caulfield12

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_leagu...urn=mlb-wp15224 Leyland responds to crazy, profane fan mail. What would it take to get Ozzie to notice a complaint or letter? I can't imagine it. Maybe when he first became the manager, but not recently.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Aug 7, 2011 -> 11:35 AM) Nathan has given up 7 career HR to the White Sox. Wow...were any those while he was a starter for the Gigantes? Carlos Lee? I just don't remember any save-blowing homers or walkoffs against him. Maybe one of the games in 2010 that he blew against us? I think there might have been one this year already, too. Maybe their first victory against Minnesota this season, can't recall off the top of my head because I was unable to watch that one.

Or Humber the first 3 months. Or no Santos, although they could have gone with Sale in hindsight. Probably at the time though, Ozzie would have gone to Crain first, then Sale as the 3rd option. At any rate, Chris Sale wasn't ready to close any games until halfway through this season.

He looked like he belonged in the big leagues, that's for sure. Not panicked or nervous. Getting Mauer in that situation was huge. Obviously, having 3 prior starts helped, but it was impressive. Really did all those things with just 2 pitches, and Dunn didn't help at all. The game shouldn't have been as close as it was...but we can't hit for shi- with RISP these days.

With Juan Uribe, he was the glue/rock/center of that clubhouse. He also was the bridge between the white, black and Hispanic players...equally popular with everyone in the clubhouse. That player no longer exists, the one to make everyone laugh and who just loves playing the game, almost in the same way Ozzie did. And Uribe was going to be overpaid as merely a bench player...that's true enough. And hindsight helps too, looking at what he did for the Giants, especially winning the World Series last season. The one thing that stands out is that Buehrle was willing to give up at least $1 million of his salary (or defer it) to keep Juan on the Sox. Is there anybody that Mark would come close to saying that about now, with the way things have been the last 2-3 seasons? I think not. Not even for John Danks. Uribe always did the little things like hitting sacrifice flies and coming up with big clutch hits. He wasn't afraid to make a game-changing play defensively, either. I guess he was my favorite player on that Sox WS team, thinking about it now. Either Uribe or Contreras.

Well, I'll give him credit for finally taking Dunn out of the line-up. Just removing his "defense" from 1B will save 1-2 runs per game. Brent deserves a start for hitting a homer off Nathan. How many times has that happened in Sox history? Dye? Who else?

The Hunter deal wasn't a bad contract until this year, especially for a CFer. If you think about it, if we had Hunter for that whole time, we never would have had to pick up Rios. Hunter gave them 3 solid years at least. Granted, next year for Torii doesn't look like a good deal at all. Rios has given us one out of 2 1/2 seasons with the Sox, and we still owe him for at least 3 more. That's the nature of long-term deals for players in their 30's, it almost always comes back to bite you in the end. (Yet another reason why Pujols will get less dollars and years than Prince Fielder but it will still be "one year too many"). Just imagine if we'd been stuck with the Fukudome or Rowand contracts. The only plus is they all would have prevented the Rios deal from being triggered. And who's to say the Dunn deal won't end up being worse than Vernon Wells at THIS POINT? Not to mention that "winning" players like Uribe were unceremoniously shown the door.

Sabean still just won the World Series last year, so hard to argue with that result. Cashman's the Phil Jackson syndrome. Could he ever win with a small-market franchise or do a total rebuild? We'll probably never know. It would be interesting to find out. I'm sure that both he and Epstein have moments that they hear the whispers they could never have success in Pittsburgh, KC, Florida, Seattle, Baltimore, Cleveland, Cincy, Houston, etc. And Angels have still developed/drafted a lot more players than the White Sox over the past decade. Trout alone gives him the edge over KW, not to mention Weaver/Santana, the Saunders for Haren deal, Kendrick, Bourjos, Morales, etc. Sure, a lot of busts, too. But Reagins has the overall advantage. Plus that franchise has a LOT more playoff appearances in the last 10-12 years.

