Running the White Sox

by The Wizard on Feb 3, 2008 1:15 PM CST in Quotes Comment 114 comments

Here's the one Sox item I found today (thanks to Baseball Musings): Voros McCracken notes base running isn't the problem for the White Sox:

The Chicago Tribune has a story about the White Sox new third base coach, former A’s "slugger" Jeff Cox. The White Sox want to "get back to" doing what they supposedly were doing in 2005. I find it interesting that a team that finished dead last in the Majors in On Base Percentage (despite having a DH with a .400+ OBP as opposed to a pitcher) feels that the problems stem from what happened to guys after they reached base, rather than the more obvious problem of a severe lack of guys on the basepaths to begin with.

There is nothing wrong with good baserunning, proper bunting technique, hitting cutoff men, etc. The thing is there’s a reason why they call them the ‘little things.’ All of it can get canceled out by a three run homer in a hurry. When it comes to ‘doing the little things,’ being able to do the ‘big things’ probably needs to come first.

Then he describes how the White Sox can build a team in which base running does matter (BBTF has 2 threads).

BTW, what's your Superbowl prediction? Mine? New England 42, New York 13.

***** In other news,

Jim looks at the 2008 Sox PECOTA projections and Santana's departure.
The Tigers signed CF Curtis Granderson to a 6-year $30 million deal (6th year club option).

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Prediction

Giants 31 - Patriots 30

No really, Patriots 41 - Giants 17. Over by the end of the 1st quarter.

20 minutes of Giants practice footage taped by the Pats.

If Cox can help Owens and Richar out, that would be great. As long as I don't see AJ or Dye up there trying to bunt.

by RME JICO on Feb 3, 2008 2:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Giants 24 Patriots 35

Giants do just enough to beat the spread.

That's a piece of crap. We stopped selling that six months ago. Nice gesture, though. - Beanie

by rhythm on Feb 3, 2008 2:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I have a cup of coffee riding on this game.

Pats - 27
Giants - 24

Literally pulled those number out of my ass just now. I really just hope it's a close game.

Out-underacheiving the other guy.

by defensive indifference on Feb 3, 2008 3:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I used the same method to arrive at my numbers

that's how I got my masterful prediction!

by The Wizard on Feb 3, 2008 9:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm in a rough decision

I've rooted for the opposing team in nearly every Patriots game, I really am sick of New England. Still, I am a Packer fan (i even was at the seahawks playoff game), and that Giants game stings. I also really hate Eli Manning. I also will win some money if NE wins, so I think I'll root for them. Truth is, I am really not looking forward to it.

It's like The Empire vs Jar Jar Binks, the Empire is really bad...but I can't live with a Jar Jar victory.

MrROFL.com

by shaftr on Feb 3, 2008 5:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Well put!

although I can't stand the packers

That's a piece of crap. We stopped selling that six months ago. Nice gesture, though. - Beanie

by rhythm on Feb 3, 2008 7:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

unfortunately...

we really had to experience an Empire vs. Jar-Jar Binks battle once before in the Phantom Menace... What an awful movie. By far my least favorite in the series. Jar-Jar and young Anakin totally ruined what I thought to be a grown up story.

"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 Feb 4, 2008 2:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My prediciton

Drumrollllllllllllll....NE 7-3 after 3 quarters.

"Swisher's versatility allows us to give Owens a chance to come back and show he's ready to be that sparkplug like Podsednik was a couple of years ago." - KW

by ChicagoPete on Feb 3, 2008 8:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Who took the under?

Or even better -- who took the Giants without taking the points?

by CWSKeith on Feb 3, 2008 9:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I nailed it!

by The Wizard on Feb 3, 2008 9:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I took points

I came out about 20 bucks down at the end of the day...

I had it being a close game, with Eli Manning throwing a late pick to ice the game for the Pats. In fact, I was golden until he threw the late touchdown since I had money on him throwing a 4th quarter interception.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Feb 3, 2008 9:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He tried is ass off to throw it too

His little smile pissed me off.

by colintj on Feb 3, 2008 9:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the 4th quarter pick, I mean

His little smile pissed me off.

by colintj on Feb 3, 2008 9:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

17-14 Giants

I'm like an oracle.

