Open Thread 7/17

Jenks update...

Jenks leftovers
By Mark Gonzales, 9:27 a.m.

Here are some notes, from the Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser, on White Sox closer Bobby Jenks’ perfect one inning Wednesday night against Double-A Montgomery while pitching for Birmingham on a minor league rehabilitation assignment:

Jenks threw nine of his 11 pitches for strikes. His velocity topped out at 94 m.p.h, according to the stadium radar gun.

Esteban Loaiza will start Thursday night for Birmingham in a minor league rehab assignment. Loaiza is recovering from weakness in his right shoulder that is affecting his velocity. Loaiza will oppose David Price, the first overall pick in the 2007 draft.

Jenks is still saving that 99 MPH heater for when he really needs it.

by SSH2005 on Jul 17, 2008 11:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Fuckin' Rays

at least Price isn’t completely annihilating AA like he did A+. Definitely looks like he’ll be ready by May or so though to start and probably by September for the pen.

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, but do they have a Lance Broadway or Esteban Loaiza in their minors?

I think not.

by SSH2005 on Jul 17, 2008 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Im so jealous "we" didnt finish last

a bizillion years in a row to build the model farm system. I mean who wouldn’t want to avg 69 wins to build it?

The SSS motto should be the answer to "What is our deepest fear?". Or maybe just Prozac.

by Tdogg on Jul 17, 2008 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

uh, they probably do.

everyone does. that’s what makes them not noteworthy. and i agree with tdogg. KW slaughtered his farm to good effect.

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

boy, ssh isn't allowed to make jokes, i guess. sheesh.

by larry on Jul 17, 2008 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hmm

i probably wouldn’t have written what i did to anyone else that said something similar.

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here the guy has lightened up and all you can do is bitch

You are a fickle bastard, colintj. Keep up the good work.

by rhythm on Jul 17, 2008 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'm blinded by hate

and from staring into the sun for hours on end.

but mostly just pure seething raging boiling hate.

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

reilly really did a number on you, kid.

"Come at the king, you best not miss. "

by Toonderstrook on Jul 17, 2008 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm blinded by science

"Everybody looks at the Cubs. Look at the White Sox. They're a pretty good ballclub." - Lou Piniella (6/29/08)

by tailgater on Jul 17, 2008 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i feel like Saint Paul or something

but before he was a saint. i think i need to renounce something.

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Internet images?

ebaum perhaps?

I believe in Harvey, Illinois

by Hazymania on Jul 17, 2008 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ebaum can suck it

that guy’s a content stealing douche

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brewers manager Ned Yost will take home/road splits to a new level at the start of the season’s second half. He plans to make right-handers Dave Bush and Seth McClung his co-fifth starters, with Bush starting home games at Miller Park, while McClung pitches on the road. When one of the co-fifth starters takes the mound, the other will be available to piggyback in long relief. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” Yost said. “I’m just trying to give us our best chance to win. I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel.”

Bush is 4-2 with a 2.49 ERA in nine home starts this season with 618 OPS allowed. On the road, he is 1-6 with a 6.95 ERA (nine games, eight start) with an 852 OPS allowed. McClung’s splits aren’t quite as divergent, as he’s 1-1 with a 3.28 ERA (11 games, four starts) with a 686 OPS allowed in away games, as opposed to 4-4 with a 4.95 ERA (10 games, six starts) with a 762 OPS allowed in home games.

Yost admits he is uncomfortable with throwing both pitchers off their normal routine of starting every fifth day, “but sometimes you have to try something different to see if it works. We’ll give it a shot.”

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=7813

interesting idea.

by larry on Jul 17, 2008 11:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I would like to do this, but with park size more generally, rather than home/road

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ugh I dont like it

Bush has been very good lately. Why take the ball away even with those season splits? I think he takes the chance of screwing him up period. He did have 1 good away start in his last 2.

The SSS motto should be the answer to "What is our deepest fear?". Or maybe just Prozac.

by Tdogg on Jul 17, 2008 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What I don't like is the adherence to the idea that someone would pitch at home

better due to “comfort level” or something like that. If that’s what’s going on, then I don’t dig it. If it’s a matter of him being good at certain parks and not at others, that’s something to take advantage of.

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

um, i don't think i care why they do it. his splits since being in milwaukee are a pretty stark contrast. whether it's an inability to sleep in a hotel bed or park factors, who cares?

by larry on Jul 17, 2008 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that would be a pretty bizarre trait

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no, not really.

by larry on Jul 17, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

an inability to sleep in a hotel bed causes him to throw poorly on the road?

