greg775

QUOTE (Brian @ Aug 26, 2015 -> 08:23 PM) I've accidently came upon screenshots of his POV video and it is enough to give me nightmares. Don't let that piece of scum give you nightmares. It would be his triumph. I just heard the piece of s*** killed himself. Bastard coward to go to a shoot with a gun and kill people at 6:45 a.m. then kill himself. Asshole.

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Aug 26, 2015 -> 08:59 PM) If there was no video of this event, is this even a story outside of the local broadcast area, or maybe Virginia? I mean, as someone else pointed out, 3 people were shot in Chicago just today. More will be shot tomorrow. We have no video, we just read about it, and no one really thinks twice about it. Video is becoming more and more influential in how we take in these events. From Ray Rice to Steve Sarkisian (5 years ago that's not even a news story) and now this. Well, when a guy uses "social media" to basically publicize his murder of two people and he shoots and kills two TV people while they are on live TV and it's broadcast live, that is horrifying news that will be shown nationwide. Unfortunately these social media platforms will lead to more of this. It's just very sad. But of course you are right about video being more and more influential. People can tape their own vile unlawful disgusting actions such as today's. Can you imagine today's horror? Two people working at a TV station who both are dating/in love with two other people at the station are murdered while at work today. Sad and awful.

QUOTE (3GamesToLove @ Aug 26, 2015 -> 09:00 PM) Greg's comments in here read like a 14-year old who has just become aware that not everyone believes in God. When it's 16 of 18 people not believing, that does astound me a bit.

It's all over, folks. We HAVE to get guns off the streets, out of the hands of morons. Can you imagine, these two reporters had to hate getting up to go to work at 6:45 am. Next thing you know they are removed from the planet by some idiot. GUN CONTROL. It must take place in a more aggressive fashion. Our country is not safe with all the mental illnesses out there and medicated people!! I wrote that in anger. Now I want to say I'm so f***ing sad for everybody involved! This shooter kills the two media members?? Awful. And he doesn't shoot the person being interviewed? How awful. Prayers for everybody. I just found out about this and am sad and outraged! Damn. Horrifying. Senseless. The two reporters were going to fricking get married. The cameraman was getting out of the news business.

QUOTE (Dunt @ Aug 26, 2015 -> 06:39 PM) With this season seemingly over, I've been mostly interested in trying to figure out how the Sox will be moving forward as an organization. While this season has been largely a disappointment to myself and other Sox fans, I can't help but think a few tweaks this offseason can have the White Sox seriously contending for the playoffs next season. In order to support that argument, I decided to take a look at our second half numbers: Adam Eaton .308/.408/.462/.870 in 169 AB Jose Abreu .293/.373/.571/.944 in 166 AB Carlos Sanchez .304/.340/.463/.803 in 144 AB Geovany Soto .325/.438/.700/1.138 in 48 AB Trayce Thompson .522/.560/.957/1.517 in 25 AB Alexei Ramirez .275/.311/.472/.783 in 151 AB Melky Cabrera .291/.331/.483/.814 in 164 AB Tyler Saladino .247/.283/.340/.623 in 162 AB JB Shuck .281/.361/.438/.799 in 37 AB Avisail Garcia .261/.323/.394/.717 in 155 AB Tyler Flowers .205/.263/.273/.536 in 97 AB Adam LaRoche .191/.218/.313/.531 in 119 AB Some observations from the numbers: -Some players (Eaton, Soto, Sanchez, Thompson) currently have unsustainable BABIPs, so those numbers should go down some, but it's interesting to note the surge in offense from both Eaton and Sanchez in the 2nd half. Eaton is drawing twice as many walks as he did in the first half of the season. -Eaton's defensive score has gotten significantly better in the second half (he went from a -6.1 to a -2.9). Still not great for a premium defensive position, but it's good to see the improvement. -Tyler Flowers offensive numbers are down across the board in the 2nd half, most noticeably his SLG% is below .300. To compare, Geo Soto has been worth 1.2 wins more than Flowers over the second half alone. While the sample size may still be small, you can start to gather that we may be seeing some players solidify their positions for next year. I think Sanchez's second half has really cemented his likelihood of being the opening day starter at second next year while Flowers abysmal second half has shown that he is nothing more than a back up at this point. I am fine keeping him as a back up and personal catcher for Sale, but his defense and framing just doesnt make up for the negative value of his bat. Will they choose to put the position off another year and have Geo come back? Wouldn't be the worst idea, but I dont see Geo taking anything other than a starter role next season. Another big question is what the Sox will be doing with Alexei. While his second half numbers are much more in line with his usual type of production, Alexei has made far too many mental mistakes this season and just doesnt seem as engaged as he previously has. With that said, I think moving Saladino over to SS as place holder for Anderson seems to make the most sense for next season. That leaves the Sox with a gaping hole at third and while Saladino has played elite defense over there so far, his bat really doesnt justify keeping him there. As someone on the page has already pointed out, his numbers dont look nearly as bad when compared to the mlb avg of SS in comparison to the mlb avg 3B. Last but not least, I really think Avi needs to go. Trayce may not be the answer, but the White Sox really need to find that out over the next month. Avi still has not proven to be anything other than a below replacement level player since he came into the league. The "potential" may still be there for some folks, but it's really hard to justify keeping him out there when he is so obviously a weak link on this team. His defense and base running are absolutely awful in conjunction with his hitting. We are stuck with LaRoche, so hopefully Hahn is smart enough to find a cheapish bat to platoon with him next season in the DH role. Great thread, but it all boils down to wins vs. losses and this team still isn't winning worth a damn. It's not going to win next season with the current manager and staff in place UNLESS it fills several holes while keeping the pitching intact for the most part. Good luck with that.