Shapiro's no longer the GM in Cleveland, he got bumped up. Flowers, it seems in hindsight, was largely a product of PED's in terms of his Braves' minor league numbers and AFL stats. Needed to do a bit more due diligence on that one, but obviously hundreds of players have gotten caught up in that. I would take Cashman, Sabean, Reagins, Jocketty and Alderson (based on past performance) over KW as well. Maybe he's a BIT higher, maybe 18-20, but you'd have a lot of argument/s around baseball. I suppose the question would be...were KW on the open market, how many of those teams would bring KW in and let go of their current guy? Alex A. needs to prove that the Blue Jays can come close to contending again in that division before you can annoint him as the best. Daniels would obviously be the "hip" pick as the best GM for his performance the last 2-3 years, but he and KW started out similarly on the learning curve.

Floyd is worth 5X what Matt Thornton is right now. The Red Sox would only make these moves if they actually wanted to keep Danks and/or Quentin long-term. Certainly, Danks would be the main reason they'd make the move. Is JD Drew under contract for next season? Personally, if I was Epstein, I'd rather have Reddick going forward (especially considering salary) than Quentin for one year at $9 million. So while it looks like a "win" for the Red Sox on paper, it's kind of a sucker-trade longer term. But there's zero chance we could afford to trade Danks AND Floyd together. When's the last time three All-Stars were traded together in one move (I know Danks hasn't made it before, but Thornton/Quentin were, and Danks would be the centerpiece obviously).

Bad hitting (Dunn/Rios/Beckham/Morel) equals losing, equals bad chemistry. If the clubhouse was truly lost 100%, we would have rolled over and gotten steamrolled by the Twins. We haven't, or didn't. The losses on Sunday and Monday really knocked the Sox offstride, and momentum turned against us with the Yankees, just like we swept through Boston on the road earlier in the season. The problem is our offense isn't consistent enough to even win 5 games in a row, let alone 26/31 like last year. I think there's a lot of chaos and uncertainty because of the strife between KW and Ozzie, and wouldn't be upset to see both leave. There really are a lot of Sox fans who would rather see KW gone than Guillen, actually. I know many that never post here....even though the current "pulse" here is probably 2/3rd's favoring Ozzie going over KW. The only way to get rid of Greg Walker and actually see what we have in Dunn/Beckham/Rios/Morel is to give them a shot with a totally different coaching staff. Guillen or JW won't fire Walker, so the only way is letting Guillen go to Florida. Dumping Beckham right now would be insane because his value is almost zero since he will soon head into his more expensive arbitration years period.

This doesn't really fit, because the Peavy deal was all about salary relief and the White Sox didn't give up anyone (other than Richard, who would have been the last guy out of the bullpen) who was arguably even going to be on their roster in the future. Rios was a waiver claim, and Dunn a FA signing. You have to go to Edwin Jackson for Hudson/Holmberg...which is now essentially Hudson/Holmberg for Stewart and Frasor...the two Swisher trades....and the bad "salary dump" trade we made to get rid of Javy to the Braves with Tyler Flowers as the centerpiece. Finally, dumping Fields/Getz/Brian Anderson/Pods and only ending up with Mark Teahen in return from KC, then the extension (I know the trade wasn't those 4). Those five trades are the center of 90% of the angst at all the sox boards. KW would argue that ridding the organization of Vazquez was a classic "addition by subtraction" but however he spent the money (saved), it clearly wasn't good. The Twins haven't traded well (Garza/Bartlett for Delmon Young, Ramos for Matt Capps, dumping their entire middle infield and bullpen and signing Nishioka, Hardy for Hoey, etc.), the Astros are a mess (stuck with Carlos Lee and Wandy Rodriguez for now), the Mariners have made a ton of bad moves (Erik Bedard trade was epic bad), the Padres, Cubs, Mets, Orioles, Dodgers, etc. KW went from a consensus Top 10 GM (2002-2008) to a pretty close to consensus Bottom 5-10 GM from 2008 offseason through today.

dissent/arguing/turmoil/chaos dissension in the ranks, lack of institutional control, mutiny, etc. basically, the Toronto managerial situation with what's his face...? http://www.baseballprospectus.com/odds/ Current playoff odds for White Sox at 11.5% (about .500 and 2nd place ahead of Indians predicted) Still better than 18 other organizations in major league baseball.

Post of the Day from startribune.com sports "While we loyal fans get fleeced to the tune of $168.00 per case of beer, $56.00 per pound of hot dogs and whatever else overpriced food and beverage we purchase, plus the ticket for the game, I think we should get a little more entertainment for that much $$$$$. When the between inning video board is the highlight of the target field experience , I scratch my head in wonder. Oh Berts California math tells me our favorite Joe made approx $400,000.00 for his 4 at bats tonight. Instead of trying to book a concert the twins should book a rodeo, with all the b.s. thrown about by the manager, and management they should fit in nicely. Does anybody know if there is any decention in the clubhouse with Gardy and Joe hawking different dairys? With Slowey probably coming back, doesn' that give the guys another Guitar for there kumbayah campfire singalong. I'd like to comment on the baseball but haven't seen much in the last week."

QUOTE (CaliSoxFanViaSWside @ Aug 6, 2011 -> 11:34 PM) Buehrle, Danks, Floyd, Peavy, Humber, Stewart, Sale all potential starters next year. Gotta still dump salary so that means MB or JP will or should go. Cheap guys Humber, Sale, Stewart stay though Stewart is no lock to make the team let alone the starting 5. Pierre should be gone so DeAza and Viciedo make the team. Most likely traded is Danks. So does KW load up on more pitching or try for a bat ? At what position can we get a bat ? I'd say KW will be trying like hell to get rid of one of the big salaries of Peavy, Dunn, Konerko, Buehrle, Rios. Konerko and MB are Sox icons so unless KW can rid himself of JP, Rios or Dunn then I'm guessing Danks will be traded. I like Morel . He seems to be hanging in there and learning how to hit better and love his glove. Beckham who knows . The team should look dramatically different next year and more so if Ozzie is fired as he should be ,taking Walker with him. Have to keep Cooper. I think we still have the means to compete next year . I know the Twins are bad but they've still had our number for a while and with guys like De Aza and Stewart leading the way we have turned the corner against them. Quentin might be moved also but would hate to lose him. Guys like him and Danks are sell high candidates and could restock or minors or get MLB ready players. Imagine if you're the GM of another team. Would you trade for Jake Peavy (at that salary and the buyout) based on what you've seen out of him the last 3 years? That would be almost as gutsy as picking up Alex Rios. The main difference is 1 year of risk versus six. But there's no way Peavy won't be on the opening day roster along with Dunn.

Scioscia has a TON of detractors out on the West Coast, including most of the media and quite a few former players. You don't often hear that about Joe Maddon, but he needs to have another 5 years under his belt before he can claim the title of "game's best manager." Napoli was frequently criticized for his receiving skills while playing for Mike Scioscia, who was one of the top defensive catchers when he played, but is flourishing under Ron Washington. While being ultraproductive as a hitter (1.004 OPS entering the weekend), Napoli has become a favorite target for Texas pitchers. His 2.37 catcher's ERA was the lowest among major-leaguers with at least 250 innings caught. "I always felt like I was looking over my shoulder to see if I was doing things right," Napoli told the Dallas Morning News. "I had 'bad hands.' I was so worried about my setup and the mechanics all the time. I learned a lot. I learned a lot of what I do there, but playing there just wasn't much fun.'' When Napoli was acquired, the plan was to use him at first base and DH, but he's getting more time behind the plate than he was early in the season. "`I feel like I know the game and I've got good game plans," Napoli said. "I think the pitchers see that and trust that." Phil Rogers/Tribune

Santos hasn't pitched as much as the rest of the pen. He was already prepared to enter in the 9th in a save situation, and it's good to put him out there in those blowout situations so he can learn to trust himself more and more and go after hitters directly instead of flirting with so many walks or 3-2 counts against hitters that might only hurt him 5-10% of the time if he just throws it right over the heart of the plate.

Rios, based on the last 2-3 weeks, would cost us even more (in lost season ticket sales) than Dunn. Everyone knows we have to have a LH bat in the line-up somewhere supplying power. We know his track record and have seen the back of his baseball card. But fans won't suffer a lazy player with a cavalier attitude (seemingly) who's too proud or stubborn to make the adjustments necessary to make himself a better player again with that guaranteed contract. He's going to have to throw out nights like tonight CONSISTENTLY over the next 7-8 weeks for any fans to believe 1) he should come back again, 2) he could actually be a starter or gasp leadoff hitter for this team in 2012.

Stewart's hair reminds me of that dude from TEARS FOR FEARS back in the day.

There's no way in hell they can cut Dunn after just one season. He'll get at least one more chance the first half of 2012. Rios is another story. Obviously, a lot depends on what he does the final 2 months...as far as trading for prospects, who have the Royals acquired that was any good in the last 5 years? Melky Cabrera was acquired cheaply, but everyone hates that guy in the clubhouse. He has a reputation as a malcontent. Surprised they didn't trade him while the getting was good this deadline. Francouer wouldn't have been the DH target because he's right-handed and I'm sure he would rather play in the OF everyday. He would have made sense going into 2012, especially if Quentin's traded. But to make him (or Quentin) the DH heading into this season and having almost no left-handed power, how would that have been logical? Especially based on his last 2-3 seasons. Everyone would have been all over KW. Rightfully so. And there's no guarantee that Francouer would play so well for the White Sox, where a lot more is expected out of the players than in KC. But I don't see where ANYONE was saying in the offseason that we should go out and acquire Jeff Francouer. It's like saying we should have gotten Jose Bautista. Every team in MLB had multiple opportunities to acquire the guy. I guess they do have Escobar and Cain from the Greinke trade, but it's not like trading off all the veteran players in the last decade has gotten them much at all. The Royals still desperately need starting pitching, and they need for Moustakas to hit 1) over his weight and 2) with some pop in his bat.

We're going to have to go through the next 8 games and only lose one, no more than 2. Then we might be within 3 or maybe 4 games back if we're lucky. At least we're putting the Twins out of their misery. There's that. The Twins have made a ton of uncharacteristic defensive mistakes these first 2 games. Stewart looked great, the strikeout of Mauer was huge and Frasor getting out of the 8th by acing Valencia with the fb on the inside corner. Double play to get out of the 6th with the 2-1 lead was probably the play of the game. Looks like Rios will start again tmrw with his 3 hits, unless Ozzie gives Lillibridge the start against Duensing (or maybe rests Pierre). Probably see Morel or Beckham out of the line-up (for Vizquel) as well as Flowers in, possibly. Please God, no more Adam Dunn at 1B, thanks Ozzie. Still don't like Alexei hitting with RISP. Nice to see the runs off Nathan, though. Felt happy for the Stealth Elf and Santos didn't mess around and give the Twins some encouragement heading into tomorrow's game.

How did that happen? Delmon was watching it too long? Not hustling? Perfect one-hop throw to Pierre. This, by the way, would be Stewart's first MLB victory if the score holds up.

How is that a throwing error on Butera? HAT TRICK by Dunn. 142 K's and closing in, slowly but surely, on the mystical 200 mark.

Finally the base hit in a key situation. Of course, it comes from Konerko. Not expecting anything here. Contact of some sort would be nice, however. That's what having some speed and aggressiveness can do for you. Valencia's made a ton of mistakes defensively this season. The White Sox look like the Twins for now. Throwing error charged to Butera.

Well, the Angels/Rays/DBacks would be leading this game 1-0. Baserunning mistakes have also killed us all season long. 0-14 with RISP.