April’s Fool - Can we start the season now?

by Tdogg on Apr 30, 2009 5:31 PM CDT Comment 112 comments

After yesterday’s win I thought it would be a good time to take a stab at summing up the month of April. Call it a state of the Southside (think we could get President Obama to give it?). I am by no means a wordsmith so most of this will just be the numbers. Numbers that make you go "meh."

Consider:

Record 11-10

RS 97

RA 98

Most games over or under .500 – 2

Longest winning streak and losing streak – 3

All that adds up to a 1st place tie and 4 teams separated by 1 whole game. May 1st equals a mulligan.

Offensive

As much as I want to begin with Superman and his quest to win the MVP that got away, a better starting point is perhaps the team’s captain. Contrary to popular belief before the season, Konerko is not dead yet. He’s picked right back up where he left off in the 2nd half of 08 and put up a solid .333/.376/.526 line. (Eye wink to Kenwo)

Coming into the season, the main concern was what to expect from center, 2b and an injury free Fields at third. Well, are you happy?

2b Getz- .340/.396/.404 limited sample because our guy can’t seem to stay healthy and somehow managed a few days off to the great L(K)illibridge but C’mon. How many articles have you seen about rushing Beckham lately?

3b Fields- .257/.360/.378 started hot but has come back to earth lately. Someone asked yesterday is his obp sustainable. Q behind him will help but striking out 32% of the time is still worrisome especially if you’re not launching the ball over the wall. On the other hand he has definitely shown speed (2 triples) and it’s not exactly hot out yet.

CF Wise, then BA gets his big chance - .288/.383/.327 Jim over at Sox Machine does a great job presenting the whole situation. It is interesting to see how this will play out in May with the injury. Getz’s competence at lead off took a lot of focus off what I felt was an insistence to lump CF and lead off into the same position. One thing is certain, we don’t want (K)illibridge or Anderson up top.

Q-Superman-Second coming- .253/.374/.587 I think it is safe to assume he has recovered from his injury huh? I think the slugging has surprised even the most loyal Q believer. The scary thing may be that he has a .193 BABIP. Wow. This is a man who gets angry, WHEN he hits a HR.

SS Alexei Ramirez - .214/.273/.286 has finally shown signs of life after a dismal start. We saw him start slow last year (.121/.147/.182) and heat up with warmer days. Contrary to Sheehan and Keith Law’s thoughts on our favorite hack, I expect the same.

The rest of significance

Dye .295/.333/.551 (no complaints)

Thome .218/.317/.455 (is the fall off the cliff finally here?)

AJ .254/.288/.327

Killibridge .146/.286/.195 (him leading off is like nails on a chalkboard. However the speed is real so he does have some use.)

Overall I want to be disappointed with the team’s offensive performance .261/.337/.413 but its difficult. At this point we kind of expect this and calls for Greg Walker’s head. Last April the team hit .241/.334/.411 in route to an above average offensive performance. We joke about all or nothing, but you’re not far off. Half of the team’s games have been blowouts (5+ runs either way.)

Looks like much of this will depend on surprise "health."

Pitching

Raise your hand if you thought the best starter thru the first month would be Bartolo Colon? Liar. Okay we can squabble about "best" but he has the lowest FIP 3.25 and has netted the most value wins .6/$2.9. What? There doesn’t appear to be a lot of mystery to Colon. His fastball is moving and above 90 mph. From time to time he’ll throw up a clunker but for a million dollars is there any question this was a sound investment? (I know 20/20)

Colon      ERA 4.15/FIP 3.5

Floyd       ERA 5.55/FIP 3.93

Buerhle    ERA 3.00/FIP 4.22

Danks      ERA 2.74/FIP 4.48

Contreras ERA 6.75/FIP 5.51

Team ERA 4.52 7/14 in AL

Quality Starts 12 tied for 2nd in AL

At the start of the season, most of us prayed for a combined 32-35 of league average starts from the C&C factory. Somewhere along the lines I was tabbed a PPB and attached to the international train. Its fair to assume "only" 32 starts from the two would be a disappointment at this point. The combination of hard work on Jose’s part and good Chicago Pizza on Colon’s part have both looking reasonable healthy in the hands of a very competent White Sox medical staff.

Danks - All set to write about his ascension to greatness and then he gets tattooed by the anemic Mariner offense. Kids. He nudges his mentor for team high pitcher VORP 9.3. and has continued the success of last year.

