he gone.

I think June will be very interesting - and if we can do decent, not amazing, I think we are set up for a very solid second half run --- think the Royals last year ... Here's the logic. We've played 22 at home and 27 on the road thus far. 18 of the next 28 are on the road. That equals 32 home games and 45 road games through the first 77 games. Our June schedule includes a hot Rangers team, the Tigers and Houston, Pittsburgh, Tampa, Twins, Tigers Cards ... so some very solid teams. If we can just hang around .500 this month? I think we are set up well for the dog days of summer being at the Cell rather than on the road so much. That'd leave 49 games at home, 36 on the road. Also 3 of those games are at Wrigley ... so in terms of keeping their routines of sleeping in their own houses, etc. It's essential 52 CHICAGO games and 33 ROAD games with an ASB in there too. Side note Chicago is in Tampa on the 12-14, which I believe equals game 5 down in Tampa for the Hawks. Not bad timing for anybody willing to make a weekend out of that.

Also off topic --- De Aza DFA today by the Orioles. Any interest? I'd think not. Not really adding defense or smart baserunning. I think I'd stick with Shuck.

Not sure if baserunning is so bad. In reality in this game Shuck was safe on his SB, Abreu looked to be safe but the ump was in the way of the camera replay (bad baserunning that it was even a play) and Shuck trying extend that into a double is fine with me. Also was bang bang. I'd like to see a slow replay -- he might have even been safe there. 2nd base ump seems to hate us today.

QUOTE (BigHurt3515 @ May 27, 2015 -> 12:55 PM) Beckham's average is down to .230 Who woulda thunk it? Seriously though. This team is hard to get excited for. Baserunning mistakes, defensive mistakes. 8 pitch innings. I can't just keep telling myself it'll get better because it's going to get warm soon .......... Let's threaten to move the Sox to Florida again then if this team is only good in the heat.

What I want to see and what we will see are two different stories. They want Rodon at 140-160IP this season. They also want to possibly keep him fresh if we go to the playoffs ... (That if ship is sailing quick). I think I read the other week if he were to start from here on out and average 6 innings a start that basically he'll hit 180IP. So simple math, he needs about 4-6 starts more in the bullpen. So my most likely guess is that come June 1 or so we'll see him in the rotation. My suggestion is: We've all watched a bunch of Sox games, no? Is it not sometimes obvious when Danks or Noesi is having a bad start? Generally by inning 2 we can see where the ship is sailing. I think the same with Carroll. When his sinker is working hes actually pretty reliable. When it's not, hes hardly effective at all. I wouldn't mind seeing a very flexible back of the rotation -- start by committee type of thing. Have Sale, Shark, Q, Rodon --- and the 5th spot by who's hot. Throw in Danks as the 5. When he is not on his game? Pull him quickly and throw in Noesi or Carroll. If they are effective they get the next start.

I liken them to golf swing coaches. They are just there when things aren't going well to break it down and make suggestions to tweak to get you back to feeling good mentally. I'm okay with giving the boot.

