Reed hits AJ

[witesoxfan]

Well all I have to say to this is that if I owned a pet store and someone came in and said "I'm Alpha Dog from SoxTalk & I liked seeing AJ getting drilled" then I'd only let you in the door if I really needed the business & I'd watch you like a hawk around the puppies.

 

What if it was a China shop?

[The Ultimate Champion]

What if it was a China shop?

I'd try to sell him as much as possible, because if you take it home & break it then you have to come back and buy more, and that's good. Breaking puppies OTOH = bad.

 

Also, with a china shop there is the insurance factor, a factor which I might try to capitalize on by allowing destructive people into the store on frequent occasion while the security cameras are rolling. This is something that BTW I am surprised the Sox are not capitalizing on re: Dunn's contract. If I'm JR I'm getting the best people out of the Pirates FO and having Dunn doing all kinds of crazy pre-game work-outs, like rock climbing, bungee jumping off the Fundamentals deck to increase flexibility to help him play 1B, etc. That way if he gets hurt you get some of that money back & you can plug another automatic out into the line-up, but instead of Dunn maybe it's someone from Triple A who Lillian really likes because he's a 29-year-old journeyman tearing the cover off the ball. Or something like that.

[witesoxfan]

I'd try to sell him as much as possible, because if you take it home & break it then you have to come back and buy more, and that's good. Breaking puppies OTOH = bad.

 

Also, with a china shop there is the insurance factor, a factor which I might try to capitalize on by allowing destructive people into the store on frequent occasion while the security cameras are rolling. This is something that BTW I am surprised the Sox are not capitalizing on re: Dunn's contract. If I'm JR I'm getting the best people out of the Pirates FO and having Dunn doing all kinds of crazy pre-game work-outs, like rock climbing, bungee jumping off the Fundamentals deck to increase flexibility to help him play 1B, etc. That way if he gets hurt you get some of that money back & you can plug another automatic out into the line-up, but instead of Dunn maybe it's someone from Triple A who Lillian really likes because he's a 29-year-old journeyman tearing the cover off the ball. Or something like that.

 

Do you think doing macaroni pictures would also be included in crazy pre-game workouts, ie finger dexterity. I believe Dunn is a great macaroni picture maker when you can prevent him from eating the raw macaroni noodles.

[greg775]

Without AJ we're down 0-2 to the Angels going back to SoCal in the ALCS. Without AJ our pitchers may not have thrown almost 5 complete games in a row.

 

sit down.

Yes sir! Nice reminder!

 

Wow. So quick to turn on the guy. AJ does what he can to help his team - if he stuck his elbow out to get on base, so be it. No big f***ing deal. The guy rocks.

 

Man, I wish we had more guys like AJ on the Sox team. Now and in past seasons. He's truly the only guy (I can think of) that has done noticeable things (like the dropped third strike against the Angels, running to first exactly when he did; purposely getting hit to get on base) just to help the team win. I'm sure there are others but with AJ, you can just see how much he wants to win.

Who gives a f*** if he's an asshole in the clubhouse or in bars? There are plenty of those type guys in baseball. I think the Sox need more of those type guys.

[witesoxfan]

Yes sir! Nice reminder!

 

 

 

Man, I wish we had more guys like AJ on the Sox team. Now and in past seasons. He's truly the only guy (I can think of) that has done noticeable things (like the dropped third strike against the Angels, running to first exactly when he did; purposely getting hit to get on base) just to help the team win. I'm sure there are others but with AJ, you can just see how much he wants to win.

Who gives a f*** if he's an asshole in the clubhouse or in bars? There are plenty of those type guys in baseball. I think the Sox need more of those type guys.

 

Forget assuming that they want to win. These guys, these men, who have played this game their entire careers, whose paychecks and happiness are determined by whether or not they win games, who only take 21 days off of going into work over 7-8 month period of time, who have spent their entire lives playing this game to reach the pinnacle. Forget assuming they want to win. WE WANT TO SEE THEM WANT TO WIN.

 

As if you can see that someone wants to win. I saw Paul Konerko want to win in game 2 of the World Series in 2005, I saw Scott Podsednik want to win in game 2 of the World Series, I saw Freddy Garcia want to win in game 4, I saw Juan Uribe want to win in game 4. I saw Jim Thome and John Danks want to win in 2008. I SAW BRIAN f***ING ANDERSON want to win in 2008.

 

No, when these guys lose, it's not because the other guys had more talent, or they were worn down, or plagued by injuries, or mismanaged, IT'S BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T SHOW THAT THEY WANTED TO WIN.

 

(kinda like when AJ Pierzynski was watching the U of Florida football game after a game at Fenway park in 2009 in which the Sox got destroyed, a streak in which the Sox went like 2-8 and completely ruined their chances at winning a division title)

[greg775]

Forget assuming that they want to win. These guys, these men, who have played this game their entire careers, whose paychecks and happiness are determined by whether or not they win games, who only take 21 days off of going into work over 7-8 month period of time, who have spent their entire lives playing this game to reach the pinnacle. Forget assuming they want to win. WE WANT TO SEE THEM WANT TO WIN.

 

As if you can see that someone wants to win. I saw Paul Konerko want to win in game 2 of the World Series in 2005, I saw Scott Podsednik want to win in game 2 of the World Series, I saw Freddy Garcia want to win in game 4, I saw Juan Uribe want to win in game 4. I saw Jim Thome and John Danks want to win in 2008. I SAW BRIAN f***ING ANDERSON want to win in 2008.

 

No, when these guys lose, it's not because the other guys had more talent, or they were worn down, or plagued by injuries, or mismanaged, IT'S BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T SHOW THAT THEY WANTED TO WIN.

 

(kinda like when AJ Pierzynski was watching the U of Florida football game after a game at Fenway park in 2009 in which the Sox got destroyed, a streak in which the Sox went like 2-8 and completely ruined their chances at winning a division title)

 

I got no problem with AJ watching that game on TV. s***, he coulda been racing back to the hotel to watch porn or race back to the hotel bar. He was in the clubhouse doing what he wanted to do after a game. I don't care about an incident like that. I just would prefer to have some real baseball players like AJ on my favorite team. Name players who can back it up.

Edited May 2, 2013 by greg775

[flavum]

AJ is in the lineup tonight.

[witesoxfan]

I got no problem with AJ watching that game on TV. s***, he coulda been racing back to the hotel to watch porn or race back to the hotel bar. He was in the clubhouse doing what he wanted to do after a game. I don't care about an incident like that. I just would prefer to have some real baseball players like AJ on my favorite team. Name players who can back it up.

 

I know Ozzie wasn't happy about it. Ozzie basically called them POS's and said that they didn't care that they were falling out of the race. I think she Sox traded Thome and Contreras the next night.

[The Ginger Kid]

Anyone seeing how MLB network is making a big deal of this? They've given it a graphic title, "TURMOIL IN TEXAS!"

 

Is this game airing on MLB tonight?

[TaylorStSox]

AJ is in the lineup tonight.

At least we know that if there's a brawl, AJ won't fight back. He'll start it and run.

[South Side Fireworks Man]

At least we know that if there's a brawl, AJ won't fight back. He'll start it and run.

When did he ever do that? If you are referring to the Barrett incident, let me refresh your memory. Barrett was blocking the plate. AJ bowled him over with a clean hit on a clean play - no cheap shot. Barrett got up and sucker punched AJ in the jaw. AJ took Barrett's best shot and hardly flinched. Both benches cleared but AJ wisely did not retaliate. For one Barret's punch didn't even phase him, and for two the Sox were in a pennant race and couldn't afford to lose AJ to a long suspension. Even though AJ did absolutely nothing wrong he still got a one game suspension. Of course Cubs fans were happy and rumour has it someone in the Sox front office "lost respect for AJ" for not being stupid enough to retaliate.

 

That's an example of some people not appreciating AJ.

[southsider2k5]

At least we know that if there's a brawl, AJ won't fight back. He'll start it and run.

 

Or at least find someone to "hold him back"

[TaylorStSox]

When did he ever do that? If you are referring to the Barrett incident, let me refresh your memory. Barrett was blocking the plate. AJ bowled him over with a clean hit on a clean play - no cheap shot. Barrett got up and sucker punched AJ in the jaw. AJ took Barrett's best shot and hardly flinched. Both benches cleared but AJ wisely did not retaliate. For one Barret's punch didn't even phase him, and for two the Sox were in a pennant race and couldn't afford to lose AJ to a long suspension. Even though AJ did absolutely nothing wrong he still got a one game suspension. Of course Cubs fans were happy and rumour has it someone in the Sox front office "lost respect for AJ" for not being stupid enough to retaliate.

 

That's an example of some people not appreciating AJ.

You really need to lighten up.

[South Side Fireworks Man]

You really need to lighten up.

I just find the cheap shots some are taking at AJ here telling.

[Dick Allen]

One example of this board not being fair to AJ was when those PED rumors popped up last year. Many here wanted them to be true. Said they had to be true. These same people wanted AJ replaced by Flowers, a guy who actually was suspended for PEDs.

[southsider2k5]

I just find the cheap shots some are taking at AJ here telling.

 

As opposed to all of the cheap shots you keep doling out?

[The Ultimate Champion]

When did he ever do that? If you are referring to the Barrett incident, let me refresh your memory. Barrett was blocking the plate. AJ bowled him over with a clean hit on a clean play - no cheap shot. Barrett got up and sucker punched AJ in the jaw. AJ took Barrett's best shot and hardly flinched. Both benches cleared but AJ wisely did not retaliate. For one Barret's punch didn't even phase him, and for two the Sox were in a pennant race and couldn't afford to lose AJ to a long suspension. Even though AJ did absolutely nothing wrong he still got a one game suspension. Of course Cubs fans were happy and rumour has it someone in the Sox front office "lost respect for AJ" for not being stupid enough to retaliate.

 

That's an example of some people not appreciating AJ.

Yes.

[The Ultimate Champion]

As opposed to all of the cheap shots you keep doling out?

Cheap shots? SSFM is landing haymakers here. AJ haters better beware.

[South Side Fireworks Man]

As opposed to all of the cheap shots you keep doling out?

What cheap shots?

[Baron]

One example of this board not being fair to AJ was when those PED rumors popped up last year. Many here wanted them to be true. Said they had to be true. These same people wanted AJ replaced by Flowers, a guy who actually was suspended for PEDs.

 

Those same people also said that we wouldnt miss AJ because of the defensive juggernaut that is Flowers. Plus magic was supposed to kick in and he would stop striking out.

 

[The Ultimate Champion]

Yes sir! Nice reminder!

 

 

 

Man, I wish we had more guys like AJ on the Sox team. Now and in past seasons. He's truly the only guy (I can think of) that has done noticeable things (like the dropped third strike against the Angels, running to first exactly when he did; purposely getting hit to get on base) just to help the team win. I'm sure there are others but with AJ, you can just see how much he wants to win.

Who gives a f*** if he's an asshole in the clubhouse or in bars? There are plenty of those type guys in baseball. I think the Sox need more of those type guys.

And this exactly. We have had some excellent players, but not so many excellent *and* smart players. That's why AJ, Buehrle, Fisk, etc. are so special. With AJ it just seems like whatever he does (or doesn't do, like last year's fake steroid bust) there are people ready to jump down his throat.

 

Also, it is kind of funny how when you can't rip the guy for what he's doing on the field there will be those ready to talk about what he's like off the field. I don't care what he's like off the field in his home or at the restaurant bar or anywhere else, anymore than I would care about what Coop does on Easter with his family or what religious holiday is Stoney's favorite day of worship. I've seen it mentioned that AJ apparently is a bad influence because he wasn't rah-rah enough for a loser Sox team while they were choking on the Red Sox. Whatever. The man lays it all out there on the field and that's all that matters. You can see that, you don't need to take anyone's word for it, you don't need a "source" that says it, because it is right there in front of you. Respect the man.

[fathom]

One example of this board not being fair to AJ was when those PED rumors popped up last year. Many here wanted them to be true. Said they had to be true. These same people wanted AJ replaced by Flowers, a guy who actually was suspended for PEDs.

 

I was sick to my stomach thinking those rumors might be true, as I didn't want his legacy with the White Sox to be tarnished. I loved AJ on the Sox, and do think he played a big part in changing the culture of the team when he came over in 2005. With that said, it's not surprising he ruffled some feathers in the organization. He might be the greatest example ever of someone that you love if they're on your team and hate if they're against you.

[South Side Fireworks Man]

One example of this board not being fair to AJ was when those PED rumors popped up last year. Many here wanted them to be true. Said they had to be true. These same people wanted AJ replaced by Flowers, a guy who actually was suspended for PEDs.

 

Ironic, isn't it?

 

Those same people also said that we wouldnt miss AJ because of the defensive juggernaut that is Flowers. Plus magic was supposed to kick in and he would stop striking out.

 

Plus I think many took AJ's durability for granted as well. Catchers take quite a beating and it's hard to perform at the top of one's game catching day in and day out. Losing a guy like AJ makes the backup catcher even more important.

[The Ultimate Champion]

Those same people also said that we wouldnt miss AJ because of the defensive juggernaut that is Flowers. Plus magic was supposed to kick in and he would stop striking out.

Yep.

 

 

Catching is hard. Flowers has a shot at being a quality player but asking him to replace AJ was both asking way too much of him as an inexperienced player and way underrating/overlooking the job AJ has done here.

 

After Fisk we pretty much had a black hole. Karko IIRC was the best one, but the Josh Paul, Ben Davis, etc. days weren't fun, and Olivo didn't come through, and the guy we got from Florida (Johnson IIRC) was only here a couple months and didn't help.... and so on. There was a long and very sucky period before AJ got here & maybe some fans have been spoiled, and have forgotten what it is like to not have any real long-term solution at such an important position.

[fathom]

After Fisk we pretty much had a black hole. Karko IIRC was the best one, but the Josh Paul, Ben Davis, etc. days weren't fun, and Olivo didn't come through, and the guy we got from Florida (Johnson IIRC) was only here a couple months and didn't help.... and so on. There was a long and very sucky period before AJ got here & maybe some fans have been spoiled, and have forgotten what it is like to not have any real long-term solution at such an important position.

 

Charles Johnson was fantastic when he was with the Sox.