Chisoxfn

Game Set Match. Really good close game and an exciting OT thanks to some bad field goal kicking. I don't know about anyone else, but I sense college football coming to an end and I was hoping for another miss just so we can see more OT. Hell, I hope tomorrows game goes down to OT as well. I love OT in college football.

QUOTE(LosMediasBlancas @ Jan 3, 2006 -> 08:55 PM) ALIVE ALIVE ALIVE 12 ALIVE!!!!! WOW, TRULY MIRACULOUS. Unbelievable.

Wow PSU misses one barely wide left and it will go to a 2nd OT. 38 yarder and it was barely missed, just like FSU's was barely missed. The game goes on. I hope this is a precursor to how good the Rose Bowl will be. Man, talk about a game.

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Jan 3, 2006 -> 09:30 PM) yeah, she really was. I was thinking maybe that was Brady's broad Thats what I thought at first, but I figured they'd have mentioned something if it was. My guess is it was one of Brady's sisters friends.

Wow, who'd of thought FSU would give the Nittany Lions a battle. I've thought Penn State (while good) was over-rated, but I figured they'd beat FSU (a down FSU team without its leading tackler). Great finish though and it will be interesting to see who pulls this one out. Regardless, considering PSU didn't win (if they do) in an impressive fashion, OSU will be the 3rd ranked team in the country.

QUOTE(Fotop @ Jan 3, 2006 -> 04:40 PM) hahahaha Hopefully that'll be the last we'll hear of Laura Quinn...what a pointless storyline. The blonde next to her was way better anyway.

Totally boss WU.

QUOTE(Palehosefan @ Jan 3, 2006 -> 10:57 AM) If Texas wins, then Vince is gone. But otherwise I don't see him leaving, as Mack managed to keep guys like Derrick Johnson, and Cedric Benson 4 years. As for where he would go, I would think both the Jets and the Raiders would give him a look before Arizona could get to him. Even the Saints could be interested in him if he has a great combine. The Raiders would love Leinart, but I don't see him lasting to the 6th pick. If he does it would be a mistake cause the guys going to be a darn good pro qb.

QUOTE(Heads22 @ Jan 3, 2006 -> 11:25 AM) Until Iowa can beat ISU consistently that's not a given win for them. It's been one of Ferentz's few problems. Ya, ISU is not a given win. Thats a big time rivalry game and Iowa has struggled to play with the same intensity the Clones have in those games. McCarney is a good head coach and ISU is a solid football program. However, they have failed to win the big game the past two years and he's going to have to get those big wins (especially while there side of the conference has been down) cause its about to get a lot tougher for them (since it really looks like Nebraska is turning the corner). Also, North Carolina has been making some noise on the football end and I think Palehosefan would agree with that (the resident UNC fan). They have failed to turn into a top notch football program but to call them a cupcake would be wrong.

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Jan 3, 2006 -> 11:16 AM) On another note, that offsides in the IOWA/FLA game on the onside kick was a horses*** call. The game was full of thm. It was pathetic. That said Iowa put themselves in that position, but they certainly didn't get any calls. Plus did anyone see that one 1st down they got in the game. They got a yard and a half favorable spot. It should have been essentially a no gain. Of course Iowa stopped them on that drive. Iowa dug themselves into a deep hole and they had help from the refs, but they did a lot of it on there own. They don't fall behind so badly early (which was there own fault) and they probably win the game.

QUOTE(THEWOOD @ Jan 2, 2006 -> 06:51 PM) Where are all the ND trolls????? Time to eat some crow!!!!!!! Dude, I'm a ND backer and I often times said I felt you guys were the better team. I hated this matchup but I thought it was going to be a hell of a game. We made some mistakes and I think the game could have been closer, but your speed got us in the end. Tough loss for the Irish but quite frankly we didn't execute like we should have and you proved why talent wise your one of the 3 best teams in the country (and will be in the polls when the season ends). Oh as far as Iowa goes, they made two dumbass mistakes and obviously there defense had some trouble but that game wasn't near the blowout it should have been. Iowa was able to shred Florida's d pretty much all game but failed a few times. They played terrible and deserved to lose. Those calls at the end of the half were horrendous and led to a Florida TD (when Iowa would have had a shot at really cutting things) but at the same time Iowa didn't protect on that 1st punt and they threw a pick for a TD. Thats there own fault. Florida is a good team and while It sucked both my teams lost (plus the Bulls) I will not stand down that both Notre Dame and Iowa are good teams. Iowa had a lot of problems this year, but they are still in my mind one of the 25 best in the country (but yes, I was dead wrong about them having a good season, there green defensive front didn't allow them to have a good defense because they rely on getting pressure and when they can't get pressure they get toasted).

