White Sox No Longer Second Tier in Central

by The Cheat on May 21, 2008 12:13 AM CDT in Recaps Comment 109 comments

When last we saw the Indians, I recalled the feelings I had at the opening of the '07 season, when the disparity between the two teams couldn't have been more obvious, and said the Sox had "changed, but not nearly enough, nor in the right spots." I liked the '08 club better than the '07 version, but it still felt like there was a gap --and not in a good way-- between the Indians and the Sox.

And that's what jumped out at me most in this game. Flipping between the NBA Draft Lottery and the first inning of the game, I wasn't filled with doom, even though the Indians had CC Sabathia, who had never lost at USCF, on the mound and the Sox countered with the always adventuresome Jose Contreras.

While the Sox are obviously not without flaws, these Indians have many of the same flaws --they entered the night with a .234 batting average-- and maybe a couple more (like a bullpen that has the second highest OPS allowed in the league). The only gap I feel now is the 2.5 game lead the Sox have built on the Indians.

The White Sox no longer belong in the second tier of "the toughest division in baseball." They're right in the thick of things at the top of baseball's most disappointingly mediocre division.

About the game

Jose Contreras pitched well. Carlos Quentin homered. The bullpen nailed down a Sox victory, combining with Contreras to hold the opponent to just one run. I think we've read this script before.

Contreras didn't quite have the forkball that he had last time out, but it was there when he needed it, and his fastball seemed to have a little extra zip on it tonight. The lone run he allowed came in an inning in which he took a possible double play ball off the ankle for a base hit to put runners on first and second with nobody out. After looking shaky on the ensuing sacrifice bunt, Count picked right back up where he left off, snuffing out the only other serious scoring threat by catching David Dellucci off second base following a comebacker.

The Sox offense, which consisted of Q! and Thome solo shots in the first 7 innings, added some insurance in the 8th. Q! started the rally with a well earned walk, then busted into 3rd on a Jermaine Dye single. The hustle play, which might have caught Grady Sizemore off-guard, and allowed Dye into second, forcing the bases loaded with a IBB to Thome.

Pablo Ozuna singled home Quentin after Paul Konerko struck out on 3 pitches. Nick Swisher capped the scoring with an RBI groundout to plate Dye. And the bullpen retired all 9 batters they faced to cap off what might have been the most satisfying win of the season thus far.

Incidentally

Because I'd like to be the first to draw the connection; the Sox are 9-3 since Uribe's takeout slide of Brendan Harris.

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Comments

I know some of you (read: Larry) can't believe this guy's story

but it’s worth noting that a certain poster is back posting at Soxtalk.... He doesn’t have much to say, but he mentions that Jose Martinez may have torn his meniscus and broken his foot. And Justin Edwards had TJ(?) surgery.

the money quotes aren’t really much, but they don’t paint a pretty picture about the Wilder situation and the 3 young SS the Sox signed last year.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on May 21, 2008 12:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I was just about to post this...

I just posted it in the “Wilder Investigation Tealeaves” fanpost:

http://www.southsidesox.com/2008/5/18/520026/wilder-investigation-teale#6250530

Crazy stuff. Sounds like SS Juan Silverio is actually 20.5 years old instead of 16 and he also sucks.

by SSH2005 on May 21, 2008 12:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Read BureauEmployee171's latest post, Cheat...

http://www.soxtalk.com/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=64771&view=findpost&p=1643177

by SSH2005 on May 21, 2008 12:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just read it,,, and if it's to be believed

I was right on 1, 2, and 3 in my initial post on the situation. If I was batting any better, I might be stealing All-Star votes from Q! ;)

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on May 21, 2008 12:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's crazy...

He even says that a writer from Baseball America was in on it. The writer was a friend of Dave Wilder and Alan Reiger and he basically backed the expensive signings of these Latin players by hyping the crappy players up in his publications.

by SSH2005 on May 21, 2008 12:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This conspiracy stuff is gold if true...

