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Scott Podsednik's Surprising Effectiveness

I've never been much of a fan of Scott Podsednik. I completely understood the need to trim the large salary of Carlos Lee, and that the savings were essentially turned into Tadahito Iguchi, AJ Pierzynski, and Orlando Hernandez. But I could never get over the fact that the same could have been accomplished by trading for a higher-upside unestablished player or prospect.

Back in '05, I told myself I could live with a light-hitting left fielder if he was able to do three things 

  1. get on-base, a .350 OBP was my somewhat arbitrary line of acceptability
  2. be a plus defender in LF
  3. be efficient with his legs on the basepaths

Podsednik was able to meet and exceed all three of those conditions... for a half-season. Since that first groin injury, however, Pods has seen his bat decline and been unable to make up for it with plus secondary skills. He hasn't been a useful player, which is why the Podsednik Paradox exists. 

Interestingly, the White Sox record when Pods starts is 2 games below .500 this season, exactly the same as when he sits.

Getting back to the point, when my dad excitedly emailed me that the White Sox had re-signed Pods (to a minor league deal) this year, I simply replied "So?" I couldn't foresee any situation in which he was a contributing member to a contending team, let alone a starting and leading off. 

Yet here we are. The Sox may not be a good team, but it's hard not to describe them as contenders in the Mediocre-Plays-In-October Central. And Podsednik finds himself right in the middle of things with a resurgent 40 game stretch, batting .311/.360/.391. He needs to stay put more often on the basepaths (Bill James has him listed at only +1 bases this season), but overall he's been effective; the Sox second-best outfielder in the absence of Carlos Quentin, which probably says as much about the Sox as it does Podsednik.

How's he doing it?

Star-divide

This became a point of discussion between my dad and myself yesterday afternoon as Pods drove in Gordon Beckham to put the Sox up 4-2. My own theory was that Pods was hitting more line drives thanks to his occasional stutter-step approach at the plate. So I decided to take a look at the numbers this afternoon to confirm my theory. 


Podsednik's Batted Ball Stats

Season Team GB/FB LD% GB% FB% IFFB% HR/FB IFH% BUH%
2002 Mariners 1.8 6.7 % 60.0 % 33.3 % 0.0 % 20.0 % 11.1 % 0.0 %
2003 Brewers 1.42 23.6 % 44.8 % 31.5 % 9.3 % 6.4 % 9.5 % 33.3 %
2004 Brewers 1.35 17.7 % 47.3 % 35.0 % 12.9 % 6.7 % 8.3 % 30.3 %
2005 White Sox 2.36 21.2 % 55.3 % 23.5 % 12.6 % 0.0 % 10.7 % 44.7 %
2006 White Sox 1.74 22.8 % 49.0 % 28.2 % 9.5 % 2.6 % 5.0 % 17.9 %
2007 White Sox 1.92 18.8 % 53.4 % 27.8 % 2.0 % 4.1 % 8.5 % 20.0 %
2008 Rockies 2.09 24.4 % 51.1 % 24.4 % 3.0 % 3.0 % 4.3 % 100.0 %
2009 White Sox 1.64 14.5 % 53.1 % 32.4 % 23.4 % 2.1 % 11.7 % 50.0%

Wrong. Pods' line drive rate is at its lowest point since he established himself as a major leaguer in '03. With the caveat that line drive rate isn't the most reliable measurement as it's a human judgement-based measure, I think we can safely say that Pods isn't hitting nearly as many line drives as when he had previous stretches of effectiveness.

The second part of my theory was that his new stutter-stepping style had changed his overall approach at the plate, turning him into a hitter instead of a spectator hoping to get on base. This part appears to be true.


Podsednik's Rate Stats

Season Team BB% K% BB/K AVG OBP SLG OPS BABIP
2002 Mariners 16.7 % 30.0 % 0.67 .200 .320 .350 .670 .231
2003 Brewers 9.1 % 16.3 % 0.62 .314 .379 .443 .822 .362
2004 Brewers 8.3 % 16.4 % 0.55 .244 .313 .364 .677 .275
2005 White Sox 8.5 % 14.8 % 0.63 .299 .351 .349 .700 .340
2006 White Sox 9.3 % 18.3 % 0.56 .261 .330 .353 .684 .315
2007 White Sox 5.7 % 16.8 % 0.36 .243 .299 .369 .668 .284
2008 Rockies 9.0 % 17.3 % 0.57 .253 .322 .333 .656 .301
2009 White Sox 6.9 % 8.7 % 0.86 .311 .360 .391 .751 .336

Podsednik has halved his average K-rate, and seen a subsequent dip in his BB-rate. But his K/BB ratio is approaching 1:1, a lofty effective territory Podsednik has never been able to reach.

Clearly, Pods has become a more aggressive hitter. According to Baseball-Reference, only 29% of his strikeouts this season have been looking, compared to a frustratingly high 46% for his career. You'd think that that increased aggressiveness would mean that he's seeing fewer pitches per plate appearance, but it appears not to be the case as Pods 4.11 P/PA this season is actually higher than his career mark of 4.06. He's making contact more often.

This is confirmed by the FanGraphs data which shows his contact rate at 94.1% this year vs. 88.4% for his career. More striking is the difference in contact rate on balls out of the strike zone (O-Contact%) which shows 87.9% compared to 71.5% for his career.

I can't say whether these changes are sustainable for the rest of the season, but it does seem to indicate that Podsednik's surprising effectiveness isn't entirely a fluke.

Table data culled from FanGraphs.

Comment 221 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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I was never a huge podsednik fan...

but if it keeps me from seeing dewayne wise’s terribleness, then I’m his biggest fan.

WordUpThome: BUT THE "FUN FACTS" ON THE BACKS OF YOUR BASED BALL CARDS SAY THAT YOU ARE A RELEVANCE ENTHUSIAST

by thatballhitdeepwayback on Jun 15, 2009 3:28 PM CDT reply actions   1 recs

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 16, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions  

larry?

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

by winningugly on Jun 16, 2009 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions  

sick day

I would feel awkward at work googling “dying horse”.

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 16, 2009 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions  

SV.

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 16, 2009 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions  

and that is why

he has all my all star votes…i just hope he is “sustainable” for the rest of the season

Hawk; "what would you do in that situation"

"id hit him" ;Stone

by Grinder Rule #42 on Jun 15, 2009 3:29 PM CDT reply actions  

really?

really? an idiot for stutter-stepping, really? after even having read this article? the article proving that the stutter-stepping has greatly improved his hitting, really? you really think that makes him an idiot? really?

this has been really, by boejouma.

I just accidentally the Fleshlight.
Accidentally what?
THE WHOLE THING!!

by BoeJouma on Jun 15, 2009 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions  

He only does it occasionally though

His approach, his thinking — trying to get on base by staying aggressive rather than passively working the count and slapping at the ball — has appeared to change when he refrains from doing the stutter step as well.

by The Cheat on Jun 15, 2009 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions  

i know

when he stutter steps though, that seems to be when he gets his hits. i know he stayed back on his home run, and was surprised when, in fact, he did stay back. ive always been a supporter of pods, i would say a fan, but a supporter. it seems, and is somewhat proven via the paradox, that hes only ever helped the sox, no matter his stats, and i can support that.

I just accidentally the Fleshlight.
Accidentally what?
THE WHOLE THING!!

by BoeJouma on Jun 15, 2009 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

what's the point of the stutter step?

i’m at a bit of a loss for what he’s trying to gain from that. more speed down the line?

THIS STORY ONLY ENDS ONE WAY

by colintj on Jun 15, 2009 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

It levels the anxiety of waiting for the pitch

and trying to recognize it. It also overcomes the inertia of standing still in the box and moves him all the way up in the box, not giving a pitch the chance to break as much. It’s a timing mechanism.

by Daniel Berlyn on Jun 15, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

but he only does it sometimes?

much more likely that he’s picking out some pitch and hoping to beat it down the line.

THIS STORY ONLY ENDS ONE WAY

by colintj on Jun 15, 2009 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

If that were the case, I'd find it more likely he try a spin-out move a la Ichiro.

I’m guessing he just does it when it feels right. There doesn’t have to be an explanation to this one. Some players wiggle their bats for a week and then stop. We all know about Konerko. It’s just a matter of getting your mind in the right place to execute.

by Daniel Berlyn on Jun 15, 2009 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think it depends on who is pitching

I didn’t see him stutter step when Verlander was throwing but I think it was helping him when it is someone like Hoffman who is maxing out at 85mph.

by Scotty Ballgame on Jun 15, 2009 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions  

Count me in the 'not convinced'

category that this article or reality ‘proves’ the stutter-stepping has improved anything . . . much less ‘greatly’ improved. It has been 160 ABs . . . he is one crappy/unlucky week away from being the same guy we saw in 2006.

"I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."

by jc2313 on Jun 15, 2009 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

also, this wasnt a personal attack

i just wanted to do a Really segment… really

I just accidentally the Fleshlight.
Accidentally what?
THE WHOLE THING!!

by BoeJouma on Jun 15, 2009 3:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

Just keep him away from Mrs. Pods to conserve his energy

And what’s with that crazy stutter step before swinging? I haven’t seen that since I played in a 16" softball league.

"Very clearly, we are in a transitional phase." – Kenny Williams (6/10/09)

by tailgater on Jun 15, 2009 3:34 PM CDT reply actions  

ah-hah! thats it!

the honeymoon is over. mrs. pods has him on the WU-inspired schedule of monthly sundays. all that pent up energy ends up bursting out all over the field.

by Trooper on Jun 15, 2009 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

plus they have a newborn.

drastically cuts nookie time.

South Side (Cant) Hit (For Shit) Men

by e-gus on Jun 15, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

Kid was born?

Then the nookie is off limits for a while. At least that is what my wife told me….but she hates me.

This gave me the opportunity to knock boots with a few of the hollywood starlets that have been trying to knock my door down for years.

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

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 16, 2009 7:01 AM CDT up reply actions  

Sports Science did a study on boxers who have a good time with the Misses right before a fight.

Turns out sex right before an athletic event actually increases your ability to perform during game-time.

by Black Sox Baseball on Jun 16, 2009 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

This is a great piece, Cheat.

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

by winningugly on Jun 15, 2009 3:42 PM CDT reply actions  

seconded

I just accidentally the Fleshlight.
Accidentally what?
THE WHOLE THING!!

by BoeJouma on Jun 15, 2009 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

th.th.th.

thirded…

Hawk; "what would you do in that situation"

"id hit him" ;Stone

by Grinder Rule #42 on Jun 15, 2009 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

reminds me of a good prank

next time you go out to eat, and they ask for your name on the waiting list, say
thethepapapa.

so when they call you for your table it sounds like this:

the-the pa-pa-pa-party of four, your table is ready.

South Side (Cant) Hit (For Shit) Men

by e-gus on Jun 15, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

Almost too good.

I am worried the information will fall into the hands of the enemy for the next 3 days and Pods will be nullified.

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

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 16, 2009 7:02 AM CDT up reply actions  

All the questions about "who's gonna bat lead-off" have been answered since the arrival of Pods.

And he helps keep Wise and Lilli off the field.
Way to go, Pods.

And you don't need a weatherman
To know which way the wind blows.

by oahu420 on Jun 15, 2009 4:07 PM CDT reply actions  

keeps lillibridge off the team

and SHOULD put wise off the team.

