In Spring Training, Everyone is an All-Star

by The Cheat on Feb 25, 2008 1:06 AM CST in News Comment 163 comments

We're about a week into the spring training news-cycle. The beat reporters have all had at least seven days to touch base with players in Tucson, and have written glowingly of about 35 members of the 40-man roster. Because it's spring training, there hasn't even been an exhibition game, and every player in camp looks like an All-Star.

Ozzie Guillen can't praise Gavin Floyd enough. Mike MacDougal looks great, even when he's beaning the soon-to-be-traded Joe Crede, who recovered very quickly, by the way. He should be ready for game action when the Cactus League opens play on Wednesday. Jerry Owens is going to steal 65 bases. Nick Masset is going to win a starting Job. Octavio Dotel is making hitters walk out of the batter's box shaking their heads. John Danks has a cutter.

Sure, Mark Buehrle has a sore shoulder, but that's hardly a worry. A few years ago, he broke his foot* shagging fly balls in one of the final practices of the spring and still made his opening day start. Last year, he took a line-drive off his arm in the first start of the season, and didn't miss a start. He's never missed a start, and I don't expect him to start now.

Everything is freakin' rosy! Even our maligned farm system is spectacular, just ask them.

"I know for a fact we really do have a very good system, and have very good players," said Ely, a 2007 third-round pick, who prepped at Homewood-Flossmoor High School some 40 minutes away from U.S. Cellular Field. "Whether they got rid of our top prospects or not, we are still very competitive and have a lot of guys moving up who are going to shock some people."

"A lot of good players are still around in our system, guys who played above and below me," Getz added. "So, I don't think too much about what people are saying."

The articles are so favorable, that when you get the rare negative comment, you have to assume even that is sugar coated. I've read concern about Alexei Ramirez' long swing, which is particularly troubling considering the long and loopy swings we've seen out of recent Sox prospects. I mean if Ramirez' swing is long enough to draw attention in batting practice at a time of year when the Cubs are Orioles are talking World Series, Thomas Collaro has to be looking at Ramirez and thinking 'that Cuban kid sure needs to cut down on his swing.'

* * * * *

Elsewhere, Bartolo Colon apparently signed a minor league deal with the Red Sox, for reasons that escape me. It seemed like the White Sox were willing to give him a major league deal a few weeks ago, and may have been close to signing him last week. The Red Sox clearly have a more major league ready starters in camp right now. Colon would seem to be, at best, their 6th option right now. Outside of the hubris of the professional athlete, I don't understand why Colon would pick Pawtucket over Chicago. Better clam chowder, I suppose.

* Foot was not actually broken, though some believe the supreme healing powers of Herm Schneider's meat apron allowed Buehrle to return from injury in record time.

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"Herm Schneider's Meat Apron"

Great band name.

I still think Kenny has more faith in Floyd and Danks than he does Colon. And Pawtucket's not bad.

Sox Machine

by Sox Machine on Feb 25, 2008 1:20 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

don't forget

Aaron laid hands on Mark's foot. Hermy doesn't get all the credit.
Cant wait for some actual games... Especially with another 6-8 inches of snow forecast here.

Next time, Bhoov, do some research.

by Chiburb on Feb 25, 2008 4:37 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Why the frustration with

the glowing projections? Isn't that the charm of ST? Everyone has a shot?

Non-story.

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 25, 2008 6:05 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I dont think it is frustration ugly

Its just kind of maddening and funny that most players in most camps look like HOFers this time of the year.

If there was more even reporting then at least I could really feel good when Ozzie says Floyd looks spectacular. Instead eyes road until we can make our own judgement.

"There is not a liberal America and a conservative America. There is the United States of America."

by Tdogg on Feb 25, 2008 7:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

none the less

i still feel floyd is going to be a pleasent surprise this year at the back end of the rotation.

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 25, 2008 7:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If Floyd is OK,

then let's see. We have Danks with the cutter and another year experience (and more time hanging with Buehrle) AND WE ALL KNOW that Jose, sin marital difficulties, will be OK.

Might be a fun season.

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Feb 25, 2008 8:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i guess Floyd

is "my boy" this year. i dont know what it is, but theres something i just like about him... i guess its his potential, but im not stupid enough to say something like "if gavin floyd doesnt post an era below 4.50, ill buy this entire board a round of drinks"

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 25, 2008 8:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

How about 4.75?

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Feb 25, 2008 8:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

You trader, you, bally.

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 25, 2008 8:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i'd have to send a check

if i lost unless i move back to chicago this summer (which hopefully i will be, got an interview in march!).

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 25, 2008 8:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Good luck, Deac

Get outta Cleveland, bro. Your city awaits your triumphant return.

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 25, 2008 8:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

no doubt

the money's good out here, but its boring as hell! plus, indians games are nowhere near as fun as sox games. the area around the stadium is nice, but its all bars and theres no tailgating. i miss pullin up to the cell at about 5 for a 7:11 start game and getting in two good hours of fun before the game starts!

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 25, 2008 8:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

thanks WU

it sounds promising... i had a phone interview for a "technical screen" and that same day, they contacted me again to set up an in person interview, so they must have liked what they heard.

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 25, 2008 9:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No problem.

We'll take a Cashier's Check or a Money Order.

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Feb 25, 2008 9:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

oddly enough

My friend is in a Strato league and they were having their Minor League draft. The first White Sox prospect was taken in the first round...Jose Martinez. He was taken over Poreda, Egbert or Shelby. I believe he was even taken over Fautino. Bizarre.

MrROFL.com

by shaftr on Feb 25, 2008 7:20 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

what i've gleaned so far about ramirez

is that he has a long-ish swing and has trouble with the breaking ball. big surprise.

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 9:09 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

pedro cerrano?

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 25, 2008 9:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

MAN

I can't wait for ST to start! I love how a couple of you are jumping on the G Floyd bandwagon... GET OFF, THERE IS NO ROOM LEFT FOR THE REST OF US!

by Not Fooling Anyone on Feb 25, 2008 9:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ramirez sounds like...

the Cuban Joe Borchard or Brian Anderson.

by SSH2005 on Feb 25, 2008 9:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Trying to balance the mainstream media...

...by adding some negativity I assume?

Odds are that Ramirez will never do much in the bigs, it's true. But it seems precipitous to label him the Cuban <insert Sox OF prospect bust> at this point. For one thing, he supposedly can play CF/2B/SS so he's already different than BA or JB. If he can play OK D and somehow post a .320 OBP he could at least be a useful utility player. Plus he's cost the Sox less money than Borchard did.

by hitlesswonder on Feb 25, 2008 10:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not really...

those are just two qualities that both of two former top prospects had.

by SSH2005 on Feb 25, 2008 10:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Carlos Quentin health update...

Link:

Gradual progress: Carlos Quentin has felt what he described as just normal soreness in his surgically repaired left shoulder during the first time he's been swinging every day since last July. It's an encouraging sign for the 25-year-old outfielder, as Wednesday's Cactus League opener approaches.

"Everything is good, and [the left shoulder] has bounced back well," Quentin said. "A couple of days ago, it felt pretty sore, but it has felt great these last two days aside from a little soreness here and there.'

Quentin underwent surgery on Oct. 9 to repair a torn left labrum and rotator cuff. The procedure went well, but the rehab has gone even better, leaving Quentin anxious to test it in game situations.

"Yeah, it depends on the coaching staff and what the trainers think," Quentin said. "There still will be limitations on me, as far as running into the walls and sliding head first, all standard.

"I'm still 4 1/2 months off of surgery. It's a little early but it will be a non-factor, I believe."

by SSH2005 on Feb 25, 2008 10:56 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Jack Egbert also sore...

According to Guillen, Egbert is battling mild soreness in his right elbow. He was scratched from Wednesday's Cactus League opener but still is on track to pitch in Mexico.

by SSH2005 on Feb 25, 2008 10:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Buehrle, Quinten, Crede...other predictions

Thome will pull something in his back shortly.
Dye will aggravate one of his prior leg injuries.
Jerry Owens will a tweak his groin alla Pods.
Uribe will slip on a glazed donut and pull some fat to the amazement of Ozzie.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 11:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

ROFL

The Uribe remark had me in tears!

So instead of a big splash, there were ripples -- enough to change the tide, Williams believes

by Brush Back on Feb 25, 2008 11:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This makes me feel sick...

SF Chronicle Article yesterday:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/24/SPFQV797P.DTL

"If anything, they value different things than we do," A's director of player personnel Billy Owens said. "Maybe these guys fit our statistical profile better, so we're more able to acquire them."

Always great when the A's, a team that is known for acquiring and developing talent says our beloved Sox do things a bit differently when it comes to young talent. Also, look at their ML system now, it is all Sox former players. A lot more than just from the Swisher and Haren trades.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 11:14 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

What has it gotten them?

They've squeaked into the playoffs a few times and quickly been disposed of. Billy Beane gets a lot for his money but do they ever seem to be serious Championship contenders?

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Feb 25, 2008 11:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Since 2000

They have finished 1st or 2nd in the AL West, went to the playoffs 4 times, ALCS once.

Not too shabby. They haven't one the Series yet, but for a mid market team that is very comptetitive. Look at the talent they have developed and lost or had to trade away! That is what I am saying...they know talent. When the A's minor league director says they evaluate talent differently than the Sox, well...that makes me wonder what the hell we are evaluating.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 11:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

But, as you say,...

look at the talent they have lost or traded away. They have to take the gamble on prospects, while Jermaine Dye picks up a World Series MVP for us, then follows with a season of MVP contention. Now we've got a player in Nick Swisher who is entering the prime of a very promising career. Which side would you rather be on?

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Feb 25, 2008 11:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd like

to have THEIR evaluation / development capabilities and OUR $$$$$$$$$.

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Feb 25, 2008 11:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly.

That is what I am saying.

They will have some $$$ in about 2010 when they move to their new stadium in Fremont, then watch out. Same with the Twins...both will have added revenue plus a great system.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 11:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Pfft.

Then we'd just be the Red Sox. Who the eff wants that? The less money you spend on a World Series title, the more satisfying!

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Feb 25, 2008 12:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, right.

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Feb 25, 2008 12:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The big WS win tilts it in our

favor, short-term, though I have mixed feelings about a sustained high level of performance coming in 2nd. Our last year's debacle is not the type of year the A's have, and last year was brutal. Beane seems to be a keen judge of talent - not that KW isn't - and their farm system seems to have "hits" more than "misses", whereas we seem to have the reverse.

Talk to me in a few years if our farm is as barren then as now and our old guys are, well, old. 2-3 years of horsepoop baseball in The Cell might make you feel differently, especially if the A's keep delivering steady, above-average results.

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 25, 2008 11:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well...

I know it's popular to talk about the future (near and far) on this site but I just don't see any of the speculation ever coming true. Where is everyone who claimed the Sox were stacked and set for years of contention after '05? Things change far too quickly and often in baseball these days to truly be able to predict much. Everyone is doom and gloom about our farm system right now. I am too...I just don't see that ruining our chances for the next 2-3 years.

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Feb 25, 2008 12:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

where are they?

i'm guessing they're the same people who think not having a farm system is a good way to be stacked and set for years of contention.

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 12:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you

Bobby where are these former sox players going to take the A's? The answer to this is the same place all of their prospects take them... they get good for the A's then hit free agency or get traded first. Thats how I want to sox to run their shit! If you want a team full of prospects then root for the Marlins... they could use a few extra fans.

by Not Fooling Anyone on Feb 25, 2008 1:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Huh?

You seem to be missing the point. The quote was to show you that the A's view young talent competely different than the Sox. YOUNG TALENT! (Not what have the A's ever done, have they won the Series recently, blah, blah!) I never said anything about them having to trade the talent away because they are a mid market club that can't afford most of these players when they hit their prime.

I said they have developed an unbelievable amount of talent the last 8-9 years. The article shows that a lot of the former top prospects on the Sox are now in the A's system.

I never said I wanted a team of all prospects. I would like a team of some prospects, or a minor league system that is better than worst in the majors, but that is besides the point.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 1:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bobby

You obviously don't realize that the Sox were a mid-market team for a long time as well. They built a world series winner with a 75 million dollar payroll and no fans. Just because we live in a major market doesn't make the Cub's in terms of spending. We use prospects in a completly different way than the A's. They develope minor league talent to trade for prospects in a never ending cycle. We use prospects to trade for proven players who can mentally withstand the Chicago fans and media. Prospects may work in smaller towns than Chicago so you really can't blame the White Sox for how they use thier assets.

by Not Fooling Anyone on Feb 26, 2008 11:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You're serious, right?

The Sox play in a tough city? Are you buying into the "Chicago Tough" pap? As someone who moved from a large market area (Chicago) to a dinky (sports) market (Orlando) sometimes when you're the only game in town the spotlight's a mite brighter - ask Shaq, who complained about our fans yet has had no issues in LA or Miami. Small market fans (and writers) build up unrealistic expectations, too, and have no outlet for those (occasionally) false hopes and dashed dreams.

Plus, I think the klieg lights of NY, Boston, Philly, etc. are a bit more withering than in Chicago, where fans give you the benefit of the doubt (until you eff up or give up).

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 26, 2008 11:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

Because the "Chicago Fans" gave Grossman the benefit of the doubt right?

by Not Fooling Anyone on Feb 26, 2008 11:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

sox fans

for whatever reason, are not historically known for running players out of town like bears or even cubs fans.

by larry on Feb 26, 2008 12:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LARRY

You know this as well as I do... almost everyone on this board has been calling for Kenny's head in some way or another. I would say Sox fans are the hardest on their team/players considering if they suck...we dont show up. August 2005 vs the Royals drew like 14k fans and the sox were in 1st place... they had to make the playoffs for anyone to show up. Are there any other teams that you can think of that have this many fans but hardly showed up because of the lack of production on and off the field?

by Not Fooling Anyone on Feb 26, 2008 2:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

NFA

Things to consider:

It was the ROYALS.
It was AUGUST in Chicago - it might've been hot.
It might've been during the week.
Did I mention it was the ROYALS?

I'd agree with larry, having been a fan for a few years (decades) - Sox fans (this site excepted) are generally a fair, patient, passionate lot. I think success has bred a hunger for more success, which may be why the leash is a little shorter than it used to be. If you tell the fans "we expect to win this year", you'd better GD deliver.

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 26, 2008 2:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

and by "you"

you mean KW, ozzie, and jerry. these are the figures who take the brunt of fans wrath - not the players. and, in the case of ozzie and KW, it's rather obvious that is largely by design.

by larry on Feb 26, 2008 2:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

they don't show up. they rarely run players out of town. and the media doesn't care enough about the sox to join in on the lynching of players. the sox are the third or fourth sports team in this town. a player doesn't need a thick skin to deal with the oh so awful media and fan pressure associated with playing for the sox.

by larry on Feb 26, 2008 2:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry dude!

I have to disagree. I believe this is a baseball town first... I believe the national media doesn't care about the team but, the Chicago media IMO does not favor one team over another. The Cubs are a more flashy team considering every celeb from Chicago just happens to be a life long Cub fan so they will naturally get more attention... I would love to know what it is like around you guys. I live in the SW suburbs, this may be completely irrelevant but I have been keeping an eye on the decals people put on their cars. I will tell you alot of Sox fans live in Will County. I can say since I have been paying attention to the decals I would give it a ratio of 10 to 1 Sox decals. Anyone else notice this phenom??? Maybe only sox fans do this....

by Not Fooling Anyone on Feb 26, 2008 4:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dude

Celozzi-Ettleson puts those stickers are every used Camaro they sell. They've even adjusted their ad campaign, Where you always get more stickers.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Feb 26, 2008 5:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Is that you, William Ligue Jr.????

