Chisoxfn

QUOTE(caulfield12 @ Apr 23, 2007 -> 09:29 PM) How many HUGE base hits did Anderson get to drive in runs when we really needed them, like Erstad's to tie the game against the Royals' ace, Meche? It might have happened 2-3 times all last season. I'll go with Erstad. If he's still hitting .200-.225 on June 5th, then I would certainly be willing to look at giving Anderson or Terrero a shot. His bat has been coming around the last week or so, and those "seeing eye" hits are exactly what most hitters need to feel the momentum is turning in their direction. Baseball is 90% mental, and Erstad's 18 months removed from being an everyday regular. I wouldn't be shocked if that was the case (Erstad hitting in the low .200's on June 5th) that the Sox gave Sweeney the starters job to see what he could do (and if he didn't produce you'd see the Sox trade for a stop-gap). Right now I think Sweeney is the CF of the future. I hate writing off BA because he's talented but he's in a tough spot. However, some time in AAA could really change things. He could get consistent playing time and hopefully he's already began improving his attitude and earn himself a fresh start next time he comes back up.

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Apr 23, 2007 -> 08:39 PM) I am the same way, although I really do like Ortiz. He just seems to have a blast with the game. Its funny...I too hate the Red Sox more than the Yanks. The reason is because everyone still acts like the Yanks are the only team that tries to buy World Series (and yes I'm jealous, I would have no problem at all if the Sox were in the Yanks position with 26 or so world series titles) but BoSox fans act like they are some small market team and it just sickens me. However, I absolutely love watching Arod/Manny play (Manny at the plate more than anyone).

QUOTE(whitesoxfan101 @ Apr 23, 2007 -> 09:16 PM) Paulie has risen. This is a REALLY REALLY good roadtrip if we can get it done tomorrow. I still contest we could have lost all 3 games at Detroit, so to have a 4-1 roadtrip in all division games would be outstanding. In other news....we are now in a 3 way tie with Cleveland and Detroit for 2nd, 1/2 game behind Minnesota. Gonna be a crazy race. I happen to think this is going to be the best divisional race since the league expanded to its current setup. There are four teams in this division that are playoff teams in most other divisions and its not too often you can say that.

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Apr 23, 2007 -> 05:56 PM) Yeah, I think the G35 has traction control. And like I said, even though I love AWD, I really only used it maybe 4-8 days this winter. Do they not have AWD on the G35 coupes? I know a year or two back I was looking at the G35 4 door (one of my dads clients owns a dealership and they had some sick lease deals) and I remember they had AWD versions that drove fantastic (this was the 4 door, but I'd imagine if they had it on the 4 they'd have it on the 2). I also know someone that had the G35 and just upgraded to a new 5 series BMW. They like the BMW more (but its also a bit more costly) but had absolutely no trouble with the G35 (its a real good car) and the coupe version of it is absolutely beautiful (one of the nicest looking cars on the road, imo). I can't comment on the snow, but if they make the coupe in AWD I'm pretty sure it would handle real good. Another car that can handle fantastically in the snow is the Audi with the Quattro. One of my friends that lives up in NoCal in the mountains has that and I've taken it out a couple times in the snow and it has excellent traction/control.

Haeger hasn't exactly been lights out this year in Charlotte. Seems like he's been having a bit of trouble getting command of his knuckler.

You won't hear that Konerko sucks out of me. Baseball is a long season and guys go through the motions. Paulie has proven he's not only one of the best Sox players of the last 10-20 years but that he's also one of the best run producers in baseball (no, he's not the best nor does he rank amongst the top 5 or so) but he's in the group right behind that) and when you do that you deserve the benefit of the doubt. Great game for Paulie, not only offensively, but defensively as well. Crede is also looking better and Erstad has continued to get better and better cuts (which is important since like it or not, he is the starter as long as he's heatlhy). Buehrle pitched well too!!!!

QUOTE(southsideirish @ Apr 23, 2007 -> 09:05 PM) Who said he wasn't healthy? Why do you want a guy batting .111 to replace a guy that is batting .206? For what purpose? He isn't that much of an upgrade defensively, if at all, over Erstad. So while Erstad is healthy, why not play him. Erstad is a veteran who knows how to hit in certain situations, can bunt, and can move the runner over, and makes contact consistently. BA has not shown that he knows how to do anything with the bat. I really don't understand how starting BA over Erstad helps this team. I don't understand that argument at all. I'll say one thing, since Ozzie likes Erstad he should at least be smart enough to know that if Erstad is going to stay in the lineup he's going to need consistent rest (especially early on since he's been recovering from a slew of injuries over the past couple years and last year gave him ample time to recover from a lot of them, but he still has to go through the daily battles of the season) and that means Terrero or BA get at least a start per week (just my 2 cents).

QUOTE(Milkman delivers @ Apr 23, 2007 -> 01:17 PM) How is Floyd doing exactly? He's been pretty solid and his last couple outings have been better. More importantly his velocity is back to what it was when he was one of the top ranked pitching prospects in all of baseball (ie the mid 90's) and he's been getting a ton of break on his curveball. The problems with Floyd were due to him being rushed, losing confidence and when he got into that funk he started to get into some bad habits that he couldn't get out of (as he was just in a funk in the Philly system) and so far Coop and the staff have given him a fresh start, made some minor adjustments and he's continuing to work his kinks out and will likely be talked about a lot if any starter goes down (or if the Sox lose one of there starters to FA or trade this off-season).

I'm sorry, but whether you like Pods or not (and I'm well documented to the fact that I'm not one of his biggest fans) his signing was not a bad one given the market conditions over the off-season. Pods contract was a value compared to what guys like Pierre & Matthews Jr. got. Plus Pods, while not the most gifted offensive player tends to do a good job with his approach at the plate for a leadoff hitter (taking pitches) and really was playing well before getting hurt (even his defense, while still horrid, was a lot better than last season). And as far as Erstad goes, yet another good game for the outfielder as he seems to finally be getting a bit of his stroke bad (which is resulting in a few more line drives, although he's still been way too pull happy).

Jenks got hit hard today with his velocity up a bit, but part of it was just really good approaches by the Royals hitters (going with the pitches and letting Jenks velocity work against him) but I think Bobby knew he was just out there to throw strikes and it almost looked like he was specifically working on his fastball. We have to remember that he was a couple weeks behind where he'd usually be when it came to his spring training start and as such he wasn't where he'd like to have been (in terms of having his velocity) by the start of the season but it has continually climbed and tonights gun appeared to be pretty accurate (based on how both Meche/Buehrle have historically pitched velocity wise as well as Sisco/MacDougall) and Jenks was a consistent 95-96 with some good movement. The only thing he didn't have going was any of his breaking stuff (and thats been a rarity this year because his breaking stuff has been a lot more consistent than I've ever remembered it).

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Apr 23, 2007 -> 04:51 PM) Alex did it again today. He is amazing. Indeed. Too bad he's a Yank, cause I absolutely love Arod the player.

QUOTE(danman31 @ Apr 23, 2007 -> 02:24 PM) Erstad sucks at the plate Jason. You gotta stop with your Angel love. You've always hated on players for bad attitudes (in this case Anderson) and it's no surprise you took this stance. Dan, let me know if you'd be interested in doing a segment on the show one of these weeks (with some minor league discussion). I won't deny Erstad is bad at the plate, but I also am not going to play a guy who has had a poor attitude and doesn't produce over Erstad (a guy who may not produce offensively, at least not thus far, but is still better offensively and has a superior attitude).

Download the Show The White Sox couldn't finish off a sweep in Detroit on Sunday, but the crew at the Southside Report finished off a sweep as they completed there 3rd straight show. And just as the crew is getting in a rhythm so are the Sox and despite a positive week a couple key pitchers have continued to get little support while Scott Podsednik's injury leads to an interesting debate on the entire left field/center field situation... Download the Show Streaming Version of the Show How to Subscribe To Our Feed

Best wishes go out to Cintron and his family.

QUOTE(Heads22 @ Apr 22, 2007 -> 08:06 PM) I meant in regards to Brian's work ethic and attitude this year. I know that last I heard he's still had issues but I don't know if that cleared up or not (I thought one of those issues was documented in an article in the paper a week or two ago) but Ozzie is playing hardball with him hoping that him not just handing things over will have an effect and get Brian's head on straight. But I also think that you got to take those comments for what they are worth as really the only people that are truly completely privy on the situation are those that are consistency in the clubhouse.

QUOTE(Heads22 @ Apr 22, 2007 -> 07:56 PM) Have you been hearing something or is this general conjecture from last year or what? I know the Sox like Terrero (both Ozzie and Kenny) but Its just my opinion that its going to be Terrero or Logan (long term and thats something they'll discuss when Pods gets back). But I expect Ozzie to try and get BA some playing time this week before the Sox make a final decision on whether Terrero comes up (and at that point I wouldn't expect to see BA until Erstad goes down or BA makes a couple adjustments and gets himself more ready to succeed at the major league level). If Terrero comes up than he'll be trying to show he'll be more useful than Ozzie (who really likes the idea of having an extra pitcher on his staff cause he feels it will keep everyone more fresh and when you have the depth in the OF the Sox have you can't blame him; however I think its a bad idea because he's going to have to start giving Erstad some extra days off if he wants to keep him healthy and I don't really want to get used to seeing Mack out in CF).

QUOTE(AddisonStSox @ Apr 22, 2007 -> 05:48 PM) I'm sorry, Heads. But, any time you post in a collegiate thread regarding ISU it reminds me of the obnoxious girl at the party that constantly interjects in the conversations of others hoping they elect to dignify her with a response. You know I'm not calling you an obnoxious girl, A. But, it cracks me up. Hell, I still feel uncomfortable talking college hoops with accredited Indiana, Duke, or Kansas posters (save one Soxtalker) because in some way I still feel like Illinois is an inferior program--and we went to a Final Four three years ago. Ya, but lets not act like Illinois is better than ISU in football (at least not over the past 5 years or so). I realize Iowa State isn't a great team (hell I'm actually sticking up for ISU and that says something) but they have to have a good number more wins than the Illini the past couple years. Personally speaking I want more people to tell me what the hell is going on with Iowa (any good new players coming) cause I need the dirt

QUOTE(Heads22 @ Apr 22, 2007 -> 07:53 PM) If Ozzie refuses to play him, he has to be sent down. You have to agree he needs consistent at-bats. I expect Terrero to be up soon and I think Terrero will be a much more valuable bench player too. But I could give a crap what Anderson thinks. I hope he realizes he needs to start busting his ass and proving to everyone that he's learned from his rookie mistakes (and I'm not talking about his play on the field...that part is obvious, but to make process in that he's going to have to improve in how he handles himself and how he prepares for the games and works on fixing his flaws).

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Apr 22, 2007 -> 07:34 PM) I almost long for the days of Aaron Rowand here which is saying something in itself. If BA's not giving 100% effort as well, it's probably time to make a move and trade him to a team like Florida for young pitching. The only way you trade BA is if you actually get some value for him. Otherwise let him pay for his mistakes and hope he figures things out (and that Ozzie forgives him). It be one thing to help him out and give him a change of scenery. That is if Brian worked hard and things didn't work out but he made some serious mistakes at the major league level (and he's young, it happens and he should be given the chance to redeem himself but you also have to understand he needs to first earn that by consistently getting away from those bad habits) and when you do that he has no right to b**** about playing time or anything else (because truth be told he buried his own grave and now has to unbury himself). Hopefully he can, but I wouldn't just get rid of him (there is too much talent there) and I'll hope like many young players he can learn from those mistakes and do what it takes in the clubhouse/practices/games to re-earn the respect of his teammates, coaches and the manager.

Ya, cause I've clearly talked up every former/current Angel player (they happen to be a good team so I will say good things about numerous players on them, just like I think the Yanks have a lot of good players, so do the Twins, Mets, Dodgers, and quite a few other teams that have made the playoffs over the past couple years). Why don't you realize there is more to baseball than a calculator. I'm not saying Erstad has been good, he's been horrible offensively but I also know he's played fantastically out in center field (and I also know last season I never complained about BA because he was playing great d, but right now Erstad is doing an even better job). I have a problem with Anderson because he seems to think things should be handed to him as opposed to going out and earning things. (and this is when people are going to say he had a better spring than Erstad, but I will say that his attitude has been absolutely terrible and I not only know that based on what I've read in the paper but what I've heard from people close/involved with the org). He had his one free shot at a job and failed. Whether Ozzie was right or wrong in his handling is unimportant anymore, what matters is Brian didn't take advantage of his situation and he only made matters worse by not putting in proper effort when it came to his lacadasical way of watching film and getting prepared for games (and when your struggling and than don't work hard to not struggle/suck offensively, you are not going to be respected nor should you and you aren't going to get the benefit of the doubt). Erstad on the other hand, whether you like it or not (and you clearly don't but thats your opinion), has earned the respect of baseball and his teammates and he says and does the right things on the field and that in itself has given him the shot to get some time to see if he can get rolling offensively (and the past couple games its looking like he just might). Bottom line is Anderson should take notes of the baseball side of things (I'm not saying he should try to put up the same stats) but look at how Erstad approaches the game, he could learn a s***load and maybe stop being overly cocky about whats been a fantastic major league career thus far (I don't think I need any green for that one). And by all means I'm not saying I'm happy with the way the outfield has produced, I'm not, but I'm not furious nor do I think its time to panic and make a move (because I think Erstad could be the guy and Anderson could even very well be the guy). Although I'd definitely like to have a leadoff hitter producing better than Darin has thus far this season.

Sick 12 k's for Gio.

I pray that some of you stop slurping Brian Anderson.

QUOTE(greg775 @ Apr 22, 2007 -> 05:32 PM) Understand the sarcasm, but does anybody really believe this team is anything but a .500 to .540 type win percentage team? I believe this team has all the pieces on it to win a world series. Whether those pieces produce and stay healthy like they can is another question. Just like last years team had enough talent to win the Series (as did the 2003 Sox club...or at least I think it was 03 when they had Everett, Alomar, Colon, Loiaza, Buehrle, etc) this years club does as well (the talent in the rotation and pen is there, will the production be there?? and this team does have a pretty talented line-up).

Thanks for the birthday wishes everyone.

I see a couple of you mention Anderson. What the heck did he do in the game that was real bad?