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'm confused at why you think this is such an odd idea.

by larry on Jul 17, 2008 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i expect major league baseball players to not be done in by their sleeping arrangements

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wow. that's pretty fucking stupid, colin.

i don’t sleep nearly as well on the road as i do at home. i’m know this affects me. i’m not sure why major league baseball players should be immune from this.

by larry on Jul 17, 2008 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

how many nights per month do you spend away from home?

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

depends.

i travel frequently and often for extended periods. i like my own bed. i know i’m not the only one who has this problem.

by larry on Jul 17, 2008 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'm sorry you have to deal with this

maybe you and dave could talk this one out together, hmm? bring a psychiatrist to moderate the discussion? perhaps go out for coffee after the fact? and then, who knows. you could sleep on top of the covers, and he could be under the sheets.

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

also, if anything is "pretty fucking stupid"

it’s arguing over the quality of Dave Bush’s sleep.

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

like, really?

you reserve “pretty fucking stupid” for something like this? of all the things said around here, this is what brings out “pretty fucking stupid” ? i mean, i guess i’ll just have to live with this one.

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, really. i threw out a possibility - something i know players and others who travel frequently complain about - and i've got a college student telling me that major league baseball players should be immune from such things.

pretty. fucking. stupid.

by larry on Jul 17, 2008 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's because...

colintj doesn’t know the ways of the world yet.

I travel as well and sleeping in hotels gets old. Sometimes ya gotta drink a twelver to get some sleep. I definitely would rather sleep in my own bed than in someone else’s jizz-stained sheets.

by SSH2005 on Jul 17, 2008 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

rec'd

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i read an interesting article about the reverse of this.

i think it was in SI a few years ago. football player or basketball player. can’t remember who it was. slept like a baby on the road. had trouble sleeping at home. team decided to look into it. so they went to his house. bedroom had no blinds or curtains. got him some blackout curtains. the air in the house, too, was all dusty and stuff. got him a filter for his air/furnace. made some other modifications. problem solved.

by larry on Jul 17, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure if the right Baseball Annie

pays them a late night visit, they sleep like babies.

My lame sense of humor aside, aren’t most of these guys “not at home” even when they’re playing at home? I mean, PK is from AZ and Crede from Missouri, etc.

I’m sure they all have swanky north shore condos in Chicago, but it’s probably not the same as truly being in your own bed in your home town.

"Everybody looks at the Cubs. Look at the White Sox. They're a pretty good ballclub." - Lou Piniella (6/29/08)

by tailgater on Jul 17, 2008 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

depends

guys like thome, toby, bobby, and aj all make their homes here. i think most of the older players who have family (and, perhaps relatedly, have long term contracts that provide some stability) tend to make their permanent residence where they play.

by larry on Jul 17, 2008 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

splat

and technically, i’m not even registered yet, so next time you should go with “loser asshole without a job who isn’t even in college that stays at his parents and doesn’t have any friends”. just, you know, for accuracy’s sake.

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

furthermore.

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

to explain in more detail

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OMG VIEW IMAGE

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Someone forward to Carl Everett

"Everybody looks at the Cubs. Look at the White Sox. They're a pretty good ballclub." - Lou Piniella (6/29/08)

by tailgater on Jul 17, 2008 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol

dinosaur comics would blow his mind

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Best line:

You know what Utahraptor?

I believe in Harvey, Illinois

by Hazymania on Jul 17, 2008 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

more to the point, getting to the "why" seems pretty critical to me

it explains whether or not the brewers can expect this to change.

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

2.5 years seems to be getting to a large enough sample size that, for ned's purposes, who gives a shit on why and do what appears to make sense for the team to win this year.

by larry on Jul 17, 2008 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

John Danks, please kay thanks

by reardenmettle on Jul 17, 2008 11:40 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2008/7/10/568620/the-emergence-of-john-dank

by larry on Jul 17, 2008 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i could do better.

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

EGO FTW

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you, Larry.

This is a challenge, Colin. Can you add value?

by reardenmettle on Jul 17, 2008 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'm intrigued by the notion that he got his ass kicked by lefties and that

the cutter helped him solve that. intuitively, that doesn’t make a lot of sense.

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Last year, Danks didn't just get his ass kicked by lefties

nor were lefties more responsible for the damage than righties, though he did walk them more. He was torched by everyone. Baseball Musings details

He’s gone from awful to good in a right hurry.

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

they were, however, responsible for more damage than one might ordinarily expect from a lefthander.

small sample size big caveats of course. no one is going to find a definitive answer on that one. what may be interesting to watch going forward is what danks’ splits look like going forward. is he a santana, where there’s no discernible difference, or is a kenny rogers?

by larry on Jul 17, 2008 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wasn't that Danks' SOP in the minors?

He’d get promoted, get rocked, then would figure things out and dominate?

It just took a little longer in the majors.

