RudyLawRules

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sp...tesox-headlines

Sure, heading into '07 Sabathia is better than Buehrle...until C.C. hits the K.F.C. and goes on the DL with a bum hammy or pulled muscle.

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/hunting...?page=h_ath_dye Safe bet Dye won't trade hunting passion He took up the sport late, but has become very good, very quickly By Brett Pauly ESPN Outdoors senior editor Jermaine Dye was dealt from K.C. to Oakland this season, but you can bet he won't be trading in his love of hunting.If you asked Jermaine Dye a decade ago if he would eventually become a hunter, he would have told you not in a million years. But things change, as the longtime Kansas City Royal right fielder found out this season when he was traded to the Oakland A's. One thing is certain: Dye, who grew up in California fishing around the San Francisco Bay Area with his father, will continue to hunt, having picked up the sport late. And the deer in the Sierra best beware: Once Dye began getting animals in his sights, he became very good — or very lucky. He dropped a nine-point whitetail with his first in-field shot from a rifle and took down an eight-pointer on his third shot from a bow. Oh, and one more thing: Dye and the A's are in the playoffs, while the Royals had to settle for going home early this year. Unfortunately for Dye, he won't be contributing anything in the outfield or at the plate; he broke his left leg on Sunday when he fouled a ball just below the knee. ESPN Outdoors recently interviewed Dye for an "Athletes in the Outdoors" profile: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ESPN Outdoors: "It sounds like you are a great example of somebody who came into the sport of hunting much later than most?" Jermaine Dye: "Exactly. When you find spare time in the offseason, as you play sports, you meet more people. They put you on to it to come try it. And if you like it, you like it." EO: "Ten years ago, did you ever imagine yourself being a guy who would hunt deer?" JD: "Not at all, never. Coming from California (Dye, 27, was born in Vacaville), I would never envision myself doing this. If I had probably been playing for another team in another city that wasn't really known for populations of deer and ducks, I probably wouldn't be doing it. But, you try something and you like it, you never know." EO: "You know Shane Halter (shortstop with the Detroit Tigers), and you guys have a hunting relationship, is that right?" “ I like a challenge, and it's more of a sport getting up there in a tree stand and bowhunting. ” — Jermaine Dye JD: "Yeah. In the offseason I kind of got hooked up with him when he used to play for the Royals. He introduced me to a couple of his hunting friends and they got me hooked. He lives here in Kansas City in the offseason, and we go just about five times a week once the season ends." EO: "Was Shane responsible for turning you on to the bowhunting side of things?" JD: "I like a challenge, and I view bowhunting as harder than (hunting with a rifle). (Halter) kind of got me hooked on it. One day we were shooting his bow and arrow, and I kind of liked it. I went out (two years ago) and bought one and went out and started hunting." EO: "Where do you hunt?" JD: "We hunt on (New York Mets pitcher) Kevin Appier's land; he still lives here in Kansas City." Dye dropped a nine-point whitetail with his first shot from a rifle and took down an eight-pointer on his third shot from a bow.EO: "What do you find rewarding about hunting?" JD: "I think it helps to get away from the sport of baseball and gives you a little quiet time and relax time and just lets you think about being outdoors enjoying the moment. It gets your adrenaline going when you see that deer, from about 100 yards, walking your way." EO: "When was it that you took your first whitetail?" JD: "When I first got my bow and arrow, I went out a couple of times and I got my first shot and shot an eight-point whitetail. So I've got one with my bow and arrow and one (nine-pointer last offseason) with my rifle." EO: "Have you been a rifle hunter for some time?" JD: "Never did it. It's kind of funny because the guys I go with have been hunting for so long and have maybe killed one deer. Every time I've gone, I've seen a deer and let some go or shot one. The first time I shot with my rifle, I took a