Chisoxfn

Well, if it is, then it shows that the Sox are going to continue playing Harris at 2nd instead of in centerfield. I was guessing that Harris would end up getting quite a bit of playing time in center. By the way, the updates for the minor league teams should start tomorrow, I was gone the past couple days, so I couldn't do any of the recaps.

Guys and gals, you don't know how happy I am that this board is staying around. It isn't going anywhere. We'll continue busting and making sure this board software kicks butt and that everyone has their place to talk Sox baseball with all the awesome people that are here. I'm gonna get to work on a project where I come up with a few different color options for the site, and then posters can chose which colors they would prefer. If you prefer the current colors, then you can use those, or you could use some news ones. We'll see how long it takes me, but I want to work hard and get them ready as well as upgrade the server in the near future

Gload is a power hitting lefty. I'd consider him a AAAA type player. He was with the Cubs a couple years back coming from the Marlins organization. Parrish was a left handed pitcher that I think we got from Texas, possibly in the Herbert Perry deal (?). Mario is working on a report right now though.

I noticed that with Biddle. Is he closing this year for the Expos?

Finally, I can listen to you guys. Gary and I are watching a couple games on TV (OF course he has the Cubs game on ) but we'll have the computer volume turned up as well Multitasking. I thought men couldn't do that. No, we can do it, we just don't do it around girls. We don't want them to think we could listen to them and watch a sports game. I know I can zone them out real good when I'm watching or paying attention to something else, and I can zone everything else out when I'm paying attention to them

I tend to disagree in terms of Germany.

Furthermore if the runner's not going you can pull the bat back and take the walk, from what I hear that was an option. Ya, that should definately of happened.

I think JM is getting a little too much heat for this, but I also believe the Sox aren't going to cut him any slack. He's gonna be on a short leash. I'm not worried though. Manuel will likely be here and the Sox will be fine. We have a great team, a good pen, and big time run producers. Two games is nothing to panick on, it doesn't indicate any sort of trend.

I don't think so. Then it's Tony's fault, moreso than Manuel's. I agree. I think that you can question whether they should of bee bunting, especially bunting with 2 strikes. Still, the bunt made some sense (Hit and run would of been better) but if Graffy gets it down we got a guy in scoring position with our two big bats up.

Very much so. I'd really rather keep this board if at all possible. I know you guys are doing what you can. I am almost positive that we will in some way shape or form find a way to keep this board. We may have to be creative, but we love this board and know that all you guys do as well so we are going to do all we can to keep it as the permanent board and if we can't do that, we'll find another way to keep the board up for everyone to post/read here. We'll give everyone some more info tomorrow as we should know more.

Good to see they support the cause. I like to see how they are thinking. They thought there may of been another solution, but in general they also see what happens in Iraq and believe it is an attrocity. France doesn't see that do they? Or at least I don't hear them saying that what Saddam does/did is an attrocity.

Horrible news. My thoughts go out to those effected by this tragedy.

I recommend El Conejo off of the 5 free way in Irvine for those in SoCal. Great food, cheaper then cheap prices. What about the free chips and salsa? Ya, they got that.

Finally, I can listen to you guys. Gary and I are watching a couple games on TV (OF course he has the Cubs game on ) but we'll have the computer volume turned up as well

Wow, over 870 posts today as well, which is another record.

I recommend El Conejo off of the 5 free way in Irvine for those in SoCal. Great food, cheaper then cheap prices.

Mike, nice work on the article. I'm looking forward to seeing how Reed, and some of the other prospects do in A ball. I think in general the minor league teams as a whole will be much more successful this season.

Recap: Sox Fall to 0-2 with Loss to Royals By Mario Scalise April 2, 2003 SoxNet.net The second game of the season saw the same results as the first for the White Sox, as missed opportunities and bad decisions led to a 5-4 loss to the Kansas City Royals. Bartolo Colon made the start for the Sox, giving up three runs off four hits in six innings of work, while Royals' lefty Jeremy Affeldt gave up two runs in 5 2/3 innings against a Sox lineup featuring eight right-handed hitters. Offensively the Sox had 10 hits, three off the bat of Tony Graffanino, who started at shortstop in place of Jose Valentin, and two hits from Joe Crede. The Sox had an opportunity in the first with two men on and one out, but Magglio Ordonez and Paul Konerko struck out and grounded out to end the inning. The Sox did, however, come up with the games first runs in the third. After second baseman D'Angelo Jimenez connected for his first hit of the season, Graffanino check-swinged a single to right field. Jimenez rounded second and forced a play at third, causing a bad throw from right fielder Dee Brown. Jimenez scored and Graffanino slide saftely into third. Two batters later, Magglio Ordonez hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Graffanino and putting the Sox up 2-0. The Royals responded in their half of the second with two runs off Colon. With one out, Michael Tucker walked and Joe Randa singled, putting runners on the corner. Mike Sweeney then singled in Tucker and Raul Ibanez tied the game up with a sacrifice fly to center. Ibanez came through again in fifth, putting the Royals on top 3-2 with a RBI-double to score Angel Berroa. Jason Grimsley relieved Affeldt and threw 1 1/3 inning before handing the ball over to Albie Lopez in the seventh. The Sox then tied the game at three with a single by Thomas. It was Thomas' only hit of the game. Colon, who walked three and struck out two, was pulled in place of right-hander Rick White to start the seventh. A throwing error by Graffanino on a Angel Berroa grounder proved costly as two batters later, after striking out Tucker, White gave up a two-run home run to Randa. White then retired Sweeney on a popup, and Damaso Marte finished the inning. Billy Koch threw a 1-2-3 eighth. The Sox made things happen with two outs in the eighth when Joe Crede doubled and then scored on an Armando Rios pinch-hit (for Rowand) single. Brian Daubach, who batted for Olivo, flied out to end the inning. Down 5-4 in the ninth, the Sox had a small opportunity, only to come up empty. With Jimenez leading off with a walk, Graffanino fouled off three bunt attempts for an out and Thomas ended the game with a 6-4-3 double play. Mike MacDougal picked up the save. Sandy Alomar started at catcher and went 1-3 and Konerko went 1-4 at first base. The Sox wil play the finale of the three-game set on Thursday at 1:05 p.m. CT. Jon Garland will be up against righty Miguel Asencio.

2003 Minor League Preview: Winston-Salem Warthogs By Mike Doyle April 2, 2003 SoxNet.net Not many words can describe the Warthogs' '02 season, but awful comes to mind first. Devoid of any offensive talent, the Warthogs had to rely on their pitching, which was very solid. No top-tier prospect graced the team of the 'Hogs, but an abundance of solid and polished prospects reinforced their status. Level: High-A - League: Carolina Coach: Razor Shines 2002 Record: 50-90 This year should be a different story. Inheriting such talents as Jeremy Reed, Kris Honel and a strong supporting cast, the Warthogs could be the most exciting team in the Sox organization. But before we dive into the 2003 campaign, let's see who is leaving Winstom-Salem for Birmingham and beyond. Who's leaving? Jim Bullard (LHP, SP) - 143 2/3 IP, 147 H, 46 BB, 89 SO, 3.32 ERA Bullard might not have the stuff other Sox pitching prospect possess, but he makes up for it with above-average command and great knowledge of his pitches. Bullard is not afraid to come after the hitter and can throw just about every pitch in any count for a strike. Bullard was lucky enough to travel with the big league club for the Hall of Fame Game in Cooperstown, where he more than held his own. Bullard was called up to Double-A Birmingham for a short stint which consisted of three starts, all solid, but losses. Bullard has made his blip on the Sox Radar, and if he continues his 2002 success in Birmingham this year, he could just find himself on the South Side in September. Josh Fields (RHP, RP) - 45 2/3 IP, 45 H, 19 BB, 50 SO, 2.96 ERA Aaron Kirkland (RHP, RP) - 44 IP, 41 H, 23 BB, 34 SO, 3.68 ERA Both Josh Fields and Aaron Kirkland showed why there is no such thing as too much good relief pitching. Kirkland was a great surprise in 2002, putting up astounding numbers in rookie ball. Kirkland started out with 62 strikeouts before he issued a single walk. The Sox wanted to see if Kirkland could handle the jump from Arizona to Winstom-Salem, and he did soundly. Kirkland's outpitch is a deceptive splitter, along with a sharp slider. Fields added another solid season under his belt and has yet to be noticed by scouts. Another good year in Birmingham would do just the trick. Heath Phillips (LHP, SP) - 179 IP, 184 H, 50 BB, 112 SO, 3.52 ERA The leaders of the Raelian Cult and Clonaid were dead wrong, the first human being cloned was Mark Buehrle, and Heath Phillips was the result. Phillips improved on his strong outing a year ago in Kannapolis by compiling a sub-3 ERA until his final starts of the season. Unfortunately, when Heath pitches, his offense proceeds to rot on the bench, giving him a combined 8-23 record. Don't let that fool you as Heath has amassed a solid mid-3 ERA over the past two seasons. Expect him, along with Jim Bullard and Neal Cotts to anchor the Birmingham rotation. Frank Francisco (RHP, P) - Sarasota (BOS) 53 IP, 33 H, 27 BB, 58 SO, 2.55 ERA Trenton (BOS) 16 IP, 10 H, 16 BB, 18 SO, 5.63 ERA Winstom-Salem 25 2/3 IP, 31 H, 18 BB, 25 SO, 8.06 ERA Obtained from the Red Sox in the Bobby Howry trade, in which the Sox also received Byeong An, Francisco did not live up to his potential as shown in Sarasota. Many minor league scouts are unsure that Francisco has three plus pitches to become a starter, but his fastball and curveball are so good that he might turn into a closer. Along with Fields, Kirkland and possibly Ring, Francisco could turn Birmingham's bullpen into its strong point. Royce Ring (LHP, P) - 23 IP, 20 H, 11 BB, 22 SO, 3.91 ERA "Rolls" Royce Ring is an intriguing story. Coming out of San Diego State, Royce was considered the best closer in the draft, and one of the most major league ready players at the time. After blowing away hitters with ease at Arizona, Ring was ushered to Winstom-Salem where he did a great job as the Warthogs' closer. One might think that Royce would be sent to Birmingham or even Charlotte, but the Sox organization might turn Royce into a starter. Royce has three solid, above-average pitches (fastball, curve, change), but I think moving him to starter would be a huge mistake. Let Royce stay as a closer and let him be. He could turn into a great closer or setup man if Billy Koch stays on the South Side. If Royce stays a closer, a September callup is definetly not out of the question. If Royce is converted to a starter, on the other hand, expect him to stay with the 'Hogs for one more year. Edwin Yan (2B, Bats: S, Throws: R) - .253 BA, 124 H, 88 SB, .312 OBP, 42 BB, 57 SO The unknown player in the Matt Guerrier for Damaso Marte trade, Edwin Yan has exploded onto the Sox radar because of his insane speed. Edwin set a Warthogs single season record with 88 stolen bases, while only being caught 19 times. Edwin has little power and reminds some of Luis Castillo with his speed, and stance at the plate. Edwin showed very good plate discipline, drawing 42 walks. If Edwin improves his stroke a bit and uses his speed to his advantage, he will rocket up the Sox prospect list. Keep an eye on Edwin, he could blossom into a leadoff hitter the Sox haven't had for a long time. Guillermo Reyes (SS, Bats: R, Throws: R) - .279 BA, 127 H, 30 SB, .335 OBP, 35 BB, 71 SO Billed as the Sox' shorstop of the future several years ago, Guillermo Reyes has been passed up at his position by Andy Gonzalez and the newly accquired Jorge Nunez. But don't think you won't be hearing a lot about Guillermo, because he still oozes potential. Signed out of the Dominican Republic at the age of 16, Guillermo was originally a second baseman before being moved to shortstop in 1999. The best asset Guillermo has is his fielding, which is very smooth, with above average range. Unfortunately, Guillermo committed 25 errors last year in Winston-Salem, something he must improve on in order to regain his status as the Sox' top shorstop prospect. Guillermo must also practice his plate discipline as shown by his 35 walks last year. Expect Guillermo to inherit the shortstop position in Birmingham this year. Who's arriving? A major influx of talent is on the way to Winstom-Salem, and I'm assuming manager Razor Shines couldn't be happier. Here are several high and mid-echelon prospects who will be donning the 'Hogs jersey this year: Jeremy Reed (OF, Bats: L, Throws: L) - .319 BA, 67 H, 4 HR, 17 SB, .377 OBP, 11 BB, 24 SO Jeremy Reed fulfilled the Sox's expectations and beyond as the second round draft pick of 2002 proceeded to punish South Atlantic League pitchers. Reed's hitting abilities sgould not be questioned as he was an Alaskan League MVP and led Team USA in batting average. Reed has above average speed, but is very smart on the basepaths. With his speed, Reed was moved into center field in Kannapolis, but projects better in a corner spot. If Reed is mvoed to a corner spot, he must improve his power numbers, which were somewhat lacking last year. As Reed is put into a strength program, expect his power numbers to gradually increase. Kris Honel (RHP, SP) - 158 IP, 131 H, 55 BB, 160 SO, 2.79 ERA Even though Honel is rated as the best Sox pitching prospect, he still didn't even come close to being ranked the #1 prospect in his own league (South Atlantic League). Honel was rated as the #7 prospect in the SAL, lodged behind such prospects as Gavin Floyd and John VanBenschoten. While it is understandable that Honel is placed behind Floyd and VanBenschoten, it puzzles me why he is not in the top five. A prime reason for this, in my mind, is because Honel was not throwing as hard as he did last year and in High School. Even though he lost several miles per hour on his pitches, Honel still made SAL hitters look like fools. Because Honel was drafted by his hometown team, his motivation should not be questioned. Expect Kris to start off in Winston-Salem, but eventually end up in Birmingham. Ryan Wing (LHP, SP) - 124 IP, 111 H, 60 BB, 109 SO, 3.78 ERA Wing is yet another left-handed starter who you should soon be hearing noise about. There is a slight difference between Wing and the other lefties in the system; his stuff is flat out filthy. Wing brings a low-to-mid-90's fastball, slider and changeup to the table, and his mound presence is probably the best in the system. Wing is not afraid of hitters, and does not take too kindly to hitters leaning over the plate, as he reguarly blows them back with chin music. The only negative aspect of Wing is that his control can be somewhat erratic. If Wing can cut down on his walks, but still throw the same stuff, look out. A 1-2 punch of Honel and Wing should make manager Razor Shines very, very happy. Ryan Meaux (LHP, RP) - 81 1/3 IP, 79 H, 12 BB, 70 SO, 2.16 ERA (Cumulative totals) After being traded, along with righy Felix Diaz, for Kenny Lofton, Meaux proceeded to keep his great season going, compiling a 1.35 ERA in Kannapolis. Meaux is not your typical closer, possessing a variety of pitches but not throwing overly hard. After compiling a solid 29 saves last year for Hagerstown (San Fransisco A-ball affiliate) and Kannapolis, I was quite surprised to see that Meaux is not being recognized as a mid-tier prospect. Another 29 saves and a low 2 ERA should do just the trick for Meaux in getting himself recognized. If Royce Ring is promoted to Double-A Birmingham, expect either Meaux or Jason Stumm to be the closer for the 'Hogs. Other inbound players to watch: Mike Spidale (OF) - 37 SB, blazing speed, good hitter but little power. Scott McKee (1B) - Solid season last year. Must improve power numbers and OBP. Chris Amador (2B) - 56 SB, faster than Spidale, but horrible plate discipline and a shoddy bat. Carlos Lee (LF) - Brother of our own Carlos Lee.

No money they'll claim. I think the Sox will realize Valentine is out of work and he will come cheaper then normal. Plus think of the money they will lose if they suck. Bringing in a very experienced and well thought of manager would be HUGE. Not that there is a guarantee Manuel gets canned. If he does, I hope we do it quick, cause if we wait and then can him, it means our season is in the toilet and I don't expect that to happen.

shocking isnt it Just wait till they visit the sports compound(The olympic one)

Well, I'd think the top 10% at every school would be able to get in. The thing is, how do you judge the top 10%. Is it strictly on grades, do you count SAT's. All I know is if your smart and want to go to college you can. Heck, if you want to go to college you can go there. You can either go 4 year direct or do the JC system which is a great system. You save money the first two years, get more of an adjustment then transfer to a school. Both are great options and they allow anyone that wants more education that opportunity.

Damn, thats rather noble of them. I agree, if I need to buy anything and I know Sears has it, I'll try to get it from them.

s***, bunting on a 3-1 count with a guy that can't throw strikes. Thats ridiculous. I understand the idea of getting the guy over, but in that situation its tough. Still, the idea is there and you want the guy on second. I didn't see the game, but did Graffy look bad getting the bunt down? I mean with Frank and Maggs due up after, you want Jimenez on 2nd where a single from one of your big guys ties the game. if im pena...if that bunt was successful id walk thomas even if he is the go ahead run and pitch to maggs who led the sox in hitting into dp's last year.. i dont want to take the bat out of franks hands..hit and run would have been a much better option with graffy Graffy is great in that situation and with a 2-0 count you know the odds are good that your seeing a fastball, which is a great hit and run pitch.

Yes. The closest Gaffenino came to laying the bunt down was on a 2-0 count, he bunted the ball about 20 ft down the line before it went foul. Seems to me like he's the guy to blame. Especially if he bunted and struck out on ball 4.