Coffee is for closers.

by vince_ on Jul 17, 2008 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That seemed like the pattern, i wasnt too worried last year because of that.

Well, like most of America's cultural elite, I worship Pan, goat god.

by omnipotent grab on Jul 17, 2008 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

not a BUO

:p

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

by The Wizard on Jul 17, 2008 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

1B Tony Clark back to the Diamondbacks...

“D-Backs close to Clark deal”

The Diamondbacks appear to be closing in on a trade with the San Diego Padres that will bring first baseman Tony Clark back to Arizona.
After significant discussions in recent days, a deal could be final as soon as today, according to a major league source, who said the Diamondbacks will give up a minor league prospect in the trade.

It appears Clark has agreed to waive his assignment bonus, the $500,000 clause that otherwise would have kicked in when he was traded. The bonus, which served as a form of no-trade protection, was expected to be a hurdle in the negotiations. The Diamondbacks will be responsible for the remainder of Clark’s $900,000 salary.

by SSH2005 on Jul 17, 2008 11:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Since the Padres are sellers, I propose Loaiza for Peavy, straight up

They get a starter that grew up nearby in Tijuana, and thereby gain insight into the best strip clubs and cocaine available in everyone’s favorite boarder town, and we get a totally awesome starter. Seems like a fair deal to me.

by rhythm on Jul 17, 2008 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Drink!

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I haven't seen a "Drink!" in a fortnight!

I believe in Harvey, Illinois

by Hazymania on Jul 17, 2008 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

memes must not be allowed to die

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Soon, this site will be 70% memes and 30% analysis/commentary.

by reardenmettle on Jul 17, 2008 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ah, remember the good old days when it was at least 60/40?

Such good memories.

I believe in Harvey, Illinois

by Hazymania on Jul 17, 2008 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

soon you say?

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs

My 3rd favorite image after Super Q and Captain Swish

I say…keep the Photoshop images coming!

"Everybody looks at the Cubs. Look at the White Sox. They're a pretty good ballclub." - Lou Piniella (6/29/08)

by tailgater on Jul 17, 2008 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i need to fix the stripes on the pants

that’s the worst part by far

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you have been rec'd my friend

i don’t want to see any more of this tomfoolery on this guestbook. and get off my motherfucking lawn.---good ole larry

by furby2056 on Jul 17, 2008 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

soon=next week

I leave town on Saturday, gonna be gone for a solid week…

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Jul 17, 2008 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Amsterdam?

"Everybody looks at the Cubs. Look at the White Sox. They're a pretty good ballclub." - Lou Piniella (6/29/08)

by tailgater on Jul 17, 2008 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that has 80/20 written all over it.

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Catching up on the day,

between you and Larry, I am dying here.

I believe in Harvey Dent

by homesickalien on Jul 17, 2008 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you're welcome

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How dare you have a life away from SSS.

For shame The Cheat, for shame.

I believe in Harvey, Illinois

by Hazymania on Jul 17, 2008 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Winning Streak!

(Speaking of memes.)

Optimist

by Peder on Jul 17, 2008 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Padres must sweeten the deal on their end

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

by The Wizard on Jul 17, 2008 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Since the Padres are definitely sellers...

Larry is right and the Sox should go after old-man Maddux.

by SSH2005 on Jul 17, 2008 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You are absolutely right

Khalil Greene? Greg Maddux? Both?

by rhythm on Jul 17, 2008 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't understand the Khalil Green love...

he looks pretty terrible. I guess if you only look at his career road line. Either way, I would rather just stick with Ramirez and Richar / Beckham at SS and 2B.

by SSH2005 on Jul 17, 2008 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i guess it's ssh's turn to reply seriously to a post in jest.

by larry on Jul 17, 2008 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do I really have to put a "clearly" in all the time?

I have no problem doing so, I just want to get a consensus here.

by rhythm on Jul 17, 2008 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boy do we need a baseball game

As per usual, normal funny or innocuous posts/suggestions getting BAzzled in the Azzle. Need an outlet here for aggression.

CWS: Slashing negative expectations since May, 2008.

by winningugly on Jul 17, 2008 12:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

innocuous posts/suggestions

surely you are not referring to me, good sir.

by rhythm on Jul 17, 2008 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

tell me you weren't entertained.

in a “look at those dumbasses” kind of way, but still.

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hideo Nomo retires...

Hideo Nomo announced his retirement on Thursday.
“I want to continue, but I don’t think I can deliver a professional-level performance anymore. I believe many clubs think the same way,” Nomo told Kyodo News. And he’s right. Nomo finished 123-109, with a 4.24 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. He threw two no-hitters and paved the way for the influx in Japanese talent over the past decade.

by SSH2005 on Jul 17, 2008 1:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Taterrific!

