greg775

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Jan 12, 2016 -> 12:19 AM) Saying a bunch of racist, misogynistic, bigoted things is not a nice thing to do, and supporting someone who's said what Trump has is pretty terrible. Where is the line between "misguided" and "actively a bad person" for you? I think anyone supports Trump crossed that line months ago. OK I have to get meaner here and quit being so polite. So you are saying all the people who like Trump are bad people?? Trump has more than 6 percent of the populace way more than 6 percent supporting him. So millions and millions of Americans are bad people? Is that what you guys are saying? Then you believe that TONS of Americans are bad people? I've never criticized our own people like that. Like I said, Hilly and Bill have lied PLENTY just like Trump. I've never called you a BAD PERSON for supporting them. This is all relative. Trump is not going to expel all foreigners; he's not going to build any wall. Yes he's lying. The fact I still like him somewhat compared to the old political machine types does not make me BAD person. I see a real decline in the American dream and I want people to start making some money again. I'm not confident any of the regular traditional politicos can do this for America. I say give Trump a shot at it. If he fails, big deal, expel him in four years. America is full of all types of people. Do you think people are BAD people who for decades have gone in the booth and voted for ALL Republicans on each individual ballot without knowing anything about many of them? People in this state do that all the time. I would not say they are BAD people even though I disagree with their actions in that regard. I mean what if a person gave millions to the poor, helped old ladies cross the street every day, visited prisoners, gave gifts to the needy on a regular basis and happened to support Trump heavily. Is that person a BAD person? I say of course not.

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Jan 11, 2016 -> 05:18 PM) This is absurd. You think that half of republicans are just terrible people? I think they are misguided people and I cant say I understand how anyone could vote for him, but to just assume they are terrible is absurd too. But yes, if my only two choices on the ballot were Trump or Hillary, I'd vote Hillary. In reality, if Trump is on the ticket, I'll write in a candidate. I can buy this fully. Anybody can think I'm misguided and that's fine. I could of course be misguided on this issue of Trump. But I don't think we are all "terrible people" who like Trump. I mean I haven't heard all his speeches and his tone every time. I am not crazy bout Donnie. But I've explained why I like him and hate traditional politics. I think calling us Trumpies "terrible people" is not a nice thing to do. I am not perfect but I'm not a backstabbing jerk like a lot of people I've encountered in my everyday life.

I am a believer that some people in the medical profession don't care and truly are quacks (too many horror stories from people about their treatments/incorrect diagosis, improper things said to them, etc.) but I will say this ... If you have an excellent doctor, who happens to care about her/his patients greatly, I believe I am in favor of assisted suicide. I do think doctors (in many instances; maybe all instances?) do know when a patient has no chance and is about to die. For instance when my dad was in the hospital as the cancer took over his lungs, (too much water in there, etc., with no chance of being cured after 2.5 years of chemo and all the regular cancer protocol treatments, etc) the doctor told my brother my dad would likely die at 4:15 a.m. As it hit 4 o'clock we all woke up and were in the hospital room and sure enough he died at 4:15 a.m. It made me think doctors are pretty damn sure (unless they are quacks) when we are finished. That doctor knew the case history and what was going on and knew the exact time he'd die. My dad was on so much morphine he was fine, in no pain, but let's say there is no morphine available for whatever reason, or not enough dosage to keep the patient comfortable? In that case, I think I might be in favor of assisted suicide. If it's time to go and there's no hope, why not let us go on our own terms, with all family present? Something to think about anyway. Now maybe you could get one second opinion or something if you suspect the doctor is a quack, but that guy knew my dad was done and perhaps he should have been allowed to die many hours earlier. Just thinking out loud mainly, here.

QUOTE (scs787 @ Jan 11, 2016 -> 06:07 AM) So what is Trumps plans to "Protect our homeland?" Ya know, since he's lying about everything. I don't get into politics but I've started to take an interest and isn't it the "Lying" that people are fed up with over politics? Because his lies are so extreme that makes him different? This reeks of the same type of love you had for Ozzie, because he's controversial. I just don't understand how Trump really is a thing right now. I fear for this nation if he gets elected. I don't back Trump as much as I did Ozzie, cause in the final analysis it probably is really bad he's out and out lying about all this stuff. I'm just trying to point out why people (yes people like me) like him when compared to some of the other candidates. I had much more to say about Ozzie cause I knew more about what I was talking about. But still read the Time Magazine story if you think Trump is a fly by night candidate.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jan 10, 2016 -> 07:52 PM) If you think "hey let's create an immigration enforcement gestapo and block anyone from a certain religion from entering this country" is a way of shaking this country up, then who cares what causes you support, you're terrible. Trump may be a bit extreme. So what's your stance on protecting our homeland from all the wackos who want you and me dead? Tell the family members of 9/11 and the Boston Marathon people who lost limbs your plan to protect our homeland, please. Trump's not going to build any wall or go against the constitution. Of course he's lying about that. But a lot of people are fed up with politics. If you think I'm crazy, read this month's Time Magazine cover story on Trump. They maintain a ton of people prefer him over the pathetic group of candidates out there.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jan 10, 2016 -> 08:53 PM) So you're fond for a person lying to you by your own admission? And you think that disgusting lies are ok because they're lies. Congrats, that's awful. "It's all lies. But they're lies about people who look wrong. And in the end, isn't that the real truth?" He's not going to build any wall. He's not going to chase people out of the country. So yes, he's lying. But they all lie. Hilly and Bill haven't lied?? Right now I prefer a.) Trump. b.) Bernie. c.) that's about it right now.

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Jan 9, 2016 -> 09:38 PM) Yeah I think I can. They breathe with their mouths, root for the Packers, and chant USA in large groups. Just the worst kind of people. No. I like Trump because he's outspoken and says whatever he wants then he denies saying it later. He's like a parody of politics. Most of what he says I feel he doesn't even believe. I'm not saying he's perfect. I am saying a lot of good people just are sick of politics and don't want 8 years of Hillary or Jeb, etc. People also want to feel safe and want to be able to make some money in life. QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Jan 9, 2016 -> 10:50 PM) Greg, let me put this another way. Would Jesus build a giant wall to separate himself from either non-believers or sinners, tax collectors and prostitutes (let's just say they represent the "rapists" in Mexico)? Or would he welcome them and work even harder to accommodate/bring them into the fold? Would Jesus be afraid of, intimidated or threatened by the Jewish as well as Roman leaders? Or would he attempt to constructively engage with them rationally, intellectually and morally? Right now, Trump is much closer to Hitler in the 1930's or Joseph McCarthy in the 1950's than the being you get upset that fewer and fewer are turning out to worship every Sunday. I'm not into the Jesus analogy today. Trump's never going to build that wall. It's all hyperbole. Like I said he makes s*** up. Who cares? They all lie. Including Hillary. QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Jan 10, 2016 -> 01:59 AM) Nah pretty much by definition if you support someone who is saying what he is saying you are a terrible person. There are lots of terrible people so it isn't exactly surprising. You are also using non sequitur wrong. I disagree. I live life by the Golden Rule and try to be a good person at all times. And I like Trump. I don't think I'm despicable because of fondness for Trump's style.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Jan 9, 2016 -> 05:40 PM) You don't have to be an idiot to support trump, but you do need to be a terrible person. This is a nonsequitir. Millions of people support Trump and millions are "terrible" people? I would venture to say thousands of people who like/support Trump are good people. I bet they donate to great causes, etc. I don't think you need to be a terrible person to support Trump. Some people flat out are sick of politics and definitely want a change and right now Trump is the only candidate certain to shake it all up. You can't tell me some Trump supporters are not, in fact, great individuals.

QUOTE (StrangeSox @ Jan 7, 2016 -> 06:15 PM) How Michigan literally poisoned an entire city to save a few bucks Kinda speechless over that item. It's pretty sad we've come to this in America. Saving money?? For whom? Just do the morally right thing in your lives, people!

QUOTE (Brian @ Jan 6, 2016 -> 07:58 PM) What positive concrete plans has Trump put out there? The Wall? He still hasn't explained how itll get paid for. Here are his positions on issues. How can you not want him to give it a shot? Again ... can it be any worse? http://www.ontheissues.org/Donald_Trump.htm I will say this bout Obama. He is a likeable guy. He's a Sox fan and wears it proudly and b.) his appearance on Comedians and Cars getting coffee with Seinfeld is AWESOME. I saw it online but couldn't find the link. It was damn funny. I do like Obama, but he got very little done unfortunately.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Jan 6, 2016 -> 09:25 PM) Greg, where are you getting $30 million from? The only rumors are the White Sox offered 4/$80 and the Cardinals were roughly in the same ballpark as the Royals but clearly unwilling to go five years. Much like the Heyward situation (Cubs vs. StL), we're talking likely differences of $5-15 million in all likelihood and nothing close to $30 million or the player's association/union really would have had an issue with it for depressing FA salaries. That's well beyond a hometown discount. Caulfield, I had no knowledge. I was trying to make the point when it was said Gordon was getting 4 years at 72 million total from KC, that if somebody offered 20 mill for five years that would mean he gave up 20 mill the final year plus two mill a year for five years which is 10 more mill for a total of 30 million. How much could Gordon have made elsewhere? That's what I want to know or was KC's offer the largest he received? I'm just saying that most people on this board don't EVER see a case a player would leave money on the table to stay with his current team. I'm not discounting the fact I could be wrong, but if ever there would be a guy to do so, it would be Gordon. He went to Nebraska, is very aloof with media, has a strict daily regimen. If ever a guy loved his current situation and current REGIMEN it's Gordon. He's now assured Len Dawson status in this town, not quite Brett status but right up there. As an old ballplayer, he doesnt have to "worry" about getting booed out of Boston or New York or be the latest Angels' flop if he declines. ... I'm saying when you make 72 million the next four years, just forget about what you might have made elsewhere. 72 million is enough for Gordon and future generations of Gordons to be set for LIFE. I realize my position is unpopular and I admit I could be mistaken if indeed all players are out to attain every nickle they can attain. I'm not saying I'm right.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jan 6, 2016 -> 08:06 PM) The only thing I saw was the White Sox offer was 3 years. Maybe a team offered him more, but not significantly more. If a team offered him $30 million more he would have a lot of union pressure because he basically would be suppressing the future earnings of a lot more players than himself. Yeah, the union pressure thing has to be considered too. All reports are Gordon is a pretty intense guy in his preparation and I'd just think when you get an ultra fair offer like 18 mill a year for four years (if that's true) and you are a legend in that town forever, just take the cash and don't even think about how you could have made 20-30 million more going to some city where at 32 years old you'll be way out of your comfort zone as your skills decline.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jan 6, 2016 -> 07:56 PM) If a team offered him 5/$100 million, he wouldn't have re-signed with the Royals. If he's all about winning and life and not about cash, he probably has enough in the bank to live a sweet rest of his life, or he could take $10 million a year, and be fine, and tell the Royals to spend the rest on other players. He, Paulie, who was in the exact same boat when he was a free agent after the White Sox won the WS, will take a discount to a certain point. Did the Royals actually make the best offer? I stand by the premise of my post. Yes I'd leave 30 million on the table to stay with a team I just won a WS with, where I was totally comfortable with my routine, the way the team does things, the way I like to prepare for games, not having to prove myself to new fans and a new, big city. The reason? Cause I got 18 mil a year for four years from the team I'm comfy with, and that frankly, is enough in my mind. Now if the Royals offer was indeed the best he could have gotten, my bad. If the Royals actually won some sort of bidding war, again, my bad.

I'm surprised more players don't do what Gordon did. Stay put if they are that popular. I don't know if any team offered more, I haven't read enough yet, but four years at 18 million a year will have he and all his immediate relatives set for life a couple times over. I would think quality of life would factor in at some point (I know it doesn't for almost all pros) over a few more million dollars. Not every player needs a new city, a new challenge. This guy just won a WS, which means he can just continue to do his thing. If at some point he starts to suck, the fans will be way more forgiving here than anywhere else. I just think the Paulie discount is a smart thing for a player who has won a WS to do. I'm assuming Gordon coulda got 20 mill a year for five years from somebody. That would be 30 more million dollars total. Yes, a ton of money, but again, what price is quality of life and comfort zone when it's all monopoly money. From a Sox standpoint for some reason I despise Melky more than Avi. I won't be despondent if Avi gets the proverbial final chance.

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Jan 4, 2016 -> 09:43 PM) Honestly...maybe I just don't care, but I kind of thought it was a joke at how politics work. Would anyone possibly think a candidate would be so stupid to say that seriously? I mean, come on now. I perceived it as her just making a joke / being sarcastic. I guess twitter needs Green like Soxtalk. Maybe I'm wrong...either way don't really care. She isn't winning the nomination and in the grand scheme of things, this is pretty high up on the scale of overreaction. Good post. Considering how dumb people are in general, it had to be a bad idea to send out a sarcastic tweet of that nature if that's what she did. I mean aside from like you said, writing it in green, it wasn't clear at all that it might be a joke. She should just drop out. She's not going to rally obviously.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Jan 3, 2016 -> 02:33 PM) http://www.salon.com/2016/01/03/the_middle..._workers_drown/ Here's a pretty good reason the GOP still has a shot at the presidency, especially with Kasich as the VP on the ticket. I'd feel better about eight years of Hillary if I felt she had some concrete positive plans to offer. Maybe no president will ever be able to work with Congress again, but I just see Hilly's eight years as a continuation of the stalemate of getting nothing of consequence done. It would be nice if she could reverse the trend and put some money in the pockets of the middle class. There are a lot of people who work hard in this country and still can't afford good living conditions and decent health care. I feel like we should give Trump a shot. We can always vote him out in four years if he blows.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Jan 3, 2016 -> 11:02 PM) https://www.yahoo.com/politics/carly-fiorin...-155518374.html Rose Bowl Gate It would be better if Fiorina was honest and admitted it completely backfired instead of rationalizing. In no way does her Tweet resemble a tongue in cheek joke. I mean if it was a joke you've got to make it clear in a follow up joke that you were kidding. I mean you like to give people the benefit of the doubt, but that did not have "joke" written all over it. She said flat out said she loved her alma mater but she wanted Iowa to win. How is that tongue in cheek?

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Jan 2, 2016 -> 05:06 AM) Gary Bedore ‏@GaryBedore 3m3 minutes ago Only way Carly can save face with that tweet is to say one of her campaign workers had her twitter access. Can't root against alma mater. There's no way Fiorina can win with a Tweet like that. None at all.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jan 2, 2016 -> 12:06 AM) This is among the worst things I've ever seen from a politician not named Donald Trump. Carly Fiorina went went to Stanford. This is offensive to almost everything I care about and respect. I wonder if one of her aides wrote that. Totally unacceptable on so many counts. Nobody can be that dumb, right? To root against your alma mater in a bowl game?? I mean, cmon.

QUOTE (SouthSideSale @ Jan 2, 2016 -> 04:03 AM) Just skimmed this thread. Fun thread. Boy was I wrong thinking stuff would heat up. Moves are taking a long time which is working in our favor. If Nightengale or whoever wrote it is correct in saying we are only offering 3 years, we are not going to sign Upton, Gordon or Cespedes. That's not being negative, that's a fact, right?? In what scenario would any of those guys go for three years?

Three years, 42 million. I guess he's not overpaid. 14 mill a year. That's what average players are getting and he's pretty average production-wise in LF.

QUOTE (peavy44 @ Jan 2, 2016 -> 05:22 AM) I will say gordon signs for 4 years 80 mil and cespedes 5 years 120 mil. P.S. that be there contract with any teams. No way the Royals will give Gordon 20 million a year for any time frame. If it's true the Sox will go only 3 years then obviously they won't be signing anybody not named Parra.

QUOTE (Markbilliards @ Dec 31, 2015 -> 10:22 PM) I've read a lot of posts on here during the offseason speak about Melky Cabrera like he had an awful year and they expect a big rebound in '16. Or that we should find a way to get rid of him in the same sense we need to get rid of Laroche. I've kind of been wondering why so many people think his 2015 was so bad, and I'm curious what they expected. Perhaps that line of thought is fueled by the dichotomy of his 1st and 2nd half last year, but I don't think he finished much differently than I expected when we signed him. Perhaps a little worse, but nothing too significant. Stat: 2015/Career Average AVE: .273/.285 OBP: .314/.336 OPS: .709/.748 HR: 12/12 (Rate based career AB/HR with 629 ABs) RBIs: 77/75 (Rate based career AB/RBI with 629 ABs) Obviously this isn't close to his monster, yet suspension shortened 2012 numbers, but we clearly didn't expect to see those 2012 numbers. Are people expecting him to be something more than a 15 HR .280 hitter from a 1 time all star?? As much as this board talks about (obsesses about?) finances, he's grossly overpaid if all he can give is 15 homers and 75 RBIs. I guess 75 RBIs is the new 110. If that's the case I guess he's not a total flop. He's another guy who was blah. I'm not a big fan.

QUOTE (shipps @ Dec 28, 2015 -> 11:21 PM) LOL Yeah, winter blows in general. Why i continue to put myself through hating winter every year I do not know. Most people finally break and move to San Diego or Arizona or Vegas. It's why Chicagoans are all over those places.

Went bowling for the first time in two years and rolled a 170 with marks all over the place and my ball having the movement it needs for high scores. Choked on some easy spares and missed some easy spares that I feel would come back to me quickly if I bowled more. This begs the question ... is bowling one of the easiest sports to perform well in? The 170 with pocket balls all over the place means if I bowled more, I would quickly average about 160 or better and roll my share of 200 plus games. Is bowling easy is my question??