nine-pointer after 10 minutes in my stand. The guys get on me because they think that it is not fair for me to just start and have two trophy bucks." EO: "So, the nine-pointer was the first shot ever at a deer?" JD: "With my rifle, yes, and I was in my stand for no more than 10 minutes. Shane was actually walking down to his stand and couldn't believe it." EO: "What was that experience like? Some people would say that is amazing; you may never get to put a scope on a bigger buck." JD: "Exactly. I think just from me being able to shoot a shotgun and go duck hunting and stuff, I anticipated what it was going to feel like. But you still have that feeling of, 'What is going to really be like? Am I going to be able to keep the rifle steady when I pull the trigger?' But it came out all right." “ I think I'm described as hard-working person that goes out there and plays hard everyday and has fun doing it. And I think I'm the same way outdoors, I just go out and have fun. ” — Jermaine Dye EO: "Had you been a shooter before?" JD: "Yeah, I've shot handguns at target ranges. But, I never felt the power of a rifle from your shoulder." EO: "Are you a big fan of deer meat?" JD: "I like summer sausage and deer jerky, but the steaks and the hamburgers I don't really like." EO: "Do you give it away?" JD: "If nobody wants the meat, whether it is deer or duck or geese, we send it down to the mission and donate it." EO: "What would you say your most memorable day in the field has been and why?" JD: "I think my first shot with my bow and arrow. It was getting dark and here is this buck trotting over the hill a little bit. It was probably my only chance to get a shot off with it getting dark; where he was, everything played out right, the wind was in my face. I probably wouldn't have taken the shot if it was earlier, because it was a little farther than I wanted. But I got him." EO: "Yeah, but this was the first animal you had taken with a bow. What was going through your head?" Dye: "I'm described as a hard-working person who goes out there and plays hard every day and has fun."JD: "Adrenaline was pumping, heart was pumping. I just tried to be as calm as I could be, and try to pick a spot where I thought he was going to cross over, hit the release and calm my nerves. I couldn't really tell if I had hit him at first, he jumped over this barbed-wire fence and ran into some brush. I called up Kevin and Shane and we went looking for him, and found him." EO: "I think some athletes, I don't know if this is true of everybody, compare the adrenaline rush of reeling in a big fish or taking down a whitetail to getting a big hit or making a big play." JD: "I think so. Anytime you have that adrenaline flowing in hunting and fishing. It's like the other day in Boston; we were down by one run in the ninth inning, and their closer comes in and I hit a home run to put us in extra innings. You get a great feeling from that, giving your team a chance to win, and we went on to win that game in the 11th inning with another home run." EO: "In the offseason, you aren't playing baseball. You're a competitor, though, looking for a thrill. Does hunting fill that gap to some extent?" JD: "I think so. I can't sit around the house (with wife, Tricia, and son, Jalen) doing nothing. I've always got to be doing something, and the hunting and the fishing takes your mind away from things and puts the competition in your mind. You aren't stepping in the batter's box; you're competing with your buddy to catch fish." EO: "That's funny you should mention that. Is there friendly competition when you get athletes together in the offseason, even if it is fishing?" JD: "Definitely. I have a boat, and Shane has a boat. We pack two or three people in there, and whoever catches the most fish gets his meal paid for." EO: "What do you fish for?" JD: "Largemouth bass." EO: "What's your favorite lure or bait?" JD: "I like plastic worms and lizards and deep divers." EO: "So how are you described as a baseball player and does that carry over to hunting or fishing at all?" JD: "I think I'm described as a hard-working person who goes out there and plays hard every day and has fun doing it. And I think I'm the same way outdoors, I just go out and have fun. I don't have to kill anything that day, just the joy of being out there and enjoying the atmosphere and being in the wildlife — that's fun for me."

