Yossarian

I've been following baseball and the Sox since Eisenhower was President, but hey, if you don't like what I post you can fire away. This team is 10-10 since starting off at 24-7. They've looked less than ordinary. The offense is in shambles, I mean come on look at this lineup. Pathetic. They've got to step it up. You can't expect your starters to pitch a gem each and every time out. The manager tries my patience at times. I'm surprised some of you didn't hear me yelling and screaming in the late innings of today's game. Ozzie will get his head handed to him in the playoffs just like Manuel was schooled but good by Lou Piniella in 2000. Yes, they are 34-17. Great. They're going to need the starters to stay on top of their games, and have at least a couple of their hitters come alive. This manager is going to blow a game every now and then. Guys like Leo Durocher, Al Lopez, Chuck Tanner and Lou Piniella would steal you a game sometimes. Hopefully Ozzie has some kind of learning curve. A top of the line manager he ain't.

QUOTE(Steve Bartman's my idol @ May 30, 2005 -> 05:42 PM) Ozzie really sucked today, cant believe he left Marte in so long Ozzie did so many things wrong today, it's hard to know where to begin. They won in spite of him.

I know Iguchi didn't need to blow a DP ball and Marte didn't have to walk in another run, but is everybody happy with his handling of the pitchers?

QUOTE(JoshPR @ May 26, 2005 -> 11:53 PM) Ozzie Said.... Mira cabron, no tires Recta porque este cabron te da un palo, Tira curva y forkball pa que este pendejo no batee Then he didn't follow instructions.

QUOTE(thomsonmi @ May 26, 2005 -> 03:57 PM) If you have insight into the '51 team that would probably be an interesting read. Do share... You didn't ask me but here goes. The 1951 started out slow going 6-7. Then they suddenly got red hot and won 26 out of the next 31, to top off at 32-12. They eventually cooled, ending the season at 81-73, 4th place in an 8 team AL. They generated a lot of excitement and set an attendance record, acquiring the nickname that stuck with them for over a decade, the Go Go Sox. Minnie Minoso, Eddie Robinson, and Nellie Fox led the attack on offense. Fox and the now departed Chico Carrasquel were a formidable DP combination and Jim Busby was an acrobat in CF. Billy Pierce and Saul Rogovin were stalwarts in the starting rotation. Yes, they faded somewhat after a strong start, but served notice that they were no longer bottom feeders in the AL. This was the first of 17 straight winning seasons, the 3rd longest in ML history IIRC. In 1951 Chicago became a White Sox town, as the Cubs were now 6 seasons into a 2 decade long funk. 1951 Chicago White Sox

Willie Kamm was a slick fielding 3bman for the Sox from 1923-1931. With Pie Traynor, he was among the elite defensively in the 20's. Years ago when they compiled these all team lists Kamm got a lot of mention, but now he is among the forgotten.

QUOTE(Kid Gleason @ May 26, 2005 -> 01:10 PM) This could be pretty much anybody. Mine? Charlie Christian Brian Setzer Chet Atkins Randy Rhoads Michael Hedges Others that MIGHT be up there? George Romero Tom Savini Joe R. Lansdale It depends on what you consider a "hero". The first batch of people were guitar pioneers. Setzer brought back two styles that many felt were "dead" and made them HUGELY popular again. The second batch exceled in their jobs, helped define an entire film genre, and helped to change films. Joe Lansdale unwittingly helped create a style of writing, and then turned himself into one of the best American authors alive today. Yeah, I should probably look at the people who have done something super special and call them "heroes", but I don't base my life on what they did. Tilman did something amazing, yes, but I am not about to follow his path. I have however followed the paths laid out by the guitarists up there as far as playing. I have chosen my own path as far as day to day life, and follow both the things done right by my own parents, and the things done wrong by my parents. I try to better them in the parenting aspect, and they were both great parents. But each persons "heroes" are all to what you feel a "hero" is all about. Hillary Clinton is so far removed from what one of my "heroes" would be it isn't even funny. Hell man, few politicians could ever be considered a "hero" to me. I agree with you on the politicians, but how in the hell do you leave Django Reinhardt out when listing virtuosos of the guitar? Django Reinhardt and Thelonious Monk are my musical heroes and I'm sure they both have many devotees here.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ May 24, 2005 -> 08:57 AM) 1 in 1100 wives are killed in South Africa, with less than 40% of the cases, ever leading to a conviction. http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/africa/05/24...reut/index.html South Africa has the highest crime rate of any country in the world that furnishes statistics to the UN and other agencies that track the data. It also has one of the highest rates of HIV infection. It is a country unraveling, which is very sad because it is a beautiful country with many resources.

He needs to keep his tantrums to a minimum. He deserved to be asked that question. I didn't hear it, so I don't know if Brad Palmer's (it was him wasn't it?) tone or demeanor offended him. More than likely Ozzie realized that his decision cost the Sox a chance to win the game so he went off again. Actually he reminds me more of a land mine than a time bomb. Ozzie is in many ways a likeable guy, and I really liked him when he played SS for us. I'm still not convinced he is the guy to get us to that elusive point C. I see too many shortcomings in the roster and the personality of Ozzie.

QUOTE(qwerty @ May 23, 2005 -> 10:34 PM) He is their version of mccarthy. People need to calm the f*** down. He is gonna be a very good pitcher in this league if he can stay healthy. I honestly do not think he is quite ready yet. He should still be in the minors for at least another half season i think but who knows. Why is it o.k. for a white sox rookie to pitch well but for an opposing teams pitcher to do so it is unacceptable? Because the White Sox under Jerry Manuel had a habit of tanking against mediocore pitchers and pitchers they had never faced before. This type of game brings back bad memories from the recent past.

I doubt that this will change anyone's mind since the canonization of Woodward and Bernstein seem to be in full swing. Not too much time to read if you're busy writing a grant but if you're really interested in something substantial and very well researched then be my guest. Better than any spy novel I ever read

I saw Galloway. He is a fierce debater, a veteran of the British Parliament where they regularly have real live debates with real live debaters. You could not help be impressed with his performance. He made his accusers look weak and small. He was direct, articulate and defiant. Why the big surprise? Like I said, in Britain they are far more skilled in the art of debate than the arrogant, pea brained, blow dried assholes we have in both houses of our Congress. However a little investigation is in order. Galloway has a past and quite a bit of baggage to go with him. Hey, if you're left oriented he's your guy. Our man George is still lamenting the fall of the old Soviet Empire. You think we have left leaning politicians in the good old USA? Galloway and company make Dennis Kucinich look like Eisenhower Republicans. Yes, George Galloway won that round of the debate in convincing fashion. It must have given Bush haters everywhere cause for joy. Maybe a couple of 9-11 style attacks and it will be Partaaaayyyyyy. After all, it's been a while. Jolly good show old chap. Ooops, I shouldn't have said that Galloway is from Scotland. That was a fine show Laddddie. He's still an asshole. You don't even have to turn over any rocks, just a little basic investigation will do.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ May 23, 2005 -> 08:03 AM) The size of the seams looks proportional to the ball. Also the sun/shadowns going into the ivy when added to an extreme zoom, could play with the color. Plus I did a little visual aiding here. If you look at the yellow lines, each of them follows a piece of the fencing grid. Then all of the sudden when you get to the ball, that pattern breaks, and turns into the exact same curvature that the seams of a baseball would have. I don't think there is any doubt that this ball was under, not in, the fencing. I don't have time right now to read this whole thing, but FWIW you just convinced me.

QUOTE(TheBigHurt35 @ May 17, 2005 -> 07:57 AM) He apparently didn't think so when he ordered his goons to break into the Watergate Building. Perhaps his paranoia had something to do with his decision regarding Fonda. Nixon had absolutely nothing to do with Watergate other than covering it up. I suggest you read Secret Agenda by Jim Hougan and Silent Coup by Len Colodny and Robert Gettlin. Both are far far superior to anything the boobs Wooward and Bernstein ever wrote.

I'm so old, not only was I alive in 1972, I was old enough to vote. Nixon had no threats whatsoever to his reelection after Wallace was shot and Muskie self destructed. When Fonda committed her heinous acts in North Vietnam, Nixon was pretty much a shoo in, and one of the biggest reasons was Jane Fonda herself.

QUOTE(FlaSoxxJim @ May 14, 2005 -> 02:08 PM) You're old So am I. This "old" Sox fan is taking it one game at a time and just enjoying the ride and hoping that it's going to be a real long one. It's about time and why not us? The hell with the local and national sports media. I would just love to hear all their stuttering and stammering come October. In the meantime another deep breath and one game at a time. We've got a relatively tough stretch coming up in the schedule.

QUOTE(Steff @ May 13, 2005 -> 02:04 PM) I've found that every time I post in one of these threads I get treated like s*** for a few weeks to follow. Not by me. I may disagree with you from time to time but always appreciate hearing news from someone like you who actually has access and inside knowledge.

Billy Pierce is the nicest, classiest sports figure I've ever met. He's also intelligent and has a quick dry sense of humor. He remembers a lot of details from his playing days and is willing to share some of them with you. I met Chuck Tanner when he managed the White Sox. He came across as warm hearted and sincere, with great knowledge of the game. I always felt bad that things did not work out for him in Chicago. He handed the great Earl Weaver his head in the 79 World Series. Great job of managing.

Top Five from the go go era 1951-1967 1. Billy Pierce 2. Minnie Minoso 3. Nellie Fox 4. Floyd Robinson 5. Gary Peters Top Five post go go 1968 to present 1. Frank Thomas 2. Robin Ventura 3. Dick Allen 4. Wilbur Wood 5. Keith Foulke Top Five old timers (for me anyway) 1. Ed Walsh 2. Ray Schalk 3. Willie Kamm 4. Buck Weaver 5. Zeke Bonura Numerous others deserve honorable mention. A certain unnamed outfielder from the Detroit Tigers lost his place in my own personal White Sox Hall of Honor. In the meantime keep it up 2005 White Sox. Make history. Why not us?

QUOTE(NUKE_CLEVELAND @ May 9, 2005 -> 08:00 PM) THAT WAS f***ING BALL 4 FROM THE MOMENT IT LEFT HIS HAND YOU DOPE!! Oh well, cant win em all. Yes it was a terrible pitch and you had to like our chances for another come from behind win if Uribe takes the walk. We were at the game. The Sox were just flat. Freddy seemed to get squeezed at times, and his frustration would show, but in fairness he was not sharp or consistent in any way. I was happy to see that Crede has changed his swing somewhat, occasionally reverting back to his long, slow, loopy swing, but on most pitches he looked sharper and quicker. In the at bat he was called out on strikes, he really took it hard and came close to getting rung up. We were going to stay for Tuesday's game, but didn't. Good thing. It would have made the ride home a real drag. Tampa-St. Pete is a great area, but what a lousy place to see a ball game. FWIW there were a lot of Sox fans in attendance.

QUOTE(wsox08 @ May 3, 2005 -> 08:30 PM) Hey, I'm a newbie to the forum. I've been a Sox fan for the 18 years I've lived. This forum seems great.. Well, WHo do you think should be closer? I honestly would go with Hermanson.. As long as Shingo doesn't struggle it will be fine but I'm worried. I know this may come as a shock to some, but who says you have to have ONE pitcher designated to close out the ninth inning? Too much spontaneity and creativity is being taken out of the game. As for me, when Shingo takes the mound in the ninth I'm not as nervous as I was when one Billy Koch took the mound. But it's awful close.

QUOTE(Controlled Chaos @ Apr 28, 2005 -> 12:33 PM) My email to Bechtel... If your ultimate point is that it's frustrating to be a White Sox fan...I have to agree with you. It ain't easy. We dont settle for losing like cubs fans do. So when we lose year after year it sucks...it eats away at you. It pisses us off, ruins our day, but we dont quit. We count the days till spring training. We don't say ah who cares. We want better. We keep coming back with new found optimism so when it does happen we can say "I was there back when..." The Sox are a hard working team that makes the best of what they have and that epitomizes the makeup of a lot of us fans. We have had a total of 6 things to be happy about in the last 87 years... A World Series title: 1917 Pennants: 1919, 1959 and Division titles: 1983, 1993, 2000 6 things!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hell yeah it's frustrating If those things make the sox hard to root for then I agree, but all you listed were some jackass comments...about our stadium, our announcer and our coach. I got news for ya pal...I don't want to win for losing...I don't want to be lovable losers. Not caring about winning games doesn't make a team better to root for. I don't want a broken down urinal for a ballpark. I want the state of the art facility we have. I like a biased announcer that roots like a fan and I like a fiery coach that is just one of the guys. If those are really your reasons for the White Sox being the worst team to root for, then you should stick to writing about NASCAR. Flat tire here, bad pit crew there...that's clearly more your speed...cause you don't know s*** about the Sox. Great!!

Wow. What happened? I think Ozzie should save his fiery attitude for inspiring the troops and should avoid going ballistic when a former player who's career has fallen off a cliff calls him out. Ozzie is like a live grenade at times. For those of you who agree with me , for those of you who disagree ................ same to you . I'm pretty easy to get along with. Keep the good karma and the wins coming. Like the 84 Tigers, coast to coast, start to finish winners let's be.

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Apr 25, 2005 -> 03:12 PM) Ozzie is straight with the players? Did he tell Lee that he would be traded because he didn't go into 2nd hard, like he told the audience at Soxfest? Did he tell Olivo that the pitchers didn't like throwing to him like he has told the press time and time again? Did he tell Frank he had a horrible attitude to his face or did he just announce it to the press. He's straight alright. Just as soon as they hit the road. It is a shame that the 15-4 record isn't getting half the play in the press as Ozzie's mouth. This might work for a while, but believe me, these players that think its funny now, won't think its too funny if it is the end of August and they still have the best record and all the stories are about the stupid things that come out of the manager's mouth. Its time JR and KW to sit this guy down and tell him they want to run a classy not crassy organization. If these quotes keep up, it will in the long run, be very detrimental to the organization. Excellent. Great. Fantastic. Wish I'd written it myself, it's just what I was trying to get across.

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Apr 25, 2005 -> 01:49 PM) Would you rather have Jerry Manuel back??? No. I wouldn't want Terry Bevington either. I still say that Ozzie takes things to the extreme at times and some day it's gonna bite him you know where. I'm happy as all get out that we're 15-4. When you're going that good you can say what you damn well please. There are a number of things to like about Ozzie. Going psycho apes*** over Ordonez whining to the press is not one of them.