'All In' strategy all on White Sox, not fans
by Jim Margalus on Feb 7, 2011 2:21 AM CST
Email
PrintJerry Reinsdorf talked to an aw-ful-ly chummy Bruce Levine this past weekend, focusing mostly on how Reinsdorf came to back the "All In" approach floated by Kenny Williams. The key quote:
"We've really taken a chance," Reinsdorf said on ESPN 1000's "Talking Baseball." "The term all-in I think really makes some sense here. If we draw what we drew last year, we will lose a lot of money. We decided to make a bet that if we put this team together the way we have, that it'll contend and that people will come out and support it. Otherwise, we are definitely going to lose money. Fortunately over the years we've made a little here, we've made a little there and we can cover it if we lose. We won't be able to lose money two years in a row."
I don't think there is much point in figuring out whether this is actually true. Kenny Williams runs a PBS-style attendance drive every season -- that is, if PBS guilt-tripped its audience by saying Charlie Rose might have to go to Headline News if more pledges don't come in -- and the continually gloomy projections haven't stopped Williams from taking on four major salaries over the last nine baseball months. There doesn't appear to be a direct correlation between perception of attendance and team spending.
So while the ESPNChicago.com headline says WHITE SOX BET BIG ON FANS, I don't think that's accurate. It should read WHITE SOX BET BIG ON KENNY WILLIAMS. There are multiple ways to boost attendance, but the Sox are choosing the path that requires them to do almost all the work.
The Sox chose the path of most resistance for good after the 2005 season, when the residual excitement of a championship team pushed their attendance to 2.957 million in 2006, a franchise-record. It has decreased every year since, and had the Sox not made major offseason investments, they risked falling back below 2 million fans for the first time since 2004.
Not by coincidence, ticket prices have incrementally increased every year, by a buck or five. Brooks Boyer and the Sox make no apologies for it, and that's their right, because it makes sense on paper. Everything always costs more over time, except for maybe hugs, so why shouldn't tickets?
At the same time, it doesn't make much sense to complain about attendance, and then make it more difficult to attend games. It's like raising the rim during a slam dunk contest, and then wondering why all the subsequent attempts are unsuccessful. There's only so much you can expect when you push the game beyond its generally accepted limits.
That leaves the Sox having to spin the poor attendance as a positive trait of their fans, a reflection of their higher standards. But as the years go on, that's less of a frame job and more of a self-fulfilling prophecy. Tell your fans it's a privilege to attend a game with the pricing, and fans will treat it like a luxury. If that's the case, the Sox then need to field a championship-caliber team in order to draw the requisite attendance, and so they've taken the fans out of the driver's seat.
If the Sox really wanted to put the pressure on the fans, they'd freeze the ticket prices -- or most of them, at least -- for a few years. Is there any good reason why the Milwaukee Brewers have been able to outdraw the Sox in each of the last four seasons, even though they've had the same amount of success (averaging 82 wins, one playoff appearance)? The White Sox have never drawn 3 million fans; the Brewers did it two years in a row.
Ticket prices have a lot to do with it. Looking at the Fan Cost Index, the White Sox offered the fourth-most expensive average night out in 2010; the Brewers offered the eighth-cheapest. The Brewers didn't raise ticket prices from 2002 to 2005, which put the onus on the fans to start showing up when new owner Mark Attanasio took over and Milwaukee started fielding competitive teams. They've raised the ticket prices every year since, and it hasn't damaged the attendance (they did see a 9 percent decrease in attendance in 2010, but that's more likely attributed to their terrible start).
It might not make sense for the Sox to follow the Brewers' model, because they have a bigger market and a better TV contract. They're not comparable environments, and so they might be able to come out ahead with fewer fans. But there has to be some reason why Reinsdorf and Williams frequently tell fans - directly and indirectly - that they're not coming out in enough droves.
And every time they do raise that old issue, it makes less and less sense. It's a flawed premise when the Sox are banking on more fans deciding to come to the park, because the fans have less say in attending a game than ever before. The Sox have taken it on themselves to provide nearly all of the incentive, so I don't know why they keep complaining about it.
288 comments
|
3 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I'd go to more games if they got rid of the upper/lower level rule
I hope Kotsay gets hit by a dump truck and slips into a coma where he is stuck forever in Baseball purgatory having to bat against a three-headed, six-armed Lefty Hydra consisting of Billy Wagner, Damaso Marte, and Randy Johnson. - Shoeless In SC
I've never really had much of a problem with that rule, but truth be told, I probably would go to a few more myself if this were the case.
I made the decision a couple years ago that I’ve reached the age where if I can’t afford to sit in a decent seat (i.e. nothing less than 100 level), I can’t afford to go to a game. That decision has definitely lessened the number of games I attend.
"It's like an elephant rodeo in there."
this
I’m not paying “to be in the same park as the game”. I want to actually see the players, not white and blue dots on the field. If I don’t have a chance at catching a foul ball, my interest in attending drops. Now if the upper deck were cheap as shit, it may be an enticement to jump on the train after work, buy a couple of $7 beers, and have a night out.
by TasteeFreeze on Feb 7, 2011 10:13 AM CST up reply actions
This.
I use to do that all the time, get there when the game starts, buy tickets from a scalper on the street for less-than-face value and have 3-6 beers. Then wobble up to the Wabash Tap or South Loop Club. I agree I would have done it more if the tickets were $10 and not $20.
"There's too many (bleeping) guys on the computer. It's simple. I say that. Pete Rose never watched a computer. Rod Carew never did. All those hitters, they go out and see the ball, hit it and move on." - Ozzie
Agree but
the best seats in the “Reinsdeck” (and apologies in advance for the Mariotti-ism but I always found that moniker funnily apt) aren’t terrible. I often sit there. Just have to avoid “way up” or “way out”.
"Hawk Harrelson: Annoying even the hearing impaired": Teahenny Penny paraphrasing Chisoxfan1473
by NorthSidePaulie on Feb 7, 2011 6:45 PM CST up reply actions
i usually sit up high myself. I only go lower once a season
I hope Kotsay gets hit by a dump truck and slips into a coma where he is stuck forever in Baseball purgatory having to bat against a three-headed, six-armed Lefty Hydra consisting of Billy Wagner, Damaso Marte, and Randy Johnson. - Shoeless In SC
When it comes to the Brewers...
…they are a state team. The ’Crew has all of Wisconsin except for the area around the Twin Cities.
The White Sox are a “neighborhood” team. They’ve got south Chicago and Indiana. It’s up to the Sox to get everything out of their small pool.
I could see more Groupon deals (if Groupon is still around by April), social media promotions, etc. as the season rolls along.
While you’re at it – pray for good weather in April and May – so the team can get the most out of its 23 home games.
Most importantly – they need a hot start. I heard people saying “The Sox are bad” even as they were wrapping up that 25-5 run.
The guy at the bank doesn't care how many trophies you've got!
The Brewers have a beer slide. And their mascot > the Sox mascot.
That’s really all there is to it. ;)
Take your whosh like a man, dammit.
by RWShow on Oct 28, 2010 10:33 PM EDT
by Shoeless In SC on Feb 7, 2011 8:57 AM CST up reply actions
Bernie would pull Southpaw's eyes out.
Don’t fu@k with an alcoholic with a slide.
El Scorcho. Rock N Roll!
They need a hot start.
Bingo.
Your 2011 Chicago White Sox: Donkey Kong!!!
by 2ndHalfAdjustments on Feb 7, 2011 9:14 AM CST up reply actions
I know the White Sox operations want all their minor league teams close to each other,
but I never saw the logic behind leaving South Bend.
It was always nice to hit South Bend on a driving trip to Baltimore, catch a SilverHawks’ game, and see some Sox prospects. I believe it also builds brand recognition and loyalty to cross brand the SilverHawks and White Sox, the way the Peoria Chiefs/Cubs do, or the West Michigan White Caps/Tigers did.
by TasteeFreeze on Feb 7, 2011 10:17 AM CST up reply actions
This
"Hawk Harrelson: Annoying even the hearing impaired": Teahenny Penny paraphrasing Chisoxfan1473
by NorthSidePaulie on Feb 7, 2011 6:43 PM CST up reply actions
Diarrheic Horseshit.
"juicy delicious meats in my mouth-hole"- HSA
by DrEmilioLizardo on Feb 7, 2011 8:01 PM CST up reply actions
Has nothing to do with ND
but rather that there’s a glimmer of a White Sox fan base in the Michiana population, but the Cubs are also making some inroads in that market. It’s contestable ground
"Hawk Harrelson: Annoying even the hearing impaired": Teahenny Penny paraphrasing Chisoxfan1473
by NorthSidePaulie on Feb 8, 2011 12:30 PM CST up reply actions
Live work in the Michana area.....
2 blocks from my work on a major US highway 33, full sizzle larger than life Cubs billboard. ANY Sox advertisment other than the Sox logo on the side of my car parked by the road each day…..Zero. Its not a contestable ground. Its a forsaken ground. Number of local AM radio stations around here with Cubs games? Two. Sox? Zip. Good thing 670 actually comes in around here on a decent car radio.
It was sad, going to a Lansing Lugnuts game -
when the Cubs were affiliated, and everything was Cubs and Tigers. Tigers, I understand. Cubs? Branding.
by TasteeFreeze on Feb 10, 2011 1:08 PM CST up reply actions
attending games
With the ticket and beer costs what they are today, it is a luxury – for an individual or a family. I have always felt it to be outrageous how pro teams casually demand attendance. I have a decent job and have no kids and still think and choose hard which games I will attend.
Sox is not an attractive option for corporations to buy out the tickets like they do for Bulls or cubs. It is not an attractive option for casual fans/tourists with a location with no cabs or multiple transportation options, still with a reputation of a shitty neighborhood, and not much to do after the game.
I get extremely annoyed when it gets put on the fans for not attending when we have people making unbelievable effort to make it from all kinds of places JUST for the game. And then you have to hear the damn attendance bullshit thrown at your face by the media and opposing fans.
Still, hats off to the team for putting good team together despite all the disadvantages. Like you said, we don’t really know what the income looks like and what money they have or not have.
Taking a walk in a donkey park listening to the wind of change
this is interesting.
since I’ve never been to the area, I have to go on stories and opinions from you guys about the area around the stadium. I thought they added some bus routes to the stadium a few years ago? Anyway, so is there really nothing to do around the stadium?
Take your whosh like a man, dammit.
by RWShow on Oct 28, 2010 10:33 PM EDT
by Shoeless In SC on Feb 7, 2011 9:02 AM CST up reply actions
Right near the stadium? There's not a ton, helps if you're local.
For those who live in the city or want to go out to the bars, you can just jump on the el (our version of the subway if you’re unfamiliar), and get back to the North side, it’s really not a hassle. The el stop is across the street from the stadium, it couldn’t be much closer and it’s cheap, and definitely quicker than taking a bus.
The stadium isn’t in like a horribly frightening area though, it’s just not like a trendy, bar hopping type neighborhood where young people would come in from the suburbs to hang out.
by Grinder in Training on Feb 7, 2011 9:27 AM CST up reply actions
Whereas Wrigley is smack dab in the midst of a "party district" with dozens of bars in a 1 block radius,
the only thing within a couple blocks of the Cell is parking lots, and then either residential or industrial depending on the direction of travel.
The parking situation is nice, I’ll say that.
"It's like an elephant rodeo in there."
Gotcha. Thanks for the info (you too, GiT)
Take your whosh like a man, dammit.
by RWShow on Oct 28, 2010 10:33 PM EDT
by Shoeless In SC on Feb 7, 2011 9:47 AM CST up reply actions
The El runs directly east of both ball parks.
Lakeview (home to the little blue bears) has Yuppydom and Boystown (expensive and shiney, respectively). Bridgeport (us) has the highway to the east and the neighborhood to the west of the park. It looks a bit intimidating and you have to look around a bit, but stuff is there. That part of the city just isn’t glamorous yet.
Your 2011 Chicago White Sox: Donkey Kong!!!
by 2ndHalfAdjustments on Feb 7, 2011 9:31 AM CST up reply actions
Yet? Are they building up that area to be more shiny and trendy?
When I always thought of the Cubs, even when I was young and watching them on WGN in the Ryno/Grace days, I never thought I was watching a great ballclub. I didn’t even get the feeling I was watching baseball, really. I got the feeling I was watching a variety show. Carey, the 7th inning stretch, the ivy, the drunken fans on the fan cam, the play on the field (heh)… it had, and still has, a sideshow appeal to it.
When I watched the Sox, I never got that feeling. I got the feeling I was watching a ballclub play. There were no frills. Just baseball.
From what I’ve read and heard, my view of the two clubs back then is a fairly accurate representation of the two neighborhoods and ball clubs in real life. It doesn’t have to be so clear cut though. The Sox and city can do more, it sounds, to make the south side experience a little more fan-friendly and touristy. I’ve never heard anyone down here say they want to go to Chicago and catch a game at the Cell. I’ve heard plenty say they want to go to Chicago and catch a game at Wrigley, however. Simply put, if you’re not a die-hard fan of the Sox, you’re not going to travel any considerable distance to catch a White Sox game.
Take your whosh like a man, dammit.
by RWShow on Oct 28, 2010 10:33 PM EDT
by Shoeless In SC on Feb 7, 2011 9:46 AM CST up reply actions
There's been some recent high-rise development on Racine, Halsted and Michigan
around the Roosevelt stop on the Redline (Jackson → Harrison → Roosevelt → Cermak/Chinatown → Sox/35th), but other developments within the neighborhood got hit pretty hard by the ’08 recession.
Your perceptions of the Sox are correct. I’m not quite as harsh on Cubs fans, myself. Yes, there is a ton of ass-clownage that goes on in the bleachers, but in ‘09 and last year certainly I felt that the ’party all the time!’ atmosphere had disipated. Real Cubs fans are hungry for a winner – they see what Boston has done, were irked (in a good way towards their team) that we won and now with the Giants/Phillies ending their droughts are starting to get downright mad. It’s the out-of-town Cubs fans and 20-somethings who just want to get wasted and sunburned that fit stereotypes (and we certainly do get our own versions at the Cell, just in much smaller numbers).
No, the Sox will never be the tourist attraction the Cubs are, for a number of reasons (local, history, misperceptions about neighborhood demographics, image in popular media), but they have done a much better job, since 2005, of marketing themselves to the city as a whole, I feel. Sox fans have a bit of a ‘put up or shut up’ attitude and it’s not terribly surprising the club has adopted a somewhat similar idea.
Your 2011 Chicago White Sox: Donkey Kong!!!
by 2ndHalfAdjustments on Feb 7, 2011 10:06 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Gotcha. Your perceptions (a Chicago resident's) aren't entirely shared by the people I talk to around here.
They think the south side is blue-collar, gloomy, predominantly black, and they see the White Sox as a real ball club. Those same people I talk to think the north side is predominantly white, yuppy, hip, and fun, and they see the Cubs as an attraction. I think it’s because if you’re not from there you need to draw a line and separate the two in your mind. Kind of like how people separate the Yankees/Mets, and Giants/Jets. Stereotypes and exaggeration.
Honestly, up until I started reading this blog, I believed the same stereotypes and exaggerations of Chicago, too.
Take your whosh like a man, dammit.
by RWShow on Oct 28, 2010 10:33 PM EDT
by Shoeless In SC on Feb 7, 2011 10:20 AM CST up reply actions
You let *THIS* blog shape your impression of Chicago?
Chuckle.
busy weaving laurel wreath for k dawg and JR. These guys are straight up gangsta this year. -LT_sox_fan on Dec 15, 2010
by South Side Expat on Feb 7, 2011 10:23 AM CST up reply actions
Well, if I let BCB shape mine, I'd be less encouraged to go to Chicago.
Take your whosh like a man, dammit.
by RWShow on Oct 28, 2010 10:33 PM EDT
by Shoeless In SC on Feb 7, 2011 11:22 AM CST up reply actions
i wish those perceptions were more wrong.
Some people get so rich they lose all respect for humanity. That's how rich I want to be.
I lived by the park from 2004-2008 and I liked the neighborhood. Unfortunately the reputation that was earned from the past is very bad, so there is a fight to fight there. And even though they have built up and opened up a few bars on Halsted and in Pilsen area, it is still not close enough to the park for you to just walk out of the game and enjoy a good time with the group (except for one bar). Big problem is also in terms of transportation choices after you leave those bars, let’s say at 1am. Cabs are hard to catch.
Taking a walk in a donkey park listening to the wind of change
DUI's a problem around there?
Take your whosh like a man, dammit.
by RWShow on Oct 28, 2010 10:33 PM EDT
by Shoeless In SC on Feb 7, 2011 9:55 AM CST up reply actions
lol.
Chicago DUI? I think you have to get in an accident to get one of those… It’s just hard to get pulled over in Chicago in general…
"There's too many (bleeping) guys on the computer. It's simple. I say that. Pete Rose never watched a computer. Rod Carew never did. All those hitters, they go out and see the ball, hit it and move on." - Ozzie
i think the neighborhood reputation is a big part of the problem.
I was born, raised and live on the Northside, but it’s only been recently that I’ve started spending more and more time in Bridgeport and Pilsen. Totally changed my perception of SS neighborhoods. They’re actually really great, with tons of hidden bar gems and great things to do. I don’t know how you overcome the gross misperceptions about the general area, but there’s no question that the other team benefits from a trendier, flashier area.
Your 2011 Chicago White Sox: Donkey Kong!!!
by 2ndHalfAdjustments on Feb 7, 2011 9:17 AM CST up reply actions
The problem is that the gems are hidden around the Cell.
Helen Keller could find the “gems” in Wrigleyville.
One of my favorite parts about Sox games is going to Grandstands
before/after to do some shopping. Can’t wait to hit up Cork & Kerry’s this summer and absolutely loved Maria’s.
Your 2011 Chicago White Sox: Donkey Kong!!!
by 2ndHalfAdjustments on Feb 7, 2011 9:27 AM CST up reply actions
Yeah I'm surprised more people aren't mentioning how many things have opened in the past several years
Obviously it’s still pretty limited, but in addition to the official thing attached to Gate 5, there’s now C&K and another bar a block east of it; both are about a five minute walk away. With a 10 minute walk down to Halsted there’s a couple very good bars, plus stuff like the Ramova Grill.
a VERY AVERAGE Sox Machine refugee
Ricobene's on 26th Street
Breaded steak sandwich…yeeeeeeeeeees!
"It's just another game...nothing different than what we've prepared for all year."- Brian Urlacher on meeting up with the Packers in the NFC Championship
Abso-freakin'-lutely.
There’s also an awesome burrito place down the block.
"And he rips one into left! Konerko, grand slam!" —Joe Buck, 23 Oct 2005. Yes, I have had the date wrong for this long.
Just follow the urine smell.
busy weaving laurel wreath for k dawg and JR. These guys are straight up gangsta this year. -LT_sox_fan on Dec 15, 2010
by South Side Expat on Feb 7, 2011 9:28 AM CST up reply actions
I disagree - somewhat
The White Sox are a great deal for a corporation because 4 season’s tickets will be very good seats. Our company has gotten Cubs season tickets, and they’re shitty seats in a partial package. I think the White Sox really take care of their corporate clients.
by TasteeFreeze on Feb 7, 2011 10:19 AM CST up reply actions
I've been there once and didnt think there was anything but a stadium and parking lots
my girlfriend bought tickets for us for 2 games and we drove 4 hours from fargo to minneapolis then flew to chicago for a few days and i like chicago but if i wasnt a huge sox fan we never would have gone to any games….looking at chicago from a tourist perspective going to a sox game isnt high on the list…also im not familiar with sox promotions but the twins have had some awesome deals the best being the home run porch saturday deal where you could get a general admission left field seat hot dog and drink for like 20 bucks which was big for tourists and locals
There are promotions all the time
And outside of the bigger series (BOS,NYY, etc..), you can usually find half price ticket promotions.
by Grinder in Training on Feb 7, 2011 1:09 PM CST up reply actions
'usually' might be a stretch
there were way more promotions last season than any other year in recent history, but you couldnt find half off on everything until the very end of the season.
Would that be jack cheese? ~RWShow
Hmm, it sure seemed like I got those facebook messages constantly.
Not sure how I got on that mailing list, probably through here, but Secret Sox must have messaged me every other week with codes for the discount.
by Grinder in Training on Feb 7, 2011 1:33 PM CST up reply actions
i took full advantage of them and hopefully we get another steady supply of links on the RR
But I think that was more out of panic last season, they previous campaign didnt have quite as many deals.
Would that be jack cheese? ~RWShow
Let's not forget the Brewers have the Sausage race,
And such things bring great delight to those North of the Border.
This year I’m definitely planning on going to a few more games early in the season than I would have had they not made the moves they did. However, as Ozzie himself has pointed out in the past, if the team plays like shit, the fans won’t show up. This year is no different. I don’t see how Ozzie can manage to screw up things like he did last year, but if he does, I’m not showing up. Ticket prices being what they are, it makes it much more difficult to just head on down to the ballpark on a whim. If I recall, Groupon and various half price ticket promotions started pretty early last year. I wonder if that will be the case again this year.
busy weaving laurel wreath for k dawg and JR. These guys are straight up gangsta this year. -LT_sox_fan on Dec 15, 2010
by South Side Expat on Feb 7, 2011 9:05 AM CST reply actions
All the Groupon games were on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and usually against terrible teams (i.e. Royals & Mariners though their were a couple against the Twins).
I think they will definitely do the Groupons this year. No one would buy those tickets without the promotion.
Agreed
I remember we had a similar discussion last year about tickets & parking prices at the Cell vs the prices the Angels charge. If I remember correctly, the Angles philosophy is to under charge for tickets and parking to boost attendence thus boosting in stadium and merchandise sales. Sort of a modified razor-blade model.
that's a smart idea. my experience in going to sporting events, concerts, etc is that I'll be discerning about the ticket cost
but once I get in and get that first beer and hotdog/pizza/pretzel… it’s all downhill from there and my bank account suffers. Before I know it, I’ve left with a good buzz, a hat, a shirt, and a full belly.
Take your whosh like a man, dammit.
by RWShow on Oct 28, 2010 10:33 PM EDT
by Shoeless In SC on Feb 7, 2011 9:21 AM CST up reply actions
It's the movie theater model. The large profit margin comes from the popcorn, candy, and soda.
Popcorn typically has anywhere from a 800-1,200% markup. Charging that much allows them to keep ticket prices low(er) because if the ticket prices aren’t low, people likely won’t come to see the movie.
Take your whosh like a man, dammit.
by RWShow on Oct 28, 2010 10:33 PM EDT
by Shoeless In SC on Feb 7, 2011 9:27 AM CST up reply actions
No doubt.. the parking prices are horseshit.
I stand by my opinion we should give parking discounts to those who prove they brought a kid to the game.
by Grinder in Training on Feb 7, 2011 9:29 AM CST up reply actions
That would be HUGE.
busy weaving laurel wreath for k dawg and JR. These guys are straight up gangsta this year. -LT_sox_fan on Dec 15, 2010
by South Side Expat on Feb 7, 2011 9:30 AM CST up reply actions
Milwaukee is the
My wife and I were looking at attending a weekend (they’re all “prime” rates) Sox game with our three kids last season. We could not pull the trigger because of the cost. Then, we looked up the Brewers. We found a package that included tickets to a game AND tickets to the Milwaukee Zoo for the next day for something like $18. Deal. We parked for $8, and put the money saved towards a hotel room.
A MLB baseball game is a once-a-summer event for my family of 5. And If my family needs to schedule, plan, and pay for a MLB baseball game like a once-a-summer vacation, I’m going to plan it like a vacation. We’re going to get the most bang for our entertainment/vacation buck.
"...a mouth without grinders is like a mill without grindstone,"
-Don Quixote
I assume you mean $18 per person?
To take in an MLB game and go to the zoo?
That’s a steal
Take your whosh like a man, dammit.
by RWShow on Oct 28, 2010 10:33 PM EDT
by Shoeless In SC on Feb 7, 2011 9:49 AM CST up reply actions
yeah. per person. and we got a "Brew and Zoo" tote bag.
3 kids under 9-yrs like Sausage Races and Bernie the Brewer’s Slide. My oldest loves Jim Thome. So.
"...a mouth without grinders is like a mill without grindstone,"
-Don Quixote
by SkanchoDanza on Feb 7, 2011 10:24 AM CST up reply actions
i still have fond memories of waldo wolf and "lots and lots of pippendots"
When I was a kid, I didn't want to be a doctor or a fireman. I wanted to be Super Mario. It's the most literal pipe dream I've ever had.
I can't even go to the York, SC County museum for less than $10 per person.
And Knights games are around $15 per, too, iirc.
That’s an amazing deal you got.
Take your whosh like a man, dammit.
by RWShow on Oct 28, 2010 10:33 PM EDT
by Shoeless In SC on Feb 7, 2011 11:20 AM CST up reply actions
WTF could be in the York County museum worth more than 5 bucks?
"juicy delicious meats in my mouth-hole"- HSA
by DrEmilioLizardo on Feb 7, 2011 12:46 PM CST up reply actions
The History of Female Nudity interactive exhibit and petting zoo
by TasteeFreeze on Feb 7, 2011 1:32 PM CST up reply actions 5 recs
The beaver collection is exquisite
"It's just another game...nothing different than what we've prepared for all year."- Brian Urlacher on meeting up with the Packers in the NFC Championship
Good thing my g/f hasn't caught on yet. She thinks I'm just some history or anthropology buff
Take your whosh like a man, dammit.
by RWShow on Oct 28, 2010 10:33 PM EDT
by Shoeless In SC on Feb 7, 2011 8:30 PM CST up reply actions
You can lead a whore to culture, but you cannot make her think...
"juicy delicious meats in my mouth-hole"- HSA
by DrEmilioLizardo on Feb 7, 2011 9:36 PM CST up reply actions
nice
Take your whosh like a man, dammit.
by RWShow on Oct 28, 2010 10:33 PM EDT
by Shoeless In SC on Feb 8, 2011 10:32 AM CST up reply actions
My impression of Jerry Reinsdorf has always been
that of a lone wolf who famously and openly feuds with other team owners, does not get along with the mayor, and cuts his own deals at every turn. I’m sure I’m wrong, but I don’t see Reinsdorf being part of a tourist package that sells WSox tix, museum and bus passes, and dinner coupons at Lowry’s.
Again, I’m sure I’m wrong, that’s just my impression.
by TasteeFreeze on Feb 7, 2011 10:28 AM CST up reply actions
He truly is a one man wolf pack.
It’s not robbing Peter to pay Paul — it’s bludgeoning Peter to death, and then realizing on the way back that you forgot to grab his wallet.
Package deal
I’m going to look into the Brewers/Summerfest package they usually have once the concert lineup gets set.
by Chris Pummer on Feb 7, 2011 3:42 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Thanks, couldn't find an official price
I know that Miller Park has the sea of parking lots like Comiskey does.
THIS NEW ARRANGEMENT SHOULD BE POOTY GOO
by Jim Margalus on Feb 7, 2011 11:33 AM CST up reply actions
Their website was somewhat murky. I went with the FCI figure.
If it’s accurate (which it is for Sox parking, so I’ll assume it is), it’s a third the cost. That’s absurd.
"It's like an elephant rodeo in there."
their isolation to the surrounding bars/attractions is very similar to the sox's as well
I hope Kotsay gets hit by a dump truck and slips into a coma where he is stuck forever in Baseball purgatory having to bat against a three-headed, six-armed Lefty Hydra consisting of Billy Wagner, Damaso Marte, and Randy Johnson. - Shoeless In SC
If I'm not mistaken, quite a few Milwaukee bars run shuttle buses to Miller Park.
Would be amazing if some North Side bars did that for the Sox.
"My role hads not changed: Old punching bag." -winningugly
Yeah.. surprised one doesn't.
The Globe does for the Fire, you’d think you could find a pretty good niche there if you’re a newer sports bar looking for patrons.
by Grinder in Training on Feb 7, 2011 3:38 PM CST up reply actions
Jim, your reasoning is spot on.
It’s odd that they’ve gone the route they have. Just to reiterate what you said…
They raised ticket prices every season and enforced fan un-friendly policies in the park (I’m thinking about the upper/lower level thing) yet they continue to ask fans to attend more games. When attendance went down, they concluded that the fan base is discerning and will only come out if the product on the field is good enough. Well, the Sox have been competitive all but 1 of the past 5 seasons since the WS. Basically the PR/Marketing department has backed themselves into a corner here by saying, ‘Hey, if we don’t go to the WS, you don’t have to show up and support us’… Thus sprang the all-in campaign.
Take your whosh like a man, dammit.
by RWShow on Oct 28, 2010 10:33 PM EDT
Couple more things
1- The Sox have been bedeviled by attendance issues throughout their existence. If the team is good – fans show up. If not, the place is empty. 2007 was the exception to the rule.
2- Expectations. They’re sky high. The Sox have to meet those expectations right out of the chute.
3- The new gate 5 restaurant is called “Comiskey’s.” That should give fans something to do before or after the game. The new Cork and Kerry at 33rd and Princeton is pretty nice.
4- The Sox appear to be terrified of attracting the “dirtball” demographic. Hence the high prices. The no upper/lower deck movement policy was adopted after those two nincompoops tackled the ump. Take it up with them.
The guy at the bank doesn't care how many trophies you've got!
Either way - the policy was designed to combat the outbreak of nincompoopery at the ballpark.
The guy at the bank doesn't care how many trophies you've got!
What about the skulldugery and tomfoolery?
Your 2011 Chicago White Sox: Donkey Kong!!!
by 2ndHalfAdjustments on Feb 7, 2011 9:27 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Very much allowed.
Along with trickery and usury.
The guy at the bank doesn't care how many trophies you've got!
Excellent.
Because you can take away my japery when you pry it from my cold, dead hands.
Your 2011 Chicago White Sox: Donkey Kong!!!
by 2ndHalfAdjustments on Feb 7, 2011 9:37 AM CST up reply actions
the video is fantastic too
I believe the entire teams dugout emptied out to beat the shit out of them in about 5 seconds
I hope Kotsay gets hit by a dump truck and slips into a coma where he is stuck forever in Baseball purgatory having to bat against a three-headed, six-armed Lefty Hydra consisting of Billy Wagner, Damaso Marte, and Randy Johnson. - Shoeless In SC
this is the first time i've ever read the word nincompoop.
i’ve heard it many times but never read it. the spelling is probably correct but it sure looks funny in print. continue….
If is is one handed shitting. by winningugly
Chicago is not Tampa Bay
If you win the fan will be there. I agree with Shoeless In SC: “Jim your reasoning is spot on”
"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
From a business standpoint, I understand why there is no need for the White Sox to lower ticket prices.
Continuing the comparison against the Brewers; they did draw 27% more fans per game than the White Sox did. Yet our average ticket price is 75% higher than theirs. Using the numbers from the FCI study linked above, that means we made approximately $23M more than the Brewers last season in ticket revenue alone. If you add up the price of a beer, soft drink, hot dog, parking, and program, the cost of those items at the Cell is more than 100% higher than the same items at Miller Park. Although parking makes a huge impact in this comparison, and is only a one-time cost compared to food drink items, the difference is still large.
White Sox management is comprised of shrewd professionals. They must know they have enough pre-sold guaranteed ticket sales, and the increase in walk-ups that comes with lowering prices isn’t large enough to offset the concession. So as the prices stand, we appear to be crushing the Brewers and teams with cheaper FCIs in total revenue. Yet at the same time, we have a larger potential for revenue growth (more seats available to fill) if we are able to sustain an extended period of time in 1st place during the season.
by 3E8 on Feb 7, 2011 9:47 AM CST reply actions 2 recs
Rich people don't get rich by giving away money.
So I have no doubt it makes close-to-complete sense from their side. The only gap is trying to explain the bad aesthetics of empty seats.
There are ways to solve the empty seat problem, but they choose the disingenuous way of demanding (without demanding, of course) more money. The group of shrewd professionals tries to pull the hat-in-hand crap like a Michigan Avenue panhandler who has been stranded in Chicago and just needs bus fare to get back to his family in Kankakee.
(Also, there’s no such thing as “comprised of.” It’s “comprises shrewd professionals.” Sorry.)
THIS NEW ARRANGEMENT SHOULD BE POOTY GOO
by Jim Margalus on Feb 7, 2011 11:47 AM CST up reply actions
Just cant keep the editor at bay... can you?
Seriously, wealthy people also stay rich by buying quality things that last, not cheap ass junk like Payless shoes that fall apart in 2 months. Although, this does not explain Teahen and Linebrink.
"juicy delicious meats in my mouth-hole"- HSA
by DrEmilioLizardo on Feb 7, 2011 12:51 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
i ritualistically burn style manuals every solstice and equinox.
“comprised of” lives!
Original visitors' friend in the Lancaster County area!
Thank goodness Mozart comprised all of those masterpieces.
Truly changed the world.
Reporter: I was wondering if at any point in my lifetime the Cubs weren't going to be run by a guy who didn't immediately remind me of failure, confusion, or imminent death
by Hazymania on Feb 7, 2011 3:56 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
You seem to be getting excited, Hazy.
Please comprise yourself.
"One thought driven home is better than three left on base."
He had many fine comprisitions.
I don’t know if I can pick a favorite!
THIS NEW ARRANGEMENT SHOULD BE POOTY GOO
He was an amazing compriser...
Top 5, easy.
Reporter: I was wondering if at any point in my lifetime the Cubs weren't going to be run by a guy who didn't immediately remind me of failure, confusion, or imminent death
Rec'd
for comparing Teahen and Linebrink with the quality of footwear and Payless.
"Hawk Harrelson: Annoying even the hearing impaired": Teahenny Penny paraphrasing Chisoxfan1473
by NorthSidePaulie on Feb 7, 2011 6:52 PM CST up reply actions
Hey, anyone know the status of the new Metra station?
That’s gonna be a big thing for getting the Beverly/Mt. Greenwood folks in. That area is probably the biggest fan base outside of Bridgeport, yet the public transit options from there are all very difficult. Sorry, but the Red Line down to 95th to catch a bus after a long night of drinking at the Cell is a real pain in the ass… and with the other option being drinking and driving or GASP not drinking at all, Well, the Metra is gonna be great.
busy weaving laurel wreath for k dawg and JR. These guys are straight up gangsta this year. -LT_sox_fan on Dec 15, 2010
by South Side Expat on Feb 7, 2011 9:55 AM CST reply actions
A USCF Metra station?
That’s a big-ass deal for the suburbs, too. Shit, the Rock Island line runs through my back yard.
I did the Red Line+95th St. bus combo when I lived in Evergreen once after a night game. That was an adventure.
"It's like an elephant rodeo in there."
which stop is your backyard?
When I was a kid, I didn't want to be a doctor or a fireman. I wanted to be Super Mario. It's the most literal pipe dream I've ever had.
nice
i’m a solid 25 minutes from the rock island stop in joliet, but will prolly be taking advantage of the new stop anyways
When I was a kid, I didn't want to be a doctor or a fireman. I wanted to be Super Mario. It's the most literal pipe dream I've ever had.
This is what the Rock Island in your backyard, 2 blocks from the Oak Park Ave stop, looks like...
"...a mouth without grinders is like a mill without grindstone,"
-Don Quixote
by SkanchoDanza on Feb 7, 2011 10:46 AM CST up reply actions
Wow. That's a little too close.
Take your whosh like a man, dammit.
by RWShow on Oct 28, 2010 10:33 PM EDT
by Shoeless In SC on Feb 7, 2011 11:18 AM CST up reply actions
Im two blocks away and its still too close.
how often do the trains go by?
so often you wont even notice it.
Would that be jack cheese? ~RWShow
it's so cute when poor people complain about their lot in life.
be happy you don’t live in a cardboard box next to the tracks. i don’t use my shed during the winter and my neighborhood is very quiet. i’ll let your family live there during the winter.
And well stocked with Palomino and Apaloosa Jerky.
"juicy delicious meats in my mouth-hole"- HSA
by DrEmilioLizardo on Feb 7, 2011 12:53 PM CST up reply actions
go with breeds
not coat colors
When I was a kid, I didn't want to be a doctor or a fireman. I wanted to be Super Mario. It's the most literal pipe dream I've ever had.
Sorry- Belgian Draft and Friesian War Horse- Happy?
Just does not have the same ring….
"juicy delicious meats in my mouth-hole"- HSA
by DrEmilioLizardo on Feb 7, 2011 1:07 PM CST up reply actions
may not have the same ring
but makes a lot more sense
When I was a kid, I didn't want to be a doctor or a fireman. I wanted to be Super Mario. It's the most literal pipe dream I've ever had.
What are you?
Some sort of student of veterinary medicine or something?
Reporter: I was wondering if at any point in my lifetime the Cubs weren't going to be run by a guy who didn't immediately remind me of failure, confusion, or imminent death
Well, there is a significant difference between Veal and Beef, but it is the same animal- so pppppfffffttttt!.
Boomtheresyourvealcutletdinner.
"juicy delicious meats in my mouth-hole"- HSA
by DrEmilioLizardo on Feb 7, 2011 2:10 PM CST up reply actions
well it has more to do with the sweetheart deal they gave cn
allowing what seems like 500% more freight train traffic in exchange for a shiny new 80th ave station.
Mokena got a quiet zone worked into their deal.
Tinley got a train station.
The horn happy engineers blast away on the air horns through Tinley to maintain their par for the course.
Would that be jack cheese? ~RWShow
especially for a kid
I hope Kotsay gets hit by a dump truck and slips into a coma where he is stuck forever in Baseball purgatory having to bat against a three-headed, six-armed Lefty Hydra consisting of Billy Wagner, Damaso Marte, and Randy Johnson. - Shoeless In SC
because i'm sure skancho is that shitty of a dad
When I was a kid, I didn't want to be a doctor or a fireman. I wanted to be Super Mario. It's the most literal pipe dream I've ever had.
didnt say he was
I said the residence seems a bit too close to the train for a kids safety
I hope Kotsay gets hit by a dump truck and slips into a coma where he is stuck forever in Baseball purgatory having to bat against a three-headed, six-armed Lefty Hydra consisting of Billy Wagner, Damaso Marte, and Randy Johnson. - Shoeless In SC
Nah. This pic is a bit deceiving. And I would be a shitty dad if my kids didn't know to stay away from the train.
I bought this house because there are no neighbors to the back. My kids can play in the backyard without being exposed to a guy like larry. Call me crazy, but I find trains less scary and intrusive than people.
"...a mouth without grinders is like a mill without grindstone,"
-Don Quixote
I'm more worried about the compression to your daughter's neck
caused by the collapsing snow tower above her!
Reporter: I was wondering if at any point in my lifetime the Cubs weren't going to be run by a guy who didn't immediately remind me of failure, confusion, or imminent death
Attack of the 10ft Snow Woman!
The view for the Rock Island riders…
"...a mouth without grinders is like a mill without grindstone,"
-Don Quixote
That's one chilly portslut
Reporter: I was wondering if at any point in my lifetime the Cubs weren't going to be run by a guy who didn't immediately remind me of failure, confusion, or imminent death
I've had colder.
6’ Jewish divorce attorney. 10’ snow woman is positively Joan of Arc-ish heat compared to that.
"One thought driven home is better than three left on base."
how do you not have a friend that takes you aside
and says ‘seriously? this is your plan?’
Some people get so rich they lose all respect for humanity. That's how rich I want to be.
by MarketMaker on Feb 8, 2011 1:49 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
My God, he's going to die poor and shivering in larry's shed, isn't he.
"It's like an elephant rodeo in there."
That's the ex.
She’s back in Barrington, baby. Very happy with current (and last) wife, TYVM.
"One thought driven home is better than three left on base."
You certainly seem to have a thing for Jewish ladies
It’s taken years of practice to be such an asshole.
by Chiburb on Jun 1, 2010 10:35 AM PDT
He once had a coed fling with madeline albright
"juicy delicious meats in my mouth-hole"- HSA
by DrEmilioLizardo on Feb 8, 2011 9:15 PM CST up reply actions
Ready to go by opening day
It looks like they’re putting the finishing touches on the station.
The guy at the bank doesn't care how many trophies you've got!
Huh, looks like it should be a go in time for opening day.
busy weaving laurel wreath for k dawg and JR. These guys are straight up gangsta this year. -LT_sox_fan on Dec 15, 2010
by South Side Expat on Feb 7, 2011 10:07 AM CST up reply actions
Fuckin A.
I don’t drive. This is very, very good news for me.
"It's like an elephant rodeo in there."
The bus from Tinley has been more and more popular every season
but with that you have to leave from the southtown/pepe’s parking lot at 5pm which is difficult to do for most people during the work week.
If they don’t alter the schedule at all for game days, you’ll be able to leave from the Oak Park station a half hour later at 5:34pm and still get to the game at roughly the same time as the bus for just about the same price.
If they added a Sox train that came through the south burbs around 6pm that would be fantastic.
Would that be jack cheese? ~RWShow
I asked Brookes Boyer about that at SoxFest and he said
it will prolly be opened at 35th street in May of this year. Looks like it will serve two south side routes too.
Tickets Too Expensive??
No question that the Sox marketing strategy is to sell as many tickets as possible at a premium price. I pay ~$40 per seat to sit in the outfield on the weekend plan. That’s about one grand per seat. Add in beer and food and it’s about $4grand per year total. But I’m hooked (addicted). I love going to the games. My guess is that the Sox make double the profit than the Brewers do on attendance for the games. The only deals the White Sox offer are half price Monday nites and Kids days once a month on Sundays. Kids days are great for families. GO SOX!!
I looked to see how cheap you can get a 2 seat Ozzie plan this year
And it was just under $600 if you go to every monday game.
Pretty reasonable for $13 games including opening day, a Cubs game, and the Yankees.
Would that be jack cheese? ~RWShow
Jerry keeps bars out on purpose?
You ever get the feeling that JR keeps the bars away from the field as much as possible so that people just drink INSIDE the ball park? Some kind of deal he works out with the aldermen? I never understood why people didn’t put up a bar on 35th street two blocks away where they have a freakin’ Jimmy John’s and a Starbucks.
Having bars nearby isn't stopping anyone from drinking inside Wrigley.
If anything, it probably encourages it. I know I’m more likely to spend $8.00 or whatever it is on a beer if I’ve already had a few, than if I’m sober.
Sober me is a cheap bastard.
by Grinder in Training on Feb 7, 2011 1:32 PM CST up reply actions
A lot of tight things get looser with booze.
"juicy delicious meats in my mouth-hole"- HSA
by DrEmilioLizardo on Feb 7, 2011 9:37 PM CST up reply actions
it aint called the social lubricant for nothing...
"juicy delicious meats in my mouth-hole"- HSA
by DrEmilioLizardo on Feb 7, 2011 9:39 PM CST up reply actions
My lawyers' offices are above a bar.
Of course, they own the whole GD building and are making a fortune in rent.
"One thought driven home is better than three left on base."
I didn't say they did, DB.
But there are some nice “new urbanism” condos above party central, even in Orlando. Not every bar has a frat boy vibe to it. Some bars are a little more sophisticated. Hookers and stuff.
"One thought driven home is better than three left on base."
sure.
but if i’m building condos in bronzeville, i’m not going to put a bar underneath it if i want to make the most money.
You wouldn't build a bar
You’d build space for commercial rental, then the buyer would sell/lease the space. If it turns into a bar it would happen long after you, the builder would have gone.
by notoneyguillen on Feb 7, 2011 4:47 PM CST up reply actions
Still wouldn't be your problem
Remember, you’re only building to sell. Unless you’re building to own… Different issue
by notoneyguillen on Feb 7, 2011 4:59 PM CST up reply actions
of course it's your issue.
if you’ve gotten approval for space that could be easily turned into a bar or restaurant, lots of people aren’t going to buy. if it’s not zoned for that, people will be more likely to buy because it’s pretty unlikely the use will be changed due to the uproar from the owners.
Lotta demand for the apartments above several drinking places
on Halsted & Roscoe. Almost used the phrase ‘watering hole,’ but thought better of it.
Your 2011 Chicago White Sox: Donkey Kong!!!
by 2ndHalfAdjustments on Feb 7, 2011 4:35 PM CST up reply actions
Shit son
My college dorm was above a bar
by notoneyguillen on Feb 7, 2011 2:05 PM CST up reply actions
Exactly what?
Trump tower has a bar, hotel and multi-million dollar condos
by notoneyguillen on Feb 7, 2011 4:31 PM CST up reply actions
are you talking about rebar? great place to drop $15+ per drink. i'm not sure that's the best example.
Some people get so rich they lose all respect for humanity. That's how rich I want to be.
Wouldn't that just be an apartment then?
by Grinder in Training on Feb 7, 2011 2:16 PM CST up reply actions
It was a dorm
But my friend lives in an apartment above a bar in the north loop
by notoneyguillen on Feb 7, 2011 4:32 PM CST up reply actions
Where are dorms above bars?
Aren’t dorms on private college property? What school was this if you don’t mind me asking. It was my assumption, dorms were only considered dorms if they were college owned housing.
by Grinder in Training on Feb 7, 2011 7:19 PM CST up reply actions
private colleges can do whatever they want
st johns in minnesota has a bar in their dining center….which is attached to some of the dorms…
The uni can lease space out or just make their own bar.
IIT has one in their student center.
by Ozzie Montana on Feb 7, 2011 9:45 PM CST up reply actions
I assume you're joking, because mixed-use residential/commercial buildings have sprouted up all over the place the last 10 years.
"It's like an elephant rodeo in there."
why would i be joking.
the reason they put a freakin’ Jimmy John’s and a Starbucks there is because people don’t pay much money to buy a place over a bar.
yes. i'm sure a martini bar at 35th and state would do wonderrfully
in that neighborhood, you don’t build nice condos and put a bar underneath.
Don't change the argument.
You asked “why would someone build nice condos and then put a bar underneath them.”, and I explained that it’s common, which it is.
Now if you want to argue specific intersections and the viability of each type of themed bar in a particular retail space, I’ll be glad to do that with you via email.
Simply start by sending the address.
"It's like an elephant rodeo in there."
by RWShow on Feb 7, 2011 3:41 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
i didn't ask anything.
and my post was in response to someone referring to a specific location. if that wasn’t clear, it is now.
I can't believe you made a spelling error. You are human!
Hey everybody, we’re all gonna get laid!
It’s taken years of practice to be such an asshole.
by Chiburb on Jun 1, 2010 10:35 AM PDT
by rhythm on Feb 8, 2011 5:18 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
He was ebonically speaking.
poorly.
"juicy delicious meats in my mouth-hole"- HSA
by DrEmilioLizardo on Feb 8, 2011 9:16 PM CST up reply actions
Speaking of All In
ESPN is reporting that Guillen’s crush Michael Young is looking to get out of Texas. Would it ne worth trading for a known player like Young than bank on an unknown like Morel going into this seemingly playoff-or-bust season
It was then I realized vegans can’t be trusted
He makes 16 mil per year through 2013..
Texas would have to pay a shit ton of money to make that a good move.
by Grinder in Training on Feb 7, 2011 2:39 PM CST up reply actions
i said yesterday that he's probably about a win better than Morel
which means paying him 5 of that 16 million. i suppose there could be some bad contract swapping to help that along, but the Rangers are trying to compete too.
Original visitors' friend in the Lancaster County area!
my response to that suggests i'm as much a fan of great pitchers
as i am of the Sox. and i loved Robin.
Original visitors' friend in the Lancaster County area!
Officially, I believe those were "noogies" not punches.
"It's just another game...nothing different than what we've prepared for all year."- Brian Urlacher on meeting up with the Packers in the NFC Championship
i thought this was interesting:
“What I tried to do with Paul is take myself out of the equation. I can’t allow my emotion and my feelings for this guy cause the White Sox to do something that’s not smart,” said Reinsdorf. “So I basically let [general manager] Kenny [Williams] and [assistant GM] Rick Hahn handle that part of it. What happened, at the end, was they were pretty much in agreement with Paulie’s agent on dollars, but the issue was the third year. They were kind of reluctant to commit to the third year. And that’s where I stuck my nose in and I said to ‘go ahead you might as well give him the third year.’”
i’m amused by the attitude of ’eh, what the hell. it is only several million dollars for a player who will likely no longer be worth it".
It's like his kid by now:
Whatthehell, you can’t take it with you, you know? Here you go, you knucklehead. (Strokes check.)
"One thought driven home is better than three left on base."
No, he has an eastern European 'business partner' these days.
"juicy delicious meats in my mouth-hole"- HSA
by DrEmilioLizardo on Feb 7, 2011 8:03 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
It's for the son he always wanted.
Which is to say he greatly dislikes the three he already has!
Reporter: I was wondering if at any point in my lifetime the Cubs weren't going to be run by a guy who didn't immediately remind me of failure, confusion, or imminent death
however, that 3rd year was mostly deferred money. win, win.
If is is one handed shitting. by winningugly
yeah, i was just more interested in how hahn & kenny
weren’t willing to go any further than the two years.
speaking of building a better relationship with the fanbase:
it’d be nice if the white sox did something like this -
http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/la/fan_forum/throwback.jsp
Dayn Perry hearts the Sox in the Central,
but seems a bit ambivalent about it:
"One thought driven home is better than three left on base."
And Crasnick rates the AL Central offseason:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=crasnick_jerry&id=6095672
(We did better than KenWo’s students but not as good as U-God.)
"One thought driven home is better than three left on base."
I'm very confused by all the Tigers love.
Yes Martinez helps them offensively, but their defense is worse with Maggs older and Peralta first time. Plus I really don’t see them being successful unless ALL of their starters exceed expectations (Verlander aside).
Your 2011 Chicago White Sox: Donkey Kong!!!
by 2ndHalfAdjustments on Feb 8, 2011 8:51 AM CST up reply actions
*Full time, yeesh.
Your 2011 Chicago White Sox: Donkey Kong!!!
by 2ndHalfAdjustments on Feb 8, 2011 8:55 AM CST up reply actions
Last year, they were 81-81 with a ton of injuries.
The same team with a bit more health and a little luck is close to 90 wins. Add in Martinez and they are a few wins better.
The Twins, Sox and Tigers are close enough talentwise that it’s going to come down to things we can’t predict like injuries, midseason trades, and luck.
I'm from southeast Wisconsin originally
and I need to point out that (to put it as nicely as I can) “frugality” is a pretty dominant cultural aspect thereabouts. Just listen to ANY current resident when talking about Chicagoland gripe about the outrageousness of the Illinois tolls or Chicago beer or parking prices. Cripes, hey!
There’s simply no way the Brewers would ever draw what they do if they didn’t have such (relatively) cheap ticket prices. Same for parking (although the vaster acreage adjacent to Milwaukee’s former center of heavy industry – in contrast to the built urban environment at 35th and Shields – helps make that practical).
"Hawk Harrelson: Annoying even the hearing impaired": Teahenny Penny paraphrasing Chisoxfan1473
fill the seats in the upper tank
As a 4 year season ticket holder in the upper tank UNTIL this year, I can tell you that its utterly ridiculous that the prices are as high as they are. They don’t even open up half of the concession stands in the upper tank, so the theory of cheap prices/buy more stuff in the stadium is NOT practiced by Boyer/Reinsdorf/Williams. There isnt anything else to do around the area, they dont even let you into the parking lots to tailgate until an hour and a half before game time. Trust me, hardly ANY casual fans sit in the upper tank, cause there isnt anything else to do besides watch the game. Not that that is a bad thing,l but if you want to make it an “experience” for a casual fan to come back at a later date, at least they could open up the freaking concession stand. IF they even remotely practiced the theories the Brewers used, even JUST on the upper tank, they would easily draw 3 million a year, and increase the entire buzz in all parts of the city.
Ive never run into any problems with concessions in the upper tank.
True though about the fans up there, the meatball to real fan ratio is much better.
2011 WhiteSox Baseball: we're all in
thoughts on the Alexei deal
this just about says it all…
that is one incredibly shitty onion ripoff
When I was a kid, I didn't want to be a doctor or a fireman. I wanted to be Super Mario. It's the most literal pipe dream I've ever had.
HAHA not
I hope Kotsay gets hit by a dump truck and slips into a coma where he is stuck forever in Baseball purgatory having to bat against a three-headed, six-armed Lefty Hydra consisting of Billy Wagner, Damaso Marte, and Randy Johnson. - Shoeless In SC
"Author" is an Indians fan, probably (from Cleveland).
His pain is his reward.
"One thought driven home is better than three left on base."
by winningugly on Feb 7, 2011 9:06 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
You guys ever heard of this: White Sox Kids Club
It can be found on the Whitesox official site. For everytime you sign up they give you 2 free tickets, and you can sign up 6 times per household. I maxed out at my house, and my girlfriend’s. For the past few years I’ve had free tickets for me and my friends to visit at least 3 games. So I have NO excuse to ever complain about Sox ticket prices
2011 WhiteSox Baseball: we're all in
so you fake enroll in a program designed to get kids to like the white sox?
When I was a kid, I didn't want to be a doctor or a fireman. I wanted to be Super Mario. It's the most literal pipe dream I've ever had.
that's awfully shitty of you
When I was a kid, I didn't want to be a doctor or a fireman. I wanted to be Super Mario. It's the most literal pipe dream I've ever had.
Not like the games are ever sold out anyway
the ones they give tickets to that is
2011 WhiteSox Baseball: we're all in
still doesn't make it right
When I was a kid, I didn't want to be a doctor or a fireman. I wanted to be Super Mario. It's the most literal pipe dream I've ever had.
It's still stealing.
busy weaving laurel wreath for k dawg and JR. These guys are straight up gangsta this year. -LT_sox_fan on Dec 15, 2010
by South Side Expat on Feb 7, 2011 9:40 PM CST up reply actions
I'm not the one who....
Grrrr…. Noose.
busy weaving laurel wreath for k dawg and JR. These guys are straight up gangsta this year. -LT_sox_fan on Dec 15, 2010
by South Side Expat on Feb 7, 2011 9:45 PM CST up reply actions
Not you.
busy weaving laurel wreath for k dawg and JR. These guys are straight up gangsta this year. -LT_sox_fan on Dec 15, 2010
by South Side Expat on Feb 7, 2011 9:51 PM CST up reply actions
I think I know what you mean
and you’re right in thinking it if I am right but….noose.
Two rights make one wrong
for people with kids
not cheap bastards. there is a difference.
When I was a kid, I didn't want to be a doctor or a fireman. I wanted to be Super Mario. It's the most literal pipe dream I've ever had.
I hope you spend thousands every game on booze and souveniers
I hope Kotsay gets hit by a dump truck and slips into a coma where he is stuck forever in Baseball purgatory having to bat against a three-headed, six-armed Lefty Hydra consisting of Billy Wagner, Damaso Marte, and Randy Johnson. - Shoeless In SC
$25 for parking $20 for food. Thats $45 they wouldnt otherwise have because if not for me, those seats would be empty
2011 WhiteSox Baseball: we're all in
or maybe you maxed out the clubs free offers
and now theres some poor little kid somewhere who will be forced to be a cubs fan
I hope Kotsay gets hit by a dump truck and slips into a coma where he is stuck forever in Baseball purgatory having to bat against a three-headed, six-armed Lefty Hydra consisting of Billy Wagner, Damaso Marte, and Randy Johnson. - Shoeless In SC
i signed up for it last year and never got the tickets
now i know why.
Would that be jack cheese? ~RWShow
You are seriously ethically challenged.
"One thought driven home is better than three left on base."
Hahaha, wow, you're a bad person, lol.
Your 2011 Chicago White Sox: Donkey Kong!!!
by 2ndHalfAdjustments on Feb 8, 2011 9:04 AM CST up reply actions
Are we so sure he's not 12 (or under)?
THIS NEW ARRANGEMENT SHOULD BE POOTY GOO
by Jim Margalus on Feb 7, 2011 9:59 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Thats cool
I just signed up my kid. Now I can take him to his first ballgame for free this summer.
Two rights make one wrong
oh
you mean you used the program for its actual purpose?
When I was a kid, I didn't want to be a doctor or a fireman. I wanted to be Super Mario. It's the most literal pipe dream I've ever had.
by U-God on Feb 7, 2011 9:42 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
.
When I was a kid, I didn't want to be a doctor or a fireman. I wanted to be Super Mario. It's the most literal pipe dream I've ever had.
and that you were exploiting their generosity
you saying it’s a nice gesture afterward comes off as making it seem that you were advertising the club for what it should be. this was not your original purpose.
When I was a kid, I didn't want to be a doctor or a fireman. I wanted to be Super Mario. It's the most literal pipe dream I've ever had.
i'm skeptical that kids are going without
in which case he’s still spending $45 bucks.
Original visitors' friend in the Lancaster County area!
Is it ethically wrong? Probably. Did it prevent any kids from going to the game? Maybe, though unlikely
Did the Sox lose money? No, but only assuming that he and his friends weren’t going to go unless they had free tickets. Did they make money? Maybe.
Regardless… as larry said, his hypocrisy is epic
Take your whosh like a man, dammit. - RWShow
White Sox Baseball:
We’re so expensive, we force Christians to steal. - blackoutsox
by Shoeless In SC on Feb 8, 2011 10:45 AM CST up reply actions
Probably?