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Feb 27, 2008 11:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If it makes you feel better

The A's minor league system prior to the recent trades wasn't all that hot. That's part of the reason Beane decided to move Swisher and Haren.

by hitlesswonder on Feb 25, 2008 12:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kenny actually rejected a Colon deal

He didn't want fights breaking out between Colon and Uribe at the pre-game buffet table.

Share the passion, show the swagger

by tailgater on Feb 25, 2008 12:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Colon's contract details...

Red Sox signed RHP Bartolo Colon to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.
Colon will earn more than $1 million if he makes the team, but it sounds like he'll start off in the minors. "This is a low-risk, potential high reward signing," GM Theo Epstein said. "It's a minor league contract and he will show up at camp tomorrow and we will do an evaluation of how far away he is from helping us. It takes more than five starting pitchers to get through a season. Obviously he's an accomplished guy and if we can get him back to the form where he is throwing well he can certainly help us at some point this season." Epstein said there was an out clause in the deal, allowing Colon to become a free agent if he wasn't in the majors by a certain date, but he wouldn't say what that date was.

by SSH2005 on Feb 25, 2008 12:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

joe cowley scoop: last season was all PK's fault

he finally got paulie to break down and admit it.

http://blogs.suntimes.com/whitesox/2008/02/the_king_i_dropped_the_ball.html#more

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 12:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

He was the man

shoving jelly donuts down Uribe's throat. I knew it!

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 1:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

doesn't delmon young have an arm made for RF?

gardy decided to stick him at left and leave caddy at right

by The Wizard on Feb 25, 2008 1:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

cuddyer has one, too

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 1:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

dusty continues his base-clogging rants

[MLB.com (via BBTF)]:

Not down with OBP: Baker has repeatedly talked about the desire to have a do-it-all leadoff hitter with speed. What kinds of hitters is he looking for further down the lineup? Does he want guys with lofty on-base percentages? The answer will likely not sit well with fans of the book "Moneyball," because Baker said he believes the OBP statistic is overvalued.

"I'm big on driving in runs and scoring runs," Baker said. "Guys in the middle should score about close to equal to what they drive in. On-base percentage, that's fine and dandy. But a lot of times guys get so much into on-base percentage that they cease to swing. It's becoming a little bit out of control.

"What you do is run the pitcher's count up, that helps," Baker said. "You put him in the stretch, that helps. But your job in the middle is to either score them or drive them in. The name of the game is scoring runs. Sometimes, you get so caught up in on-base percentage that you're clogging up the bases."

FJM's take

by The Wizard on Feb 25, 2008 1:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

day-to-day with a bruised man fruit...

[Jeff Gordon @ foxsports (via BBTF)]:

Attack of the rogue protective cup

When Cincinnati Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. suffered a lower abdominal strain, he offered a vivid description of the pain. "The best way I can describe it is it felt like somebody bungee jumped off my right (testicle)," Griffey told the Cincinnati Post.

He is an expert on painful nether-region injuries, since he once missed a game with bruised man fruit -- caused by his protective cup pinching him during the fray.

Griffey is no stranger to odd injuries. He once suffered a broken hand while wrestling with his young children. On his yacht. In the Bahamas.

by The Wizard on Feb 25, 2008 1:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Off Season Blues...

You dream of Spring with the grass so green,
And the temperature on the rise,
When the fortunate few get together again,
To seek that ultimate prize.

The holidays come and go. Your family takes pride,
In the dinners over which they strove.
While the turkey is cooking, a smile hits your face.
You're reminded of another "hot stove".

The talk of free agents and trades being made
Gives you hope for the upcoming year.
You dream of the slugger, the pitcher, the coach
That this year you'll get to cheer.

So, during this winter, when you're thinking of baseball,
And it makes you want to groan.
Cheer up. Fans like us can take solace
In knowing we aren't alone.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/poetry/po_blues.shtml

Next time, Bhoov, do some research.

by Chiburb on Feb 25, 2008 1:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

today's intrasquad game lineups

[Mark Gonzales]:

Here are the lineups for Monday's intrasquad game between the Thomes vs. the Konerkos.

Team Thome

Swisher CF
Ozuna 2b
Thome DH
Quentin RF
Fields 3b
Ramirez SS
Eldred 1B
Negron RF
Phillips C

Team Konerko

Owens LF
Cabrera SS
Konerko DH
Dye RF
Pierzynski C
Uribe 2B
Liefer 1B
Anderson CF
Huffman 3B

Gavin Floyd is scheduled to throw two innings, followed by Ehren Wassermann, Andrew Sisco, Tomo Ohka and Scott Linebrink.

by The Wizard on Feb 25, 2008 1:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

My money is on...

Team Konerko! Are there any Vegas odds?

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Feb 25, 2008 1:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

mine is on

floyd shutting them out!

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 25, 2008 1:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Liefer knocks out 2

against Floyd.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 1:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

pretty sure floyd would reach his pitch count

well before if he's facing 16 batters.

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 2:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Are the pitchers...

going against both squads though? Sorry if I'm being dense, I just thought that might be possible since their just listed at the bottom.

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Feb 25, 2008 2:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

no idea

but probably not. probably isn't a good idea to not approximate a real game and have floyd out there potentially pitching to lots of batters in a row with little rest. the reason they're listed at the bottom is more likely because they aren't assigned to a team - they'll be used on a "need" basis by either squad. but who knows.

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 2:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

BA, 5 - 5.

2-HRs, 1-3B, 1-2B and a stolen base.

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Feb 25, 2008 2:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

and an OF assist

throws out profundo at home

by The Wizard on Feb 25, 2008 2:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

make it pablo...

by The Wizard on Feb 25, 2008 2:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Why not both,

like the Fisk play!

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Feb 25, 2008 2:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

But

I bet he doesn't do the little things....

by hitlesswonder on Feb 25, 2008 2:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah.

Like make the team.

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Feb 25, 2008 2:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

nice

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 2:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

All that with a hangover!

And a honey on each arm.
The dude is cool.

Next time, Bhoov, do some research.

by Chiburb on Feb 25, 2008 2:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If BA has this kind of

performance every single day during spring training, he may be able to earn himself a spot behind Owens in CF. Ya-hoo!

by HulkSmash on Feb 25, 2008 3:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

BA

5 for 5 even wont cut it for BA, he has to go 6 for 5 to impress KW and Ozzie.

by spadog on Feb 25, 2008 4:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

any coverage of the intrasquad game?

like mlb gameday?

by The Wizard on Feb 25, 2008 2:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

lol

we're not quite there yet, wiz.

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 2:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's funny

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 2:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i'm picturing wiz

sitting at his computer shivering - even though he has the thermostat at 85 - hair dirty and unkempt, pizza boxes strewn about, absolutely jonesing for his fix.

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 2:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

thermostat is at 65

I don't like the heating machine's heat

the rest of the description is spot on though!

by The Wizard on Feb 25, 2008 2:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

legend's bowling night

[paul.hagen@phillynews.com]:

He [Rowand] has already organized a weekly bowling night, modeled after the ones he had with the Phillies. And when Bochy held a team meeting Tuesday on the day of the first full-squad workout, Rowand got up and said a few words.

by The Wizard on Feb 25, 2008 2:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Rowand:

Zito: Season's over, man. Dodgers and Dbacks are too tough.
Rowand: Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!
Cain: Germans?
Durham: Forget it, he's rolling.
Rowand: And it ain't over now. 'Cause when the goin' gets tough...
[thinks hard]
Rowand: the tough get goin'! Who's with me? Let's go!
[runs out, alone; then returns]
Rowand: What the flip happened to the Giants I used to know? Where's the spirit? Where's the guts, huh? "Ooh, we're afraid to go with you Rowand, we might get hurt." Well just kiss my ass from now on! Not me! I'm not gonna take this. Dodgers, They're Dead! Diamondbacks, dead! Padres...
Cain: Dead! Rowand's right. Psychotic, but absolutely right. We gotta take these bastards. Now we could do it with Ozzie Ball, but that could take years and cost millions of dollars. No, I think we have to go all out. I think that this situation absolutely requires a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebody's part.
Rowand: We're just the guys to do it.
Vizquel: Let's do it.
Rowand: LET'S DO IT!

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 2:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

haha

awesome!

by The Wizard on Feb 25, 2008 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We need someone

whose down there to do a play by plat ala Nicholson in Cuckoo's Nest.

"Somebody give me a fucking wiener
before I die."

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Feb 25, 2008 2:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

he can bunt. or, intrasquad recap

How much is at stake for the White Sox this season?

The first intrasquad game of the spring answered that, as general manager Ken Williams was so into it that he clapped and all but jumped out of his seat after Jerry Owens led the bottom of the first off with a picture-perfect bunt down the first base line.
Owens, who is a candidate for the starting job in left field, as well as the lead-off spot, then scored on a perfectly executed hit-and-run from Orlando Cabrera. Welcome to Sox baseball 2008.
While Owens did leave the game after tweaking his groin in the second inning, manager Ozzie Guillen said it wasn't serious and he would be able to play in the final intrasquad game on Tuesday if need be.
Owens and Nick Swisher each finished the game with two hits, but Owens was clearly the story.

Other highlights included:

--Starter Gavin Floyd went two innings, allowing an unearned run thanks to a Cabrera error at shortstop, and only giving up a Swisher single.

--Reliever Scott Linebrink allowing an earned run off two hits in an inning of work.

--Reliever Ehren Wassermann looking nasty in throwing a perfect inning.

--Left-hander Andrew Sisco throwing a scoreless inning, as well as ending the game on a double play.

--Rookie Alexei Ramirez - starting at shortstop - falling a few feet short of a home run off Floyd in his first at-bat.

http://blogs.suntimes.com/whitesox/2008/02/off_and_running.html#more

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 3:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

more from reifert

Nick Swisher went 2-2, including one hit off a one-bounce pitch, and scored twice, although his team dropped a 3-2 decision in 3 1/2 innings.

Guillen, an expert at hitting the split finger, admitted he collected three hits in his career on pitches that hit the dirt first.

"It bounced and he hit it," said catcher AJ Pierzynski. Swisher ran to first base laughing.

"Jack Morris, Paul Byrd and Dave Stieb," Guillen said with pride.

Pablo Ozuna went 1-2 with a triple. His head-first slide into third base brought a cry of, "He's back!" from a fan in the stands.

Jerry Owens led off for the winning team and went 2-2 with a run scored and a bunt base hit.

Paul Konerko doubled, Orlando Cabrera drove in a run with his own hit-and-run double, Jermaine Dye had an RBI single and Royce Huffman doubled and scored.

Ehren Wasserman and Andrew Sisco threw scoreless innings, while Scott Linebrink and Floyd (W, 0 ER/2.0) also threw well.

http://whitesoxpride.mlblogs.com/inside_the_white_sox/2008/02/intasquad_actio.html

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 3:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He's back?

to what, his career as a sucky bench player?

by SSH2005 on Feb 25, 2008 3:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He's a great bench player...

when he's healthy. He's not a futer HOFer but he's a nice spark plug off the bench. He can pinch hit decently, steal, pinch run, and pretty much anything you ask him to do late in a game. Asking him to start consistently is a different story. I'm sorry your memory doesn't go back any further than last July.

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Feb 25, 2008 3:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

"futer"

WOW....that was a bad typo. Future.

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Feb 25, 2008 3:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL, DI

"Futer" rhymes with "pooter".

(Beavis and Butthead snicker.)

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 25, 2008 3:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's kinda how I read it.

Why I felt the need to point out the change. :P

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Feb 25, 2008 4:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Do you guys

pass out buttons and eat cake at the monthly Pablo Ozuna Fan Club meetings? Or are you the only one that shows up?

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 3:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ugh.

Sorry I don't think calling him a "sucky bench player" is fair. I realize that talking shit on the internet is all the rage but I'm just not into it. I've seen him do some good things. I like him. He was asked to do too much last year and then got hurt. Not his best season. He played before that though.

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Feb 25, 2008 3:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the problem with ozuna

is that someone decided it was a good idea to give him a guaranteed contract for a sort of substantial sum of money for a bench player of his caliber. he's the kind of guy who (especially at his age) should be earning a spot every year and not having one handed to him. at least it seems like his legs are relatively intact after the injury. my big fear, which i'm sure is shared by most, is that he's lost a step or two. if that happens, he's largely worthless.

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 3:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I just noticed he's older than I thought.

He had a pretty great '06 season and if he's healthy he can do it again, IMO. I agree that he's not the kind of guy that should've been given the kind of contract he has though.

2006 CHW AL 79 G 189 AB .328 BA .365 OBP .444 SLG 105 OPS+

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Feb 25, 2008 3:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ozuna

had a decent year in 2006.

But he isn't really a speed guy anymore, and actually never was much of a base stealer. Last year he had 3 steals before getting hurt - so we'll throw that out. 2006 he had 6 stolen bases but also got caught stealing 6 times. In 2005 he had 14 steals, but got caught 7 times. He has 28 SB's in his career and been caught 14 times - not a great ratio for a bench guy.

He turns 34 in August, he is coming back from a season ending leg injury, he doesn't really play any position that great, he has no power, and he almost never walks.

In my opinion I agree and think he is a crappy bench player.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 3:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

stolen bases

are not really my measure of speed. first, it takes more than speed to be a good basestealer. second, one does not need to steal bases to be quick or whatever. ozuna was an able body off the bench. whether he remains that is a very open question.

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 3:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh,

so you like him because he is fast enough to go from first to third on a single during a late inning situation? Something the Sox haven't done since 2005.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 4:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

not really

but i can see you're not really interested in it.

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 4:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Then what's...

...deal with his legs that you say are so important for him?? If it isn't stealing bases or his so called speed on the basepaths, than what?

I say the guy doesn't do much for me to be on my bench. No intangibles that make him necessary to keep around. With Uribe already on the roster to cover a utility role, why keep him? With Owens a good possibility to end up on the bench, Uribe, Hall, and possibly Ramirez...why keep this guy?

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 4:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

because he has a guaranteed contract

and isn't tradable. have you not been following along?

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 4:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

All MLB Contracts

are guaranteed.

This isn't the NFL.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 4:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

sigh

no they're not. and one certainly does not need to give one to a player for two years like the sox did with ozuna. the sox aren't going to cut him and eat the contract.

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 4:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Contracts

Unless written into a contract, where there is an exception, like an injury clause or a performance clause - I thought the amounts and terms of the contract were guaranteed?

There are player/team options, etc. But the dollar amount is guaranteed on the basis of the contract?

This is similar to the NBA.

But, the NFL is different with its structure as a player can be waived and the contract can become null and void, with certain stipulations - injury settlements, etc. That is why NFL players want the guaranteed money - the signing bonus money.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 4:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

josh fields doesn't have one

john danks doesn't have one. joe crede's likely doesn't become fully guaranteed until just prior to opening day.

the point with ozuna is that handing him a contract extension last april was stupid. he neither particularly deserved one nor did the sox need to give him an extension to have a very high expectation that he'd come back in 2008. a bench player like ozuna should not have a guaranteed contract. if the sox had not given him the extension, he would be in camp on either 1) a cheaper deal, likely with far less or no guaranteed money like a split contract or, better 2) as a non-roster invitee on a minor league deal.

ozuna types are easy to find. jason bourgois is pretty much him. ozuna should be earning a spot, not guaranteed one.

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 4:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Besides Crede,

Aren't those others Minor League Contracts? I know those are not guaranteed.

I agree with you completely on Ozuna with his contract, but that was after his 06 perfomance which was pretty good. Sox should have only given him a one year deal at the time like you said...also shouldn;t have resigned Uribe before the trade for Cabrera. Nobody was going to swoop in and take Uribe for $5 million.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 5:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

aren't they playing in the major leagues?

the point has to do with cutting a player and what you owe them when you do. those other contracts carry significantly less (or no) termination pay. ozuna's, however, would potentially be the whole $1.05M (or whatever the exact amount is). now, barring serious injury, he'd likely be signed by someone once he cleared waivers but we're still talking $400K the sox would need to eat. not gonna happen.

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 5:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I guess it's kind of a carrot

Ozuna's pretty much Ozzie's best soldier -- he's played every position except center and catcher, although he is the emergency catcher, and was going to be the guy to pitch after Buehrle if Game 3 went extra innings.

It may not be the best use of baseball resources, but... I can't think of the word right now, but a move like this may have political advantages, in that when a player who does everything he can to help the team receives a little bit of security, it reflects positively upon the organization as a whole.

Obviously, it's always specious when arguing on the side of intangibles, but it's just something to consider, is all.

Sox Machine

by Sox Machine on Feb 25, 2008 7:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i understand that aspect

and i probably said something similar to that on here when the extension happened. $1.05M and guaranteeing a spot to a guy who will be your 24th man or so isn't particularly important. we're not even talking close to a win, i'd imagine.

however, this is one of the problems i have with how the sox are run. rarely, if ever, do you see the sox make a move where you sit there and think "jesus fucking christ, that is going to seriously fuck things up." and rarely do we even look back at a move and think "jesus fucking christ, that seriously fucked things up." but they make all sorts of smaller moves that kind of make you scratch your head - the ozuna extension, the dye extension, the aj extension, the linebrink deal, and so on. none of these, in isolation (or even tandem) are particularly bad. but one starts to be concerned with how this stuff works out down the road. the sox are basically taking on players who aren't particularly tradeable and giving them guaranteed deals that pretty much mean they'll be on the sox. and the performance of a lot of these players could be pretty darn poor then. or, at the very least, replaceable at a significantly lesser cost and increased roster flexibility.

while pablo is a fine enough bench player, if you take the rough estimate of 75% of league average as replacement level, he's pretty much that or slightly above. and what we know now that we didn't know this time last year when he got the extension, is that he's coming off of a serious injury and really is quite redundant on the sox' projected roster. but he's here to stay.

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 10:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That second paragraph is a masterpiece.

by SSH2005 on Feb 25, 2008 10:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I hear ya

Pablo was the first one, I believe, so I don't think I saw the trend at the time. The AJ one befuddles me the most.

Sox Machine

by Sox Machine on Feb 26, 2008 7:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bobby, you're not payin' attenshun.

There's lawyers about! Personally, I take their contract talk to be the Word of God. (Note: it's a subject I'm utterly lost on)

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Feb 25, 2008 4:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

SSH thinks

a bench player should be really good. which would make it kind of odd that they were a bench player.

if pablo actually has legs he'll be an appropriate bench player. of course, we all know that pablo simply hit the ball down the line in right which, with JD on patrol, means an automatic triple for just about everyone.

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 3:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I would be satisfied

with kinda good, or above average. Ozuna is neither.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 3:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

ok

list a few kinda good or above average bench players in the league. just curious to see who you're comparing ozuna to.

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 25, 2008 3:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

'07 Jacoby Ellsbury

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Feb 25, 2008 3:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

lol

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 3:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

(puzzled look)

not so great of a comparison..... not everyone has the players to bring A prospects off the bench..

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 25, 2008 3:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

but

you were probably being sarcastic. if you were, forgive me, been a long monday!

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 25, 2008 3:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Crisp now

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 4:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i get it

a guy who will post about 80 OPS+. in other words, pablo ozuna.

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 4:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Pretty Close...

...if Ozuna ever gets back to an 80 OPS+. I think he was at about 45 OPS+ last year before the injury. REAL BAD

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 4:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the phrase

"small sample size" comes to mind.

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 4:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

and he came off the bench like 8 times

including postseason. he's what we call in baseball patois a "starter."

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 4:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

and to go along with that, i would be satisifed

with 5 aces, 6 closers, three ichiros, four a-rods, chase utley, and victor martinez.

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 3:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not true...

Mackowiak was a good bench player. Ozuna is not. I guess the main problem with Ozuna is that Ozzie loves him too much.

by SSH2005 on Feb 25, 2008 4:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

slow-poke gonzo checks in

White Sox outfielder Jerry Owens tweaked his groin but is expected to return in time for Wednesday's exhibition opener, if not sooner.

Owens hurt his leg while momentarily stopping between first and second base to watch the flight of Orlando Cabrera's sacrifice fly before retreating to first. Owens only made it to third on Paul Konerko's ensuing double down the left field line.

Owens impressed the Sox's staff by perfectly executing a drag bunt in the first inning. Cabrera's hit-and-run play in the first inning scored Owens and pleased Guillen and general manager Ken Williams.

Alexei Ramirez missed a home run by a few feet, hitting a line drive to the warning track. Left-hander Andrew Sisco, now using a more compact delivery, pitched a scoreless inning.

Infielder Pablo Ozuna hit an RBI triple. Nick Swisher had two hits and scored twice, but his failure to not sprint to first on a first-inning single disappointed Williams.

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_hardball/2008/02/intrasquad-high.html

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 3:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

See, everyone IS a HOF'er

in ST! Owens! Linebrink! Swisher! The Sisco Kid!

Vegas, here we come!

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 25, 2008 3:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

all sisco needed was a more compact delivery

why didn't we think of that before? he's 6 foot 10. should be obvious.

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 3:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So your assessment is:

"Problem solved!"?

Drinkin' the Kool-aid a bit early, bro..

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 25, 2008 4:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

no, my assessment is

WU should turn up his sarcasm detector.

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 4:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Back atcha..

After 2 years of pithy comments I got it, my good man. I don't need a sarcasm detector, as I filter everything through the prism of cynicism.

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 25, 2008 4:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

and what a sparkling, pristine instrument

it is

dude, that was totally not swish you saw on rush street last night. swish was at home playing xbox.

by colintj on Feb 25, 2008 5:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ozuna

Must have been Ozuna's brother in the stands.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 3:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL...

didn't someone just make a post comparing Owens to Podsednik, saying that Owens would likely pull his groin?

by SSH2005 on Feb 25, 2008 3:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

that's like shooting fish in a barrel

he's a player who relies on his speed. predicting a hamstring or groin is like predicting the sun will come up.

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 3:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Larry

You gotta give me some props...I predicted it and during the first intrasquad game it happened!

Now if Uribe slips on a glazed donut, then I will go out and buy a lottery ticket and split the winnings with all of you guys.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 3:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

here's another prediction then

javier vazquez, gavin floyd, john danks, and at least 75% of the sox pitching staff will experience soreness in their arms. welcome to spring training.

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 3:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My bubble popped

Lets hope it all is just soreness...can't afford many injuries to the staff this year.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 3:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

wasn't the point of your post

that all of those things weren't predictions but certainties? JD hurting his leg? thome his back? the sun coming up?

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 3:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes - that was the point.

But for one of those to come true during the first game is somewhat of a surprise, that's all.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 3:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

ME!

I now predict the Sox will surprise all the so called experts and sweep the month of May as they out score their opponents 224-27 during the month.

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 3:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No way

opponents score 27 against us in May.

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Feb 25, 2008 7:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Owens Hurt

I knew it! From my predictions...a tweaked groin.

Good news about Floyd, but if tiny Ramirez almost takes you yard...

Isn't Sisco still being groomed as a starter?

"Jenks, who was never afraid to say "no" to a hamburger..."

by BobbySouthSide on Feb 25, 2008 3:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

ramirez is/was a power hitter

in cuba.

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 25, 2008 3:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Cheat, when I enter the SSS site

on Firefox I get redirected to this.

Did I do something that I'm not aware of?

by onlysoxfaninboston on Feb 25, 2008 4:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

obvious obligatory reply

you shouldn't be going to those porn sites.

by larry on Feb 25, 2008 4:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

haha, not likely

this was on my machine at work ;)

by onlysoxfaninboston on Feb 25, 2008 10:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

time for roger to bend over?

According to the NYT, "A Congressional committee has taken the first steps toward asking the Department of Justice to launch a criminal investigation into whether Roger Clemens committed perjury during testimony about his use of performance-enhancing drugs, according to three lawyers familiar with the matter."

"They say that blood is thicker than water. What we have is thicker than blood."

by Toonderstrook on Feb 25, 2008 4:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Couldn't happen to a more deserving

guy. Yes, even more than Bonds. Clemens alwyas has received the benefit of the doubt (Caucasian?). And he's pissed it away.

This is what the average fan is pissed about. And why the rainbow prism of cynicism is the means of viewing anything coming out of the mouths of major league players.

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 25, 2008 6:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

always

Too much Pinit Noir tonight. Off to play racquetball.

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 25, 2008 6:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Pinoit

Keehrist.

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 25, 2008 6:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

pinot?

"They say that blood is thicker than water. What we have is thicker than blood."

by Toonderstrook on Feb 25, 2008 6:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks.

My typing is truly abysmal.

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 25, 2008 6:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

so....

you get buzzed on red wine then go out and play racquetball?

what kind of madman are you?

"God knows I gave my best in baseball at all times and no man on earth can truthfully judge me otherwise."

by Shoeless In SC on Feb 25, 2008 7:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm like the guy in the Canadian Club commercial -

Your Dad drank liquor, boy, and your Mom wasn't his first woman. And plays racquetball without goggles and buzzed on half a bottle of pinot.

On the edge, baby. 3-0 tonight - improved performance while lit. I may try it at work one day, too, just to test the hypothesis.

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 25, 2008 8:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Peanut???

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Feb 25, 2008 7:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

people still play racquetball?

man, you ARE a throwback!

I thought they tore all the racquetball clubs down?

Mosi Tatupu! Mosi Tatupu!

by Nordhagen on Feb 26, 2008 8:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Check out your local

Mezazoic Era YMCA. Always 4 courts per "Y". And I usually play young whippersnappers south of 35 years young.

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 26, 2008 8:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

so are you telling me that

there's a place I can go
when I'm short on my dough
and I can stay there,
and you're sure I will find
many ways to have a good time?

INCLUDING racquetball??!?

Man, I finally know what the Village People were talking about. The veiled references of "hanging out with all the boys" meant "racquetball." I get it now...

Mosi Tatupu! Mosi Tatupu!

by Nordhagen on Feb 26, 2008 9:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

makes sense

he said he got laid for the first time in ages the other day.

;-) just kidding

"Swisher's versatility allows us to give Owens a chance to come back and show he's ready to be that sparkplug like Podsednik was a couple of years ago." - KW

by ChicagoPete on Feb 26, 2008 12:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs