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QUOTE (TheBigHurt @ Apr 9, 2009 -> 10:38 PM) Another post based solely on opinion as far as I can tell. I can give credit, but how often does a game swing in a way that makes a manager look like a genius (Well... Ozzie anyway, lol)? It's easier for a manager to look bad than to look good. I give Ozzie that because surely he does a lot of good things, too. I'm not trying to say he doesn't. As you said, people are louder when a game is lost than won (not totally, but often) but a loss highlights a manager's decisions more. Bad decisions for the most part seem to affect a game more than good ones because good ones are mostly just sticking with the right guy in the right situation based on guts and statistics; unfortunately Ozzie seems to use more guts and seems clueless on the stats. But AS USUAL, you are presenting the common argument of "Let's cover up all the stupid things he does by presenting useless information or information that in no way counters the point." Saying, "Well, Ozzie makes some good moves, too" does not change the fact of what I am saying. You and many others that support Ozzie seemingly no matter what he does (even during some of the real embarrassments such as when he'd leave Pods in the OF in the 9th in a 1-run lead game when BA was available) don't seem to get this. And not to try and demonize the man, but how often do you really get that sense of, "WOW! Ozzie just made a spectacular move!" Occasionally, but not often. I don't want to not give any credit, but if you're going to present an invalid point at least do it correctly; use examples as I have. Another example of a terrible argument people like yourself seem to throw around: "The players love the manager and playing for him." Yeah, because a player will always get on the mic and talk about how they hate their manager or think he is stupid, right? When the Sox win 7 in a row, if Ozzie is directly responsible for some of those wins I will give him credit. I still see NO validity behinf your argument. Simply put, you and other "Ozzie praisers" are simply hiding behind assumptions, presenting "points" irrelevant to the discussion and constantly deny Ozzie's constant asinine decisions. I don't want to insult you, but for a "great mind" as I see you being called, I'm still waiting for a point that actually counters anything I've said or proves it untrue. All I'm seeing is denial, assumptions and shots at me that are irrelevant and merely deter from the point. People tend to forget all good and remember the bad, it is human instinct. I have yet to see you recall a good decision, whether ''gut instinct'' or stats were involved. The game of baseball since the beginning of time has for the most part been based off of instincts, whether you like it or not, sabermetrics are yet to take the turn for the better, though they will in my life time. Sabermetrics are currently still very underground, but slowly they will become mainstream, as in to keep up with the sport and not be hiding under a rock... people will need to know what certain stats mean, and what a certain situation calls for. Espn, which is a network that only makes you dumber the more you watch (i only watch baseball tonight for the highlights, on mute), finally has the starting pitchers average velocity on their pitches, and that is the very tip of the iceberg. This information has been available for too long for the main sports network in the world to be behind as much as they are. The game of baseball since the beginning of time has been based off of gut instinct, whether you think it is right or not. To put it very simple what you see with ozzie is what you will get from 90% of the other managers around baseball. Does that make it right? No. Only scioscia, gardenhire, and francona, in that order, manage the game to the point of excellence, and believe it or not they are still wrong many times. I am in no way try to cover up the wrong things ozzie does, i just have the belief that if you can rehash every bad decision you believe ozzie to have made (or others even) that you can point out one tiny thing that he may have done to win a game. Another fact that is not well known (seemingly) is that the vast majority, easily 95% (likely even a higher percentage) of the game, is in the players hands, they are the ones actually physically playing the game afterall, shocking, i know. You tell me to use ''examples'' of the good managerial decisions ozzie has made in the past... but i know a lost cause when i see one, and if this isn't i don't know what is. I can give you countless counter arguements, but it would be pointless. '' Well, well, well this one time ozzie did this... and we lost because of that... etc'' Like i said i have seen it all before. This is the longest running topic in soxtalk history for a reason and it is not changing in the near future, maybe due to people not accepting the realization that things are not changing anytime soon, as we as fans cannot alter it, it is out of our hands. I understand venting your anger, but to harp on the same thing, over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over... you see, it gets rather annoying. I suggest to write a letter or try and book a meeting with dewan, tango, james, etc... and plea for them to manager the white sox. What you are looking (which you cannot get) for they can give you, along with a select few amount of other extremely knowledable people. Seriously, give them a ring. I know, i know, i forgot to make an endless list of ''examples'' that you would would read and forget before you even finished reading them. Oops. *I just realized you called me an ''ozzie praiser'', but far the most classic thing you have said thus far.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Apr 9, 2009 -> 10:10 PM) I disagree, I think his bat speed is perfectly fine, in fact at times he is a little too quick through the zone. He needs to wait on the pitch a bit more IMO. And BTW, I know you havent seen him hit at every level since he was drafted so the "ever has been" is a pretty bad generalization. I have most definitely seen him since he was brought up. He was very highly touted, #22 in 2005 and the #20 rated prospect in all of baseball in 2006. The internet is also a great source to see things you never else would have had the oppurtunity to, which i take advantage of (minor league at-bats). I will admit i have not seen the majority of minor league at-bats, that would be asinine to claim. If you anticipate off speed and something hard is thrown you will be too quick. I feel that has been the case throughout the first three games. Others have noticed his reduced bat speed throughout spring, so i know i am not imagining it. I could very easily be incorrect though. But like i said, it could really be as simple as anticipating the wrong pitch at the wrong time, he will get his timing back, all great hitters regain their form, and i believe he has the potential to be a great hitter long term. Even if his bat speed is perfectly fine like you and dick allen believe, which may be the case, i just don't see it. Quentin's wrist is not 100%, i feel that is noticeable by him not being able to check up one pitches he would have with ease last season. Then again it may be more serious, it may be less serious, no one truthfully knows other than quentin himself. Only time will tell.