Am I missing something. When the hell did Honel undergo Tommy John? Whoever you were talking with was messing with you because Honel was pitching at such a late part of last year that if he somehow (under the radar) underwent Tommy John he wouldn't even be close to being in pitching shape. Honel was advertised as throwing in the low 90's from BA but thats not the case with him and I've seen him a few times back when he was the pride and joy of the Sox system. I wish Honel nothing but the best, but any reports of him throwing 99 or even 93 are probably false. If he is throwing 88-89 I'd be happy. I should also add he had some confidence back late last season and started seeing his stuff improve. A lot of what was wrong with Kris was in between the ears. If he can figure it out, maybe he can turn himself back into a prospect. He's healthy (or at least as far as I know he is and one of our writers, Mike aka Cerb, interviewed him near the end of the season and Honel was confident about the strides he made and mentioned nothing about being hurt. That said, does anyone know if he underwent Tommy John. This off-season seems like a blurr to me and I pretty much ignoring the minors the final month of the season with the Sox in the thick of the pennant race and than in the playoffs.

QUOTE(Jordan4life_2006 @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 01:57 AM) This is by far the best staff 1-5 in baseball. I won't worry one bit if the era's are a little high in spring training. As long as the arms are healthy, I'll be happy.

QUOTE(SSH2005 @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 08:01 PM) Well, I don't think this trade is going to happen either because of KW's apparent manlove for Brian Anderson but I could see there being some truth to the Astros offering Taveras and prospects for Contreras. They could then try Chris Burke in center field. When Bagwell officially retires, they could then move Berkman to 1B full-time and put Luke Scott in LF. If Clemens decides to retire or they can't afford him anymore, I could see the Astros wanting to cover their bases with a guy like Contreras. I tend to think a trade for Contreras would pretty much spell the end to Clemens in Houston. Financially I don't think the Astros could afford to give him 16-18 million for another year. They are in a total mess right now thanks to the contracts they've given out to a lot of older guys (people like Bags).

QUOTE(quickman @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 07:59 PM) damn it are you in my brain? Dead on. Tavaras is a better ball player than Andersen right now and one that fits Ozzies needs this year. He is cheap, and talented and has upside. We have contraras as a chip, we have two holes right now, Center field and bullpen. If tavaras is available and Qualls, then there is your trade. No stats just holes to fill. I too don't think it will happen. I think were definately seeing eye to eye on this and I think each team matches up decent, but I think Kenny has no problem sticking with Contreras and turning some of his lesser prospects into a reliever. At the same time I could also see Kenny giving Tracey a shot and since I don't think this spot will cost the Sox a playoff spot halfway through the season Kenny would always have the option to make a move in late May/June to add a reliever if Tracey or Anderson aren't producing as par (just to bolster the club for a world series drive). If Brian Anderson or one more reliever are the reason the Sox don't make the playoffs, I'll be shocked. Its going to come down to our rotation staying healthy and producing as well as the bats consistently scoring runs (not a ton, but just being able to execute and do enough). I think our offense (on paper) is better than last years and the pitching staff is deeper and more proven than last years. The best part is this club is going to be able to continue to mold and gel and hopefully improve because you don't win it all staying the same. Kenny knows that and he's filled what he saw as voids in last years club. I'm quite confident we'll see another reliever and maybe we'll see Jose dealt to get him (or maybe we'll see prospects go for him). Either way this has been unlike any offseason in past history. Kenny has been his agressive self and he's had the blessing from Jerry, Eddie and the other investors. I'm really excited for baseball season to start because I love how agressive this team has been and they have the right attitude of pitching, defense, and some timely hitting.

