Chisoxfn

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Jan 26, 2007 -> 08:29 AM) uhuh..... I'm pretty sure Pods won't be playing much to star the season so Anderson and Erstad can both get plenty of AB's and during that time they may both play great and give Pods a reduced roll (since we know Ozzie wasn't very pleased with Pods last year, nor was Kenny) or one of them may struggle, get hurt or who knows and when Pods comes back he'll take left with the other getting the majority of the playing time in CF. Anderson will get his shot. The team saw enough in him to deal Chris Young a year ago and they made a major statement by holding pat for the most part when there were potential ways to upgrade the position. I think its obvious Kenny thinks higher of Anderson than Ozzie, but at the same time I think Ozzie may be saying a lot of things as motivation now that it has came out that Andreson doesn't always push himself as hard as he should (and if thats the case Ozzie deserves to rip into him because not putting in the proper effort is and should always be unacceptable).

QUOTE(TLAK @ Jan 25, 2007 -> 08:20 PM) Last year, Erstad hit as well as Brian Anderson despite playing on one leg. At the very least he is somebody who Brian has to compete with for playing time. Should Erstad hit .273 like he did in ’05 and field CF responsibly, it will provide a floor for Brian. Having watched virtually every game last year, I don’t think Anderson has reached the maturity to be entirely self motivated, and knowing he has to play better than Erstad or grab some pine will make him an improved player. Excellent post. QUOTE(Leonard Zelig @ Jan 25, 2007 -> 09:04 PM) Has there been any word on his physical? The stuff I have heard out here on the West Coast has been really positive. They say he's the healthiest he's been in years. The guy had a gigantic bone spur in his ankle that he was playing with and has had some past injuries that have bothered him but he's had a lot of time away from baseball and its allowed those past injuries to heal and apparently his ankle is doing real good (now that the bone spur is gone). I'm actually becoming a much bigger fan of this move. In addition you have past and present Angel team-mates and coaches talking about all the things he brings to a team. It sounds like they are really going to miss him in Anaheim and if he is healthy Sox fans are really really going to love Erstad for the way he plays the game and all the little things he brings to the park day in day out. I am now officially predicting he will start 130 games for the Southsiders. Some in CF and some in LF.

I figure it would be good to have one thread for all the Soxfest related discussion (ie, how the event was, some cool things you saw or bought at the garage sale, autographs you got, and news/info you picked up from the seminars or whatever else you want to share). So post away and in advance I appreciate the info that some of members will post about what they heard in the different seminars (especially the ones involving Ozzie and Kenny).

QUOTE(SnB @ Jan 24, 2007 -> 10:09 AM) On my walk home from class today, I decided I really really want to go to ST this year over our spring break. I'd like to go for maybe 2 days or something. Anyways, my questions are: 1) what is the rough estimate on how much it would cost? (flight/hotel/tickets/food/etc) 2) how far is the park from the airport? Well if you are going to fly out there I'd recommend staying to catch at least 3 games and would even recommend a 4th if at all possible. To me the key is finding a time where you wouldn't have to do much driving (since I'm assuming you wouldn't have a car) so you'd want to have the Sox in a similar area for a while. But if you go with a group that would be easier cause you could rent a car or something. But I think you'd find airfare (out of Chicago) for around 200-250 (if you can find a deal, but I know sometimes during that time its tough to find a deal). Than you have hotel and you end up staying pretty cheap (use priceline). I know in years past some of us were able to stay in 4 star resorts for like 70 per night (and I'm sure you can find stuff cheaper than that). Tickets are cheap, you could just buy grass seats and stand behind home plate or eventually sit somewhere thats open (the key is getting in, imo cause from there no matter where you are your gonna be close to the action). But its a total blast . I'd recommend timing it with a few other people because than you'd be splitting up the costs. QUOTE(Jenks Heat @ Jan 26, 2007 -> 05:43 AM) I went three yeras ago and was not happy with the hotel. I am booking next week, where is the best place to stay?????? Well if you are in the Phoenix area and want to stay someplace nice...Scottsdale has a lot of resorts that usually aren't even closed to being full so you can get killer deals through priceline on them (search for a website and it will tell you what to bid and pretty much say where you are going to be staying, that way you have an idea). We've stayed in some 4 star places (maybe even considered 5 star) for 70 a night and for s***s and giggles I asked how much it would be to stay there (not telling them I had booked a room) and it was 300 plus (which made my cheapass feel proud). I couldn't tell you about Tuscon. I know the Loews Bantana (may have botched the spelling) is an awesome resort that backs up to the hills (not sure on the price, depends on the deal cause I think rooms can be anywhere from 120 - 350). I recommend Phoenix area because there is so so much more to do (between Scottsdale, Tempe - where ASU is, Mesa, Chandler, etc). Plus you have a ton more teams in the area so if you like to see different stadiums (or even different teams) than you have that option (I usually catch 4 games in 3 nights when I go and typically see 2 Sox games and 2 other games and try to hit up 4 different stadiums which to me is fun cause you get to see a lot of different things and tons of different players). Oh and definitely get to the games early, watch BP or go watch the minor leaguers. Take advantage of the ability to get so close to the action. I love watching the younger players take BP and seeing guys throw bullpen sessions.

Floyd or Sisco (I just want to make a crazy prediction so I threw Sisco in there).

QUOTE(Buehrle>Wood @ Jan 25, 2007 -> 04:29 PM) TSN came out with their catcher ratings today. White Sox were ranked 4th in the AL with AJP being ranked as the 9th best catcher(Both leagues included for individual rankings). Twins and Tigers were number 1 and 2 yet again. Mauer was 2nd overall and I-Rod was 5th. Indians were 4th with Victor Martinez being ranked 14th. Royals were 13th, Buck was 20th. Who the heck was rated above Mauer?

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Jan 25, 2007 -> 06:11 PM) No, not one bit. And at this point of time, he might still be pretty decent out there (maybe average to slightly above). Wow, you don't think Erstad deserved to win the gold glove when he won it? The guy was an absolutely stud in CF at one point in time. Now I'm not saying he will be anywhere close to that in the outfield for the Sox, however I see no reason why he wouldn't be better than Pods in LF and better than Mack in center (if his ankle is healthy). I will say that Erstad has definitely lost a step or two in CF and doesn't have the same instincts he once had out there (due to minimal amount of games he's played in the OF the past couple season) but I would not be surprised to see him quickly regain his instincts. And no Erstad will never ever win another gold glove in CF. That said I think there is a solid chance Erstad hits over .270 (and while that isn't amazing by any means, it is a solid clip considering some of the intangibles he will bring with him).

QUOTE(kageman129 @ Jan 25, 2007 -> 02:15 PM) http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2742793 This is an excellent signing for us. It sounds like Erstad is excited to play and hopefully he can stay healthy all season to help us out. I've been a long time reader on Soxtalk and just thought I'd try posting at least once. Good to have ya aboard

On a sidenote, on Inside the NFL last night the quartet really really ripped into Belliceck for what they called his lack of losing in a respectable manner. They were talking about how he's no doubt one of the greatest coaches in the league but that it shows a lot about his character when you lose the way he did. In addition they really made it seem like Belliceck never in fact talked to Peyton and that Peyton just mentioned his name in passing because Peyton probalby didn't want it to be a story during these next 2 weeks. And I got to admit, after seeing the clip a couple times, it was a pretty crappy job Belly did. In addition the analysts on Inside the NFL ripped into him for the way he treated the media during the post game conference. Take it for what it is worth though. Afterall, Carter called the Bears a terrible team earlier in the year (and apparently ripped into Grossman big time off the set and the other three really let him hear it about that).

QUOTE(Jimbo's Drinker @ Jan 25, 2007 -> 02:24 PM) Jimbo's Drinker could win for most hated poster....try hard to not be, but i am.. oh well. If it is any consolation, you are one of my favorite posters. I think you bring a bit of an edge to the board.

Iowa beat Penn State....yeahhhh

QUOTE(Jenksismyb**** @ Jan 24, 2007 -> 02:59 PM) lol, never! I would vote for Newt though. Ive seen him speak on multiple occasions. Very engaging guy, great speaker, and honestly, I like his way of thinking about issues. You don't hear him sugarcoat things and say the obvious political statements, which admittedly could be because there were no cameras, but still. It was refreshing to hear a politician talk about current events and policy debates without resorting to the typical answers. Newt would make an outstanding president. The guy is a political genius and I don't think there is a politician out there that I agree with more than Newt. Newt is also a guy that knows his history and has a great understanding of the past so that we will learn from mistakes and successes we made in that past. He'd never get elected but he'd make a tremendous president.

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Jan 24, 2007 -> 09:46 PM) Why Gage and Mario on Soxtalk on the Air of course. Good answer....you are now the king of Soxtalk

This is crap. I deserve to be a primadonna that is mentioned on Forbes. God damn it, thats it, I'm closing the site. Maybe with the site gone, they'll realize just how well known I was.

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Jan 24, 2007 -> 08:39 PM) I hate you for remembering that. And that's basketball, give me a break, please!!! I had em in the elite the 8. How was I supposed to know we can't beat any team with Northwestern in it.

QUOTE(Steff @ Jan 24, 2007 -> 11:55 AM) It's happened to all of them. Brandon just doesn't know how to handle that stuff yet. You should see what happens to them when they are out at bars without any "security". Agreed and whether right or wrong it is the nature of being in the spotlight and being who they are.

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Jan 24, 2007 -> 12:03 PM) Asante Samuel is asking for big money, he might be worth it. I will admit to not seeing New England play on a weekly basis, but damn, he seems to be one of the best corners in all of football. Just the way he jumps routes (seemingly) all the time, his quickness and speed... I'm fine with Grossman backed up by Griese as our QB situation. We don't need a great QB in here, just an average one, and I think Rex can be that. We're looking pretty good in the immediate future, really. Maybe if you can get a little younger on the O-line, that'd be nice, but other than that... I wouldn't be shocked if we signed one of the bigger named guards (if we do lose Briggs) in addition to going after a lb'er via free agency to replace him (again if we lose him). And yes, we have money but we also have numerous guys that are due to get extensions (Vasher and I think Tillman may be due for another extension...plus Tommie Harris, Bernard Berrian and Rex Grossman). We also have Ian Scott as a FA and considering we aren't sure how Harris will come back from his injury there could be some benefit to bringing Scott back as an insurance plan. So basically, yes we are in a great position cap wise but at the same time JA is going to have some tough decisions upon him when it comes to who to extend, who not to extend, etc. Oh and we could also look at safety via FA (since thats typically a position where the good FA's don't end up breaking the bank).

QUOTE(LosMediasBlancas @ Jan 24, 2007 -> 10:39 AM) A few thoughts: It's hard to have a fair opinion unless you've seen every film. Huh? I thought the critics hated 'Babel'?? Why is everyone so in love with 'The Departed'? Don't snooze on Forest Whitaker in 'The Last King of Scotland'. For those that saw Babel, is it worth seeing? What about the Last King of Scottland (is that like an action drama)? Both sound like they could be interesting but I don't remember any previews on them and since I'm out of town on business I'll probably hit up the theatres to kill time at least one night during the next 2 weeks.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Jan 24, 2007 -> 09:13 AM) Read the latest update at Talkbulls.com http://www.talkbulls.com/forums/index.php?...ost&p=21983 Wow thats even better looking.

QUOTE(WhiteSoxfan1986 @ Jan 24, 2007 -> 08:24 AM) Kind of wierd that they're reducing the number. Aren't the ESPN games always in Florida? No, espn does games on the west coast as well. I remember a couple years ago the Sox had a few games on ESPN (one of which was a McCarthy start against the Angels). And personally speaking, I don't see why people compare the Cubs and Sox. Sure they are in the same city but both teams are ran independently and the Sox are equal owners with Comcast so they could negotiate out as many games as both sides were willing to go. And if WGN wanted to show only Cubs games than that is there freaking right (they don't have to put the Sox games on or negotiate with the Sox to get a deal that natoinally televises about a game per week). GMAFB

QUOTE(knightni @ Jan 23, 2007 -> 10:23 PM) http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sp...-home-headlines Bulls interested in Pau Gasol. It makes too much sense. He's almost the perfect fit and compliment to Wallace. Now the only thing left is getting Memphis to accept a fair offer.

QUOTE(GreatScott82 @ Jan 24, 2007 -> 07:09 AM) According to Scot Merkin, the 25 man roster is set: How do you guys feel about our 25 man roster on paper right now? Not as sexy as last year, but we should still be in the running to compete for the AL Central title. Starting Rotation Mark Buerhle Jose Contreras Jon Garland Javy Vazquez Gavin Floyd *he must win the job at spring training, will compete with guys like Gio, Danks, Haegar, Logan, Broadway. Bullpen Jenks CL Thorton L SU Macdougal R SU Aardsma MR Sisco MR/LR Massett * he must win the job at spring training Starting lineup Podsednick LF Iguchi 2B Thome DH Konerko 1B Dye RF Crede 3B Pierzynski C Anderson CF Uribe SS Bench Hall C (AJ relief) Ozuna SS, 3b, 2b , LF (Mr. Pinch runner) Mackowiack 3b, LF, RF (Mr. Pinch hitter) Erstad CF, 1B (Defense replacement) Cintron SS, 2B ( can spell Uribe during the long season) I think its a darn solid squad and if it stays healthy and some of our youngsters develop I think it could be a contender when all is said and done. At the same time, if things go wrong we could find oursleves out of things (but you could say that about a lot of teams).

QUOTE(FlaSoxxJim @ Jan 23, 2007 -> 08:35 PM) I didn't read the article, but I assume this wouldn't take effect until the 2008 season, right? It's too close to the start of the season to get a deal like this worked out, right? Nope, apparently 07.

QUOTE(SuperSteve @ Jan 23, 2007 -> 09:03 PM) What if he's hitting .340 when he DH's? We did win the world series with Timo Perez at DH . By the way, good seeing ya stop on by Steve. Hope all is well

QUOTE(redandwhite @ Jan 23, 2007 -> 06:43 PM) In OOTP leagues I've always loved acquiring Erstad from people with the same mindset that you have, wite. That he sucks, that he's this, that he's that, and because of his salary he'll be moved for chump change and if he stays healthy he performs like an all-star. Point I'm making, so what if his career is over and he turns out to be Timo Perez. If the guy can remain healthy, something I'd set at about a 33% chance, he could be a real valuable chip for the 07 White Sox. Low risk, High reward. Exactly.