Why don't you crack an egg of knowledge all over me, buddy.

by MarketMaker on Feb 3, 2008 9:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

eli is god

almost better than rex grossman

by Jbasic89 on Feb 3, 2008 9:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Not quite as good

at failing.

How do you fuck a nut?!

by omnipotent grab on Feb 3, 2008 10:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

thought they could cover

because 12 points is a lot of wood, but never did i think the giants would actually win. wow....great game though.

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 4, 2008 8:17 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I feel better now that

some of you are predicting a down year for the Sox in 2008.

by palehose67 on Feb 4, 2008 8:29 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

ha!

too funny. very good point.

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 4, 2008 8:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

From Gonzales in the Trib.

Potentially, he's special

If healthy, Quentin could be impact player for Sox

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cs-080203-chicago-white-sox-quentin,1,669535.story

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Feb 4, 2008 11:18 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Last winter's Erstad suck-off pieces

were so much better than this Quentin suck-off piece. For shame, Gonzo!

by CWSKeith on Feb 4, 2008 11:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Tigers lock up Curtis Granderson...

"Tigers lock up outfielder Granderson with multiyear deal"

by SSH2005 on Feb 4, 2008 11:38 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

am i the only one

... think thinks Granderson just had his career year last year?

by ruffster on Feb 4, 2008 12:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

nope

by larry on Feb 4, 2008 1:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

wow...

6 years - $30 million is cheap as hell! daaaaaaamn. I mean the kid is going to be 34 when this contract expires, so the Tigers will have him locked up for $5 million a season during what will be his prime years. That's outstanding for them.

"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 Feb 4, 2008 2:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

32, I think.

DOB: March 16, 1981

Expires in October, 2013

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Feb 4, 2008 2:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

hm. even better.

still can't add or subtract.

"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 Feb 4, 2008 3:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Minor nuisance.

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Feb 4, 2008 3:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Even if...

that's the case, that's still a pretty good deal for Granderson, unless he turns into Corey Patterson.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Feb 4, 2008 1:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Regardless,

I'd be happy to take the rest of his career.

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Feb 4, 2008 1:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

no

but he's still an all star caliber CF with or without that ridiculous triple total.

His little smile pissed me off.

by colintj on Feb 4, 2008 5:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

good for him

He seems like genuine. My half-brother coached him in Little League, said he was a really nice kid.

MrROFL.com

by shaftr on Feb 4, 2008 4:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Everything I've ever read about

him and his family makes me think that this is one of those (rare) cases where you simply say, "Good for him."

by palehose67 on Feb 4, 2008 5:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Juan Gone to the Cardinals?

Newsday believes free agent Juan Gonzalez is set to sign a minor league deal with the Cardinals.
It was reported last month that this might happen, but there's been no followup the last couple of weeks. Gonzalez, 38, last played in the majors in 2005.

Source: Newsday

by SSH2005 on Feb 4, 2008 11:43 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Santana deal

Looks like some of our thoughts were not so far afield from the "truth":

"DON'T PRINT THAT

People who know say the Twins' only window for acquiring starting pitcher Phil Hughes from the New York Yankees in a trade for Johan Santana lasted less than two days, and that was in December.

Then, in a surprising turnabout that broke a 30-year philosophy of extravagant - and stupid - spending, the Yankees changed their minds and decided that committing Santana, 29, to a seven-year contract was too huge a gamble to take. Plus, the Yankees, in the midst of ownership transition, decided they wouldn't part with prospects the way they once did.

The Yankees, for once, might look good on this one. It's clear that in the latter years of Santana's new deal with the Mets, what has virtually become a priceless left arm won't be the same as it is now. And that's assuming that arm remains healthy. People get old, and arms get old.

It's unlikely the Mets will be able to get disability insurance on Santana's deal beyond the first four years. It's simply too big a risk.

As for the Boston Red Sox, they wouldn't offer pticher Jon Lester and outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury together in a package for Santana. And after initial talks, Boston remained relatively passive throughout the Santana sweepstakes.

There are baseball people who think outfielder Carlos Gomez, whom the Twins got for Santana and who might be baseball's fastest player on the basepaths (sub-4 seconds to first base), might have more upside than Ellsbury. That, of course, is to be determined.

The Santana-Mets deal was not a deal made solely by Twins general manager Bill Smith. It was made by Smith, the Pohlad family ownership, top Twins scouts and assorted top front-office officials. The Twins were convinced, under the circumstances, that it was the best they could do."

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 4, 2008 2:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

hey old man...

where's the source?

"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 Feb 4, 2008 2:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Strib (Minny Star-Tribune) - off the Fox

sports site.

Junior.

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 4, 2008 3:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow. All you haters lost :)

Just sayin'. I live in SC and there are no viable football teams near me except the Panthers which I am something of a casual fan of; I pull for them when they are on unless they are playing the Giants, but I admit I can't name more than 6 people on that team... I am a Giants fan and have been one for 6 years when my NYC born-and-raised step-father married my mom. He's as hardcore Giants fan as I can imagine. He went to two games this year, 3 last year, and several the year before. Now, flying up to NYC and staying overnight to see the Giants play isn't cheap, even on his income. Because of my strained relationship with my dad, Jim has been my real father for the past 6 years and I've been groomed into a Giants fan (He can't and won't make me a Yankees fan no matter how hard he tries).

Watching Eli play in the SEC for four years I wasn't surprised how he has played in this year's playoffs. He loosened up a lot, and starting playing like the young 20-year old I saw at Ole Miss and predicted would be a Heisman winner before his senior year started. My friends called me nuts but I still placed $20 on him being a Heisman winner, and it ended up not being a bad bet. He was in the discussion until the very end.

Anyway, I've always been an Eli supporter. He's judged too harshly by the media and is unfairly compared to his brother Peyton. Peyton is ridiculously good. One of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game. Eli has a long way to go to be him, but he's still capable of winning championships.

I can't wait for my Superbowl hat and shirt to come in. Kinda makes the NFC championship stuff I bought pale in comparison, but oh well. It's just money.

"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 Feb 4, 2008 2:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

bandwagon jumper!

kidding.

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 4, 2008 2:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kinda lucky, I guess

that I've experienced a White Sox world championship and now a Giants championship.

Nothing, nothing will compare to a Gamecock football championship, however... That is about as likely to happen as the White Sox winning it all in 2008.

If the Gamecocks win a football title I dunno what I'll do. I'll be happy for the rest of my life. I could die happy. I really could. A basketball championship? Yeah, that'd be great. So would a College World Series victory. But nothing would compare to a football title.

That's something I will probably have to wait my entire life for, unfortunately.

"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 Feb 4, 2008 2:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Just for the record...

I wanted the Giants to win, but thought that'd lose a heart-breaker (which almost happened). If anything, I was (and still am) hating on the Patriots.

I'll also come out and say that I think the Giants won despite Eli Manning and that the Giant's Defensive Unit actually deserved the MVP. If you don't want to give the award to their whole defensive unit, then their middle linebacker Pierce, any of the D-lineman, or even Tyree were better choices than Manning, IMHO.

I will say that I'm in line with the TMQ from crappy ESPN.com in believing that the quarter back and running back positions are over represented in terms of season and post-season awards, so I have a bit of a bias with respect to the Superbowl MVP already. Truly outstanding performances from other positions are frequently over looked in a rush to hand an award to the a quarter back or running back.

22 years ago a very deserving defensive end received his due and it would be exciting to see that happen more often.

That's a piece of crap. We stopped selling that six months ago. Nice gesture, though. - Beanie

by rhythm on Feb 4, 2008 5:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Won despite Manning?

He led a game-winning touchdown drive, and his only turnover was a ball that should've been caught. What more is a quarterback supposed to do?

Not that I disagree with you about the defense deserving it (Tuck, maybe?), but Manning outplayed his counterpart handily, and you're dismissing his contributions a little too strongly.

Sox Machine

by Sox Machine on Feb 4, 2008 5:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah!

Don't get Jim's dander up! Dammit, anyway!

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 4, 2008 6:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe I was being a bit harsh...

but, to me, Eli looks a lot like sexy Rexy in that he keeps you on the edge of your seat. The exception being that Eli has now won a superbowl.

I'll give you that he did what he needed to do and won the game. He also screwed up a number of plays, such as that floater to Burress on the last drive and the near interception to Samuel as obvious examples.

If I'm going to choose someone to be the MVP of a game, I'm going to go with someone that was consistently playing at a very high level throughout the game and that the team couldn't have won without. You know, like the Giant's defense.

It's just my opinion, so take it for what it's worth (ie nothing). If you disagree with it, that's fine.

That's a piece of crap. We stopped selling that six months ago. Nice gesture, though. - Beanie

by rhythm on Feb 4, 2008 7:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The "floater" looked ot have been thrown

to a spot that assumed Plax kept running toward the end zone, not cut toward the sideline. It was a busted play. Rex, in his first Super Bowl, looked absolutely hideous. And the last 4 games of the younger Manning (4-0) he looked as Rex only hopes to look - mature, collected, in charge of his huddle.

Are you saying Rex = Eli? If you were the Giants' GM would you do that trade?

I didn't think so. You are usually right as rain, rhythm - are you imbibing tonight? ;)

And remember when Dent was MVP in '86? Blech! It felt anti-climactic. Tough to ever give it to a defensive guy.

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 4, 2008 7:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

to

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 4, 2008 7:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Rex and Eli

are not playing the same game. No where near.

The pass to Tyree has to be one of my favorite NFL plays of all time... regular season included. Simply amazing at not only the skill and luck (yeah I admit there may have been some chance there) but also when you take into account what was on the line.

It truly seemed to me that the Giants wanted it a bit more. At least the defensive lineman did. My buddy said he had never seen a game where the defensive line owned another team's offensive line so much over the course of an entire game. These were three pro bowl lineman! I bet Brady was hurting this morning.

The future certainly looks bright for the Giants. WR3, Steve Smith, is going to be a star in this league I believe, Jacobs and Bradshaw are both young, and the defensive line looks just outstanding, even with the departure of Strahan. Tuck isn't even a starter, and Kiwanuka is playing LB, not his natural position. Another CB and a LB in the draft, and the Giants are set until they retool their offensive line which is also a great group. Makes me happy to be a Giants fan.

"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 Feb 4, 2008 8:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That entire play with Tyree's catch was awesome

Not sure if I would say that I could tell that the Giant's wanted it more because it's hard for me to tell that from a television screen. It seems to me that the Pats just expected to win and had an aura of arrogance. The Giants just saw through that crap and did what they had to do to win.

If one play were different (perhaps the tyree catch?), the story would be different and no one would be saying that the Giants wanted it more. Now if you want to say that Tyree wanted that ball more than Harrison, I would agree with you. At any rate, I think I'm splitting hairs here and apologize for that.

BTW, to split more hairs ;) , my entire argument for someone other than Eli getting the MVP can be summed up with what your buddy said. My argument wasn't that Eli = Rex, or that Eli sucks, just that other people seemed to be more deserving of the MVP because of how I think an MVP should be awarded.

I would argue that by giving the MVP to Eli, it makes everyone feel good because his brother got it last year and makes such a great story - blah blah blah. I don't buy into that crap. If others do, more power to them. I think you look at what was the most important factor in the win (IMO the defense holding the pats offense) and choose the person or people that made that happen (numerous choices possible).

I agree that the future looks bright for the Giants. I'm certainly not a fan of their team, but it was fun to watch them play a solid and exciting game. Things can change in a hurry, obviously, with injuries, etc, so enjoy their window while it lasts!

That's a piece of crap. We stopped selling that six months ago. Nice gesture, though. - Beanie

by rhythm on Feb 5, 2008 1:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wasn't imbibing

My (overly) critical analysis of the floater to Burress was that it shouldn't have been a floater, but rather a more direct pass. My reasoning is that a floater is more likely to get you picked off. I don't recall any defenders being in his face. I would chalk that up to inexperience / not on the same page with his reliever. If the next pass hadn't been caught for a first down, Eli would have been ripped to shreds for that pass.

I agree that Eli stepped up his game in the playoffs and looked a hell of a lot better than Rex did in last year's superbowl. I think he's improving, but that he's ceiling is an above average quarterback, not the superstar that Peyton is and that everyone wants to make him to be because he's Peyton's brother. I would say a Jeff Garcia in his 49ers prime above average quarterback is where Eli's ceiling is, noting that their games are very different, but that their results will be similar.

I didn't intend to say that Eli=Rex. I was trying to point to the fact that they both keep you on the edge of your seat and play a winning ugly style, if you will.

I think that people are blowing smoke up peoples' behinds when stating such things as "it's games like this where legends are created" when referring to Eli's performance in Sunday's superbowl. Eli did a fine job against a very good defense. He made some mistakes and kept you on the edge of your seat. I don't think he should have been the MVP of the superbowl.

That's a piece of crap. We stopped selling that six months ago. Nice gesture, though. - Beanie

by rhythm on Feb 5, 2008 1:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey, Favre keeps ya on the edge too

And Eli is no Brett Favre, and is no Rex either. Rex is a bad quarterback. Eli is above average and he looked great in the playoffs. As for the MVP... I couldn't care less about that stuff.

People are way too critical of Eli. I don't know why they do... but it was good to hear him sound back on his critics. When people criticize him I can only point to my Super Bowl hat and shirt and smile.

What the game should tell us is that in the end, records and stats don't mean anything if you don't win the last game.

"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 Feb 5, 2008 5:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed, drama is spelled Favre

Both you and WU have brought up good points regarding Eli. He did have a great run in the playoffs (and back a few games into the regular season as well) and I'm sincerely happy for you to enjoy your team winning a championship.

I think we've officially beaten this horse to death.

That's a piece of crap. We stopped selling that six months ago. Nice gesture, though. - Beanie

by rhythm on Feb 5, 2008 7:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.

I guess sometimes I like to have the last word on certain topics. I got a little bit of Larry in me :)

"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 Feb 5, 2008 8:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Front or back?

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 5, 2008 8:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL!

That's a piece of crap. We stopped selling that six months ago. Nice gesture, though. - Beanie

by rhythm on Feb 6, 2008 10:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Damn!

$10 per mention! (pdf) (html)

by The Wizard on Feb 4, 2008 6:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Anyone watch Marquette/Louisville?

My ugly mug was featured prominently -- PROMINENTLY! -- for a couple of seconds. ESPN really should've found someone prettier and more energetic than me.

As far as the game... let's not talk about that. Looks like it's gonna be another first-or-second round tournament exit for Marquette in March. Sigh...

by CWSKeith on Feb 4, 2008 8:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

i know you guys won head to head

...but Wi is ranked #8.

MrROFL.com

by shaftr on Feb 4, 2008 9:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Good for them

That looks like it'll be Marquette's 'signature' win on their tournament resume, so the better Wisconsin does in Big 10 play, the better that win looks.

Not that Marquette would beat Wisconsin if they played that game tomorrow night -- I doubt Marquette would come within 15. We're just nothing special... if MU gets the right matchup in the tournament, they'll (perhaps) win a game but even a Sweet 16 appearance looks like a hope and a prayer at this point.

Then again -- on the positive side -- if they're getting their terrible basketball out of the way now, maybe that's a good thing. I just fear they aren't a whole lot better than their slightly-better-than-the-middle-of-the-pack, Big East record indicates.

by CWSKeith on Feb 4, 2008 9:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Scott Merkin -- stoking the flames of homerism...

"Mailbag: Masset, a bullpen asset?"

The title alone was enough to make me laugh. But then I read this great nugget:

They also instantly improved by four or five games with Santana moving to the National League, leading to Williams' entertaining quote of "Good riddance."

So we improve by 4 or 5 games with Santana out of the A.L.? Hmmm, let's take a look...

Johan Santana (Record vs. White Sox)
2002: 0-1
2003: 1-0
2004: 2-2
2005: 4-0
2006: 3-1
2007: 3-1

So even in his best season against us, Santana still only cost us 4 losses. Now, is Merkin also assuming automatic wins over whichever pitcher the Twins will throw against us instead of Santana? How does this guy have a job? I can publish crap too, MLB.com. Will you hire me?

by SSH2005 on Feb 4, 2008 9:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Retarded.

I see the Sox picking up maybe two games. Three if we're lucky. That's nothing to sneeze out, don't get me wrong, but not the 4,5 he's talking about.

"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 Feb 4, 2008 10:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed, I would say 2... possibly 3.

They are still The Piranha's, with or without Santana. Afterall, they still have that All-Star Nick Punto. We should probably just IBB him next time we face him.

by SSH2005 on Feb 4, 2008 10:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe it's like Phil Rogers +/- system

White Sox keep all their starters, thats a status quo.

Twins lose one pitcher, so that's a minus 1. Multiply that by the amount of starts the pitcher would have had against the White Sox (4 or 5) to easily and accurately calculate win differential.

by 3E8 on Feb 4, 2008 10:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe the biggest gain

Is Clev wont see him. They beat his ass last year.

"There is not a liberal America and a conservative America. There is the United States of America."

by Tdogg on Feb 5, 2008 7:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

you may wish to consider

that a better measure is not johan's record v. the sox but the twins record v. the sox when johan starts. for example, in 2005, the twins won all five games they played against the sox when johan started. in the game he didn't get a decision, IIRC, each of BMac and santan went 8 and gave up one run. the twins won in extras.

by larry on Feb 5, 2008 10:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Brian Roberts and George Sherrill to the Cubs?

Link:

According to ESPN the Bedard deal is finally near completion. Adam Jones and the rest of the players in the deal are now getting physicals. Once completed the deal will likely be announced this afternoon or tomorrow morning. League Officials now expect the deal that would send Roberts to the Cubs to be finalized and completed by the weekend. They now expect that George Sherrill to be part of the deal. The O's have no use for a 31 year old reliever in there pen and want to get younger. Sherrill will ensure that the O's will get at least two pitchers in the deal from the Cubs. They have stated that the Cubs are in desperate need for another lefty in the pen and the deal would include two of Gallagher, Marquis, and Marshall. Officials say that the deal will include at least 4 to 6 players going to the O's for Roberts and Sherrill.

I actually buy this rumor. If the Orioles are rebuilding now, what good would a 31 year old reliever be to them?

by SSH2005 on Feb 4, 2008 11:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It may be true...

but I refuse to acknowledge the validity of any source that can't even use the correct spelling of the word "their" in their blog.

"The O's have no use for a 31 year old reliever in there pen and want to get younger."

I'll hang up and listen to your answer.

by Hazymania on Feb 4, 2008 11:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not to mention

that they're talking about Marquis as if he is an actual assest.

by bhoov on Feb 5, 2008 10:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

my search for White Sox baseball continues

so I live in Madison, WI and I have Dish Network, so I'm trying to figure out what I want to watch the games on. Last year I had MLB.tv, but I'd prefer to not go that route this year. I use the gamethreads and I hate being behind. I believe MLB Extra Innings is locked up with DirectTV (can anyone confirm?), so I was going to upgrade to 100 Plus with Dish Network. I just did an address check and it says the following:
-----
Regional Sports Network with America's Top 100 Plus and higher

Station
Fox Sports North
Comcast Chicago
------

So does this mean I'll be able to watch White Sox games, or will I just get the programming and the games will be blacked out?

MrROFL.com

by shaftr on Feb 5, 2008 8:21 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

You'll probably...

just get the programming and the games will be blacked out.

Extra Innings is not exclusive to DirecTV (they talked about that last year, but at the last minute they changed their minds). I'm not sure if Dish Network has it or not.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Feb 5, 2008 10:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the site says no

but that page hasn't been updated since spring 07.

MrROFL.com

by shaftr on Feb 5, 2008 10:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

In the same boat here

I live in Madison. I've got Directv, but if Dish had a package with Comcast chicago, I'd switch. But I'm sure there's no way to get the channel, or the games are blacked out.

Is there a geography rule on that? Kenosha cable carries comcast, but the next town up the lake (Racine) is Milwaukee territory and has FSN North.

Mosi Tatupu! Mosi Tatupu!

by Nordhagen on Feb 5, 2008 10:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

MLB teams have "Territories"

i'd guess the border for chicago teams and milwaukee is racine. i know there is overlap of territories in the southeast corner of wisconsin, so that's why kenosha is included.

by larry on Feb 5, 2008 10:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I love Madison.

I still have fond memories of watching games in the bars just off of State Street (Red Shed?) and seeing a young Sox player who seemed to have legs the size of tree trunks. His name was Frank something....

by palehose67 on Feb 5, 2008 11:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i should be more specific

and state that I'm actually in Middleton. Still, it is saying Comcast Chicago and Fox Sports North for me. I'll see what happens on opening day.

MrROFL.com

by shaftr on Feb 5, 2008 12:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

its been a slow

few days for sox news.... especially when we have to start talking about how stupid some of scott merkin's comments are.

12/12/07- We'll miss you Andy Gonzalez

by The Deacon on Feb 5, 2008 9:50 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

It's likely...

that it'll be slow all the way up to Spring Training.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Feb 5, 2008 10:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

lets hope not..

I'd like to see one more move this off season to at least try to acquire some role players for Crede/Anderson. If we could land a legit ML CFer then we might have a better chance to move konerko. when does that NTC go into effect? Before ST?

by oldComiskey91 on Feb 5, 2008 11:27 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Konerko...

becomes a 5-and-10 guy some time in May. I'm not sure of the exact date.

Anderson and Crede will be moved during Spring Training, when each proves that they're healthy enough to play. Neither one has seen live pitching in a long time.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Feb 5, 2008 11:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

grinders don't cry

"One thing about this guy, he was pitching so badly [in 2007] that he was crying in my office," said Guillen of Contreras, turning to Williams to ask if he was present at the time of this particular conversation from last season.

http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080204&content_id=2363740&vkey=spt200 8news&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws

also, the sox seem to have been spending a lot of time with joe morgan this winter judging by the "consistency" of their quotes in the article.

and merkin's ST preview:

http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080204&content_id=2363837&vkey=spt200 8news&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws

by larry on Feb 5, 2008 1:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Awww

"My kid was there," added Guillen, pointing to his son, Ozzie Jr., who was sitting off to the side with the media at the time. "Jose is such a proud man, and he was embarrassed."

I'm sure Jose is eternally grateful that Ozzie has now shared that story with the rest of the English-speaking world (soon to be translated - what is Spanish for "puss"?). Pride goeth before the fall..

Jeff Cox: I'm going to call you "FN".

by winningugly on Feb 5, 2008 1:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I cry

every time I think about Jose being paid $9,000,000 last year. That's $47,619 per inning pitched...to go along with the 10-17 record.

"Each one of my (off-season acquisition)targets has that edge to them, that go-getter attitude. We need it. We will embrace it." - Kenny Williams (11/28/07)

by tailgater on Feb 5, 2008 1:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

you should cry

because miriam got $23,809.50 for every inning she didn't pitch and was partially responsible for jose sucking in.

by larry on Feb 5, 2008 1:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

One of your best, Larry.

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Feb 5, 2008 1:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Anyone got

Miriam's phone number?

"Each one of my (off-season acquisition)targets has that edge to them, that go-getter attitude. We need it. We will embrace it." - Kenny Williams (11/28/07)

by tailgater on Feb 5, 2008 2:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

there are things i'll do for money

miriam isn't one of them.

by larry on Feb 5, 2008 2:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

merkin's projected lineup

1. CF Jerry Owens
2. SS Orlando Cabrera
3. DH Jim Thome
4. 1B Paul Konerko
5. RF Jermaine Dye
6. LF Nick Swisher
7. C A.J. Pierzynski
8. 3B Josh Fields
9. 2B Danny Richar

Quentin is serving tacos in Santo Domingo...

by The Wizard on Feb 5, 2008 2:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Just awful...

Merkin sucks and Ozzie will suck even more if this is our lineup.

by SSH2005 on Feb 5, 2008 2:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It might suck,

but it's probably right. I just get the feeling that Quentin won't be ready to go at the start of the year. I sure hope I'm wrong.

by palehose67 on Feb 5, 2008 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I like the Quentin trade...

but there are reasons to be concerned about him. I don't think he's a sure thing in any sense of the term.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Feb 5, 2008 2:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Other than the surgery?

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Feb 5, 2008 2:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

From what I understand...

Quentin was completely lost at the plate in the majors last year, swinging at everything that was anywhere near the plate. The patience he'd shown in earlier seasons was gone.

Now, there was speculation that the injury screwed him up mentally as well as physically, so he could get straight when he's swinging pain-free, but there's no guarantee.

The talent is clearly there, though.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Feb 5, 2008 2:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Foxhole. The guy you want.

Didn't you hear?

by palehose67 on Feb 5, 2008 2:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't get it.

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Feb 5, 2008 3:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah. The college coach.

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Feb 5, 2008 3:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yep, that's the reference.

The entire quote: "The way I describe him is that if I went to war and want one guy in that foxhole, he's the guy. He's a teammate's teammate. He's got an air of toughness, but his core is quality."

by palehose67 on Feb 5, 2008 4:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm going to have to......

take all that with a grain of salt. I'm not going to let another fan base color my perception of a player (Yeah, I read all their comments, too).

I'll reserve my judgement after I've watched him play pain-free and healthy.

by Porcho on Feb 5, 2008 11:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He hasn't had major league success

Like Owens.

It's hard to know if the injury is to blame. By all accounts he took a swing at any slider thrown anywhere when he last played in the bigs. Plate discipline could suffer from the injury (if he felt the need to cheat and commit early), but it could also be that he's not that good. A lot of his numbers in the minors were league and park-aided. It's hard to know how good he is. But I applaud KW for trying to bring in a high-OBP player.

by hitlesswonder on Feb 5, 2008 2:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd guess

That is the most likely lineup. I really see Quentin in AAA until/if Owens falls apart.

I also wouldn't be shocked for Ozuna to start in LF against LHP with Swisher in CF.

by hitlesswonder on Feb 5, 2008 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I can come up with about half a dozen

better lineups than that with our current roster.

Ozzie should let me do the lineups, and he can handle the bullpen. I'd do it for free!

"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 Feb 5, 2008 6:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

pods signed the minor-league deal with colorado

url

by The Wizard on Feb 5, 2008 1:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Man, the PECOTA for Felix Pie.

.291/.344/.479 OPS .824

Anyone want the OVER???

"All this has done is put the Tigers in a better position to contend with us."

by ballyb on Feb 5, 2008 2:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

He struggled last year...

but he's put up great numbers in the minors. That's an optimistic projection, but not an outrageous one.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Feb 5, 2008 2:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Way too optimistic...

Chris Young, who was more highly touted than Pie, only put up a .762 OPS in his first full season.

by SSH2005 on Feb 5, 2008 2:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And there are ways...

that you can see Chris Young's 2007 season as a disappointment. A .295 OBP? Yikes.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Feb 5, 2008 2:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

a .257 BABIP couldn't have had anything to do

with that, could it?

by larry on Feb 5, 2008 3:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Larry,

I noticed you're a big Babip guy. And I know the theory behind it. One wonders, though, if it is truly 100% random, however. Maybe Young hit a lot of weak pop-ups and grounders. What was his line drive %? Maybe that tells us more? In general, I think it is a very valuable stat, yet I do have some reservations.

by dantesox on Feb 5, 2008 4:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i don't think it's 100% random

but i'm fairly certain a .257 BABIP is outside the norm for a player like he is. i think BABIP's that are outside the .290-.310 range, roughly speaking, for a full season are attributable to bad luck (or whatever your designation is).

2/6/1958: flowers of manchester

by larry on Feb 5, 2008 4:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

to clarify that

there are players who will routinely be above (sometimes well above) and below that range. but i don't know many who are routinely below about .275. with young's speed and and general approach to hitting, he most definitely should not be among those.

2/6/1958: flowers of manchester

by larry on Feb 5, 2008 4:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

see mistake. hit ball far. see good pitch. whiff.

"Politicians are like diapers. They both need changing regularly and for the same reason."

by Toonderstrook on Feb 5, 2008 5:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

wonderful poetry.

"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 Feb 5, 2008 6:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Crede

has a particularly pesky and terrible career BABIP

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Feb 5, 2008 6:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

without thinking about it much

he seems to have a propensity for pop-ups.

2/6/1958: flowers of manchester

by larry on Feb 5, 2008 7:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Indeedy...

Crede doesn't walk or strike out too much but he loves swatting lazy pop flies to the first baseman.

by SSH2005 on Feb 5, 2008 8:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

His BABIP mirrors his LD% almost exactly

His short time in '02 was the only season his LD% was above average, and correspondingly his BABIP was also above average. Since then, both the LD% and BABIP are on clear downward trends.

by 3E8 on Feb 5, 2008 8:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs