fathom

QUOTE (29andPoplar @ May 31, 2008 -> 04:06 AM) Yes. Speed isn't the prereq for a leadoff hitter, it's getting on base, taking pitches, driving the pitcher crazy, etc. Speed is a plus, yes, and if a guy can not only get on but be a threat to steal, so much the better. Not to mention a guy who can play multiple positions for the Ozzie flexibility factor you mentioned is another plus. That's why I keep coming back to Freel, and frankly I don't care if he likes leprauchans or not. Can he make the team better, I believe he can. The question is do Williams and Guillen agree, because me posting it on a message board means nothing. But that type of player is what they need at the top. Everything starts at the top. I still think a name that only I seem to mention who could be a fit is Cristian Guzman.

Jered Weaver getting smacked around by the Blue Jays. Blue Jays had same amount of hits in 2 innings against him as the Sox did in 15 innings.

QUOTE (daa84 @ May 31, 2008 -> 02:58 AM) dont tell that to jose guillen Why, what happened?

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ May 31, 2008 -> 03:56 AM) I hear Jerry Owens is available. Seriously, I don't care about speed. Speed can't make 3 of our 4 biggest bats suddenly wake up. The way this lineup is constructed it should be begging for OBP at the top, not speed. I'm not talking about Slappy McSlappy at the top of the order. Maybe athletic would be a better phrase, as it could give Ozzie some more options.

QUOTE (29andPoplar @ May 31, 2008 -> 03:48 AM) It's simple, somebody would have to go to make room. Let's face it, they are valuing defense at 2B and that's why Uribe has been in there until he got hurt. Now you have Ramirez playing well so maybe they stick with him. The question that needs to be answered by Sox brass is at what point do you value some extra offense over defense? If you're at that point, you swap out Uribe and bring in another all purpose player who hits for contact. Problem is, I don't think they will dump Uribe, if one of your middle infielders or even Crede gets hurt he can step in. They value his defense, perhaps over value it, but that's their mindset. My guess is, for now, they stick with what they have. You can pinch hit Ozuna for Thome in late situations but frankly I don't see that happening. I really wish we could add a little more speed to the every day lineup, but that's not likely to happen again until this offseason (you have to think we'll go after Furcal). This lineup would be so much better if we could move OC back to the 2 spot, and have a real leadoff hitter at the top.

The Royals new manager has been very underwhelming so far.

QUOTE (29andPoplar @ May 31, 2008 -> 03:34 AM) Yes that's true. He did some very good things and also struck out a ton. If there's a change, it needs to come from outside. The team needs more guys who can work counts, put the ball in play, etc. Nothing against Fields but a guy who strikes out a whole bunch is not what's needed. The problem is, where would this addition play? Ramirez is playing very well at 2nd base right now. OC is fine at SS. CF is the big spot, but I can't see us shaking things up that much right now.

QUOTE (zenryan @ May 31, 2008 -> 03:31 AM) who cares about Field's AAA numbers. We saw what he can do last year. Fields getting called up would only be helpful if Ozzie manages to win instead of catering to his veterans (can't blame him, as most managers do this). How many times must Thome fail against lefties late in the game before we start to ph for him?

QUOTE (southsideirish71 @ May 31, 2008 -> 02:19 AM) I think it will ruin him mentally, he is a hyped up guy. Benching him might send the message you are looking for, while keeping him from the embarrassment of moving down to AAA. Yeah, and KW is a very proud man. To send down his prize acquisition after 2 months would never happen.

Chipper Jones literally just let two straight grounders go right under his glove to allow the Reds to win in extras.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ May 31, 2008 -> 02:11 AM) Honestly, I don't think we'll see any changes except perhaps Uribe in the lineup and Hall starting. Especially if Wise has now moved in to the #1 OF off the bench role, as he was used tonight, I wouldn't be surprised at all to see Anderson sent down so that Ozzie gets a left handed bat on the bench. Ozzie better not even think about letting Thome face Kazmir tomorrow. Thome's 0-10 in his career vs Kazmir.

QUOTE (Brian @ May 31, 2008 -> 02:08 AM) Wise is a lefty, isn't he? Yep, and give him credit for a great effort on the Floyd homer. I still can't believe we let Floyd bat though, and then threw him fastballs.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ May 31, 2008 -> 03:07 AM) Anderson? Ha, yeah right. I'll bet you have a better chance of seeing Wise starting. Against Kazmir, I think we'll see Anderson.

At least we get to see Toby, probably Anderson, and Ozuna tomorrow. On the bright side, Ramirez looked fantastic tonight.

QUOTE (whitesoxmanager @ May 31, 2008 -> 03:03 AM) yepper. and did anybody the entire game do anything but try to pull the ball? exciting games. but we should be in the middle of a 15 game winning streak. According to KW, this would now be the 11th game we lost this year due to the terrible offense. Why not shake things up again and bat Thome 2nd? At least he sees enough pitches.

Does anyone know what Thome's average this year is against lefty relievers?

QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ May 31, 2008 -> 03:02 AM) Why? Because the Cubs came back from 8 runs down to win and the Sox lost in the bottom of the 9th? GMAB. 1. Sox lost 2. Cubs won So yes, so far this season, in the fashion both outcomes happened, it was the worst day of the season so far as a fan. Thanks for your concerns. Not a single post in the game thread tonight, and then this?

QUOTE (southsideirish71 @ May 31, 2008 -> 03:01 AM) Time to call up fields. Park one of the non hitting mutlimillionaires on the bench. Thome's had significant contributions to help us win in about 5 out of the 50 games this season. Why in the hell does Ozzie continue to let him face lefty relievers in tight situations when we have a plethora of righties on the bench?

Worst day of baseball so far this season.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ May 31, 2008 -> 02:57 AM) Good question. Thanks offense! Ozzie just played into Tampa's plans tonight. Floyd is a low ball hitter, and matched up great against Linebrink.

Terrible....why not let Thornton start the inning, and make them ph for Floyd?

Why not keep Thornton in?

QUOTE (Controlled Chaos @ May 31, 2008 -> 01:54 AM) or not..since he was a statue No reason for him to not try and steal that at bat.

Good AB for Swisher. Really should try to steal 2nd, as an extra base hit with their outfielders is very difficult.

Damn, Swisher had his pitch and put a good swing on it.