Brushing Up On Scott Feldman
If you're like me, you didn't know this guy existed prior to about 3pm. That makes it difficult to know exactly what to make of the differences between this and this. It would appear that we're only going to have actual data about half the pitches he throws. That's...suboptimal. Moreover, I'm not sure why this happened. He's been primarily a starter all year and it's pretty unlikely he was only throwing two pitches as a starter. The cutter looks like it got incorporated into the fastball totals, since there's a slight disparity in velocity and a 2 inch difference in horizontal movement between the two. I'm guessing if you averaged (appropriately weighted, of course) the player card fastball and the player card cutter, you'd get the tool fastball. So keep that in mind when I talk about the results from the fastball. It's actually the combined results of the fastball and cutter. The change up apparently just disappeared. He throws it 10 percent of the time to lefties and never to righties and throws it more frequently in counts that are not 0-2 or 1-2, so I doubt it's a big whiff pitch. It helps him get into counts to use his curve, as the usage rate for the latter spikes in both 0-2 and 1-2 counts.
The curve appears to be a good pitch, but one that basically no one will offer at since he can't put it in the zone. Against lefties, for example, only about 15% of curves in the database were offered at.* The proper approach is apparently know league-wide at this point (otherwise, there'd be more swings on the curve). To oversimplify using the international language of punctuation-derived wellness indicators:
TOPSPIN --> : (
ALL ELSE --> : D
His straight stuff isn't tremendous and he doesn't like to put it in the zone that much. Despite above average ball percentages, he still allows his fastball to be put in play with good frequency. That and taking walks when sufficiently good looking pitches don't come (and there's no guarantee they will; his ISO numbers are decent, but his overall GB% is way down) is the appropriate approach. Btw, if we aren't taking walks, then we're probably helping him out way too much. Make Feldman give in and we're on our way to a hit parade with men on base.
*This reminds me that I need to re-configure whiff rate as it's listed in the Kalk database. The "pure stuff" rating for a pitch would not be whiffs/pitch, but whiffs/swing. I've been only working with the former and I think it's led to some misconceptions in previous BUOs, since I think I often conflated it to mean the latter. The former incorporates the latter and adds something of an efficiency indicator, since, ultimately, you don't want to be stuck with merely good stuff.
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Converting PITCHf/x into performance stat lines
The greatest trick the White Sox ever pulled was convincing their fan base that "Ozzieball" ever existed.
by The Wizard on Jul 21, 2008 7:31 PM CDT 0 recs
Could you elaborate on the "international language of punctuation-derived wellness indicators?"
Are they the reason we are losing to Feldman?
I believe in Harvey Dent
by homesickalien on Jul 21, 2008 8:42 PM CDT 0 recs
absolutely
also: reason why the economy sucks :-/
are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM
by colintj on
Jul 21, 2008 11:14 PM CDT
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how did BUO get on top of the second game thread?
are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM
by colintj on Jul 21, 2008 11:14 PM CDT 0 recs
wiz
…and there is nothing like my dad’s egg sandwiches! - Nick Swisher
by omnipotent grab on
Jul 22, 2008 2:57 AM CDT
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yeah, I push it forward in time
The greatest trick the White Sox ever pulled was convincing their fan base that "Ozzieball" ever existed.
by The Wizard on
Jul 22, 2008 12:49 PM CDT
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Never underestimate the Sox ability to get dominated by a scrub pitcher...
That was Cy De La Rosa-like.
by SSH2005 on Jul 21, 2008 11:19 PM CDT 0 recs
Or the Cubs' ability to get dominated by a 44-year old pitcher...
with an ERA over 5, right?
"fortunately, i'm adhering to a pretty strict, uh, drug, uh, regimen to keep my mind, you know, uh, limber."
by Toonderstrook on
Jul 21, 2008 11:47 PM CDT
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Comparing Randy Johnson to Scott Feldman? Wow...