I just accidentally the Fleshlight.
Accidentally what?
THE WHOLE THING!!

by BoeJouma on Jun 15, 2009 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions  

Good Story

When we traded for Podsednik, while giving up one of our best sluggers, we got in return 2 important pieces of our world series team. I’ve never seen much about Travis Hinton, probably a bust, but Vizcano and Podsednik were good the seasons they were with us. Podsednik is a good leadoff hitter, but I was surprised by 46% looking k rating. Jeeze he has better get his eyes checked

Sporting 4 Sports

by 4sportathlete on Jun 15, 2009 4:14 PM CDT reply actions  

He might have

cut that down to 29%. Or as Cheat mentioned, he is much more aggressive at the plate.

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

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 16, 2009 7:05 AM CDT up reply actions  

that always helps

but somtimes that is a -. If you are too aggresive, you will swing at bad pitches, but in Podsedni’s case, its helping him.

Sporting 4 Sports

by 4sportathlete on Jun 16, 2009 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

Damn

Why’d you have to bring up Carlos Lee? Still makes me sad thinking about it.

"Gordon is a pretty good defender when he wants to be." - Andrew7

by gobulls1124 on Jun 15, 2009 4:17 PM CDT reply actions  

For. A. World. Championship?

No.

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

by winningugly on Jun 16, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions  

nope

We got some good guys that helped us win. You never know, we might of done worse with Lee. Most likely not though

Sporting 4 Sports

by 4sportathlete on Jun 16, 2009 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think we can probably agree that his production is highly BABIP dependent

so we should probably look in Dutton and Bendix’s xBABIP article for explanations if there are any. according to them, Pods was a .290-.310 BABIP guy in ‘05 and ’06, whereas he’s ~.330 right now.

just eyeballing the assorted variables, it doesn’t look like much has changed in the aggregate. compared to his career numbers, he’s hitting fewer XBH/pitch, for more contact and his speed score is well off his average and despite that he’s hitting more groundballs.

the K rate is by far the biggest change, which makes for a BB/K that’s dramatically better than his career rate. i ran a quick regression to see if his contact rate and K rate were out of whack and he’s actually been slightly unlucky, with more Ks than expected based on his contact rate.

so once again, we’re at contact rate. he’s made a ton of weak GB contact, so unless he’s able to spray productively (to keep the defense playing him straight up) and beat out grounders to the left side, he’ll probably fade.

also, we haven’t talked defense. i don’t think it’s likely Pods is even an average left fielder. that’s a a serious drain on his production (the pos adj for LF/RF is -7.5 runs). CHONE pegged him as actually +7, but everything else I’ve seen says he’s a crappy fielder these days.

so far his production would probably be worth about 1 WAR over a full season. that’s a shitload better than DWise has shown even if he falls off into replacement level territory like he probably will. any period of time that he hits .290 instead of .310, he’ll be replacement level.

THIS STORY ONLY ENDS ONE WAY

by colintj on Jun 15, 2009 4:20 PM CDT reply actions   1 recs

And that suffices right now.

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

by winningugly on Jun 15, 2009 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

in lieu of real alternatives, i agree.

i do wish the Sox would push Retherford and Gartrell to AAA though. they’re lottery tickets, sure, but Charlotte sucks enough that there should be plenty of room for them and any other FAT KW finds worthy.

THIS STORY ONLY ENDS ONE WAY

by colintj on Jun 15, 2009 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions  

just caught the end of around the horn

which was enough time to see jay mariotti say that (i’m paraphrasing) ’it’s time to renew a rivalry. Ozzie said that every time he enters Wrigley, he wants to puke. I’m tired of it.’
He went to say that Wrigley is a treasure, and the “behemoth on the south side” is dull and a bad stadium.
Whoever runs the show asked Mariotti, if he would say that to Ozzies face, to which Mariotti said that Ozzie should come to him.

by soxshenanigans on Jun 15, 2009 4:42 PM CDT reply actions  

Mariotti is right...if you want excitement, go to Wrigley

"Very clearly, we are in a transitional phase." – Kenny Williams (6/10/09)

by tailgater on Jun 15, 2009 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

class

that peasant hat looks like it makes a good beer bong. I could probably find a way to smoke hash out of it!

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 15, 2009 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions  

Anyone on TV is important

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 Jun 15, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

He doesn't even write for a newspaper

He just files internet-only opinion pieces which are displayed and sorted in reverse chronological order, a format which he call a perpetual web column, not a blog, because, you know, he doesn’t live in his mother’s basement…

because she doesn’t approve of his, ahem, lifestyle choices

by The Cheat on Jun 15, 2009 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions  

i'm glad your mom approves of your lifestyle choice.

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

by larry on Jun 15, 2009 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

He's loud, and has a microphone in front of his face

" i'm sure you've been right on something at some point."
-by Larry on May 28, 2009 4:55 PM PST

by Hoytsstash on Jun 15, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

Dull? The Chevy Pride Team is dull? Hah!

"Very clearly, we are in a transitional phase." – Kenny Williams (6/10/09)

by tailgater on Jun 15, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

kind of just curious

to see what ozzie will say back, if anything at all. I think ozzie is beyond the feud.

by soxshenanigans on Jun 15, 2009 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

guys, guys ,guys,

let us not forget this proud moment in the park’s history…

" i'm sure you've been right on something at some point."
-by Larry on May 28, 2009 4:55 PM PST

by Hoytsstash on Jun 15, 2009 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

or this one

link

South Side (Cant) Hit (For Shit) Men

by e-gus on Jun 15, 2009 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

or this one

" i'm sure you've been right on something at some point."
-by Larry on May 28, 2009 4:55 PM PST

by Hoytsstash on Jun 15, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

fuck he's creepy lookin

I just accidentally the Fleshlight.
Accidentally what?
THE WHOLE THING!!

by BoeJouma on Jun 15, 2009 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

Just think of what the ball thought as he was starin' it down

" i'm sure you've been right on something at some point."
-by Larry on May 28, 2009 4:55 PM PST

by Hoytsstash on Jun 15, 2009 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

446!

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

by winningugly on Jun 15, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

The cell doin it right

I just accidentally the Fleshlight.
Accidentally what?
THE WHOLE THING!!

by BoeJouma on Jun 15, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

is cowlishaw still on that show

he was/is the only one i can stand.

member of a "solid community of fans" and "a meathead."

by thecip on Jun 16, 2009 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions  

michael smith was always tolerable as well

" Do you guys know people like you are the reason I wouldn’t come on for exstended periods of time. You rui the baseball blogging expieriance."
by trademaker on May 30, 2009 10:31 PM PDT

by U-God on Jun 16, 2009 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions  

Michael Smith is good people.

There’s a guy who knows how to get a scoop in football.

by Black Sox Baseball on Jun 16, 2009 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hoytsstash thinks,

as someone stated last week, its all part of getting the band back together
Whodathunkit?

" i'm sure you've been right on something at some point."
-by Larry on May 28, 2009 4:55 PM PST

by Hoytsstash on Jun 15, 2009 5:06 PM CDT reply actions  

Interestingly, the White Sox record when Pods starts is 2 games below .500 this season, exactly the same as when he sits.

Yeah… but what is their record with him at the leadoff position?

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 15, 2009 5:29 PM CDT reply actions  

dare i say he has been the best player on the team since he started batting leadoff?

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 15, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

Buehrle

.500 average 2.500 OPS

South Side (Cant) Hit (For Shit) Men

by e-gus on Jun 15, 2009 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

i stand corrected

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 15, 2009 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

Can he play center?

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

by winningugly on Jun 15, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

but i thought jim thome was all washed up?

" Do you guys know people like you are the reason I wouldn’t come on for exstended periods of time. You rui the baseball blogging expieriance."
by trademaker on May 30, 2009 10:31 PM PDT

by U-God on Jun 15, 2009 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

quit being a lazy ass student

i bought everything i owned, including my corvette and xbox

Always bet on black!

by onlysoxfaninboston on Jun 15, 2009 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

so where are you being shipped off to?

" Do you guys know people like you are the reason I wouldn’t come on for exstended periods of time. You rui the baseball blogging expieriance."
by trademaker on May 30, 2009 10:31 PM PDT

by U-God on Jun 15, 2009 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

Pods has more stolen bases than

those 2 combined ;)

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 15, 2009 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

no shit it was a joke

u didnt answer my question tho

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 15, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

LOL

" i'm sure you've been right on something at some point."
-by Larry on May 28, 2009 4:55 PM PST

by Hoytsstash on Jun 15, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

Pray for nice weather this week

Sox/Cubs series + drinking + rain delays = perfect storm

"Very clearly, we are in a transitional phase." – Kenny Williams (6/10/09)

by tailgater on Jun 15, 2009 5:32 PM CDT reply actions  

pray if youre a cub fan maybe

yeah! /high fives sox meatball

South Side (Cant) Hit (For Shit) Men

by e-gus on Jun 15, 2009 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'm sure the drunken banter

in confined Wrigley concourse spaces will be just precious.

FU!

FU!

Why don’t you go back to your stupid park?

This park is one big gay bar!

Oh yeah?

Yeah, a**hole!

FU!

FU!

"Very clearly, we are in a transitional phase." – Kenny Williams (6/10/09)

by tailgater on Jun 15, 2009 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

Step 1: Find a rich benefactor

Step 2: Have said benefactor give you a dollar every time the word fag/homo/gay is used during the crosstown games.

Step 3: Retire.

by 67WMAQ on Jun 15, 2009 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

+1 LOL !

" i'm sure you've been right on something at some point."
-by Larry on May 28, 2009 4:55 PM PST

by Hoytsstash on Jun 15, 2009 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

Rec'd

I’m on the phone with David Geffen as we speak.

by 67WMAQ on Jun 15, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

I have faith in Pod's ability,

it’s his ability to stay healthy that worries me. KW I believe said much the same thing. I feel that he’s this years most consistent White Sox. I hope he keeps it up.
Good Post!

"Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it." - Mark Twain

by phastphil on Jun 15, 2009 5:38 PM CDT reply actions  

my brother just left to drive to chicago for the game tomorrow.

he is paying for the gas, and the ticket, and the thicket of his friend. he does get a free place to stay though. hes a cubs fan.

i less than 2 weeks im riding with a friend to chicago for TWO games against the cubs. i dont have to pay for gas, i iddnt pay for the tickets, and i have a free place to stay for the 2 nights ill be there.

obviously, being a sox fan is way better.

I just accidentally the Fleshlight.
Accidentally what?
THE WHOLE THING!!

by BoeJouma on Jun 15, 2009 5:38 PM CDT reply actions  

How dense is his friend's thicket? Could be expensive.

The City of Chicago, led by Mayor Daley and a vast and tumorous army of aldermen and bagmen and yesmen and opportunists and spineless, parasitic political-machine halfwits of forms never seen outside the roiling cesspool of governmental slop-trough greed, has proven itself unworthy of something as potentially delicious and fulfilling as the 2016 Olympic Games.
- Rick Telander

by Chiburb on Jun 15, 2009 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

lol

South Side (Cant) Hit (For Shit) Men

by e-gus on Jun 15, 2009 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

OK, I reread the Cheat piece and there's one piece missing re the "steps" in the box...

Maybe the info isn’t readily available though. Could it be that he’s doing his steps on select breaking balls only? To put a pitch in play before it becomes a good pitch?
Maybe the higher BABIP isn’t a fluke?