Buerhle- See past 8 years except 2nd half of 2006.

Floyd- Its funny how I haven’t seen a lot of crap about how Floyd’s FIP is the opposite this year from actual performance. We have said it ad nauseam now limit the walks and pay attention to the batters instead of base runners because your side step delivery sucks.

Contreras- Perhaps I was too optimistic for our bronze titan to start the season. It is after all a miracle that this guy is pitching so soon after his injury. The last start was encouraging but Count has to use his fork ball to be effective. I think I’d rather still see him then say Richard. The month of May will tell a lot.

The big 4

Jenks         2.24 ERA/4.18 FIP 5 saves

Linebrink   1.13 ERA/1.93 FIP

Dotel         0.00 ERA/2.58 FIP

Thornton    2.25 ERA/2.93 FIP

Not much to quibble with here. All have acceptable K rates (even Jenks is up) and strand rates (LOB%). For the most part hand over a lead in April and it’s a win.

The rest of significance

~~MacDougal~~ 12.46ERA/6.64 FIP launched and don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.

Richard 4.76 ERA/5.47 FIP up and down April but should be functional lefty this year with a few starts.

D.J. Carrasco 4.15 ERA/3.25 FIP wish he struck out more batters

Egbert 27.00 ERA/10.30 FIP is the inning over yet?

Defense

.674 defensive efficiency.

11th in AL

Overall team

UZR -4.9

UZR/150 -4.6

UZR/UZR 150 by position

1b 2.6/16.2 It’s not an illusion Konerko is playing a pretty good 1b

2b -1.7/-10.5 Things can change but I have been surprised at how poorly Getz has graded so far (-1.4 UZR)

SS 0.0/2.1 So far so good. About average. Ramirez does seem a little prone to lapses but I like his range and arm. He however can’t let hitting woes affect him in the field.

3b -2.2/-14.4 Uh oh. And it’s trending in the wrong direction with a greater sample. Did I really buy that Cora crap?

RF -.6/-3.9 This is higher because BA has played 5 above average games defensively there. Dye remains a liability.

LF -3.1/-.27.2 Yikes. Even Superman has kryptonite and apparently it’s a green sparkling glove enclosed in lead.

CF .1/3.3 Wise and Owens are the reason for the positive number, not BA. Maybe he should stop looking at the babes in the bleachers he’d do better. I expect his number to improve (-.7). Then again Pods is coming. Pods is coming.

C 22 SBs/1 caught stealing and cheats thinks he was safe. Lol. Okay its not all AJ’s fault but this is a joke right?

The defense was expected to be bad and lately it’s doing its best to live up to it. The team’s park dimensions helps from an outfield perspective but the infield better tighten up or we may see the 700th Ozzie eruption.

Other quick notes.

Team base running.

Per BP the team’s Equivalent Base Running Runs (EqBrr)

The White Sox rank 17th with an aggregate score of -0.59

Team leader is (K)illibridge .65 and Ramirez .62

Team anchors are Thome -1.12 (doh!) and BA -.42 (good call guys no excuse for this)

Compare that to the best team totals for Toronto 5.5 and the worst Atlanta -7.81

Last year end of April

W14-L13

134RS

109 RA

1st place by 1 game over Minnesota

In the spirit of the first 100 days grading for the president I will do the same for the team's first month. I give them a B to B- so far. How about you?

SouthSideSox is a community driven site. As such, users are able to express their thoughts and opinions in a FanPost, such as this one, which represents the views of this particular fan, but not necessarily the entire community or SouthSideSox editors.

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Comments

Excellent, PPB.

This is front page material. DO IT!

We’re a pack of a-holes.
by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT

by winningugly on Apr 30, 2009 4:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

since you're desperate for a comment

while i don’t really like giving them a letter grade, i would say they’re right about where I expected. Pitching has been solid (absolutely crapped the bed a couple games) and the offense can best be described as streaky.

they’re really not much different than they have been in the past. OK offense, good pitching, bad defense.

Things could get ugly real quick though with a couple injuries.

brndnprkns: I'm pretty sure the "badass" value of your life is closer to Gigli than The Dark Knight

by whitesoxmatt on Apr 30, 2009 4:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Pitching has crapped the bed a couple times and the offense is streaky....very thematic of us.