Anyways, not sure how that makes the Sox performance look any better.
by SSH2005 on
Jul 21, 2008 11:51 PM CDT
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the point is that even the team with, i think according to you now the SECOND best offense in baseball, got shut down
by somebody who is old, broken down, and has pitched like shit this year. and the sox lost to scott feldman. it happens over 162 games. for the sox to be in first place and lose occasionally to guys like scott feldman means they must beat quite a few guys better as well, right?
"fortunately, i'm adhering to a pretty strict, uh, drug, uh, regimen to keep my mind, you know, uh, limber."
by Toonderstrook on
Jul 21, 2008 11:55 PM CDT
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Let's just hope that this isn't another...
second half White Sox swoon. The Sox seem to be notorious for playing like shit in the second half.
by SSH2005 on
Jul 22, 2008 12:48 AM CDT
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So you're setting this game up to call back upon if indeed a swoon is upon us?
You’re constantly in the process of crafting the negative narrative for yourself to discover. Like Guy Pierce in Memento.
are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM
by colintj on
Jul 22, 2008 2:06 AM CDT
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We have seen this before...
The Sox tanking in the second half.
by SSH2005 on
Jul 22, 2008 7:11 AM CDT
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He tattooed "Feldman" on his ass
I believe in Harvey Dent
by homesickalien on
Jul 22, 2008 9:03 AM CDT
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Also
who thinks the BUO was all that helpful tonight? Does this portrait look like the pitcher you saw last night?
are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM
by colintj on Jul 22, 2008 2:16 AM CDT 0 recs
You fail, thats all that means.
…and there is nothing like my dad’s egg sandwiches! - Nick Swisher
by omnipotent grab on
Jul 22, 2008 2:58 AM CDT
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every time you do one of these we get beat
Sox fan from England, marching on together
by hoodlight on
Jul 22, 2008 3:21 AM CDT
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I like your buo's a lot
The greatest trick the White Sox ever pulled was convincing their fan base that "Ozzieball" ever existed.
by The Wizard on
Jul 22, 2008 12:50 PM CDT
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Sounds like the Dodgers want to trade 3B Andy LaRoche for a SS...
http://www.insidesocal.com/dodgers/2008/07/laroche-possibl.html
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Dodgers asked about Orlando Cabrera but the Sox weren’t interested. That would have been a sick trade for the future.
by SSH2005 on Jul 22, 2008 7:53 AM CDT 0 recs
Joe Cowley says Sox are debating whether or not to trade Josh Fields...
A source has indicated the Sox have been in discussions with ’’more than one’’ team about adding pitching help, either in the rotation or bullpen - or possibly both - and the major discussion is whether they dare part ways with minor-league third baseman Josh Fields.According to the source, unless they are willing to part ways with Fields, there is no deal to be made. Basically, do they forfeit the future at third base to chase October glory this season?
by SSH2005 on Jul 22, 2008 8:37 AM CDT 0 recs
We ought to see how
Richards pitches on Wednesday first, it’s still risky to get rid of your future 3rd baseman, especially when Credes back could go any game.
Sox fan from England, marching on together
by hoodlight on
Jul 22, 2008 8:45 AM CDT
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hoodie, I know you English can't keep your "s"'s stratight as to whether to add or subtract
(see Richards, Keith), but here in the States we don’t add an “s” willy-nilly. It’s “Richard”, thank you.
The Butkus year - time to knock everyone on their ass.
by winningugly on
Jul 22, 2008 9:34 AM CDT
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Lost in the translation
Are you using the king’s “we” or are you speaking for America?
by tommyjoepeters on
Jul 22, 2008 10:37 AM CDT
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America. I speak for America.
The Butkus year - time to knock everyone on their ass.
by winningugly on
Jul 22, 2008 12:52 PM CDT
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you have Richards
I’ve seen that film with Matt Dillon, Wild Things.
