caulfield12

I think you really need to wait until May and maybe June before you start making comparisons in terms of attendance to previous years. Last year, the weather was seemingly the worst in history, but the White Sox were coming off a horrible season. On the other hand, they jumped into first place and were at the top of the standings from about this point on. Of course, we're in first place again, but we haven't been playing (especially pitching) nearly as well as last year. Fans this year are naturally a little skeptical after this off-season and they're all being hit more in the pocketbooks. Where we should be making some comparisons are in terms of sellouts/crowds on weekends and special promotional nights, and you have to take into consideration the opponents as well. But sure, KW was taking huge risks at the back of the rotation (imagine if Marquez, Broadway, Poreda or Richard started in place of Colon) and with the CF position, as well as overestimating the offensive (improvement) ability of Lillibridge. We can complain about the 7th reliever spot, others will complain about Corkaroo or Wilson Betemit's defense, but the team we left ST with was certainly not AS GOOD as the one we ended the season with. Maybe the chemistry is better, clubhouse, etc., but it would be almost impossible to argue we'd improved for 2009. I don't disagree with what's been done, we're in a transition year much like the Twins were last year when they lost Santana and Hunter, it's just that this division is filled with so much parity, it's frustrating right now to watch the team muddle along. But the future, at least for now, looks very bright because of Birmingham. To show how far we've fallen, Pods wouldn't have come close to the CF position in 2005/06, and yet he's now being considered a starter (with a straight face) by some, despite the shadow of his former self Pods was after he returned from his injury in 05 and then 06. Even if he was in pre-season 2005 form, he would be such a defensive risk (and arm) that he would negate anything positive he gave to the offense. Problem 2, we don't have an Iguchi type that's guaranteed of moving him around the basepaths. Who is our Iguchi now to do that? Not Fields, Ramirez or AJ. Getz? Unless Pods is starting every game and leading off, do we really want to now take Chris Getz out of position he's comfortable with? Pods, if he is starting, really should be hitting last, with Getz leading off.

QUOTE (hogan873 @ Apr 30, 2009 -> 07:29 AM) Whilst reading the posts in this thread I chuckled, cringed, shook my head, and even muttered a few obsenities. The consensus seems to be that although Pods is not a good option he is all we have right now. And I pretty much agree but do not think he will be as bad as some think. So, IF he is called up and starts in centerfield we will find out. What made me angry was the complaining of the Swisher trade. How many times last year did I read posts calling for Swisher to be traded...RIGHT NOW!? As soon as the season ended there was gleeful speculation that he would gone. And when he was traded there seemed to be much happiness floating around, even though we didn't get much for him. But the idea that the Sox freed up money was the center of the virtual smile-fest. Now, I have to add a note here...I was a bit sad to see Swisher traded. He did not have a good year, but he did bring an energy to the team and was an okay CFer. And yes, I suppose we can all play 10th inning general managers and wish the Swisher trade undone. But I'm not sure I would. He will not continue playing like he is now. He will have a better tear than last year (he'd have to, right?), but who's to say it would have happened with us? Finally, the best news that I received while perusing this thread was that Owens seems to be gone. Thank God. Even if he is a decent defensive CFer, he is an automatic out in the lineup. The Sox would be better off letting the pitcher hit and having the DH hit for Owens. Hey, wait a minute? Can they do that? Would that be an option? It would be an option in the NL, of course. With an American League starter, I can hardly imagine the dispute with the union and insurance companies if we injured one of our starting pitchers while hitting when no other team tried this. The Cardinals even have their pitchers bat 8th sometimes, and I think Dontrelle Willis PH on a number of occasions.

QUOTE (qwerty @ Apr 29, 2009 -> 11:17 PM) Both are great possiblities when you consider the stuff each one possesses, hell, lincecum already has one to his name. Point is though no one has a clue at this point in the season, simply way too early. If grienke did what he just did to start at some point in the middle of the season it would be a blip on the radar compared to the attention it got, it is a shame, but that's how it is. Well, it's not like players from the Royals have gotten ANY attention since George Brett retired, so it's probably a good thing for baseball and the city. The only thing KC was famous for over that time span was trading all their best players (Beltran, Damon, Dye) away and making even first round draft picks than the White Sox...especially since Ewing Kauffman died.

QUOTE (TheBigHurt @ Apr 30, 2009 -> 03:20 AM) Is anyone REALLY surprised we're in this position? As much as it sucks, you could see it coming a mile away once our joke of a roster was official. You mean first place, don't you?

Greinke gave up a run, Greinke gave up a run!!!! Maybe we have a chance next week...

Lillibridge actually hit a ball to the left side (barely) of the 2nd base bag, somehow, for a single. I'm not entirely sure if Josh is capable of that right now.

Indians are bouncing back. Hold off on that Cliff Lee deal for now...looking like they will take 2 in a row from the formerly hottest team in baseball, the Red Sox. Very strange ending last night with former White Sox LHR Javier Lopez mishandling a simple toss from Youkilis that would have sent game into extras and DeRosa scoring all the way from 2nd base. Looks very much like all four teams in the Central will be within 1/2 game of each other and first place after tonight. Undoubtedly will be back-and-forth like this all season long.

QUOTE (Wanne @ Apr 29, 2009 -> 07:52 PM) I'm sure there could be worse things in life... Genital Warts Rectal Bleeding Exploding Ulcer just to name a few... I'm ok seeing what Pods can do. Hell...try to stay positive that maybe he'll spark the offense. Kidney stones...that would be on my list. They suck. Just updated, Swisher now is at .306 with six homers, 18 RBI's (would be tied with Paulie) and 1.113 OPS. Ouch. Well, at least Betemit contributed to the victory today. Wonder how much cash it will take to get Edmonds out of retirement? Maybe they'll go with Jay Payton instead. Lofton? Obviously the Rangers won't be trading Andruw Jones to us right before they play us twice in two weeks. OMG. Speak of the devil. Swisher, seemingly mocking KW's CF problems, hits another homer and is now at 7 homers and 19 RBI's.

Shanisty Myers (what kind of first name is that, but fits blonde girl I guess) from "Wake Up, Alabama!" The funniest thing, though, if you go to the Barons website....there are two 80's Nite Pictures, one with Tyler Flowers (somebody has to make that their avatar) and one with Lee Cruz and Mr. Miyagi. Hilarious. Tyler Flowers is supposed to be Tom Cruise from Top Gun but he looks like a 1970's golfer merged with Dirk Diggler as aviator.

http://s711.photobucket.com/albums/ww116/birminghambarons/ No word on why Slayer isn't teaching new White Sox CFer Brent Lillibridge how to bunt and hit line drives instead.

By Mark Gonzales White Sox center fielder Brian Anderson said he was advised by trainer Herm Schneider to not to test his right side. Anderson hurt his side in his second at-bat and aggravated it in the seventh inning, causing him to leave the game. From the delibrate manner in which Anderson spoke, he could be headed to the disabled list. Meanwhile, Jerry Owens carried his bag and shook hands with teammates before leaving the clubhouse. The Sox said they will not make any roster moves until Friday, but Scott Podsednik could be promoted if Owens is off the roster.

QUOTE (LVSoxFan @ Apr 29, 2009 -> 05:09 PM) I'll take it. 2 out of three and I'm always happy. We've got to start taking better care of our home field advantage. That was what really stood out last April/May, and our starting pitching was very dominant. 6-6 at home, 5-4 on the road. I think it's five away (Texas, then Greinke/Davies) and five at home.

QUOTE (JorgeFabregas @ Apr 29, 2009 -> 05:00 PM) Bump. Ummmmm....Betemit got his hits off the relievers. Alexei hit a fastball up the middle. Anderson didn't hit anything today but his oblique muscle.

Carlos Quentin is 2 for 4 when hitting with 0-2 count when swine flu is in Clinton County, Iowa.

That was just an atrocious swing by Josh Fields there. Hopefully Walker can get him straightened out again. The "real" Slayers=3/4/5/6 in the White Sox line-up

QUOTE (The Ginger Kid @ Apr 29, 2009 -> 04:40 PM) I can't even begin to imagine how much he slays in the off season down in San Diego... Not as many as Kirk McCaskill.

QUOTE (Jenks Heat @ Apr 29, 2009 -> 04:38 PM) Brian Anderson and Patrick Kane are similar in that the ability is there and you just hope they, like the U.S. Army used to say, would be all that they could be. I like gents with blonde curly hair who are in with the honies. Brian Anderson looks like a cross between a young Bill Clinton and William Katt from Greatest American Hero. And both those guys are in with the hunnies....especially Bill Katt with Shannon Tweed on Friday Skinemax back in the day.

Pujols? Don't think so. Over the last 3 years... 73/240 (.304) after count is 0-2 .263 with an 0-2 count.

QUOTE (qwerty @ Apr 29, 2009 -> 04:27 PM) So you base are trying to base your arguement on by far the toughest count to hit in. Awesome. No, but someone made a sarcastic statement ("must have been his long swing") about how he was 3 for 10 in that situation (0 and 2) this year, as if that was evidence of some kind of amazing change in his swing and approach.

The funny thing is that Owens made an out and it counted on BA's stats...right?

QUOTE (ChiSox_Sonix @ Apr 29, 2009 -> 04:20 PM) Must be the long swing BA after 0-2 count in career 13 for 94=.138 At 0-2 count 4/46=0.087

QUOTE (JorgeFabregas @ Apr 29, 2009 -> 04:19 PM) Yeah, those are pretty much his career averages in any situation. 201 with 609 OPS (RISP) 191 with 583 OPS (RISP and 2 outs)

Jerry Owens, back to CF perhaps. And the White Sox soap opera in CF continues.

QUOTE (JorgeFabregas @ Apr 29, 2009 -> 04:13 PM) It probably doesn't include that AB, but he was 353 .353 .412 w/RISP this season. Career in 200+ ab's with runners on base. 224 BA, 671 OPS.

QUOTE (witesoxfan @ Apr 29, 2009 -> 04:05 PM) so AJ can throw guys out I also like that people jump on Anderson for one bad at bat. I'm slightly worried about him hitting with runners on, but blame should be placed equally, because JD has not been good this game either. Yeah, but Jermaine was good there. Anderson has repeatedly struggled in that same situation his entire career, getting runners in from 3rd with less than two outs. Anderson has 15 hits and only 2 doubles. He doesn't have the same liberty to have a huge swing that our proven power hitters do.