Chisoxfn

34 at bats and I'm with you, I think as he gets more at bats, he'll get back in a groove. Although he's not gonna get too many ab's in the AFL, this is just a nice way to ease him in before spring training. On a sidenote, I don't know much on his health situation, but I'm assuming he's 100% cause I don't think the Sox would chance it otherwise. At the end of the season he was suffering from what was being rumored to be a hernia as well as a groin injury. The latest I knew was he wasn't planning on having surgery on the hernia, although it may of turned out that wasn't it.

Its possible. I think its because he has a sacrifice or two and while those don't count as at bats to the average I think they count as at bats in regards to his OBP. Someone can check me on that though.

I think as just an option. He's a little short and doens't quite have the pop the average first baseman has. To be honest, I think Rogo is a good defensive first baseman and I'd leave him there, but this adds versatility and probably helps him in his path to the majors. He also is a good base runner. I'm interested in seeing how he does this year in Bham.

I also posted this in the FutureSox forum AFL 2004 Update #2 By Jason Gage October 22, 2004 FutureSox.com The Arizona Fall League is upon us and the Mesa Solar Sox, whose roster is made up of 6 Sox farm-hands, have played 13 games (6-7) thus far. Lets take a look at a closer look at how the Sox farm hands are doing: Brian Anderson, OF – R/R – March 11, 1982 .206 AVG, .303 OBP, 6 R, 2 2B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 7 BB, 6 K, 1 SB (0 CS) The good news is that Brian Anderson is playing. Anderson suffered from a hernia injury late in the 2004 season and is back getting at bats in the AFL. Anderson hasn’t put up great numbers thus far in the AFL, but is the White Sox top position prospect. The young outfielder has received glowing reviews from manager Ozzie Guillen and GM Ken Williams and will potentially get a shot to compete for a starting job this spring, although the odds are against him breaking camp as a starter. Anderson excelled in high A last year posting a .925 OPS with Winston Salem (High A) before being promoted to Birmingham (AA) where he hit .270 with 4 HR and 26 RBI’s while posting a .762 OPS in 48 games. Pedro Lopez, 2B/SS – R/R – April 28, 1984 .318 AVG, .308 OBP, 2 R, 0 2B, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K, 0 SB Lopez, 20, replaced shortstop Andy Gonzalez on the AFL roster. This was a wise decision considering Lopez is more advanced with the bat and was less likely to struggle in the AFL. Thus far Lopez is putting up solid offensive numbers, although as usual he has an atrocious OBP (.328 with the Warthogs last year; .379 OBP in 7 games with Bham). One of the big weaknesses has been the lack of walks. And if he ever wants to be a top of an order guy, he’s going to have to improve upon this, but he does have time. Defensively Lopez has soft hands, a good arm, and good range. Him, Gonzalez and Valido have all the tools to be plus defensive middle infielders. The question with all three of them is the bat, and at this point Lopez is the most advanced in that category. Casey Rogowksi, 1B/OF – L/L – May 1, 1981 .409 AVG, .536 OBP, 4 R, 2 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 6 BB, 2 K, 1 SB (1 CS) Rogowski, 23, continues to rake the ball. He had an outstanding 2004 campaign with the Warthogs and has seen some development in the power aspect of the game (18 HR’s in 2004). Rogowski has a good eye and is able to work the counts (.401 OBP in 04, Career .380 OBP). He’s played 4 games in the OF and two at first base. Up until late last season Rogowski had only been thought of as a first baseman, but that appears to of changed and Rogowski could find himself in the Barons outfield next year, along with Ryan Sweeney. Rogowski runs well for a big man and uses all parts of the field. Jeff Bajenaru, Reliever – R/R – March 21, 1978 0-1, 10.80 ERA, 5.0 INN, 7 H, 6 R, 5 K, 1 BB Bajenaru has been mired in a mini slump ever since being called up to the big leagues. Baj pitched better then his numbers would indicate at the major league level, but is struggling again in the fall league. Baj should get a shot to compete in training camp for a position with the Sox, but with Politte signing a new contract, Takatsu’s option being picked up, and the persistent reports of the Sox looking to sign another set up man, the margin of error will be small as Felix Diaz, Arnie Munoz, Jon Adkins and him all compete for what could be the only open bullpen spot come spring training. Baj has a good fastball and slider (“slutter”) and does a nice job mixing his pitches. He had a tremendous season with Birmingham (1.34 ERA, .89 WHIP, 13.63 K/9) and Charlotte (1.80 ERA, .75 WHIP, 7.20 K/9) and is a favorite of FutureSox.com. Matt Smith, Reliever – RHP – August 14, 1978 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 8.1 INN, 11 H, 0 R, 4 K, 3 BB Smith has been sharp in Arizona, although his peripherals aren’t that great. Averaging about 4.5 strikeouts per 9 while giving up over a hit per inning pitch isn’t the way you succeed at the majors, but he’s got the job done thus far. Smith had a very strong campaign for the Barons (3-4, 13 SV, 70 G, 1.83 ERA, 1.07 WHIP). He was the setup man for Bajenaru and then stepped into the closers spot when Bajenaru was promoted to Charlotte. Smith is a guy that’s way off the radar, but could find himself on the roster next September as a call-up. Dennis Ulacia, Starter – LHP – April 2, 1981 0-0, 6.10 ERA, 10.1 INN, 13 H, 9 R (7 ER), 8 K, 5 BB Ulacia is what you would consider a fringe prospect, but with Brandon McCarthy removed from the fall league roster Ulacia was given the opportunity to be a starter. He hasn’t pitched extremely well, but did have a solid season for Bham (8-8, 3.77 ERA, 28 G, 23 GS, 7.47 K/9) and Charlotte (1.42 ERA in 1 start). He can pitch out of both the pen and rotation. He doesn’t project to be a major league starter, but has a shot at making it with some team out of the pen.

AFL 2004 Update #2 By Jason Gage October 22, 2004 FutureSox.com The Arizona Fall League is upon us and the Mesa Solar Sox, whose roster is made up of 6 Sox farm-hands, have played 13 games (6-7) thus far. Lets take a look at a closer look at how the Sox farm hands are doing: Brian Anderson, OF – R/R – March 11, 1982 .206 AVG, .303 OBP, 6 R, 2 2B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 7 BB, 6 K, 1 SB (0 CS) The good news is that Brian Anderson is playing. Anderson suffered from a hernia injury late in the 2004 season and is back getting at bats in the AFL. Anderson hasn’t put up great numbers thus far in the AFL, but is the White Sox top position prospect. The young outfielder has received glowing reviews from manager Ozzie Guillen and GM Ken Williams and will potentially get a shot to compete for a starting job this spring, although the odds are against him breaking camp as a starter. Anderson excelled in high A last year posting a .925 OPS with Winston Salem (High A) before being promoted to Birmingham (AA) where he hit .270 with 4 HR and 26 RBI’s while posting a .762 OPS in 48 games. Pedro Lopez, 2B/SS – R/R – April 28, 1984 .318 AVG, .308 OBP, 2 R, 0 2B, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K, 0 SB Lopez, 20, replaced shortstop Andy Gonzalez on the AFL roster. This was a wise decision considering Lopez is more advanced with the bat and was less likely to struggle in the AFL. Thus far Lopez is putting up solid offensive numbers, although as usual he has an atrocious OBP (.328 with the Warthogs last year; .379 OBP in 7 games with Bham). One of the big weaknesses has been the lack of walks. And if he ever wants to be a top of an order guy, he’s going to have to improve upon this, but he does have time. Defensively Lopez has soft hands, a good arm, and good range. Him, Gonzalez and Valido have all the tools to be plus defensive middle infielders. The question with all three of them is the bat, and at this point Lopez is the most advanced in that category. Casey Rogowksi, 1B/OF – L/L – May 1, 1981 .409 AVG, .536 OBP, 4 R, 2 2B, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 6 BB, 2 K, 1 SB (1 CS) Rogowski, 23, continues to rake the ball. He had an outstanding 2004 campaign with the Warthogs and has seen some development in the power aspect of the game (18 HR’s in 2004). Rogowski has a good eye and is able to work the counts (.401 OBP in 04, Career .380 OBP). He’s played 4 games in the OF and two at first base. Up until late last season Rogowski had only been thought of as a first baseman, but that appears to of changed and Rogowski could find himself in the Barons outfield next year, along with Ryan Sweeney. Rogowski runs well for a big man and uses all parts of the field. Jeff Bajenaru, Reliever – R/R – March 21, 1978 0-1, 10.80 ERA, 5.0 INN, 7 H, 6 R, 5 K, 1 BB Bajenaru has been mired in a mini slump ever since being called up to the big leagues. Baj pitched better then his numbers would indicate at the major league level, but is struggling again in the fall league. Baj should get a shot to compete in training camp for a position with the Sox, but with Politte signing a new contract, Takatsu’s option being picked up, and the persistent reports of the Sox looking to sign another set up man, the margin of error will be small as Felix Diaz, Arnie Munoz, Jon Adkins and him all compete for what could be the only open bullpen spot come spring training. Baj has a good fastball and slider (“slutter”) and does a nice job mixing his pitches. He had a tremendous season with Birmingham (1.34 ERA, .89 WHIP, 13.63 K/9) and Charlotte (1.80 ERA, .75 WHIP, 7.20 K/9) and is a favorite of FutureSox.com. Matt Smith, Reliever – RHP – August 14, 1978 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 8.1 INN, 11 H, 0 R, 4 K, 3 BB Smith has been sharp in Arizona, although his peripherals aren’t that great. Averaging about 4.5 strikeouts per 9 while giving up over a hit per inning pitch isn’t the way you succeed at the majors, but he’s got the job done thus far. Smith had a very strong campaign for the Barons (3-4, 13 SV, 70 G, 1.83 ERA, 1.07 WHIP). He was the setup man for Bajenaru and then stepped into the closers spot when Bajenaru was promoted to Charlotte. Smith is a guy that’s way off the radar, but could find himself on the roster next September as a call-up. Dennis Ulacia, Starter – LHP – April 2, 1981 0-0, 6.10 ERA, 10.1 INN, 13 H, 9 R (7 ER), 8 K, 5 BB Ulacia is what you would consider a fringe prospect, but with Brandon McCarthy removed from the fall league roster Ulacia was given the opportunity to be a starter. He hasn’t pitched extremely well, but did have a solid season for Bham (8-8, 3.77 ERA, 28 G, 23 GS, 7.47 K/9) and Charlotte (1.42 ERA in 1 start). He can pitch out of both the pen and rotation. He doesn’t project to be a major league starter, but has a shot at making it with some team out of the pen.