Sox fan from England, marching on together
by hoodlight on
Jul 22, 2008 11:06 AM CDT
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Well, he could always sign Troy Glaus this offseason
but adding another hole in the future infield of Fields-Alexei-Beckham-??? doesn’t seem to 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 22, 2008 9:43 AM CDT
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In an ode to your love of lineups, here's 2010 so far:
C Pierzynski
1B Allen
2B Beckham
3B Fields
SS Alexei
LF Quentin
CF ???
RF Swisher
DH Konerko
Brandon Allen is a reach and hopefully KG takes my question today. But he might be half a platoon anyway. CF, in our wildest dreams, could be manned by Kent Gerst. Otherwise it’s BA, maaaaybe Shelby (but not likely), or Sir Not Appearing In This Film. Hopefully by ‘10, Paulie is just the righty half of a platoon, but I’m not yet hopeful.
are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM
by colintj on
Jul 22, 2008 9:51 AM CDT
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I don't buy into Shelby being a legit prospect...
16 walks and 63 strikeouts in Single A?
by SSH2005 on
Jul 22, 2008 10:04 AM CDT
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i basically agree at this point
but the tools appear to be there, so that’s what makes him “legit”. but the secondary skills just seem to be getting worse rather than better. he’s significantly decreased his odds in my eyes this year.
are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM
by colintj on
Jul 22, 2008 10:10 AM CDT
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I think it is doubtful that he will ever be in CF for the Sox...
Allen has more of a chance at 1B.
by SSH2005 on
Jul 22, 2008 10:29 AM CDT
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well they're in A+
so shit really has to work in their favor anyway. but i get your point.
are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM
by colintj on
Jul 22, 2008 10:42 AM CDT
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you're not getting the most out of . . .
Swishy Knickers. How about:
C Pierzynski
1B Swisher
2B Beckham
3B Fields
SS Alexei
LF Quentin
CF Swisher
RF Swisher
DH Swisher
That’s a lineup that could MASH, what with 300% more at-bats for the aforementioned Swishy Knickers.
by baby_jamie on
Jul 22, 2008 10:47 AM CDT
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I like the way Snrub thinks!
are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM
by colintj on
Jul 22, 2008 10:56 AM CDT
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where's jordan danks
2011?
He was a catcher with the Orioles back in the day. Sorry looking (expletive). My brother had his card. He looked like this little kid who got left at a bus station by his parents. You know why? Because he had to catch Hoyt Wilhelms knuckle ball five (expletive) years.
by onlysoxfaninboston on
Jul 22, 2008 11:01 AM CDT
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CF...
That would be my guess. He would have to start showing some power though.
by SSH2005 on
Jul 22, 2008 11:03 AM CDT
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Jordan is a Danks. All he needs to do is show up and the job is his.
Why so serious?
by reardenmettle on
Jul 22, 2008 11:04 AM CDT
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He's got a ton more question marks than Beckham
it says a lot about the way I perceive Beckham that I would pencil him into second two years from now.
are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM
by colintj on
Jul 22, 2008 11:35 AM CDT
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At this point is Fields even a significant prospect?
He’s been bad to mediocre in the International League in a bandbox and his glove is not good. He’s not young. I’m dubious that he would bring back more than someone like Randy Wolf at this point. He’s definitely not enough to get someone like Burnett on his own, even with Burnett sucking and likely being a rental.
Announcer: [A fan] from Frederick, Maryland, wants to know why you don't go out and get some more team speed.
Weaver: Team speed, for Chrissake, you get BLEEP god damn little fleas on the bases getting picked off trying to steal, getting thrown out, taking runs away from you. You get them big BLEEP who can hit the BLEEP ball out of the BLEEP ballpark and you can't make any god damn mistakes.
by hitlesswonder on
Jul 22, 2008 11:24 AM CDT
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I give the man a pass, but there is a more than decent chance he's
a .260/.320/.470 type hitter which would be like Joe Crede without the defense.
are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM
by colintj on
Jul 22, 2008 11:32 AM CDT
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Also: he's been injured and dealing with going from starting third baseman in Chicago
to Charlotte. That’s plenty of additional context.
are you trying to use stats around here? what the fuck do you think this is? - MM
by colintj on
Jul 22, 2008 11:33 AM CDT
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That's far too much hyperbole...
Fields still has good trade value after what he did in the majors last year. When you see what the Astros give up for Randy Wolf, you will be changing your tune.
by SSH2005 on
Jul 22, 2008 11:46 AM CDT
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Well, I said "significant prospect" meaning someone that projects to more than Russ Branyan
And the Astros may give up less than a Fields-type prospect, I’ll be interested seeing what he goes for.
But part of the problem for the Sox is that they really don’t have anyone other than Fields and Poreda to give up. They can’t trade a lesser prospect for someone, because the Sox lesser prospects aren’t even really prospects (at least at AAA and AA).
Announcer: [A fan] from Frederick, Maryland, wants to know why you don't go out and get some more team speed.
Weaver: Team speed, for Chrissake, you get BLEEP god damn little fleas on the bases getting picked off trying to steal, getting thrown out, taking runs away from you. You get them big BLEEP who can hit the BLEEP ball out of the BLEEP ballpark and you can't make any god damn mistakes.
by hitlesswonder on
Jul 22, 2008 11:56 AM CDT
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repeat after me
do not overweight 57 games simply because they are the most recent sample size. do not overweight 57 games simply because they are the most recent sample size. do not overweight 57 games simply because they are the most recent sample size. do not overweight 57 games simply because they are the most recent sample size. do not overweight 57 games simply because they are the most recent sample size.
by larry on
Jul 22, 2008 11:55 AM CDT
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But if I do that then Danks, Quentin, and Ramirez don't look as good either.....
Announcer: [A fan] from Frederick, Maryland, wants to know why you don't go out and get some more team speed.
Weaver: Team speed, for Chrissake, you get BLEEP god damn little fleas on the bases getting picked off trying to steal, getting thrown out, taking runs away from you. You get them big BLEEP who can hit the BLEEP ball out of the BLEEP ballpark and you can't make any god damn mistakes.
by hitlesswonder on
Jul 22, 2008 11:58 AM CDT
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LOL. Rec.
If there was an audible “sigh” I would get my whole staff to rec, too.
The Butkus year - time to knock everyone on their ass.
by winningugly on
Jul 22, 2008 12:55 PM CDT
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What are you trying to say?
I’m so lost. Please be more specific.
The Butkus year - time to knock everyone on their ass.
by winningugly on
Jul 22, 2008 12:54 PM CDT
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Randy Wolf heading to Houston...
CINCINNATI – It appears as if the Padres have found a willing trade partner - albeit an unlikely one - for left-handed pitcher Randy Wolf.According to a baseball source, the Padres will trade Wolf to the Astros on Tuesday for a Minor League pitcher.
My guess is that the minor league pitcher won’t be better than Josh Fields.
by SSH2005 on
Jul 22, 2008 3:04 PM CDT
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TUESDAY: The Astros acquired Wolf for minor league pitcher Chad Reineke, according to Tom Krasovic. Baseball America wondered if Reineke could eventually become another Chad Qualls, a guy who blossoms with a move to the bullpen.http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/07/astros-in-trade.html
The greatest trick the White Sox ever pulled was convincing their fan base that "Ozzieball" ever existed.
by The Wizard on
Jul 22, 2008 3:31 PM CDT
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Yeah...I think I said that Wolf could very well be moved for less than Fields
The problem for the Sox is that I don’t see anyone like Reineke at AA or AAA. It would be nice if the Sox had some C+ prospects there to pawn off on somebody.
Announcer: [A fan] from Frederick, Maryland, wants to know why you don't go out and get some more team speed.
Weaver: Team speed, for Chrissake, you get BLEEP god damn little fleas on the bases getting picked off trying to steal, getting thrown out, taking runs away from you. You get them big BLEEP who can hit the BLEEP ball out of the BLEEP ballpark and you can't make any god damn mistakes.
by hitlesswonder on
Jul 22, 2008 4:11 PM CDT
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Oh dear...
The Sox are facing another scrub starter who owned them a eleven days ago…
This should be fun.
by SSH2005 on Jul 22, 2008 12:28 PM CDT 0 recs
This word "fun", I do not think it means what you think it means
Announcer: [A fan] from Frederick, Maryland, wants to know why you don't go out and get some more team speed.
Weaver: Team speed, for Chrissake, you get BLEEP god damn little fleas on the bases getting picked off trying to steal, getting thrown out, taking runs away from you. You get them big BLEEP who can hit the BLEEP ball out of the BLEEP ballpark and you can't make any god damn mistakes.
by hitlesswonder on
Jul 22, 2008 12:29 PM CDT
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the "fun" here is setting it up so if the sox lose, ssh is right, and if the sox win, well, they only beat a shitty starter anyway.
"fortunately, i'm adhering to a pretty strict, uh, drug, uh, regimen to keep my mind, you know, uh, limber."
by Toonderstrook on
Jul 22, 2008 12:30 PM CDT
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Do you not think that the Sox should beat Luis Mendoza...
or Scott Feldman?
Mendoza owned the Sox last time out so I would not be surprised if he beat them again. This doesn’t mean that I don’t think the Sox should beat him. They should. He is a crappy starter, just like Feldman.
by SSH2005 on
Jul 22, 2008 12:33 PM CDT
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do you really want him to answer that question?
please toonder, say no.
by larry on
Jul 22, 2008 12:48 PM CDT
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Hey man, you were the one who was excited for the Sox to face the Rangers...
not me.
by SSH2005 on
Jul 22, 2008 1:06 PM CDT
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yeah, thanks. i'm not a fucking retard. i'm just wondering what all this has to do with one another.
hence the word “meander”?
by larry on
Jul 22, 2008 1:59 PM CDT
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Anyone have the 411 on Clayton Richard?
Are we feeling good about tomorrow?
I also wonder if Buehrle’s grandfather passing away will have a negative effect on his performance tonight.
"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 22, 2008 1:10 PM CDT 0 recs
MB: Depends if he liked the guy
and how he deals with loss. Is he Brett Favre after his Dad died, or my ex-wife’s boss who took 3 days off after his dog died?
The Butkus year - time to knock everyone on their ass.
by winningugly on
Jul 22, 2008 1:15 PM CDT
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right on.
i also think it may be easier to lose yourself in the game and not think about it than sitting at a desk.
"fortunately, i'm adhering to a pretty strict, uh, drug, uh, regimen to keep my mind, you know, uh, limber."
by Toonderstrook on
Jul 22, 2008 1:17 PM CDT
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Or sitting at a wake
They tend to be depressing.
"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 22, 2008 1:22 PM CDT
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irish you are not?
"fortunately, i'm adhering to a pretty strict, uh, drug, uh, regimen to keep my mind, you know, uh, limber."
by Toonderstrook on
Jul 22, 2008 1:24 PM CDT
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Nope...100% Polish
"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 22, 2008 2:10 PM CDT
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Sausage?
The Butkus year - time to knock everyone on their ass.
by winningugly on
Jul 22, 2008 2:18 PM CDT
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Kiwi
In two weeks they will win 7 or 8 in a row and you all will have 10 inch boners.
by Chiburb on
Jul 22, 2008 2:27 PM CDT
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why pitch buehrle today on 3 days rest
and not richard today and buehrle tomorrow?
The greatest trick the White Sox ever pulled was convincing their fan base that "Ozzieball" ever existed.
by The Wizard on Jul 22, 2008 1:29 PM CDT 0 recs
oh
thanks
The greatest trick the White Sox ever pulled was convincing their fan base that "Ozzieball" ever existed.