I believe in Harvey, Illinois

by Hazymania on Jul 17, 2008 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Worth A Moment's Reflection

Nomo was a good and interesting player for years. In 95-96, he was a genuine phenomenon. After that, he was pretty average although he had a nice comeback year with the Dodgers in 03. Of course, it goes without saying that the three innings he threw for Charlotte in 06 were the highpoint of his career.

That motion was unique and the effect on hitters the first few years was amazing. I never really figured out if he lost something or if the league just caught up to his weirdness, rendering him average. Anyway, it was cool to have him in MLB and, if he really did have some impact on bringing Japanese players to the US, than that’s doubly cool.

by Landfill on Jul 17, 2008 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Half assed explanation to follow:

He was 26 in his first full season.And I’ll bet he had more innings on him than the average 26 year old. His fastball probably went more rapidly than you might expect and for someone who’s effectively a change up artist (prone to the HR), having a less than good fastball makes for troubling ERAs.

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Equally Half-Assed Response

Well, between ages 21-25, he had thrown over 900 innings and who knows how many as a teenager? It looks like a lot of work. But, other than a half-season in 94, he had handled the work load well and was out of the fabled “injury nexus.” He was a horse in the US until around age 35. Now maybe you’re right and the accumulated wear and tear had eroded velocity. I really don’t know.

What I find interesting is that in Japan his walk rate as a 21 year old was 4.17 BB/9. Then it went up every year until in his age 25 season is was 6.79 (!) BB/9. That’s ridiculous (although, somehow, his ERA was still only 3.63). Then, he came to the US and his BB/9 dropped to 3.67 and 3.35 in his first two years. After that, it went up over 4 and stayed there. Superficially, that looks like a pattern of hitters learning to lay off the fork-ball (or whatever that breaking pitch was), but maybe they were able to because they knew they could wait a little longer on his fastball? If anyone has any better evidence on why Nomo deteriorated, I’d love to see it.

by Landfill on Jul 17, 2008 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it was a splitter

and that looks like solid analysis to me.

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Liriano's agent has contacted players' association about pursuing grievance against Twins...

“Agent: Twins phenom Liriano frustrated over status”

by SSH2005 on Jul 17, 2008 1:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The twins should DFA his ass

and he should refuses to play for any team other than the Sox because the Sox are the greatest team every and will win all 81 games remaining on the schedules.

by rhythm on Jul 17, 2008 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

doing this worked out well for garza last year.

by larry on Jul 17, 2008 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Twins ‘have to find a place’ for Liriano, assistant GM says

The end of Francisco Liriano’s long recovery from Tommy John surgery is imminent.
The left-hander hasn’t allowed a run in his past three starts for Class AAA Rochester, has walked just three batters during that time, struck out 24 and has forced the major league club to find a place for him on the 25-man roster, assistant general manager Rob Antony said today.

"He’s done his part," Antony said. "He’s pitched well down there, and now we have to find a place for him."

http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/files/newsstand/discussion/twins_have_to_find_a_place_for_liriano_assistant_gm_says/

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

by The Wizard on Jul 17, 2008 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

classy!

This is a site for baseball columns, not for baseball blogs. The proprietor of the site is not a fan of blogs. He made that abundantly clear on a radio show with Charlie Steiner when Steiner asked him what he thought of blogs and he replied, "I hate blogs." He later heartily applauded Buzz Bissinger when the best-selling author denounced bloggers on a Bob Costas HBO show.
Bloggers, however, are welcome to visit this site; so are stats freaks, fantasy leaguers and Red Sox fans. How else will they know what is being said about them by a columnist they love to hate?

Otherwise, this site will most likely appeal primarily to older fans whose interest in good old baseball is largely ignored in this day of young bloggers who know it all, and new- fangled statistics (VORP, for one excuse-me example), which are drowning the game in numbers and making people forget that human beings, not numbers, play the games. ...

http://www.murraychass.com/about.php

of course he gets the FJM treatment: http://www.firejoemorgan.com/2008/07/i-felt-lot-better-about-giving-flooky.html

also, http://deadspin.com/5025920/afternoon-blogdome-murray-chass-stomps-his-way-on-to-the-internet

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

by The Wizard on Jul 17, 2008 1:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

BLOGGARS ARE GHEY

by rhythm on Jul 17, 2008 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

so r envirodorks

"Come at the king, you best not miss. "

by Toonderstrook on Jul 17, 2008 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Loser, you just made fun of yourself!

;-)

by rhythm on Jul 17, 2008 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Toonder, time to buy! Or else, time to shoot yourself

AP
SF Bay area home prices plunge 27 percent in June
Thursday July 17, 1:25 pm ET
San Francisco Bay area home prices plunge 27.1 percent in June to lowest figure since 2004

CWS: Slashing negative expectations since May, 2008.

by winningugly on Jul 17, 2008 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

fucking san francisco whiners

who would want to buy a house there? that’s why the prices fell

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

by The Wizard on Jul 17, 2008 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not Chicago Tough.

