Old Socks Posted May 9, 2004 Share Posted May 9, 2004 Sox need to make some changes. First, Konerko looks absolutely horrible. Totally lost, and yet Ozzie keeps playing him. Konerko has to sit for a week. I don't care if Frank plays first, or Gload. Konerko is hurting this team, just like last year. Crede is not far behind. His last at bat Sunday was useless. He needs a mid-May vacation. Sit them both for at least the Baltimore series. Then there is Rowand. He looks lost, too. Wake up call. He needs to be told that he is one bad game away from a trip to Charlotte. I'm serious. f***ing Charlotte. Is it just a coincidence that these three guys are hitting 6-7-8 in the order? They are the antithesis of a Murderer's Row. How can you expect to win when you have three slugs in a row like that. Anyone can go 0 for four, but those three guys look awful. Lethargic. They should all sit for a week to wake them up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowand44 Posted May 9, 2004 Share Posted May 9, 2004 Crede is not far behind. His last at bat Sunday was useless. He needs a mid-May vacation. Sit them both for at least the Baltimore series. If it's not for Crede the sox don't win 2 games this road trip, his average is bad right now, but he's about the best clutch hitter the sox have right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witesoxfan Posted May 9, 2004 Share Posted May 9, 2004 Sox need to make some changes. First, Konerko looks absolutely horrible. Totally lost, and yet Ozzie keeps playing him. Konerko has to sit for a week. I don't care if Frank plays first, or Gload. Konerko is hurting this team, just like last year. Sounds good. And people were ripping the Konerko for Perez deal in the offseason and in early-to-mid April. I wonder where the Konerko backers are now...? Crede is not far behind. His last at bat Sunday was useless. He needs a mid-May vacation. Sit them both for at least the Baltimore series. Crede's struggles have been brought up before. Trading him has been mentioned, and letting him play through it has been mentioned(ala Ventura). Kind of hard to let the kid play throught it when you want to contend, but I suppose Then there is Rowand. He looks lost, too. Wake up call. He needs to be told that he is one bad game away from a trip to Charlotte. I'm serious. f***ing Charlotte. He went to Charlotte last year and that woke him up too. Then again, I' m pretty sure the hitting coach down in Charlotte last year was Greg Walker for part of the year. Look where he is now. Maybe it's time to give Jeremy Reed a callup to the majors, and see if he can hit. If he can, we are in luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWSGuy406 Posted May 9, 2004 Share Posted May 9, 2004 My hope is that when Felix Diaz is called up, he can provide a Dontrelle Willis like spark-plug. That's what I liked about Carl Everett, he seemed to be the teams heartbeat when he was traded for. He and Harris would have so much fun in the dugout. Then again, that's what Ozzie was brought here to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowand44 Posted May 9, 2004 Share Posted May 9, 2004 My hope is that when Felix Diaz is called up, he can provide a Dontrelle Willis like spark-plug. That's what I liked about Carl Everett, he seemed to be the teams heartbeat when he was traded for. He and Harris would have so much fun in the dugout. Then again, that's what Ozzie was brought here to do. Man do I miss Carl. I know he's injured but even with his short stint with the sox he became one of my favorite players in baseball. He did provide a spark and came up with so many clutch hits, I wish the sox still had him to play left field instead of carlos or dh with frank playing first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWSGuy406 Posted May 9, 2004 Share Posted May 9, 2004 Sounds good. And people were ripping the Konerko for Perez deal in the offseason and in early-to-mid April. I wonder where the Konerko backers are now...? Crede's struggles have been brought up before. Trading him has been mentioned, and letting him play through it has been mentioned(ala Ventura). Kind of hard to let the kid play throught it when you want to contend, but I suppose He went to Charlotte last year and that woke him up too. Then again, I' m pretty sure the hitting coach down in Charlotte last year was Greg Walker for part of the year. Look where he is now. Maybe it's time to give Jeremy Reed a callup to the majors, and see if he can hit. If he can, we are in luck. I consider myself a Konerko backer, and while having Odalis Perez would be nice, pitching isn't a top concern at the moment for this team. While Loaiza wasn't anywhere near his best, he wasn't terrible either. The defense, IMO, let him down today (Crede botched grounder, Harris botched DP, Olivo throwing it into CF). He put us in a position to win the game, but most times when you score only two runs, you aren't going to win. About Paully, he's in a slump, simple as that. Im almost positive that once June comes along he'll be tearing the cover off of the ball, but right now, it's all going to depend on how good of a job our other hitters do to hide PK. Rowand is a huge problem. He cannot continue to be in the lineup. If Ozzie really wants to keep Valentin in the lineup, he's going to have to play Uribe at second, Jose at short, and Harris at center. Harris, on the other hand, needs to be in the lineup until he stops hitting. Right now, he's providing a nice pop at the top of the lineup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WSox30 Posted May 9, 2004 Share Posted May 9, 2004 I agree something needs to be done and it obviously needs to be done with the offense right now. If we don't take a convincing 2 of 3 from baltimore at least then it will be a disappointment. As for changes...I agree with benching Konerko until he starts getting some damn hits. He started the year off so greatly and now he can't even see the ball. And Gload seems like a great player and a solid player that needs to play! I don't agree with crede because of his clutch hits and his glove is fantastic...as for Rowand, I hope he continues to have some problems and we make a fast decision and bring up Reed to get another lefty in the order. Who wouldn't want reed over rowand?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Hudler Posted May 9, 2004 Share Posted May 9, 2004 Unfortunately, the bench isn't strong enough to bench Crede, Rowand and Konerko all at once...... (then again, what bench would be?) I agree that it is getting very close to the time to give Reed a chance. Perhaps he can provide a spark and fit nicely in the lineup behind Harris. IF this happens, Sox fans will need to be patient if he struggles at first and not want him shipped right back to Charlotte. Sometimes one move, can wake up a whole team, if a spark is provided. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JimH Posted May 9, 2004 Share Posted May 9, 2004 My hope is that when Felix Diaz is called up, he can provide a Dontrelle Willis like spark-plug. That's what I liked about Carl Everett, he seemed to be the teams heartbeat when he was traded for. He and Harris would have so much fun in the dugout. Then again, that's what Ozzie was brought here to do. Very good point about this team needing a spark. There will always be some ups and downs in terms of intensity, but the Sox were pretty flat IMO every game this weekend. The day off comes at a good time, they looked very lethargic. Calling someone up, whether it's Reed or Diaz or Munoz or ? is a strong possibility. While there will be stretches where any team doesn't play well, they really look like they need a jolt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWSGuy406 Posted May 9, 2004 Share Posted May 9, 2004 Rex or aboz, any answer to why Diaz last pitching outing (either today or yesterday) was a relief appearance? Perhaps getting ready to be called up and they just want him to stay sharp but not be tired? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrandoFan Posted May 9, 2004 Share Posted May 9, 2004 My hope is that when Felix Diaz is called up, he can provide a Dontrelle Willis like spark-plug There are NO shortcuts, not even in ALC. If there were, Sox would have been in the playoffs in 2002 and 2003. Florida was a very good team last year that would have won close to 100 games if Lowell wasn't out for a long time. Just about every player needs to take it up a notch. Thomas, Olivo, Shingo Cotts and maybe Marte are the only ones playing up to par. Sox are not going ANYWHERE without Magglio playing like an MVP...without Harris getting on base at 350 clip.....without Lee, Konerko, Crede at 825+ OPS....without Garland, Buerhle, Loaiza all under 4.00 ERA.....and without Politte pitching like he did in 2002. It will take the kind of intensity it took in 2000. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KipWellsFan Posted May 9, 2004 Share Posted May 9, 2004 Sox need to make some changes. First, Konerko looks absolutely horrible. Totally lost, and yet Ozzie keeps playing him. Konerko has to sit for a week. I don't care if Frank plays first, or Gload. Konerko is hurting this team, just like last year. I'd like to think is just a slump for Konerko, but something has to be done if this turns into a slump ressembling last year. Maybe let Gload start a couple games in a row. I'd like to see Paulie's pinch hitting numbers as well And on the point of people being against the Perez trade, I think many people had difficulty getting over Perez's attitude problems (whether he actually had them or not). Konerko rules! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aboz56 Posted May 9, 2004 Share Posted May 9, 2004 Rex or aboz, any answer to why Diaz last pitching outing (either today or yesterday) was a relief appearance? Perhaps getting ready to be called up and they just want him to stay sharp but not be tired? Felix is scheduled to start tomorrow, my guess is that he just got in some work today because the Charlotte bullpen was decimated yesterday when Pacheco left the game early in the first inning....I'd say you're going to see Diaz start Saturday at USCF, barring a bad performance in tomorrow's game...Most likely you'll see Burke head back to Charlotte to make room for Felix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Socks Posted May 9, 2004 Author Share Posted May 9, 2004 Tell Diaz to bring Reed with him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickman Posted May 10, 2004 Share Posted May 10, 2004 Felix is scheduled to start tomorrow, my guess is that he just got in some work today because the Charlotte bullpen was decimated yesterday when Pacheco left the game early in the first inning....I'd say you're going to see Diaz start Saturday at USCF, barring a bad performance in tomorrow's game...Most likely you'll see Burke head back to Charlotte to make room for Felix. Hmmm, Personally I hope that Diaz doesn't pitch tommorow and pitches agianst the O's. i would not have some rookie pitch against the Twins, division game with first place on the line. No way. But hey its the whitesox so they will probably do something dumb like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickman Posted May 10, 2004 Share Posted May 10, 2004 I'd like to think is just a slump for Konerko, but something has to be done if this turns into a slump ressembling last year. Maybe let Gload start a couple games in a row. I'd like to see Paulie's pinch hitting numbers as well And on the point of people being against the Perez trade, I think many people had difficulty getting over Perez's attitude problems (whether he actually had them or not). Konerko rules! Konerko has been in a two year slump because he is not very good. Lets not hang our hat on two years ago. Either something is wrong with this guy, or his wife/ fiancee last year has f***ed him up! As most of you know I wanted him gone last year, and I still want him gone. A pitcher would be nice in return. Furthermore lets hope the sox start drafting some infielders, ss, 2b and 1b. I think this is a glaring hole staring at us for the next few years, despite the heroics of Uribe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWSGuy406 Posted May 10, 2004 Share Posted May 10, 2004 I personally am getting a little mad at some of the people on the board ragging on Willie Harris of all people. He's hitting 301 and really setting the table nicely for the top of the order. Granted, he doesn't have his timing down yet for stealing bases, but right now he's getting on base at a pretty good clip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Honda Civic Posted May 10, 2004 Share Posted May 10, 2004 Sounds good. And people were ripping the Konerko for Perez deal in the offseason and in early-to-mid April. I wonder where the Konerko backers are now...? Career Spits for Konerko, By Month G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS March 2 7 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 .286 .286 .286 .571 April 150 573 82 167 39 0 23 91 41 76 1 0 .291 .347 .480 .827 May 134 465 51 98 18 2 14 54 39 81 1 0 .211 .278 .348 .627 June 142 454 69 137 17 0 30 90 45 56 0 1 .302 .371 .537 .908 July 137 501 62 146 22 2 27 88 40 64 0 0 .291 .349 .505 .854 August 130 470 71 142 36 0 23 89 49 58 0 0 .302 .369 .526 .894 September 132 451 72 117 19 1 16 70 47 61 1 0 .259 .333 .412 .746 October 10 36 4 12 3 0 1 6 1 6 1 0 .333 .350 .500 .850 He batted .181 in the Month of may in 2003 -- .152 in 2001 -- Even in his Career year in 2002, he hit .295, compared to .370 in April and .340 in June --- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBAHO Posted May 10, 2004 Share Posted May 10, 2004 Wow, May has been a terrible month for Konerko so far in his career. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witesoxfan Posted May 10, 2004 Share Posted May 10, 2004 Career Spits for Konerko, By Month G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS March 2 7 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 .286 .286 .286 .571 April 150 573 82 167 39 0 23 91 41 76 1 0 .291 .347 .480 .827 May 134 465 51 98 18 2 14 54 39 81 1 0 .211 .278 .348 .627 June 142 454 69 137 17 0 30 90 45 56 0 1 .302 .371 .537 .908 July 137 501 62 146 22 2 27 88 40 64 0 0 .291 .349 .505 .854 August 130 470 71 142 36 0 23 89 49 58 0 0 .302 .369 .526 .894 September 132 451 72 117 19 1 16 70 47 61 1 0 .259 .333 .412 .746 October 10 36 4 12 3 0 1 6 1 6 1 0 .333 .350 .500 .850 He batted .181 in the Month of may in 2003 -- .152 in 2001 -- Even in his Career year in 2002, he hit .295, compared to .370 in April and .340 in June --- If I knew that Konerko would have a .300 30 110 season for the rest of the year, I would still probably trade him for Perez right now. BTW...how the f*** does a player do that? Be hot for one month in his career, cold as hell one month, and be solid in the rest? I just don't get it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Honda Civic Posted May 10, 2004 Share Posted May 10, 2004 BTW...how the f*** does a player do that? Be hot for one month in his career, cold as hell one month, and be solid in the rest? I just don't get it. I don't know how he does it, or rather why it happens. -- It's gotten passed the point of just being a statistical anomoly. It looks to me that in April and August he has "drive the ball to all fields" mentality -- He hits a lot of doubles, most likely due to not over swinging or trying to pull the ball. That results in balls sprayed into the gaps -- I guess once he gets going good like that, he starts to narrow his approach, and try to pull the ball, and hit it out. He strikes out more and turns over on balls resulting in weak drounders and DPs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kapkomet Posted May 10, 2004 Share Posted May 10, 2004 If it's not for Crede the sox don't win 2 games this road trip, his average is bad right now, but he's about the best clutch hitter the sox have right now. And if that's true, the Sox suck right now. Sorry, but that's the facts. I think that a message, a loud and clear one, must be sent. Something needs to get this team's attention before you start losing the season. Blah blah blah, they're still in first, blah blah blah. Yes. True. But this road trip was a team that looked pretty lathargic from what I saw, and you can't half ass a 6 game road trip and just expect it to turn to success overnight. Wake up call, please? I think they will come around, but I don't think it's a lightswitch that you can turn off and on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Socks Posted May 10, 2004 Author Share Posted May 10, 2004 You guys are making my argument for sitting Konerko look jgood. If he is so bad in May, put him on the bench until Memorial Day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greg775 Posted May 10, 2004 Share Posted May 10, 2004 Rowand and Paulie are starting to make me doubt. But I still love Joe for his late-inning heroics and defense and I tip my cap to Harris thus far for his .300 average. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowand44 Posted May 10, 2004 Share Posted May 10, 2004 Rowand and Paulie are starting to make me doubt. But I still love Joe for his late-inning heroics and defense and I tip my cap to Harris thus far for his .300 average. I agree with everything you said. Maybe the sox biggest question mark coming in to the season is batting .301 right now, way to go willie but all the other bats have just fallen asleep. Also I never thought I'd say this, willie harris has a better obp right now then maggs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.