I've tried to stay positive as long as I could. And thank god for the Bulls and Blackhawks playing almost every night to get me through this, but I am at my tipping point. It seems like every year we get off to the worst starts. We blame it on the cold weather, the unforeseen off days (Balt, rain outs etc.), other teams are just off to quick starts, etc. This just deflects the true problems of our team. Don't we have one of the highest if not the highest first pitch swinging statistics? Don't we see fewer balls than anybody else in the MLB? Why is our rookie of all players seeing the best plate appearances? There are problems with this team.. and here is my ranking: 1) Our #4 and 5 starter. I don't care how much money Danks makes -- he's not worth a spot in the rotation. He should be a middle reliever. If he was being paid $500,000 a year we'd all say cut him or put him Carroll's role. Sunk cost. Play to win the game. 2) Defense -- rule one of baseball -- you have to catch the ball... okay, I'm not Hawk. But it needs to be better. We're stuck with the outfield we have. Those guys aren't going to get any better. It's not going to improve at 3B or 2B either (Minus bringing up Sanchez at 2b -- which I'm a proponent of. 3) 3B and Catcher. Again - nothing is going to change. But Beckham -- who couldn't get a MLB job, is again starting in our infield a ton. I don't think Conor is THE problem, I think hes average to below average. 4) Coaching -- keep saying its the players faults. But then why even have a coach. Fundamentally we suck. I dont think I've had confidence over the past 5 years that we can lay down a bunt when necessary. 1st and 2nd nobody out? How many of you have confidence we can move those guys over? 1st and 3rd, 1 out, what are your thoughts that we can successfully move them in? get em on, get em over, get em in. Sorry I start today with the firing of Steverson as a wake up call. End of May, fire Robin. Not the end of the year so that PR wise it looks better. We play to win the game! Now again, I dont think we're as bad as we are. However we keep digging a hole. Our Bullpen is good. Our starting pitching will be fine --- minus Danks. I think Noesi can even be a decent #5. But still missing a pitcher. That'll be Rodon ..... NEXT YEAR. He's not the solution either. He's only the solution when were so far out of it. Our bats will be fine. Our defense and fundamentals will not. I don't want to lose all credibility with my next statement. So take with a grain of salt. But eff it, lets try something crazy. Move Abreu to 3rd, LaRoche to 1b, Micah to DH, Sanchez to play 2b. I get that we are losing Defense at 3rd. But we are gaining at second and up the middle and still keeping the speed of Micah. LaRoche might snap out of it not just being delegated to the DH position. Again... like I said, not the brightest idea.. but they were talking about Abreu at 3b in interleague.. so why not something different to snap out of this...?

He's not playing the best, and I know I should't get upset, but come on! This thread is way too negative. Two months ago everybody was talking about how good Hahn is for locking him up long term. It's 1/8 of the season. Eaton is the type of guy who seems to take things hard. I mean, he shaved his beard last night. Tell me the mental demons are swimming in his head right now. He'll turn the corner and be back to who we know and love. However for the time being, drop him in the order. Bat him 9 for a few games. Throw Michah or Melky up there. This team WILL BE FINE! Yes, its frustrating, and it seems to happen every year, but we are starting slow once again. Cream rises people. Sale, Shark, Quintana will pitch better. Melky, Eaton, Ramirez, LaRoche, etc. will all hit better. BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT. Watch the Hawks tonight, take your focus away from the Sox, and in two weeks when things are rolling get back into it.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Apr 29, 2015 -> 09:58 AM) Brian Anderson couldn't even play enough to stick in the minors. He is done. I did use the green font correctly, no?

With the poor defense of Avi in right field I was thinking maybe they should give Brian Anderson a 4th try. He could really add defense in the 4th outfield spot. Thoughts?

I was wondering who would play SS what Ramirez sat ... I would have suspected Beckham .... seems odd. Also, find it odd that a guy who plays a 159 games a year would be sitting after having a day off on Saturday from the weather. It's not like he played 14 days in a row. And it isn't like the one extra inning on Sunday is that big of a deal... seems very odd.

[/color] MAN DO I HATE DRAKE BECKHAM! I MEAN GORDON LAROCHE Um, I don't know. When I was 12 I'd love to be at Major League baseball games every day instead of memorizing state capitals. But then again, knowing the state capitals has really helped me in my day to day job in finance ................................ If the team is fine with the kid being there, then I'm fine with the kid being there. His dad has many a businesses, makes millions ... I'm sure he'll be fine without an regimented school plan. Back to baseball. How about all the decent weather for the series!? I don't like calling anything must wins. It's way to over-reactive. However, I'd sure like to leave this series with a 2-4 record heading to DET.

Beckham being better against LHP is just a tall tale. I don't get how that got picked up by the media and spun..... Since 2010 he has hit the following: 2010 .261 RHP, .224 LHP 2011 .242 RHP, .195 LHP 2012 .236 RHP, .227 LHP 2013 .287 RHP, .195 LHP 2014 .203 RHP, .293 LHP I'm sorry. No room for him on this team unless he's playing defense as a late inning filler. Can't wait to see him go 0-3 with 3 really well hit balls according to Hawk.

