dasox24

I'm a little curious about something: how many of you have actually seen Redding pitch this year? I mean, just going by stats it looks like he's having a very good season, but they don't tell all. Have you read reports on how hard he's throwing or something? Otherwise, I don't know how all of you are so sure that he's as horrible as you say. Are you just saying that b/c of the fact that since the Sox haven't called him up yet, you just figure he's bad? If so, that's a pretty good guess. But, I just want to see where all yall are getting your opinions from.

Who do you see as a potential sleeper from the recent 2006 draft?

Poor Great Falls. They have some players with very good indivual #'s, but they can't seem to win. Anybody ever wonder why Redding never gets a shot at being called up. I mean, he was pretty decent as a major leaguer, so with our recent troubles, he could at least get a shot. However, that was only gonna happen if we traded a starter, which could've meant moving BMac to starter and Redding to Bmac's role. Looks like he'll be in AAA the rest of the year.

For those who don't think we could afford Zito, I think we could if we got rid of both Freddy and Javier, like the original poster said. I don't have their salaries in front of me, but wouldn't getting rid of those 2 knock off like 22 million from our payroll. There's no way Zito would cost more than 15 mil, and with the other 7 mil, we could spend it on a reliever or two.

QUOTE(danman31 @ Jul 27, 2006 -> 10:01 PM) I guess what I'm saying is that it sounds like you would rather contend every year than win a World Series. You'd rather be the Atlanta Braves than the Florida Marlins. Not the greatest example because the Braves have at least the 1 World Series. The difference between 2 and 1 is a lot smaller than 1 and 0 IMO. Minnesota's future might be brighter, but they don't have enough to win a World Series. They can't keep their guys long enough to accumulate enough Major League talent. I'd rather the White Sox have 'stumbled' onto a World Series than make the playoffs 4 or 5 times in the past 6 years without a title. Rather be lucky than good? Maybe. I'd still rather be us than the Twins in the past 15 years and would still rather be us for the next 10 considering I don't think they'll get a World Series title and we'll still have that one only 10 years old. I definitely agree with this way of thinking. Plus, I still think we'll be competitive enough for a good while. Hell, our team this year has the talent to win it all again. I don't think we will, but teams very rarely win back to back World Series, so I won't hold it against the team if we don't. Anyway, I really don't see us becoming the Royals or Pirates, so I'm not worried. On a somewhat related note, I'd like to point out that Oakland and Minny are a lot alike, but neither will be winning a world series anytime soon, unless they spend money. I'm not saying you have to have a $100 mil. payroll to win a world series, but you can't keep developing good players and then letting them walk for more money elsewhere. You've got to spend at least 60-70 mil. There has to be a time when both of those teams finally spend money to keep their good players b/c eventually the fans will realize they're never gonna win with inexperienced, young guns, and if I were a fan of theirs, I'd be pissed.

Interesting read. Thanks for posting that.

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Jul 27, 2006 -> 06:59 PM) The most risky pick of the bunch was Bogusevic because he was a pretty good overall athlete (good hitter and pitcher IIRC) but was much more of a work in progress and I am not sure how he's been doing with Houston. He has really been struggling this year. He was 0-3 with a 7.39 ERA in 10 starts at low A ball until he was sent down to rookie league. Batters were also hitting .321 off him. Now, he's doing better, but not much: He's 0-0 with a 4.09 ERA in 3 starts.

If you're only going to get 1 football game, I'd say get NCAA Football 07, but that's just me. I prefer college to pro sports, so I always will opt for the college game. Plus, I love dynasty mode and recruiting, rather than signing free agents. Though, if you don't mind getting 2 football games, get Madden. It's always lots of fun to recruit a freshman, watch him move up in the college world, and then draft him on your NFL team. As SnB said, Tiger Woods is also a great option. Surprisingly, it's a lot of fun. I can't say much about basketball or baseball b/c I haven't owned either one in the last 2 years, so I don't know how they've evolved.

This isn't regarding Euro soccer, but did anybody see that rediculous Carey Talley goal in the Chivas USA-Real Salt Lake game? That was some impressive stuff.

