J-MAN

QUOTE(BHAMBARONS @ Feb 14, 2007 -> 05:37 PM) I will be here all spring. I know for sure Sat March 3. Anybody attending games at TEP please add an extra half hour drive time for construction on I-10. All exit on ramps from Prince to 29th streets will be closed and all on ramps as well. I-10 will be down to one lane in downtown in other words a big mess for at least 3 more years. Thanks for the heads up! QUOTE(RockRaines @ Feb 14, 2007 -> 05:44 PM) i'll be there, sometime early in the session. I can meet y'all at TD's on speedway. As someone who has never been to Tucson - what is TD's?

Now that pitchers and catchers report this week - who's going to spring training and when? As a newbie this is our first time going down to Tucson (we are going down Tues. 3/6 - tickets for games Wed-Saturday) where do the Sox fans frequent ? Any tips on restaurants and places to go at night?

QUOTE(tonyho7476 @ Feb 12, 2007 -> 04:06 PM) last year I was able to get 2 extra opening day and 2 extra cubs tickets....today, nothing...apparently all gone. Me Too - I was in at 10:01 and Opener and Cub tickets were already gone!

Can't get through on ticketmaster - I though the password was your acount # - Help?

QUOTE(Balance @ Jan 30, 2007 -> 11:20 PM) When do Full and Split ST holders get to buy single-game tickets again? I emailed my rep, but he hasn't gotten back to me yet. E-mialed my rep last week - she didn't know but said she would e-mail me - think they send out a blanket e-mail to all season ticket holders.

QUOTE(CanOfCorn @ Jan 24, 2007 -> 03:38 PM) Anyone on this board except for a couple of you think that maybe...JUST MAYBE...he RE-injured it? Every player has an exit exam...could it be POSSIBLE that the Sox doctors said, "Pods, your groin looks like it still hurts a bit. Try to stretch and do some physical therapy and ease back into your routine. If something happens, tell us and we'll fix it through surgery." "Thanks Doc, I'll do that." Cut to a couple of weeks ago. "Ouch. I think I RE-injured my groin. I should have surgery to fix this problem now, before I do anymore damage to it." Why do so many people think it's the magic bullet? That players hide problems ALL the time? The Sox had probably the last medical report on Pods, and if that's the case, and Pods HAD the problem and they re-signed him anyway, then who's fault is it? If he WAS fine, and Pods re-injured himself...well, hamburgers happens and he's fixing it. So cut the guy some slack, the Sox brought in a free agent outfielder and Sweeney needs another year in AAA. I understand it is the other groin muscle not the one he previously had surgery on. Makes me wonder what exactly he is doing in the off-season. Might have to do with his off season work-outs (especially his evening workouts).

I grew up on the North side but am a life long White Sox fan! The reason - my dad had to work for a living and when he took me to games they were night games at old Comiskey. I will never forget those early games - seeing Nellie Fox and Louie. One of my earliest Sox memories is a game aganst the Yankees and White Ford. I sometime miss the old park but the atmosphere at the new park is growing on me - I hope I have instilled this love of the White Sox in my son!

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Jan 11, 2007 -> 06:25 PM) And yet people are listening, and probably calling in to argue with him... turn it off and quit wasting your time. Amen! I find myself turning off both talk radio stations more and more lately. Like most of us I would have liked for Kenny to improve our left field and center field but not at what it woul d take to make it happen.

QUOTE(ChiSoxLifer @ Dec 26, 2006 -> 08:36 AM) I've taken a little time to think this over before I posted. First of all, for all those so-called Sox fans that are ready to give up on the 2007 season before New Year's, the bandwagon ride is over. You guys sound as if you started rooting for my beloved team in October 2005. Feel free to jump off the bandwagon and I hope you break your ankles as you hit the ground. You can hate the trade or you can love the trade but you never give up on the team. You root for the player but love the laundry. Now my post has a lot of sarcasm in it so try to follow me. KW gets panned for trading Freddy Garcia for Gavin Floyd and Gio Hernandez. My first reaction to the Freddy trade was I thought KW should've received more in return for a guy who throws 87 mph heat and allows runners to run the bases like it's a merry-go-round. However, I decided to do a little research before I form an opinion. Yah he's a big game pitcher and won 17 games last year. Out of the 17 games he won, the Sox offense scored 6 or more runs in 13 of them. The main reason he won those many games is because the Sox were third in MLB in runs scored. Here's a guy who gave up nearly 5 earned runs a game, is in his walk year, and I expected to get a kings ransom for him? If KW could've got a better package for Freddy don't you think he would've done so? Well, ok I was wrong and decided Kenny knows better. The Sox did manage to get the 2nd ranked left-handed prospect in all of baseball and got Floyd as basically a throw-in. This trade basically opens up a roster spot for Cy McCarthy! I mean, after all, he did manage to shut down Boston, Texas, and the heavy hitting 2005 Twins, right? This guy came up and set the baseball world on fire, much like Liriano did in 2006. He's ready for ten Cy Young awards in a row! Then guess what? Kenny lost his mind again and traded our "Dontrelle Willis"! How could he do this to us? I like many others thought BMac was ruined in 2006 because they used him in the bullpen. It's a completely different mindset preparing for relief pitching as it is for starting. You look at how the Red Sox ruined Jonathan Papelbon by using him in relief. Papelbon was one of the BoSox's top starting pitcher prospects and decided to use him as a reliever. That guy had a horrible year and only saved 35 games with a 0.92 era. Obviously, the name of the game is to get the batters out no matter what the situation. Papelbon failed miserably. So KW trades Cy McCarthy and we only received the top ranked left handed prospect (6th overall I believe) in all of baseball. In addition we get a reliever who can throw some serious heat. This trade could do for the White Sox what trading Pierzyinski did for the Twins (Nathan, Liriano, and Bonser). The Garcia trade opened up the 5th spot in the rotation for a player that has question marks. We then traded McCarthy for 3 question marks but could eventually be better than Brandon. The 2007 season does not completely hinge on the 5 spot. It hinges on one through four to pitch the way we expect them to. You can't compare this situation to the 2004 5th starter debacle. The only decent pitcher the Sox had that year was Buehrle. The rest of the starting rotation wasn't that strong with a nearly 5.00 staff era. I fully expect this year's front four to be one of the best in the AL. Buehrle will bounce back and Jon will probably flirt with 18 wins again. Who the heck said Contreras was injury prone? He's averaged 31 starts the past three years. Please tell me where he's injury prone. The wild card in the rotation is Vasquez. He's got the stuff but does he have the mental makeup to get past his so-called 5 inning starts? I tell you what, if Javier had the same run support Freddy got, Javier would've won 17+ games. In his last ten starts, the Sox averaged less than 2 runs per game. It's these four guys that will make or break the 2007 season. Not McCarthy. Floyd will not be in the running for the fifth starter position. Kenny has said he will either be in the bullpen for this year or if he decides he'd rather start, he'll start out in the minors. I truly believe Charlie Haegar will get the 5th spot. I don't care if he throws a knuckler or 100 mph heat. If you can get the hitters out, you're doing your job. I've seen plenty of guys throw 95+ and get knocked around like a pinball. For the true White Sox fans, get the hell off the ledge. The White Sox still have one of the top ranked offenses in all of baseball. The front four rotation won't be as bad as it was for the 90 win 2006 team. The fifth starter only needs to be .500 or better and the bullpen will be downright nasty. It's going to be a great year and I can't wait for the season to start. AMEN! I couldn't have said it better! Kenny Williams has been right more often than not. My vote is Kenny and Coop saw something in B-Mac they didn't like and a chance to pick up potential. Kenny was a big part in bringing the only World Series winner to the South Side in my lifetime I would trust his judgement over the vast majority of the people on this board who never played the game and don't see these athletes on a daily basis. I can't wait to see these guys after they work with Cooper. Another thing that makes me extremely optimistic is the clubhouse atmosphere that is forming. I don't know how many of you read Bobby Jenks comments on how he can't wait to work together with these guys. We are planning to go to spring trainging for the first time and I can't wait!

After following this thread - I e-mailed my ticket rep and asked it it is true. According to her it is! Hence we aren't able to move up our seats. Yes - we did renew our full season tickets!

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Nov 3, 2006 -> 09:51 PM) ?????????? WMVP has Sox signing Terrero to a one year contract for $100,000.

What the hell do the Sox want with a CF who has a .235 career batting average? May as well stick with BA!

QUOTE(chiguy79 @ Oct 18, 2006 -> 03:00 PM) Got mine yesterday, I am a full-season holder We are full season ticket holders and still nothing! Are there others who haven't received anything yet? Think its worth calling our ticket rep?

QUOTE(Chisoxrd5 @ Oct 18, 2006 -> 12:44 AM) I havent gotten anything yet either... And I'm a full season ticket holder Ditto! We haven't received anything either.

QUOTE(AirScott @ Oct 10, 2006 -> 02:30 PM) I guess you could make a case for Larry Bowa for the Yankees. no one's called for his head. plus he's the only other 3rd base coach I can name. I think Dale Sveum is with the Brewers now, but Red Sox fans hated him. then there was Wendell Kim with the Cubs, and now Joey Cora with the White Sox. there was a lot of good from Cora last year. I can remember multiple instances last year where Cora sent a runner home on a hit to the outfield, and the only reason the runner was safe was because the fielder bobbled or misplayed the ball. now was the pressure of the runner being sent home why the fielder botched the play? or were the runner and Cora just lucky? I remember a lot more images of Sox players out at the plate by 10 ft. or more! In many instances the catcher had a smoke before tagging them out!

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Oct 4, 2006 -> 04:23 PM) My favorite move is when there is a lane closure coming up. I stay in the closing lane, but keep even with my intial position and therefor block people from rushing into the merged lane at the last second. It really pisses people off. Ya know Rock I do the same thing! My dad drove a beer truck - taught me all my bad driving habits! Luckily I haven't passed most of them on to my son.

QUOTE(aboz56 @ Oct 3, 2006 -> 05:21 PM) No way would I pay Crede 5 years and 50 million. We'd be better off just riding out next year with arbitration, go to arbitration the following year (2008) and trade him before that season. Hopefully Fields would be ready for sure after next season. I agree - I appreciate what Joe Crede has done for the team - just like I appreciate all Frank Thomas has done for the Sox but given that he has a bad back and has refused to have it fixed would not give him a long-term contract at the numbers you now Borass will be looking for!

QUOTE(SoxFan101 @ Sep 22, 2006 -> 12:52 PM) I hope Cora goes.... Anything to get him the heck out of here!

QUOTE(Steve9347 @ Sep 21, 2006 -> 05:25 PM) you never know with KW, but my guess would be Jose Contreras Mark Buehrle Jon Garland Javier Vazquez Brandon McCarthy My son and I are arguing about this one! The way he ended the season and from the comments he has made my vote for odd man out is Buehrle. I know it sounds crazy but he really sucked down the stretch and doesn't seem to have a clue on adjusting to pitching batting practice! He's a finesse pitcher who has lost his confidence - make a deal and get him to St. Louis where he want to pitch!

QUOTE(alexgtp @ Sep 21, 2006 -> 01:11 PM) Plain and simple. no excuses. the White Sox played horrible the 2nd half. And 2 teams in the central played better. I still had a great time at the games this year..tailgating..screaming and yelling..it was an emotional rollercoaster.. Will I do it again. HELL YEAH!.. Nothing better than White Sox baseball for me! I live for this !! Have for the past 28 yrs!! Hope too see many of you next year (maybe now all the bandwagoners will leave and will let me get my tiks alot cheaper and easier like back in day..LOL) And lets hope for some incredible moves by kenny in the offseason and an 07 Championship! I couldn't agree with you more! We had a great time rooting for the Sox this season! I won't say there aren't some things that disturb be greatly (the play last night where AJ lobs the ball back to the pitcher while they steal third). On the radio they are talking about how hard it is to repeat and have that same hunger once you win the championship. Let's hope the Sox regain that hunger while they watch the Tigers and Twins in the playoffs. Like you I have been a Sox fan for a lot of years and am not about to quit on them now.

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Sep 19, 2006 -> 08:43 PM) the team you love. Its frustrating to have a dissapointing season, especially when we should have played better than we did. But thats baseball. Its why its the greatest game in the land. When this season is over, we can look forward to next year, and another possible run at it. We have a great core, great management, and a franchise that looks to be dedicated to winning for once. This is not the time to turn your back on your team, nor to act like a spoiled little baby who needs to pout about something that didnt go your way. These reactions are why it was so easy for me to get season tickets when I did, and why I was always one of the only people who went to every game. Why my section was half empty for several years, and yet at the beginning of every season there was always hope. If you all want to act like babies and cry and whine about how our team just couldnt win enough games, then so be it. I love this team, my life revolved around the White Sox, and I wouldnt be the same without the experiences that I have had with this team. When this season ends, I will be dissapointed, but we cant win the WS every year. Next year is a new year, filled with new hope, and a new schedule, and the Sox will be right back in it. And I will be in my seat as always, cheering for them. I couldn't have said it better! By definition a "FAN" supports his team - If you really feel you wasted your time and money don't waste any more by coming Sunday! QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Sep 19, 2006 -> 08:51 PM) All True. Who said anything about pouting? I see nothing wrong with showing my displeasure about a very hyped up season, by not only the fans, but the franchise itself. As will I. My $$$ is already in. Point is, I will not accept failure. They won the World Series. It shows this franchise and management is very capable of putting together a Champion. Then do it. Give me a champion. They didnt do that this year. They didnt even get to the playoffs. Thats not going to cut it. I can promise you Williams would tell you this season is a failure. I dont cheer for failure. What the heck do you want them to do! At the beginning of the season it appeared they made every move possible to make a World Series winner a better team! QUOTE(StrangeSox @ Sep 19, 2006 -> 09:37 PM) Lots of people who want to "define" what a "true fan" is around here. Sorry, some people don't accept or cheer for mediocrity. Last time I looked only 5 teams in baseball have a better record than the Sox - how do you call that mediocrity! If you want mediocrity support the team on the North side!

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Sep 12, 2006 -> 06:39 PM) TRADE VAZQUEZ AND KEEP GARCIA. ATLEAST GARCIA IS CONSISTENT Yeah consistently mediocre

QUOTE(Hideaway Lights @ Sep 7, 2006 -> 03:56 PM) Look, no matter what you say, there is no way in hell that the 2005 team wins the World Series without Ozzie Guillen. I don't care what kind of spin you want to put on this. >>> Back to the point. Ozzie Guillen's vision of rebuilding the White Sox was the reason the team was even put in a position to win the division last year. It was Ozzie Guillen who demanded that Kenny reconstruct the roster around what he wanted - with more speed at the top of the lineup. Sure, KW went along with it, and made the moves, but as I understand it, the impetus was from Ozzie. And even though Podsednik basically sucks now, he was the catalyst of last year's lineup and a true leadoff hitter is the reason why we were able to succeed with players like Carl Everett and a one-legged Frank Thomas DHing. It was that style of play that won. Not Carlos Lee and a bunch of right handed beefcakes taking batting practice. Love him or hate him now, Ozzie Guillen is the reason why we got Freddy Garcia to re-sign in Chicago. Without Freddy, we don't win the series last year. It was under Ozzie Guillen's managing that Garland was able to finally live up to his potential, something that Jerry Manuel was never able to have faith in. It was Ozzie Guillen who kept the team's motivation up. Whatever that means, you cannot deny that the team last year NEVER quit. There are several more reasons why Guillen was invaluable. Suddenly now, he's the worst manager to ever don a uniform and people are calling for his head. Yes, he has made some atrocious decisions this year. But to discount his impact last season is ludicrous. Absurdly ludicrous. He may not last even one more season in Chicago, but I will never, ever for a second believe anything else but that Ozzie Guillen was one of the most important reasons the White Sox ever won the World Series. Everything had to go right for us to pull that off. And that includes the manager being the manager. It honestly sickens me to read some of these posts. Amen to that!!! Sox won the first World Series in my lifetime - no matter what happens I will never forget that!!!!! And who says it can't happen again.

QUOTE(WhiteSoxfan1986 @ Sep 6, 2006 -> 01:28 AM) You never want to see somebody get hurt, but I really want McCarthy in the rotation. My problem with that is for which pitcher - Buehrle? Contrereras? Sweatty Freddie? QUOTE(RockRaines @ Sep 6, 2006 -> 02:40 PM) You are so full of crap. Every time he puts a player in any position this year, the player has failed. We are lucky, with this pitching staff, that we are even close to being in the playoffs. If we had Jerry Manuel or Terry Bevington would that make you happy? Ozzie is probably the best manager we have had in 50 years, and the only one you have seen bring us a World Series ring. BUt you are right, it is his fault that every changeup our staff throws gets rocked, that Paulie hit into 2 double plays last night. We are lucky to have Ozzie as our manager, without him we would never be considered one of the elite teams in the league like we are now. Rock - when I first started on Soxtalk hated your posts but over time realized you are right on usually and enjoy your input - once again you are 100% correct!

QUOTE(kapkomet @ Sep 4, 2006 -> 07:25 PM) This year is TOTALLY different. The comparisons to last year needs to stop. In fact, EVERY year is different. We need to remember last year for what it was, a wonderful memory, and watch this year's team fight for their playoff lives. If they make it, it's a wonderful followup to last year. If they don't, they're still my team. AMEN!!!!