Would somebody explain something to me??

[jackie hayes]

Exactly what I was thinking, and people forget that. Our #5 from 2005 finished the season 9-9, 5.12. And we had the best starting staff in baseball (or very close). As long as Floyd or whomever can do that and stay healthy, I'm not overly concerned about that 5th slot.

You're conveniently forgetting the other part of the #5 slot. And you're sure the rest of the staff'll match the rest of the 2005 staff?

[WHITESOXRANDY]

QUOTE(jackie hayes @ Feb 20, 2007 -> 12:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You're conveniently forgetting the other part of the #5 slot. And you're sure the rest of the staff'll match the rest of the 2005 staff?

 

 

Yes. All of the other circumstances are exactly the same as 2005. Even the Tigers are exactly the same team as 2005 so all the 2007 fifth starter has to do is be better than El Duque was and presto chango we have another World Championship.

 

It would be nice if it worked that way.

[Vance Law]

Yes. All of the other circumstances are exactly the same as 2005.

 

No, they're not all the same. We have a much better offense now.

[NorthSideSox72]

You're conveniently forgetting the other part of the #5 slot. And you're sure the rest of the staff'll match the rest of the 2005 staff?

Not sure of anything, and I said nothing of the sort. I'm saying that having a weak spot there isn't a death sentence to the Sox' competitiveness. As for McCarthy's 4 starts, those were great, and better than anyone could have anticipated. Maybe something similar happens this year, maybe not. But it seems likely the starters will improve.

 

And as Mr. Law points out, our offense is far better than 2005's, even if Pods, Uribe and Anderson don't improve over 2006.

 

Therefore, as I said, I'm not overly worried about that slot.

[witesoxfan]

After last year's debacle by our pitchers, a 5.12 ERA from an unproven starter seems like a longshot. I'm stunned that people have such high hopes for Floyd. I'd be surprised if he put up a 5.12 ERA or better in AAA. Haeger is our best chance at being a decent 5th starter, and even that doesn't seem overly likely.

 

I don't really understand how figuring he'll put up a 5.50 ERA is high hopes.

 

And I really don't think Haeger has any chance of being a decent 5th starter if he doesn't have control, and even with control, he'll probably put up 4th starter numbers at best. With all the starting depth in the minors, I would have guessed Haeger would have been gone, but I would venture to bet that's how little trade value he actually has. A knuckler whose ERA was over 5 after being demoted last year is just not valuable. I'm just not sure how he can be successful in the majors.

 

I honestly would not be surprised to see him traded this spring to a team that has a need for an innings eater.

[elrockinMT]

I'm not worried at all when I look at the DP combo of Fox and Aparicio and Early Wynn, Gary Peters, Joel Horlen & Lamar Hoyt anchoring the starting staff... wait a minute now where am I?

 

The 2007 Sox will be just fine plus everyone is 0-0 and tied right now anyway

[soxfan3530]

The 2007 Sox will be just fine plus everyone is 0-0 and tied right now anyway

 

thank you. there is no reason to "panic" before the season even starts. there are people on this board who think the sox can do no wrong and every flaw will be filled and there are people on this board who think the end of the world is coming and every flaw will end up being the worst possible scenario. calm down everyone and embrance the boys of summer for what they are right now. A baseball team that hasnt even reported to spring training yet!

[zygoat]

very well written

[jackie hayes]

Not sure of anything, and I said nothing of the sort. I'm saying that having a weak spot there isn't a death sentence to the Sox' competitiveness. As for McCarthy's 4 starts, those were great, and better than anyone could have anticipated. Maybe something similar happens this year, maybe not. But it seems likely the starters will improve.

 

And as Mr. Law points out, our offense is far better than 2005's, even if Pods, Uribe and Anderson don't improve over 2006.

 

Therefore, as I said, I'm not overly worried about that slot.

Who called it a "death sentence"?

 

McCarthy and El Duque combined for 32 starts (McCarthy had 10 starts, 4 decisions), with an 4.90 era. You say, "As long as Floyd or whomever can do that..." Our rotation showed last year that it's not such an easy thing to do. And that line was from 2005, when the rest of our pitching was absurdly good. Even though the offense now is better than 2005, it's not enough to make up the difference. The team ERA+ that year was 123, comparable to that of the mid-1990s Braves teams. Last year it was down to 101, basically league average. Our offense went from a little below average to just slightly above average. And we don't figure to go well beyond that, considering the monster year from Dye, the relative health of the team, the lack of any breakout candidates. We need that 5th spot to produce, or we won't be in the playoffs. Now if Thornton can succeed, maybe Floyd can, too. But how someone can look at his performance and not be concerned, I don't understand.

Edited February 20, 2007 by jackie hayes

[elrockinMT]

thank you. there is no reason to "panic" before the season even starts. there are people on this board who think the sox can do no wrong and every flaw will be filled and there are people on this board who think the end of the world is coming and every flaw will end up being the worst possible scenario. calm down everyone and embrance the boys of summer for what they are right now. A baseball team that hasnt even reported to spring training yet!

 

 

That's exactly what Spring Training is all about. More than anything it's just to get in shape, go through the drills and take a look at prospects. You get ready for opening day and 162 game schedule. I think we will be right up there with anyone elese and have a real good chance of taking it again.

[rpmahr]

anything could happen...did anyone ever think that loaiza would be a cy young contender...b-anderson could win mvp for all we know (not likely) but it could happen...there is not much to stay about this team other than that they are contenders for the division and possible world series contenders depending on injuries, team chemistry, and performance

[witesoxfan]

anything could happen...did anyone ever think that loaiza would be a cy young contender...b-anderson could win mvp for all we know (not likely) but it could happen...there is not much to stay about this team other than that they are contenders for the division and possible world series contenders depending on injuries, team chemistry, and performance

 

That is the same about every team in the league. If you stay healthy, team chemistry is good, and the players perform to their fullest capabilities, x team is winning a lot of games, I don't care whether they are from Kansas City or New York.

[WHITESOXRANDY]

This team, based on talent, should be considered among the top 5 or so in baseball right now. However, that alone, as we saw last year does not guarantee a playoff spot.

 

My fear is that, like last year, this team will fall just short. Before last season I was shocked about the state of the bullpen and I hated the Vazquez trade. Those turned out to be 2 of the key reasons for missing the playoffs.

 

This year, I feel it's the 5th starter spot and the fact that we are not strong at 2 of the 3 outfield spots. If we had Brandon for the 5th spot and Kenny had added an outfielder such as a Baldelli for example - then I would be very confident about the 2007 season.

 

Although those 2 things would not be a guarantee of anything. This year could still turn into a W.S. season but I'm not confident about a playoff spot at the moment for those reasons.