me simply refuting everything you say without any substance as to why I'm refuting it. Didn't these same experts pick the Cubs to win the WS last year? Wait...the Cubs didn't even make the playoffs. Wow...if that's what it is to make "expert" picks...I'm the greatest expert of all time. Heres to hoping for a dream season. Believe me, to contend in this non-salary cap league...we NEED to rely on the dream season to win. Period. Now take your "The Indians are ready to contend BS" and get the F out, post it on your own board where you own "rose colored" peeps can share in it's blind joy. Ready to contend for what? 2nd place? Idiot. -y2 -y2 QUOTE(YoungstownIndians @ Feb 19, 2005 -> 12:59 PM) That was the past. See we took a nice 3 year rebuild very few teams have done ever. We are ready to contend. Okay and I will come back here day after day to talk Baseball. Come September I will still be here. I am THAT CONFIDENT.

Even if they don't, a lot of good 200+ HR did us last year. I'll gladly accept 175HR with men on base rather than solo shot after solo shot. -y2 QUOTE(Punch and Judy Garland @ Feb 14, 2005 -> 04:59 PM) you seem to be leaning on a great deal of health. Not saying it won't happen, but there are too many question marks to say definitively that they Sox will jack 200 plus homers.

Ok, then let's say Pods and AJ hit only a combined 5 HR. That is still 200, and some of those other numbers were conservative while others were a little overblown. Fact is, the power still remains, only now we have a more balanced offense which should equate to more RBI's. -y2 QUOTE(Punch and Judy Garland @ Feb 14, 2005 -> 04:45 PM) I highly question your prognostications. No way Pods and AJ combine for 35 homers.

Minor corrections to your rant: ** sPod had his break out year in 2003, not 2004 when he had 70 steals. He will land somewhere between both years @ Comiskey, a better hitters park. ** Dye is NOT old, he just turned 31 and will easily put up monster numbers in Chicago. His numbers were quite nice while at Oakland, not a very good hitters park (just ask all of our power hitters). Steve Stone, one of the greatest baseball minds I've ever had the pleasure of listening too, said on the White Sox: I don't know, so NOBODY knows what this team is capable of until they take the field. If their leadoff men to get on base (and he thinks Pods WILL get on base, a lot), they will put pressure on the opposing defense and their power hitters (which they still have, contrary to popular belief), will be able to put up massive numbers in that park. Hmmm, who should I listen too...Steve Stone...or Ken Rosenthal or Marrioti...um, I think I'll listen to Stone, who knows more about baseball than just about every columnist combined. QUOTE(AddisonStSox @ Feb 14, 2005 -> 12:55 PM) Absolutely. To the impartial observer: Kenny lost a 30HR SS ( ), Carlos Lee, Magglio Ordonez, Scott Schoenweis, the Alomars, etc. He replaced these White Sox staples with: Podsednik- Scott had one fantastic year with the Brewers. Last year, despite a nasty BA and OBP, he had 70 steals. Unfortunately, I think we are going to be disappointed with Podsednik's production this year as he fails to regain that great year's success. Jermaine Dye- An injury prone outfielder getting up there in age. His power production should benefit this club, but who knows how many game he'll play. Plus, he has the biggest shoes to fill in a White Sox uniform in recent memory. El Duque- Another injury prone, older veteran. His stuff is dynamite, but he has not shown he can stay healthy over an entire season. Pierzynski- You have to be crazy to not see this as a vast improvement. Hermanson- Improvement. Vizcanio- Seems to have good stuff, but unproven. Iguchi- Japanese veteran who hasn't seen one pitch in the MLB. Its very easy to remain skeptical of this current club and I think in all fairness, these national reporters should be skeptical of this ballclub. There is an entirely different makeup in the clubhouse, a completely revamped offense, and the absence of two of the most consistant White Sox contributers. That said, I, a White Sox die-hard fan, remain optimistic in 2005.

I understand that...but I work out, too...and although I've gotten bigger, my SKULL doesn't increase in size when I work out on my biceps/chest. QUOTE(YASNY @ Feb 1, 2005 -> 10:15 PM) Comparing a player when he's 20 and when he's 35 carries no credence with me. I don't consider those old photos of Bonds and Sosa either. A man is going to mature and fill out naturally over those years. And if he's working out and trying to build up, it will be even more pronounced. It's the quick one or two year jumps that make me take a second look with a suspicious eye. For example, look at Bonds (iirc) during his first season at SF, and then his second.

I have to ask, qwerty...although this has probably been asked before... But...WTF is up with your avatar? Is that guy brushing lice/dandruf off his shoulder and...I don't even know, caressing the bill of his cap whilest' trying to act hardcore? That's not you, is it? QUOTE(qwerty @ Feb 1, 2005 -> 10:04 PM) Nearly reaches the end of his mouth when he smiles.

The difference between Thomas and Sosa/Bonds is Thomas was always big, not only a baseball player but also a football player. If Thomas had juiced, he would be so huge it wouldn't even be funny and believe me, you'd notice a HUGE difference. I know you were just stirring up the pot with this, but let's be realistic here, Thomas didn't go from speedy outfielder to home run hitting powerhouse in a matter of two seasons. -y2

Quite frankly, I want the Cubs to take all the headlines...I like flying under the radar, keeping the pressure down...the Sox, as it stands, apparantly have nothing to lose this season...everyone thinks of us as a fourth place team somehow, and thats fine...let them keep thinking that. I feel we are the best team in the AL Central...and while the others overlook us because Chicago is all Cubs...the Sox are going to take them by suprise. Realize that the Goliath of the AL Central--the Twins--isn't such a big Goliath. You can tell I'm excited...as we all should be. There is no way the Twins repeat again, many Twins fans like to point out the ? on the Sox...yet they have more ? than anyone in the AL Central...it's over for them, and I don't care who says otherwise. This is our division now, the AL Central just doesn't know it yet. -y2 QUOTE(ChiSoxFan @ Feb 1, 2005 -> 03:00 PM) Chris Sprow, my foot. Nice article, Hawk! Seriously, that's a good article. After seeing all the local papers swarm to the middle of the Sammy watch and his pending departure and ESPN picking up on the story, it makes me as a fan appreciate that KW addressed needs on this team and filled them. Whether or not they fully work out remains to be seen, but like the article said, the Sox weren't handcuffed this time to one player. When they knew the Mags relationship was over, they quickly cut ties and brought in a replacement. And even though ESPN has fallen victim to that "Yankee" philosophy that the only way you can win is by bringing in the biggest name, it doesn't always fit the need. To be able to acquire speed with Posednik & Iguchi, more bullpen help with Hermanson & Vizcaino, & more starting pitching with El Duque at the expense of one player (El Caballo) is quite the feat, even though those aren't big names in the minds of ESPN and the like. I'm happy with the makeup of this team, and for once, I could actually care less that the Cubbies are dominating the headlines again. Our team is ready to go, and April 4 can't get here soon enough. B)

Earlier today on the radio I heard a repeat of the Jerry Hairston Jr. interview, where he openly admitted he grew up a White Sox fan and didn't like to see the Sox lose, as his grandfather and father both played for the Sox, and his father is currently part of the Sox organization. He of course said he is now loyal to the Cubs, but I still found it nice of him to admit who rules. Not sure if anyone mentioned this or not.

One thing that is absolutly clear about Everett is he's a gamer...he wants to win, and will do anything to do so. I do not really understand why everyone dismisses Everett as a bad player after one bad season in 2004. Keep in mind, in 2003 he was a clear all-star player for much of the season, and even after joining the Sox from Texas, he continued to hit well. I think 2005 will show a return to form in Everett, besides, I like his funky left handed batting stance/motion. QUOTE(Beastly @ Jan 31, 2005 -> 05:43 PM) I just want him to live up to his 4 million dollars. Its not his weight I'm concerned about, its just that if he ever plays outfield, wouldn't you want a speedy effort in the field. And when Thomas comes back, he needs to maintain his shape. I really think DH's should go ride a bike in the clubhouse during games to maintain shape, or take infield before the game.

If that avatar picture is your baby, he scares me. QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Jan 28, 2005 -> 02:57 PM) (pats self on back) I called this almost immediately after the Iguchi signing, when everyone thought it was going to be Harris traded. They don't like Harris, but they aren't(or shouldn't) trade him until they know for certain the Iguchi can hang around and play well. EDIT: shouldn't say everyone...but people were speculating that.

Shows up as 3 of the same posts to me. QUOTE(santo=dorf @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 06:04 PM) But he only has one post.

We heard you the first and second time...but after the third time, I really understood what you meant. QUOTE(Cloudyguy09 @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 05:39 PM) I think Frank for offense and El Duque for starting pitching and for bullpen i say Marte i decided to add a bullpen guy

He does! Rocky "PUKE" Biddle. Randy Johnson (long hair version) should run around DDT'ing people who try to take his pictures. Randy "The Snake" Johnson. Shinjo is that one Tajari guy. QUOTE(whitesox91403 @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 05:28 PM) I always thought Rocky Biddle looked like Droz.

w00t! QUOTE(robinventura23 @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 02:00 PM) iguchi press release

I love it. Press conference prior to the Sox/Cubs game in which Garcia is slated to pitch: Media : Freddie, do you know who you'll be pitching against in the... Freddie : IT DOESN'T MATTER!#$! Because when that day comes...FINALLLLLLY, the Sox will have come back...to the biggest damn urinal in the world, Wrigley field. And when we head down to yuppie-ville, convienently located on the corner of the Cubs better know their damn role boulevard and jabronie drive, I'm gonna lay the smack down on ALL their roody-poo candy asses! Theres gonna be curveballs, fastballs, this ball and that ball...and the Cubs are gonna be chokin' on Sox balls, all...night...long! The peoples pitcher has spoken...if ya smelllllllllll-l-l-l-l-lahhh...what the SOX...are cookin'. Wow...I have too much time on my hands. QUOTE(whitesox91403 @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 01:09 AM) Best Post Ever. The People's Pitcher, classic stuf right there.