fathom

Thornton should always start his innings when he comes in. He seems to flourish in that role, as it gives him a little more room for error. I'm a huge fan of his, and think he'll be our closer next year. However, it seems like he's completely abandoned even thinking of throwing anything but a fastball, and it's reflected in how righties are hitting him very hard so far.

It would shock me if Samardizjajajjaa isn't playing in the NFL in 3 years. He has absolutely no feel for pitching.

So who would be our trade chips then to get someone like Lastings Milledge? It would seem like there's no one we could really send to the Nationals (pitching starved), so it would have to be an outfielder on a contending team that we could possibly trade someone like Dye to at the deadline. I'm happy to hear this type of stuff though, as we really could use an athletic outfielder.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ May 6, 2009 -> 11:42 AM) BTW, the target of the rant? Gavin Floyd IMO. Yep, Gavin and Alexei. Ozzie was fuming yesterday when Gavin walked the leadoff man in the 6th inning. One thing Ozzie won't tolerate from his starting pitchers is walks. No matter what happens the rest of the way with regards to record, we need to get the core of our future going (Gavin, Danks, Alexei, Quentin).

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ May 6, 2009 -> 08:42 AM) The game was over right there...on the road...we might as well have put Wandy Rodriguez in the game to throw to Geoff Blum just for old times' sake. Ezequiel Astacio

Jenks was left, and rightfully held out for the possible save inning. Richard had to pitch a few innings yesterday because our starting pitching is allergic to going deep into games.

QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ May 6, 2009 -> 03:50 AM) If Lance Broadway and Kyle McCulloch are 1st round picks, then I'm no worse than a 3rd rounder myself. Kind of sad that we've wasted so many picks. Brian Bogusevic, who was the likely Sox pick if we didn't take Broadway, was even worse in the minors as a starter.

QUOTE (Jordan4life @ May 6, 2009 -> 03:28 AM) There's no denying Lance should be selling insurance or something for a living. But he certainly won't be a factor in if we win or lose this division. I'm MUCH more concerned with Gavin Floyd. Every Sabergeek that I've come across predicted a big-time comeback to earth year for Gavin Floyd. And he's doing nothing to prove any of them wrong. There's no way in hell we can contend if Gavin doesn't turn it around and soon. Too often, Gavin's trying to get ahead of the count with his fastball so he can then use his curve with 2 strikes. The two issues with this is that he has very mediocre command of his fastball, and when he does get it over the plate, it's not exactly a plus pitch. It's not like hitters are doing any damage against his curve, but he's getting hit hard before he can use it.

QUOTE (Jordan4life @ May 6, 2009 -> 04:14 AM) No doubt about it. The two best FA signings to this point have easily been Orlando Hudson and Raul Ibanez. Who would have guessed that a quality hitter in the AL would excel in the NL?? Thankfully, the Cubs didn't sign Ibanez and went after the nutcase/injury plagued Bradley.

QUOTE (Chisoxrd5 @ May 6, 2009 -> 03:14 AM) This seems cruel and unusual to me. Broadway has no business being on the roster. This team has at least 5-7 roster spots right now that are occupied by marginal or sub-par major league talents. It's really not fair to single him out. Instead, be angry that the team spent a first round draft choice on a guy whos biggest criticism the year he was drafted was that he had good numbers but marginal stuff. Marginal stuff, especially from a RHP, is usually never effective against professional hitters. I can't really blame Broadway for the cards he was dealt. Broadway's stock was soaring the weeks leading up to the draft. From what I was told, the Sox didn't even think he'd last to their pick.

FWIW, Broadway's fastest fastball tonight was 89 mph.

So we're going to start a thread after every loss dedicated to a player? It's not Broadway's fault. Much like Lillibridge, he has no business being in the majors.

QUOTE (Jordan4life @ May 6, 2009 -> 04:04 AM) Further proof that it's more than possible to consistently field a contending ML team while maintaining a productive farm system. Obviously a million things can happen between now and the end of the season. But as of right now, I think the Dodgers are the clear front-runners in the NL. The Hudson signing was fantastic for them, as he's provided such a cool demeanor to offset any of Manny's craziness. If it happens, I can't wait to root for them again when they face the Cubs in the playoffs.

QUOTE (whitesox32 @ May 6, 2009 -> 02:40 AM) I think this would hopefully jumpstart an inconsistent offense and moving lexei to center could solve our center field issue as well and hopefully the change will effect his hitting in a positive way too. I mean if we jump ahead a years time this is still going to be the same issue unless something changes. Alexei is still going to be at short, getz or nix could still be at second. someone is going to have to move eventually to make room for beckham. Indians just brought up laporta and he doesn't have much experience either, I'm a firm believer in the best player should play regardless of age. I'm Slayer's biggest fan, but the time isn't right. He's not ready yet.

QUOTE (Jenks Heat @ May 6, 2009 -> 02:22 AM) Ramirez and Getz struck out four times in the last three innings while Nix and Betemit sat on the bench. He did not pinch hit once for hitters that looked lost up there. Why would he ph for Getz? Coming into tonight, he was easily the hardest guy on the Sox to strike out. I hope the case is everyone's trying hard to get the big hit, and that's causing unnecessary pressure.

How big was the chat crowd tonight?

QUOTE (joesaiditstrue @ May 6, 2009 -> 03:10 AM) Disagree, he saw a lot of hittable pitches last year because the league wasn't ready for him. The league has responded, and he isn't smart enough to respond himself It doesn't take a full year for the league to change their approach. Those changes started around August after he started hitting.

QUOTE (SoxFan562004 @ May 6, 2009 -> 03:08 AM) Yes, but according to many people on this board it isn't the hitting coaches job to do anything. The thing that drove me insane about tonights game was Ozzie doing absolutely nothing creative when Getz and Pods were up later in the game. According to Hawk all Ozzie b****ed about was not having any options off the bench or speed. He could have done multiple things like pinch run or hit lilibridge for a bunt or have Getz or Pods try a bunt, but instead he just let them flail away at the ball. I'm more upset he let Alexei hit in the 9th. Wright, with his heavy slider repetoire, has to be one of the worst match-ups in the AL for Alexei. At this point, there really is no reason in the world to have Betemit on the roster. He can't back-up Fields/Konerko it seems, so get rid of him and get a better defensive player.

QUOTE (joesaiditstrue @ May 6, 2009 -> 03:06 AM) This is the key here. He's a stupid baseball player. Disagree, he was one of our smartest hitters last year. He's just struggling right now, and he's trying to hit an 8 run homer every AB. It's real simple...he's opening up so early, it's disgusting. Stay closed, and he'll start hitting a lot of the pitches he's not close to hitting.

QUOTE (GreatScott82 @ May 6, 2009 -> 03:05 AM) Watching Alexie bat this season has been putrid. . Our pitching has been pretty bad. . The Royals have the best all around team in the central i hate to say. . . The Tigers have best all around team, but KC's really solid. Their bullpen is fantastic...good thing for the AL Central they don't have a 5th starter.

QUOTE (tommy @ May 6, 2009 -> 03:04 AM) I hope we SINK this season, let's get some prospects in draft, promote half of Birmingham, get rid of Turtle Squad, and actually compete in 2010. Yes I'm pissed, doesn't look good with no bullpen for tomorrow. Ha, we would never sink with Ozzie/KW in control. Pods is going to get 350 ABs this season, and we'll keep Contreras in the rotation instead of seeing if Richard could be a starter in the future.

What a shock...a 25 year old pitcher has a near 6 ERA in AAA, and he can't get it done in the majors. Next thing you know, you'll tell me a .220 hitter in the minors can't contribute. This roster is so fragile right now.

Nice hanging curve to Buck. We suck....I never want to see Broadway pitch for the Sox again.

WOW!!! Liner right at Fields. You have to walk Callapso here. It's ok if we lose, just don't walk him/HBP/wild pitch/PB

QUOTE (Jenks Heat @ May 6, 2009 -> 01:58 AM) PLay at DP depth not in.... This is truly amazing.