British Fan with a question

[DePloderer]

Hi all

 

On the back of subscribing to the North American Sports Network so as to follow NASCAR last summer, I started to watch the baseball coverage, (only to get my moneys worth!) and amazingly got hooked on the sport within days. I had complete free reign as to who to support, I chose the White Sox because the Bristol White Sox were the nearest team to where my father in law lives in Virginia and so believed them to be my local(?) team.

When I started to follow them they were leading the division by quite a way, they then proceeded to lose, lose and lose. So apoligies to you all but the mid season slump last year was all my fault!

Now my questions; Having never seen Frank Thomas play, how good is he realy and who will make way if and when he returns?

Finaly, is our current form the norm or are we in dreamworld and what is the chance of us winning something this season?

 

Regards from the UK

 

Deploderer

[Gene Honda Civic]

Bristol is the rookie league affiliate for the White Sox organization. Players there are generally 4 or more years away from the majors, if they make it at all.

 

10 years ago Frank Thomas was the most feared hitter in baseball. He's still an elite player when healthy, but I don't know if we're ever going to see a completely healthy Frank Thomas.

 

Last years demise was largely due to not having our two best hitters on the field at the same time after about this time last season. Nobody here is going to blame you.

 

Our current team is playing over their heads. Nobody plays .750 baseball. But the team is well placed for a run deep into the postseason. They could easily play .600 ball the rest of the way and wind up with the best record a White Sox team has had in 20+ years.

[UofIChiSox]

Thomas was the best player in baseball in the early 90s until the baseball strike of 1994. You can make arguments for Ken Griffey back then too, but he was unstoppable. Since then, Thomas has been hurt on and off and never quite the same, though he had his best season statistically in 2000 with 43 HR and 143 RBIs. He's getting up there, and nobody knows how well he'll be able to come back. He probably won't hit for the average that he has over his career, but should still be able to put up decent HR numbers. He also still walks a lot and will get on base a lot, which in my eyes will be the biggest lift when he returns. But after being out so long and being up there in age, nobody really knows how good he'll be when he returns.

 

As for the historical norm, our team is obviously playing above where we have in the past. I don't see us keeping our winning percentage up close to 75%, but we should be able to stay right with Minnesota, and hopefully hold on to our lead.

 

Everybody has a chance of winning something. I think it's way to early to speculate on that, but I think we should make the playoffs, and from there anything can happen.

[UofIChiSox]

Bristol is the rookie league affiliate for the White Sox organization.  Players there are generally 4 or more years away from the majors, if they make it at all.

 

10 years ago Frank Thomas was the most feared hitter in baseball.  He's still an elite player when healthy, but I don't know if we're ever going to see a completely healthy Frank Thomas.

 

Last years demise was largely due to not having our two best hitters on the field at the same time after about this time last season. Nobody here is going to blame you.

 

Our current team is playing over their heads. Nobody plays .750 baseball.  But the team is well placed for a run deep into the postseason. They could easily play .600 ball the rest of the way and wind up with the best record a White Sox team has had in 20+ years.

 

You said the same thing as me but typed faster!!

[witesoxfan]

Hi all

 

On the back of subscribing to the North American Sports Network so as to follow NASCAR last summer, I started to watch the baseball coverage, (only to get my moneys worth!) and amazingly got hooked on the sport within days. I had complete free reign as to who to support, I chose the White Sox because the Bristol White Sox were the nearest team to where my father in law lives in Virginia and so believed them to be my local(?) team.

When I started to follow them they were leading the division by quite a way, they then proceeded to lose, lose and lose. So apoligies to you all but the mid season slump last year was all my fault!

Now my questions; Having never seen Frank Thomas play, how good is he realy and who will make way if and when he returns?

Finaly, is our current form the norm or are we in dreamworld and what is the chance of us winning something this season?

 

Regards from the UK

 

Deploderer

 

Thomas is not what he once was, but as far as just pure offense is concerned, he is still probably the best on the Sox. He'll probably hit in the .260-.270 range in his return, as he is getting readjusted, but his OBP will still probably in the .400 range(which is very good), and his SLG% will be around .500, meaning he is getting a lot of hits that go for extra bases, which will be bringing in a lot of runners that are already on base.

 

In the 4 months he will probably play, he will probably put up something around .265 20 60 .900, which is very solid for 4 months.

 

This dreamworld of us being on pace to win about 120 games will probably slow down a little, but this team is very much for real. 5 very solid starters in the rotation, all of which should continue at a similar pace that they are currently on, and the bullpen could improve in all reality if Marte can get some control, Vizcaino can figure s*** out, and Shingo can do both of what Marte and Viz need to do. If that happens, the pen will be dangerous as it is. The offense should also get better, especially when Thomas gets back.

[DePloderer]

Cheers Fellas, thanks for the info and insight.

[longshot7]

I have little to add to all that - but welcome!! and what part of the UK are you from?

 

As to Thomas - he was the MVP in 1993 & 1994, and qiute simply one of the best players in the game at that time. There were many who believed that if he kept up his pace, he would mentioned in the same breath as DiMaggio, Mantle, and Williams. He kept up that pace until 1998 when for the first time. he saw a dramatic drop in production. He was slightly better in 1999, came back and had an MVP-caliber season in 2000, and then proceeded to get hurt in 2001. 2002 & 03 saw a relatively healthy Thomas, and his power numbers were there for the most part, but his average (when was always his strongest suit) suffered.

 

When healthy, he is a major difference-maker - a potential MVP. The operative words here, of course, are WHEN HEALTHY. He could be an enormous boost akin to picking up a major star at the all-star break, or he could have production problems and be no better than whoever he replaces.

 

Who he'll replace is up for discussion, at least at this point. Either Everett or Dye are the most likely - but if Dye sits, then Carl plays RF and his defense is very suspect at this point. My guess is regardless of feelings or salary, Ozzie will play the hottest hand and go for the best matchups.

 

I think we have a great chance this year - but we'll see where we are three months from now when the slumps happen (and they will.)

[ptatc]

Cheers Fellas, thanks for the info and insight.

 

Welcome aboard!!!!

 

now for the important question: What is your favorite beer?

[gettysburg32]

First of all, welcome (as both a Sox fan and to this website).

 

About Frank Thomas, he's a definite Hall of Fame player for his career as a whole, but he's now a good cry from his prime (if you go back during the first 8-9 years of his career he was the best hitter in baseball for that span). In his prime, Thomas had the rare combination of being one of the best power hitters in the league, along with being one of the smartest and most patient hitters in the league.

 

That being said, he'll still be a big addition to the lineup when he comes back, he'll still be the normal DH and the normal 3rd place hitter. If he was playing a full season, he'd still go for about 30-35 home runs and around 100 RBI. The biggest difference between the present day and the Thomas of 4+ years ago is his batting average, his strikeout totals, and of course, more injuries. Most important though will hopefully be his experience in clutch situations come August and September when we're battling the Twins for the division.

 

For the everyday lineup, and how Frank's return will change that, there are many other threads around this board about that very problem. But I'll do my best to sum it up.

 

The main problem is that Carl Everett, our current DH, is a poor defensive outfielder. We still need his bat in the lineup on a regular basis though, so if you assume Frank will play most of the games at DH, Carl will probably end up in LF or RF most games, and that is an adventure, or disaster, waiting to happen. There's little doubt Podsednik and Rowand will remain in there current roles, so Jermaine Dye will probably be the guy that loses the most playing time, especially if his offense doesn't pick up over the next month or so. The downside is that 1. Dye could wake up offensively, and then the decision becomes much tougher, and 2. Dye is much more consistent in the outfield then Everett is.

 

There are other some other variations, such trying to trade Dye or Everett (or even Thomas), such as Rowand maybe not getting quite as much playing time, or such as Thomas playing some first base too (but that's a bigger dilemma then having Everett in the outfield), but personally above is my best guess.

 

On your second question, 26-9 is an unusual pace for any baseball team, even each year's very best teams usually end up winning right around 65% of their regular season games. Realistically speaking, this current form is unsustainable for an entire season. If the Sox kept up this record, they'd finish 122-40, which (I'm not sure, so someone correct me if I'm wrong) is at least very close to an all-time record. If the Sox end up with 95 wins they have about a 90% chance of winning the division, if they get to 100 or more wins, that's a phenomenal season and definitely a great accomplishment.

