Chisoxfn

Looked fine to me We all know I sure as hell can't do graphics.

Well, its finally done http://www.soxtalk.com/signatures/bighurtbegood.jpg If you want to put it in your sig, just throw the image tags in front of it like this [/img]

Your all set Kip. I had Ian make it a bit smaller so it didn't expand all the pages. Hope you like it

You mean all the members? If thats what you mean, look under the graphic at the top and there is a link that says "Members" click that and it will take you there. Also, here's your graphic. Not sure if you want it as a sig or not. The link to it is http://www.soxtalk.com/signatures/bighurtbegood.jpg

Special Thanks to Ian Martin, aka Mr. Showtime http://www.soxtalk.com/signatures/junefinal.jpg

The Top 50 Countdown: 40-31 By Mike Doyle, Jason Gage, and Mark J. Jacobsen June 2, 2003 SoxNet.net From 50 all the way down to 1, we will start off our countdown of the top 50 prospects in the White Sox organization, starting with 31 through 40. Coming Soon: 21 through 30. 40. Clay Eason, 27 - RHP, RP – Charlotte Knights (AAA) 2003 (Charlotte-AAA): 0-0, 72.00 ERA, 1 INN, 1 K, 2 BB 2003 (Barons-AA): 1-3, 3.72 ERA, 36.1 INN, 38 K, 13 BB 2002 (Charlotte-AAA): 0-0, 4.43 ERA, 20.1 INN, 14 K, 9 BB 2002 (Barons-AA): 5-2, 2.00 ERA, 67.2 INN, 60 K, 26 BB Clay Eason was originally a 38th round pick in the 1997 by the Philadelphia Phillies. He spent most of last season in Birmingham and, at 27, there isn’t much shot of him appearing in the majors anytime soon. Eason doesn’t have great stuff, but he has good control. Eason also hasn’t had the best luck. He’s been successful throughout his career in the minors and, although he did spend some time in Charlotte, was still stuck in AA last season. Eason was recently called up in Charlotte and was hit hard in his only appearance (eight runs, one inning). 39. Edgar Varela, 22 – Bats: Left - Throws: Right – 3rd Base – Kannapolis Intimidators (Low A Ball) 2003: .242 AVG, 0 HR, 18 RBI, 0 SB, 15 BB, 25 K 2002 (Bristol-Rookie): .330 AVG, 5 HR, 40 RBI, 0 SB, 13 SB, 29 K Drafted in the 31st round out of Long Beach State (the same college which Jeremy Reed attended), Edgar Valera appears to be a steal for the Sox. Valera missed much of the 2002 season with a wrist injury, but the Sox took a gamble on his recovery. So far, so good: along with Anthony Webster, Andy Gonzalez, and others, Valera led the Bristol Sox to the Appalachian League championship in 2002. Valera had 8 home runs at Bristol, and was noted as having the best raw power from the Sox 2002 draft by Baseball America. Thus far in Kannapolis, Valera has struggled, hitting just six extra-base hits in 128 at bats. His current average stands at a respectable .268, but his on-base percentage is a mediocre .331. If Valera wants to prove that last year in Bristol was not a fluke, he must resume hitting with authority. 38. Casey Rogowski, 22 – L/L – 1st Base – Winston-Salem Warthogs (High A Ball) 2003: .248 AVG, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 8 SB, 25 BB, 27 K 2002 (Wiston Salem-A): .255 AVG, 3 HR, 23 RBI, 16 SB, 28 BB, 46 K 2002 (Arizona-Rookie): .484 AVG, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 2 SB, 1 BB, 5 K Casey is a talented left-handed hitting first-baseman who’s got a beautiful swing and very good fundamentals. Casey is a great defensive player and an excellent base runner. He managed to get 16 steals (3 CS) in just 55 games. After suffering a wrist injury this past season, he is supposedly 100% and ready to further his career. Rogowski is not a power hitting first baseman: he fits the J.T. Snow role more than the Jim Thome role. 37. Thomas Brice, 21 – L/L - OF - Kannapolis Intimidators (Low A Ball) 2003: .287 AVG, 0 HR, 22 RBI, 2 SB, 17 BB, 23 K 2002 (Bristol-Rookie): .327 AVG, 0 HR, 20 RBI, 1 SB, 10 BB, 11 K One of the more talented outfield prospects with the Sox, Brice had a very strong .327 debut for Bristol last season. This season started differently for Brice: he struggled early in the season, but has since raised his average to .287 with .363 OBP. Brice, a native of Australia, was drafted by the Sox in the 24th round. He is a great low ball hitter and has a very strong arm. The Sox think he could play right field defensively, but he would lack the overall pop of a prototypical outfielder. He’s yet to hit a homer this season, but most scouts feel that he’ll develop some power as he grows into his body. Brice doesn’t have that much to work on - he’s a very savvy hitter that already has shown good discipline, (although, until he reaches the pros, could always improve.) The big keys for him will be to put on more muscle and let his body fill out. Once he does that, he could shoot up the charts and increase his likelihood of reaching Chicago. If he doesn’t develop more power, he’d likely be more of a utility outfielder, but he does have the chance to be a solid everyday player. 36. Byeong Hak An, 22 - LHP, SP – Winston-Salem Warthogs (High A Ball) 2003: 7-2, 3.35 ERA, 51.0 INN, 33 K, 20 BB 2002 (Winston Salem-A): 2-0, 3.80 ERA, 21.1 INN, 11 K, 7 BB 2002 (Sarasota-A): 4-7, 5.33 ERA, 98.0 INN, 58 K, 33 BB 2001 (Sarasota-A): 2-8, 3.62 ERA, 119.1 INN, 84 K, 42 BB An, a lefty, was acquired by the Sox last season in exchange for Bobby Howry. While not the most gifted pitcher, An has done nothing but excel during his tour of the minor leagues. An is a bit old to be pitching in A ball, but he’s making the best of it with seven wins and a 3.35 ERA. An has a chance to make the majors, but it’s likely that eventually he’ll join the bullpen, hoping to find his way as a lefty specialist. An is due for a call-up to Double A, and his numbers there will be quite a determinant of whether he has what it takes. His best pitch is a slurve, which he complements with a solid change and fastball (high 80’s). 35. Guillermo Reyes, 21 – S/R – Birmingham Barons (AA) 2003: .194 AVG, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 6 SB, 12 BB, 26 K 2002 (Charlotte-AAA): .308 AVG, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2 SB, 0 BB, 1 K 2002 (Winston Salem-A): .279 AVG, 4 HR, 49 RBI, 30 SB, 35 BB, 71 K 2001 (Winston Salem-A): .208 AVG, 0 HR, 24 RBI, 16 SB, 14 BB , 33 K 2001 (Kannapolis-A): .279 AVG, 0 HR, 26 RBI, 29 SB, 27 BB, 30 K 2000 (Bristol-Rookie): .296 AVG, 3 HR, 31 RBI, 21 SB, 22 BB, 24 K 1999 (Arizona-Rookie): .250 AVG, 0 HR, 15 RBI, 18 SB, 20 BB, 25 K Guillermo is one of the most talented middle-infield prospects in the organization. He has great speed, a strong arm, and great range. Unfortunately thus far he’s shown no offense, but, as one of the younger players in the Southern League, he has plenty of time to develop. He’s a bat away from being one of the best prospects in the game. In order to develop a better bat, he’ll have to cut down on the strikeouts and increase his walk total. Last season he made great strides at the plate, but those strides can’t be seen in Birmingham where he is hitting .194. 34. Wyatt Allen, 23 - RHP, SP – Winston-Salem Warthogs (High A Ball) 2003: 2-2, 3.78 ERA, 52.1 INN, 40 K, 38 BB 2002 (Charlotte-AAA): 0-1, 9.00 ERA, 5.0 INN, 2 K, 6 BB 2002 (Winston-Salem-A): 8-9, 4.45 ERA, 161.2 INN, 110 K, 80 BB 2001 (Kannapolis-A): 4-5, 3.16 ERA, 62.2 INN, 45 K, 16 BB Despite having one of the best arms in the 2001 draft, Wyatt Allen’s mechanical problems allowed him to fall to 39th and into the White Sox’s open arms. Allen is considered to be a project for this organization. His delivery needs much work and, although he can reach 97 on the radar gun, he had a lot of trouble finding the catcher’s glove in 2002. Allen will need to harness his arm if he wants to excel in professional ball. The timetable for Allen is blurry at best: if he can locate his pitches and learn to perfect his mechanics, though, it won’t be long before he quickly moves up within the system. 33. Jason Stumm, 22 – RHP, RP – Winston-Salem Warthogs (High A Ball) 2003: 0-0, 4.50 ERA, 4.0 INN, 4 K, 1 BB 2002 (Kannapolis-A): 0-1, 2.25 ERA, 40.0 INN, 45 K, 12 BB, 5 SV 2001 (Arizona-Rookie): 0-2, 2.25 ERA, 12.0 INN, 12 K, 5 BB 2000 (Burlington-A): 2-7, 4.61 ERA, 66.1 INN, 62 K, 30 BB 1999 (Burlington-A): 3-3, 5.32 ERA, 44.0 INN, 33 K, 27 BB 1999 (Arizona-Rookie): 0-0, 3.27 ERA, 11.0 INN, 9 K, 3 BB Jason Stumm was the 15th overall pick in 1999. Stumm, 21, was once a prospect projected to be a front-of- the-rotation starter. Numerous medical concerns have put his development to a halt and will force Stumm into the pen, as a future setup man or closer. After a season in which he pitched 12 innings (2001), Stumm returned to the mound in Kannapolis. The White Sox limited him to a strict pitch count, and no more than two-inning stints. Even with those precautions in place, Stumm still felt soreness and had to be shut down again in 2002. Stumm again had minor shoulder surgery following the season. When healthy, he has a wicked fastball that varies from 93-97, and is nearly un-hittable. Stumm was recently activated by Winston-Salem and has pitched in four games. He has had mixed success, but the key is having him back on the mound and on the road to health. 32. Tim Hummel, 24 – R/R – 2nd/SS/3rd – Charlotte Knights (AAA) 2003: .288 AVG, 3 HR, 23 RBI, 6 SB, 15 BB, 21 K 2002 (Charlotte-AAA): .260 AVG, 4 HR, 41 BB, 6 SB, 51 BB, 95 K 2001 (Birmingham-AA): .290 AVG, 7 HR, 63 RBI, 14 SB, 62 BB, 69 K 2000 (Winston-Salem-A):.327 AVG, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 1 SB, 13 BB, 12 K 2000 (Burlington-A): .326 AVG, 1 HR, 21 RBI, 8 SB, 21 BB, 20 K Last season, Hummel was considered “the future.” This season, D’Angelo Jimenez is the present and future at second base. Hummel, known for his offense, struggled mightily in his first shot at AAA. He would rebound in the Arizona Fall League, hitting .303, while leading the league with an 18-10 walk to strikeout ratio. Despite a slow start, Tim is having a much better season and may have rejuvenated his status as a prospect. He has a very pretty stroke and good patience. He lacks the speed of a leadoff hitter, and would likely fit in the two hole or farther back in the lineup. Defensively, he can play anywhere in the infield and is solid at all positions. Hummel will likely make his major league debut later this season, and has a shot to be the starting second baseman next season with Jose Valentin entering free agency. If he doesn’t become a starter, look for him to be a very successful utility man. 31. Jim Bullard, 23 - LHP, RP – Birmingham Barons (AA) 2003: 1-1, 4.46 ERA, 36.1 INN, 21 K, 16 BB 2002 (Birmingham –AA): 0-3, 4.50 ERA, 20 INN, 12 K, 4 BB 2002 (Winston-Salem-A): 9-8, 3.32 ERA, 143.2 INN, 89 K, 47 BB 2001 (Kannapolis-A): 3-2, 3.00 ERA, 45.0 INN, 26 K, 6 BB 2001 (Bristol-Rookie): 1-2, 3.00 ERA, 21.0 INN, 31 K, 1 BB I sometimes wonder how Jim Bullard ever ended up in the Sox organization. As stated earlier with Josh Rupe, the Sox are notorious for drafting pitchers solely on stuff alone, not weighing other factors such as polish or location. Bullard is almost the polar opposite, using his knowledge and location of his pitches to get hitters out. Bullard has put up solid numbers, especially last year’s 3.32 ERA for the Winston-Salem Hogs. After several starts at Birmingham, Bullard asked manager Wally Backman if he could be moved to the bullpen, where Bullard believes he has a better chance of making the majors. If he plans on doing so, he must somehow leapfrog left-handed prospects Royce Ring and Arnie Munoz, as well as current Sox lefties Kelly Wunsch, David Sanders, and Damaso Marte. Bullard might actually be better off suited in another organization where he may get the shot he deserves.

Rumor: Time Running Out For Manuel By Mario Scalise June 2, 2003 SoxNet.net (SN Report #513) - With the White Sox' season continuing to flutter and a poor 2-5 start to a key 14-game road trip, manager Jerry Manuel is rumored to be on the hot seat. In fact, he may not even make his way back to Chicago when they return to host the San Francisco Giants on June 10th, according to reports. Manuel, who is in his sixth season as manager of the Sox, has faced heavy scrutiny dating back to last year, after the Sox responded to a disheartening 2001 season with an even worse 2002 campaign, compiling an 81-81 record. The Sox are 25-31 this season and 6.5 games out in a division who has only team over the .500 mark - the Twins, who are at .564, the second worst record next to the Chicago Cubs among first place teams. There is no word on who would replace Manuel if he were to be fired, but top canidates are said to be AAA Charlotte manager Wally Backman and former New York Mets manager, and current ESPN analyst, Bobby Valentine.

The whole team is reluctant to do things. JM is reluctant to manage while KW is reluctant to fire the manager that won't manage. Therefor clean house and hire Cerb and I as Co-General Managers

A Week in Review (May 25-31): Birmingham Barons By Mike Doyle June 2, 2003 FutureSox.com The Barons had another average week, going a combined 3-3 over the seven day stretch. After being named the Southern League pitcher of the week, Royce Ring improved his outstanding season with several strong outings. Ring was even ranked 12th in Baseball America ’s Prospect Hot Sheet, which covers the hottest minor league prospects in the game. Lefthander Neal Cotts also improved upon his season, with a dominant start over a team. The Barons started off the week by extracting some revenge in a 4-2 over the Mobile Bay Bears, who defeated the Barons soundly the past few games. Starter Emenencio Pacheco (5-0) kept his perfect season intact with a strong outing that lasted 6 2/3 innings. Pacheco did give up eights and two walks, but pitched out of every jam he was in, only giving up two earned runs. Jim Bullard and Jake Meyer held the lead for Pacheco, and then handed the ball off to Royce Ring who picked up his 12 th save of the year. The Barons offense could only manage five hits, but scored four runs off of the hits in an impressive display of manufacturing runs. Leadoff man Chad Durham had two hits for the Barons, as well as a run scored and a RBI. First baseman Gabe Alvarez continued his impressive season by launching a solo homerun off of Mobile starter Duncan McAdoo. On Tuesday the 26th, the Barons were rained out against Mobile . No makeup date has been announced. An extra day of rest seemed to have cooled the Barons off, as they lost to division leading Huntsville by a score of 3-2. Barons starter Tetsu Yofu (3-2) ran into some trouble in the top of the 1 st, giving up three earned runs in the frame. After the 1 st, Yofu was on cruise control, giving up no earned runs for the rest of the night. Reliever Matt Smith kept the score close by pitching two scoreless innings in relief. Offensively, the Barons could only scratch and claw two runs home. Danny Sandoval and Carlos Maldonado led the way with two hits each. Sandoval and left fielder Darron Ingram had the only RBIs for the Barons. On Wednesday, the Barons struck back against Huntsville , winning a hard-fought game by the score of 7-5. After winning his start at AAA Charlotte, Brian West had trouble against the Stars, only going 4 2/3 innings. West only gave up two earned runs, but walked five which lead to a high pitch count. Recently promoted Mitch Wylie (1-0) picked up the win for the Barons, going 2 2/3 innings while giving up two earned runs and striking out four. Royce Ring picked up save number 13 after closing the game out. Collectively, the Barons amassed 11 hits, with Carlos Maldonado getting three. Chad Durham and Juan Piniella had two each, and also had a RBI each. First baseman Ryan Hankins had two RBIs, which lead the team. Neal Cotts (7-2) had his best outing of the year, and the Barons ‘O’ clubbed home nine runs in a 9-1 bludgeoning of Huntsville. Cotts pitched 6 1/3 innings, but struck out a season-high 12 batters. Cotts gave up four hits as well, but he put his control issues behind him and only walked two Huntsville batters. Jim Bullard pitched the remaining 2 2/3 innings, giving up no earned runs. Scott Bikowski and Ryan Hankins provided all the offense Cotts would need, as both clubbed homeruns. Juan Piniella and Josh Shaffer also contributed to the rout by getting two hits each. Emenencio Pacheco (5-1) and the Barons could not build off their success on Thursday, losing to Huntsville 5-2. Pacheco was not his usual self on Friday, giving up seven hits, five walks, and four earned runs in only 5 1/3 innings of work. Reliever Jeff Bajenaru managed to hold Huntsville at bay for 2 2/3 innings, striking out four. On the offensive side of the ball, no Barons starter had more than one hit, and the only players to get RBIs were Chad Durham and Darron Ingram. Three of the six Barons hits were of the extra-base variety, but unfortunately no one was on base to be driven in. The Barons closed out the week on a bad note, losing to Cubs affiliate West Tennessee by a score of 4-3. Dennis Ulacia got the start for the Barons, and pitched great considering what he gave up. Ulacia went 3 1/3 innings, gave up three hits and an earned run, and walked six batters. Matt Smith (1-1) picked up the loss in relief, giving up two earned runs in 2+ innings. Jim Bullard and Royce Ring combined to pitch scoreless relief over the last three innings. The Barons O was awful on Saturday, only managing four hits, three off of Jaxx starter John Webb (1-6), who won his first game of the year. Chad Durham, Danny Sandoval, Darron Ingram, and Scott Bikowski all had one hit each for the Barons. The Barons will try to overthrow Huntsville from the top of their division this week against the following opponents: 6/1 – 6/3 vs. West Tennessee 6/4 – Off Day 6/5 – 6/7 @ West Tennessee

Konerko drew a one out walk. Graffy almost dropped a bunt for a hit, but the runner gets on over to 2nd. Crede is now up.

I agree with you Rex, the players have to get the bunt down. Thats what so sorry about this team, they fail every single stinking time. Whether its getting the bunt down or getting the runner to 3rd after a leadoff double and then getting him home. This is the most pathetic team I've ever seen when it comes to doing the things that are supposed to be done and thats why they aren't a winning baseball club.

That was really terrible managing by Manuel. These are the things I see every game and its why the Sox are failing. I'd say they are scoring a run less a game because of what kind of a fool he is as a manager. Either they use Graffy or Josh Paul (Solid Bunter). Those two and Olivo are the only guys that can bunt.

As usual the Sox strand the guy after a leadoff double.

Thomas rips a leadoff double.

I think he was an amazing player. One of the things I'd like to add to the site is a history section. The only problem is, I wouldn't be the best to write something like that since I was never to see any of those players play. I'm still gonna try and figure out a way to put something together.

I'm a bit behind. This morning for sure, lol. I always end up forgetting

Lamura has had a few really high K games thus far this season if I recall. I think he could have a solid future. He's supposed to have great movement on his pitches.

First off welcome aboard. I'd say that all of those guys sound like we'd have a shot at them. I'm far from a draft expert though. I'm a big minor league fan, but don't know a ton about the draft picks. From what I've read I'd like Gwynn in the second and Ritchie would be a great pick in the 3rd. I like any of those guys you have in the first or Anderson out of the University of Arizona. I think that the Sox seem to be going for an outfielder, but I'd take Gwynn in the 2nd and go with a pitcher in the first. The lefty or rigthy sounded really good to me. If the lefty is a power pitcher nab him.

Now it works. I'm gonna try my best to make it.

Maybe they should hire Chris Myers who writes columns from a psychological standpoint every couple weeks.

The next portion of the list should be up tomorrow. I'm just getting stats together, etc. Everything is written and we should roll through the list starting tomorrow. Sorry about the slowness lately. Were working on getting everything set so we get rolling on all of this.

Lol, it would be so great. First order of business; Soxfans appreciation day. One day where all Sox fans could go to the game for free. Seriously, if I bought a team that is the first thing I'd do. Give thanks for all the loyal fans that suffered through all the years of utter crap play. Mike and I would be so stoked. I won't give you any of the can't spend .50 cents if we have one dollar. It would be more of the, donate a 50 cent cd to me so we can sign a player

Agreed. Can't give up on a guy after one season. This guy has yet to play a full season. He's got fast hands, and good power. Things will be fine with him. He does need to work on drawing more walks, etc. He will be just fine though. He's also going to be a gold glover.

Lol, I knew that was coming.

Beautiful. This team's fundmentals kill the Sox. Couldn't lay the bunt, couldn't pitch in relief, and they couldn't make the play to end the inning. Great. Blow em up.