CaliSoxFanViaSWside

QUOTE(BobDylan @ Dec 3, 2006 -> 01:53 PM) The scenario you've built gives the Sox 3 lead off hitters--one of which is awful (Podsednik), one which couldn't carry Joe Crede's jock at 3B (Figgins), and then one that is above and beyond the best player of the three (Crawford) but you want to bat him 2nd? A team can have overkill speed, you know. (RE: Minnestoa Twins) Plus, you mix and match Crede/Figgins hitting numbers, but what good does that do anyone? Figgins is a top of the order hitter, Crede is a power hitter. It's Figgin's job to get on base, thus his OBP needs to be high...Crede is at the bottom of the Sox power threat, therefore his OBP is pretty much moot. If the Sox can land anyone better than Podsednik that fits ANYWHERE on the field, I promise you that Scotty Pods will be packing his bags. (Though I can't prove that statement.) Plus, if the Sox trade Crede for Figgins among others, I really don't see why you'd go after Crawford...especially at the expense of McCarthy. (Besides, if they got Santana in a deal for Figgins, they'd be in a pretty position again with 6 starters and for the future.) Iguchi is a pretty solid #2 hitter with some pop (and typically a #2 hitter has some pop, nothing which Crawford or Figgins will give you) so why would you take him out of that spot? ...And if you look back to 2005, the only "automatic" base stealer the team had was Podsednik. I have no problem with adding more power into the line-up (Manny), just as well as I have no problems adding more speed. But in every line-up, there are spots for speed and there are spots for power. Right now the Sox lack a guy at the top (not at #2) and guys down in the order. Add a Figgins, the top is filled, no more speed is needed. Add a Manny, and you earn back all the power lost with Crede, and then some. Carl Crawford has no pop ?? He hit 18 HR's last year. Is 25 or 26 and has his best power years ahead of him. . As far as I'm concerned he's a 50 steals 30 homer guy very soon. People talk about him when they talk about a 3000 hit potential guy. These are reasons why Tampa Bay wants a kings ransom for the guy. Any team that can pry him away from TB will be extremely pleased. He's a true 5 tool player . Hit for average and power, speed , great fielder and a damn good arm. I know good young pitchers are at a premium now but right now McCarthy is still just a prospect because he has never pitched a full season in the majors as a starter. If you have a chance to get a Carl Crawford you go for it. He won't come cheap but he'll be cheaper now than at any point in his future.

Just ordered mine 2 minutes ago . DVD available 11/1 and pin set not until 11/20. Sweet deal !!

QUOTE(whitesox61382 @ Sep 30, 2006 -> 08:29 PM) It doesn't take guts to say lets get two of the top young players in the game. I don't think there is a Sox fan on this board that would not love to see Crawford and Rollins at the top of the lineup. He is getting criticized because it really isn't realistic. The first question is, are either of these guys going to be on the trade market this offseason? Would you trade two complete players who are a huge part of your teams foundation(or if Crawford and Rollins were on the Sox would you trade them)? I think that it is fair to say that neither team really WANTS to trade either of them, but they would be willing to listen to offers and if they are blown away might be willing to trade them. For example, the main reason Crawford didn't get traded before the deadline was because their asking price was way too high. McCarthy and Sweeney(or Fields) would certainly get TB attention, but don't be surprised if they say that isn't enough for one of the young superstars of baseball(maybe McCarthy, Sweeney, AND Fields would be realistic in TB managements mind). In regards to Rollins, do you honestly think that Garcia and Uribe is a package that would blow the Phillies management away? Hell, do you think that Garcia and Uribe would make the Phillies better next year instead of an inexperienced yet talented young starter(which the Phillies have a handful of) and Rollins? I would much rather have the latter in the long-run for sure, and probably the short-run as well. The fact is that no one knows what to expect from Garcia next year. Is he going to get his fastball back? Is the last month with his new splitter for real or a mirage? Can we expect the Garcia of the first half? His trade value isn't that high at this point because of these questions. Uribe shouldn't be starting in the majors. Any player that struggles to get on base twenty-five percent of the time shouldn't be starting no matter how much power or how good defensively they are. Making a switch from Rollins to Uribe would be a HUGE downgrade considering that Rollins is better across the board. I am all for trading for Rollins and Crawford, but lets be a little more realistic about it. In regards to posting are own ideas, my post clearly goes over some realistic options with my brief opinion on each option. The truth is that this offseason has as many question marks and uncertainities as any in the history of the KW regime. It is nearly impossible to accurately guess what direction KW will take at this point. Did u see anyone but him post a 25 man roster? Thats what he asked for but all he got was criticism instead. As far as realism goes who's to say whats realistic and what isnt ? Garcia is a 17 game winner and has pitched sum gems lately. Good starting pitching is a rare commodity. He's not that old and has added a new pitch that has hitters looking pretty foolish. I'm inclined to think you undervalue Garcia. I know that won't sit well with all the Garcia haters. You don't pitch a near perfect game and sum really quality starts after that against ML hitters and call it a mirage. Everyone talks about how pitchers need to learn a new pitch when they struggle and thats exactly what he did. Everyone is well aware that most championships are won with pitching and I don't see any depth of proven quality starters on the Phillies who just missed the playoffs. Personally I'd love to see Crawford and Rollins on the Sox but I'd be almost as happy sticking with Garcia. Just because its not likely to happen doesnt make it unrealistic. You'll be right 95% of the time saying its not gonna happen, thats just too easy and thats what I see way too much of around here.

QUOTE(chisoxdavid @ Sep 29, 2006 -> 11:31 AM) Do you think he would of plyed with those injuries if he had a big contract? I dont, I think he played just because his contract had incentives. I was talking about him playing in pain throughout his career. A few years ago David Wells questioned Franks ability to pay through pain and turned out Frank had a major injury. Also Frank wants badly to reach 500 homeruns to solidify his Hall of Fame chance and I also just think he loves playing the game. You make it sound like all Frank Thomas stands for is greed and thats a shame for a player of his caliber.

QUOTE(Flash Tizzle @ Sep 30, 2006 -> 12:15 PM) Buehrle wishes he could receive credit for Garlands line. Ha missed that in the edit. What was I thinking ?

Great 8 innings by Jon . Equals 18 win total from 05 .Tadihito hits good in 6 spot, HR 3 rbi. Sweeny Gload and RMack major contributors. Sox 6 Twins 3.

QUOTE(GreatScott82 @ Sep 28, 2006 -> 02:29 PM) Okay everyone has been saying we need a new leadoff hitter, a better bullpen, more grinders, more balance, better starters, etc.... With all of these posts going on latley, i decided a new topic to see what each of you guys would do to make the 2007 a championship caliber team again. Put together your 25 man roster. Be realistic, what should KW do?!? My 25 man roster: Starting Lineup: Rollins SS (for Garcia and Uribe) Crawford LF (for McCarthy and Sweeney) Dye RF Thome DH Konerko 1B Iguchi 2B Pierzynski C Crede 3B Anderson CF Bench Gload 1B, Cintron INF, Ozuna Inf/OF, Stewart C, Mackowiack OF/3B Starting Rotation: Contreras Garland Buerhle Vazquez Mussina/Pettite (sign via free agency) Bullpen: Jenks, Thorton, Macdougle, Cotts(innings eater),Chad Bradford (via free agency), Roberto Hernandez (via free agency) I think if KW can do something along those lines we'll be okay!! I applaud your guts to post this. You asked other posters to do the same thing but not a single poster has, but you sure got your share of criticism. Typical around here. Easy to criticize , cowards when it comes to opening themselves up to criticism. Quite frankly I love the idea of Crawford and Rollins. It adds tons of speed , power, average and defense. Between the 2 of them it adds up to about 75 doubles , 30 triples and 45 homeruns , both hit lefties fairly well and steal bases. Crawford is 25 , Rollins 28 . I don't think Garcia and Uribe for Rollins is that farfetched as one poster suggested. Garcia is a potential 20 game winner in the NL. Uribe is a 20 homerun 70 rbi guy who plays good+ D.They also have the added intangible of having won a World Series.

A's all the way !! Big Frank was a great player for us and despite those who questioned his attitude he played through a lot of pain. He was the face of the franchise for a lotta years and I won't ever forget the greatest hitter ever in White Sox modern era.

Bmac isnt going anywhere. If KW didnt trade him at the ASB for Soriano I can't see how he'll trade him during the offseason. I have no idea who was supposed to be included in that trade but it sure seems like we wasted a chance to get a great hitter for a few guys who weren't much use to the 2nd half effort. With Soriano in the lineup everyday who knows what could've happened. He would've been the best hitter on a team full of good hitters, we could've benched Pods. That in itself would have been worth it. As for all the speculation on what Bmac will bring next year , its all conjecture. Your guess is as good as the next persons. He could suck , he could be lights out. He could end up back starting in the minors. It's a crapshoot. Theres just as many reasons for optimism as there are for pessimism.

Cheers indeed ! This season is no different from most seasons I've witnessed in my lifelong support of the Palehose. Sure it was disappointing . All but one in the last 89 years have been but I'll be among the faithful till my last breathe.

QUOTE(Flash Tizzle @ Sep 20, 2006 -> 05:29 PM) You're right, no one definitively said we're going to win. However, even suggesting it's possible deserves criticism. Personally, I was sarcastic; but not overly critical of the poster. Such personal threats, as you may interpret them, haven't occured to my knowledge. I provided evidence, even slight, to support my end of the argument. Where's theirs? Can you not see the double standard you're imposing? Criticizing Buehlre is obviously debateable, in your mind, yet overcoming a 5 game deficit with 11 games to play isn't? Especially if faith is the only foundation for believing in such an event. Steff, you can argue semantics with me all you want. I'm sure you'll reply to this post by saying I somehow misunderstood you, or the true meaning behind your reply. I'd like to believe after 16 years of education I'm capable of comprehending the meaning of a simple sentence. Faith, as in religion or the religion of baseball (watch Bull Durham again) cannot be supported by logic. That faith shall exist until the numbers tell us its impossible not improbable. Critism of faith is in itself illogical. Faith defies logic and the improbable and doesn't need evidence.

Kenny Williams job won't be easy. Buehrle has been and is potentially our best starter but after this year his trade value is down. Garcia added a split finger and looks amazing. Then add in that maybe his fastball will come back. Has Vasquez turned the corner after a season of working with Coop ? He looks so good lately ala Garcia. Contreras can be one of the best pitcher in the league when healthy but is he healthy? How old is he anyway ? Is he on a downward trend due to health and age ? How big a factor is payroll ? Will that be a main consideration with moving a starter and putting BMac in the rotation? Can BMac be a relaible 5th starter after a year in the pen ? Any one of these guys are capable of having a stellar season or being mediocre. Picking the wrong one to move could cost a pennant or even a World Series. Good luck figuring it out Kenny . I wouldn't want to be in your position.

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Sep 19, 2006 -> 08:21 PM) You have no idea what I'm going through right now watching this team. 3 things have happened thus far in September that have me scared s***less. 1.) Freddy learned a new pitch (after sucking ass for 5 months) 2.) Freddy comes out and says he thinks he'll regain his velocity over the offseason. 3.) Freddy has allowed 4 baserunners over his past 16 IP (if he does this in May it's forgotten by now but since he's doing it in September it will mean something) I'm afraid these 3 factors will earn Freddy Garcia a spot in the rotation next year. Kenny needs to keep a stiff upper lip and kick Freddy out the damn door in November, his trade value is rising and could reach an all-time high (2006-present) this offseason. Maybe it should give u hope that Freddy will be better than he ever was before. Losing his velocity could be a blessing in disguise. It takes a talented pitcher to be able to master the split finger in a relatively short period of time. He's given up 2 hits in 16 innings. He's reinvented himself. Thats impressive , very very impressive.

QUOTE(GreatScott82 @ Sep 19, 2006 -> 06:54 AM) If the Sox make the playoffs i will buy everyone on Soxtalk a round of beer. And since i like your name JemaineDye4MVP and your foolish and far fetched hope, if they make the playoffs i'll buy you a case of any beer of your choice if they make the playoffs. So yea im pretty confident i wont have to buy anybody a thing. I wish i was wrong, but this team lost its magic months ago. Given his penchant for hope, I'd say he's less than 21 . My guess is not even over 18 yet. I'd always said I won't give up till we're mathematically eliminated but I seriously packed it in after the 2nd loss to Oakland. How ironic to have Frank and Maggs do major damage against us.

Thanks J you too ! Thanks for the tix to the Angels/Yankee's game . I assume you got my check since I haven't heard otherwise. The daughter and I had fun. Tell me what you have available for the Sox/Angels series .

I'd like to see some of the threads from last year during the "choke" phase of the season resurrected. Cleveland was breathing down our neck and we were playing like little leaguers. A lot of people ended eating massive quanities of crow around here. Leopards dont change their spots however and I'm sure the same people crying about the "choke" last year haven't learned a damn thing and are doomin n gloomin it again. Yes last year was magical and the odds are stacked against it happening again. I suppose its the nature of the beast to cry when things are bad and say " I knew it all along" when things turn around. Anyone with a positive attitude is ridiculed for drinking kool aid. Jason please resurrect some threads from the heart of the "choke" and remind everyone that just because 95% of the posts say we suck doesn't mean it can't be turned around. Maybe last season was a once in a lifetime occurence. Negativity is so much easier, it puts you with the "in" crowd. Most of the time you will be right so you get to say " I told you so" . After all you know damn well with one title in 88 years theres no reason to be seeing things through rose colored glasses. Until we're mathematically eliminated this will by my battlecry

Auf Wiedersehen, Top of the World , or Stiff Competition all off the Heaven Tonight Album by Cheap Trick (Illinois band also)

Maggs K's Game over Tigers lose 7-2 , Carlos Guillen strains hammy.

Cabrera hits 2 run HR. 7-2 Angels !! Basehit Vlady 4 hits for him today. Looks like Sox will gain a game on Tigers barring big rally by Tigers Anderson makes 3rd out. Bottom 10 coming up 7-2 Angels.

Zach Miner replaces Todd Jones Angels try squeeze play. Tigers pitch out Figgins dead meat in rundown. Leyland outfoxes Sciocia.

Outfield was shallow Figgins knocks it over their heads to right center.

Neifi Perez error bad throw Rivera on 1st, Sac bunt . 1 out. Thank u Hendry. IBB to Erstad Jeff Mathis BA .103 up. Basehit ! Bases loaded. Tigers bring infield in, Figgins up. 1 out. Figgins triples Clears Bases 5-2 Angels ! Woooo

Fly out to right . Extra innings 2-2 Tigers and Angels

wild pitch there goes the dp 2nd n 3rd 1 0ut 1-2 count on Infante. 5 man infield for Angels . Infante K's YES ! back to normal D.

I Rod sharp grounder to 1st for the out Perez doesnt advance IBB to Sean Casey . Angels bringing in F-Rod. 1st and 2nd ,1 out, 2-2 score ,bottom of 9th.