Al Lopez Ghost (old)

After Minnesota won the first two games of this series, why didn't Gardenhire push Lohse back to Friday and use an ineffective prospect for game 3? After all, they had won the series already. Also, why does Gardenhire play his regulars so much? Don't they have some 5 homer, 17 RBI, .224 hitting bench warmer to put in there?

I think we're just better than KC, and we'll take 2 of 3. I hope Manuel gets his ass booed like it was the All Star game. Second place does matter to the players - they get a little more money for a second place finish.

Sure these players don't want a change. They're nice and comfortable with the way things are now. None of us are, but they're just fine with the status quo. That's why they underachieve.

I've gone to about 25 of these things. Never won a thing. Do any of you know anyone who has? Have any of you ever won anything on FAD?

I'm watching the Weather Channel, and they have these poor guys standing on the beach as the hurricane approaches, getting rained on and sand whipped in their faces. That's the job I want Jerry Manuel to have.

I agree with most of what Yansy said on page 2. I would be very surprised if the team payroll is over 60M next year and that means that some big salaries are going to be gone. I love what Everett has done for the Sox since being aquired, but his 9+M can be used to fill other holes. The Sox already have enough power hitting corner outfield/DH/1B types. His D in CF isn't good and for the money he will be looking for it isn't worth resigning him. Give Rowand a good 2 month to see what he can do. I really think his injury this offseason effected him and he looked much better after being called up. I also like his D in CF which is similar to Erstad's IMO. If he struggles and Reed is continuing to hit well in the minors then call him up. I would love to see Colon back next year, but quality starting pitching is hard to find and that means the Sox would have to outbid most of the big boys, which isn't going to happen. The Sox will probably pick up Loiaza's option and might look for another cheap dimond in the rough bottom of the rotation starter, but Colon is as good as gone. I think Rauch deserves a shot at the rotation, as well as Diaz and Pacheco. Cotts needs to spend some time in the minors improving his control before he gets another look. Valentin should be back next year with his option, if for no other reason because he is the best avalaible. Lets be realistic, the Sox aren't going to sign Tejada or the Japanese SS. The Sox aren't going to add a big salary when they are trying to dump payroll. Besides Tejada isn't that much better then Valentin. Check out the numbers. Tejada's best asset is his power at SS, which is something Valentin already provides. Tejada doesn't steal, makes lots of errors, doesn't hit for a great average, and has poor plate disipline, so why should the Sox waste 10-15M on a guy like that when they can get a slightly worse version for around 5M. I am still a little cautious about Japanese hitters adjusting to the majors as well. I think Alomar is past his prime and not worth the money that he is going to get, however, the Sox really don't have a better option with Jimenez and Hummel shipped out this season. So resigning him might be the only option or hoping that Harris can learn to hit or that Miles is more then just a career minor leaguer. Sullivan is a solid reliever, but isn't worth the 3M option he has. My hope is that Gordon might resign for somewhere near that price. I would love to get rid of Konerko and Koch, but as some people have pointed out thats not going to happen, especially without taking on a big salary in return. I think both Lee and Thomas will be back. In all I think the Sox will cut about 15-20M in payroll this offseason with the 2 biggest losing being Everett's 9+M and Colon's 8+M. I also don't think the Sox will be big players on the FA market. The good news is that the Central is a weak division and that the Twins will probably be cutting payroll as well, so the Central will be ready for the taking. Look out for the Tribe in 2005. I think you're mistaken about Marte. He is not an unrestricted free agent - thank God, cause he could make a boatload of money on the open market - because he doesn't have the service time. He's not even arbitration eligible, I don't think. Personally, I'd be fine with Frank leaving. He's the best hitter I've ever seen in a Sox uniform, but he can be pitched to, and in big series, he's just not there.

Actually the Sox players see the bus, they're just not all that fired up about getting on it. And Jerry Manuel is saying we're due for another bus ride any day now, so he's not concerned.

Grounds Crew?

That would be a beautiful thing. Then as Ghandi walks off the crowd starts to sing "NA NA NA NA" Then JR would reveal the new manager....Mick Foley!

Carlos Lee is not going to be a free agent. He is arbitration eligible.

The last 2 games of the Minny series here, and the first two games this week - each of them the most important game of the year, and we tanked.

Got to be the most undeserved sellout in history. The fans will be there, but will the team show up?

I think she meant a hefty pocketbook the owner was willing to open.

I would bet that the players were just as confounded by that Cotts/Buehrle thing as we were. It had to leave them all scratching their heads too. This sort of thing, destroying momentum, it's not lost on the players.

Don't get me wrong, I'm really excited about JR. I just think they'll think he needs more seasoning. You know some of this depends on who's managing the club. For example, if it's Backman, that could help the younger guys' chances.

I find I can usually draw on "Bull Durham" for moments like these. Today, my BD quote would be "Well, f*** this f***ing game."

Well, apparently Graff is unavailable, so we have to start Valentin against a lefty. That's usually pretty ugly. I'd catch Sandy. Otherwise it's the usual bunch of suspects. Garland has been very consistent lately. I think we'll handle Rogers ok. I think we win this one.

I don't think there's any chance that Reed makes the club. Borchard would have to have an outstanding spring. I hope they give the job to Rowand.

Let's sign Gardenhire!

Well, for disappointment, I go back 10 more years to 1984. Coming off a 99 win season, adding Tom f***ing Seaver, and then tanking...That was a b****.

Just follow the loss column. That "extra" game is no advantage.

Kenny Williams' biggest mistakes this year (outside of Koch) were not getting a fifth starter (Kenny Rogers would have been just fine) and not firing Manuel in say, June. By the way, whatever Loiaza had, it's contagious. I was puking just watching him.

Hey I did it, I used a quote! See, every bad day has something good about it! And this was a bad day.

Thank you very much!