The City of Chicago, led by Mayor Daley and a vast and tumorous army of aldermen and bagmen and yesmen and opportunists and spineless, parasitic political-machine halfwits of forms never seen outside the roiling cesspool of governmental slop-trough greed, has proven itself unworthy of something as potentially delicious and fulfilling as the 2016 Olympic Games.
- Rick Telander

by Chiburb on Jun 15, 2009 5:42 PM CDT reply actions  

Well, I'll certainly pay more attention now.

Seems he COULD recognize heat and stay still.
But I never played past LL, and will defer…

The City of Chicago, led by Mayor Daley and a vast and tumorous army of aldermen and bagmen and yesmen and opportunists and spineless, parasitic political-machine halfwits of forms never seen outside the roiling cesspool of governmental slop-trough greed, has proven itself unworthy of something as potentially delicious and fulfilling as the 2016 Olympic Games.
- Rick Telander

by Chiburb on Jun 15, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

Oh yeah? I'll wait for KenWo's take on this.

He played the game on championship teams.

Re sig: should I go get more of his column?

The City of Chicago, led by Mayor Daley and a vast and tumorous army of aldermen and bagmen and yesmen and opportunists and spineless, parasitic political-machine halfwits of forms never seen outside the roiling cesspool of governmental slop-trough greed, has proven itself unworthy of something as potentially delicious and fulfilling as the 2016 Olympic Games.
- Rick Telander

by Chiburb on Jun 15, 2009 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions  

Needless to say slap hitting players are far from my favorites.... The chicks and KenWo dig the long ball.....

but Podsednik HAS BEEN THEIR BEST PLAYER since he has led off. That hurts to admit this…. but it is very true. He has been pretty consistent, has had big hits, has led off innings strong… he has been great.

Yet i hear people continue to say that when (and if) Quentin’s soft ass comes back… Anderson should play center. I think whoever says this is insane. Yes Anderson has a better arm and can get to more balls, but Podsednik’s offensive ability far overshadows Anderson’s defensive ability on this team at this time.

Pods will keep Anderson, wise and lillibridge off the field which is just fine with me.

Kenwo4life=ratings

by KenWo4LiFe on Jun 15, 2009 5:43 PM CDT reply actions  

Good.

and my favorite part of that post is as follows:
“I think whoever says this is insane”

" i'm sure you've been right on something at some point."
-by Larry on May 28, 2009 4:55 PM PST

by Hoytsstash on Jun 15, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

i don't need

ANOTHER guy swinging for the fences every time he comes to bat. Especially because unlike everyone else, anderson will not hit anywhere near 30 HR’s, let alone 10.

WordUpThome: BUT THE "FUN FACTS" ON THE BACKS OF YOUR BASED BALL CARDS SAY THAT YOU ARE A RELEVANCE ENTHUSIAST

by thatballhitdeepwayback on Jun 15, 2009 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

yeah!

screw Dye’s 7 HR and Thome’s .450 OBP

by The Cheat on Jun 15, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

And the 2 games under .500 with him in the lineup!

The City of Chicago, led by Mayor Daley and a vast and tumorous army of aldermen and bagmen and yesmen and opportunists and spineless, parasitic political-machine halfwits of forms never seen outside the roiling cesspool of governmental slop-trough greed, has proven itself unworthy of something as potentially delicious and fulfilling as the 2016 Olympic Games.
- Rick Telander

by Chiburb on Jun 15, 2009 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions  

you came back.

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 15, 2009 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

I thought the last time I assassinated your character

I made you leave for good. Fail on my part :)

Welcome back cowboy.

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 15, 2009 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions  

-while i see-

Cashing checks and having sex.

by MarketMaker on Jun 15, 2009 7:47 PM CDT up reply actions  

as you can check, my participation has slowed down too.

seeing the world is fun! Man so many softball games, so many nights out drinking… just livin the life.

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 15, 2009 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

doin' the bull-dance,

feelin’ the flow…..workin’ it, workin’ it.

" i'm sure you've been right on something at some point."
-by Larry on May 28, 2009 4:55 PM PST

by Hoytsstash on Jun 15, 2009 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions  

Locked Up Abroad ?

" i'm sure you've been right on something at some point."
-by Larry on May 28, 2009 4:55 PM PST

by Hoytsstash on Jun 15, 2009 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions  

LOL !

" i'm sure you've been right on something at some point."
-by Larry on May 28, 2009 4:55 PM PST

by Hoytsstash on Jun 15, 2009 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

all i know

is it has been Podsednik that comes through more often than anyone else on the team. I like JD and Thome a lot better. they are my 2 favorite current white sox hitters…… but Pods has been the man this year. (not saying that it will last)… If you don’t think so you haven’t been watching.

Kenwo4life=ratings

by KenWo4LiFe on Jun 16, 2009 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions  

Similar to '05, he seems better than his stats. He is, however, about the most frustrating baserunner we have had since the guy he was traded for.

By the way, does anyone know where I can find some packing tape? All the stores here are out … something about a massive increase in demand from the Pacific Northwest.

by The Actual El Guapo on Jun 15, 2009 6:56 PM CDT reply actions  

these guys are on a mission

Nationals Sign Horacio Ramirez

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/06/nationals-sign-horacio-ramirez.html

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

by The Wizard on Jun 15, 2009 7:00 PM CDT reply actions  

ewww

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 15, 2009 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

Talk about getting the band back together

Ramirez, MacDougal, next thing they’ll trade for Jerry Owens!

...take your hobbit circle jerk to another thread
by larry on May 18, 2009 8:58 PM PDT

by rhythm on Jun 15, 2009 7:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

Nessie!

It's like he's a cyborg sent from the future to draw 22 walks a season or something.

by omnipotent grab on Jun 15, 2009 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

Went to the Giant/DBack game here a week or so ago....

Rowand was 2-4, and Uribe was 3-5 with a bomb and a double. Told my buddy he’s thinking 3rd base outta the box on the double — through a laugh. Guy behind me said he was surprised he didn’t try to stretch it for a triple……more laughter from Hoytsstash.
His swing was perfectly carved around his belly…..he was poetry in motion on that summer night….poetry in motion.

" i'm sure you've been right on something at some point."
-by Larry on May 28, 2009 4:55 PM PST

by Hoytsstash on Jun 15, 2009 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

Nice!

Uribe is great, although I wish he would have kept the bleached blond hair ;)

...take your hobbit circle jerk to another thread
by larry on May 18, 2009 8:58 PM PDT

by rhythm on Jun 16, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions  

FFS, they picked up Takatsu!?!?

They are trying to get the ’05 band back together!

...take your hobbit circle jerk to another thread
by larry on May 18, 2009 8:58 PM PDT

by rhythm on Jun 16, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions  

Certainly the evening’s most unique aspect was the Snuggie/Shamwow/Life Alert relay race, in which contestants had to don a Snuggie, absorb water into a Shammy Cloth, drain the cloth into a cup on top of their partner’s head and then tumble over and yell, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” into a microphone.

Make sense? No? Just watch:

about 2/3 of the way down.

http://bensbiz.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/06/as_seen_on_milb.html

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

by larry on Jun 15, 2009 9:12 PM CDT reply actions  

awesome.

THIS STORY ONLY ENDS ONE WAY

by colintj on Jun 15, 2009 11:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

Daily Herald!

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=300757

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=300765

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

by The Wizard on Jun 16, 2009 12:09 AM CDT reply actions  

Before we leave Wrigley, Pinella must cross that field, present himself before his team, put his head between his legs, and kiss his own arse.

Aye, fight and you may die. Run, and you’ll live… at least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willin’ to trade ALL the days, from this day to that, for one chance, just one chance, to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they’ll never take… OUR FREEDOM!
Alba gu bra!

(I’m kinda pumped for tonight)

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

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 16, 2009 7:23 AM CDT reply actions  

Anyone watching Monsters in the Morning?

They got Kenny, Jerry, Jim and Crane. All waiting to get on TV to talk to North and Jiggets, sitting in these leather recliners with female pages/interns surrounding them – all looking pretty beat up, like they were dancing at the strip club for larry last night.

Kenny looks the most comfortable. Hendry looks like a fish out of water.

Crane Kenney by all accounts is a tool…guy looks and talks the part.

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

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 16, 2009 7:35 AM CDT reply actions  

Are you on the blow this morning?

Prolific mofo, aint’cha? It’s only the crosstown series, man. Act like you’ve been there, fer Chrissakes. You are peaking about 12 hours early.

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

by winningugly on Jun 16, 2009 7:42 AM CDT up reply actions  

This is exactly the type of non-intesity that gets you "lillibridged" to Charlotte.

Going through the motions and acting too cool for school will get you selling hot dogs at Toyota Park.

I can peak for many hours, even without your little blue pill.

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

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 16, 2009 7:46 AM CDT up reply actions  

If it's >4 hours get thyself to an emergency room.

Someone will have already shot you and you sound too coked up to notice.

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

by winningugly on Jun 16, 2009 7:47 AM CDT up reply actions  

So this morning I open the sports section

of the rag that is our local paper, the Orlando Sentinel, and I almost gag as I see Phil Rogers’ visage embedded in his column. Effing Sam Zell strikes again. Good to know I can’t get away from Chicago columnist pedestrian analysis AND am paying for it.

Fer Chrissakes.

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

by winningugly on Jun 16, 2009 7:47 AM CDT reply actions  

you can't grow any homegrown "talent" in Orlando

gotta take our scraps??

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

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 16, 2009 7:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

Glad you are scoring.

Even before the game.

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

by winningugly on Jun 16, 2009 8:01 AM CDT up reply actions  

Trib's been cannibalizing content from different o/o's for a while now

So you get Rogers in Orlando, Plaschke in Baltimore, and, if it keeps going in this direction, traffic reports about the Dan Ryan in Hartford. It’s basically its own wire service, unless you’re talking about the respective front pages, in which case AP is the only game in town.

by Sox-35th on Jun 16, 2009 8:08 AM CDT up reply actions  

Here it used to be only on Sundays re: Rogers.

Local business section columnists are Andrew Lackey and others syndicated by the Trib – the whole Sunday section looks like the Trib (except when they ask we local financial planners a FAQ). Ah, well, who gets their news from newspapers any more anyway?

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

by winningugly on Jun 16, 2009 8:17 AM CDT up reply actions  

It remains to be seen how this all plays out (in several senses of the phrase)

but the NYT is actually doing a really admirable job with its Iranian election coverage so far.

by Sox-35th on Jun 16, 2009 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions  

NYT sunday delivery

going up to $7.50. per newspaper.

by Hatchetm on Jun 16, 2009 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions  

What can you say?

Maureen Dowd doesn’t work for circus peanuts (yet).

by Sox-35th on Jun 16, 2009 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions  

How can they charge $7.50 a week

At that price they could just pay for the internet.

by Grinder in Training on Jun 16, 2009 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions  

not sure they can.

they’ll probably go belly up. some mexican billionaire might buy them (seriously).

by Hatchetm on Jun 16, 2009 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions  

David Geffen gets there first.

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

by winningugly on Jun 16, 2009 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions  

Carlos Slim?

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

by winningugly on Jun 16, 2009 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yes. I think he has about 20% of the company.

The City of Chicago, led by Mayor Daley and a vast and tumorous army of aldermen and bagmen and yesmen and opportunists and spineless, parasitic political-machine halfwits of forms never seen outside the roiling cesspool of governmental slop-trough greed, has proven itself unworthy of something as potentially delicious and fulfilling as the 2016 Olympic Games.
- Rick Telander

by Chiburb on Jun 16, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions  

OK, last question re Pod's shuffle-step:

Has anyone noticed if he’s more likely to do it if the pitcher is coming from the stretch versus a windup?

The City of Chicago, led by Mayor Daley and a vast and tumorous army of aldermen and bagmen and yesmen and opportunists and spineless, parasitic political-machine halfwits of forms never seen outside the roiling cesspool of governmental slop-trough greed, has proven itself unworthy of something as potentially delicious and fulfilling as the 2016 Olympic Games.
- Rick Telander

by Chiburb on Jun 16, 2009 8:21 AM CDT reply actions  

are you asking if he is, or asking if weve noticed it too?

I just accidentally the Fleshlight.
Accidentally what?
THE WHOLE THING!!

by BoeJouma on Jun 16, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

I never realized Pods had such high BABIP's in his most successful seasons

I guess speed never slumps :)

"God knows I gave my best in baseball at all times and no man on earth can truthfully judge me otherwise."

by Shoeless In SC on Jun 16, 2009 8:43 AM CDT reply actions  

this thread is daunting.

I say todays game goes 0-0 till the 14th or so when buehrle hits a homer and gets the save.

member of a "solid community of fans" and "a meathead."

by thecip on Jun 16, 2009 8:50 AM CDT reply actions  

i love sports talk radio so much that i can barely stop listening to it.

some dude called mully and hanley this morning and wanted to know of the possibility of acquiring coco crisp from cleveland. in their infinite wisdom, the hosts declared that cleveland wouldn’t make a trade like that within the division.

(i had to turn off the radio for a while after that. one can only hope that an appropriate correction was made soon after.)

brian anderson would've caught that...

by BuehrleMan on Jun 16, 2009 8:52 AM CDT reply actions  

i heard that too

can’t believe Mully didnt catch that right away – come on guys – its been 4 years!

by el paulito on Jun 16, 2009 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions  

I am listening to the Bubba the Love Sponge show right now.

He just had a tape of Joe Buck’s new HBO show when Arte Lange was featured as a guest. Sounds like Arte was loaded and crapped all over Joe’s show, verbally. Joe, tool that he is, did not roll with it and took offense. Bubba reamed him (not live, just after seeing the tape), saying Arte exposed Joe “for the pu$$y he is”, amongst other vitriol.

I love that Joe has his own show and is stepping out of his father’s shadow.

BWAHAHAHA!

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

by winningugly on Jun 16, 2009 9:07 AM CDT reply actions  

Artie is a riot.

He has some serious substance abuse issues with just about everything – but he is one of the funniest humans on the planet. Having him on Buck’s show makes absolutely no sense….

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

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 16, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions  

I believe Buck's producer may be looking for work after that.

It was so funny – Arte told him how great his Dad was, “a real man’s man” (with the implication that Joe ain’t his Dad).

My wife bought Arte’s autobiography – what an uneven tome that is – but when it connects, it connects big time.

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

by winningugly on Jun 16, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions  

You're wife bought it?

Interesting…

I saw a story in Rolling Stone a few months back about him and the book. Talk about out there.

Now that is a guy I want to party with!

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

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 16, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions  

*Your*

failed

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

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 16, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions  

Gotta have a cool wife

to go out with the SSS folks every day, even if it is only online.

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

by winningugly on Jun 16, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions  

I would say so

my wife is quitting smoking right now and PMS’ing a double whammo to Bobby’s stomach and head.

Plus she hates me.

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

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 16, 2009 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions  

I understand.

Her, not you. ;)

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

by winningugly on Jun 16, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions  

Thank god I got a dog and a tent.

I’m shipping her to FLA this week.

I’m going down to that hellhole/purgatory of a state to visit the inlaws again in a few weeks – I might take a raft to Cuba and never come back.

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

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 16, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions  

nope

THIS STORY ONLY ENDS ONE WAY

by colintj on Jun 16, 2009 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions  

No Sox.

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

by winningugly on Jun 16, 2009 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions  

Could they get two bigger tools for the picture?

The cub fan obviously has never been laid and the sox fan hasn’t seen daylight in years and lives in his mother’s crawl space.

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

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 16, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions  

This should probably go on the right rail with the other Cub/Sox crap nobody will read or comment on.

Other than that, any other surprises in the new digs?

The City of Chicago, led by Mayor Daley and a vast and tumorous army of aldermen and bagmen and yesmen and opportunists and spineless, parasitic political-machine halfwits of forms never seen outside the roiling cesspool of governmental slop-trough greed, has proven itself unworthy of something as potentially delicious and fulfilling as the 2016 Olympic Games.
- Rick Telander

by Chiburb on Jun 16, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions  

Found the gun, need the gunman...

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

by winningugly on Jun 16, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions  

packing tape, blogger, but no gun??? What gives?!

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

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 16, 2009 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions  

It's a musket, fer Chrissakes.

Some one who liked playing Civil War lived there. If she found a light sabre would you be worried Darth Vader was coiled in a dark hallway?

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

by winningugly on Jun 16, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions  

oooh awesome

a lightsaber is no match for a good blaster at your side.

member of a "solid community of fans" and "a meathead."

by thecip on Jun 16, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions  

HSA = SKIP BAYLESS

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 16, 2009 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions  

Speaking of irritating articles, anyone see this gem from BP from yesterday (also sorry if reposting)?

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=9063#commentMessage

I don’t know who or what William “Bil” (yes, that’s only one “l”) Burke is, but … c’mon BP, you can’t find a guy better than this?

“My impression is that Cubs fans are handling things much better than Sox fans. Expectations were borderline ridiculous following the White Sox’ 2008 ‘division title.’ The 2008 team was a mediocre team in a bad division … On the North Side, they did win 97 games, and while that also seemed unlikely to repeat, the Cubs are hanging around within striking distance, and the fan base seems much less panicky for the moment.”

“On the Sox, it seems, a player is either one of ’Ozzie’s Guys’ or he is not. We see that when you fall out of good graces with Ozzie, you are not long for the White Sox roster. Just ask Joe Crede, Frank Thomas, or Orlando Cabrera.”

“While it is impressive what the Sox training staff has been able to do over the last several years in terms of keeping players healthy, there are times when it seems like they are just keeping them good enough to play, as if the DL is supposed to be avoided like the plague.”

He also suggests that it might be a good idea for the Cubs to acquire Fields because … well, who doesn’t need a guy who can’t hit and can’t field?

by The Actual El Guapo on Jun 16, 2009 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions  

Could've been written by you! As a funny of course.

The City of Chicago, led by Mayor Daley and a vast and tumorous army of aldermen and bagmen and yesmen and opportunists and spineless, parasitic political-machine halfwits of forms never seen outside the roiling cesspool of governmental slop-trough greed, has proven itself unworthy of something as potentially delicious and fulfilling as the 2016 Olympic Games.
- Rick Telander

by Chiburb on Jun 16, 2009 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions  

my opinion on BP is continually

reinforced by articles like these. I think “Bil” is Jay Mariotti.

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 16, 2009 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yep, Cubs fans certainly aren't freaking out and calling for the heads

Of Hendry, Soriano, Fukudome, Bradley, or Lee. Nope, they’re all happy campers. No playoff victories since 2003? Ah, who gives a shit Go Cubs Go!

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 Jun 16, 2009 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions  

dont forget how well they handled it

when Gerald Perry got the AXE.

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 16, 2009 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions  

I don't think the recap of the roundtable is irritating.

I think it’s limited to Wil. What a tool. Even dissing Becks and sneeringly suggesting we’d be expecting him to look like Utley at 2B. I rather thought Goldstein and kahrl were a bit complimentary re: young talent and the thought that the Sox should stand pat.

On the whole, a decent communication, but that one DB needs some perspective (even though I believe we should sell if commensurate value can be pried in exchange for Jenks/Doc Oc/Dye).

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

by winningugly on Jun 16, 2009 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions  

Joe Crede?

When did he fall out of favor with OG?

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

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 16, 2009 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions  

???

I guess I can just make anything up and publish it…

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 16, 2009 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions  

I liked the quotes around the reference to the 2008 "division title".

‘Cause it somehow doesn’t count unless you win … what 95 games? I guess we should refer to the 2006 “World Series Champion” Cardinals.

by The Actual El Guapo on Jun 16, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions  

the cubs were in a powerhouse division last year

remember? * crickets *

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 16, 2009 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah, that was toolish, too.

Like the Twinks wouldn’t have taken that crown. And why the playoff coin flip rules were changed. because it doesn’t matter.

The guy is irritating. (Maybe he’ll come up with a pearl some day.)

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

by winningugly on Jun 16, 2009 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions  

I assume it had to do with how he handled his back issue/surgery.

I can imagine KW was not pleased, and Oz was, of course, impatient with the process. Seems to be a stretch, though, to say Frank and Crede were run out of towm because of Ozzie. Swisher wasn’t mentioned, and he probably qualifies.

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

by winningugly on Jun 16, 2009 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions  

did somebody say

“stretch”?

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 16, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions  

He's on the blow today.

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

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 16, 2009 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions  

close

actually on the horse.

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 16, 2009 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions  

Quentin's rehab therapist.

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

by winningugly on Jun 16, 2009 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions  

Swisher would be exhibit 1a.

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

by BobbySouthSide on Jun 16, 2009 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions  

Frank was let go because he was an aging slugger

who at the time was unreliable health wise. Likewise for Joe Crede… I don’t know why making good business decisions is considered “running” someone out of town?

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 16, 2009 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions  

Dye ran him out.

Prick.

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

by winningugly on Jun 16, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions  

what would BP be saying about us if we kept all those guys?

I’ll hang up and listen to your answer.

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 16, 2009 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yep. Especially foot/ankle and back issues.

Highly volatile and not easily repaired.

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

by winningugly on Jun 16, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions  

"it's a trick, grab an axe"

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 16, 2009 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions  

but they replaced him with Thome

also an aging slugger with an extensive injury history.

South Side (Cant) Hit (For Shit) Men

by e-gus on Jun 16, 2009 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions  

Peoria, hungry for a championship,

“family” guy, aw-shucks, not a PITA. And a left-handed bat. We needed that back then.

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

by winningugly on Jun 16, 2009 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

...younger with a more manageable injury history.

though i recall the hysteria on this site about how jim thome would be lucky to play ten games. something about his elbow or tricep. totally been a problem

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

by larry on Jun 16, 2009 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions  

i agree, in the end, the departure of crede was amicable and kdub and ozzie totally respect his overall contribution to the team.

the departure of thomas wasn’t as amicable at first as we all know, but obviously the wounds have healed over time given frank’s status with the org

Always bet on black!

by onlysoxfaninboston on Jun 16, 2009 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions  

webio

LOL At least April Rose is hot.

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 16, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions  

is that..................

t-dogg in cubs gear???

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 16, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions  

Wow havn't had a chance to watch ESPN during the day in a long long time...

they are still doing the Romo watch??? ED WERNER BRUSH YOUR FUCKING TEETH!

i don't really consider a raspberry from sliding into home an injury
by U-God on May 31, 2009 4:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs

by Where Triples Go to Die on Jun 16, 2009 11:31 AM CDT reply actions  

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