fathom

So a reason the Sox didn't win the AL Central is because we struggled against our own division? Well, I looked at Thome's numbers vs AL Central this season, and they were: Batting average: .314 On-base percentage: .454 Slugging: .727 So would that 1.181 OPS have had anything to do with the Twins success vs AL Central?

Ankiel's represented by Boras, I'm pretty sure.

I'm not sure if I'm even joking, but can someone list the 2001 All-star roster? Probably a better idea of the type of player KW/Ozzie will target.

Ankiel also would be a waste by not keeping him in the outfield.

QUOTE (kitekrazy @ Sep 13, 2010 -> 06:11 PM) Not signing Thome probably has more to do with Carlos Quentin than giving the legendary Mark Kotsay more at bats. No, it really doesn't. Considering Kotsay was never even given an opportunity to show whether or not he could play RF adequately, it sure seems like Ozzie had a choice between Thome and Kotsay, and he went with Kotsay. Also, don't forget that his son ripped on Thome prior to the season and seemed to blame his "softness" on why the Sox didn't achieve too much during his time here.

QUOTE (ktssox @ Sep 13, 2010 -> 06:47 PM) I'm sorry, but I think you're contradicting yourself here. How can you say it's a good idea if you have the talent, but then blame Ozzie? Ozzie isn't in charge of signing the talent. If Kenny did, in fact, decide to let Ozzie try out this rotating DH, then he should have given him the best talent available (given budget restraints, of course) to make it work. Ozzie's plan cannot be evaluated properly if he doesn't have the correct pieces. In that case, you're always going to have to say, this may have worked IF... which is what we're all doing now. This is not Ozzie's fault. Did you watch The Club? Ozzie did in fact get his way with the rotating DH, and he wanted Kotsay as part of it.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Sep 13, 2010 -> 04:19 PM) It wasn't a fluke at all, unless you consider all world series champions a fluke. Any team needs some luck to get there, by the way. That team won 99 games, was in first place all year, and barrelled through the post-season 11-1. That isn't a fluke, that is clearly the best team in baseball that year. Yep, they were the best team in baseball in 2005 from day 1 to game 4 of the World Series. The fact they won the WS was not a fluke. The fact they had so many players overachieve, now that is more of a freak anamoly. The key thing to remember is that those type of seasons occur once every 25-50 years, and it's important that you win the entire thing when you have your chance. For example, in 2008, the Cubs might have easily been the best team in baseball. But 3 and out in the WS, and it was a wasted year.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Sep 13, 2010 -> 07:56 AM) 2005 was no fluke. We had good baseball players and pitchers who really stepped up when it mattered most. And a manager that defied logic and let the starters finish what they started instead of bringing in relievers cause every team does that. OMG, make it stop!!!!!!!!!!!!!

QUOTE (greg775 @ Sep 13, 2010 -> 06:46 AM) Still at the break we were in the race. We could have added a suitable bat. We didn't. Thome didn't lead the Twins to any advantage at the break over us. We were in the race. Sox f***ed up by not adding a bat. Paulie, Oz, KW said they didn't need one. Exactly, Thome's gone out and been the catalyst for the Twins during the 2nd half and helped them cruise to the AL Central title.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Sep 13, 2010 -> 12:55 PM) What has given you the impression that he's fallen "Out of favor" with these guys? Despite Jones performing better, Quentin has continued to get at bats, and probably gotten more at bats than he deserved. They just benched him two straight games without having any obvious physical ailments. When's the last time they did that with a starter?

QUOTE (WhiteSoxfan1986 @ Sep 13, 2010 -> 04:58 AM) I thought the season finale of entourage was great. Completely agree

Please explain to me how this man is ever allowed to make personnel decisions? http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseb...0,3994057.story

Ozzie is "saving" Quentin to face Liriano and Duensing. Good call Ozzie, Quentin destroys LHP. At this point, seems like Quentin has played himself out of the organization. Very rarely do we see guys fall out of favor with Ozzie, KW, etc. and get back into their good graces.

Leave for two hours, and see we scored 10 runs! At least this makes the Twins series a little more interesting.

Sorry Hurt, my quote button isn't working. I was of the opinion a few days ago that Pena should be starting. He had success starting vs KC already this year, and he matches up better against all their lefty hitters.

Konerko, you're awesome!

Very nice end of 1st half to give this team some life.

Blaze, Jackson got blasted yesterday. His stuff has been extremely flat since his 130+ pitch inning.

GREAT decision to start Harrell. You're doing a great job with this pitching staff Ozzie!

Haha, 3 batters, 3 runs for KC. FIRE EVERYONE! Can't believe we wasted so much money on Jackson and Manny while trading our only good prospect for this absolute junk of a team.

Harrell struggling...one pitch pitchers don't usually retire MLB hitters. This is the low point of the season for the Sox, as all the momentum and fanfare is gone. After the Twins series, just shut down Floyd, Danks, and Jackson please!

Bears might as well just fire Lovie and Angelo today, and starting playing for the future. The city is going to absolutely turn on the team if they lose today.

Ozzie thinking he had some new cutting-edge philosophy where the DH wouldn't be important.

Twins destroying Cleveland already.

Sweet, Teahen playing in RF today instead of Quentin. Having a power threat in the order is overrated.