QUOTE(quickman @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 07:48 PM) AHH now here is a man who looks at more than stats. Very nice post. If we get Tavaras, we can then trade andersen for more bullpen help. Then the real prospect we have left (Sweeney) can develop. He is the only one left that I like at least until the next failed draft! I actually agree with you on Sweeney, however Anderson has proved me wrong thus far. I pretty much have zero faith in Anderon's offensive ability. At his best I could see him turning into a Torri Hunter type player (a shade below defensively though) but thats not the type of player he'll be next year. I could see him at best doing .250 with 15 HR's and 130+ strikeouts. However, if he looks like he did last year (which was worse than a freaking pitcher aside from his 2 HR game) I could see him hitting .180 and getting benched a few weeks into the season. I will need to see Anderson make adjustments and produce before I annoit him a can't miss player. If he turns into a decent hitter he'll be a very good centerfielder due to his defensive abilities. Also great points on Pierre (i think you made them on Pierre) about how Pierre would cost the Sox considerable cash and prospects while Taveras will be cheap and in the Sox control for a long time. Plus I think Kenny and Ozzie both realize how much good defense helps pitching and in all honesty Juan Pierre is not a good defensive outifelder, Willy Taveras is. Personally speaking...Taveras >>> Pierre (when you factor all things into it). Of course I really don't care about CF at all (even though I'm far from comfortable about Anderson) simply because as long as we have someone that can catch the ball there, I don't think its going to be the reason we win or lose. However, Kenny needs to find another reliever and I'm confident he will.

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 07:35 PM) Jim, in my opinion -- and I could be wrong -- I think you're overstating Ozzie's quotes. What I mean by that is, if Kenny was really on board with getting another slap-hitting speedster, I think he would've had the better, left-handed Willie Taveras already (Juan Pierre). I think that Kenny realizes the importance of power in his lineup, and I think he likes having three guys at the bottom of the lineup all capable of 20+ HRs (Iguchi/Uibe + Crede + Anderson). I also think that he's extremely confident in Anderson's defensive capabilities. Will Taveras gain more plate discipline? Ehh, he might, but even at his peak, I don't think he's that great of a player. If this were to be a move for further down the line, I think I'd dislike it even more, as we already have a guy like him in Jerry Owens. ...... QM, you made a comment about everyone thinking Anderson will put up All-Star numbers. Is .250/.315/.425 really the line of an All-Star. 'Cause, frankly, I have minimal expectations for BA in his first year offensively. Really, his importance will come on how good he is defensively out in CF. Keith your killing me. Jerry Owens does not equal Willy Taveras. Owens is a guy whose going to have to hit to succeed in this league. Taveras will have to hit, but he can also play above average center field at the age of 24. He has a good arm for a CFer, great range, the ability to steal and he's shown the ability to hit major league pitching. In the minors he showed pretty good patience and my guess is you'll see his patience improve at the major league level. If this guy were on the Sox last year, I think quite a few of us would be going crazy about Taveras potential to be a future leadoff hitter while serving as Pods 2 hole hitter for the next year or two (and than eventually replacing him). Jerry Owens = 4th outfielder unless he can hit .300 with a good OBP and if he can improve his base runner ability. He needs to better utilize his speed. The fact that he plays Pods position, and NOT CENTER, is another fact that people need to realize. I don't see the Sox replacing Pods next year so Owens is going to be platooning at best at first and it won't be until next year (unless he tears the cover off the ball in spring training or if Pods gets hurt). Jerry Owens is not capable of playing CF. NOT CAPABLE. Talk to people in the Sox org and they will tell you the same thing. In a pinch could he, I guess, but he'd be freaking horrendous out there. He'd be worse than Pods in CF and Pods is a crappy fielder.

QUOTE(JimH @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 07:14 PM) Keith you are a lot smarter than this. It is not saying Anderson is bad. Look at what type of player Guillen likes. Do you not think a player like Tavares has a good chance to gain more plate discipline, do you think Brian is capable of stealing 20 bases per year. Guillen wants more speed at the top of the lineup, do you not think he will support every effort to get more speed? I think he will. Brian can steal 20 bases a year in an agressive system. But we are talking about the top of the lineup and Brian Anderson shouldn't be anywhere close to the top of the lineup this year. Personally, knowing the way the organization feels about Anderson, I don't think there is a chance in hell the Sox are actually seriously looking at Taveras. However, I can see the reasons why, but I also see why people throw his name out there (anyone can figure out what type of guys Ozzie likes and Taveras is that type of guy). Because of that your going to have his name brought up when a team like Houston is rumored to be after a frontline pitcher. Anyway, my 2 cents is that most of this is all for naught because Anderson is going to be our starting CF at the start of the season (for better or worse) and unlike most I'm not exactly comfortable with Brian. At the same time I think our lineup is quite good and our pitching staff is great (as long as it stays healthy). I'd like to see our pen strengthened, but if Brian Anderson and one bullpen arm our the Sox sole questionmarks, I think we'll be alright at the start of the year. Its not like we are going to be asking Anderson to be a key player. As long as he can play defense and improve as the season goes on, I think they'll be alright in CF. I like Anderson's defensive tools a lot and I have my doubts (always have) about his offense, but he has the raw capabilities there and has always proved me wrong while playing well at every level he's been placed at in his career. Hopefully he does more of the same at the major league level.

QUOTE(JimH @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 06:59 PM) Right, Rowand helped us win but he had holes. Hmmm ... Anderson in his minor league career appears to have some of the same holes. Guillen likes speedsters like Podsednik, it does not matter that all the posters on this site think we do not need two players of the same ilk, the point is Guillen wants more speed. No surprise to me if these rumors carry some weight. Anderson has a lot of holes in his swing. They were thoroughly exploited at the major league level (in albeit a small sample size). Over the long haul I think he'll be a solid ballplayer, but I still am in shock at how people have been annoiting both him and Owens can't miss all stars. Our best outfield prospect (by far) is no longer in our system (no biggie if Anderson can develop and Vazquez pitches well), but Anderson is no guarantee. He has all the tools but has quite a bit of work to do to his swing and approach if he's going to succeed at this level (as do most youngsters). I'm always amazed at how fans in general always overrate prospects and underrate proven commodities. Its almost like how backup qb's are always better than starting qb's. Well until they get the opportunity in which case most of the time they show why they are backup quarterbacks.

Jeter is an average at best defensive shortstop and I'd like to say he's a poor defensive shortstop. I'll give him credit for being a headsy player with some intangibles but he's vastly over-rated and vastly overpaid.

QUOTE(Felix @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 06:18 PM) So basically, at the beginning of the season? Its the NL West. They'll be able to stick around for a while.

QUOTE(Texsox @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 06:12 PM) Potato ~and~ rice, and no veggie? Salad with tomatoes and carrots (so thats the veggies). Only reason rice is due to some leftover rice being in the fridge.

Garland is no longer on the market.

QUOTE(SoxFan101 @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 05:16 PM) Thats not true at all.... they dont spend a whole season at AAA all the time but most prospects do spend sometime in AAA unless their majorleague team is really bad than they could just go straight to the majors. A course their are players who go straight from AA like Jenks and Cabrera but those are usually prospects who are more than ready for the big leagues already and isnt the norm. Nah, you can interchange them. Typically you'll see most really good prospects spend most of there time in AA. If they are more raw they'll see an extended time in AAA but if they are really talented they hit AA for the extende time, maybe get a few starts in AAA and than make the jump. However, if your not as talented or if your blocked by a very good player at the major league level (or are more raw) you'll see yourself spend an extended time in AAA. You are correct though, your more likely to spend more time in AAA if your on a good team and at the same time bad teams are more likely to rush guys and will ocassionally promote someone from A ball (hell, didn't Willis pretty much come straight from A ball for the fish). And Jeremy Bonderman was basically the same case for the Tigers. Look at the Sox. A to AA is the biggest jump in the minors. If you see a guy suceed in AA they'll likely suceed in AAA and the next big question is whether they'll suceed at the major league level.

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Jan 1, 2006 -> 04:37 PM) The other problem is if he were to bat ninth or second, he would be back to back with Pods. That's 2 guys back to back that are going to have a tough time driving in a run from third with less than two out. And before I get jumped on by people saying it wouldn't be his job to drive in runs, Iguchi drove home a lot from the 2 hole. Uribe and Crede drove home their fair share from the 9 hole. Having 2 guys in your line-up in the AL who would be hard pressed to drive home 35 runs a piece is not good. I've defended Taveras on this thread, but I'm not a proponent of this thread for the exact reasons you state. Personally I'm not a fan of the move because over the long haul I think Anderson is the better player. However, next year Taveras will be the better player and Taveras will be a good player in this league, imo. I also like the idea of moving Iguchi down in the lineup but at the same time my guess is that he eventually is back into the 2 spot because Uribe is too much of a free swinger to stay near the top (however I hope I'm wrong because I like Uribe's power and ability to make contact from the 2 spot; plus he'll see a lot of fastballs and I think he'll hit 20 Hr's next year). Uribe did make a lot of strides on his patience and he even started staying back on the ball better (which was why he started to take off late in the season).