A Sunday lineup already? Yuck. I'll do a rain dance. Also do we know if there will be any certain pitcher that is always lined up with Soto? I'd like to see him in there against a team like the Royals. They like to steal and Soto has a better arm behind the plate. Neither are going to bring a whole lot to the plate, so against an aggressive team I'd like to see Soto in there. Think theres better chance of him saving runs with his arm than Flowers producing runs with his bat.

Flavum also responded on another topic 5 minutes later changing his "realistic" guesses. All of a sudden there were less starts for Rodon, and a few more for others in the minors. So not sure how he can so vehemently defend his post, and then change it 5 minutes later. Nobody has a crystal ball. But historic numbers, generally win out. We had 45 starts last year by guys that weren't people you'd necessarily expect. It'll happen this year too.

QUOTE (flavum @ Apr 8, 2015 -> 01:42 PM) Yes, an optimistic and realistic scenario if Sale, Samardzija, Quintana, Danks, Rodon, and Noesi stay healthy...which for the most part, they have been. Really? Come on. I get sticking by your point if you had one. But fact check yourself.. Noesi never has pitched over 160 innings in his career. That was last year. The next highest are 106 innings and 55 innings. Danks has pitched 193, 138, 53, 170 innings over his past 4 years. Shark - has started over 30 games twice Rodon - hasn't sniffed the majors yet and will most likely be on a innings limitation Quintana - has pitched consistently in his 3 years up. But far from calling him Mark Buehrle Sale - has started 30 games once in his 3 years I'm done responding on this topic. It's too much to get worked up about. You're right. It's going to be sunshine and rainbows all year.

QUOTE (flavum @ Apr 8, 2015 -> 12:50 PM) Sorry math offends you. I'd like to see a healthy rotation after Sale gets back. And if Rodon is ready on June 1st, I'd like to see that too. Math doesn't offend me. Breaking down starts and saying Danks will get 10 starts is just absurd though. And that Noesi gets 30 and that Rodon will get 22... I mean... if that happens like you say then you can pick my lottery numbers. There will be starts by others. Look at 2014. Carroll, Rienzo, Bassitt, Erik Johnson, Felipe Paulino, Charlie Leesman all started games last year ......all totaled up to 45 games. So take a deep breath and realize the year wont go as you plan. And one rain out here, and one rain out there doesnt mean anything to us getting to a wild card or slotting into a playoff rotation..

QUOTE (flavum @ Apr 8, 2015 -> 10:55 AM) The forecast for game time has got worse. Hopefully they do get rained out tonight, and make it up in August. I assume they'll insert a 6-man rotation once in a while--especially in August. If they can get 95 starts from Sale, Shark, and Q, I'd take it. And have Sale in line for 163, the wildcard game, or Game 1 of the ALDS...which would be his 32nd start. Samardzija 32 Quintana 32 Sale 31 Noesi 31 Danks 10 Rodon 22 Other 4 This would be nice. Cart ahead of horse here. Let's take it one start at a time. Sale has gone on the DL in the past. Talking about his 32nd start for game 163?? a) we have to get to that point first b) who cares if its his 25th, 32nd, or 40th start. I think people need to step back sometimes and go with the classic Hawk line -- you are going to win 60 and lose 60 every year. It's what you do with the other 42 that counts. It's a long season. Breaking down that Danks will get 10 starts??? And Rodon exactly 22??? come on man.

Was anybody able to see him in ST? Or were there any stats or stories about how his time went? Obviously not well ..... but wondering if there was anything.. im guessing it was that he still couldnt hit a curveball, and maybe not even a fastball anymore.

Also, one other thing.. if someone just likes collecting the promotional items this is a way you can do so for almost free. Sat, April 11 - White Sox Welcome Mat Mon, April 20 - Jose Abreu t-shirt T/W, April 21-22 - Sox Calendar Fri, April 24 0 White Sox Tote Bag Sat, April 25 - Jose Abreu ROY Blanket Sat, May 9 - Mothers Day Tote Bag Mon, May 18 Free Shirt Monday Not bad for $2 and some change.

It seems like one of those too good to be true deals, however I believe its for a few reasons. a- inflate actual attendance numbers b- sell more parking and concessions c- why not do anything to get people out to the park in April and May when its cold/school is still going? If the product is good, they are more likely to return in the summer months. I'd be curious to see how many fans buy this package. 500? 1,000? They also introduced a "flash" sale that on each Monday at 5pm CST they will release 200 tickets for $10 throughout the lower bowl. They said some tickets may even be in the Gold Box section. I think they are doing their best to generate interest and clicks back to the ticketing sections each day/week with these promotions. I like it. Now we just need to win baby win.

QUOTE (Chilihead90 @ Mar 30, 2015 -> 03:20 PM) Just by the text you included, I am assuming this is a PSL. You are PROMISED a seat if you were to buy a ticket, I believe is the idea. So that way you don't have to worry about a game being sold out, because they will save a ticket for you if you choose to buy one. That's actually not how I interpret that. Seeing as they are Upper Corners, Lower Corners, and Lower Reserved I think the Sox are viewing this as a way to get people into seats that are not otherwise occupied. Purchasing a PSL for those areas in the ballpark wouldn't exactly be in high demand. Basically they say you purchase this pass -- 2 hours before the game they'll send you a text or through the App and state where your seats are for the game and you decide if you are going to accept them and actually attend the game. That's my only thing (wouldn't you always say yes, if there is no penalty?) You go, you go, you don't you don't. The tickets are non transferable, so you can't sell them to anyone, and it also sounds like you have to all arrive at the same time.

Received an email from the Sox today: Ever dream of the flexibility to go to White Sox games when you want? With the White Sox Ballpark Pass and the Ballpark Pass Plus, you can! Ballpark Pass Plus For a one-time cost of $49, you are guaranteed a seat at U.S. Cellular Field for 21 games during the months of April and May (excluding Opening Day and May 23)*. Ballpark Pass For a one-time cost of $29, you are guaranteed a seat at U.S. Cellular Field for 11 Monday-Thursday games during the months of April and May**. http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/cws/ticket...0232-785460563# Maybe I am reading this wrong -- because it seems so ridiculously cheap, but that equates to basically $2 and some change for a ticket in the Upper Corners, Lower Corners, and Lower Reserved seats. Doubt anybody can take advantage of going to all of those games, however for that price it seems like you could just show up on Monday's get your free t-shirt, other random games and get your promotion gift, and come up on top BEFORE even taking into account the baseball game being played itself...... Not sure the end game here, going to guess it really inflates the "paid" attendance numbers. Any way to get more butts in seats I guess. If someone lives in Bridgeport or has no responsibilities, seems like a pretty cool promotion to take apart of.

I usually take a quick guess before I click on the topic to guess what the reaction will be. Didn't anticipate the negativity. There's another topic a few days old talking about the disappointment in the commercials. Now we market maybe our #1 off-season acquisition and people don't like it? That's why it's hard to read these boards sometimes. People never seem to happy. I'm never going sit down there -however if it gets even 1 family down there instead of the upper deck I take it as a win. Also they must have had some success with the K-Zone if they are expanding it. What's the next thread? Fireworks after homeruns are too loud?

Even as younger person, hard tickets are nice. Have Paulies last game hung in a frame. Basically I think all they needed to do is make a little check box option. 30-40 percent might choose hard tickets. Some people might say, hey what's $20 to a person who pays $1,000 for tickets. I look at it Like the other way, what's $5 bucks to a Major League team to satisfy some of their season ticket holders? Also, if it's like other sports teams,'it doesn't allow you to print until 5 days before the game. Makes it real hard to resell on stub hub or craigslist. I for one dislike and will send an email. Not saying much more than I did right here and how I am disapointed.