South Side Fireworks Man

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Dec 21, 2009 -> 04:13 PM) Still looks to me like an ALC winning team, if we just get one more LH bat with some power. And maybe that even without the added bat. I don't see this team needing major rebuilding as it stands, unless they suddenly have $20M more to work with. And I'm not saying you don't improve the team in existing-filled positions if you can - you still try for those A-Gon type deals if they work. They just aren't likely to work. I wonder what it would take for the Sox to get Luke Scott? He seems to be the type of guy that would fit into that last hole. I don't have much confidence in Andruw Jones as anything more than strictly a backup. If they're planning on using him as the primary DH or going with a Kotsay/Jones platoon at DH they're not going anywhere. Getting a guy like Luke Scott would allow them to rotate Scott, Quentin and Pierre as DH while all remaining in the starting lineup. This would help keep Pierre's legs fresh and hopefully help keep Quentin healthy.

QUOTE (Pants Rowland @ Dec 20, 2009 -> 03:37 PM) Good stuff. Now that's good stuff.

Is this a political forum now or still a baseball forum? Threads like this are one reason I hope the Sox stay away from the likes of Delgado.

QUOTE (JPN366 @ Nov 17, 2009 -> 05:27 PM) My response... I get to see the White Sox future players before you ever do, keep that in mind. I know more about them now than you'll know in 3 or 4 years. I spent the entire season answering question after question from people about Gordon Beckham, Tyler Flowers, Aaron Poreda, Dayan Viciedo, Clevelan Santeliz and C.J. Retherford. I know Jason Gage, so I have every right to stick up for him. He's not "getting out of his lane." I know it's difficult to do your job nowadays because you're usually the last person to find out something, but that doesn't give you the right to demean or patronize anybody. Stop worrying about who knows what first, it's not a pissing contest. You reporters are so full of yourselves, it's sad. I thought Jay Hineybird was bad, but you're worse. Other people who aren't in your dying industry have sources, face facts. Get off your high horse and stop being such a smug know it all snob. You're a dinosaur and you're close to being extinct. Nobody wants your job, they don't want to be unemployed and s**t out of luck in 5 years. Cheers, JPN You guys are great. Keep on doing what you're doing. I get much more valid and timely information about White Sox related things from this site than I do from any newspaper or sportsblab radio hosts. Thanks to all of you who make this such an informative source on baseball.

QUOTE (son of a rude @ Oct 11, 2009 -> 11:52 AM) Just sign Nick Johnson if you are willing to give Thome 4-6 mil... Exactly. $6M for Thome is foolish. If he can get $6M from someone else, he should jump at it. But if he really wants to play in Chicago, $2M is fair for a platoon DH. And if he does wind up back with the Sox, I hope Ozzie uses him properly, not batting hi 3rd in the order and not leaving him in late in a game when the opposiong manager brings in a tough LH reliever with the game on the line. Use him primarily as a LH DH, bat him somewhere like fifth or sixth in the order, and don't hesitate to pinch hit for him in situations as described above and he would be a great fit as a role player on the South side next year. But don't expect to build an offense around him.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Oct 11, 2009 -> 11:13 AM) At about half or less of his former salary, I am interested. Much less. $2M for the year and you're welcome back, big guy! As LH DH only.

QUOTE (klaus kinski @ Oct 3, 2009 -> 10:10 AM) I want AJ here the rest of his career-then on the coaching staff Yes. After his playing career I'd like to see AJ stick with the White Sox organization either as a coach or in the broadcast booth where I think he'd be great.

QUOTE (JohnCangelosi @ Oct 1, 2009 -> 06:08 PM) I sense by the way Hawk talks and eludes to when talking about Rios, I think he has given up on him ;-) Well then that's a good sign. If Hawk has given up on him this early, look for him to rebound next year.

QUOTE (fathom @ Sep 27, 2009 -> 12:05 PM) AJP is the main suspect in this situation, no doubt about it. If Ozzie's actually calling him out for not caring, then Ozzie needs to be shown the door. Agreed.

QUOTE (SouthsideNorthsideFan @ Sep 27, 2009 -> 11:26 AM) Both sides of this are valid, really. I have no problem with guys checking out other games, other sports, whatever. Big deal. But, one would have to have been in the clubhouse to understand if being PO'd was warranted. i.e. After the loss were most of the guys down, PO'd, or even just bewildered? If so and they just happened to be checking out the games out of interest or escape, fine, Ozzie out of line. Or were they apathetic, looking only to get to the nearest TV, little regard for any post-game reflection or words from the manager? If such is the case being PO'd is warranted, yet the problem is Ozzie has shot his wad so many times that those who've been around are no longer affected by it, and the youngsters can tell. Not good. Good post.

QUOTE (chw42 @ Sep 27, 2009 -> 11:10 AM) A.J. is a huge Gators fan. I could understand Ozzie being pissed if some players seem to be more interested in a football game than the Sox game. However, if any of Ozzie's ire is directed at A.J. after the way A.J. has played this season as well as his entire time with the White Sox, then Ozzie is truly out of his mind. Also, if the situation is as bad as Ozzie makes it sound, then it appears as if he has truly lost the clubhouse and the respect of his players. If that is the case, maybe he should consider hanging it up.

QUOTE (SoxAce @ Sep 17, 2009 -> 10:12 PM) I want to get very excited about this, but knowing Ozzie he'll probably just send a couple guys hitting lower up or a couple guys hitting higher/middle down. It probably means Wise will be starting.

QUOTE (WCSox @ Sep 5, 2009 -> 09:55 AM) I'd be more than happy to bring Thome back for one more year at DH. That said, we're ultimately going to need a DH who can play 1B, RF, or some other position once a week. Somebody like Adam Dunn would be a good long-term solution. Thome back as LH DH for about $2M would be great. I just don't want Ozzie/the Sox to treat Thome as if he is the Jim Thome of the '90s. Bat him fifth, maybe fourth as your primary DH but don't start him against certain pitchers that he's shown he has trouble handling. Don't rely on him as your number three hitter--those days are long long gone. Also, don't be hesitant to pinch hit for him in late innings when the opposition brings in a tough LH reliever. Thome would be ideal as an inexpensive left-handed DH, but if the Sox would be relying on him to be a centerpiece of the offense rather than a role player, then I'd pass.

QUOTE (Steve9347 @ Sep 4, 2009 -> 09:57 AM) Thome's being interviewed on ESPN 1000 right now. "I love Chicago, I will live there forever, it's my city." "We had a very frustrating season, I understand why I was traded." "I want to play next year and DH in the American League." "The White Sox would be my first choice, but I haven't talked to Kenny about that yet." I'd be completely fine with Thome back on a 1-year deal to DH next year. For $2-2.5M I say sign him.

QUOTE (GO CHI SOX! @ Sep 3, 2009 -> 05:48 PM) I agree. My gut feeling is that this was a showcase game for Torres pitching vs. the NL. It wouldnt surprise me if a couple NL teams were interested in him before/after this game. Well, the Mets do need pitching, are said to be trading Reyes and Reyes would look good playing SS for the Sox next year...

QUOTE (elgonzo4sox @ Sep 1, 2009 -> 04:28 PM) Agree, Rios's at bats have been timid, tentative, scared, etc. But his fielding has been very strong, and his range is excellent. With Rios we actually have a CF who, with the reads he gets off the bat coupled with his speed, actually runs into the RF and LF on many balls (yes, this has even caused errors, but it's a good problem to have, and will straighten itself out over time). It's been a long while since centerfield has been covered as well as what Rios can do. Contrary to what Ozzie says, his actions over the years indicate that he does not value defense very highly.

QUOTE (elgonzo4sox @ Sep 1, 2009 -> 04:16 PM) Agree. Ozzie could play the same guys and have the same batting order with Rios in CF, Quentin or Pods in LF, Dye or Quentin in RF, and Dye or Pods or Quentin as DH. Mix and match however you want, but keep Rios (not Pods) in CF. Rios is our best fielding CF - why not play him there? Now that Thome is gone and Dye will be DHing more, I'd like to see Quentin in RF on occasion, as that may be where he ends up after the upcoming offseason. Makes way too much sense.

Jim is a class act and a nice guy. I wish him well.

QUOTE (Heads22 @ Aug 31, 2009 -> 11:35 PM) All the people that wanted Jose cut or traded for some Big League Chew better be lining up to lick KW's balls.

QUOTE (jamesdiego @ Aug 31, 2009 -> 11:26 PM) Contreras has given ALOT to this organization, glad they were able to find him another place to play. To cut him would of made us look very bad, glad you're not the GM. Exactly. That's why I was all for starting him last Saturday at Yankee Stadium rather than cutting him to make room for a minor league call-up. It would have been disgraceful to do that to him one week before rosters expand. I'm glad they were able to trade him to a playoff contender. This allows him to depart with dignity as he deserves.

Jose is a class act. Yes, he was one of the main reasons the Sox won the World Series in 2005 and for a time was the best pitcher on the Sox. He handled himself well during his recent struggles after working his ass off coming back from what seemed almost certain to be a career ending injury. I'll always appreciate that. I'm glad he got another chance with a playoff contender and although he has been ineffective recently I hope he has another good run in him. I'd love to see him in the World series again this year. All the best, Jose, and thanks for the World Series.

I have nothing but respect for Jose Contreras and If this is true I'm happy that he was traded to a team willing to give him a shot in a playoff race instead of just cutting him this late in the season, especially since rosters have expanded. Best to you, Jose and thank you for the World Series. I wish you all the best.

QUOTE (Heads22 @ Aug 31, 2009 -> 11:06 PM) Anyone who advocates releasing either one has zero clue about baseball or how business is done, or about showing any damn class/respect as an organization. You are correct, Sir.

Jim Thome was pure class and seems like one heck of a nice guy. I wish him nothing but the best, except where his success would negatively impact the White Sox.

QUOTE (PeavyTime @ Aug 30, 2009 -> 11:03 AM) Why? 5 games back with 30 games to go including 6 with the team in front of you. This isn't over by a long shot. If Peavy is healthy he should pitch. If not, he shouldn't. It's as simple as that. As soon as they deem him ready enough to go against major league hitters, he should pitch. I'm guessing that will be sometime within the next couple of weeks.