Spring Training Game #7: White Sox @ Royals -- John Danks vs. John Bale

haha

have you guys checked out the latest poll at whitesox.com?

by Jbasic89 on Mar 3, 2008 1:48 PM CST reply actions

the boys of summer are back!

aww to hear the hawks voice again...

by Jbasic89 on Mar 3, 2008 2:01 PM CST reply actions

What an awkward intro.

I come in from out in the cold to hear Hawk saying that? Jeez. And then they played the song and I almost puked.

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Mar 3, 2008 2:12 PM CST up reply actions

Anybody seen Hall this spring?

The 6 (now seven) games are kind of all running together in what's left of my mind.

Next time, Bhoov, do some research.

by Chiburb on Mar 3, 2008 2:05 PM CST reply actions

I am pretty sure he hasn't played.

I heard they are really being careful with his shoulder, which means he is still hurt.

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

by BobbySouthSide on Mar 3, 2008 2:14 PM CST up reply actions

at what point

does one go from "hurt" to "permanently disabled"? or "not able to throw ball well enough for major league baseball"?

by larry on Mar 3, 2008 2:16 PM CST up reply actions

haha

well im liking what i see outta this armstrong kid

by Jbasic89 on Mar 3, 2008 2:17 PM CST up reply actions

Ask the Cubs and

Mark Prior.

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

by BobbySouthSide on Mar 3, 2008 2:17 PM CST up reply actions

Richar

Is it just me or does Richar look bigger (more muscular)?

by tbone328 on Mar 3, 2008 2:07 PM CST reply actions

ya i noticed that too

by Jbasic89 on Mar 3, 2008 2:08 PM CST up reply actions

i didnt know fields

switched to #22

by Jbasic89 on Mar 3, 2008 2:08 PM CST reply actions

whos scheduled to pitch today?

by Jbasic89 on Mar 3, 2008 2:09 PM CST reply actions

read the headline

How do you fuck a nut?!

by omnipotent grab on Mar 3, 2008 2:11 PM CST up reply actions

more

Danks pitching. Also throwing: Wassermann, Jenks, Logan, MacDougal, Dotel.

by The Wizard on Mar 3, 2008 2:14 PM CST up reply actions

i mean after danks

by Jbasic89 on Mar 3, 2008 2:15 PM CST up reply actions

ah

wiz has you covered

How do you fuck a nut?!

by omnipotent grab on Mar 3, 2008 2:21 PM CST up reply actions

i posted the full lineup

including the rest of the pitchers two threads below.

by larry on Mar 3, 2008 2:14 PM CST up reply actions

yea i saw it

too lazy to go back n find it though. thanks anyway

by Jbasic89 on Mar 3, 2008 2:15 PM CST up reply actions

Danks first inning

Mostly fastballs. Comcasts gun is hot. FB is sitting at 93-94. Working both sides of the plate deliberately.

Threw about 5 cutters. I can't see any lateral movement on TV but they take a nice dip at the end. Struck out German looking on a backdoor cutter. Broke Gathright's bat with one.

Threw one breaking ball that didn't break. left it up, 2.5 feet out of the strikezone.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 3, 2008 2:19 PM CST reply actions

cutters

read 90 on comcast's gun, and provided a nice compliment to his FB. If he's able to throw the cutter all year, his K total is going to go up with guys swinging under the FB.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 3, 2008 2:20 PM CST up reply actions

and obviously you won't have the greatest angle on this, but does it look like he's throwing it from the same delivery? i'd like to know how he's throwing it from the stretch, too, if he gets a runner on - because that's where he'll need it most, of course.

by larry on Mar 3, 2008 2:24 PM CST up reply actions

damn camera angle

means jim's footage is the first time we've gotten to see what his mechanics look like...but I liked what I saw. Nice and fluid, open a bit early but nothing costly. Things are definitely looking good for him I'd say.

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

by colintj on Mar 3, 2008 6:38 PM CST up reply actions

All good news!

If he can hit 93-94 (assuming comcast gun is not goofed up) and get his cutter over I will be extremely happy!

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

by BobbySouthSide on Mar 3, 2008 2:22 PM CST up reply actions

If Danks was throwin

in the mid-90's don't you think we'd have seen 10 articles on how hard he worked on his conditioning in the offseason, and how that conditioning is paying off in the form of added velocity.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 3, 2008 2:25 PM CST up reply actions

yeah. "conditioning."

that's it. that's what i've been doing this offseason. "conditioning."

by larry on Mar 3, 2008 2:26 PM CST up reply actions

HA!

Yes, Larry weren't you conditioning for the NFL scouting combine? What did you get your 40 time down to?

Yeah, I bet the gun is off a few mph...

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

by BobbySouthSide on Mar 3, 2008 2:28 PM CST up reply actions

The pitch that Tehan K'd on

Was that a cutter or just an inside fastball? Couldn't tell.

by Tony82087 on Mar 3, 2008 2:20 PM CST reply actions

straight FB

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 3, 2008 2:21 PM CST up reply actions

I got it backwards...

That was as backdoor cutter to teahan for the K. and a straight FB to German

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 3, 2008 2:38 PM CST up reply actions

That's gotta sting!

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Mar 3, 2008 2:22 PM CST reply actions

is that his change

hes throwin to butler?

by Jbasic89 on Mar 3, 2008 2:29 PM CST reply actions

danks 2nd

Bulter -- misses high w/ fB, two swings through changeups, misses high w/ 2 fb's... butler hits changeup through the hole.

this is old danks, looked nothin like he did in the 1st

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 3, 2008 2:31 PM CST reply actions

There you go Larry

Danks second pitch from the stretch is a cutter, that nearly ends in a DP.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 3, 2008 2:32 PM CST reply actions

What do you think of the defense there?

Looked to me like Alexei could've gotten to that hit with a dive.

And they should've turned that DP. It must've been slow because Richar's throw wasn't that high, really.

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Mar 3, 2008 2:38 PM CST up reply actions

Diving in the hole at SS

is still a basehit.

I haven't seen anything in the field to really make a judgement on Alexei.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 3, 2008 2:40 PM CST up reply actions

nice acting there cole

by Jbasic89 on Mar 3, 2008 2:33 PM CST reply actions

wish i could get CSN

having to listen to it on the radio. anyone know who the radio guys are?

"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 Mar 3, 2008 2:34 PM CST reply actions

The one guy from the Royals sounds exactly

Like Mr. Magoo

by southsideirish71 on Mar 3, 2008 2:36 PM CST up reply actions

heh. noticed that

"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 Mar 3, 2008 2:36 PM CST up reply actions

wait... i've got my friends MLB.TV account

going...

THE HAWK! DJ! How I've missed you both!

"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 Mar 3, 2008 2:38 PM CST up reply actions

So you're the one.

Next time, Bhoov, do some research.

by Chiburb on Mar 3, 2008 2:39 PM CST up reply actions

Heh. I drip with sarcasm

"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 Mar 3, 2008 2:40 PM CST up reply actions

Swisher trade

apparently the White Sox traded away 5 of their best prospects for him.

MrROFL.com

by shaftr on Mar 3, 2008 2:39 PM CST reply actions

sure

if you count Cunningham and Carter

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 3, 2008 2:41 PM CST up reply actions

Ah yes... that chopper two-hopper

up to 2B really impressed Ozzie I bet.

"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 Mar 3, 2008 2:40 PM CST reply actions

Apparently...

EVERYTHING has impressed Ozzie this spring!

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Mar 3, 2008 2:43 PM CST up reply actions

This Bale guy is filthy

That curve is nasty

"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 Mar 3, 2008 2:42 PM CST reply actions

Aren't all lefties versus the sox

Filthy

by southsideirish71 on Mar 3, 2008 2:43 PM CST up reply actions

Especially

these AAAA guys

"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 Mar 3, 2008 2:44 PM CST up reply actions

ha i liked that us cellular commercial

by Jbasic89 on Mar 3, 2008 2:42 PM CST reply actions

Magoo

A lot of the home runs last year were useless. Thanks Magoo. The same radio team also said earlier that we won in 05 because Pods was a disruptive force on the basepaths. LOL

by southsideirish71 on Mar 3, 2008 2:42 PM CST reply actions

Oh yeah...

don't you know that homeruns before the 9th inning are totally useless? As are solo home-runs?

"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 Mar 3, 2008 2:44 PM CST up reply actions

yeah, I'm listening

it's pretty brutal.

MrROFL.com

by shaftr on Mar 3, 2008 2:44 PM CST up reply actions

u wish you could hear walker

being interviewed by hawk

"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 Mar 3, 2008 2:47 PM CST up reply actions

ya i have a friend

that wants owens to start because hes convinced that we won in 05' because pods was a force.

by Jbasic89 on Mar 3, 2008 2:45 PM CST up reply actions

QUIET! walker's speaking

we're on a mission this year!

by The Wizard on Mar 3, 2008 2:45 PM CST reply actions

I can't hear the audio.

Is he concerned about the April weather?

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

by ballyb on Mar 3, 2008 2:46 PM CST up reply actions

he thinks we have two types of players...

those that can't control the bat well, and those those that think too much about what their doing... (their mechanics)

and he has drills to fix both.

"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 Mar 3, 2008 2:48 PM CST up reply actions

and there are no excuses...

regarding weather especially.

says we had no attitude last year. biggest thing we lacked (other than On-Base % and Slugging)

"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 Mar 3, 2008 2:50 PM CST up reply actions

That and

The big wooden stick didnt connect with the round object enough.

by southsideirish71 on Mar 3, 2008 2:52 PM CST up reply actions

Fucking Erstad

I knew he was an impostor. No grind, no edge, nuthin'.

"We're actually doing some different things at the top of the lineup, but our key is Jerry Owens being our center fielder and our leadoff guy" - JD

by ChicagoPete on Mar 3, 2008 2:56 PM CST up reply actions

Is he talking about how the weather

How unseasonably cold it is in arizona, its under 70 for gods sake. How can people bat with that kind of weather. They should of called the game, 3 clouds you know.

by southsideirish71 on Mar 3, 2008 2:49 PM CST up reply actions

Nah.

He said that's definitely not an excuse. Gotta win from day one in this division. Gotta...have better "flip drills" = WS Title!

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Mar 3, 2008 2:52 PM CST up reply actions

Nice play by Richar.

He wasn't going to get gathright anyway.

"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 Mar 3, 2008 2:49 PM CST reply actions

Craftsman drills?

I'll bet, they're the best.

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

by ballyb on Mar 3, 2008 2:49 PM CST reply actions

To Shoeless In SC

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

by ballyb on Mar 3, 2008 2:50 PM CST up reply actions

Oh, he's got drills.

Don't worry. He'll teach those players like Konerko to overthink.

"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 Mar 3, 2008 2:51 PM CST up reply actions

Speed on the basepaths!!!!!!

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

by ballyb on Mar 3, 2008 2:51 PM CST reply actions

Ozzie is probably on the phone right now with Kenn

What can we do to get Joey. My god, he can create. With Owens and Gaithright we can have the fastest guys who can steal 60 bases and have an OBP below .313.

by southsideirish71 on Mar 3, 2008 2:53 PM CST up reply actions

What an awful throw.

I hope to god AJ doesn't get hurt.

"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 Mar 3, 2008 2:51 PM CST reply actions

I think Armstrong has been decent.

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

by ballyb on Mar 3, 2008 2:52 PM CST up reply actions

Uh, yeah.

They're running at will. Unless Armstrong falls into the batter with conviction.

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Mar 3, 2008 2:53 PM CST up reply actions

It's not on Armstrong

and Gathright is the fastest player in baseball.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 3, 2008 2:55 PM CST up reply actions

he shouldn't have thrown that one. not with 2 outs

nor with Gathright running. But that was not a good throw.

"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 Mar 3, 2008 2:57 PM CST up reply actions

rinse and repeat

it's one throw.

by larry on Mar 3, 2008 2:58 PM CST up reply actions

IMO, Danks lost a lot of control that inning.

He's gotta work on saving that until the fifth inning like last season.

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Mar 3, 2008 2:54 PM CST reply actions

Ramirez at Short

Looked smooth getting to and fielding that ball. Throw ended up in the dirt. His arm isn't Eckstein bad, but I'd say it looked below-average for SS. Playable, but not ideal.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 3, 2008 2:54 PM CST reply actions

so not really CF material, then

by larry on Mar 3, 2008 2:55 PM CST up reply actions

Pods didn't have an arm

he still started in LF

"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 Mar 3, 2008 2:57 PM CST up reply actions

where he should have been starting

need a bit more of an arm in center. which is why pods didn't play center.

by larry on Mar 3, 2008 2:58 PM CST up reply actions

Right,

but he still had a weak arm and was still replaced by other people such as Mackowiak because Mack has (I guess in Ozzie's mind) a stronger arm than Pods. Pods probably had one of the weakest LF arms in the Majors.

My point is that I could still see Ozzie playing Ramirez in CF regardless of his arm, and sub him out depending on the situation.