Another, newer story from yesterday's DFW Star-Telegram. http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/16312626.htm Posted on Sun, Dec. 24, 2006 email thisprint this Top prospect says trade is ‘bittersweet’ By KAT O’BRIEN Star-Telegram Staff Writer No matter what becomes of Brandon McCarthy in the Rangers’ starting rotation, the loss of John Danks will sting for many fans. Danks, a left-hander who doesn’t turn 22 until April, was rated the No. 1 prospect in the Rangers’ organization last month, according to Baseball America. That followed three consecutive years as the organization’s No. 2 prospect. Danks, for some, was the homegrown pitcher the Rangers had been trying for years to develop, one that was about to pan out. He was the Rangers’ first-round draft pick out of Round Rock High School in 2003, and went a combined 9-9 with a 4.24 ERA in 2006 at Double A Frisco and Triple A Oklahoma. “It’s very bittersweet,” Danks said of the trade Saturday afternoon. “Obviously, I’d rather stay [with the Rangers]. I have friends here. I’m very comfortable here. That being said, the White Sox seem very optimistic. They think I can possibly pitch in the big leagues right out of spring training. It’s just part of the game now. I’ve just got to roll with the punches.” Danks said he had just talked to White Sox GM Kenny Williams, and that he likely will compete with former top Phillies prospect Gavin Floyd and knuckleballer Charlie Haeger for the last rotation spot. A year ago, Danks was almost traded to the Florida Marlins along with third baseman Hank Blalock for right-hander Josh Beckett and third baseman Mike Lowell. That trade fell through, and the Rangers turned down numerous overtures for Danks in the past year. “This is an old-fashioned baseball trade where both teams took risks and gave up a lot of baseball talent,” Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. “We love John Danks and we love Nick Masset. Both guys are on the cusp, and we think both guys will have success at the big league level.” The difference between Danks and McCarthy is that McCarthy already has made the transition to the major league level. McCarthy has pitched 151  2/3 innings over two major league seasons. While the Rangers are optimistic that Danks is capable of that transition, there are no guarantees. Right-hander Edinson Volquez was their top-ranked prospect a year ago, but his star fell somewhat when he had a 7.29 ERA in eight major league starts this year. Danks said of the Rangers’ decision: “[Daniels’] job is for the team to win this year. Obviously, McCarthy is probably going to be a bigger part of that than I would.” There was some disappointment on Danks’ part, as he was on the verge of playing for the big league team only three hours from his home. “Obviously, I would have loved to play there,” Danks said. “I loved playing for them. They were the ones that gave me the opportunity to play pro ball.” Ironically, Danks’ younger brother, Jordan, was drafted by the White Sox in the 19th round in 2005. He did not sign, and is an outfielder at the University of Texas. Masset was drafted in the eighth round in 2000 and signed in 2001. He made his major league debut in 2006, allowing four earned runs in 8  2/3 innings. At the minor league level, he was 6-7 with a 3.67 ERA in 32 games, including 15 starts. He had a 2.61 ERA and 15 saves in 20 relief appearances for Mazatlan in the Mexican Winter League. “My reaction was surprised and shocked,” Masset said. “After I have gone over it a little bit, it sounds like the White Sox will be a pretty good fit. Being with the Rangers — it was a great organization. They’ve helped me out a ton.” Kat O’Brien, 817-390-7760 kobrien@star-telegram.com

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/new...b&fext=.jsp 08/15/2006 2:30 PM ET Faces on the Field: John Danks Pitching prospect relishes trips through home By Dan Pieringer / MLB.com There's no place like home, and Oklahoma RedHawks pitcher John Danks knows that as well as anyone. Danks, who was born and raised in Round Rock, Texas, is 2-0 with a 2.63 ERA in his two starts against the Round Rock Express. Danks earned his first Triple-A win with an 8-2 victory over Round Rock when the Express visited Oklahoma in June. He pitched seven innings, allowing two earned runs on only three hits in the outing. On Saturday, the 21-year-old lefthander led the RedHawks to a 7-2 win over the Express, allowing two earned runs on six hits in 6 2/3 innings. It was the Oklahoma's first win in six tries at the Dell Diamond this year. More important, it was Danks' first time pitching in Round Rock since the Texas Rangers made him a first-round draft pick out of Round Rock High School in 2003. "It was my first time to pitch professionally in front of my friends and family, and it was a lot of fun," said Danks, who grew up rooting for both the Rangers and the Astros. "It was everything I anticipated. I had so many people here supporting me. To get a quality start like that against the best team in the league ... that doesn't hurt my cause at all." Being able to stay with his family at home made the win that much sweeter for Danks. He got to spend some time with his younger brother, Jordan, who plays outfield for the University of Texas in Austin, about 20 miles south of Round Rock. (Jordan Danks hit .319 in 37 games as a freshman for the Longhorns.) John also got to take advantage of the typical perks of a young man coming back home. "It's awesome," he said. "You don't have to stay in the hotel, you get to stay at home. I've got the dog in bed with me every night. Home cooking ... I get a hot breakfast in the morning, and a good meal at night. It doesn't get much better than this." Danks might be right, it doesn't get much better than that. But at his age, he has a long future ahead of him in baseball, and the sky's the limit for what he might accomplish. Since being drafted in 2003, he has blown through the Rangers' system, playing for seven different teams so far. Just three years after his first professional game, he's already halfway through his first Triple-A season. "I think being young is always an advantage," he said. His quick progression through the Minors is directly linked to his addition of a change-up. Coming out of Round Rock High School, where he went 10-3 with a 1.36 ERA as a senior, Danks had a nasty curveball, but he had never thrown a change. The Rangers organization emphasized the development of Danks' change-up, and it has become his most reliable pitch. It's also helped him be a more versatile pitcher. "It's coming great. I think it's ahead of the curve right now," Danks said. "I didn't ever throw one in high school, so I just learned when I signed in '03. And I think the Rangers' player development helped me with that. They made me use it, when it would have been real easy to throw a curve. They really stayed on me about it, and I think it's helped me a lot." Oklahoma pitching coach Andy Hawkins agrees. Since Danks' promotion to Oklahoma from Double-A Frisco in June, Hawkins has worked with Danks on his delivery, while continuing to emphasize the change-up. The result has been a steady improvement by Danks in his two months with the RedHawks. "Yeah, I think the change-up is [more effective than his curveball] because he throws it for a lot more strikes," Hawkins said. "It's a very effective pitch for him in any count. His curveball's not like that. He can't use it as much when he's behind in the count. "John's really worked to solidify his delivery, and along with the added age is some more maturity," Hawkins continued. "His understanding of what he needs to do has improved every year. He's a young guy coming into his own." But, as with any young player coming into his own, Danks has had his struggles. He got into some trouble late in 2005 when the wear and tear of a full professional season began to show in July and August as he was pitching his way to a career-high 156 innings. Scouts suggested that some added strength could help him adjust to the longer professional seasons. "I'd say I was a little tired, but that's not an excuse, by any means," Danks said. "I think my preparation this offseason, getting some strength, definitely helps. And just going through that last year, I tried to learn everything I could from it. And I think I'm more prepared this year to deal with the longer season and face some more advanced hitters." So far this summer, it looks like Danks' extra strength training is paying off. While he had a few rough starts in July, he's regained his composure, lately. In his last three starts, he has thrown 17 2/3 innings, allowing six earned runs on 14 hits while striking out 21. His ERA in that span is 3.06. "I feel good about where I'm at," Danks said. "I've been beat up in levels after being called up before, but I think I'm holding my own a little better this year. And we've still got a month left, so I'm just going to keep working on it. I've made some mistakes, but when I'm on and pitching my best, I've been keeping the ball in the ballpark. I'm just trying to learn from everything and take the good from everything." He was certainly "on" in Round Rock on Saturday. In his homecoming, Danks heard the shouts of his family and friends all night long. His parents and his brother came to the game, as did his high school baseball coaches. "I don't have a clue [how many friends and family members were there]. I just know I heard guys yelling at me from the time I started warming up to [when I was] walking off the field. It was real special. And I was real pleased with how I threw." All that yelling just might be Danks' first taste of the buzz he'll someday experience at a Major League ballpark. He says it would be nice to pitch for the Rangers in Arlington, less than 200 miles north of Round Rock. He says that's a place he could call home. And when that day arrives, Danks will once again be reminded: there's no place like it. Dan Pieringer is an associtate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

