Chisoxfn

QUOTE(Rowand44 @ Jul 7, 2005 -> 08:27 AM) We haven't seen his plus change because he doesn't have a change. Jenks has a change or at least he did back in the Angel organization. He also used to dab with a slider. The funny thing about Jenks was he almost had what you'd call 4 plus pitches as a starter and thats why so many guys really liked him. IIRC the Angels organization wanted him to take some pressure of his arm and he kind of stopped using the slider. I'm not sure if he throws it much at all anymore. As far as the change goes, its still an inconsistent pitch but I know it was something he worked on a lot in the Angels system. Once again can't speak too much about how often he used it in Bham, but I don't think it was near as much as he did in Anaheim. I'm assuming since he's in the pen he realized you just go with your couple very best pitches. However, this guy could be the next Gagne, especially if he mixed in a decent change every once in a while. Of course the key to him will be command and health.

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Jul 7, 2005 -> 06:51 AM) Right...come on-its not like it was Tommy-john or anything. He is throwing the ball fine in his rehab, and is gaining velocity. You dont think he has the ability to close games? All it takes it two fastballs and a splitter. The ankle is just as important to a pitcher as the arm is. Without a healthy ankle Curt will never be a semblance of his old self. It would be like pitching on a bum shoulder. Its just too difficult to plant and get all the power if the ankle isn't what it once was. Now I'm sure Curt is still regaining strenght in the ankle, but there is zero guarantee that his ankle will ever be what it was and that could have a big time impact on the Curt Schilling Boston gets this year. At the same time Curt could very well get stronger and stronger (his ankle) and eventually be the same old guy.

QUOTE(BHAMBARONS @ Jul 6, 2005 -> 10:41 PM) I was impressed had some control issues but that was it. (The kid throws lots of change ups) Ya, its supposed to be his best pitch. I'm think he also has a pretty good curve or slider, but can't remember which at the moment. Definately does a lot to keep guys off balance. He's probably one of my favorite prospects.

QUOTE(Rowand44 @ Jul 6, 2005 -> 10:38 PM) I have not seen Tyler pitch but he has a better arm then Gio?? No doubt about it. I'm talking about power arm of course. Lummy has an outstanding fastball with some good movement on it. Gio has the better curve, but I have more questions about Gio than most. Of course they are mainly because of potential durability problems, but I also think he needs to be careful that he doesn't rely too much on the curve because at the major league level hitters won't chase his curve and he'll have to be able to spot his fb and change (which I've heard are pretty good at times). The thing that kills me about Lummy is he's barely been healthy since joining the org. This is just my random opinions. I also happen to think Sean Tracey has the best arm in the org this side of Bobby Jenks (in terms of minor league prospects).

Hey Bham, I don't have the box score up but I was gonna ask you how Haig pitched tonight. I know he was slated to start (I'm assuming he did) and was going to see how he looked (this was his bham debut IIRC).

QUOTE(minorsfan @ Jul 6, 2005 -> 07:32 PM) Looks like you are right.. I think they may have some troubles if they have more games that they need to rely on the relievers. With Meaux out and Jenks to Chicago... so far it seems they haven't received anyone to help fill the gaps (Tom???). Only Reynoso (who gave up 2HRs, 3 ER in 8th with a 2 run lead), Pollok (walk off 2 run HR with a 1 run lead) and Lamura in the pen. A little short, no???? Corwin Malone will now be pitching out of the pen with Haigwood replacing him in the rotation. The move is nothing against the way Malone is pitching, rather a way for the Sox to take things slow with Malone. IN fact they are quite pleased with Malone's progress thus far. But your right on the pen being short right now.

QUOTE(danman31 @ Jul 6, 2005 -> 09:32 PM) It's too early to tell. The 2004 draft is looking a lot worse than it did going into the year. Whisler is struggling mightily, Lumsden hasn't pitched all year, and Fields isn't thriving like we'd hoped. With that said, Lucy is looking better and the other top picks are looking even better (Gio, Liotta). Ultimately you can't say until 5 years down the road, but I still like the 04 draft better talent wise. 04 was a good draft. Only pick I hated and still hate was the Whisler pick. I've seen him pitch and he has the ability to throw a lot of pitches and he's got a good arm, but I just don't see any one real good pitch nor does he have the command. Of course he's in the lower levels for a reason and everyone knew he was raw. I know the Sox like his potential a lot and I guess we will see. The guy I probably like the most of that draft class pitching wise is Lumsden. He's got the best left handed arm in the system when healthy. Looking forward to a week or two from now when he rejoins the bullpen and eventually a rotation.