Awesome recap, Josh! Good thing we traded a few of those top picks while their value was high b/c they haven't done jack in the majors. It's players like these that make me not worry about trading prospects so much anymore. I mean, I used to get all worked up losing guys, like Anthony Webster and Josh Rupe, but in the end, the trades those guys were in haven't hurt us one bit.

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jul 25, 2006 -> 08:11 AM) In fact, maybe I should start posting the English Gossip in the papers every-day if there's enough interest. I check this thread everyday, so I'd definitely appreciate it if you'd post that kind of stuff.

I see no reason why KMac won't be up in Kanny now after the trade. There's an open spot, and he seems to be the best choice. Cassel keeps tearing it up, as well. He was my favorite draftee out of this years draft, and he's not letting me down, that's for sure. Also, I'm gonna reiterate what most everyone on here has already been saying: Carter needs to be called up. He's pretty much done all he can in Great Falls. However, if the Sox don't call him up, I can see their reasoning. He's only 19, and maybe they think he'll be better off by gaining lots of confidence tearing it up where he is. I just would really like to see what he could do back in Kanny.

QUOTE(SoxFan1 @ Jul 26, 2006 -> 05:00 AM) Visiting Grand Valley State this weekend! Have fun, man! College visits are always a lot of fun. As for me, I'll be in the St. Louis area for a family reunion this weekend.

QUOTE(beck72 @ Jul 25, 2006 -> 12:12 PM) And the sox love his OF brother Jordan. Didn't the sox rave about the family when they tried to get him to break his college committment? Could help get his brother signed in a few yrs when he's eligible Yeah, the Sox did draft his little bro in last year's draft, and developed a very good relationship with the family. The Danks' had only great things to say about the Sox, and that they'd be very happy if Jordan could get drafted by us again when he's eligible. Basically, Jordan was always going to college, but the Danks family said the Sox did their best to get him to think about signing with us. It would be cool if John made it to the big leagues with us around the same time we redrafted Jordan. However, if he develops into the player he can, then he'll be an early 1st rounder and we (hopefully, in that case) will not be able to get him b/c we'll be picking so late in the 1st round. Btw, I thought I'd add that he had some very impressive stats for being a freshman on a powerhouse like Texas. Although, he only had about half as many AB's as the regular starters. Anyway, he batted .319 with 2 HRs, 7 2Bs, 5 3Bs, and 21 RBI in 116 ABs. Also, he had a highly impressive BB/K ratio with 22 walks and only 25 k's. Oh, and he was 7 for 7 in stolen bases.

QUOTE(fathom @ Jul 25, 2006 -> 05:04 AM) How would acquiring Soriano fill a hole? He didn't say Soriano would fill a hole. In fact, he said Soriano would create a hole. However, he did say that flipping Soriano in another trade could fill a hole.

Sweeney is a guy that I'd really hate to give up. I mean, I love Fields and think he'll be a very good major league player, but there's something about Sweeney I just like to as where if I had to pick only one to keep, it would be Sweeney. Maybe it's b/c of the fact that he's younger than Fields, actually has OF experience (been playing there whole career and can play any position), and can fill a bigger need (RF when Dye is gone, whereas LF is easier to replace). Also, I truly believe he'll add power. I know a lot of people are worried about his lack of power, but he's still so young that he's not even done growing/adding muscle. And you've got to remember that he's been pushed through the system, always about 1 year ahead of where he really should have been. Anyway, I just get that feeling with him. As for the others, I like them all, but I wouldn't be opposed to dealing them.

I really don't like giving up Lumsden for McDougal. Like Jason said, if he's healthy he can be a very good reliever, but he's had trouble staying healthy. But, trying to look on the bright side, this does open up a spot for Whisler to be called up to AA. The Clemson connection (Lumsden and LaMura) is gone in a span of two days. I was hoping that someday we'd see these two in the bigs pitching a combined 8 strong innings, but I'm all in favor of the "win now" theory. And, look at what all the prospects have done that we've traded over the last few years. Not much.

QUOTE(Frankensteiner @ Jul 24, 2006 -> 06:19 AM) And saying A-Rod's only advantage over Crede is basic offensive numbers is sort of like saying Jim Thome's only advantage over Scott Spiezio is basic offensive numbers. I don't think it's the same thing, though. Is ARod a big-time leader in the clubhouse? I'm not saying Crede is, but I don't think ARod gives you anything extra in the clubhouse than Crede does. Plus, Crede already knows the guys on the team, has been playing with them for a few years now, and is well-liked. Who's to say the players would like ARod on the team? Team Chemistry/Moral is very vital at this time of year, and it's not good to mess things up. And don't tell me, "we've been playing bad, so why does chemistry matter?" It does. Just imagine how much worse we'd be playing if the guys didn't like each other. I am 100% confident that this little slump of ours will pass, but that's b/c these guys know how to win and win with each other. If they weren't so close, I'd be less optimistic about our chances at a turn around. Hell, on a side note, in comparison to most every other team, this losing streak of ours isn't really even that bad. So, what exactly, besides offensive #'s and popularity, does ARod bring to the team? An extra $15 mil/yr (assuming Crede gets a deal worth about 10 mil/yr when it's time for that to happen), worse defense, and poor clutch hitting. Oh, and ARod is more like 3 years older than Crede. ARod will be 31 in 4 days, whereas Crede won't be 29 until a month into next season. Anyway, this team was built on pitching and defense, not offense. It's what wins championships, and regardless of what others think, having the pitching and defense we do, when the weather cools in October, will be a big help.

QUOTE(SoxFan1 @ Jul 24, 2006 -> 06:17 AM) Wow, great explanation there. I got a 26 on my ACT and have a 3.6/3.7 GPA and my #1 choice is Grand Valley State. Last year, their application deadline was May 1st, so I definitely want to be done earlier than that. Well, I looked at their website, and the high end of the middle 50% of their admitted students in 2005 had a 3.8 and 26. What that basically means is that only 25% of the students they accpeted in 2005 had better grades than you. That means you'd be a shoe-in for acceptance. So, now, what you really need to find out is when is the earliest you can apply for acceptance to the school (but make sure it's not the type of early application where if you get accepted you have to go b/c you may change your mind. I know I did. I thought for about 2 years I was going to the Univ. of Mississippi (Ole Miss), but ended up liking UT a ton better after visiting), and when is the earliest you can apply for housing. Housing is something that's very important that most people don't think about right away. They're so worried about getting in to a school that they forget how important it is to have your pick of where you want to stay. You want to be happy/comfortable with the residence hall you choose. Anyway, I highly recommend you visit the places you're looking at before deciding on a school. If I had never toured UT (twice) and really done my homework on it (asking other people that already go there as well), I don't think I would have chosen to go there. My Bro and Sis both went to Ole Miss, and I've been there countless times, so I know the lay of the land. I thought it would be a perfect place for me, and while I would have been happy going there, I think I'm going to be even more happy at Tennessee.

There's no way I would trade Crede for Arod. I mean, Crede is younger, better defensively, way better in the clutch, and would cost us about 15 mil/yr. less. So, basically, all Arod has on Crede are basic offensive #s. I think I'll take Joe.

QUOTE(Sam @ Jul 24, 2006 -> 05:19 AM) The orange shade that TalkBears.com uses: ff4202 The orange shade that the Chicago Bears use: df6108 Just to show you what it would like if you made the change, http://img451.imageshack.us/img451/2655/talkbearsqk1.jpg Wow, nice work, man. That's pretty darn impressive that you figured out which each site uses as their shade of orange.

QUOTE(SoxFan1 @ Jul 24, 2006 -> 05:15 AM) Not to hi-jack the thread, but when do you guys think is the best time to start applying? When my sister was in the process, she was already done and and choosing freshman courses by Winter Break... This may be a longer answer than you wanted, but it has some very valuable info, so I'd read it all if I were you. Also, as you said, your sister has already gone thru the process. She can be a huge help. Nothing is better than asking someone who has already recently gone through the process b/c it's fresh in their head. Parents can help, but remember, it has probably been 20-30 years since they were in college, and things have changed. Try to use your high school couselor as well. Most suck, but some can be very helpful. And, even if they do suck, still meet with them b/c they're the ones sending recommendation letters to colleges for acceptance, scholarships, etc. and it's very, very helpful if they know you better than just being a name on their computer or in a file. Anyway, in regards to your question: It all depends on your situation, really. What is your GPA? What is your highest ACT/SAT score? What schools are you going to apply to? Do you want to apply early acceptance (or it will be called something like that) to a school, where if you get accepted you have to attend that school, or do you want more time to weigh your options, and therefore, apply regular decision? I'm not saying you have to answer these questions in this thread, but it just gives you some stuff to think about. If your GPA and ACT/SAT scores are high enough right now for you to get into the colleges you want to, then you can start applying to those schools as soon as their application comes out, which should be sometime in August probably. If you want to wait to bring up your grades/standardized test scores, then apply in January, if possible. I know some schools have deadlines in, like, late December, so your grades probably wouldn't be out yet. However, I'd say 90% (probably more) of schools have deadlines of Feb. 1st or around there, so you'd have time to wait. Another thing you need to find out is what schools you're applying to that have early decision vs. early acceptance. Early decision is what it's mainly called when you can apply to a school as early as you want, get your acceptance letter sooner than other, but are not obligated to attend that school. Early acceptance is where you apply to a school early, get your acceptance letter sooner, but if you get accepted, you have to go to that school. It seems to me that most "state" schools have early decision, and most "private" school have early accpetance, but that's not 100% certain, so find out for yourself. It would really suck to get accpeted to a school that you end up not wanting to go to, but have to go to anyway b/c you applied early accpetance. Also, you've got to remember that if you're really set on going to one school, and you know you'll get accepted to that school, then apply as early as possible. That way, you'll get your acceptance letter as soon as they start mailing them out (probably some time in December) and then you can apply for housing, so you get your 1st choice. Although, with some schools (like Tennesse, where I'm going), you can apply for housing with your application to the school. That way, the school gets your housing application rediculously early, and when you do get accepted, you'll be about 99.9% certain to get the #1 choice you put down as the dorm you want to live in.

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Jul 23, 2006 -> 10:56 PM) Trying to get an interview set up with him to discuss any potential changes he's made. I can guarantee you one thing: Whatever changes he made, they were b/c of working with J.R. Perdew. It's only a matter of time before this guy is a major league pitching coach (he's only late 30s, early 40s), but we could always hope he just likes being in the minors, and wants to stick with us. The longer he's in our system, the better it will be for our young prospects b/c working with him is a career changer. Anyway, if you want to find out more about J.R.'s help to our minor leaguers, check out the upcoming interviews with Lucas Harrell and Adam Russell b/c they both raved about him.

Picture?

QUOTE(Rowand44 @ Jul 22, 2006 -> 07:59 AM) When my friend first bought the game we ended up playing a big tournament with some other friends. We all took an international team and just set up a tournament. It was the first time all of us played so none of us knew what we were really doing, so every game was basically 1-0 and wow it was really intense. Everyone just going nuts when someone scored. Oh ya, put the game on spanish when you have the option at the beginning, the announcing is so much more fun to listen to. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL. Yeah, I've put it in Spanish before. It is pretty awesome to listen to. Actually, I'm taking Spanish this year in college, so I thought maybe it would help me if I had all the menus and announcing in Spanish, but so far, it hasn't so much. Anyway, just wait 'till everybody has played and all become experts on the "Professional" or better difficulty level. That's when the games get really intense. I watched a two of my friends the other night play the best game I've ever seen. My one friend got an early 2-0 lead, but then my other friend battled back to tie the game at 3-3. So, they played two OT's of neither team scoring, and the friend that had the lead at first ended up winning 4-3 on PK's. It was sweet!