 

So basically, starting the season 26-9 is a bit of a dreamworld, but the overall way the team is playing still gives us (most of us anyway) a lot of optimism and reason to think the year can be something special. Certainly the division title seems attainable right now, and beyond that, no one can really predict. But, when talking baseball, and this is always a huge BUT, there are still 4 1/2 months in the regular season, and nearly 130 games to go. So there's a very long road still to go.

[DePloderer]

now for the important question: What is your favorite beer?

 

I'm from Leeds, which means I'm a NORTHERNER.

As to which beer I prefer, well I've been drinking for 30+ years and do you know I just can't decide, I've sampled loads and loads and loads and loads but just can't make my mind up, I'll have to keep trying, maybe I should start on the largers befor I make a choice. The more I think about it I suppose I prefer FREE beer above all.

Edited May 13, 2005 by DePloderer

[YASNY]

now for the important question: What is your favorite beer?

 

I'm from Leeds, which means I'm a NORTHERNER.

As to which beer I prefer, well I've been drinking for 30+ years and do you know I just can't decide, I've sampled loads and loads and loads and loads but just can't make my mind up, I'll have to keep trying, maybe I should start on the largers befor I make a choice. The more I think about it I suppose I prefer FREE beer above all.

 

You definitely sound like a Sox fan. Welcome to the board.

[DBAHO]

Welcome aboard. Always good to have another international Sox fan on the boards like myself.

 

OT: I'm assuming you're a Leeds United Supporter. Probably not too happy with the way they went this season

 

Back on topic - Everyone's pretty much summed it up already. But I think one aspect you have too look at with Thomas's return is Paul Konerko. Having Frank bat ahead of Paulie will give him more protection, and Paulie will have more RBI oppurtunities, although he is getting his fair share now anyways.

[mrzo2733]

now for the important question: What is your favorite beer?

 

I'm from Leeds, which means I'm a NORTHERNER.

As to which beer I prefer, well I've been drinking for 30+ years and do you know I just can't decide, I've sampled loads and loads and loads and loads but just can't make my mind up, I'll have to keep trying, maybe I should start on the largers befor I make a choice. The more I think about it I suppose I prefer FREE beer above all.

 

I have to ask, are you a fellow rugger, you sure sound like it with that answer. That was so money.

[mrzo2733]

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am no longer a draft pick. Movin on up.

[DePloderer]

OT: I'm assuming you're a Leeds United Supporter. Probably not too happy with the way they went this season

 

I have to ask, are you a fellow rugger, you sure sound like it with that answer. That was so money.

 

OT Yes sadly I am a life long Leeds United supporter, it's been a very sad few years. To those of you not in the know, football (soccer?) teams can get relegated from the major leagues if they are not good enough...............and sadly, last season Leeds were not, we are now playing in our equivalent of the AAA league. However we WILL be back.

Leeds United are also one of the reasons I chose to follow the White Sox last year, as I follow a losing team at home I wanted to follow the most winningest (?) team in baseball and flirted with the Yankees for a couple of days befor realizing that they had links with Manchester United, better known as the Spawn of the Devil, our local grudge team!

 

Although I used to play Rugby when younger, I never enjoyed watching it, wrong shaped ball, definatley not an egg chaser!

 

Back on topic; am I right in thinking that the Cubs are the team that get up our noses most? I'm realy looking forward to Fridays game as I'll be able to see it live without having to go without sleep. Games are usualy on in the early hours here.

 

One quibble I have with regard to Baseball is; Why is it called the World Series, when only American teams can win it? My understanding of a world chmpionship is that includes teams from around the world , i.e. Football, Cricket, Athletics etc. To an outsider it can seem a bit like stereotipical American over hype. This is not a major critisism, Baseball is a glorious game, it's just something I and my countryfolk wonder about.

[DBAHO]

OT: I'm assuming you're a Leeds United Supporter. Probably not too happy with the way they went this season

 

I have to ask, are you a fellow rugger, you sure sound like it with that answer. That was so money.

 

OT Yes sadly I am a life long Leeds United supporter, it's been a very sad few years. To those of you not in the know, football (soccer?) teams can get relegated from the major leagues if they are not good enough...............and sadly, last season Leeds were not, we are now playing in our equivalent of the AAA league. However we WILL be back.

Leeds United are also one of the reasons I chose to follow the White Sox last year, as I follow a losing team at home I wanted to follow the most winningest (?) team in baseball and flirted with the Yankees for a couple of days befor realizing that they had links with Manchester United, better known as the Spawn of the Devil, our local grudge team!

 

Although I used to play Rugby when younger, I never enjoyed watching it, wrong shaped ball, definatley not an egg chaser!

 

Back on topic; am I right in thinking that the Cubs are the team that get up our noses most? I'm realy looking forward to Fridays game as I'll be able to see it live without having to go without sleep. Games are usualy on in the early hours here.

 

One quibble I have with regard to Baseball is; Why is it called the World Series, when only American teams can win it? My understanding of a world chmpionship is that includes teams from around the world , i.e. Football, Cricket, Athletics etc. To an outsider it can seem a bit like stereotipical American over hype. This is not a major critisism, Baseball is a glorious game, it's just something I and my countryfolk wonder about.

I'm a big West Ham supporter myself and we're taking on Ipswich tonight in the playoffs, so it's a big game there.

 

Yes the Cubbies probably do get up our noses the most, well for all of the Chicago people anyways. Personally I can't stand the Yankees. They have a payroll about 8 times the size of a team like Pittsburgh, and they're below .500. How ironic. Our main division rivals are the Minnesota Twins and they've won the division for 4 years in a row. They're pretty much the model way to run a franchise. They have a lower payroll than us, but they have some great young players in Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, which allows them to spend on other needs, they have a great farm system and they always seem to be able to fill a hole when they need to.

 

The World Series thing would probably be because there's no other equivalent league to the MLB around the world, so hence the Americans would call it the World Series, since the best players and teams are playing. I suppose Baseball would be a lot like Cricket, if you were to compare it with another sport.

[GIOin08]

Funny you say that about the "world series"... last week a true world cup was formed with the plan to have 16 countries play. Similiar format to "football's" world cup. It will start in march of 06, and i bet the us won't win. I do think the us "soccer" team will do well though. I am going to the game against England May 28th in chicago. Rooney and Beckham aren't playing, but i believe a good share of the starters will be there.

 

Watch for next weekend when the Sox play the Cubs at Wrigley. This series is very important for Sox fans.

[Credepopsup]

I'm from Leeds, which means I'm a NORTHERNER.

 

Welcome to Soxtalk, fellow Englander, from a "soft, southern, shandy drinking, poofter"...

 

... I think that's what we're known as in your part of the world. Although putting a few more expletives in there would be probably make it more accurate.

 

[The Critic]

Welcome DeLoderer!!

 

I will add that in his prime, Frank Thomas was a "drop what you're doing" player - when he was at bat, you simply HAD to watch him.

 

While the Cubs sadly draw most of the ire of some Sox fans, the Twins are the ones who bother me the most right now, because they've won the AL Central the past few years.

 

Enjoy your time here and POST OFTEN!!!!

( but not as often as Southsider 2K5, the site couldn't handle TWO people posting that much....hahaaaaaaaa..... )

[southsider17]

Last years demise was largely due to not having our two best hitters on the field at the same time after about this time last season. Nobody here is going to blame you.

 

 

I think it had more to do with our pitching going in the tank.

[YASNY]

"Spawn of the Devil" linked up the "Evil Empire". There's irony for you!

[1549]

Meeting someone who has just gotten into baseball is pretty exciting.

 

I have only been to the UK once, but I loved it and hope to return many times.

 

Nice call on avoiding the Yankees! Sometimes Manchester United has their games televised on the YES Network (the yankees television station), so screw manchester!

[DBAHO]

Meeting someone who has just gotten into baseball is pretty exciting.

 

I have only been to the UK once, but I loved it and hope to return many times.

 

Nice call on avoiding the Yankees!  Sometimes Manchester United has their games televised on the YES Network (the yankees television station), so screw manchester!

OT again: I wonder what's going to happen with Manchester United now that the resident gay guy Malcolm Glazer bought the controlling share of the club.

[UofIChiSox]

OT again: I wonder what's going to happen with Manchester United now that the resident gay guy Malcolm Glazer bought the controlling share of the club.

 

Pink and Purple uniforms?

[Rex Kickass]

Not so much the Cubs themselves as much as Cubs fans. There's a built in rivalry because Chicago shares two teams... to be honest, during the season - the Indians and the Twins piss me off the most because they're the two teams in our division that we have to contend with. There's only seven games a year with the National League that really matter and something tells me that this year, we won't have to worry about the Cubs being there.