In fact I'm pretty confident that same deal could land you Soriano, who seems to be on his way out. Tex would be a great pickup, but I don't know where he'd play, he isn't a good 3rd baseman so unless your also moving Konerko this team makes little sense to me. I do agree with Yas that us Sox fans drastically undervalue Garland, although I'm not one of those people.

Well one thing I can tell you is Eric Milton was pathetic last year. He may of won his games but he didn't pitch too grand in my book, especially for an NL pitcher and one being paid around 9 mill a year. However, Milton at half of that wouldn't be bad at all. Plus his perephials were pretty good. 196 hits in 201 innings and 161 strikeouts, although he had 75 walks. He did give up 43 long balls but minus the home runs he was actually a pretty good pitcher and to be honest I think his periphals indicate he should of had a bit better season. Surpisingly he pitched better at home (a hitters park) then on the road. He did limit opponents to a .255 average. But remember this guy has never posted an ERA in the 3's, but at 29, for the right price, he could look good on the southside.

Because they weren't going to get an offer similar to the one they had with FSN so this was the best option because in the long term it could turn into something rather profitable. Look what the YES network has done for Steinbrenner and now the Mets are trying it. This isn't quite that, but its still a network of teams teaming up. In fact, I wouldn't be shocked if the Sox made a little less out of the gates with this new deal.

The way I understood it the Sox will probably break even on it, but in the long term have a shot at making more money. I think their is a lot of uncertainty in regards to the profit breakdown of the station.

I still say Derek Lowe could be a really good fit. He's got a great sinker ball, which should help him in this park and he knows how to pitch in big games. I think next years numbers will fall somewhere in between two seasons ago and last year, meaning they'll be much lower then this years. He was playing for a contract and failed, but take a shot on his discount. The other FA I wouldn't mind getting is Matt Clement, especially if he somehow slides through the market. Him at say 5-6 mill a year would be really nice. Like I say, if they sign starting pitching, don't expect them to add a bat to replace Maggs, expect Everett/Gload to fight for RF, which could be ugly. But I think regardless they will at least take a look at SS/2b or of cousre they have the option at CF with Rowand moving to RF.

I remember Phil Rogers proposing a Chan Ho Park for Sosa swap in Texas. To me thats the only type of deal that would make sense. The Rangers get a semi productive, all be it ahole in Sosa, and the Cubs get an overpaid pitcher. Hell, maybe Sosa to the Rockies for some of their bad contracts and I think we all know they got some ugly contracts. However, it could make some sense for a small market team to land Sosa for sheer marketability. We all know he's an ass, but he's still somewhat of a fan favorite nationally, even though he's losing love in Chicago, even among northsiders.

I couldn't agree more. As a republican I try my darnest to see the other side of the issue and then make my statements. Hell, why else would I ocassionally flip the channel to CNN, lol. Alright, end of cheapshot, but I agree with you completely. Don't just read stuff you'd agree with, read the other side so you can see where they are coming from. On a sidenote, why don't u start you own website, I can see it now the 2k4 Report

No tex, it be foolish to give anyone no spending cap. My problem isn't with the spending its with the stuff he voted against. Any idiot could of seen that in the early 90's military spending was ridiculous high and that it needed some cut backs, especially since their wasn't any major threat (like the Soviet Union was) and anyone that says the Soviet Union wasn't a threat is nuts. Kerry, going against the weapons programs that helped the US win the Cold War. Kerry voting against Desert Storm, a war in which we had as he would say a "true coalition". Hell, Kerry always gives the first Iraq war as an example of a true coalition, yet he's the same guy that voted against the war. Kerry voting for the war and saying things like the world is better off without Saddam and then not voting for the 87 billion to help support the troops even though he said something along the lines that an idiot wouldn't vote against this. Then he did, why, not because he didn't support the bill, but because it was his protest of the way the war was being handled. Yet he goes out and has the ordacity to tell me that he isn't afraid to step in and use force if it is necessary???? The platform this guy is running on is a complete joke, imo. He's saying a lot of good things but his track record is the complete opposite. Its almost like he's doing everything he can to be a conservative democratic (if thats at all possible) and thats the image he's trying to paint cause he knows that could get him elected (and right now its 50/50 who will win). Ok, let me cut this out cause this was supposed to be on military spending and I skirted the issue, lol. But anyway the last thing I want is generals to have a blank check, that would be stupid, just like it would be stupid to mail welfare recipients a blank check and hope they'd put down the right amount they should earn on the check.

Hannity has been really moody lately on Fox News. Did anyone see him and Nader go at it?

I don't think Keyes is an idiot, he just really speaks his mind and isn't afraid to say whats on his mine, which means the media has tons of clips of him saying really foolish things. I've heard him say a lot of things that make a lot of sense, but at the same time he's a total loose cannon.

Mike, lets be honest, you probably ready every article anywhere...judging by all the stuff you post here

I'm wondering the same thing. With me I'd always snap your wrist/hand over. The only difference I ever found in a curveball is to make sure you get your body into it. I always had a tendency of staying on top of the curve in a sense and not using my lower body and everything to take my arm over naturally. It led to too many hangers, but thats just cause I had crappy curve mechanics. Plus your finger always starts away from your body, if you somehow could get it facing ya, its still the same effect as if you had it away. Hell, maybe its different for righties though, I dunno, lol. And anyone trying to pitch, don't make much sense of what I'm saying on a curveball cause I never really had a good one...in fact I only had a bad one, haha.

The guy has one thing right, deal with george as soon as you can, cause thats when he'll be most willing to make a foolish deal, imo.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sp...-home-headlines Some tribune article suggests Sosa gets dealt to the Yanks for Kevin Brown. I realize the Cubs are the teams city rival, but this would be fantastic as it would knock off a major player in the Beltran sweepstakes as well as give the Yanks (a team I hate far more then the Cubs) a crappy, overrated, ahole like Sosa. Hey, I could dream couldn't I??? Of course none of this article is based on any truth or rumor.

They would come to Chicago for a few reasons. A, its a major market so they have a definate shot at some endorsements or commercials. Thats if your a big name player, ie Beltran. Although I realize baseball endorsements aren't nearly as lucractive as basketball ones. B, its a great city. I think it was rated as one of the favorite visiting cities to come to C, its a nice ballpark with good facilities and they train in Arizona. Meaning shorter travel time. Its not too important, but definately a bit of a factor. D, for a hitter its a great hitters park. E, the team has a pretty diverse group and it seems like a great place for dominicans and other nationalities to play because of the diversity, both of the team and the city. However, the Sox aren't likely to out bid everyone, which makes it tough, unless a guy is from around here, nor are the Sox likely to get a guy willing to take a discount to have a shot at the series.

Rex, I dont' know what your take was, but even though Andy had his struggles in Bham, when I saw him he looked so so so much better at the plate this time around then he did the year before. I looked back at some footage I had from two years ago and this year and his swing was so much smoother and much better ease. I think if he continues to make strides in that department and continues to develop more of a line drive swing he'll see things change. The few times I've seen him get a hold of the ball, you can see he at least has "gap" power. Defensively I love him, Lopez, and Valido. Both can make really pretty plays, although all still got to work on their constistency but thats pretty typical of any young middle infielder. Plus ya gotta love the fact that Andy actually draws walks. I couldn't belive how many web-gems I saw when I watched Pedro/Andy up the middle and then saw Valido down in Kanny. Their were at least a few times by all of them where I was just in awe. If the Bats develop, the Sox got some special middle infielders. Plus you hit the nail on the head, their is no reason to think the Sox don't see Uribe as a ss of the future. He has good range, a CANNON, and a ton of power. I still see him developing into a Miguel Tejada like force over the next couple years. In fact, if the Sox worked on some other areas, ie pitching, bullpen, good bat to replace Maggs, I would have no problem with an infield of Crede/Uribe/Harris(EY on the bench)/Konerko. I realize it would be questionable at the top of the lineup, but I have enough confidence in the young guys taht I do think they will pan out. As far as Harris goes, we'll see how much faith the Sox have, cause I do think Bmore will give the Sox a call in regards to Hairston. If the price is right, it would be nice to have a veteran leadoff hitter. And of course the Sox will give Vizquel's agent a ringy ding ding.

1st off welcome aboard RudyLaw I still think Derek Lowe, if things go right, could be a nice fit in Chicago. I think he could come cheaper then some suspect, although his start last night will help him at least a bit. As far as the most talked about name, I'd say it will be a two man race between Carlos Lee and Paul Konerko because I expect ample trade rumors for the both of them. A close second will be Carlos Beltran, but his name will probably be off the list pretty quick. IF somehow he sits on the market, then we could all find a surprise, but if he signs quickly it sure won't be with the Sox. Personally I wonder if Vlad was a free agent this year, if the Sox would of potentially grabbed him. Last year they had Magglio, but I Think for the Sox to get a guy like Beltran they'll need something to happen much like it did with Vladdy last year (how he sat on hte market for quite a while..NY went with Sheff). I highly doubt that will happen, but then again, I never expected Vladdy to sit on the market as long as he did.

Don't worry steff, if all else fails I'm gonna say I know you and hope somehow that gets me into the park

ROFLMAO

Also, just know the first time you donate, you'll never hear the end of it.