QUOTE (WilliamTell @ Apr 9, 2009 -> 08:44 PM) didn't another creator of them die not too long ago at a relatively young age? Gary gygax died last march at the age of 69...

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Apr 9, 2009 -> 07:55 PM) I think those who think Quentin will be hurt by his injury this year are mistaken. He will be fine, he had a hairline fracture and most likely is 100% right now. As for those who think Ozzie made a mistake by using Jenks in a non-save situation, when the game went to the top of the 9th tied, there was no save situation any more for the White Sox. If anything, using your best pitcher out of the bullpen seems to make sense in a tie game. The notion of not using your closer in a non save situation means you would be a pitcher short if you are the home team if the game goes extra innings, and leaves you with a lesser pitcher pitching the 9th. His bat speed is slower than it has ever been, it is very noticeable. He was very good last season at not going around on tough pitches, easily one of the better players around the majors in that aspect. A lot of strength also comes from the wrist, not just a players bat speed. The only explanation to me would his injury still bothers him, but to what degree, I don't have a clue. I would say he is 80-85 percent there, i mentioned yesterday that i expect anywhere from a .850 to .880 ops out of him this season, hopefully i am wrong though, for the better of course.

QUOTE (stretchstretch @ Apr 9, 2009 -> 05:03 PM) right, remember how PK was going to come around by summer last year when the weather warmed up?.......we'll see how much the hand injury was "the issue" last year. Since there is technically no official date of summer (most like to set the date around the 15th-20th of june) we can come up with the next best thing. From june 15th until july 13th he was out injured. Once konerko came back he only went on to put up a .910 ops in his remaining 54 games.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Apr 9, 2009 -> 03:59 AM) http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=284666 Early review of Rogen cop comedy with high marks (careful, some spoilers in review)... http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20270917,00.html Looks like we'll be hearing even more about Mr. Rogen, the new Jack Black or "white/chubby/cuddly" Wil Smith. Why can't he just be seth rogen? Rogen was apart of five of the seventeen episodes of undeclared, second most only to apatow who wrote parts of all 17. He was also one of the writers behind the second season of da ali g show. Most impressive of all rogen is currently on his fourth screenplay by the age of 26 (will be 27 on the 15th of this month). Rogen was only 17 when he got his start on freaks and geeks... compared to smith who was 21 when fresh prince premiered. Black and smith have one screenplay combined, black's pick of destiny (black also wrote the 6 episodes of the series). Will smith was the genius behind ''all of us'' w00t!!! The closest either black of smith have with rogen would be smith. Smith just had something about him on the fresh prince, much like rogen did since day one on freeks and geeks, but that is the comparison ends. Jack black especially does not have s*** on him, but keep in mind i don't mind any of these three (i barely let black slip into my dislike category) . Rogen is currently on a rapid pace for his writing... on top of how successful nearly all of the movies he has had a role has been.

QUOTE (TheBigHurt @ Apr 9, 2009 -> 04:29 PM) Uh, I never said that. Still love how the ones who try to defend Ozzie are the ones with no real points to make No you didn't. What you did say is that a manager is not responsible for every win a team has. You say this because you do not want to give credit where credit is due. When the sox win several in a row you will be no where to be found, and if you are around you will be on a very low key. When the team is going good they (people that are pessimistic for the sake of it) are quiet as a mouse. When the team loses they are as vocal as can be, always. You will respond saying something along the lines '' i'm not that guy'' but i have yet to see someone day in day out back up their dislike for ozzie whether it is a win or a loss. I also do not have to insult people left and right to try and make my point more valid like yourself. Keep them coming, i get a kick out of it.

QUOTE (TheBigHurt @ Apr 9, 2009 -> 04:03 PM) Well excuse me for not saying "Yay, Ozzie" after every win (and since when is a manager always directly responsible for every win?) Managers are not directly responsible for every loss either, sorry.

QUOTE (TheBigHurt @ Apr 9, 2009 -> 04:16 PM) And every other team since at least 2005? This team will be nothing like the 2007 team. The 2007 team was bottom feeders in practically every category around the board.

Wonder how long until bearsox sees this.

QUOTE (fathom @ Apr 9, 2009 -> 03:52 PM) Ozzie managed a good game today...it's just Jenks is not very effective when it's not a save situation. This lineup just isn't going to work. Getz is a patient hitter but still better suited for the 9 spot in the order. The pitching looks great so far, but the offense is miserable. We were a bad managerial decision away from getting swept this series. KW...this mess is on you! Before today jenks had a 3.02 era in 101.1 innings throughout his career in non save situations. Along with that he had a 1.273 whip, 8.9 k/9, and a 2.70 k/bb ratio. Granted he is not as good as he is in save situations, there are closers out there that do much worse in non save situations.

QUOTE (daa84 @ Apr 9, 2009 -> 03:51 PM) royals won it with a 2 R HR....just sayin Home runs are bad.

QUOTE (nitetrain8601 @ Apr 9, 2009 -> 03:35 PM) That's on the rule book. So the rule book states that the out is given if a player does not have control of the ball yet still attempts a transfer? I don't think so. You are supposed to have definitive control of the ball, he did not. Really that simple.

QUOTE (zenryan @ Apr 9, 2009 -> 03:34 PM) Only thing more sickening than the home run was seeing how giddy that sox fan was for catching the ball. This right here is the reason why you dont bring in the closer in a tie game. Your best pitcher in the pen is your closer. A 0-0 game is actually more of a pressure situation than when a closer usually comes into the game. There is no one else better suited for the situation. The decision to bring in jenks was the right one, easily.

QUOTE (nitetrain8601 @ Apr 9, 2009 -> 03:28 PM) Yet, it was still on the exchange. He clearly had no control of the ball whether it was on the exchange or not. He was trying to grab at something that was not there. I would understand if the ball was firmly in the glove and he dropped it, the ball was bobbling around in the mitt erratically.

QUOTE (nitetrain8601 @ Apr 9, 2009 -> 03:27 PM) I don't know if that was so horrific. He dropped the ball on the exchange after watching it twice. It was in his glove for roughly a half second.

That was f***ed.

QUOTE (DBAHO @ Apr 9, 2009 -> 02:19 PM) 1IP, 9ER. Oops. Here's a crazy thought though. Everyone talked Detroit being able to score over 1000 runs last season, could the Rangers do it this season I wonder? The closest they get to a thousand runs is omar vizquel being apart of the last 1000 run team.

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Apr 9, 2009 -> 03:27 AM) I think the only way we can judge the changes KW has made (offensively) from last year to this year is to do what he says and look at 1-2 and 8-9 in the order. Of course, the problem is you'd prefer to get Fields AND Ramirez more ab's than the top 2, not less...obviously more than Wise. Obviously Ramirez and Wise aren't hitting, but Getz and Fields have looked like they belong and bring more athleticism to the line-up. The next threads to pop up will be "What's wrong with TCQ?" or "Was last year a career year for Alexei?" if we lose again today and they continue to struggle. I wonder if Hawk bringing up the whole "one year timeline" for CQ to be 100% healthwise that they're already preparing to trot out that excuse across the board for this season? Quentin's wrist injury is most definitely a reason for concern. He broke his right hand, which is his dominant hand, a great deal of your bat speed comes from your top hand. Hawk was not making an excuse for him, just telling it like it is in this case. If anyone is expecting the same quentin as last year. well let's say it is unlikely he will be on par. Quentin will still be a good hitter in the league this year... do not get me wrong. I envision anywhere from a .850-880 range him due to the circumstance ridiculous circumstance he put himself in. There will be no one else to blame his upcoming hardships (in comparsion to his very, very good season he just had) other than himself.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Apr 8, 2009 -> 11:21 PM) If the White Sox signed him to play CF, I'm fairly confident the White Sox would have the worst OF defense in the major leagues this year, and maybe of all time. If Wise has to play, move him down in the order. Let BA play, but don't have him leadoff. I still don't know why the White Sox seem to insist the CF must lead off. Thankfull even the sox would not hand over the job to someone who has not played center in their entire professional baseball career.

Lock?

QUOTE (joesaiditstrue @ Apr 8, 2009 -> 07:37 PM) 5-1 tigers on an inge HR Major league leader.

QUOTE (knightni @ Apr 8, 2009 -> 05:43 PM) Randy Winn maybe? He will be getting moved at some point this season, he is a good player on team making a run for the post season. I cannot see him sticking around given the fact he one of the very last players (older) left in the giants youth movement. Defensively he is a plus defender on the corners... especially right field. He is also not a slouch in center. The problem is.. he is owed 8.25 million this season with a no trade clause of ten teams.

QUOTE (Kalapse @ Apr 8, 2009 -> 04:53 PM) that .293 AVG/.363 BABIP and 0.51 ISO Willits put up in 2007 to go along with a very poor CF UZR conjure up words like "fluke" and "marginal player". He did have a babip of 358. in double a in 2005... in 2006 it was .375... both of which are rather impressive as you know. He has a nice idea of the strike zone but that is about where it ends. He has 108 extra base hits in 1647 at-bats (14 home runs) leaves a lot to be desired... along with his lacking defense, of course. I want nothing to do with him unless he was extremely cheap. QUOTE (caulfield12 @ Apr 8, 2009 -> 04:56 PM) It's just too bad Jordan Danks doesn't have a full season under his belt...so that he could be a part of the conversation. There's just no way they can jump him that quickly to have an impact this year, could they? No.

I sincerely doubt beckham is anything more than a call up when the rosters get expanded this season, barring ramirez imploding.