Well, like most of America's cultural elite, I worship Pan, goat god.

by omnipotent grab on Jul 17, 2008 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

not going to read it right now.

but am willing to bet the prices in the city haven’t moved much, especially in the nicer ‘hoods. and regardless, with how high real estate prices are here, a 27% decrease works for most folks like a 50% discount on a lear jet.

"Come at the king, you best not miss. "

by Toonderstrook on Jul 17, 2008 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jet fuel's skyrocketing cost must be chapping your ass right about now

No rides to LA for you to catch lunch at Spago’s.

CWS: Slashing negative expectations since May, 2008.

by winningugly on Jul 17, 2008 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

not chapped.

still scarred by death of logic, however, and the scene yesterday in which SoB apparently thought logic had been resurrected from the dead and was chasing him.

"Come at the king, you best not miss. "

by Toonderstrook on Jul 17, 2008 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, that was humourous

Toonder’s got a stalker, Tooner’s got a stalker.

regards

CWS: Slashing negative expectations since May, 2008.

by winningugly on Jul 17, 2008 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and FJM on his 1st entry

http://www.firejoemorgan.com/2008/07/about-that-murray-chass-blog.html

I guess the guys at the NFL / NBA / NHL are morons

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

by The Wizard on Jul 17, 2008 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So the Cubs are playing at Boston in the WS then?

I think thats what hes trying to tell me right?

Well, like most of America's cultural elite, I worship Pan, goat god.

by omnipotent grab on Jul 17, 2008 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

its too bad he is a bufoon when it comes adapting to advances in interpreting the game

because this guy was one of the few to cover labor issues in the sport with a pro-labor perspective.

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

by onlysoxfaninboston on Jul 17, 2008 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Out of curiousity

Are newspaper writers unionized?

by joewho112 on Jul 17, 2008 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

not sure if they are at the times

even still, i came across few other reporters that shared his perspective or matched his insight on the labor. doesn’t mean that i defend him on his interpretation for all other aspects of the game! he is definitely FJM worthy.

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

by onlysoxfaninboston on Jul 17, 2008 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

likely a hoax says Tango

http://www.insidethebook.com/ee/index.php/site/comments/murray_chass_internet_writer_not_a_blogger/

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

by The Wizard on Jul 17, 2008 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

tango update: Confirmed as real.

same url

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

by The Wizard on Jul 18, 2008 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

even better.

One way would be to reward [with home field advantage] the team with the better won-lost record. But that idea wouldn’t work logistically. Baseball can’t wait until days or even a week before the World Series is scheduled to start to determine where Series game will be played. Airlines and hotels don’t work that way.

"Come at the king, you best not miss. "

by Toonderstrook on Jul 17, 2008 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

how did they do it before?

I believe in Harvey, Illinois

by Hazymania on Jul 17, 2008 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ask murray.

he doesn’t really say, but he thinks that it would be a good idea if mlb based homefield advantage on the outcome of interleague games because then the “winning league this season would have been known before the end of June, leaving three months, or half the season, to make travel plans.”

yikes.

"Come at the king, you best not miss. "

by Toonderstrook on Jul 17, 2008 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This argument is so flawed it's painful.

Even if you do know which league gets the extra game advantage you still don’t know which city to make the reservations in until the last minute anyway.

Stupid Stupid Stupid Stupid Stupid Stupid Stupid Stupid Stupid people.

I believe in Harvey, Illinois

by Hazymania on Jul 17, 2008 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No you just make reservations in all of the cities in that particular

league, then cancel all except one at season’s end once the winner is determined. The 4 Seasons would love that, I bet.

CWS: Slashing negative expectations since May, 2008.

by winningugly on Jul 17, 2008 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yup. only 14 or 16 cities instead of 29.

"Come at the king, you best not miss. "

by Toonderstrook on Jul 17, 2008 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

POS.

"Come at the king, you best not miss. "

by Toonderstrook on Jul 17, 2008 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL. Good end to my workday. Thanks.

CWS: Slashing negative expectations since May, 2008.

by winningugly on Jul 17, 2008 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

here we go again.

Reader Chris contributes the following:

While I loathe having to defend Murray Chass, even a little, as someone who works in baseball, I can tell you that his point about booking hotels and flights is actually sort of right.

What reporters and others do is reserve hotels and flights for the four (or two, if they wait until the LCS starts) possible cities in each league for the dates that are already set based on the All-Star outcome. That’s a lot better than having to do it for eight (or, uh, four, if you wait) for a whole host of possible combinations.

Thanks, Chris. I’m also hearing that the reason the NBA and NHL can use home-court/ice advantage in their playoffs is that they simply don’t use as many hotel rooms overall compared to the World Series, so it’s a little easier logistically.
http://www.firejoemorgan.com/2008/07/about-that-murray-chass-blog.html

by larry on Jul 17, 2008 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yes, this explains murray's remark about interleague play deciding it.

"Come at the king, you best not miss. "

by Toonderstrook on Jul 17, 2008 7:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, he is an east coaster, right?

aren’t the red sox, yankees and braves always in the playoffs? three cities down right there.

by larry on Jul 17, 2008 7:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the baseball guy says you can make the reservations after the playoffs start.

instead of waiting to narrow down the number of teams, murray wants to make reservations in june for every damn city. sounds to me like a cheapo problem now that he isn’t being bankrolled by the times.

"Come at the king, you best not miss. "

by Toonderstrook on Jul 17, 2008 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, but we all know the good hotels will be filled by september. fuck that. he's got his PA working the phones right now.

by larry on Jul 17, 2008 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

whoah

i was JUST on priceline… yes you can save up to 50% off

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

by onlysoxfaninboston on Jul 17, 2008 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

did you know the Sox moved their AAA affiliate to Birmingham?

The White Sox announced on Wednesday that closer Bobby Jenks has now been moved to the Class AAA Birmingham roster for his rehab assignment, and will pitch this evening.

http://blogs.suntimes.com/whitesox/2008/07/roster_moves.html

must be careful with the st editors…

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

by The Wizard on Jul 17, 2008 1:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

i recall something from catholic school. something about casting stones.

by larry on Jul 17, 2008 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

get with the times larry!

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

by The Wizard on Jul 17, 2008 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

blogger standards, obviously, are much lower.

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought Bham was single A.

Learn something knew everyday huh wiz?

Well, like most of America's cultural elite, I worship Pan, goat god.

by omnipotent grab on Jul 17, 2008 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

nice.

by larry on Jul 17, 2008 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that is what you were referring to, right larry?

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that would fit that cautionary tale.

by larry on Jul 17, 2008 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No I think they just threw rocks at him regularly.

Wouldnt you?

Well, like most of America's cultural elite, I worship Pan, goat god.

by omnipotent grab on Jul 17, 2008 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

BWAAHHAHAHA!

OG, that was excellent!

by rhythm on Jul 17, 2008 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

spellin it out there a bit, og

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fuck being subtle.

Well, like most of America's cultural elite, I worship Pan, goat god.

by omnipotent grab on Jul 17, 2008 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

fuck knows i ain't

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good for you, you crass fuck!!

Well, like most of America's cultural elite, I worship Pan, goat god.

by omnipotent grab on Jul 17, 2008 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, lost my head there.

I need baseball.

Well, like most of America's cultural elite, I worship Pan, goat god.

by omnipotent grab on Jul 17, 2008 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hey, I just copied and pasted yesterday!

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

by The Wizard on Jul 17, 2008 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is this clarification for the Astros front office?

A Freddy Garcia update. His agent says they might be receptive to a multiyear deal, but prefer one year.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/07/odds-and-ends-4.html

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

by The Wizard on Jul 17, 2008 1:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ploy or does he really believe he can earn a better deal?

by joewho112 on Jul 17, 2008 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

MLB news...

Yankees sign 1B Richie Sexson.

Padres trade 1B Tony Clark to the Diamondbacks.

by SSH2005 on Jul 17, 2008 1:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

you are just a wealth of information

i don’t want to see any more of this tomfoolery on this guestbook. and get off my motherfucking lawn.---good ole larry

by furby2056 on Jul 17, 2008 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ichiro's ASG pre-game speech

American Leage defeats bleepin’ bleepers
July 16: For the eighth consecutive year Irchiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners rallied his American League All Star teammates with a secret exhortation to victory that is so laden with curses that even the parts that are leaked to the public contain too many deleted explicatives to make any sense.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/vp/25710793#25710793

go to the 0:45 mark

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

by The Wizard on Jul 17, 2008 2:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It was a magic chant

He learned it in the same magical forest he gets the wood for his bats from.

I believe in Harvey, Illinois

by Hazymania on Jul 17, 2008 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I believe he carries a katana with him at all times as well.

A warrior lives and dies by the sword.

Well, like most of America's cultural elite, I worship Pan, goat god.

by omnipotent grab on Jul 17, 2008 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe he keeps it IN his bat...

Like one of those cane/swords from the movies!

I believe in Harvey, Illinois

by Hazymania on Jul 17, 2008 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah but then its not a badass katana, just a shank really.

Wheres the honor in that?

Well, like most of America's cultural elite, I worship Pan, goat god.

by omnipotent grab on Jul 17, 2008 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't say it WAS a cane sword

Just like a cane sword.

Baseball bats are… well, girthier. Much more room for a sword in there.

I believe in Harvey, Illinois

by Hazymania on Jul 17, 2008 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It might be doable.

As long as the curve on the blade isnt too severe, otherwise it wouldn’t be feasible. Im trying to find the average width from hilt to tip but no luck. Im thinking to hard about this.

Well, like most of America's cultural elite, I worship Pan, goat god.

by omnipotent grab on Jul 17, 2008 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

nah, we can make this happen

and it beats the hell out of cork

I believe in Harvey, Illinois

by Hazymania on Jul 17, 2008 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

As long as it isn't mistakenly used, then breaks sending pieces of sharp steel into the crowd maiming a number of them.

Think that kid at Wrigley had it bad?

Well, like most of America's cultural elite, I worship Pan, goat god.

by omnipotent grab on Jul 17, 2008 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Through a translator

Ichiro: I swear, it’s just a batting practice bat that was mistakenly handed to me by a bat boy!

I believe in Harvey, Illinois

by Hazymania on Jul 17, 2008 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL.

Well, like most of America's cultural elite, I worship Pan, goat god.

by omnipotent grab on Jul 17, 2008 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Me and my brother referred to Sosa as Corky McCheat from then on.

Well, like most of America's cultural elite, I worship Pan, goat god.

by omnipotent grab on Jul 17, 2008 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, like most of America's cultural elite, I worship Pan, goat god.

by omnipotent grab on Jul 17, 2008 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I heart Ichiro. Really, I would bear his children.

CWS: Slashing negative expectations since May, 2008.

by winningugly on Jul 17, 2008 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Too bad the chance of twins would be rare, theyll almost always come in singles.

Well, like most of America's cultural elite, I worship Pan, goat god.

by omnipotent grab on Jul 17, 2008 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

University of Michigan to name professorship after Branch Rickey

http://blog.mlive.com/annarbornews/2008/07/university_of_michigan_to_name.html

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

by The Wizard on Jul 17, 2008 2:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Awwww yeeaaaahhh

go blue baby

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

fuck go blue

everybody needs to go green…save the environment bitches!

i don’t want to see any more of this tomfoolery on this guestbook. and get off my motherfucking lawn.---good ole larry

by furby2056 on Jul 17, 2008 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I Hereby Demand That This Be Added To The Olympics

http://deadspin.com/5026276/i-hereby-demand-that-this-be-added-to-the-olympics

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

by The Wizard on Jul 17, 2008 2:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

since you're apparently a big deadspin fan, what do you think of the new editors

compared to leitch?

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I haven't notice a big difference

anyway, I don’t really know much

I just scan the headlines each day

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

by The Wizard on Jul 17, 2008 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We are very impressed

Deadspin has become nothing more than headline reading. The comments are atrocious most of the time, and most of the shit on the site is linked elsewhere anyways.

I was a multiple time all star throughout my little league career. Won 5 championships- 4 in a row- thats more in a row than MJ… (kenwo4life@aol.com)

by Ozzie Montana on Jul 17, 2008 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not quite sure how it became the center of all this attention

or why Leitch would be attractive to the New York Mag

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

don't be petty. there's hope for you yet, scribe.

"Come at the king, you best not miss. "

by Toonderstrook on Jul 17, 2008 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh psh, there's plenty of writing i like

just not deadspin.

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dunno, though I am very intrigued at the salaries that some of these paid bloggers get

Like With Leather, that dude writes 200 words of snarky text, does a bunch of link dumps, and posts a picture of a hot chick, then writes long satirical posts on KSK. How much coin does that get you?

I was a multiple time all star throughout my little league career. Won 5 championships- 4 in a row- thats more in a row than MJ… (kenwo4life@aol.com)

by Ozzie Montana on Jul 17, 2008 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

is the answer a lot?

because that’s what i want to do.

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Beats me, I have no idea how much ad revenue a site generates

I was a multiple time all star throughout my little league career. Won 5 championships- 4 in a row- thats more in a row than MJ… (kenwo4life@aol.com)

by Ozzie Montana on Jul 17, 2008 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i bestow upon you a quest.

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh stop groveling!

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Will Cheat give me some of those sweet sweet ad dollars?

Then this quest is worth taking

I was a multiple time all star throughout my little league career. Won 5 championships- 4 in a row- thats more in a row than MJ… (kenwo4life@aol.com)

by Ozzie Montana on Jul 17, 2008 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he's always pretending that he doesn't have any

i say we turn this from quest to heist film. no way this turns into al capone’s vault. it’s foolproof Ozzie!

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What kind of heist film?

Ocean’s 11? Or 3000 Miles to Graceland?

And my ass he doesn’t rake in the dough. Going on week long vacations to Clooney’s villa at Lake Como, the rich motherfucker.

I was a multiple time all star throughout my little league career. Won 5 championships- 4 in a row- thats more in a row than MJ… (kenwo4life@aol.com)

by Ozzie Montana on Jul 17, 2008 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

nice try. rosemarie clooney died in 2002.

"Come at the king, you best not miss. "

by Toonderstrook on Jul 17, 2008 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Definitley had to look up that name on Wikipedia

Dick Van Dyke Show eh?

lol, dyke is a funny word.

I was a multiple time all star throughout my little league career. Won 5 championships- 4 in a row- thats more in a row than MJ… (kenwo4life@aol.com)

by Ozzie Montana on Jul 17, 2008 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, knucklehead

it’s Rosemary Clooney, George’s Mom, who was a singer/actress in the Dark Ages (40’s-50’s).

Fer Chrissakes, Toonder, don’t ruin a joke by misspelling the name.

CWS: Slashing negative expectations since May, 2008.

by winningugly on Jul 18, 2008 7:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

also not george's mom, OPOS.

"Come at the king, you best not miss. "

by Toonderstrook on Jul 18, 2008 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's Clooney's aunt you crusty motherfucker

Worst heist set-up ever.

I was a multiple time all star throughout my little league career. Won 5 championships- 4 in a row- thats more in a row than MJ… (kenwo4life@aol.com)

by Ozzie Montana on Jul 18, 2008 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Depends on how many boobies there are.

I believe in Harvey, Illinois

by Hazymania on Jul 17, 2008 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That would be an awesome way to die.

Used as ammo on a castle. I have the sudden urge to watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Well, like most of America's cultural elite, I worship Pan, goat god.

by omnipotent grab on Jul 17, 2008 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

do you think they'd have to make a bigger design to use on uribe?

i don’t want to see any more of this tomfoolery on this guestbook. and get off my motherfucking lawn.---good ole larry

by furby2056 on Jul 17, 2008 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It would break the laws of physics.

But I hear Bobby did that earlier in the week, maybe he could toss Uribe.

Well, like most of America's cultural elite, I worship Pan, goat god.

by omnipotent grab on Jul 17, 2008 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

his gravitational force field would overwhelm the trebuchet

are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM

by colintj on Jul 17, 2008 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've been gone for a few days recovering

and wanted to mention my experience at last Sunday’s Sox-Rangers game. It was the hottest, most uncomfortable baseball experience I’ve ever had. I left early (which I never do until then) because I thought I would need an IV after sitting there for a few innings. You can’t appreciate the fucking heat, but the Ranger’s regular beat guys to the announcers were saying it was one of the worst days they’ve ever been at and that’s saying something. I lived in Chicago for most of my life and it was like those 90+ days where the sky is gray and very humid and oppressive. Then turn it up about 10 degrees, remove the cloud cover but keep the humidity.
It was ‘umbrella day’ and the whole stadium was using theirs for some relief from the sun.
It was so hot I couldn’t drink beer and that’s saying something too.

I feel very good about the Sox' effort (last game before the break, over 350 pitches thrown, 4+ hours, etc.)  If they didn't punt there they will hang in the rest of the season.  Even though they lost no quit in them.  How Toby caught all game is a miracle.

Show mercy. I get to watch the Rangers.

by Tim from Texas on Jul 17, 2008 3:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You are describing a typical summer's day at a theme park in Orlando

It amazed me when I moved here in ‘87 that the locals were trying to compete with St. Pete to get the Sox with no domed stadium in the works. I can’t imagine watching each game, all summer and fall (wherethere is no break from heat until November), and losing 10 lbs. of water weight each game, perhaps narrowly avaoiding heat exhaustion.

Plus, I bet the stands smell worse than the bathrooms at Wrigley. Yeesh. Fun day at the ballpark. Good thing it wan’t “Bat Day”, or someone would’ve been BAzzled in the azzle.

CWS: Slashing negative expectations since May, 2008.

by winningugly on Jul 17, 2008 8:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A few years back vs. Boston

the temps hit a brutal 104 degrees at The Cell. I happened to have (metal) bleacher seats that day, which I used for about 10 minutes, literally burned my ass and then took cover the entire rest of the game…well, until the 7th inning when I got the hell out of there.

The area under the covered concourse looked like a war zone with people sitting against the walls, many looking dazed or passed out.

But the good guys won…so, good times!

"Everybody looks at the Cubs. Look at the White Sox. They're a pretty good ballclub." - Lou Piniella (6/29/08)

by tailgater on Jul 18, 2008 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs