Chisoxfn

Ya, I think Rex was talking about it. He wasn't too impressive in Charlotte.

Aaron McNeal Sent to Birmingham By Jason Gage August 2, 2004 FutureSox.com Charlotte Knights first baseman/designated hitter Aaron McNeal was sent back to AA Birmingham today. McNeal, 26, was hitting .243 with 3 HR and 13 RBI in 32 games with the Knights since being promoted from Birmingham. McNeal was signed as a free agent by the White Sox in December of 2003. McNeal was hitting .290 with 15 HR and 44 RBI for the Barons. Prior to this demotion, their was some speculation that Winston Salem Warthogs' first baseman Casey Rogowski was finally going to get promoted to Birmingham. Rogowski could still be promoted to Birmingham, but another move would have to be made. McNeal struggled in his stint with the Knights because he is a predominant pull hitter and the AAA pitchers continually pitched him outside. This lead to numerous weak groundouts to the 3rd baseman and shortstop.

BJ Upton Makes Major League Debut Just put up an article on it up on FS

I didn't catch the games over the weekend, or at least not too much of them, but prior to that it seemed like Crede was getting a little more agressive at the plate and it was leading to quite a few hard hit singles and what not. I mean Crede has a lot of clutch hits, but to me he's been kind of improving as of late offensively. I still have loads of faith in this guy, plus its not like I want to see Uribe at 3rd. Hell, I don't even wnat Uribe in the lineup right now. I'm still pissed he's been playing as much as Willie Harris.

Great pick up Spiff. You know damn well I'll be watching that game.

Hell Ya

Hell ya, i already preordered the game. Been playing coop on the original one as of late and the multi player on Halo is freaking badass. This new one is going to be lightyears better, thats whats so sick.

But his last four starts have been, frankly, unbelievable. I'm not saying he's a top prospect, but he's been pitching his ass off. He's not walking many, has increased his strikeout numbers, and is giving up a small amount of hits. Remember, he was out all of last year after being hit by the line drive against Baltimore.

I don't know if Fields posts here, but I was contacted by a rep of his and thats how it all worked out.

Yofu Throws a No Hitter; McCarthy Strikes out 16 By Jason Gage August 1, 2004 FutureSox.com The Charlotte Knights got a tremendous pitching performance on Sunday by starting pitcher Tetsu Yofu. Yofu was fabulous, striking out a season high ten batters en route to a no hit shutout. The no hitter was the first since Charlotte joined the International League in 1993...MORE

Thats a funny ass movie.

I thought the twist at the end was cool, but in general, I just didn't like the movie. Not worth the money, imo.

They gave up quite a bit for an overrated shorstop, although the cubs definately helped themselves out. Nomar is not the player he once was and will see a serious drop in his numbers away from Fenway. However he does shore up their middle infield, but the Cubs gave up some good prospects.

Holy s***

Stud??? He gave up way more hits then innings pitched, wasn't striking guys out, and was leading the AL in homers allowed (I'm pretty sure on that). He also had a 4.86 ERA and if you take away the first month or so of the season its over 5. Their is nothing studly about that.

Eh, right now I just want to take a nap. I hope the Sox win and then I can crash before going out for the night.

Best Wishes go out to you, your dad and the rest of your family. Hope all turns out well Minny

Becuase he gets a lot of strikeouts and gives up fewer hits then innings pitched. The big reason he gives up his homers is because he is tipping his pitches. This means he has a bit of a different delivery or does something with his glove when he throws different pitches, so teams can sit on a pitch or two. He also has a bit of a mechanical flaw that ocassionally leaves his breaking stuff flat. The Sox seem very confident that they have identified it.

For anyone interested, FS has writeups of every trade that went down today now. Plus all the deals from yesterday

Give us a little bit of time and FS will be all up to date on this stuff.

White Sox Acquire Contreras for Loaiza By Jason Gage July 31, 2004 The Chicago White Sox acquired right handed pitcher Jose Contreras and cash considerations from the New York Yankees in exchange for all star Esteban Loaiza. Both teams hope the respected pitcher will provide more consistency in the rotation. White Sox general manager Ken Williams, in an interview on ESPN 1000, reported that the White Sox have noticed Contreras tipping his pitches and think they have a solution to his problem. Aside from his numbers, which are mediocre, Contreras has a dynamite arm and pitched well down the stretch last year for New York, but faltered this season and at one point, was sent all the way to A Ball. Contreras was 8-5 with a 5.64 ERA with the Yankees. However, he has limited opponents to a .250 batting average. He has very high strikeout totals and a low walk total, which means his ERA is higher then it should be. Loaiza goes to New York after earning a spot on the All Star team each of the past two years. Loaiza will be a free agent at the end of the season and reports have the Padres as being one of the interested parties. The Yankees hope he can add stability to the rotation and return to last years form, which netted him 21 wins. However, this season has been a different one for Loaiza. He has noticed a drop in velocity and has failed to pitch inside with the reckless abandon he did last year. This has allowed hitters to sit on his cutter and lean over the plate on outside pitches. The results are a good 9-5 record, but a not so nice 4.86 ERA in 21 starts. FS Perspective: In my opinion, this was a safe deal for both teams. Contreras needed out of New York and Loiaza has handled some pressure during his career. Neither pitcher was performing well for their respeted teams and a change of scenery is best, especially for Contreras. However, this move has a great deal of upside for the White Sox. No one doubts Contreras stuff, plus he is signed till 2006, which means Contreras, Buehrle, and Garcia will be mainstays in the White Sox rotation. You could also include young right hander Jon Garland in this mix.

New stuff on the Cubs...it may be a 3 way with the Expos.

Loaiza now on the block.

Cubs may of got Nomar and Lowe for Clement, Gonzalez, and a prospect or two (updated in the report).

For someone like Josh Stewart, I would do it. I'm heading off, so unless one of the other writers is around to update the rumor thing, it won't be updated till I get back in an hour or so. We'll also have stories on all the trades that go down