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Changes Loom as White Sox Skid Hits 6

They say good hitting is contagious. Well, for the White Sox, bad hitting is a plague, an epidemic.

The Sox closed out a road trip that saw them score just 9 runs in 6 games, with Sox hitters going 4-37 with runners in scoring position.

I've been sitting up waiting for more definitive news on the state of the Sox roster, because all I know right now is that changes appear imminent. Adam Russell is gone without appearing in a game, and it looks like Alexei Ramirez is your new starting 2B. Why? I have no idea.

Juan Uribe's presence in the lineup is tough to defend, but he still seems to give the Sox a better chance to win than any of the other options at second base.

Perhaps the turkey leg that fully blocked the fat man's artery came in the third inning when Uribe found himself in an unfamiliar place, third base, with nobody out. Orlando Cabrera grounded to the rag-armed David Eckstein, who was playing what Hawk would call "half way" at short, but Uribe didn't come home. The next batter, Carlos Quentin, lifted a shallow fly ball to right field where the strong arm of Alex Rios made a running a dubious decision. Uribe held again.

Uribe's mistake was amplified by the Sox 14 inning scoring drought and Javier Vazquez' magnificent performance. Vazquez. who was throwing in the mid-90's in his last inning of work, would have finished out the 8th if not for a poor play by Pablo Ozuna. He narrowly missed becoming the third White Sox starter to grab a complete game loss while north of the border.

For his part, Ozuna had an opportunity to take Vazquez off the hook for the loss when he came to the plate in the 9th with the bases loaded and nobody out. -- I don't need to go on about Ozuna. If there's anyone who deserves to be gone (aside from Ramirez) it's Ozuna. -- With the Sox needing just a deep fly ball, and Joe Crede unavailable because of a migraine, Ozuna grounded into the game ending 1-2-3 double play.

I wish I knew the direction the Sox were thinking about taking so that I could make a preemptive post about it tonight while I have the opportunity. All I know for sure is there are no quick fixes available, and all of the conceivable solutions are hardly solutions at all.

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Thank God Carol Slezak fights for Inflatable Doll rights

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/slezak/933482,CST-NWS-carol06.article

Its a doll Carol, a doll. Not a person, a doll. Get a grip.

Wait till Kotex boy and his side kick Mini-Me Greg Couch get a hold of this.

by southsideirish71 on May 6, 2008 12:35 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"White Sox blew it...."

I would’ve figured it blew them

by 3E8 on May 6, 2008 12:49 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Headline should be

Sleestack assures her visage attached to next inflatable slumpbuster

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on May 6, 2008 12:50 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

she has not seen Major League

otherwise, she’d know that dolls/cardboard figures are the best way to bust a team out of a slump

something special

by wite on May 6, 2008 4:25 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Anyone remember

the article she wrote about 5 years ago about her garage and some fans parking in it during a cub game?

If you do, that was my friends car that was towed – and I told him to park there. She was my neighbor and a total btch. We went to the Cubs game (trust me, I was rooting for the other team) and I told him to park there because she never did. We come back from the game and the car is gone. We finally found out who towed it and the next day in the paper there it is – her garage/my garage on the back page of the suntimes…they were talking about it on the radio…nuts.

She said she usually parked on the street, but during cubs home games she parked in the garage. Well, a lot of people got pissed about that because she was taking up street parking even though she owned a garage. She tried to argue that what she did was kosher, but basically lost and was a btch about it in the process.

Never liked her since and she really doesn’t have a clue when you read her articles (which I try not too).

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

by BobbySouthSide on May 6, 2008 8:01 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Slezak is a moron

like most of the columnist in this city. These people claim they are the most ethical people around yet they would shit on someone any chance they get. Plus the slimy things they do to get stories or make stories.

by Where Triples Go to Die on May 6, 2008 8:29 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Did your buddy relieve himself in her garage?

That would have been a little consolation.

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

by thekever on May 6, 2008 8:45 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Really?

You parked in your neighbors garage, unless your good friends with your neighbor I don’t know why that seems like a good idea. Or why you would be surprised she had your car towed. You parked in someone elses garage what do you expect to have happen?

by Grinder in Training on May 6, 2008 9:00 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well,

I had lived there for over a year and never – NOT ONCE, ever seen a car parked in her spot. Let me explain in a little more detail…this was a 3-car garage where 3 spots were rented out. This wasn’t her private garage. My spot and the spot next to me had a car in it, hers never did. Apparently she parked in the street closer to her house.

So, figuring that nobody ever parks there – why not park there for the game for a few hours and then move the car. Kind of logical.

We get back and the car is towed. I could see this happening – slight chance, but I know why she did it.

BUT, then to write a backpage article on it was a little nuts – she basically called us low life scum, wanted to suck the gas out of the car, wanted to key the car, etc.

When it came out that she parks in the street and not the garage and only has the garage for convenience – well that pissed a lot of people off. As you may know, street parking up there is at a premium.

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

by BobbySouthSide on May 6, 2008 9:35 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You parked in someone else's garage.

She paid for it, she can do whatever she wants with it, you can’t complain when you use someone else’s garage and then she tow’s your car. I’d do the same thing if someone used my garage and I wanted to park there. You could have simply asked her if you wanted to use your garage, or left her a note with your phone number.

by Grinder in Training on May 6, 2008 9:51 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah

I know. I totally understand why she towed it. I was just wondering if anyone else saw the article, saying she got a little carried away writing a full article on it in the sun-times and stating that I wasn’t a complete idiot for trying to have my friend park their for a few hours.

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

by BobbySouthSide on May 6, 2008 10:04 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bobby, gotta disagree with you man...

She pays for a garage, so she can do whatever she pleases with it. Slezak is a moron. But if I came home from a long day at work, and found a car parked in front of my garage I would want to key it too.

"You might be impressed with your analysis, but I am not. Stop wasting my time." - Chris De Luca

by BoKnows on May 6, 2008 10:19 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rule #47

Do not f*ck with a man’s car.

I am not arguing why she towed it….i would have done the same!

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

by BobbySouthSide on May 6, 2008 10:24 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

MY GIRL

IS DEEPLY OFFENDED BY BLOW UP DOLLS. ;X

by Where Triples Go to Die on May 6, 2008 8:59 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

glad i spent my evening drinking away my yhoo blues and not watching the sox do how they do.

i wish someone had told me that sportsnation had replaced rationality with caps lock.

by MarketMaker on May 6, 2008 12:50 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Uribe

Is a bad starter, but a pretty useful utility player. Competent or above a 3 infield positions. That alone makes him valuable (which is good, because that’s all he has except for a little power).

Anyway, he’s actually a useful bench player. Given the atrociousness of the Sox bench, dropping Juan rather than Pablo makes no sense.

by hitlesswonder on May 6, 2008 12:57 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe KW doesnt trust Ozzie to use Uribe the right way

Remember Timo Perez, philospher, dreamer, DH, 1st baseman, OF for the Chicago Whitesox.

Sometimes you need to take the toys away. Uribe would make a nice bench player, but players like that become starters with Ozzie.

by southsideirish71 on May 6, 2008 1:00 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

if that's the case can't kenny tell it to ozzie?

1. talk to ozzie

nothing?
2. talk to ozzie

nothing?
3. dump ozzie

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

by The Wizard on May 6, 2008 11:58 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The more things change...

2007 record after 30 games: 15-15
2007 Batting after 30 games: .224 .305 .369 .674
2007 ERA: 3.90

2008 record after 30 games: 14-16
2008 Batting after 30 games: .229 .318 .391 .709
2008 ERA: 3.57

Even though the 2007 team was worse statistically, they had a better record. This can only be attributed to Erstad having more grind and edge than Cabrera, his will to win was infinitely stronger – almost of Campy proportions.

The heart of the order this year. Average age of 34yrs old and earning a combined $35.5mm and all granted the peace of mind of a No Trade Clause :

Thome .215 .344 .439 .783
PK .227 .358 .423 .781
JD .253 .306 .434 .740

That POS Uribe is obviously the problem.

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 6:43 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   1 recs

Not quite

2007 record and runs scored/allowed (15-15) rs 120/ ra 126

2008 record and runs scored/allowed (14-16) rs 136/ ra 117

And your right Uribe is not the problem.

by Tdogg on May 6, 2008 8:17 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

KW must be Cuban, he's very proud

I don’t get the DFA Uribe, give it to Ramirez thing. It smells of a desperation move.

Wouldn’t it make more sense to wait until Richar was ready before you get rid of Uribe and give the job to Ramirez. If Ramirez continues to suck in May, then what? Pablito?

Dumping Walker seems like an easier fix – feed him to the lions, that will quell the masses for a bit without harming the club short term.

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 8:47 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

nah, the sox are just listening to their fanbase

you’ve been part of the crusade to dump uribe. i guess timing isn’t everything with the white sox.

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 8:52 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No, I've been after OCab

He of the 136 PA’s/11.6% of total PA’s in the handle-the-bat position and the -2.3 VORP

He’s making Erstad look like an all-star in comparison:

Erstad through 30 games last year: .270 .320 .374 .694
El Generale this year: .213 .289 .262 .551

Hey, I know how to fix this lineup – let him play leadoff!

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 8:56 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yawn

and we care about thirty games for what reason again?

i wouldn’t want this guy on my team either: .177 .233 .316 .549

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 9:00 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

30 games seems to be enough reason to DFA Profundo

Hell I don’t care, ax ‘em both! Then we can have Ramirez at SS and Pablito at 2B, that’ll shake it up.

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 9:03 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hmmm. i would certainly hope the white sox are not thinking solely about production in thirty games in such decisions.

the past few years couldn’t have had anything to do with it, could it.

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 9:05 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Then it all goes back to - why the hell didn't they sign him and then trade for OCab in the first place?

It’s Uribe, you knew what he was when you signed him – his negative VORP dissappoints you all of a sudden? Were they listening to Hawk and really believe he was going to put it all together this year?

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 9:07 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

as a utility player

and now sox fans and the media want a sacrificial lamb. who better to sacrifice than the hated juan uribe? so it goes.

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 9:10 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They didn't sign him for $4.5mm to be a utility player

Releasing him now accomplishes nothing except doing something for the sake of doing something. Hopefully KW slept on this and realizes how stupid that is.

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 9:15 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

you sure about that?

i think we need to move into the 21st century in our thinking about contracts, especially white sox contracts. this is a high payroll team. this is a team that can afford to do things like sign a player to a contract like that as insurance at three positions – all of which the sox had/have serious question marks at. unfortunately (or fortunately, depending upon your perspective), the offseason and season have played out in a manner that made that investment in insurance largely unnecessary. perhaps it was a rash decision to sign him when they did. i think it’s unfortunate decision to let him go now, if that is indeed what the sox do. an already thin white sox team will have just gotten thinner. pun intended.

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 9:24 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

its a good sign to see clubs

make personnel decisions based on on-field performance, rather than payroll. They need to make both kinds, of course. DET and CLE both made damage-control moves yesterday where they will eat some salary (I think – I didnt see the specifics).

My question is what will the Sox do with Thome’s playing time if the season falls apart? If they are out of the race, AND Thome stays healthy, will they try to keep him from reaching the 560-ish PA’s, which will guarantee his ‘09 option? That’s a $10M question.

Mosi Tatupu! Mosi Tatupu!

by Nordhagen on May 6, 2008 9:34 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah

when the first rumored uribe release occurred i saw it as a possible turning point for this organization. hopefully this time it’s for real. while this is a sacrificial move that accomplishes little if anything, at least the sox are cutting bait on players, despite what they make. this is how teams – or at least good teams (though look at the pirates and morris) – operate.

i hope this means the sox will replace him with a scrap heap pickup, too. bourgeois is an obvious in-house option but pick up someone like jacque jones for the bench, for all i care. these are disposable players (especially in the case of jones). if they suck, send them to the minors or release them.

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 9:42 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed...

I would rather have a guy like Jason Botts batting with the bases loaded and one out than Pablo freaking Ozuna.

by SSH2005 on May 6, 2008 9:47 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

or jason bateman.

i wish someone had told me that sportsnation had replaced rationality with caps lock.

by MarketMaker on May 6, 2008 5:38 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

or justine bateman.

Repeat after me: reading comprehension, even a little bit of thought before posting, and basic research are not signs of weakness.

by Toonderstrook on May 6, 2008 5:39 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

or alex p. keaton.

i wish someone had told me that sportsnation had replaced rationality with caps lock.

by MarketMaker on May 6, 2008 5:40 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

or jason statham.

i wish someone had told me that sportsnation had replaced rationality with caps lock.

by MarketMaker on May 6, 2008 5:39 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

love/hate

All you guys are gonna miss Juan when he gone. You won’t have fat Juan to kick around anymore. BTW, I totally include myself in that group.

Juan, we hardly knew ye. I love you, I hate you! Gimme a hug, you big lug. Now, get out of here! And don’t turn around and look at me when you leave. So you don’t see me cry. Jerkass! And that Uribe game-used bat I have (its unexplicably cracked) – just take it. No wait, don’t! Can you sign it too? God, I hate you!

Mosi Tatupu! Mosi Tatupu!

by Nordhagen on May 6, 2008 9:20 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well said

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 9:22 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I love this

The offense is slumping. I got it! Let’s drop the .351 OBP guy DOWN from leadoff to 6th, and move the .289 OBP guy UP in the order to leadoff.

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 9:05 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Let's get rid of Uribe and hand the job to Ramirez, that'll help

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 7:11 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Who cares?

Please don’t ever reference any more Paul Sullivan articles. Especially, on the rare occasion, when he writes about the White Sox.

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

by thekever on May 6, 2008 8:35 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just watched the Ozuna DP replay.

One thing that I know isn’t often on Pablo’s mind when he steps up to the plate, but WHY DIDN’T HE FUCKING BUNT!!!!!!!!!

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2008_05_05_chamlb_tormlb_1

Infield back, Anderson probably scores and NO DOUBLE PLAY. Unless, oh yeah, Pablo popped up about 6 of his last 10 bunt attempts.

Ozzie doesn’t trust Pablo to bunt.

Pitching and defense.

by ballyb on May 6, 2008 7:22 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Video

Click on Ozuna DP. Overhead shot of IF at end of clip.

Pitching and defense.

by ballyb on May 6, 2008 7:26 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And I don't think anyone should be bunting in that situation...

A sac fly or maybe even a groundout ties the game and a hit might win the game. Our problem is that Pablo freaking Ozuna is the bum who came to the plate. Our bench is pathetic.

by SSH2005 on May 6, 2008 7:46 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well put!!!!!

I was praying for a pop out.
Apparently God doesn’t like the White Sox this year.

"I have no idea of what the rotation might be, ... Ask me tomorrow."

by rangerjae on May 6, 2008 1:24 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Freaking brutal

The way things have gone, he would have done a repeat of Brian Anderson’s wonderful squeeze attempt last Monday.

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

by thekever on May 6, 2008 8:38 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So wait...

For his part, Ozuna had an opportunity to take Vazquez off the hook for the loss when he came to the plate in the 9th with the bases loaded and nobody out….Ozuna grounded into the game ending 1-2-3 double play.

I know Ozuna sucks, but even he can’t hit into an game ending double play with no outs.

by madopal on May 6, 2008 8:07 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The umpires gave us an out when they saw we

were trotting out Ozuna in that situation in the first place. Even Hawk saw the logic.

by chrome on May 6, 2008 8:14 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's classic

Now let’s go back to rooting the bitch of Chicago

"I have no idea of what the rotation might be, ... Ask me tomorrow."

by rangerjae on May 6, 2008 1:26 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Brutal

Horrible game to watch, but if we cut Uribe and not Ozuna, I don’t know if I can watch another one. Uribe is clearly the superior utility player and not to mention he makes 4 million more this year, I just don’t understand how this could happen. I’m fine with Alexei starting, maybe he can show he’s better as an every day player, but.. what the hell.
How do you cut Juan Uribe with Toby Hall and Pablo Ozuna still on the roster.

I have no more confidence in Ozzie starting Alexei over Pablo, then I do in him choosing to start Alexei over Uribe, so I don’t even know if that reasoning makes much sense.

by Grinder in Training on May 6, 2008 8:34 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Talk, Talk, Talk

None of this discussion matters. If Thome, Konerko, Dye, Cabrera, Swisher, AJ, and Crede do not produce at the plate, nothing will improve the team. Ozuna, Ramirez, Uribe, Owens, Anderson? Their contributions to the team are, at best, minimal.

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

by thekever on May 6, 2008 8:41 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Farmer in the ninth

instead of begging for the home run, he opened the inning by saying,

“just four walks to tie, five to win”

Mosi Tatupu! Mosi Tatupu!

by Nordhagen on May 6, 2008 9:37 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Very prescient, IMO.

If only Ozuna had been more patient.

Pitching and defense.

by ballyb on May 6, 2008 9:51 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

is that you willy wonka?

i hope it lasts.

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 9:58 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I haven't been this excited since.......

I’m not sure I’ve ever been this excited.

Pitching and defense.

by ballyb on May 6, 2008 10:04 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So if it is Uribe

where does he end up? I would put odds on the Reds and Dusty. He loves tubby foreign utility players that can’t handle the bat and are overrated at D.

While we sit and wait I am sure Juan is at home, nervously awaiting the news – shoving his face full of twinkies and bon bons while watching Oprah in his moo-moo.

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

by BobbySouthSide on May 6, 2008 10:07 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

About what?

Addition by subtraction? That depends who the new addition/Edition is. Is there someone in AAA so talented to jack up the moribund lineup? If so, why weren’t they here already?

Color me skeptical of our “ressurection” after the roster moves.

I took the "under".

by winningugly on May 6, 2008 10:40 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Making Juan Uribe the scapegoat...

is like shooting your cat because a fox killed all your hens. It might make you feel good, but it’s not going to make the situation any better.

And keeping Pablo Ozuna around for any reason is ridiculous. He’s by far the most useless player on this roster. And god forbid that Alexei Ramirez play shortstop in the minors, where he belongs.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 6, 2008 10:14 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

actually

its more like shooting a dominican farmer because he walked too close to your jeep

Mosi Tatupu! Mosi Tatupu!

by Nordhagen on May 6, 2008 10:18 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And really...

one wonders what the front office was expecting from this team if they’re pressing the panic button after a 14-16 start.

Does Ken Williams really think this team should be in first place?

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 6, 2008 10:19 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think Guillen

blowing a gasket the other day on the lineup and those are the players he has along with the fact that Uribe sucks has finally sunk in 2-years too late. No Panic, just a moment of “clarity”.

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

by BobbySouthSide on May 6, 2008 10:22 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And somehow...

watching Pablo Ozuna hit popups and weak grounders doesn’t elicit any moments of “clarity”?

And if he hated watching Uribe play, wait ‘till he gets a load of watching Ramirez play every day (with no alternatives)!

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 6, 2008 10:27 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

considering he never pressed panic last year

I would consider this a 86-106 “start”...

I don’t think removing a player or two (assuming that is what happens) is rash.