Happy Birthday Brandon. Hope you have a good one

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Jul 6, 2005 -> 09:05 PM) It is very possible this could be an auditon for a trade, very possible, but I dont think that will be the case. However, he could almost be a centerpiece to a big time trade. If I were another team, I'd have to say of all the guys in the system, I'd demand Jenks, Young and than McCarthy. I'd also take Tracey over Gio and Anderson over Sweeney. In fact Anderson could basically get pushed up into the A list, although I'd take Young over Anderson (if I were the opposing GM). Thats just my perspective on what I'd be doing if I were another team.

QUOTE(sox-r-us @ Jul 6, 2005 -> 09:37 PM) Ironically that makes it even now because I am still mad over Varitek getting in as the Last Man Vote over a White Sox player a few years back (Cannot remember the White Sox player who did not get in because of that.....might have been Frank or Paulie) I'm pretty sure it was Paulie. I think Paulie has been in the last man once and Frank was in it once as well.

QUOTE(longshot7 @ Jul 6, 2005 -> 09:37 PM) Way to go, guys!! Since getting booted from the other site, I have come to enjoy Soxtalk a lot. Have they ever had an on-air mention? and I was on pins and needles for Scotty - it had to have been a landslide. He deserves to be there and we came through for him! Go us!! This was definately a 1st for being on a game. I know SoxNet got a few mentions and Soxtalk has had some on the radio (mainly from call-ins) but thats about it.

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Jul 6, 2005 -> 09:29 PM) That's exactly what I've been thinking but it will also bring people here who didn't know that Soxtalk existed that might actually know a thing or two about Baseball. Exactly, the bad ones will be weeded out quickly but I'm sure we'll get plenty of good posters and readers from the shoutout that will help make the board even better and more knowledgeable.

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Jul 6, 2005 -> 09:25 PM) Whats Sports Page? Nevermind, I should just learn to read on in the thread

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Jul 6, 2005 -> 07:36 PM) They just mentioned Soxtalk.com on Sports Page. Whats Sports Page?

Totally sweet game. Really enjoyed watching that one from start to finish. And Pods YESSSSSS

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Jul 6, 2005 -> 06:46 PM) God...I swear to God...you do not part with a guy who can do this. Not at his age. When you have a guy who can do that you have to get your money's worth from him before he becomes a free agent. There are basically 2 guys in the league who can come in and destroy a team throwing 99 out of the pen...Wagner and Gagne. This kind of talent cannot be replaced. We will not see a guy come up like this from our organization for years. Hey I totally agree with you. Was just speaking in response to what the other poster was saying in regards to some potential strategy in the callup. I think Jenks has the ability to be one of the 3 best relievers in all of baseball, if not the very best. Of course potential doesn't mean sure thing. Still the Sox haven't had a kid with this type of stuff in forever.

Audio Clip of the Shoutout Major Props to Mike for sending this email in and props goes to Kalapse for recording this and sending me the mp3 file of it.

OMG that was beautiful. I'm not annoiting him a god or anything like that, but this guy has the potential to be a major addition down the stretch for the Sox. Of course he's gonna have some games where he blows up (due to command issues). However, the potential is there.

QUOTE(Soxbadger @ Jul 6, 2005 -> 06:43 PM) For some reason I see KW trying to sell teams that Jenks is the cheap closer that they want to trade a good SP for. SB I'd be hard pressed to give up a guy like Jenks. However, if he pitches like this before going back down to the minors a few more times, you know a heck of a lot of teams will be asking for him.

He just threw a pretty nice hook or slider and Crawford grounds out. Good god I'm loving Jenks. He's still very raw, but you can't teach this type of arm/stuff.

QUOTE(fathom @ Jul 6, 2005 -> 06:41 PM) Want to see Jenks drop the curve with 2 strikes. I'm looking for that as well.

Jesus does Jenks fastball just explode into the mitt.

I'm liking it early, but I don't annoit anyone anything after two outings. Of course I didn't dislike the pick like so many others did. I have faith in the Sox scouting department.

Well Jenks is making his major league debut right here. He's throwing gas, but just walked the 1st batter he faced.

QUOTE(drowninginflame @ Jul 6, 2005 -> 05:34 PM) Whomever dropped the email kudos!!!!!! Mike (aka Southsider) that was just a sweet email. I was watching the game with a couple of my buddies at the house and spat water all over myself when I heard the email. Sweet stuff And heres to Mike for sending it and to Hawk and DJ for the awesome shoutout