According to Olney... "The word among rival executives is that now that the Blue Jays have locked up Vernon Wells, they are shopping Rios in their quest to land a No. 4 starter for their rotation. "He's a pretty good player to have out there right now," said an NL executive." A 4th starter? Hmmmm.

Some interesting, older Floyd articles. This guy was annointed a savior when he was dafted. http://phillies.scout.com/2/535765.html http://phillies.scout.com/2/315671.html http://phillies.scout.com/2/236586.html http://phillies.scout.com/2/342166.ht One interesting quote:

From ESPN Texas-sized bargaining chip Jul 18 - The Rangers are looking to move outfielder Kevin Mench, according to a report in the New York Daily News. Mench, who is making $2.8 million this year and will be a free agent at the end of the season, could be a fit for the Yankees as they look to fill a void in right field. Shawn Chacon, who has compiled a 6.71 ERA in 13 appearances for the Yankees this season and has been dropped from their rotation, could be used as potential trade bait.

I know he's been mentioned in some trade rumors with the Mets. I hadn't seen him until the last 3 outs of the Cubs rout tonight on ESPN. Did anyone catch his performance? He struck out the side in the 9th with some sick stuff. Granted it was the Flubs...but he still looked great. Hmmm....

QUOTE(mr_genius @ Jul 2, 2006 -> 08:40 PM) meh, Keith Law is obviously just another idiot on ESPN's payroll Law was a Special Assistant to Gord Ash. He probably helped clear Sirotka.

QUOTE(GoRowand33 @ Jul 2, 2006 -> 08:18 PM) what were his other snubs? probably shouldn't post the entire article, but can you atleast say who he though should be replaced ect.. thanks Brian Roberts OVER Jose Lopez Giambi or Hafner OVER Gary Matthews JR "any biped" OVER Mark Redman Michael Barret OVER Paul LoDuca John Smoltz OVER Brian Fuentes Nomar or Nick Johnson OVER Freddy Sanchez Roy Oswalt OVER Derrick Turnbow

http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/allstar06/i...eith&id=2507646 What a tool. Last I checked, winning the WS earned a coach to the right to select whoever the heck he wants...especially players who are justified in going. Eight logical All-Star substitutionsBy Keith Law Scouts Inc. Archive American League substitutions Francisco Liriano over Bobby Jenks How, exactly, does the major league ERA leader by more than half a run not make the All-Star team? While, in most cases, I support taking the player with the track record over a couple of seasons instead of the player having the good half-year, Liriano is the leading contender for Rookie of the Year and is starting to nudge his way into the Cy Young picture as well. Maybe he'll stumble over the course of the summer and won't end up the league's ERA champ, but he has the stuff and the minor league performances that say that the last three months are no fluke. And I'm not advocating taking Liriano instead of a proven All-Star. The guy who's sitting clearly in Liriano's spot is Jenks, the White Sox's closer, a hard-throwing and mediocre-performing pitcher in the minors who has thrown fewer innings (76 2/3) in his major league career than Liriano has this season -- and whose 2006 ERA is higher than Liriano's, despite the fact that Jenks is a full-time reliever. With Jenks and Mark Buehrle (now sporting a pedestrian 3.86 ERA) both on the roster due to questionable selections made by the manager, I'd accuse Ozzie Guillen of nepotism, but the last thing MLB needs now is for someone to provoke its resident jerk. I'm guessing this dude holds a grudge from the Gord Ash/Sirotka deal. Keith Law ESPN Columnist | Archive | Home Page | RSS Keith Law is the senior baseball analyst for Scouts Inc. Before joining ESPN, Law served as special assistant to the general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays and was a writer for Baseball Prospectus.

Glavis Flood + Cliff Floyd + Gavin Floyd = http://www.minorleaguenews.com/baseball/fe.../062204.50.html

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Jan 30, 2006 -> 03:20 PM) Guys newsflash: EVERY fan of EVERY team thinks they can get a player for garbage prospects. Look at our trade wins forum. How many people thought that Baj and Borchard would net us a real player? Go back to the Chavez trade threads and see how many people though crede/gload would net us Chavez. We don't overestimate trade value at all. Heck, I'm still waiting for Philly to announce the Abreu for Gload trade.

QUOTE(dmbjeff @ Jan 30, 2006 -> 02:42 PM) this is a great quote from the Mets message board about Contreras and the staff as a whole: "Considering that he is part of the 'amazing' White Sox rotation, I wonder how many would be in favour of this trade. I'd rather he was a mid season possibility, still not convinced that he like others in that rotation wasn't performing above his head." its so laughable, those new yorkers really hate the second city. Yup. This quote is priceless: Unreal. I know one season (or 1/2 for that matter) doesn't make a career but JC went 11-2 with a 2.96 ERA in the second half and then went 3-1 with a 3.09 ERA in post season run. For "spare parts/low level minor leaguers" ? ? ?

http://www.nysportsday.com/themofo/showthread.php?t=26910 I'm not sure if this link was mentioned in the other Contreras threads here. If so, I guess a mod can delete it. Some interesting takes. Amazing how we aren't the only site with never-ending Contreras threads. LOL

QUOTE(drowninginflame @ Dec 16, 2005 -> 10:39 AM) I got mine for 11.99 @ walgreens I also make a cameo in the first 10 minutes talking about the season $11.99 at Costco here.

ROFLMAO!!! Great stuff! My favorite quote...from June: June 7 -- "I can safely say the Sox won't win a World Series as long as (Jerry Reinsdorf) owns them."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/c...ack=1&cset=true Sox victory parade set for Friday By Gary Washburn Tribune staff reporter Published October 27, 2005, 2:23 PM CDT Concerned that many White Sox players may not stick around the weekend for a proposed victory celebration next week, city officials this afternoon said they have moved up the celebration to midday Friday. Mayor Richard Daley announced the latest plans at a news conference on an unrelated subject at Orr Community Academy High School. More details were to be disclosed at a news conference later this afternoon. The celebration will begin sometime Friday morning at U.S. Cellular Field at 35th Street and Shields Avenue on the city's South Side, Daley said. A motorcade carrying players, families and front-office staff of the White Sox will leave from the ballpark. It will wend its way through a number of neighborhoods, including Pilsen, Bridgeport and Chinatown, before ending up in front of the Board of Trade Building at LaSalle and Jackson Streets in the Loop. There the motorcade will re-form as part of a parade that will head north on LaSalle to Wacker Drive and the Chicago River at the north end of downtown. There, a victory rally will take place. The event is tentatively scheduled for 11:30 a.m. or noon. City officials originally planned to hold the event Monday at the Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park, but learned many Sox players were eager—now that they had wrapped up the World Series in a four-game sweep—to go home to their families. So, it was uncertain how many Sox would still be around town Monday to take part in the festivities. Also, city crews needed to get Petrillo ready for the event and could not do so by Friday. So, it was moved to LaSalle and Wacker. The intersection will be closed for the rally, and officials said they were preparing for crowds to extend south along LaSalle. It was still being worked out early this afternoon exactly how many streets would be closed and what traffic measures would be put in place. Those and other details were to be announced at a City Hall news conference scheduled for this afternoon. Copyright © 2005, Chicago Tribune

QUOTE(qwerty @ Oct 23, 2005 -> 10:56 PM) He has had some big hits this post-season... but if a sample size of games in the post season define him as ''clutch'' from here on out we have a problem. Because in reality he is anything but clutch. This homer will always be remembered but when he hits .220 close and later and with runners in scoring position don't be surprised. I actually couldn't agree more with you. My sarcasm was only directed at the timing and irony of his "clutch" homerun...which will probably be the first and last walk-off HR of his career.

QUOTE(qwerty @ Oct 23, 2005 -> 08:31 PM) Podsednik may just be the most unclutch hitter of all time. Quote of the night!

QUOTE(Buehrle>Wood @ Oct 23, 2005 -> 09:29 PM) OMG Podz. Scott Pujolsednik...your table is ready.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs2005...tory?id=2198994 World Series notebook: ChiSox use 'security bubble'Associated Press Chicago security measures: Officials will establish a "security bubble" around U.S. Cellular Field for the World Series this weekend, dispatch thousands of police officers, search vehicles and crack down on everything from ticket scalping to illegal parking businesses. "While there is no credible indication that the World Series is a target for a terrorist act, we must plan accordingly," Chicago Police Superintendent Philip Cline said Thursday. "That's why we have brought in our federal partners from the FBI, ATF, Secret Service and U.S. Marshals to assist us." The multimillion dollar effort includes a no-fly zone over U.S. Cellular Field before, during and after Saturday and Sunday's games. It also calls for authorities to monitor security cameras already in the community and cameras in mobile police vehicles stationed near the park. Fans driving to U.S. Cellular Field must show police their tickets to get into the "bubble," which extends about a block on every side of the stadium, said Neil Sullivan, deputy director for Homeland Security and Emergency Management. "If you are on foot, you will be checked," Sullivan said. "If you are a fan and you have a ticket, you need your ticket with you." Inside the ballpark, security guards -- all off-duty Chicago and state police officers -- are positioned at both ends of each dugout, in the bullpens and elsewhere on the field during games. "We feel like we have the best security in the world," White Sox vice president of communications Scott Reifert said. West named crew chief: Joe West was picked Thursday as the umpire crew chief for the World Series, culminating a comeback year in which he also worked behind the plate in the All-Star Game and during the AL Division Series. West, who also worked the Series in 1993 and 1997, will be behind the plate for Saturday's opener between the Chicago White Sox and the Houston Astros. West was among the 22 umpires who lost their jobs in September 1999 when a mass resignation backfired. He was rehired in February 2002. Two other members of the crew have previous Series experience. Derryl Cousins was picked in 1988 and 1999, and Angel Hernandez in 2002. Jeff Nelson, Jerry Layne and Gary Cederstrom will be working their first Series. Nelson will be at first base Saturday, with Layne at second, Cousin at third, Cederstrom in left and Hernandez in right. Shoeless Joe's bat to be auctioned: Shoeless Joe Jackson's favorite bat -- his prized "Black Betsy" -- is about to hit the auction block. The bat, made of hickory and weighing a hefty 40 ounces, will be sold by Sotheby's on Dec. 10, the auction house said. Jackson batted .408 in 1911 and finished with a .356 career average. He told a Greenville, S.C., newspaper in 1932 that he received the bat in 1908. "I've had it ever since and it's never been broke," Jackson told the paper, "although it is getting old now and I expect it [to break] at any time." In 2001, the bat sold at auction for $577,000. The highest price paid for a baseball bat was $1,265,000, fetched by the bat Babe Ruth used to hit the first home run at Yankee Stadium on April 18, 1923. Jackson is among the eight Chicago White Sox players involved in a conspiracy to fix the 1919 World Series. Those eight -- known as the "Black Sox" -- were banned from baseball for life. It'll knock your Sox off: As his home team prepares to take on the White Sox, Houston Mayor Bill White is urging Astros fans to discard theirs. White on Thursday declared Friday through Sunday "No Socks Weekend" in Houston, encouraging city residents to don Astros apparel but keep their socks in the drawer. The mayor and Astros players are among speakers scheduled at a rally Friday at Minute Maid Park as the team leaves for Chicago.

QUOTE(Texsox @ Oct 17, 2005 -> 09:40 PM) Down to their last strike and battled back. That was a huge homerun. It is a little deceiving with that short wall in left, but it hit waaaaaaay up the wall and seemed to still be rising. Lidge will have nightmares about that one. If STL goes back home and wins the next 2 games...Lidge will be a mental wreck ala Byung-Hyun Kim. edit: LOL...Punch and Judy beat me to the...errr.."punch" with the BH Kim comparison.