caulfield12

Shelby has been picking it up the last 7-10 days. 5 doubles now, 4 stolen bases, batting average has risen to .264, around 730 OPS. Beckham with an RBI single (10), back up to .295. Nine doubles for Gordo, pretty impressive. Exactly the type of hitter we need to have in our line-up.

I think you really have to start paying attention to numbers once pitchers reach Winston-Salem and Birmingham. Almost all pitchers have reallly good numbers in Low A ball (SAL, Midwest League) because the quality of hitters and line-ups is just not that deep. It's always breaking through from A ball success to AA that's the hardest jump for most prospects.

QUOTE (elrockinMT @ Apr 30, 2009 -> 06:03 PM) In about 2 years Who will be our DH next year? It's easy to see a situation where they would rotate Allen and Konerko at first and DH.

Ryan the "legend" that noogied Robin Ventura like a loose calf on his ranch is greater than his reality as a pitcher. He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, even though I pretty much hate the guy. As far as Greinke goes, and I've seen him (KC resident) since he came up, he's nothing like Ryan. Ryan was much more of a fearsome, intimidating presence on the mound. Zach's not that big, and he's not known for being a headhunter. Nolan Ryan was mean/ornery, he wasn't afraid to knock down anyone, especially if that player had homered off of him. As for Greinke, he normally throws 92-95, but he can really throw it 95-97 when he really needs it or wants to (like Colon in his prime). He also has a much better repertoire of pitches (think Vazquez) and isn't particularly known for just one, in Ryan's case, the fastball. I guess I am getting old. When I saw the line about Johan and Doc, the first name that came to my mind was Doc Gooden, not Halladay. As far as Ryan being a thrower, I think he really became a much better pitcher the last 5-7 years of his career, when he lost his knockout fastball (a bit). He learned you didn't have to strikeout every single batter, he learned to mix in his offspeed stuff effectively, he wasn't a Greg Maddux or Pedro Martinez, but he wasn't just a thrower exclusively.

Maybe the comparison is because of the size and frames, although Jordan will end up being bigger. Danks is definitely more of a natural CFer and has the edge in overall athleticism. I think you would have to compare their K/BB ratios in their first few years in the minors, although that would be unfair to Ryan, because he came out of an Iowa high school.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Apr 30, 2009 -> 02:32 PM) He needs to clear again. Problem with putting him in Charlotte is he takes up roster space for, say, outfielders in B-Ham that deserve to be promoted and have real potential. Gartrell is a marginal/fringe prospect. Shelby needs to be there for the full season, in all probability...he's still developing as both a hitter and settling into playing the OF now. Lee Cruz and David Cook probably aren't ever going to make the big league roster in the future, although arguably Cook deserves the chance to see how well he could do in AAA, but he's certainly not tearing it up in AA now, hitting .214.

What were the revenue splits for Game 163 with the Twins? Is it exactly the same as a "normal" or regular playoff game?

Though regular-season ticket sales are "ahead of last year's pace for the White Sox despite a slumping economy," White Sox Chair Jerry Reinsdorf is "bracing for 2010, when several of the team's corporate sponsorships expire," according to Mark Gonzales of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. Reinsdorf: "I'm worried about 2010. We lost a number of sponsorships coming into this year, but there are more deals that expire next year." But Reinsdorf added that the "potential dip next year ... might not hurt player payroll because of [GM] Ken Williams' three-year roster projection." Meanwhile, Gonzales notes the "anticipated spike in ticket sales" at the White Sox' new Camelback Ranch Spring Training facility has "fallen short because of the recession as well as delays in building the complex that prevented the Sox from selling tickets and marketing the team in advance." The team will "review their entire spring operations and revise their plans where needed." Reinsdorf: "But the place is terrific. It's really functional" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 3/15). Reinsdorf said of renegotiating with the team's sponsors, "There are people who are out of the business in sports marketing. Bank of America, for example, is a big sponsor. They're gone. We lost Pontiac this year. I assume we'll lose Chevy next year when their deal is up. This is going on all over sports" (Illinois DAILY HERALD, 3/15). Meanwhile, when asked what the "average fan's perception" of him is, Reinsdorf said, "Nobody wants to be vilified. Based upon the mail I get and the people that stop me, it's probably pretty good, whereas there was a time when it wasn't so good" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 3/15). Some things we don't know: 1) How much the buyout of Tucson and relocation of ST facilities and pretty dismal attendance affects the bottom line 2) How they're considering Viciedo's signing bonus 3) If they have replaced any of the Pontiac and Bank of America sponsorships...I noticed there was an LG sign now covering Pontiac? 4) I think the Pontiac/B of A sponsorships totalled around $3-4 million total, something like that 5) Luxury box revenues year over year 6) Of course, we lost another $3 million on MacDougal 7) Possible increases from MLB (radio/tv/broadcast) rights 8) Increased souvenir sales because of Obama around the world

please delete, double post

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.