Check your own value system their, chief.
"One thought driven home is better than three left on base."
Hey you kids! Do I have to turn this car around?
"juicy delicious meats in my mouth-hole"- HSA
by DrEmilioLizardo on Feb 7, 2011 9:49 PM CST up reply actions
On the 35th Day, Kenny descended from Heaven and said,
“I can’t spend my dollar cause Oz took my 50 cents.”
Your 2011 Chicago White Sox: Donkey Kong!!!
by 2ndHalfAdjustments on Feb 8, 2011 9:05 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
White Sox Baseball
We’re so expensive, we force Christians to steal.
I hope Kotsay gets hit by a dump truck and slips into a coma where he is stuck forever in Baseball purgatory having to bat against a three-headed, six-armed Lefty Hydra consisting of Billy Wagner, Damaso Marte, and Randy Johnson. - Shoeless In SC
by blackoutsox on Feb 7, 2011 10:29 PM CST reply actions 15 recs
Much better than what I stopped myself from.
busy weaving laurel wreath for k dawg and JR. These guys are straight up gangsta this year. -LT_sox_fan on Dec 15, 2010
by South Side Expat on Feb 7, 2011 11:28 PM CST up reply actions
truly blackoutsox' best work
well done youngster
When I was a kid, I didn't want to be a doctor or a fireman. I wanted to be Super Mario. It's the most literal pipe dream I've ever had.
I just gave you lucky #13. May it bring us many more like this.
Take your whosh like a man, dammit.
by RWShow on Oct 28, 2010 10:33 PM EDT
by Shoeless In SC on Feb 8, 2011 10:37 AM CST up reply actions
Well Mr. Margalus, I heartily agree.
A damn rough awakening, btw, to find the new (but not so new I see) shift in editorial power. Although based on the quality and quantity of recent posts, I support the new agenda. This is what happens when you get yourself cryofrozen…I don’t recommend it.
by ScottyPods Ver2.0 on Feb 7, 2011 10:59 PM CST reply actions
The Cheat got lazy
larry started a revolution, WTGTD got banned, and Jim Margalus emerged as the victor
I hope Kotsay gets hit by a dump truck and slips into a coma where he is stuck forever in Baseball purgatory having to bat against a three-headed, six-armed Lefty Hydra consisting of Billy Wagner, Damaso Marte, and Randy Johnson. - Shoeless In SC
I think a statue for CP and WTGTD at the methup is appropriate.
I’m on it.
"juicy delicious meats in my mouth-hole"- HSA
by DrEmilioLizardo on Feb 7, 2011 11:21 PM CST up reply actions
Just think of it as Zeus Swallowing Metis.
Athena Springs forth, and brings us all wisdom.
busy weaving laurel wreath for k dawg and JR. These guys are straight up gangsta this year. -LT_sox_fan on Dec 15, 2010
by South Side Expat on Feb 7, 2011 11:31 PM CST up reply actions
She's just a site.
She’s a bomb.
THIS NEW ARRANGEMENT SHOULD BE POOTY GOO
by Jim Margalus on Feb 7, 2011 11:32 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Nice.
busy weaving laurel wreath for k dawg and JR. These guys are straight up gangsta this year. -LT_sox_fan on Dec 15, 2010
by South Side Expat on Feb 7, 2011 11:35 PM CST up reply actions
I go to about 30 games a year
and have been doing so for about 28 years now. They just got me for about 410 bucks or so today for an opening day ticket (premium upper box), 3 tickets to the tuesday sox vs. cubs game (upper box) and 3 tickets to the frank thomas statue day (bleachers). This on top of my 27 game pass that i already bought.
I personally like the upper deck a hell of a lot better than the outfield- though they got me to buy the bleachers because that is frank thomas statue day and if you buy an upper deck seat you can’t get downstairs to see anything- which is gay.
I love getting to and from The Cell and wouldn’t trade it for bars outside of the park. There is plenty of parking (none of which i pay for because I have a longtime friend that lives in the neighborhood and hooks me up with a visitors pass every year) and highways right outside of the park. If I want to party after the game I can drive to the Southside bars on Western or Bourbon street or something. Of course, I’m not much of a drinker at baseball games.
I also remember the times when they had half price mondays and then tuesday- thursday you could get in for 5 bucks if you brought a pepsi can. Nobody came then either. Their best option is to put a winner on the field- then the fans will come no matter what the price, unfortunately.
Kenwo4life=ratings
Dude you must be doing some illicit shit to get enough scratch to go to that many games
Two rights make one wrong
extorting stolen ipods from delinquents, reselling on craigslist.
"juicy delicious meats in my mouth-hole"- HSA
by DrEmilioLizardo on Feb 7, 2011 11:15 PM CST up reply actions
well i rarely sit anywhere but the upper deck so that keeps costs down a little bit.
and it is my number one form of entertainment. I don’t buy a lot of things for myself other than Sox related stuff. I also have a wife that understands my passion. though i have to say with 2 kids it is getting tougher to afford shit. Like I said, I don’t drink when I go and I don’t pay for parking either, so that saves a lot of money too.
Kenwo4life=ratings
People sure come to Half-Price Monday now
I think that’s saying something.
THIS NEW ARRANGEMENT SHOULD BE POOTY GOO
by Jim Margalus on Feb 7, 2011 11:15 PM CST up reply actions
well i suppose the guests they gained were spread out over the 4 days... now that there is only 1 day
they all go on mondays. Coincidentally, monday is pretty much my least favorite day to go.
Kenwo4life=ratings
same here
and that is when the concessions upstairs are especially brutal. Crazy long lines on monday.
I only sat up there for one half price game last year, and the guy across the aisle was what you typically get:
He asked every vendor how much whatever they were selling cost (despite very clear prices on their buttons and boxes, what have you) then grimaced at the thought of it and waved them off.
Would that be jack cheese? ~RWShow
lol. those guys deserve to be punched in the back of the head
Take your whosh like a man, dammit. - RWShow
White Sox Baseball:
We’re so expensive, we force Christians to steal. - blackoutsox
by Shoeless In SC on Feb 8, 2011 10:48 AM CST up reply actions
fans, who needs em unless they aint meatballs,
I wonder if we could have gotten something than Kotsay hell if we put 3k more half-price meatballs in the stand in the upper tank every home date. Buying a beer would be a bonus! (six beers to watch Kotsay hit…..or no beers and watch big Jim…..thinking……)
Half-price Mondays are pretty full, but they attract the kind of people the Sox are trying to price out every other day.
by Ozzie Montana on Feb 7, 2011 11:18 PM CST up reply actions
I think it brings out the worst in the regulars, too.
Half-price ticket – double drinking.
THIS NEW ARRANGEMENT SHOULD BE POOTY GOO
by Jim Margalus on Feb 7, 2011 11:31 PM CST up reply actions
I enjoy double drinking.
My brother and I occasionally go with a shot for every Sox run and get blasted.
Very fun.
Would that be jack cheese? ~RWShow
it's tough trying to choose your fanbase.
Some people get so rich they lose all respect for humanity. That's how rich I want to be.
imo, this part of the quote is priceless
Fortunately over the years we’ve made a little here, we’ve made a little there and we can cover it if we lose. We won’t be able to lose money two years in a row.
by explodingpinwheelsforfunandprofit on Feb 8, 2011 12:07 AM CST reply actions
i may be totally wrong, and i assume someone will correct me..
but it seems like nearly all baseball owners cry poor in an effort to put fannies into seats.
MLB is a paradox.
by explodingpinwheelsforfunandprofit on Feb 8, 2011 12:18 AM CST reply actions
this is my favorite owners plan
step 1: threaten to move the team unless you get a new stadium.
step 2: get the taxpayers to pay for the stadium.
step 3: profit.
"when the seagulls follow the trawler, it's because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea." ~~cantona
Whatever happened to....
I heard some clubs were “experimenting” with variable ticket prices for the meatball sections of some stadiums. How’d that turn out, other than buring the scalps of scalpers?
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- College player makes impossible over the fence catch to save tournament game (Video)
- Security!: Camden Yards guard collides with Royals’ Mike Moustakas
- The Juice: Nelson Cruz matches career high eight RBIs, Pujols stays hot in Seattle
- Benches clear at Fenway as Red Sox-Rays rivalry heats up
- Keeping good company: Albert Pujols becomes fourth-youngest player to hit 450 home runs