I like to spell my racial slurs correctly. Otherwise, I may come across as ignorant.

by homesickalien on Apr 30, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol

I don’t care if it was to say I read it. I’m a happy man now.

"It just occurred to me that the White Sox could win the division."

by SuddenSam on May 22, 2008 9:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

" That just makes me want to puke all over your head, sir."

by Tdogg on Apr 30, 2009 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The scary thing is that I think the team played well (for their talent level) in April

and only squeaked out one game over .500. I’m happy that Getz and Fields played well, but injuries are taking a big toll already.

With Thome already feeling poorly, Getz missing a week, BA and Wise injured, things are not looking good.

However, the pitching has been a pleasant surprise and it seems like the team has pitched better than the results indicate. The loss to the Rays where Thornton gave up the grandy is weighing this down.

I give the team a B, I think they are playing pretty well, but unfortunately that might only lead to 85 wins. Who knows, maybe in this shit division that will win it.

by madvillian on Apr 30, 2009 4:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Really nice work, Tdogg. Thanks.

I like to spell my racial slurs correctly. Otherwise, I may come across as ignorant.

by homesickalien on Apr 30, 2009 4:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

positive signs

as you mentioned Q’s BABIP is .193, and his PrOPS is 1.179, making him the unluckiest guy in the AL with an OPS .219 under his PrOPS.

also, AJ’s been somewhat unlucky with a .790 PrOPS and .241 BABIP, and Alexei’s BABIP is at .230, so some improvement can reasonably be expected there.

and of the guys that are off to hot starts, Paulie and JD are BABIPing over their career norms, but not so outrageously that a really precipitous dropoff should be expected. BA, Fields, and Getz have been getting lucky on balls in play, although Fields still had a PrOPS slightly higher than his actual OPS.

by Ryno on Apr 30, 2009 4:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I dont think Alexei's BABIP is low because of bad luck

I think its low because he was pounding the ball to the same spot weakly

brndnprkns: I'm pretty sure the "badass" value of your life is closer to Gigli than The Dark Knight

by whitesoxmatt on Apr 30, 2009 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i agree, actually

i was fully taking the rose-colored glasses approach to all those numbers.

by Ryno on Apr 30, 2009 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

BABIP can fluctuate for a lot of reasons

you have to watch a lot of ABs to figure out the why

THIS STORY ONLY ENDS ONE WAY

by colintj on Apr 30, 2009 7:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't agree with that

I believe the common character of the universe is not harmony, but chaos, hostility, and murder.

by hoodlight on Apr 30, 2009 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well done, TD -- rec'd

I’m interested in Getz’ defense going forward. Based on the limited information I saw/heard about him coming into the year, I would’ve figured that he’d (at the very least) be average there. I don’t think I’ve seen enough plays to make a scouting judgment and I’m definitely not going to put too much into one month’s worth of defensive stats*.

*That’s not an implication that you did so.

by CWSKeith on Apr 30, 2009 4:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah I don't

I thought the same thing regarding Getz. It just kind of surprised me, he does only have a dozen games or so.

"It just occurred to me that the White Sox could win the division."

by SuddenSam on May 22, 2008 9:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

" That just makes me want to puke all over your head, sir."

by Tdogg on Apr 30, 2009 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jesus, it's not enough that the Editors are oozing informative, entertaining content out of their eyeballs, now everyone's in on the act.

Seriously, this is awesome. I agree with the B/B-, but am somewhat encouraged to be a game over playing as meh as we have (we’re on pace for 85 wins!). A couple things:

1. I am amazed we’re as high as 17th in the baserunning metric, and can’t even imagine what Atlanta must be doing to be graded that much worse — seriously, do they just swing then roam randomly around the infield oblivious of the concept of the “base”?
2. I must’ve missed the play where we threw someone out (I assume we’re not counting the Richard pickoff?) — has there ever been a team that caught only 4% of attempted steals?
3. Keith Law apparently had some contrary thoughts regarding some of your analysis, but since he doesn’t believe it is appropriate to use the internet for purposes of criticism or disagreement, he just drew a picture of a rainbow in crayon for you instead — I’ll give it to you on the 22nd.

by The Actual El Guapo on Apr 30, 2009 5:38 PM CDT reply actions 5 recs

Twitter: @SouthSideCheat
SouthSideSox on Facebook

by The Cheat on Apr 30, 2009 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wish that's what it looked like when I puked