What an interesting story. No wonder our farm system sucks so bad if this crap is true.

by SSH2005 on May 21, 2008 1:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's a non-vieled reference to Phil Rogers

I don’t think Phil is “in on it.” More like he was a patsy who repeated what Wilder told him… It’s not like he’s headed out to view these guys like Anderson Gomes.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on May 21, 2008 1:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I remember that one...

Phil Rogers saying that Anderson Gomes could be the next Soriano.

by SSH2005 on May 21, 2008 1:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Phil Rogers

Also said that Cleveland is going to make a statement this series on CTL. He is 0-1 thus far in that prediction. He is the ESPN bonehead baseball writer for the Tribune, I mean he was talkin up the Indians like they were the 27 yankees. The guy should not have a job in baseball.

"I would rather have a battalion of German soldiers in front of me than a platoon of French soldiers behind me."

by Where Triples Go to Die on May 21, 2008 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I heard that as well...

He sounded like such a Cubs lover and a Sox hater there.

by SSH2005 on May 21, 2008 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah no shit

the cubs have been good but he is acting like that starting pitching could match up to ours. He really called them the best team in ALL of baseball! Someone has been drinkin that cubbie koolaid. He just irritates me more than any other sports writer in town. The sad thing is, Phil really thinks that he is a baseball expert.

"I would rather have a battalion of German soldiers in front of me than a platoon of French soldiers behind me."

by Where Triples Go to Die on May 21, 2008 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Now that he's got some juicy details up

Let’s confine what I’m sure to be the considerable discussion to the fanshot above this post.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on May 21, 2008 1:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Q! and Paulie

Q! embarrassed Grady Sizemore in the 8th inning with his heads up baserunning. Lost in the summary was how bad Konerko looked on the bases loaded, no out, strike out. Two horrible swings and a taken third strike. HE NEEDS SOME BENCH TIME!

C'mon, Smokey! This isn't 'Nam, it's bowling. There are rules!

by thekever on May 21, 2008 6:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I got a little frustrated with Konerko at the game

And of course everyone around me defended him. I always forget about the unwritten rule that Paulie is not held accountable.

Bloggin'

http://bierjournal.blogspot.com/

by Six Pack on May 21, 2008 7:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He probably needs to go on the DL.

He seems to actually be seeing the ball pretty well, at least most of the time. He’s just not driving the ball. He’s lost about 200 points of slugging this year.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 21, 2008 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We come not to praise CC, but to bury him.

Wish I’d said that yesterday.

We shall reach greater and greater platitudes of achievment.

by Chiburb on May 21, 2008 9:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Pretty cute.

Keep working on that Q! AS vote slogan.

Pitching and defense.

by ballyb on May 21, 2008 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought you decided on "I Got Q Babe"

And I think Nancy should start playing that every time he comes to the plate, with the lyrics subbing Q for you on the scoreboard. I think the fans would love it.

We shall reach greater and greater platitudes of achievment.

by Chiburb on May 21, 2008 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Q Light Up My Life

Q light up my life
Q give me hope
To carry on
Q light up my days
and fill my nights with song

It can’t be wrong
When it feels so right
‘Cause Q
Q light up my life

"We're gonna bring it all day, everyday...we're gonna keep grinding it out." - Nick Swisher (4/1/08)

by tailgater on May 21, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We have time.

“I Got Q Babe” is very good, IMO, but with all the creative minds we have here at SSS, let’s see what else pops up.

Pitching and defense.

by ballyb on May 21, 2008 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

God Must Have Spent a Little More Time on Q

That’s why he’s so dreamy!

by Ryno on May 21, 2008 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought "Superstar" by 'gater (or Chiburb) was the best

I took the "under".

by winningugly on May 21, 2008 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

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

by colintj on May 21, 2008 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Vronk!

I’m sure the Uribe takeout slide will be prominently mentioned in the Sox ‘08 World Series championship video. ;)

Mosi Tatupu! Mosi Tatupu!

by Nordhagen on May 21, 2008 11:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

No longer 2nd tier indeed

Trades will become very important as we move into the next month. Cleveland’s offense frankly is not good and I dont know how much of an improvement we should expect without help. They certainly have pitching depth to trade. Will Detroit take the flyer on Bonds? I still think their hits will come but reading that USA article on them yesterday highlights a host of other things wrong and we know about their pitching.

Things change but the most well rounded Central team right now is the Chicago White Sox. All of a sudden the half full guys dont seem so crazy on contention.

Most thought the 3-4-5 issue would be the most important. Well they have to get an A for the 1st quarter. 3 quarters to go.

by Tdogg on May 21, 2008 12:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Garko and Hafner...

will improve. Asdrubal Cabrera will probably improve.

On the other hand, Cliff Lee is simply not this good, nor is Fausto Carmona.

I still think the Indians will end up winning the division by 6+ games when all is said and done.

The key for the White Sox will be team health. They simply need all their starters to remain healthy if they want to have any shot whatsoever.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 21, 2008 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And the Indians need to hit

Im sorry but your not going to no run yourself to a division title. Their offensive woes are problematic and their are cracks in the bullpen. Its funny there is the obvious love affair with Hafner and Sizemore, but Hafner is not that young and some time has passed. The team OPS+ is 85

6+ games? good luck.

by Tdogg on May 21, 2008 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, if we are to expect Konerko and Thome to improve...

we have to expect Hafner to improve, unless he just got off the juice.

by SSH2005 on May 21, 2008 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I do.

My point was their offense has not really been good or even avg since what the all star break last year?

by Tdogg on May 21, 2008 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks to all the division teams

having some sort of woes (cold bats, weak bullpens, etc.), the Sox odds of making a playoff run are just as good as the rest of the teams. Of course, it’s still May and there’s a long way to go.

If the pitching remains steady and if Paulie, Swish and Thome ever start hitting…they could start putting some distance between them and the next guy (probably Cleveland or the Twins).

"We're gonna bring it all day, everyday...we're gonna keep grinding it out." - Nick Swisher (4/1/08)

by tailgater on May 21, 2008 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not "as good"

but I think Q! invalidates much of what PECOTA has predicted for the team and as such, it’s definitely better than 10%.

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

by colintj on May 21, 2008 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Obviously they need to start hitting.

I think they will. The main thing the Indians have going for them is that nobody else in the division has the talent that they do. They’re not a great team by any stretch of the imagination, but I could see them winning 87 games and still win the division by six.

My main concern with the White Sox’s chances in 2008 is their absolute lack of depth. They have nobody, either on the bench or in the minors, who can really step in if someone goes down (except maybe Brian Anderson), and they have some brittle players. If Joe Crede goes down, for instance, what then? What if (heaven forfend) Pierzynski goes down? There are absolutely massive dropoffs between the starting nine and their replacements.

I also expect major regression from Contreras and Floyd as the season progresses, although I think Buehrle’s numbers will improve. And they have cracks in the bullpen, as well.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 21, 2008 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it would be good if the player who went down was joe crede

josh fields, anyone?

i, and others, have said this before: the sox have little margin for error. they can’t afford injuries (or, by extension, really subpar performance from players). if the sox stay as healthy as they are now throughout the season, they’ve got a shot. if JD or PK or AJ go down, watch out. because it’s pretty thin behind those player.

by larry on May 21, 2008 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And god forbid...

that Quentin slump badly or get hurt.

Right now, the difference between the White Sox offense and the Indians offense is Quentin.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 21, 2008 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So I guess

AJ, Dye and Crede haven’t counted this year? Hmmm. Me thinks this year (not long term) our offensive prospects are a lot better. (Again health is a key but everybody wont get hurt)

by Tdogg on May 21, 2008 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right now, in terms of offensive production...

Pierzynski/Crede/Dye = Martinez/Sizemore/Francisco.

And the Indians only have one black hole of suck (Asdrubal Cabrera) instead of two.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 21, 2008 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jer right now

The team hitter VORP is 40.6 compared to Cleveland’s 8. Lower than KC’s 8.5
Change that = to > and your all good. Not to mention Francisco has 50 abs.

Saying take out any team’s best player for a comparsion seems sort of wierd.

Even Thome’s .265 EQA would rank 2 or 3rd on Cleveland’s team now depending on number of PAs.

by Tdogg on May 21, 2008 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was more talking about going forward...

than what they’ve done so far. I like Francisco.

I’m not saying the Indians are as good as the White Sox offensively, but I am saying that most of the difference is Quentin. The Indians don’t have someone like him.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 21, 2008 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Okay JRE

“They’re not a great team by any stretch of the imagination, but I could see them winning 87 games and still win the division by six.”

I too worry about health but it has to be reasonable. When its all said and done the team still does an excellent job keeping their players healthy.

And Im sorry could a bullpen be better? Yes but an 11th spot is not a crack. There have been some rough patches but the bullpen has been good and better than Cleveland’s.

by Tdogg on May 21, 2008 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't have any faith...

in any reliever not named Jenks or Linebrink at this point in time.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 21, 2008 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dotel was tired on Sunday

The man has been sick lately.

by Tdogg on May 21, 2008 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like Dotel and all of his K's...

but he still has a 1.55 WHIP to go along with his sweet 14 K/9. He can get wild out there, even when he is 100%. JRE has a point.

by SSH2005 on May 21, 2008 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not since his rocky beginning he hasnt.

Sunday sticks out but it hasnt been the norm and even better he has done it in high lev situations.
Opponents line vs him in May .182/.325.182 And thats bumped with his Sunday outing and a .350 BABIP avg.

Again we have our own issues but is the bullpen really one of them right now in the grand scheme of things and comparing the competition?

by Tdogg on May 21, 2008 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

right but there's no reason to expect him to continue at this pace, right?

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

by colintj on May 21, 2008 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No he certainly cant.

But Thornton, Logan and the rest make up the whole bullpen. Again not a huge issue. You disagree?

by Tdogg on May 21, 2008 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Having two good pitchers to pitch high leverage innings is

more or less average, right? I think between Thornton, Logan and Dotel, we’ve got another one at any given time, so I think things look pretty good.

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

by colintj on May 21, 2008 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

JRE hates dotel

by larry on May 21, 2008 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And Konerko

JRE – a hate machine.

I took the "under".

by winningugly on May 21, 2008 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't hate Konerko.

I just think he’s overrated.

I do hate Dotel, though.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 21, 2008 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But is he a pretty hate machine?

(in my best Stewie impression) Does he have…nine inch nails? Hahahaha

Okay, that was lame.

Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos.

by rhythm on May 21, 2008 2:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sick as in good

“Not bad meaning bad but bad meaning good”

by Tdogg on May 21, 2008 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is being 6 games better than these White Sox really so hard?

even if we are in the top tier in the Central, I think it’s also clear we aren’t top tier in the AL.

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

by colintj on May 21, 2008 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

does it matter?

How many wild cards have made/won the WS in the last few years?

We shall reach greater and greater platitudes of achievment.

by Chiburb on May 21, 2008 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Wild Card...

probably won’t come from the AL Central.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 21, 2008 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nope

I agree

by Tdogg on May 21, 2008 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

My point wasn't that the Sox will be the Wild Card,

it was that you don’t have to be “elite” to succeed once in the playoffs! They COULD win this division with 87 wins, hardly ‘top tier’, and end up with the trophy (signing the cross).

We shall reach greater and greater platitudes of achievment.

by Chiburb on May 21, 2008 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anything can happen in the playoffs...

I agree.

But I would be really pleasantly surprised if this team ended up in the playoffs.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 21, 2008 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

not being in the top tier of the AL does

and since I just suggested that being 6 games better than these White Sox isn’t hard, I can’t say I suspect winning the division title at this point is likely.

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

by colintj on May 21, 2008 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

With 87 wins?

Umm yes it is hard for me to see right now.

by Tdogg on May 21, 2008 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You think that a .500 record...

is “hard to see”?

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 21, 2008 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

do you mean it's hard to see how the indians would win that many?

i’ll give you a simple reason: their pythag is 25-20. they should win about that many. whether one thinks they’ll be six games better than the sox, well, that’s something else.

by larry on May 21, 2008 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No I easily could see 87 wins

His statement was, even with 87 wins that being 6+ better than the Sox. I dont see that.

by Tdogg on May 21, 2008 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We didnt believe in the fall of the Berlin Wall until

A brick hit the CIA in the head on the way down and JRE wont believe this is a better than .500 team unless its 5 games left and they are 6 over.

by Tdogg on May 21, 2008 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wouldn't surprise me at all

starters come back to earth and an injury to a key player. both of these should not be unexpected (some, like me, would argue they should be expected).

by larry on May 21, 2008 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Okay add you also as well.

by Tdogg on May 21, 2008 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

'also' 'as well'...

Where are the college kids when you need them?

We shall reach greater and greater platitudes of achievment.

by Chiburb on May 21, 2008 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

being distracted by SSS when I have 18 pages worth of papers due tomorrow that i havent started. calling the english major...

It is better to be thought of as a fool, rather than open your mouth to remove all doubt

by whitesoxmatt on May 21, 2008 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Site downtime today: most productive I've been since April 1

Keep your eye on the $$$, not SSS!

We shall reach greater and greater platitudes of achievment.

by Chiburb on May 21, 2008 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah? what?

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

by colintj on May 21, 2008 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wanna use all your brain power to write a 8 to 10 page paper

on how my modern and contemporary theater class has influenced my thinking and how it is a part of my liberal arts education?

It is better to be thought of as a fool, rather than open your mouth to remove all doubt

by whitesoxmatt on May 21, 2008 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol

Lay off Im flipping back and forth. I do good sometimes. And I hate to repeat myself repetitively.

by Tdogg on May 21, 2008 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

tdogg, i think they're an above .500 team

if everyone plays regularly. you know, the basis for the white sox below .500 projections by things like PECOTA is primarily predicated on shit players getting too much playing time, in large measure because of injuries to key players. i don’t believe it is probable that this team stays injury free. or, connected with that statement to a degree, that the starters will be as good as they have been so far. if they manage to do that, 85 wins is probably a good target.

by larry on May 21, 2008 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think that's what i took the under.

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

by colintj on May 21, 2008 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

*why

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

by colintj on May 21, 2008 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Egbert can capably replace someone outside of Danks and Javy

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

by colintj on May 21, 2008 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Egbert...

currently has an ERA of 6.33 down in Charlotte. I’m not convinced that he’s ready to step into a big-league starter’s job.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 21, 2008 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

kind of coming back from injury and obviously has been hampered by the lack of work in ST and beyond

i wouldn’t put that much stock in the numbers yet. but i also wouldn’t expect him to be able to step in until later in the season.

by larry on May 21, 2008 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'll be worried if it's July and he isn't looking like the Eggy of old

but as long as it isn’t pre-TJ or a serious shoulder problem that he’s dealing with, I think I like him to come back to his old form. There shouldn’t be much that he did at AA that he can’t at AAA.

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

by colintj on May 21, 2008 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Our holes...

2B (Uribe, Ramirez, Ozuna) and the last spot in the bullpen (Wassermann, MacDougal)

If Richar comes back healthy and productive, that will solve our 2B issues. Then, either Wassermann or MacDougal has to man up.

by SSH2005 on May 21, 2008 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Back end of the bullpen

can be traded for w/o losing a big prospect. We are a big market team.. I’m sure if we are still in first by the all star break and the last guy out of the pen still sucks KW will just trade for a reliever. It’s a lot easier to find those midseason then it is a solid second baseman.

by Grinder in Training on May 21, 2008 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cleveland or Detroit should be pretty tempted by Bonds right now

particularly given the commitment to Winning Now that Detroit made in the Cabrera deal.

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

by colintj on May 21, 2008 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nope on Detroit

Who’s the owner? Ilich? Local do-gooder? Feeder of the homeless? Taking on a guy under indictment?

Nope.

I took the "under".

by winningugly on May 21, 2008 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also, I think the difference in the teams

is probably well summarized by the gap in performance between Pronk and Q!

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

by colintj on May 21, 2008 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd be thrilled with a 4-2 homestand.....

tough weekend pitching matchups looming.
FRI Ervin Santana
SAT Jared Weaver
SUN John Lackey

by stanchar on May 21, 2008 12:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I will be at the Sunday game

just thought I’d mentioned it…First trip home of the season so first game of the year, so if the Sox go on a huge losing streak (knock on wood) you know who to blame

-Jeeves Life in the Cell

by jeeves on May 21, 2008 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Its a good test

Lets see some tough matchups, especially on the offense side.

by Tdogg on May 21, 2008 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

swish

The helmet already had been flung toward the dugout after the strikeout, and the bat was cocked back.
Throw it.

Break it.

Hit something.

That’s Nick Swisher’s nature, his therapy session.

http://www.southtownstar.com/sports/958795,052008sptsox.article

well, joe did it!

The greatest trick the White Sox ever pulled was convincing their fan base that "Ozzieball" ever existed.

by The Wizard on May 21, 2008 12:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Update...

on the great struggle -

Orlando Cabrera EQA – .208
Juan Uribe EQA – .204

Orland Cabrera OPS+ – 55
Juan Uribe OPS+ – 60

It’s hard to say whether Uribe not playing is helping or hurting his cause.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 21, 2008 12:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Where is Alexei

I think he’s joined the fray at this point.

by Grinder in Training on May 21, 2008 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good point.

Alexei Ramirez EQA – .192
Alexei Ramirez OPS+ – 51

He’s definitely in the mix now.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 21, 2008 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Toby Hall - Prankmaster

Heard this one on The Score radio yesterday…

Apparently Brian Anderson had made videos of himself working out with his personal trainer over the off season. Toby Hall became aware of the recordings and asked BA if he could borrow them in order to get some pointers on having a good workout.

BA coughed up the tapes…big mistake.

The other day a “mandatory meeting” sign was posted in the club house. The meeting was to take place at 4:05 on the field. When 4:05 rolled around the players reported to the field as scheduled. A smattering of media was also present.

The meeting turned out to be a showing of BA’s workout routine set to music and played on the Jumbotron for the team and reporters to enjoy. Apparently one of the highlights was BA and his trainer both shirtless, in skimpy shorts, playing catch with a medicine ball.

That T-Dog, what a jokester!

"We're gonna bring it all day, everyday...we're gonna keep grinding it out." - Nick Swisher (4/1/08)

by tailgater on May 21, 2008 1:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Even funnier:

Cowley starting the “Kenny trying to trade for Chone
Figgens” talk.
I refuse to link to it.

We shall reach greater and greater platitudes of achievment.

by Chiburb on May 21, 2008 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh no, I linked to it...

The greatest trick the White Sox ever pulled was convincing their fan base that "Ozzieball" ever existed.

by The Wizard on May 21, 2008 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What I want to know is

how the hell “Chone” is pronounced “Shawn”?

"We're gonna bring it all day, everyday...we're gonna keep grinding it out." - Nick Swisher (4/1/08)

by tailgater on May 21, 2008 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

same as Dunston

mother was in labor at the hospital, granny there too, watching a James Bond movie. They thought Connery was good looking so named the baby boy Shawon after him. Obviously they didn’t stick around for the closing credits, just went with how they thought Sean was spelled.

We shall reach greater and greater platitudes of achievment.

by Chiburb on May 21, 2008 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs