Chisoxfn

ChiSport: Sweeping Changes By Mario Scalise ChiSPort.com For those of you that hate the Cubs, the Sox success could really have had a significant impact on the NL Central race.

Okay, I put something up on the site temporarily. It obviously makes the site a little more ugly, but if it helps Dye get into the game than its well worth it. Props to Mhizzle for it (stolen from his signature).

Can someone make a Vote Dye Graphic which I can put in the area where the text advertisers are (it will link to the voting spot). Thanks in advance

Added the link into the first post.

QUOTE (watchtower41 @ Jul 8, 2008 -> 01:45 PM) who was May's player of the month?? I assume CQ since he's been up there since late April, but with this site never doing this before, wasn't sure if thie was an every other month type of thing. CQ and Contreras were the May winners

QUOTE (elrockinMT @ Jul 8, 2008 -> 01:46 PM) All legit possibilities, but Ozuna might take the assignment and stay with the Sox system too? If he cleared waivers and didn't have any interest than I'm sure he would go down to Charlotte and stick with an organization that likes him and has given him a chance. However, I saw where the Cardinals might be interested and I'm sure at least a few other MLB teams would be willing to give him a MLB job. So why would you stay with the Sox in the minors when you have the opportunity to play on a MLB bench.

I opted to just pin every thread, LOL.

I'm going to un-pin this since the winners appear to be very clear (barring about a 45 vote swing).

Completely agree. Trying to clean it up here.

QUOTE (Rowand44 @ Jul 7, 2008 -> 10:40 PM) Talk to me in October. No one would have though in July of 05 that JC would be our best starter going into the playoffs that year. Right now Danks is the best pitcher we got but I would guess that if the season ended today you'd be seeing Mark start game 1 of the ALDS. Nope, I would have told you we should have traded his ass for AJ Burnett and the Sox would have never won the world series, LOL.

1st you almost drown, than a car wreck. Is your next article going to be a will, LOL.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jul 8, 2008 -> 10:43 AM) Are you sure, Jason? I seem to remember Sizemore being sort of a mediocre prospect in that deal, as he was struggling a bit at A ball at the time? He was struggling at the time of the deal but entering that season was very highly touted and still was considered a very talented individual (big signing bonus in the draft, etc).

In that deal, both Sizemore and Phillips were considered upper echelon prospects (Phillips was the grand-old prize) while Cliff Lee was considered a good prospect who already had some major league experience. Basically put, I guess you can compare this trade to that one, but just note that the other prospects given up aren't as highly thought of as Sizemore and Lee were (Phillips and LaPorta are on the same level though).

QUOTE (Jimbo's Drinker @ Jul 8, 2008 -> 11:23 AM) Who is our backup 3B now?? Uribe. If Crede goes down for any extended period of time the Sox would call up Fields or make a trade. Uribe is far far better than Ozuna defensively at 3B too. Remember, when we first acquired Juan he was used in a platoon role and excelled (playing 3B, SS, & 2B).

In terms of comparisons, Jose Contreras was as dominant as any pitcher can be down the stretch. Garland and Buehrle were strong and aside from Duque all pitchers were consistent 200 inning guys that you weren't concerned would be worn down come playoff time. Contreras, Duque, and Garcia all had playoff experience as well. Garcia also still had his nasty stuff. Long term, I'd take the current rotation over that rotation (plus we have 5 starters and Duque was not really much of a starter) but post-season wise, I consider the front end of that rotation far more dominant, plus the experience is key in the post-season. Heck, even as great as this pen has been, its hard to knock Cotts/Politte/Hermy/Jenks who were downright un-hittable. I would say this offense is superior though, although that offense was better at certain things. I would take that pitching staff though, just because it had at least one true "ace" (Contreras). Contreras was throwing video game stuff for the stretch run of that season.

QUOTE (Pants Rowland @ Jul 8, 2008 -> 08:23 AM) I think the 2008 Angels are my biggest concern right now when it comes to the 2008 White Sox. Did they mention how this year's Angels squad compares to the 2002 team that won it all? If this year's White Sox team is better than the 2008 Angels team, then I think they have a chance. I am not really concerned about the 2005 team because they are not playing this year. EDIT: Just read it (that always helps). It is interesting they got Frank Thomas to opine on it in an abjective manner. The big thing about the Angels is they play a style of baseball which can exploit the Sox biggest weaknesses (ie, they have the small-ball players who can draw the walk and steal bases and if there is one thing most of the Sox pitchers are prone to doing, its walking guys and having very slow deliveries to the mound, plus AJ is clearly not a good catcher when it comes to throwing guys out). If the Sox make the playoffs, its the Angels/Rays as opposed to the Red Sox whom I'd be more concerned with. Although all are very deserving, championship caliber clubs as of July 8th.

I guess this could also be a ploy by Ken Williams to basically gain additional leverage on whichever team he is potentially talking to regarding a Uribe deal (basically indicating that we don't have to trade him and are happy to keep him on the bench...heck, we just DFA'd Ozuna to show exactly that). Again, odds are that isn't the case, but its a possibility. I also believe the Sox are comfortable with there options down in the minors in Bourgois, Richar, and Getz.

That is a bummer. I always enjoyed what he did here and I'll continue to root for him on the next team he plays for (he's definitely good enough to get another major league job in this league). Anyone know if Paulie is going to start tonight? I'm assuming with him flying in today that they'll hold Paulie out today and have him play in the final two games.

QUOTE (Steve9347 @ Jul 8, 2008 -> 09:47 AM) Yeah I heard they were dangling Kemp to get Jack Wilson of Pittsburgh. Take it for what it's worth. That would be an absolutely horrid deal for the Dodgers. Oh man, I can't even fathom how bad of a move that would be. Heck, if they are considering Kemp for Wilson, lets find a way to sweeten the pot for the Dodgers. I would send them over a lot more than just Uribe to get Kemp.

Greg, another good read. I really enjoy these pieces because you have a great writing style as well as your natural love for the game comes through in each of the pieces.

Papers out in LA are indicating that the Dodgers have had some preliminary discussions surrounding Juan Uribe. My dad told me he heard on talk radio out here that the Sox were actually asking for quality prospects in return as well. In addition, the Dodgers apparently are willing to dangle Matt Kemp for a SS (obviously that wouldn't be Uribe).

IF JJ Hardy was the PTBNL, that would turn into a terrible deal. Unfortunately that absolutely can't be the case (99.99999% sure) as PTBNL can not be on the 40 man roster IIRC.

I think Crede could actually be good for the home run derby. He apparently has a lot of BP power.

Happy Bday Brandon. Good luck on the road to recovery. Hopefully when you finally get healthy you can get back on the mound and do the things that you have the ability to do (ie, win lots of games).

Into the Friday's restaurant...that was just a BOMB.