QUOTE (LDF @ Aug 25, 2015 -> 04:16 PM) 1 question, does any think that Dayan Viciedo can rebuild his value. ???? No. But it is nice he is back in the minors trying to start over. Only hope for him is if he rebuilt his style of hitting. He can't make it by never drawing a walk and swinging at every pitch thrown his way. It's a recipe for .195, 20-24 homers, 50-77 RBIs. QUOTE (LDF @ Aug 25, 2015 -> 04:46 PM) davidson .... avg 200 .... i am wondering if he sox would still give him a shot during spring training. Give Davidson a break and release him for gosh sakes and let another organization try to develop him.

QUOTE (ron883 @ Aug 26, 2015 -> 06:24 AM) I've seen this argument before, and it is complete crap. If god is the only thing stopping you from becoming a completely selfish being, you need help Greg. Did religion stop numerous civilizations from conquering and enslaving other cultures? Did it stop our forefathers from whiping out the natives? Can you honestly say that to somebody who has been tortured, enslaved, or raped their whole life? Sounds pretty selfish to me tbh Is that why you don't believe? Because of the horrors of life?

I enjoy watching those videos on youtube where people make cops mad at DUI stops and border stops. They won't answer any of the cops questions and sometimes the cops get pretty mad. My question to attorneys ... At a DUI stop, some of these youtubers act like they don't have to show their drivers license or registration. Isn't it a LAW that when stopped at a checkpoint we HAVE to cooperate with the law or we automatically lose driving "privileges?" Can we do what these people are doing when stopped? Basically say "I don't answer questions" and "what cause do you have to stop me?" One guy got arrested and there was no youtube followup. Normally on these videos the cops tire of the person reciting "I don't answer questions" and the cops finally wave them through and say, "OK have a nice day."

I keep reading that Biden running is a real possibility. He probably won't hurt Hillary's momentum enough to make it matter. But what do those of you who support Hilly unconditionally think of this development? My guess is you don't like it because the Hilly supporters I've met in Kansas don't want her "challenged" in any way. They love Bill. They love Hillary. Hell, they'd seriously support Chelsea after Hillary's eight years. They want Hillary in and that's that. Please run, Mr. Biden! Don't let Hillary just walk into this without perverbial sweat.

QUOTE (Markbilliards @ Aug 26, 2015 -> 03:13 AM) I grew up raised in a Christian family. I was committed and took my faith seriously my entire life. When I got to college, I wanted to back my beliefs by learning more about what I proclaimed as truth, so I majored in bible and theology and minored in 1st century [biblical] Greek. Unlike my peers, the more I learned, the more I started to realize how much less reason there was to believe in Christianity and God. By the time I graduated, I still believed, but only because I was holding onto "faith" that I had built up throughout my whole life. As I met more people after college, I started to meet others who had "faith" and started to really question what the point of faith without any backing is. When I met someone with unwaivering faith in Sai Baba (youtube him), I think I started to get perspective of how pointless faith alone is. It's been a bit difficult, because most of my family and friends that I grew up with were all Christians and I've lost a lot of those friendships (not because difference in beliefs) because I'm not involved in a lot of church/faith based activities I used to. I wish God exists, I wish Christianity was true. But I also am not going to live a lie because I want it to. Good post. I'm wondering why all that knowledge you gained did not support a God. I mean you could say the Bible is false and a lousy book but you could still believe in the ultimate creator if you wanted. Any chance you just got burned out on the whole thing? I'm stunned we are at 16-4 unbelief.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Aug 24, 2015 -> 02:45 PM) So, this weekend we had a fan knocked unconscious by a ball of Schwarber's bat. Earlier this year there was a fan impaled by a bat fragment at Fenway. Baseball has stated this is an issue they're going to study in the offseason. ESPN here reports that there are 1750 fan injuries per season on foul balls, with the majority less severe than those obviously. They're already facing lawsuits from some of the injuries this year. Players including Justin Verlander have issued public statements supporting increased efforts towards fan safety after a fan was injured at their game last week. There's a blog and a book upcoming on the issue. When even players are joining in calling for more safety that's an issue reaching a crescendo. Despite the "foul ball" warning on tickets, I think it seems clear that MLB is going to recognize that "severe fan injuries" are a threat to their business model and they're going to have to do something to at least reduce the risk for fans in their stands. Pictures of a dead fan stabbed by a baseball bat or hit in the head by a baseball will do real harm to their business model and that's one baseball can't afford. So let's see if anyone has any opinions on this. I'm not quite sure what will be done - ballparks sell more tickets by putting fans closer but that also puts fans more in harm's way. More and longer nets? Higher fences? Do nothing and get into the NFL like setup where they're facing a major public backlash? Open to suggestions and interested to hear other people's reactions. QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Aug 24, 2015 -> 05:08 PM) I wouldn't sit that close to the field with my kids. Just won't do it. I don't even like sitting that close. I've sat first row of the dugout and had a couple shots come my way. I hated it. You have such little time to react (and that is when you are paying attention...and at a baseball game, a lot of the time people aren't paying attention). I am fine if they put nets up and would rather they do it now then after someone is killed. This is a great thread! Some very smart baseball people here saying it's dangerous as hell to sit down low at a baseball game. There have to be nets put up ASAP. I'd love to send this thread to the commissioner if he'd read it. This is good, serious stuff. We have a good adult fan on here saying he WOULD NOT have his kids down that close. Serious business. PUT UP NETS!

Something tells me this Royals team could really suck in the postseason. That's why they need to get their rotation set before the playoffs and Cueto has to pitch a gem in Game One of their first playoff series. Then they turn to either Volquez or Ventura in Game Two. Ventura, Duffy, Guthrie (lol) all those other guys are very inconsistent. Medlen? Gimme a break. Stiff. Ditto the other guy who has been a spot starter.

QUOTE (dpd9189 @ Aug 26, 2015 -> 04:45 AM) Their young talent is super impressive and they have the perfect manager for that team. They're going to be a powerhouse for a while. Regardless what you think of them, they are fun to watch. Also its never a bad thing when the Cubs are good because that's usually when the Sox FO takes notice and starts making moves. The Sox underachieving this year while the Cubs are making a playoff push (they'll make it, even if its only the WC game) isn't going over well with JR or KW. Damn. If it's true "they" are good and "we" are horses*** this could be the total demise of the Sox franchise in Chicago. I mean think about it ... Cubs have been NO rival of the Sox for a long time. We've been the better team (or at least way better team on paper) for a VERY long time. With their fanbase being 10 times bigger than ours ... if they are actually GOOD (we know their manager is very good) and we continue to be embarrassingly BAD (not worth cost of admission for sure) this could get ugly. Maybe Jerry will sense this changing dynamic and sell to Cuban!!! We can only hope. He wouldn't move us to Dallas/Fort Worth. They can't support 2 teams.

QUOTE (Jose Abreu @ Aug 25, 2015 -> 08:21 PM) That's the nice way of putting it. For the past few years and prior to this season, I've considered Kirk Hinrich to be the Gordon Beckham of the Bulls. Gets lots of playing time but is no good. I didn't realize this. Do the fans despise him and boo him? I thought he was kind of the fill in guy who saves the day when Rose is hurt, etc.

QUOTE (WBWSF @ Aug 25, 2015 -> 11:22 PM) Don Orsillo the TV announcer is leaving the Red Sox job after this season. Is he leaving to come to Chicago to be the White Sox TV announcer in 2016? On the White Sox last road trip to KC, I was told the Royals announcers were saying that this is the last year for the Hawk with the White Sox. I don't know anything about Don Orsillo. Is this guy a golden throated homer? I'd rather have Stoney take over as play by play with somebody like Paulie as colorman. Stoney can get used to play by play. Or let Farmer do it with Stoney. and Orsillo with DJ on radio.

Thompson, please be for real! Just think if Saladino, Sanchez and Thompson all start next year and all hit about a buck fifty the first month and a half ... such is the life of a jinxed White Sox fan since 05.

QUOTE (Jose Abreu @ Aug 26, 2015 -> 03:17 AM) 12/23 = .522 Trayce Thompson's batting average With the Sox luck of late ... he'll hit .380 in limited duty this season. He'll be awarded the starting job and trade Eaton this offseason. He'll open next year hitting .180 the first six weeks with nine RBIs and 2 home runs. Not to be a defeatist. Hope he's the real deal.

Nice comeback win over a bad team. Need to win some home games like these. Sox grab a W. Nice. Trayce baby!

QUOTE (farmteam @ Aug 25, 2015 -> 10:49 PM) Why do you assume there's a reason why humans exist and have established civilizations on earth? There doesn't need to be a reason. Maybe we're just here because billions of years of evolution and progression have led here, as well as an uncountable number of other places. 16-4 vote so far! Wow, society is changing. Keep voting please. There has to be a reason we are living, breathing, thinking beings. If there is no God and afterlife then why aren't we all selfish bastards every minute of our lives? The minute we die we're toast, never to be cognizant of anything again? Why don't we just run amok on earth if this is all arbitrary? QUOTE (ron883 @ Aug 25, 2015 -> 11:16 PM) I'm not sure how anybody can believe in a kind god who made man as an image of himself when you see how absolutely horrible the human race has been throughout history. He would be one smiteful SOB. God never promised us an easy life. He promised to be with us during the trials if we believe. I actually have proof there is a God but I will not share the story. Too personal. QUOTE (RockRaines @ Aug 25, 2015 -> 11:40 PM) Some people need an answer to the "Why" in life, they need that mental or spiritual safety net. Religion for the most part provides that comfort. Some dont need that. I disagree. The people who I know who worship mainly do it as a form of thanks to God. Most of us aren't doing it for safety, but most of our praying is praise. QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Aug 26, 2015 -> 12:08 AM) I'm an atheist. Don't believe in a higher being. I believe that it's a "fairy tale" as well but I don't begrudge people who believe differently. That's cool. But why is it a fairy tale? Why has America become so skeptical about matters such as these? I have a mother, two brothers and a sister. Right now the sister has nothing but problems with her kids, with her emotional health, pretty much every moment of her life is hell. WHy doesn't she give it to God and quit being selfish and obey the Golden Rule? My mom the same way ... totally self absorbed, needs meds, is basically miserable. I want to tell them to start going to church and trust God but it's on deaf ears. They think only of themselves and won't give anything to God. My one brother has given up on the church cause he's a lawyer and very upset at the pedophile stuff. I can't blame him. He will no longer give a penny to his Catholic high school and he used to be a big booster. My other brother seems happy as well and he is atheist which is cool. But why doesn't everybody believe?? I feel it'd make for a happy world. One other thing: I'm surprised we haven't completely gone off the deep end. SHouldn't it be considered child "abuse" making kids go to church when they are above the age of 8? Aren't parents abusing their kids, forcing this fairy tale on them and shouldn't this be stopped? A parent wouldn't be allowed to hold rituals where they force their kids to drink and smoke. WHy haven't liberals insisted that parents have no right to make kids go to church? And I say "abuse" cause I couldn't think of a proper synonym.

QUOTE (Jose Abreu @ Aug 26, 2015 -> 02:10 AM) OT- Cubs, IF/OF Emilio Bonifaco agree to deal Good for him. He seemed like a good guy. Serious question: Why the hell did the Sox target Melky and sign him?? They knew his power numbers were not going to return post steroids. It was just a bad signing. And the LaRoche signing was horrific considering the guy's age. Wake up, Hahn.

I hate the fact this team is just a bad team. It's actually a worse team than its record. It should be about 15 below .500 at this stage.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Aug 25, 2015 -> 08:28 PM) So the magic man in the sky version? Yes. Jimmy Carter believes in that version and nobody can deny he is one helluva smart person. Some of us believe. Some don't.

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Aug 25, 2015 -> 09:47 AM) While we are at it, you also shouldn't lump together God and organized religion. There are people out there that might believe in a God, but don't agree with the concept of organized religion. I just wanna know if people believe there's a man upstairs in charge. Not a spirit or a state of limbo but a real God. As far as the other topics it's hard to believe we are going to die and merely vanish with all memories of this life gone and no future contact with those in our families and others we connected with on earth. It's possible but why have all this to begin with if when we die we're just vaporized and no longer exist in any fashion?

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Aug 24, 2015 -> 09:55 PM) Now it's being reported Jared's charity was a sham as well. Never donated any money. Gave most of what it had to his cameraman, and they don't know where the rest went. Who knew what a despicable human he was? Glad in retrospect I've always clicked channels when his subway commercials came on. Never was a fan of his "story."

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Aug 25, 2015 -> 02:14 PM) He's never guest hosted for Rush Limbaugh. He's chopped liver. Not real funny. I actually don't listen to Limbaugh a lot but have been turning him on in the car cause I wanted to hear his take on Hilly and Trump.