Mosi Tatupu! Mosi Tatupu!

by Nordhagen on May 6, 2008 10:26 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

is releasing juan uribe really pressing the panic button?

i’m finding it hard to buy the view that this is some sort of desperation move that the sox are doing out of rashness and hopelessness. uribe sucks. is he probably better than the other current options? sure. and i’ve made that argument. but that’s faint praise. i think i’ll wait to see how this move plays out (i.e., who is brought in to replace him) before casting judgments on the motives of the team.

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 10:27 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Keeping Pablo Ozuna around...

for any reason is a reason to cast judgment on the team. Uribe is a far better utility player, even, than Ozuna is.

I don’t care if they dump Uribe, but only AFTER they dump Ozuna.

But you’re right – I’ll wait for the press release, THEN complain.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 6, 2008 10:31 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm concerned...

that they’ll keep Ozuna around all year, because he’s Ozzie Guillen’s little buddy.

Which was fine when he was the 25th man on the roster, but when the team is carrying twelve or thirteen pitchers, it’s unacceptable.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 6, 2008 10:37 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm concerned about that too

same with Greg Walker…

but if they whack him, then I’ll consider that a “bravo” moment, not because it will fix the team, but because it will show intolerance for sub-par performance. They had opportunities to demonstrate that last year, but didn’t. We’ll see if this year is different.

Mosi Tatupu! Mosi Tatupu!

by Nordhagen on May 6, 2008 10:43 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ha!

Intolerance for sub-par performances? They actually rewarded it last year – JD extension, picked up Uribe’s option, picked up Crede’s option, and gave Crede an extension. I found all four of those moves highly questionable.

And I find it highly ironic that the Sox are surprised that they find themselves sitting on a fat and happy roster, filled with players who don’t seem to feel any urgency about getting their shit together.

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 10:49 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

sure

but he is the 25th man. or at least he was. he’s got the fewest PAs of anyone who doesn’t catch. if he’s going to get an elevated role now that uribe is gone, i’ll have a problem with that. but i’m having a hard time envisioning such a scenario, though who knows.

at any rate, all this is shuffling the proverbial deck chairs. uribe isn’t the problem. ozuna isn’t the problem. the problems are long-term “structural” ones that won’t be solved quickly (though some patching could be done quickly). at least a uribe DFA would show an inkling of change in institutional thinking.

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 10:44 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

another potential added benefit is that hopefully starting ramirez will make it clear to the sox what they have right now.

i doubt it but maybe the guy breaks out if he’s got a regular role. otherwise, continuing to horseshit it up would hopefully put him on the fast track to charlotte, where he’s belonged all along.

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 10:49 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What I'm worried about...

is that Ramirez horseshitting it up will lead to lots and lots of Pablo Ozuna playing time.

I think it’s clear that Ramirez isn’t ready to play major-league baseball, and they’re just wasting time by keeping him on the roster.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 6, 2008 10:52 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think

I’ll wait and see before I make that judgement. There are a lot of players out there that do well in full time roles that struggle as a part time player. Baseball is a game of repitition, seeing major league pitching on a daily basis may help his game.

by Grinder in Training on May 6, 2008 11:22 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

if that's the case

i’d imagine you’d get your wish of chris getz, if only until richar is ready.

honestly, jer, do you really care that much? i mean, you and i were both pretty clear in our belief that the sox aren’t going to compete seriously this year. they look like they could be a little better than you or i thought but does it matter, in the grand scheme, if ozuna is keeping a spot warm for richar (or whatever)? i guess, while i think ozuna should be playing in AAA somewhere, i find it hard to care much either way. he’s a sunk cost who isn’t presently in the way of much of anything (i like bourgeois but we all know what he is).

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 11:29 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

you seriously can't understand words, can you.

did you read the post before replying to it?

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 10:35 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

and i find it sad you can't read.

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 10:45 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He said

He thinks Uribe is the best option… but doesn’t care if they cut him. He didn’t flip flop at all.

by Grinder in Training on May 6, 2008 10:49 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's what

he just said.

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

by BobbySouthSide on May 6, 2008 10:35 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Fields

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

by BobbySouthSide on May 6, 2008 10:40 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't think its pressing the panic button

but considered a warning shot to other players who are presently underperforming that more moves are to come? or is that pressing the panic button too? i don’t know and i’m not sure i really care. i pretty much agree with everything else you say though. i’m waiting until end of may before casting my irrational predictions/judgements on the season.

"I got the shotgun. You got the briefcase. It's all in the game though, right? "

by onlysoxfaninboston on May 6, 2008 10:52 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sending a Message

Isn’t really relevant for a team of veterans with no trade clauses and contracts that make it hard to move them.

The few guys who are moveable aren’t underperforming. Crede is playing up to his normal abilities when his head isn’t hurting, Brian Anderson is having his best season even if it is in a bench role, CQ is killing the ball, Ozuna is a permanent 24/25th man, so dropping him shouldn’t really affect the team anyways. Toby Hall is playing better this year, if not good. The pitching rotation has been stellar. They don’t need any messages sent.

Swisher, Thome, Cabrera, Konerko, Dye, AJP, CQ are not going anywhere, so dropping Uribe isn’t going to send them a message.

by Grinder in Training on May 6, 2008 11:30 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Geoff Blum

Will lead the Chisox into the promised land (once again). If he is too expensive, then go get Sandy Alomar. He (and his wheelchair) would add some speed to the basepaths.

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

by thekever on May 6, 2008 10:18 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Robbie

has been working out and can really handle the bat.

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

by BobbySouthSide on May 6, 2008 10:21 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

RF/DH

And, if true, I would scubscribe to Pete’s belief that this is all for marketing dollars/seats in the seats.

I took the "under".

by winningugly on May 6, 2008 10:45 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So then where does Dye play then?

You know he will want to get all of his AB’s.

By the way, adding a broken down and expensive Griffey to this team would be the dumbest decision Kenny could possibly make.

by SSH2005 on May 6, 2008 10:53 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

kenny won't do this

I hope…

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

by The Wizard on May 6, 2008 12:20 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Griffey said

he wants to play on a contender, so I don’t see it happening.

by Ryno on May 6, 2008 12:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

AH HA!

I knew Dusty wanted Uribe.

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

by BobbySouthSide on May 6, 2008 10:47 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

In other news...

another good outing by Lance Broadway last night.

5 IP, 0 R, 5 H, 4 BB, 4 K.

The four walks are troubling, but he lowered his ERA to 1.10 for the season.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 6, 2008 10:50 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lowering your standards, jer?

putting runners on second and third in three innings is not my definition of good. that line is called lucky, not good.

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 10:53 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

On the Offense

The problem is not Swisher, Dye, Konerko and Thome. Those guys will hit eventually. They are aging and we can get into a debate all day long about the contracts they signed and what the Sox gave up to aquire them. But I don’t expect any of those guys to finish the season with an OPS below .780.

The problem is that Cabrera, Ozuna, Ramirez and Hall will not hit and have never hit. Having these guys on the roster is pointless. I will throw Crede into this mix as well. Crede will not ever hit for average or patience and his good power is largely offset by this. Factor in his age and contract status and it’s time to move on to Fields ASAP.

Uribe would actually be a great utility player. I’d much rather cut Ozuna and move Ramizerz to AAA for Owens and Borgouis.

Gee, who would think a lineup with so many automatic outs would struggle to string hits together. It’s way too late to fix the problems at SS this season. The Cabrera trade continues to make me sick. This team did not need a mediocre over 30 SS. I pray he hits enough to get the class A status for the draft picks.

So while the team is better than last year, there are still too many easy outs on offense to contend, even if the pitching continues to be mostly lights out.

End rant.

by madvillian on May 6, 2008 10:56 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Response

1. I wouldn’t be so sure about Thome – he is really starting to show his age…he looks lost up there.
2. I think Ramirez will hit but possibly not this year.
3. Cabrera will hit – historically his numbers show that and at 30 he isn’t over the hill yet. I don’t want him leading off or batting second right now.
4. Please don’t bring up Owens.
5. I am not sick about the Cabrera trade – it was worth the gamble, Garland is doing sh*t right now and our pitching looks fine.
6. What is with the Crede bashing?

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

by BobbySouthSide on May 6, 2008 11:04 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's no bash on Crede

He’s a league average 3B who will be up for a big contract at the end of the year. We have a league average 3B sitting in AAA who is cheap and will probably improve to above league average by the start of next season.

It’s a no brainer move for smart orgs. You trade from a position of strength.

And I’d much rather have Owens as the 5th OF than Ramirez. History has proven Ocab will hit put up and OPS+ around 85. I’d be fine with that if he was a + defender as SS, I don’t think he is.

by madvillian on May 6, 2008 11:06 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He won a

gold glove last year! He may not be a gold glover this year, but he is a much better than average SS.

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

by BobbySouthSide on May 6, 2008 11:09 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No, he's not.

Have you watched him play? He has much, much less range than Uribe does.

Gold Gloves are a really crappy way to determine defensive ability. Derek Jeter has three gold gloves, and he’s probably the worst defensive shortstop in the league.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 6, 2008 11:11 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cabrera is nowhere near Juan

at SS, his arm is not up to snuff and he has a terrible habit of rounding balls off (something a player with a great arm can get away with) and making routine plays into adventures.

by madvillian on May 6, 2008 11:16 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

shut your mouth!

how dare you talk about jeter this way!

:p

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

by The Wizard on May 6, 2008 12:28 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i suppose the question then is

what is it that one gains and loses for trading five months of crede? probably not much in actual return. probably not much, as you point out, in difference of performance. some marginal salary relief. add another year of service time for fields. weigh it up.

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 11:12 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Service Time? We talkin' bout service time?

What are we, the Marlins? I mean come on, you can’t argue that the Sox are a big market team and then say that service time is even a factor in Fields coming up.

I’d rather prefer to get Fields as many PA as possible in the bigs before 2009, who cares about his arb clock.

The ship has sailed on Crede, it’s time to get whatever is to be got for him and move on.

by madvillian on May 6, 2008 11:15 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

why not?

simply because one is a large market team who can spend money does not mean that one shouldn’t be sensitive to value or piss it away. that’s ridiculous. every team should be sensitive to that issue. large market teams have an advantage over everyone else because they can do that and also throw money around. that’s how you win.

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 11:19 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's hardly pissing money away

Or being insensitive to money. I just find it laughable that a team that gives 4.5 million dollars to Juan Uribe would be the least concerned about a talented young player (who’s had plenty of development time in the minors) service time.

by madvillian on May 6, 2008 11:31 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

whatever

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 11:32 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

based on what the club did last year

RE: Iguchi and Mack

I think we could expect only the marginal salary relief

Mosi Tatupu! Mosi Tatupu!

by Nordhagen on May 6, 2008 11:16 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well

crede > iguchi and >> mack. the return would be better than for those two.

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 11:20 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think the days...

when you can get even close to major-league ready talent for a half-season of an average player are over.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 6, 2008 11:28 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

uh, yeah

so then the kenny lofton return would be in the ballpark, right, jer?

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 11:30 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'd be thrilled...

if the Sox got someone as good as Felix Diaz.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 6, 2008 11:31 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

okay, jerry. i'm not talking about 1999 or whatever it is you're talking about.

if it wasn’t clear, i don’t take my trade lessons from the clinton years and i’d hope you wouldn’t think i was that much of a dope. 2007. kenny lofton. traded by texas to cleveland. in exchange for max ramirez. ballpark that.

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 11:35 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh.

I thought you were talking about when the White Sox traded Lofton (2002).

I’d be thrilled if the Sox got someone as good as Max Ramirez, too.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 6, 2008 11:37 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

that'll be awesome!

ramirez is mashing!

.390/.475/.700/1.175 in AA

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

by The Wizard on May 6, 2008 12:33 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

to clarify

i’m not looking for someone who is necessarily “good.” i think the sox would have the opportunity to pick up someone from the lower levels of the minors who, in contrast to other similar acquisitions, has some upside potential. like ramirez did.

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 12:36 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think that the Crede analysis is right on.

we can talk about “clutch” all we want, and there might be something to that, but he’s really not a very good hitter.

And even to the extent that he has value, he’s gone after this year one way or the other. It’s time for the team to start looking ahead.

Cabrera’s not 30, he’s 33, and he’s no longer above-average, either as a hitter or as a fielder. One just hopes that he’ll play well enough so that the Sox get the picks (and he turns down arbitration).

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 6, 2008 11:09 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bonds

While there is about a 1% chance that would happen, it would be the biggest circus of all time. Just think of all the hilarious Bonds/Guillen interactions. Thome is boring.

This article on Bleacher Report lists the Sox as the 4th most in-need team of Bonds:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/21304-10-Teams-that-Really-Could-Use-Barry-Bonds

And this article is Bonds response on his secret blog … I love the part on the Kabul Rock Lizards:

http://www.newsgroper.com/barry-bonds/2008/05/06/5-teams-can-kiss-my-pimpled-ass

by rhombusface on May 6, 2008 10:58 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

more idle speculation

Even when Morgan Ensberg fails them, even if it turns out that Posada can’t catch, there are obvious solutions, like trading for a veteran catcher and putting Posada at first. How hard would it be to go the Clint Courtney route and really go Evil Empire on baseball by adding some appropriately loathsome backstop, somebody like A.J. Pierzynski (once somebody notifies the White Sox that they really are dead) or Michael Barrett (the Padres self-diagnose well enough to already know they are). I know, it would be the end of the world—except that it would involve a first baseman with a .380 OBP and a .500 SLG who didn’t move like a spavined crab in the field. That certainly isn’t like settling for Tino Martinez, not by a far sight.

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=7475

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 11:02 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

any idea

what we could get for a.j.? i took a glance at the yankees organizational depth chart and didn’t see too many guys that looked like they could help the sox in the next couple years, and i doubt KW would want to project any further out than that if he does decide to rebuild. it seemed like they had young guys that were either too good to acquire for a.j. (like austin jackson) or too far away from contributing in the big leagues for KW to be interested. especially since it would leave us with the worst catchers in organized baseball.

by Ryno on May 6, 2008 11:24 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

There is great chaos under heaven, and the situation is excellent...

Wouldn’t a complete overhaul of this team by fun and exciting?

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 11:28 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Unless it's a catcher

we are getting back that’s a no go. We have nothing in the wings right now.

by Grinder in Training on May 6, 2008 11:33 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

there's this thing called "free agency"

amazing what you can find out there.

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 11:36 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

amazing is one word for it

here’s the list of free agent catchers after the 2008 season from mlb4u.com. not pretty.

Brad Ausmus Houston Astros 39
Paul Bako Cincinnati Reds 35
Rod Barajas Toronto Blue Jays 32
Michael Barrett San Diego Padres 31
Gary Bennett Los Angeles Dodgers 36
Henry Blanco Chicago Cubs 36
Mike DiFelice Tampa Bay Rays 38
Johnny Estrada Washington Nationals 31
Sal Fasano Toronto Blue Jays 36
Robert Fick San Diego Padres 34
Wiki Gonzalez Chicago White Sox 33
Toby Hall Chicago White Sox 32
Jason Kendall Milwaukee Brewers 33
Paul Lo Duca Washington Nationals 36
Javy Lopez Atlanta Braves 37
Adam Melhuse Texas Rangers 36
Doug Mirabelli Boston Red Sox 37
Chad Moeller New York Yankees 33
Mike Redmond Minnesota Twins 37
Ivan Rodriguez Detroit Tigers 36
David Ross Cincinnati Reds 31
Javier Valentin Cincinnati Reds 32
Jason Varitek Boston Red Sox 36
Vance Wilson Detroit Tigers 35
Gregg Zaun Toronto Blue Jays 37

by Ryno on May 6, 2008 11:50 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Better hurry, we need to lock up Fat Toby to an extension before he waddles away

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 11:51 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

STILL STINGING FROM YESTERDAYS GAY JOKE HUH PETE???

Repeat after me: reading comprehension, even a little bit of thought before posting, and basic research are not signs of weakness.

by Toonderstrook on May 6, 2008 11:52 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm still bleeding from that fierce rapier slash

Well played SouljaBoy, touche’

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 11:53 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think that

Pretty much proves my point. You better hope to get a catcher in return.

by Grinder in Training on May 6, 2008 11:58 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

why?

do you honestly not see players on that list who are as good (perhaps even better) than AJ? and signable to better contracts, to boot. is there something i’m missing about how good he is now or is projected to be?

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 12:02 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

he's a # 3 hitter, lar. albeit for the biggest joke in all of baseball, baseball, baseball.

Repeat after me: reading comprehension, even a little bit of thought before posting, and basic research are not signs of weakness.

by Toonderstrook on May 6, 2008 12:03 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

cheaper, sure. better?

i don’t see anyone all that likely to be better and only a few that might be as good: estrada, barrett, barajas, valentin. but if you make the decision to rebuild, i could live with one of those guys for a couple years.

by Ryno on May 6, 2008 12:11 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's the list

In May.. how many of those guys won’t resign with their own teams that are worth something that are not 35+ ?
Estrada, Barrett, Pudge (36 but.. whatever) possibly.

You want Paul Lo Duca?
Varitek – resigns probably, Kendall is going to get to his AB’s according to the Brewers, so he’s already gauranteed to be back with Milwaukee next year.

How many of those guys do you think are better options that you seriously think will be available to the White Sox?

by Grinder in Training on May 6, 2008 12:12 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ryno pretty much took care of that

we’re debating about a player who is projected to have a .240ish EqA with subpar defense. this isn’t exactly the most difficult production to replace and i find it amusing that this keeps coming up. AJ isn’t that good, okay. fun player to have on the team but rather easily replaced.

and i would take a bunch of those guys on one year deals over being saddled with the declining AJ’s contract.

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 12:15 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i see the light

getting out frm under AJ’s contract, and possibly getting something halfway decent in return, is definitely worth muddling through with the abovementioned mediocre options.

by Ryno on May 6, 2008 12:19 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good with the Twinkies, shitty with the Sox...

Funny how A.J. turned into a swing-for-the-fences type player when he came to the Sox. With the Twins, he was a .300/.350/.440/.790 guy.

by SSH2005 on May 6, 2008 12:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's exactly it.

Definitely wasn’t age or anything.

Never trust a big butt and a smile.
Sox Machine

by Sox Machine on May 6, 2008 12:39 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

not true!

he had 83 hits in white sox wins in 2005…which were all big hits because they affected the outcome of a white sox win, and even bigger hits considering the white sox went on to win the division, al, and world series.

Repeat after me: reading comprehension, even a little bit of thought before posting, and basic research are not signs of weakness.

by Toonderstrook on May 6, 2008 1:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I... wouldn't take any of those C's. Not one.

"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 May 6, 2008 1:19 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

sal fasano!

is the moustache included?

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

by The Wizard on May 6, 2008 12:38 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This all feels too familiar

and is getting tiresome for me. Uribe vs. Cabby? Ramirez vs. Uribe/Cabby? Fields vs. Crede? The only real difference in potential, or the “x” (unknown) is Ramirez, which is why I wanted to give him a shot. He looked completely overmatched at the plate and raw in the field (great arm and speed, good instincts, but needs to learn more).

The farm cupboard is relatively bare re: trade bait, except we now have a great pitching staff. I’d err on the side of defense over hitting, meaning Crede vs. Fields means Crede (though he’s streaky right now at 3rd), OC over Ramirez at short, and Ramirez over Ozuna at 2nd. The strength is the pitching, keep the defense as good as we can and see what the old guys and Nicky come up with in the near term.

I wanted to blow it up last year. Too early to do it this year.

I took the "under".

by winningugly on May 6, 2008 11:38 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Too early?

The White Sox offense is the biggest joke in all of baseball.
The White Sox offense is the biggest joke in all of baseball.
The White Sox offense is the biggest joke in all of baseball.
The White Sox offense is the biggest joke in all of baseball.

Repeat after me: reading comprehension, even a little bit of thought before posting, and basic research are not signs of weakness.

by Toonderstrook on May 6, 2008 11:42 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We're the only ones who are desperate right now

Have to wait until others are, too, to maybe get more back in trades. Maybe.

I took the "under".

by winningugly on May 6, 2008 11:46 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i was joking. should have included the dong to signal the sarcasm.

Repeat after me: reading comprehension, even a little bit of thought before posting, and basic research are not signs of weakness.

by Toonderstrook on May 6, 2008 11:47 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

you're doing well for 94 and don't forget it.

Repeat after me: reading comprehension, even a little bit of thought before posting, and basic research are not signs of weakness.

by Toonderstrook on May 6, 2008 11:55 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Mandelbaum, Mandelbaum, Mandelbaum!

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 11:56 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

why didn't you tell wu the tv was bolted to the table???

Repeat after me: reading comprehension, even a little bit of thought before posting, and basic research are not signs of weakness.

by Toonderstrook on May 6, 2008 11:58 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

that's my dad!

i wish someone had told me that sportsnation had replaced rationality with caps lock.

by MarketMaker on May 6, 2008 6:12 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The problem with trading now...

is that the team might try to deal to keep in contention in 2008. It’s better to wait until later, when they can reasonably be sellers.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 6, 2008 11:48 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't understand the Crede/Fields debate

It isn’t even a debate. It’s a fucking no-brainer. The team is going nowhere this year. You play the young player and move the soon to be overpriced veteran. A couple of runs due to Fields’ defense at 3rd base isn’t even a factor.

by madvillian on May 6, 2008 11:45 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If the season is lost

Why not let Fields continue to work on all the holes in his swing and improve his defense.

by Grinder in Training on May 6, 2008 11:59 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

keep him in Charlotte until

this hitting funk abates. I swear this is a disease, and its catchy.

I want Quentin on a different plane than the rest of the team.

Mosi Tatupu! Mosi Tatupu!

by Nordhagen on May 6, 2008 12:04 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

nah, he's fine.

walker just has to make sure he doesn’t overthink things.

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 12:07 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just for conjecture sake, let's blow it up - what's left standing?

You get rid of the old pricey vets for whatever you can get – damn the NTC’s, money solves everything.

You’re left with a core of:

Swisher RF
Quentin LF
Fields 3B
Ramirez SS
Richar 2B

Danks P
Floyd P
Jenks P

I’d think you could end up with something better than replacement for the likes of Javy and MB. You could probably be respectable with the above core.

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 12:00 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

if you're really blowing it up

you’d deal jenks, too. you’d probably get a decent return and you won’t really need a stud closer for a while anyway.

by Ryno on May 6, 2008 12:14 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good point - tits on a bull kind of thing

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 12:15 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And Jenks...

might net you the best return out of anyone that you’re dealing, considering his contract situation compared to, say, Vazquez’s or Buehrle’s.

But this is a pipe dream – Ken Williams will never blow this team up. He’ll keep plugging away, finding spare parts, until this team turns into the Giants.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 6, 2008 12:17 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe keep Paulie

He’s been a good soldier, and you keep one vet around as a link to your glorious past.

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 12:23 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

keep him a few more years and you won't even need to manufacture a statue...you can just plop him down in the concourse.

Repeat after me: reading comprehension, even a little bit of thought before posting, and basic research are not signs of weakness.

by Toonderstrook on May 6, 2008 12:24 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

statue/DH - same shit

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 12:24 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

screw that

dump him at once!

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

by The Wizard on May 6, 2008 12:47 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I take that back.

Swisher and Quentin are way too young to play for the Giants. Maybe the Orioles, or the Rangers.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 6, 2008 12:24 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Help

How do I use the ignore function?

by Grinder in Training on May 6, 2008 12:08 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

post a drink recipe, perhaps a wallbanger.

Repeat after me: reading comprehension, even a little bit of thought before posting, and basic research are not signs of weakness.

by Toonderstrook on May 6, 2008 12:09 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's business casual day down in bills of lading

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 12:10 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL!

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

by The Wizard on May 6, 2008 12:56 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 1:32 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

please show some mercy pete!

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

by The Wizard on May 6, 2008 1:35 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ok, ok - we'll show him dressed for a sitdown with EASTERN EUROPEAN CLIENTS. Business on the top, Party down below - smokin!

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 2:21 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

now that is funny!

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

by The Wizard on May 6, 2008 2:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not quite there yet wiz

I need you to use all your powers, and all your skillz, to photoshop a righteous mullet on top of that suit

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 2:29 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

my photoshop skills aren't good!

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

by The Wizard on May 6, 2008 2:52 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah right. Just be careful wiz - if you ever come out from hiding behind the internet he'll come find you

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 3:04 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I said, "IT'S BUSINESS CASUAL DAY IN BILLS OF LADING - LOOKING GOOD DUDE!"

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 1:35 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

don't you mean dude-ski?

Repeat after me: reading comprehension, even a little bit of thought before posting, and basic research are not signs of weakness.

by Toonderstrook on May 6, 2008 1:36 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

word brah

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 1:42 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dead Dog

Ingredients 12 ounces of beer
1 shot of brandy
an amount of tabasco sauce (a small amount or a large amount, depending on how spicy you want it.)
Instructions pour the beer into a glass. then pour in the shot of brandy. put in the amount of tabasco that you want. then drink!
Origin i don’t know.
Servings 1
Glass Beer mug
Strength Regular
Difficulty Child’s Play

"Lipstick traces on cigarettes can get you in trouble or remind you of the wonders of the night before."

by Chiburb on May 6, 2008 12:25 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

absolutely disgusting.

"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 May 6, 2008 1:15 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

couldn't kenny have signed tadahito in the winter?

I guess the timing of orca’s signing screwed things up…

btw, I agree that uribe is bad and should be shown the door
but not if we don’t have anything better
ozuna is worse, ramirez should go to the minors

ps. can someone please tell me what’s the rule about releasing a player before spring training ends/regular season starts?
something about the team not being responsible for the rest of the money?

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

by The Wizard on May 6, 2008 12:50 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

a paul from las vegas sighting?

from gonzales’s mailbag…

“if the white sox aren’t going to call up owens, why don’t they trade him…for a viable second baseman?”

Repeat after me: reading comprehension, even a little bit of thought before posting, and basic research are not signs of weakness.

by Toonderstrook on May 6, 2008 12:57 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If it was in CAPS I'd guess someone else.

"Lipstick traces on cigarettes can get you in trouble or remind you of the wonders of the night before."

by Chiburb on May 6, 2008 12:58 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

and that was before i saw the real paul (he's moved to havertown, pa) suggestion...

“here’s what they need to do, and what they would do if they were as serious about winning and not worrying about players’ feelings…: thome and dye to the bench. swisher to the bench. ramirez to the minors. here’s the lineup: owens cf, anderson rf, quentin lf, crede 3b, fields dh, konerko 1b, cabrera ss, a.j. pierzynski c, uribe 2b. trade linebrink and dye for middle infield prospects.”

Repeat after me: reading comprehension, even a little bit of thought before posting, and basic research are not signs of weakness.

by Toonderstrook on May 6, 2008 1:00 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So OrCa's the only off-season acqusition we keep playing. And JO solves all.

I am continually amazed at the baseball acumen of our fan base.

4 in baseball intelligence?

I took the "under".

by winningugly on May 6, 2008 1:04 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i was at the a's-orioles game last night, and even suggestions like paul from haverford's look good compared to what i heard from the other 3,000 in attendance.

Repeat after me: reading comprehension, even a little bit of thought before posting, and basic research are not signs of weakness.

by Toonderstrook on May 6, 2008 1:05 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

3,000 strong, eh?

Must’ve been a cracklin’ good contest.

I took the "under".

by winningugly on May 6, 2008 1:11 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

very sad scene. well-played 2-1 extra inning game as it turned out. nice to see big frank again.

Repeat after me: reading comprehension, even a little bit of thought before posting, and basic research are not signs of weakness.

by Toonderstrook on May 6, 2008 1:30 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

what's your favorite memory of the adam russell era?

ramirez reinstated

Prior to tonight’s game vs. Minnesota, infielder/outfielder Alexei Ramirez of the Chicago White Sox was reinstated from the restricted list. Ramirez takes the roster spot of right-handed pitcher Adam Russell, who was optioned to Class AAA Charlotte following last night’s game at Toronto.

link

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

by The Wizard on May 6, 2008 1:06 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

his defensive versatility

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 1:12 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Speaking of sunflowers.

Did anyone see Contreras spit out what looked like a sunflower seed shell while on the moung Sunday?

Never seen a player do that before, while playing.

Pitching and defense.

by ballyb on May 6, 2008 1:26 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

our run.

i wish someone had told me that sportsnation had replaced rationality with caps lock.

by MarketMaker on May 6, 2008 6:18 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why not Chris Widger?

Solid D and a helluva presiding judge in the locker room Kangaroo Court. At least he would have something to say about “Doll-Gate”. Available on the cheap!

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

by thekever on May 6, 2008 1:49 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm not one of the many

who think Alexei Ramirez is overmayched—-yet. Why don’t those 40 or so spring at-bats hold almost as much weight as the 30 or so he’s had in the regular season? Way too early to say for sure. In any event, please, please punt kick Ozuna’s ass….Toby’s too….keep Uribe….for now. Although, like some have said, if they do oust Uribe, they sure as hell have also booted Ozuna. That’s just a fuckin’ joke.

by dantesox on May 6, 2008 1:59 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

maybe.

But at this point, let’s give him 10 or 20 games…..what are our other options? We’ve seen those.

by dantesox on May 6, 2008 2:08 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Those 70 spring PAs...

had a lot of warning signs that he wasn’t ready for prime-time. Lots of bloop singles, lots of strikeouts, very few walks. The reason you give more weight to regular-season numbers is that, during Spring Training, you face a lot of pitchers that aren’t ready for the majors, and others who will never be. The pitchers are more concerned with getting their work in than with getting you out.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 6, 2008 2:07 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I KNOW ALL THAT.

Big deal. Still not big enough sample size, despite your probable valid points.

by dantesox on May 6, 2008 2:10 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OKAY

STOP YELLING.

and one does not necessarily need a large sample size to determine that players are not ready for the majors. i don’t need 150 PAs to tell you that a minor leaguer should be in the minors.

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 2:12 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sorry.

I’m not doing it intentionally….I’m a bad typer. Although I am passionate.

by dantesox on May 6, 2008 2:16 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

and, perhaps most importantly,

his production was well down in the last week or so of ST when two things are happening. one, lots/all of the non-major leaguers are gone and, second, pitchers start to actually prepare for the opposition, as opposed to merely working on their own stuff.

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 2:11 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

NO KIDDING.

sTILL WORTH 10-20 GAMES AT THIS POINT…..HOPefully Richar is ready soon.

by dantesox on May 6, 2008 2:13 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

the optimal solution here, clearly,

is turning Crede into a 2b and bringing up Fields to play third. keep Uribe for defensive purposes. ditch Ozuna.

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

by colintj on May 6, 2008 2:07 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hm.

I don’t think Crede has the range to play second, and his strongest asset (his arm) would be wasted.

Unless you’re kidding – I can never tell when people are kidding.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on May 6, 2008 2:11 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I say "clearly"

should be the indicator sign for sarcasm. Unless I touch my cap, which will be a wipe sign.

Mosi Tatupu! Mosi Tatupu!

by Nordhagen on May 6, 2008 2:17 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gotta agree with ya, I saw that as sarcasm.

You know who wielded sarcasm better than anyone?

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 2:25 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

dave wickersham

but, in day games with 3 o’clock starts, cintra monteagudo was the best.

Jesus H. Larry! I said the first half!

by larry on May 6, 2008 2:53 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh, definitely

"The little things are always in my mind," he said. "I always like to move the guy over, I like to bunt."

by ChicagoPete on May 6, 2008 3:01 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

authorities have released some recently-discovered video footage of logic's killer as a child.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMNry4PE93Y

Repeat after me: reading comprehension, even a little bit of thought before posting, and basic research are not signs of weakness.

by Toonderstrook on May 6, 2008 2:43 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   1 recs

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