(notice the excellent set-up)

You are right. But larry is actually a prick too.
- HSA 01/07/09

by rhythm on Apr 30, 2009 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

but, as yet, I can only poop rainbows

(couldn’t resist the excellent set-up)

You are right. But larry is actually a prick too.
- HSA 01/07/09

by rhythm on Apr 30, 2009 7:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yesterday's game

was the caught stealing:

CS – A Beltre (1, 2nd base by M Thornton/A Pierzynski).

by writchrd on Apr 30, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i read the shit outa this.

by Trooper on Apr 30, 2009 5:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Fantastic! Thank you

And I loved the link to The Days Of Brian and Roses.

Until you've looked at an ant through a magnifying glass on a sunny day, you don't realize how often they go up in flames...

by Chiburb on Apr 30, 2009 6:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

yes, yes, and yes,

good job dude

takes some real stones for the one certifiable cocksucker on here to jump into this convo.-mm

by furby2056 on Apr 30, 2009 6:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hey Tdogg, I finally read this and it didn't suck.

An excellent overview of April 2009. Keep up the good work!

You are right. But larry is actually a prick too.
- HSA 01/07/09

by rhythm on Apr 30, 2009 6:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

excekekent stfuff mate

hic

I believe the common character of the universe is not harmony, but chaos, hostility, and murder.

by hoodlight on Apr 30, 2009 6:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

happy b-day hoodie!

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

by The Wizard on Apr 30, 2009 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

cheers pal

I believe the common character of the universe is not harmony, but chaos, hostility, and murder.

by hoodlight on Apr 30, 2009 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

there's no way at all there's sufficient sample size to look at fielding UZR

on an individual basis.

good stuff otherwise. the only thing that’s really changed is that i fear contreras’ starts more than colon’s at the moment.

THIS STORY ONLY ENDS ONE WAY

by colintj on Apr 30, 2009 7:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

we need to ditch at least one of them

and give Jeff Marquez a chance

I believe the common character of the universe is not harmony, but chaos, hostility, and murder.

by hoodlight on Apr 30, 2009 7:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like your spirit, Hoodie

but Jeff’s trip to the DL presents us with a conundrum.

You are right. But larry is actually a prick too.
- HSA 01/07/09

by rhythm on Apr 30, 2009 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

I realized that is a “flaw” but I wanted to put it up anyway as it will be interesting to watch the changes as we get a greater sample.
What’s your fear with Contreras? You don’t think he’ll improve as he becomes a little more comfortable and weather warms up?

"It just occurred to me that the White Sox could win the division."

by SuddenSam on May 22, 2008 9:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

" That just makes me want to puke all over your head, sir."

by Tdogg on May 1, 2009 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

good stuff Dogg

For someone who doesn’t get to see a lot of games, these numbers give a very clear picture of what’s happened so far – nicely done!

Coach says he needs more toughness. I gotta step up.

by ChicagoPete on May 1, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it's a short term thing

in terms of projection, i don’t think much has changed.

THIS STORY ONLY ENDS ONE WAY

by colintj on May 2, 2009 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tdogg is God, blah, blah, blah.

Back to actual baseball – how is it Boston has become Tampa’s bitch? 7-0 in the 6th.

We’re a pack of a-holes.
by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT

by winningugly on Apr 30, 2009 8:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Wait- it's a special game so far. Special for Garza.

We’re a pack of a-holes.
by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT

by winningugly on Apr 30, 2009 8:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ellsbury scratched out an infield hit - Garza had retired the first 18.

We’re a pack of a-holes.
by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT

by winningugly on Apr 30, 2009 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like to spell my racial slurs correctly. Otherwise, I may come across as ignorant.

by homesickalien on Apr 30, 2009 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no teeth?

"I’ll take the old gray lady over the peanut gallery on some cow town blog."
MadVillian

by blackoutsox on Apr 30, 2009 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

thats how i like it...

i suck - the sox dont - SSH2005

by BoeJouma on Apr 30, 2009 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Credit due

Vinny has done a much better job tonight in this incredible game.

"It just occurred to me that the White Sox could win the division."

by SuddenSam on May 22, 2008 9:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

" That just makes me want to puke all over your head, sir."

by Tdogg on Apr 30, 2009 9:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

intenseness

"I am amazed we’re as high as 17th in the baserunning metric, and can’t even imagine what Atlanta must be doing to be graded that much worse — seriously, do they just swing then roam randomly around the infield oblivious of the concept of the "base"?." -TAEG

by U-God on Apr 30, 2009 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

whats that you say?

“wow. dont even get a shot” – doug collins

brndnprkns: I'm pretty sure the "badass" value of your life is closer to Gigli than The Dark Knight

by whitesoxmatt on Apr 30, 2009 9:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You have to at least get a shot up. Pitiful.

"It just occurred to me that the White Sox could win the division."

by SuddenSam on May 22, 2008 9:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

" That just makes me want to puke all over your head, sir."

by Tdogg on Apr 30, 2009 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

if this ends badly

i blame you for being the first one to post about it tonight

by U-God on Apr 30, 2009 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the play was get the ball to rose as he runs to the ball

there were no other options. and its not the first time i havent been able to figure out a sideline ob play they ran

brndnprkns: I'm pretty sure the "badass" value of your life is closer to Gigli than The Dark Knight

by whitesoxmatt on Apr 30, 2009 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Noah's trying to bail out Vinny.

EVERYBODY PICK US FOR 3RD OR 4TH SO I DINK WE DOIN POOTY GOO
Sox Machine

by Sox Machine on Apr 30, 2009 9:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

what happened to tyrus thomas down the stretch?

terrrrrrrrrrrrrific game

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

by The Wizard on Apr 30, 2009 10:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

good thing i've gotten no studying done for my mcb final tomorrow morning

thanks bulls

by U-God on Apr 30, 2009 9:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

missing the 2nd one was the best thing

whew!

"It just occurred to me that the White Sox could win the division."

by SuddenSam on May 22, 2008 9:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

" That just makes me want to puke all over your head, sir."

by Tdogg on Apr 30, 2009 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm failing biochem myself

That Steve Nash is exactly the same as Kirk Hinrich, but worse.
by NBA Observer on Apr 8, 2009 12:23 PM CDT

by Ozzie Montana on Apr 30, 2009 10:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

b- for me currently

this is just my mcb lab

by U-God on Apr 30, 2009 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

fuck yeah

by U-God on Apr 30, 2009 10:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

BULLS WIN!

fuck yeah

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

by The Wizard on Apr 30, 2009 10:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

damn, hawks almost made it 2-for-2

I don’t want my beer to taste like fruit or honey. I want pussy to taste that way.

by thatshortkid on Apr 30, 2009 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hinrich looks like a meth addict

awsome game

"I’ll take the old gray lady over the peanut gallery on some cow town blog."
MadVillian

by blackoutsox on Apr 30, 2009 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

cst_sox: Thome and Getz cleared to play on Friday, while B. Anderson will be evaluated again on Friday.

Link: http://twitter.com/cst_sox/statuses/1661707675

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

by The Wizard on Apr 30, 2009 10:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

InsideTheSox: Jim Thome received treatment and worked out today. He felt good. Both Thome and Chris Getz are hopeful to be available to Oz tmrw night.

Link: http://twitter.com/InsideTheSox/statuses/1661907471

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

by The Wizard on Apr 30, 2009 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But another Internet report offers a much different view. At Fanhouse.com, an anonymous scout was not impressed with Podsednik’s skills. “He’s gone backward, man,” said a scout who recently watched Podsednik at Charlotte. “He doesn’t look good at all. I’d keep Jerry Owens over this Podsednik. He’s a below-average center fielder right now.”

The scout went on to say that Podsednik was clocked from home to first base in 4.2-4.3 seconds, which is below-average for a lefty hitter.

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=290314

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

by The Wizard on Apr 30, 2009 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

silence!

"I’ll take the old gray lady over the peanut gallery on some cow town blog."
MadVillian

by blackoutsox on Apr 30, 2009 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The shocker there is there is a scout somewhere who thinks Jerry Owens could be an average center fielder

White Sox: Trying to roll a hard six.

by vince_ on Apr 30, 2009 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh he is

in t-ball

"I’ll take the old gray lady over the peanut gallery on some cow town blog."
MadVillian

by blackoutsox on Apr 30, 2009 10:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

or that pods was ever an average CFer

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

by The Wizard on Apr 30, 2009 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Where's Kenny Lofton

by billyok on Apr 30, 2009 11:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that scout loses all credibility forever

R.I.P. Nick Adenhart

by Jbasic89 on May 1, 2009 1:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the context appears to be defensively.

and that scout is correct that owens is an average defensive CF.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 1, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think folks forget that

Yes he sucks big time with the bat but he is not clueless in the field

"It just occurred to me that the White Sox could win the division."

by SuddenSam on May 22, 2008 9:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

" That just makes me want to puke all over your head, sir."

by Tdogg on May 1, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hard to be clueless when you still have some makeup speed.

he’s not terrible in all areas. it’s just that the areas that he’s okay (speed, defense), he’s redundant to other guys already on the team (lillibridge, anderson) who are better at those things and also have a couple other skills to offer. he’s a fine enough fifth outfielder, probably for a NL club; problem is, “owens” may well be the offensive equivalent of “masset” – every organization has it.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 1, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i would be willing to run with that

THIS STORY ONLY ENDS ONE WAY

by colintj on May 1, 2009 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll be interested in seeing how much Pods plays

I can’t see why they would add him to roster unless he will be starting. If you are going to keep someone on the bench, Owens is a better runner and defensive replacement.

Crazy.

by hitlesswonder on May 1, 2009 12:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

BLASPHEMY

R.I.P. Nick Adenhart

by Jbasic89 on May 1, 2009 1:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Below average? But he ran the requisite distance in 4.2 seconds! That's faster than Randy Moss!

by The Actual El Guapo on May 1, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

nice read

I think the pitching is doing a pretty credible job for the most part… besides a few starts…. the “good” part of the bullpen is doing their job. The “bad” part of the bullpen is getting lit (which leads to lots of blowouts)… when the weather heats up the offense will get hot. April was a tough month on the schedule- I give a solid B

Kenwo4life=ratings

by KenWo4LiFe on May 1, 2009 1:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Happy Communist State Day!

Enjoy the parade, Chiburb.

We’re a pack of a-holes.
by rhythm on Apr 14, 2009 1:45 PM EDT

by winningugly on May 1, 2009 8:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I don’t want my beer to taste like fruit or honey. I want pussy to taste that way.

by thatshortkid on May 1, 2009 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Podsednik, Thome to play vs. Rangers

Link link

With Jerry Owens apparently on his way out, seen shaking hands with teammates and packing his bags in the clubhouse after Wednesday’s 6-3 victory over Seattle, Podsednik could step right into a starting role — especially against right-handed pitchers.

On the CWS web site – no official release of Jerry yet

Replacing "Chicago Tough" with "Cuban Pride"

by Brush Back on May 1, 2009 8:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I feel like I'm wandering through a David Lynch film.

I like to spell my racial slurs correctly. Otherwise, I may come across as ignorant.

by homesickalien on May 1, 2009 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

HEINEKEN?! FUCK THAT SHIT!!!

PABST!! BLUE RIBBON!

by CatBrains on May 1, 2009 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1809672

by U-God on May 1, 2009 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I should have known quoting Frank Booth would bring down the site...

but all of SB Nation? That’s impressive even for Booth

by CatBrains on May 1, 2009 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're so fucking suave!

Coach says he needs more toughness. I gotta step up.

by ChicagoPete on May 1, 2009 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Technical difficulties be damned!

I like to spell my racial slurs correctly. Otherwise, I may come across as ignorant.

by homesickalien on May 1, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sing "The Candy Colored Clown" Ben!

Coach says he needs more toughness. I gotta step up.

by ChicagoPete on May 1, 2009 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You just made my day.

You are right. But larry is actually a prick too.
- HSA 01/07/09

by rhythm on May 1, 2009 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Does Pods bat 9, w/ Getz leading off?

by Grinder in Training on May 1, 2009 9:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

this articles is absolutely rich coming from cowley

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/whitesox/1553041,CST-SPT-sox01.article

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 1, 2009 11:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow. Fuck that guy. You know....in case that hasn't been said before.

I’ll take “boring” over non-producing clowns anyday.

I like to spell my racial slurs correctly. Otherwise, I may come across as ignorant.

by homesickalien on May 1, 2009 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wow, how does this guy still have a job?

Toby, Swisher and Uribe pretty much sucked balls when they were here. But uribe stepped up big time and helped this team make the playoffs with his play at 3B down the stretch.

I don’t care if he doesn’t know anybody’s name. this isn’t the Pony league for pete’s sake.

by madvillian on May 1, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I puffy heart Uribe.

I like to spell my racial slurs correctly. Otherwise, I may come across as ignorant.

by homesickalien on May 1, 2009 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

For reals

I watched him rip a double in the left-center gap against the dodgers the other night. It was great.

Of course, the other at bat that I saw, he swung and missed on a ball that bounced in front of the plate. Whatevs.

You are right. But larry is actually a prick too.
- HSA 01/07/09

by rhythm on May 1, 2009 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the point is more that last year Cowley was constantly calling for those guys to be burned at the stake

and now he’s saying they’re what the Sox need. What a complete and utter douche.

You are right. But larry is actually a prick too.
- HSA 01/07/09

by rhythm on May 1, 2009 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yessm.

I like to spell my racial slurs correctly. Otherwise, I may come across as ignorant.

by homesickalien on May 1, 2009 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the further we've gotten into this season

the more i like dotel

by U-God on May 1, 2009 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Da bus is heeeerrrreeee"

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

by The Wizard on May 1, 2009 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

persistent rumor that jayson nix is also in arlington.

BA to the DL, owens to the scrap heap → pods purchased from charlotte and nix activated from the DL.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 1, 2009 11:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That'd theoretically make Nix the backup infielder...

And Lillibridge the backup CF. Pass.

Chicago White Sox Examiner — Your what hurts?

by UribeAuction on May 1, 2009 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think it would theoretically mean a lillibridge/pods platoon in center.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 1, 2009 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good call

Chicago White Sox Examiner — Your what hurts?

by UribeAuction on May 1, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Without looking at a roster,

that has to be the worst CF platoon in baseball . . . minus minus offense, minus minus defense. At least when it was BA/Wise you could count on average defense at a minimum. I liken this to a car crash, I won’t be able to turn my head with one of these two leading off every day. Good lord.

This is a hybrid. This is a cross, ah, of Bluegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Featherbed Bent, and Northern California Sensemilia. The amazing stuff about this is, that you can play 36 holes on it in the afternoon, take it home and just get stoned to the bejeezus-belt that night on this stuff.

by jc2313 on May 1, 2009 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, when you begin the season with BA and wise (a 4th and 5th outfielder respectively),

what you get when those guys go down are 6th and 7th outfielders.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 1, 2009 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Am I correct in thinking they had to bring up Nix pretty soon if they didn’t want to release him outright? If so, might as well see what we have compared to Lillibridge, before Anderson and Wise come back and fill roster spots.

by Grinder in Training on May 1, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i highly doubt anyone would have claimed nix should the sox have needed to keep him in the minors.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 1, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Have you seen

the A’s DL, the Cardinals’ infield, or the Padres roster (to name just a few). Nix would get claimed for $20,000.

by VictorB on May 1, 2009 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the names change but the situation doesn't.

he was outrighted not once but twice last year. i think i’d take my chances. whoop de fuck if they lose him.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 1, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know

supposedly solid defender and can swing it a little bit. I would rather have him than Killi right now. What is there to lose?

by VictorB on May 1, 2009 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it's a who cares move.

guys like nix are a dime a dozen in the minors. there’s a reason no one claimed him. twice.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 1, 2009 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i like my sources.

White Sox Minor League Updates: http://twitter.com/SouthSidelarry

by larry on May 1, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mr. T on jury duty

There was no bad attitude on the part of the actor regarding jury duty.
“If you’re innocent, I’m your best man,” he said. “But if you’re guilty, I pity that fool.”

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1547123,CST-NWS-mrt28.article

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

by The Wizard on May 1, 2009 12:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Mr. T is awesome.

You are right. But larry is actually a prick too.
- HSA 01/07/09

by rhythm on May 1, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Everything about that is awesome.

I particularly enjoyed this:

“’You’ve got to testify! Tell somebody about it. God is good!’ he told an admirer as he tried to leave the building. ‘I pity the fool that don’t get it.’”

The question is this: Was it Mr. T who was trying to leave the building to get away from the admirer, or was it the admirer trying to get away from Mr. T? The mental image of either is awesome.

by The Actual El Guapo on May 1, 2009 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs