7/20 Game thread vs. Detroit

[CYGarland]

If that's true, which I tend to believe, tomorrows start against Clement won't be too pretty. Ozzie may want to consider benching Thomas in place of Everett for DH.

 

Gload certaintly isn't our savior, but this is why his presense is needed on this ballclub. On days where our offense faces tough RH starters, Gload could replace Konerko. Just one extra, quality LH bat would help.

The problem w/ that is that Everett has struggled against righties too, and Pk is actually better against righties than lefties. Truth is this whole team hits better vs. lefties except for PK. Too bad Gload can't play the outfield for s***.

Edited July 21, 2005 by CYGarland

[Gene Honda Civic]

Douglass was far from impressive. He may have shown superior location in previous starts, but what I observed was a pitcher missing his spots and hitters flailing away at crap in the dirt.

 

Honestly, he reminded me of a pitcher our organization would draft: low 90's fastball, low to mid 80's curveball. Except if he were sporting our jersey no team would be missing his meatballs.

 

Even Hawk, who's willing to conjure any excuse explaining a pitiful White Sox performance, thought our offense would hit Douglass hard unless he threw with pinpoint control. I didn't observe pinpoint control, but rather an offense confused by a soft-tossing pitcher with weak control and equally terrible 'stuff.'

What I saw from Douglass was a guy who 'got it.' Nothing he threw got more than a couple of inches above the knees. You say he threw in the dirt. That's what he does.

 

If you can pound the bottom of the zone with fastball, then throw an offspeed pitch from the same arm angle on the same plane as the fastball it's going to end up in the dirt, but halfway to the plate it looks like fastball low in the zone. There's not much you can do. Major leaque hitters are going to be swinging. -- You make mistakes low they don't go anywhere. You make mistakes up, there's runs on the board. Oh noes! he threw the ball in the dirt. Good for him. He knows how to pitch.

 

Douglass is now what McCarthy will be in a year or two when he starts putting it together.

[CWSGuy406]

Just got back from the game... Two major gripes.

 

First -- I forgot what inning it was, but Jermaine Dye and Aaron Rowand led off the inning and got on base. I believe that both walked -- I'm positive that Rowand walked, and I'm 90% sure that Dye walked too. Anyways, next batter is Chris Widger, and on the first f***ing pitch, he's bunting. I hate that. He took all the pressure off of Robertson by giving them that out (they got Dye out at third). At least, make him show you that he can hit the strike zone before conceding the out. Smartball, Ozzie? No, that's what we call "Dumbass-ball"...

 

Second -- why the heck did he send Garcia out there for the ninth? It was pretty clear to me from Section 554 in the UD that Garcia didn't have it, plus he was at 108 pitches, plus the hour long rain delay. Did he address it in his press conference? Because, in my mind, those were two extremely stupid managerial decisions made by Guillen.

[WSoxMatt]

I agree with point 1 but in defense when you have a guy who is not used to bunting, you want him to bunt an easy pitch and it was clear to me in the 3rd Row from section 100, it was an easy pitch to bunt, Pudge actually got out of the box faster than Widger.

 

Point 2... Cliff and Neil added to the fire. I agree Freddy was done but Cliff and Neal couldnt get outs either. I also say Pods needs to play vs lefties more... Crede is red hot for Crede, he should have played too. I honestly do not like the RH lineup vs the lefties!!

[WHarris1]

Just got back from the game...  Two major gripes.

 

First -- I forgot what inning it was, but Jermaine Dye and Aaron Rowand led off the inning and got on base.  I believe that both walked -- I'm positive that Rowand walked, and I'm 90% sure that Dye walked too.  Anyways, next batter is Chris Widger, and on the first f***ing pitch, he's bunting.  I hate that.  He took all the pressure off of Robertson by giving them that out (they got Dye out at third).  At least, make him show you that he can hit the strike zone before conceding the out.  Smartball, Ozzie?  No, that's what we call "Dumbass-ball"...

 

Second -- why the heck did he send Garcia out there for the ninth?  It was pretty clear to me from Section 554 in the UD that Garcia didn't have it, plus he was at 108 pitches, plus the hour long rain delay.  Did he address it in his press conference?  Because, in my mind, those were two extremely stupid managerial decisions made by Guillen.

If Widge got the bunt down the game was tied on Uribes hit

[CYGarland]

I agree with point 1 but in defense when you have a guy who is not used to bunting, you want him to bunt an easy pitch and it was clear to me in the 3rd Row from section 100, it was an easy pitch to bunt, Pudge actually got out of the box faster than Widger.

 

Point 2... Cliff and Neil added to the fire.  I agree Freddy was done but Cliff and Neal couldnt get outs either.  I also say Pods needs to play vs lefties more...  Crede is red hot for Crede, he should have played too.  I honestly do not like  the RH lineup vs the lefties!!

I agree w/ Pods playing against LH's, and If and when Gload comes back he should play for PK against lefties. Because PK has sucked vs. them all year, and Gload hits lefties fairly well, not to mention giving PK the day off. Plus having an all RH lineup vs a LH is great if he struggles against righties, but for Robertson that's not the case, hes actually better aginst RH's! Edited July 21, 2005 by CYGarland

[fathom]

Just got back from the game...  Two major gripes.

 

First -- I forgot what inning it was, but Jermaine Dye and Aaron Rowand led off the inning and got on base.  I believe that both walked -- I'm positive that Rowand walked, and I'm 90% sure that Dye walked too.  Anyways, next batter is Chris Widger, and on the first f***ing pitch, he's bunting.  I hate that.  He took all the pressure off of Robertson by giving them that out (they got Dye out at third).  At least, make him show you that he can hit the strike zone before conceding the out.  Smartball, Ozzie?  No, that's what we call "Dumbass-ball"...

 

 

Smallball isn't a good way to go at the Cell when the ball is flying out of the park. While we were busy trying to create one run at a time, the Tigers were busy hitting the ball all over the park. We've been flat at the beginning of almost all our home games over the last 2 weeks, and a big reason seems to be that we're just trying to create one run, instead of actually trying to give our pitchers some breathing room. Sure, it's great how Iguchi keeps getting Pods over. However, with the type of hitter Frank is now, it's in no way a guaranteed run if we have a guy on 3rd, and less than 2 outs with Frank up. I'd rather we stop taking the bat out of Iguchi's hands, and just let him go up to the plate and hit away. Don't get me started on Garcia pitching the 9th inning either. That's just idiotic in so many ways.

[fathom]

I agree w/ Pods playing against lefties, and If and when Gload comes back he should play for PK against lefties. Bcause PK has sucked vs. them all year, and Gload hits lefties fairly well, not to mention giving PK the day off. Plus having an all righty lineup vs lefties is great if the lefty struggles against righties, but for Robertson that's not the case, hes actually better aginst righties!

 

I can't stress this more, but I HATE how Pods has basically become a platoon player now. We didn't trade a tremendous offensive player in order to get a platoon player and a long reliever. Pods is the engine that makes this team go, and I don't see why we keep acting like he can't hit lefties.

[southsider2k5]

I can't stress this more, but I HATE how Pods has basically become a platoon player now.  We didn't trade a tremendous offensive player in order to get a platoon player and a long reliever.  Pods is the engine that makes this team go, and I don't see why we keep acting like he can't hit lefties.

 

And if you ignore the bigger picture of trying to get Carl Everett, Frank Thomas, and Jermaine Dye their ABs you never will get it.

[CYGarland]

Smallball isn't a good way to go at the Cell when the ball is flying out of the park.  While we were busy trying to create one run at a time, the Tigers were busy hitting the ball all over the park.  We've been flat at the beginning of almost all our home games over the last 2 weeks, and a big reason seems to be that we're just trying to create one run, instead of actually trying to give our pitchers some breathing room.  Sure, it's great how Iguchi keeps getting Pods over.  However, with the type of hitter Frank is now, it's in no way a guaranteed run if we have a guy on 3rd, and less than 2 outs with Frank up.  I'd rather we stop taking the bat out of Iguchi's hands, and just let him go up to the plate and hit away.  Don't get me started on Garcia pitching the 9th inning either.  That's just idiotic in so many ways.

You may be on to something here, small ball does not work as well at home as it does on the road, especially in the summer when the Ball is flying at USCF. Right now this team is better on the road, atl east until October when the weather gets cooler and the ball doesn't carry as much.

[fathom]

And if you ignore the bigger picture of trying to get Carl Everett, Frank Thomas, and Jermaine Dye their ABs you never will get it.

 

Why do it at the expense of the most important person in our lineup? Do you really think that we should be sitting Pods as much as we have against lefties?

[southsider2k5]

Why do it at the expense of the most important person in our lineup?  Do you really think that we should be sitting Pods as much as we have against lefties?

 

How do you get those 3 regular ABs without sacrificing Scott Pods against lefties?

 

Keep in mind, Dye has been our hottest bat over the last couple months, Carl Everett is second by 3 on the team in RBIs, and Frank Thomas needs to play almost everyday to get his swing back in order, plus he is the most famous player in White Sox history. Who do you play them against and how often?

[fathom]

How do you get those 3 regular ABs without sacrificing Scott Pods against lefties?

 

Keep in mind, Dye has been our hottest bat over the last couple months, Carl Everett is second by 3 on the team in RBIs, and Frank Thomas needs to play almost everyday to get his swing back in order, plus he is the most famous player in White Sox history.  Who do you play them against and how often?

 

Unless it's a pitcher that is lights-out against lefty batters (Randy Johnson for example), Pods should be in the line-up, no questions asked. How long do we keep putting Thomas in the 3 hole while he plummets towards the Mendoza line? Frank should be playing 4 out of every 7 games right now, as Everett is a better offensive threat (as well as brings more flexibility to the team). Dye seems to have cooled off also since the ASB. What should have happened is Thomas should have sat on the bench yesterday for a lefty DH (hell, even Timo), as well as Dye should have sat. Then, today, you don't play Everett, and you have Pods in LF, Dye in RF, and Thomas at the DH.

 

All I know is that I would love for the Sox to play teams who bench their catalyst as long as we pitch Buehrle against them.

[Soxman72]

I dont mind the outfield rotation and Widger playing now, but closer to the plaoffs Pods and A.J. better be in there against lefties. They have to see lefty pitching sooner or later and lets hope it is before the playoffs

[fathom]

I'll state what I said last night: Since when did the Sox clinch making the playoffs? We are absolutely not a lock to make the playoffs. We have a pretty tough schedule left this year, as well as a ton of games against the Twins. These last two Twins wins were their vintage 2nd half of the season wins, and they're always a threat to go on a huge run. The wild card teams will also be good, as you know the Yankees will make a move to improve their team.

[CYGarland]

Unless it's a pitcher that is lights-out against lefty batters (Randy Johnson for example), Pods should be in the line-up, no questions asked.  How long do we keep putting Thomas in the 3 hole while he plummets towards the Mendoza line?  Frank should be playing 4 out of every 7 games right now, as Everett is a better offensive threat (as well as brings more flexibility to the team).  Dye seems to have cooled off also since the ASB.  What should have happened is Thomas should have sat on the bench yesterday for a lefty DH (hell, even Timo), as well as Dye should have sat.  Then, today, you don't play Everett, and you have Pods in LF, Dye in RF, and Thomas at the DH.  

 

All I know is that I would love for the Sox to play teams who bench their catalyst as long as we pitch Buehrle against them.

I don't think Frank should be sitting out THAT much, once or twice a week at the MOST. We need Frank's bat in the lineup, he just needs some more time to get his swing straightened out, don't forget he missed a year, and we are still up by 11 games. If he doesn't start hitting soon, then maybe you make that change, but for now leave him in there. If anything, Everett should be hitting for Dye against tough righties, and for Pods against tough lefties, and Dh once a week. We need Frank's presence in the lineup, he will turn it on again. Trust me

Edited July 21, 2005 by CYGarland

[Soxman72]

I didnt say the Sox were in, but I trust Ozzie and he has proved that you have to keep the bench fresh. In order to keep the "Chemistry" Carl needs his abs. I can not see Carl sitting for a week so Pods can play everyday. If you ask Dye to sit down most of the time you are taking away our best outfield arm. Rowand is a good defensive player and he as well needs his abs. To keep people happy and fresh you have to keep the outfield rotation for now.

 

I hate it when Pods isnt playing, but it has worked so far.

Edited July 21, 2005 by Soxman72

[CWSGuy406]

If Widge got the bunt down the game was tied on Uribes hit

 

That's not the point. You take all the pressure off the pitcher by giving him an out. Plus, it's Chris Widger at the plate. In an ideal world, everyone can put down a bunt. But I didn't expect our backup catcher who plays once (or twice) a week to be able to lay down a perfect bunt.

 

And, Widge didn't get the bunt down. So....

[SouthSidePride05]

Was today kid's day at the park? I swear, there were more 8 year olds in attendance than adults. Busloads and busloads of annoying little kids all dressed up in the same colored shirts.. half of the UD were blue shirts, the other half yellow shirts, the kids in front of me were all decked out in purple and trying to entertain each other and didnt' know which way the field was. Ughh! With the "After Hours" Summer Camp in front of me, and the socialites who couldn't name 2 Sox players in back of me, I was honestly thinking to myself, I wonder if my friends and I are the only ones here in this stadium who knows what the heck is going on.

 

I've been to a handful of games this year, and it seems like this is becoming more and more common. I realize it comes with the territory; all the bandwagoners finding their way over to the ballpark, but still, I don't remember this much cluelessness (not talking about the 8 year olds ) back in 2000, or any other year. And there seems to be more Cubs hats at the games this year. I also noticed a bunch of Red Sox hats, probably just in town for the upcoming series. I'm not usually negative and easily irritated, but today was not a good day at the park. I used to always have a blast going to US Cellular.. the fans were knowledgable and I'd always have intelligent baseball conversations with someone.. and the crowds were great. Hopefully this was just one horrible experience, but it's inevitable.. here come the bandwagoners. :puke

 

Can't wait to go to my next game. I need this memory to fade quickly!

Edited July 21, 2005 by SouthSidePride05

[CYGarland]

Was today kid's day at the park?  I swear, there were more 8 year olds in attendance than adults.  Busloads and busloads of annoying little kids all dressed up in the same colored shirts.. half of the UD were blue shirts, the other half yellow shirts, the kids in front of me were all decked out in purple and trying to entertain each other and didnt' know which way the field was.  Ughh!  With the "After Hours" Summer Camp in front of me, and the socialites who couldn't name 2 Sox players in back of me, I was honestly thinking to myself, I wonder if my friends and I are the only ones here in this stadium who knows what the heck is going on. 

 

I've been to a handful of games this year, and it seems like this is becoming more and more common.  I realize it comes with the territory; all the bandwagoners finding their way over to the ballpark, but still, I don't remember this much cluelessness (not talking about the 8 year olds  ) back in 2000, or any other year.  And there seems to be more Cubs hats at the games this year.  I also noticed a bunch of Red Sox hats, probably just in town for the upcoming series.  I'm not usually negative and easily irritated, but today was not a good day at the park.  I used to always have a blast going to US Cellular.. the fans were knowledgable and I'd always have intelligent baseball conversations with someone.. and the crowds were great.  Hopefully this was just one horrible experience, but it's inevitable.. here come the bandwagoners.  :puke

 

Can't wait to go to my next game.  I need this memory to fade quickly!

i though it was strange we had a sellout on a wednesday afternoon against the Tigers.

[WSoxMatt]

Today was Illinois Park and Recreation Assoc Day, 85% of the UD and alot of the RF seats were day camps!!!