I agree with Cheat and you, however, that his arm looks kinda weak. He probably isn't CF material, but as I just said, Ozzie probably will still play him there.

"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 Mar 3, 2008 3:01 PM CST up reply actions

On the whole

Shortstops have better arms than CFers. I haven't seen him make any long tosses, but I'd say his arm would be average there.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 3, 2008 2:59 PM CST up reply actions

got it

by larry on Mar 3, 2008 3:01 PM CST up reply actions

outroyalling the royals

"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 Mar 3, 2008 2:56 PM CST reply actions

haha dye

by Jbasic89 on Mar 3, 2008 2:58 PM CST reply actions

Dye looks slimmer

"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 Mar 3, 2008 2:58 PM CST reply actions

And faster!

No way he gets that close last year. :P

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Mar 3, 2008 2:59 PM CST up reply actions

LOL

"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 Mar 3, 2008 2:59 PM CST reply actions

Magoo's partner is doing statistics

Josh Fields hit 23 home runs, but only 67 RBIs. Proving his failure and how the Sox hit home runs only when its worthless.

His ratio 4 times the RBIs for home runs. God this guy should apply to Baseball Prospectus.

by southsideirish71 on Mar 3, 2008 2:59 PM CST reply actions

with that ratio

a 40 hr / 160 RBI season is a disappointment.

MrROFL.com

by shaftr on Mar 3, 2008 3:01 PM CST up reply actions

Jesse Owens is a HOFer!

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 3, 2008 3:01 PM CST up reply actions

what does he expect?

for power hitters to not hit mistake pitches out of the park when there are no runners on base?

by Jbasic89 on Mar 3, 2008 3:01 PM CST up reply actions

Danks

The cutter looked good today. The first thing that came to my mind also was more ks. Cheat you think he could get to 9 k/9?.

The other positive thing is there doesnt seem like a lot of solid contact off him. Later in the spring should be interesting with a longer outing and more regs.

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

by Tdogg on Mar 3, 2008 3:03 PM CST reply actions

woah.

that's a whole lot of strikeouts. i ain't cheat but danks ain't koufax.

by larry on Mar 3, 2008 3:05 PM CST up reply actions

Nope

I'd be happy with him getting into the 7th.

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

by BobbySouthSide on Mar 3, 2008 3:09 PM CST up reply actions

Reallly?

You think so? Zips-James have him anywhere between 7.19-7.99 per 9.

That was of course pre cutter. He still throws too many pitches so I dont so a lot of 11-12 k games.

What is a reasonable jump then?

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

by Tdogg on Mar 3, 2008 3:09 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah,

I don't see ANY 11-12k games!!! He isn't Santana!

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

by BobbySouthSide on Mar 3, 2008 3:11 PM CST up reply actions

I'd be happy if the K/9 stayed even

but the H/9 and BB/9 come down... The result, the same number of K but to fewer batters, increasing K%

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 3, 2008 3:12 PM CST up reply actions

i don't know what's reasonable

i haven't even seen him pitch yet and i'd like to see more than spring. but koufax had just above that rate. i'm not sure his K rate will be greatly increased from the shade below 8 it was last year.

by larry on Mar 3, 2008 3:19 PM CST up reply actions

Heh.

DJ making excuses for the players inability to catch fly balls.

"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 Mar 3, 2008 3:04 PM CST reply actions

Ever heard of gravity?

It'll getcha.

"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 Mar 3, 2008 3:06 PM CST reply actions

haha priceless

by Jbasic89 on Mar 3, 2008 3:07 PM CST up reply actions

Awkward!

That was a very strange conversation.

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Mar 3, 2008 3:07 PM CST up reply actions

Ramirez at Short

bobbles an exchange on a DP ball. Upon replay didn't look like his fault. Richar's throw was a little wide, and Ramirez tried to do a pirouette to get the DP, but bobbled the ball on the exchange.

Would have been a nice play if he completed it.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 3, 2008 3:08 PM CST reply actions

Seems to me...

Richar is the one that messed up both (or was it three) DP opportunities. I'd like to see Ramirez get another chance or two to make a good play though.

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Mar 3, 2008 3:12 PM CST up reply actions

this looks like when i used to play

little league

"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 Mar 3, 2008 3:08 PM CST reply actions

how do you score that ball hit to fields?

by Jbasic89 on Mar 3, 2008 3:10 PM CST reply actions

Your KC Royals Announcers

Jeez, don't get much more white bread than these two. Where'd they find these two, Mayberry? I've got a bad feeling that the only source of amusement this season will be pithy comments and withering sarcasm, sharpen your knives:

Denny Matthews became the newest member of the Royals Hall of Fame in August of 2004 and will celebrate his 39th season behind the microphone for the club in 2007. The "Voice of the Royals" has broadcast exclusively for the same team, without interruption, in five different decades.

Ryan Lefebvre begins his ninth season as a Royals broadcaster and his 13th season in a Major League booth. Before joining the Royals for the 1999 season, he spent four seasons as a broadcaster for the Minnesota Twins. He was hired by Minnesota at the age of 24, one year after graduating from college. He worked both television and radio for the Twins and broadcast University of Minnesota football, hockey and volleyball.

"We're actually doing some different things at the top of the lineup, but our key is Jerry Owens being our center fielder and our leadoff guy" - JD

by ChicagoPete on Mar 3, 2008 3:10 PM CST reply actions

Denny is magoo

At least I can make fun of him by name.

by southsideirish71 on Mar 3, 2008 3:12 PM CST up reply actions

I love his look

"Hey, I can't believe I've still got this job!"

"We're actually doing some different things at the top of the lineup, but our key is Jerry Owens being our center fielder and our leadoff guy" - JD

by ChicagoPete on Mar 3, 2008 3:13 PM CST up reply actions

Holy! There is a reported Cintron sighting!

Cubs fan friend says Cintron just turned a double play at 3B!

"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 Mar 3, 2008 3:11 PM CST reply actions

some good news

[Mark Gonzales]:

The White Sox sent a scout to Scottsdale to watch San Francisco left-hander Noah Lowry pitch against Texas.

The scout didn't see much to get excited about, according to a witness.

Lowry walked seven and heaved two wild pitches in the first inning.

In the second, Lowry walked the first two batters on nine pitches, then threw a pickoff attempt into the stands before Giants manager Bruce Bochy pulled him. Lowry didn't strike out any of the 12 batters he faced.

Lowry is signed through 2009 at about $6.75 million, but the Sox might be better served settling for a package of prospects including left-hander Jonathan Sanchez in any deal involving third baseman Joe Crede.

by The Wizard on Mar 3, 2008 3:13 PM CST reply actions

so he had 7 or 9 walks...?

wow

by Jbasic89 on Mar 3, 2008 3:15 PM CST up reply actions

I wish we could get Cain for Crede

Crede would have to have an 1.400 OPS this Spring to maybe convince the Giants to sell Cain.

"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 Mar 3, 2008 3:16 PM CST up reply actions

mancrush

crede could walk clear across lake havasu and the giants still wouldn't even think about trading cain for him.

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

by Toonderstrook on Mar 3, 2008 3:38 PM CST up reply actions

tis a shame

cause Cain could be nice #2 for years to come

"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 Mar 3, 2008 3:41 PM CST up reply actions

cain

he'd already be a #1 on a bunch of teams (like the giants). and he won't turn 24 until the last week of the season. i'm not exactly sure what his contract situation is, but i'd guess he is (or should be) about as untouchable as a young pitcher can be.

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

by Toonderstrook on Mar 3, 2008 3:46 PM CST up reply actions

cain ii

so i unlazed and checked out cain's contract status. no way he is going anywhere.

$700,000
$2,650,000
$4,250,000
$6,250,000 club option that might vest in certain benchmarks are met

So under $14 million for his age 23-26 seasons.

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

by Toonderstrook on Mar 3, 2008 4:17 PM CST up reply actions

I have never understood

this unreasonable theory of Cain and White Sox/Crede mentioned in the same sentence. Where did it come from?

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

by Tdogg on Mar 3, 2008 4:25 PM CST up reply actions

Hopefully, not from anyone with a clue...

It was a stupid mistake in an article about trading Joe Crede. They meant Lowry instead of Cain... I hope.

Crede shouldn't even be mentioned in the same sentence as Cain.

by SSH2005 on Mar 3, 2008 4:28 PM CST up reply actions

We could of had Cain

But someone was a bit on the moron juice and picked up Royce Ring.

by southsideirish71 on Mar 3, 2008 4:38 PM CST up reply actions

Nice piece of hitting

and a tear on the basepaths! Quentin for God!

"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 Mar 3, 2008 3:15 PM CST reply actions

Quentin gets a double

However Ozzie is not impressed. Owens speed makes singles into doubles all the time. How many doubles has Quentin had that didnt go 90 feet. Speed doesnt slump.

by southsideirish71 on Mar 3, 2008 3:16 PM CST reply actions

Will Anderson be asked to bunt?

Next time, Bhoov, do some research.

by Chiburb on Mar 3, 2008 3:18 PM CST up reply actions

had he bunted...

and it been successful, Ozzie may have let him outta the doghouse.

"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 Mar 3, 2008 3:19 PM CST up reply actions

Quentin

HR, but foul on first pitch....

Swings through a couple changeups (making 4 swing and misses at Changeups today)

smokes a fastball to RCF, Gathright gets to it quick, would be a single for most guys, but quentin hustled and made it into 2B.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 3, 2008 3:16 PM CST reply actions

Oh my. Ugly pitch to swing at.

Poor BA.

"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 Mar 3, 2008 3:19 PM CST reply actions

Eldred! Not much at 1B

But he can smoke a ball

"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 Mar 3, 2008 3:21 PM CST reply actions

but De La Rosa is pretty damned bad

"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 Mar 3, 2008 3:22 PM CST up reply actions

only doubles today folks

by Jbasic89 on Mar 3, 2008 3:23 PM CST reply actions

Unless they're triples!

Next time, Bhoov, do some research.

by Chiburb on Mar 3, 2008 3:30 PM CST up reply actions

Good AB by Richar

"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 Mar 3, 2008 3:28 PM CST reply actions

Yup.

Nice hit.

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Mar 3, 2008 3:30 PM CST up reply actions

Err...

I meant Ramirez.

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Mar 3, 2008 3:31 PM CST up reply actions

Alexei!

Bases-clearing triple

by Winning is Fung on Mar 3, 2008 3:30 PM CST up reply actions

woooooooooo

CUBA! CUBA! CUBA!~

by Jbasic89 on Mar 3, 2008 3:30 PM CST reply actions

Our own A-Ram!

Good fastball hitter, for chrissakes!

"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 Mar 3, 2008 3:30 PM CST reply actions

You can see the potential w/ Ramirez

But I think he swings at every first pitch, taking a big cut. And there will be questions about his ability to hit breaking balls until he proves himself in the show...

FB up and out over the plate, however, are no problem.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 3, 2008 3:33 PM CST reply actions

Were you the one who originally compared A-Ram's

stance and swing to Orlando Cabrera's? It looks nearly identical to me.

by SSH2005 on Mar 3, 2008 3:39 PM CST up reply actions

Shelby's in the game for Dye

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 3, 2008 3:33 PM CST reply actions

I thought Shelby was a bit bigger than that

"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 Mar 3, 2008 3:35 PM CST up reply actions

He looks small

but I think he's only listed at 5'11"

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 3, 2008 3:37 PM CST up reply actions

Hawk said 5'10" 190lbs

"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 Mar 3, 2008 3:41 PM CST up reply actions

That was pretty bang-bang

Fields looked safe to me though on replay

"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 Mar 3, 2008 3:36 PM CST reply actions

What the...

...I thought Fields was a QB in college and a great athlete! John Buck throws him out stealing...ugh.

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

by BobbySouthSide on Mar 3, 2008 3:40 PM CST up reply actions

Buck has a great arm, doesn't he?

And both teams seem to be telegraphing their SB's. Both teams are running almost everytime when they get men on base.

by SSH2005 on Mar 3, 2008 3:42 PM CST up reply actions

Does Richar have a white cold-sore on his...

lower lip that never goes away? I remember him having the same cold-sore last season. Weird.

I know it's early but who do people like at 2B thus far -- Richar or Ramirez?

by SSH2005 on Mar 3, 2008 3:41 PM CST reply actions

little early for me..

and I wouldn't rule out sweet-swingin Juanny, but I think as of today it's about equal between Richar and Ramirez.

"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 Mar 3, 2008 3:42 PM CST up reply actions

Gathright could lead the league

in infield singles, given the AB's.

"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 Mar 3, 2008 3:44 PM CST reply actions

He is truly blazing fast...

Ozzie has wet-dreams about him at night.

by SSH2005 on Mar 3, 2008 3:48 PM CST up reply actions

seen this?

video

"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 Mar 3, 2008 3:50 PM CST up reply actions

That is pretty awesome.

by SSH2005 on Mar 3, 2008 4:03 PM CST up reply actions

Ramirez botches a pop fly.

by SSH2005 on Mar 3, 2008 3:45 PM CST reply actions

Ahhh yes. another dropped fly.

Where's the stick'em? Madden? Got some Stick'em?

"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 Mar 3, 2008 3:47 PM CST reply actions

Shelby with a cool shoestring snowcone catch.

by SSH2005 on Mar 3, 2008 3:47 PM CST reply actions

wow.

That might've been a Dye triple had Shelby not come in.

"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 Mar 3, 2008 3:48 PM CST reply actions

unfortunately i have night class. at least...

I got to whet my appetite a little with some spring training action.

"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 Mar 3, 2008 3:48 PM CST up reply actions

Uggghhh, MacDougal gets rocked...

Damon Hollins with a DEEP 2-run jack to tie the game.

by SSH2005 on Mar 3, 2008 4:06 PM CST reply actions

Good thing we got him signed through 2009.

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

by BobbySouthSide on Mar 3, 2008 4:08 PM CST up reply actions

Is it assured that Mac is going north?

I have absolutely no confidence in him whatsoever.

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

by Tdogg on Mar 3, 2008 4:10 PM CST reply actions

Realistically, I see him making the roster...

but he does have one option left.

by SSH2005 on Mar 3, 2008 4:15 PM CST up reply actions

no way

and, frankly, it would probably make constructing the bullpen much easier if he did continue to stink.

by larry on Mar 3, 2008 4:18 PM CST up reply actions

That would be very good

I am sick of hearing about his "nasty" stuff. What good is it if he is always walking folks, throwing wild balls or hurting his own players.

They don't need him and there really isnt a role for him.

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

by Tdogg on Mar 3, 2008 4:22 PM CST up reply actions

indeed

by larry on Mar 3, 2008 4:26 PM CST up reply actions

Thought before ST

you were all over him going North w/ the club? What changed your position? I mean, excepting that he continues to suck as hard as he did last year?

If he is injured, he needs longer than the offseason to rest. If he's healthy and just has lost it, we need to lose him.

I wrote this song after I killed a drifter to get an erection.

by winningugly on Mar 3, 2008 6:37 PM CST up reply actions

octavio dotel was signed

he's mac's replacement. and i never said he should be in the bullpen. if he stinks (and he's doing it so far) - or if anyone else stinks - they shouldn't be on the team. simple. my position was and remains that the sox shouldn't give up on him while they have options on him.

at any rate, i have no idea what the sox are having him work on in ST. it's march 3rd. there's still time.

by larry on Mar 3, 2008 6:52 PM CST up reply actions

I gotta agree

I thought it would be a mistake to drop mac after his wretched 2007 (given that his 2006 was good, he'd been decent before, wasn't terribly old, wasn't terribly expensive, can actually throw hard). But he looks as bad if not worse than last season. So, I think I would not bring him north unless he really turns things around this spring. Pretty disappointing...I wonder why he fell off the cliff like this....

by hitlesswonder on Mar 3, 2008 4:30 PM CST up reply actions

He should be in charlotte

Hard to seem him down there for two years. Maybe we can package Uribe and MacDougal for a can of Spam and a Miller High Life.

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

by BobbySouthSide on Mar 3, 2008 4:32 PM CST up reply actions

there's a difference

between dropping him and stashing him in the minors. i would hope that anyone with half a brain realizes that you don't simply give away players like macdougal, unless you have to. he could easily provide the necessary insurance in the minors. just as he could easily continue to suck. but he should do either in the sox organization.

by larry on Mar 3, 2008 4:33 PM CST up reply actions

Well,

I would hope to give him away instead of paying that salary to be insurance in the minors.

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

by BobbySouthSide on Mar 3, 2008 4:39 PM CST up reply actions

why?

you're not paying him.

by larry on Mar 3, 2008 4:42 PM CST up reply actions

Hmm...

....in reality I am paying some of his salary. As I pay for tickets to the game, beer and food at the game, merchandise, etc. - with that revenue being used on players salaries, and with that salary being wasted on a player who sucks and who may be paid a large sum of money to be insurance in the minors.

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

by BobbySouthSide on Mar 3, 2008 4:46 PM CST up reply actions

a player who sucks, eh

you're one of those black or white, i only remember what you did for me last year types.

it's called upside. whine about other players on the roster.

by larry on Mar 3, 2008 4:50 PM CST up reply actions

Definetly Upside

because he can't go down.

I was all for him having a great spring and getting back to what he did two years ago, but he hasn't shown much so far.

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

by BobbySouthSide on Mar 3, 2008 4:51 PM CST up reply actions

yup

march 3rd. he's doomed.

by larry on Mar 3, 2008 4:53 PM CST up reply actions

After 2007

and so far this spring he looks doomed.

Have you seen something recently, I haven't?

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

by BobbySouthSide on Mar 3, 2008 4:58 PM CST up reply actions

wow.

you, bobbysouthside, are paying some of his salary? so i guess if the sox dump him and don't have to pay his salary anymore, the ticket, beer, food, and merchandise prices will drop and you'll get some of your "investment" back, right?

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

by Toonderstrook on Mar 3, 2008 5:01 PM CST up reply actions

No

But, I would like the Sox to spend their revenue wisely and if you are spending $2 million this year and $2.5 million next year on MacDougal in the minors - well, that isn't wisely.

You see it is simple, a large chunk of revenue that MLB teams receive come from the fans- that would be you and me.

I would rather the Sox take that $5.5 million and invest it in a player more valuable.

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

by BobbySouthSide on Mar 3, 2008 5:07 PM CST up reply actions

that's assuming some things, isn't it?

you don't like having him as insurance because of the money. but at the same time, there is no guarantee that dropping macdougal = spending that money to get someone else. the white sox were ready to dump how much money into torii hunter, and then didn't end up spending all of it after he chose the angels instead. this isn't a zero sum game where the sox have x amount to spend and will spend it all.

look at having some major league experience as insurance for a bullpen which likely will need some (as most will over the course of the season vs. perhaps not having that experience and also not having another player on the roster instead.

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

by Toonderstrook on Mar 3, 2008 5:15 PM CST up reply actions

heck of a lot more likely

that money goes to allan muchin's new winter house in palm beach.

by larry on Mar 3, 2008 6:53 PM CST up reply actions

His salary is cheap for a reliever these days.

by SSH2005 on Mar 3, 2008 4:44 PM CST up reply actions

I don't care how cheap a reliever

he is. If he can't get the ball over the plate and gives up the long ball like batting practice - he is getting paid too much and wasting a roster spot.

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

by BobbySouthSide on Mar 3, 2008 4:50 PM CST up reply actions

Yep, and here's why...

2008: $1.95 million
2009: $2.65 million
2010: $3.75 million team option OR $350,000 buyout

MacDougal is still a valuable commodity if he can show anything this spring or in AAA with that contract, after seeing what Linebrink and Dotel signed for.

by SSH2005 on Mar 3, 2008 4:44 PM CST up reply actions

Would he be just as valuable in your eyes...

if he were signed for twice as much?

See, I don't get the money argument. It isn't our money, as Larry has pointed out. I don't see money as a good reason to keep him on the BIG LEAGUE CLUB. Kick his ass to the curb in Charlotte and let him try to improve his trade value there. He's just plain not good. He has never been able to consistently throw strikes. Ever. He is, as some people call it, effectively wild. Now he's just wild because he doesn't throw strikes as often.

I'd rather one of our younger players get a shot at proving himself in the big leagues, and giving us a chance to see what we got. An Adam Russel, Wasserman, etc.

"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 Mar 3, 2008 6:56 PM CST up reply actions

C. Everett Logan

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Mar 3, 2008 4:54 PM CST reply actions

macdougal

any chance he doesn't make this team?

by ruffster on Mar 3, 2008 5:05 PM CST reply actions

The more things change...........

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

by ballyb on Mar 3, 2008 5:06 PM CST reply actions

A-Ramirez

If he is going to play everyday why isn't ozzie letting him work at 2b?Playing S.S. means nothing with ocab playing 150 games.

Don't Stop believing!!!Did journey not teach us anything?

by JenksDaMan45 on Mar 3, 2008 5:36 PM CST reply actions

I think

The Sox want to see if he can play SS if Uribe gets moved (i.e. to see if can be a backup). Plus, it lets them know if he can possible handle SS next year.

by hitlesswonder on Mar 3, 2008 5:54 PM CST up reply actions

I still see him as a possible option

in CF. JO with some pop. Same speed, and "D" can be taught more easily in the OF. Same noodle arm, to hear the descriptions of his throws from SS (maybe better than JO?).

Give him a shot if he continues to lok OK in ST.

I wrote this song after I killed a drifter to get an erection.

by winningugly on Mar 3, 2008 6:40 PM CST up reply actions