SoIL

I would love to see that out of Crede. As far as confidence, I remember a TV interview after one of his game winning hits, he seemed painfully shy and uncomfortable on camera. He reminded me of a teenager. I don't know if this was a result of his subpar seeason or his natural personality (most likely). Hopefully fixing the flaw in his swing will help him be successful and gain confidence. If that's the case, I think he could definitely produce thses numbers or better. To me two minor leauge MVP's shows the ability to do so.

Good points. Also, I thinking it was just Gordon and Ducan when I posted that.

So it's Vaquez, Gordon and Duncan for Johnson?

That's an awful small price for Johnson. He must really not wanted to come to Chicago.

I seem to recall reading that Renteria doesn't like to lead off either.

Might have been posted already, but here's a link. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1916771

I'd pass on Williams. I think he's probably on the downslope. Down here in Cardinal counrty most of my Card fan friends are down on him also.

I agree with your assesments. I thought all along Rowand would be a real good player. I'm also impressed with Jamie Burke. Both his hitting and catching. I think both Cotts and Adkins will improve with a full year in the Bigs under their belts. I also like to potential of Wilson Valdez, although I might be looking with my heart more than my eyes. Ross Gload was excellent this year. I'd be very happy if he was our starting 1st baseman next year. No knock against Konerko, I'm fine with him, but if trading him brings us pitching or another position player, i.e. fills some holes, then let's do it. And of course Mark Buerhle. I'm damn glad we have him signed. I'm looking forward to the off season to see what management comes up with. I hope I'm surprised like Steff says we will be.

Didn't he throw someone out sitting down at third? Or do I have the wrong guy?

McCarver - Talks down to the audience and always tries to prove he's so much smarter than you. Berman - Pompous, obnoxious, concieted, loud mouth. Chimp - Way to much yelling. Most "Sports Center" anchors - Too much attitude, not enough reporting. Al Habrowski (sp) - Mini Berman.

Sounds like part of the rookie hazing.

I think that might be a pretty good hunch. What is Grilli, a year removed from Tommy John surgery? Hopefully we'll still sign a top notch starter and have 6 or more solid starters competing for 5 jobs. Never hurts to have more than you need.

I honestly think Gload has been real good for us. Not the greatest in the outfield, but he's hitting well over .300 and hits in the clutch. He seems to hit every game and fits our need for someone who gets on base and a left hander. I have no idea what his OBP is. Just going by what I've seen from watching games via Gameday. Since he's been starting his BA has gone up.

I think this is exactly right. The '93 & '94 Sox teams had a nice balance of LH, RH, speed, defense and power. Some excellent pitching as well. Right now we are too power oriented. As others have stated, if trading Konerko can make us more balanced, I have no problem with Gload at first base.

Didn't see it. It was new to me.

Just saw this on the ESPN web site. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1881073

This is a s***ty article full of cheap shots. Unfortunately there is some truth to it. The Sox have failed to come through the last three or so years when it really counts. They have consistently shot themselves in the foot by "falling apart". Until we finally beat the Twins and win the division, we will be the brunt of articles like this.

Kenny definitely knows talent. If Ozzie knows baseball as much as has been reported, these two should be able to build a solid winner.

Damn, That's some real fine animation there blacksox8. We will have Frank back and I'd add him to the list for the same reason stated. I wouldn't be unhappy if Harris came back either. I'd also give Uribe another year.

Not inconsistent at all...... He has a limited number of at bats, so 3-4 games will raise the average 20 or more points and an 0-4 will drop you like a rock. Stats start over when you change leagues, so his numbers from Charlotte did not carry over. He only has 116 at bats with Tacoma. That is a good point. I knew the stats from Charlotte didn't carry over. I've been checking in on him and other prospects we've traded every couple of days and have seen a wide swing in his average. It just seems over 29 games and 116 at bats I wouldn't see that kind of swing in average. From all the hype, I guess I expect him to hit every day.

Reed appears to be steaky for AAA Seattle. He hit over .300 right after the trade, but was down to .276 just a few days ago. Now I see he's up to .302.

I've been very impressed with Jaime Burke, hitting over .300 and gunning down baserunners. I also see Ben Davis has raised his batting average 50-60 point since coming over. If this continues and they both call a good game, I think we' re solid at catcher.

I agree. The big difference between us and the Twins is that they always play hard and they believe they will win. That's what makes a winner. Even now, without Frank and Maggs, I think we have equal and probably more talent. The Twins don't have anyone to compare with Maggs and Frank, but they still win. It takes more then talent. It takes a winning attiitude. We had talent last year and lost. Ozzie had an interesting thing to say, (paraphrasing) this team wasn't brought up the right way and basically doesn't know how to win. I believe Ozzie will instill that winning attitude here, hopefully this year but definitely in the future. What the Sox need to do is find their "heart", quit being streaky, play hard everday and let the chips fall where they will. I get pissed at these loses but I haven't give up. We can still win this division. Let's just do it!

If he's there for leadership, make him a coach and get a reliever that can get somebody out! :banghead