fathom

QUOTE(Buehrle>Wood @ Feb 15, 2007 -> 05:00 AM) Then atleast cite a web address to such posts. Even so, I'm sure it's all hearsay anyway. There were no witnesses to this whole ordeal. What better do they know than any of us? And it's not like Jamar Smith's camp was dumb enough to say anything. Until the toxicology report comes out, we know nothing about this situation. Since the information I've been reading is on the pay part of the sites, I'm just going to wait a day or so to see what comes out. Like I said earlier, I hope everything turns out fine and the rumors are bogus.

QUOTE(Buehrle>Wood @ Feb 15, 2007 -> 04:48 AM) As I thought. And if the rumors are true, I douby any in school state is dumb enough to take him. Trust me, I'm not talking about any random person who can post on any message board they want. This information is being passed down from the people that own these sites and give frequent inside information on the program that people off the street could never get.

QUOTE(Buehrle>Wood @ Feb 15, 2007 -> 04:28 AM) AKA random message board posters who claim they have sources? I mean, honestly, what are you trying to say here. No, these are some of the main guys on the most popular Illini sites. It will be a pleasant surprise if this doesn't turn into something major for Jamar Smith. This is totally just throwing something out there, but I have a feeling that Jamar Smith will be starting for Bradley in 2008.

If you were to believe some "insiders" with the program, Jamar Smith is in a lot of trouble.

Interesting situation: I think the Cubs will re-sign him, as they don't care how much money they spend now, and I believe Zambrano wants to stay with the losers. On the other hand, if he goes into this year knowing he's going to be a FA, he's going to be crazier than usual trying to throw 200 mph every pitch. As S=Dorf always states, Zambrano is a product of the NL. He relies on the #8/9 spot in the order to get big outs.

QUOTE(Jimbo @ Feb 13, 2007 -> 05:55 PM) Careful the Illini fans are very jumpy when it comes to personal rips on them. At this point, its still not a matter to joke about yet though. Yeah, I'm going to take it down, as Carlwell still has a CAT scan to go through.

Thankfully it sounds like Carlwell will be ok. The situation is very odd though, especially with Jamar Smith driving home after the accident took place. Jamar definitely enjoys the night life at U of I, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt until I hear otherwise.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Feb 13, 2007 -> 02:36 PM) Now starting at SS for Your Chicago White Sox Pablo Ozuna : Yep, Uribe and Pods are huge question marks this year. I'm just thankful we didn't find it necessary to try and upgrade at our two weakest starting spots.

I can't believe the Sox are counting on Floyd, someone who struggled to get minor league hitters out last season. I would like to see him post a sub 4 ERA in AAA before pitching in the AL. Can I make the prediction now that either KW or Ozzie won't be with the Sox in 2008? I can't see Ozzie managing during a rebuilding period.

QUOTE(beck72 @ Feb 13, 2007 -> 03:48 PM) IMO, the Pods "hate" is overblown [maybe not around here] and definitely unwarranted. The guy was horrible last yr. No doubt. But Ozzie was the guy who kept putting him out there, because the sox didn't have many other options. For all Pods faults and "suckiness", by all accounts, he's trying. If he was loafing it and couldn't care less, than the hate might be warranted. But the guy is out there giving effort. I guess I was watching a different game when I saw Pods half-ass it to first base on almost every ball he hit. If the reason he couldn't run through the base was due to his "injury", then he should have not been playing. There's nothing less productive than a speed player without speed.

QUOTE(redandwhite @ Feb 13, 2007 -> 02:08 PM) I've never seen a whole bunch of people get excited over a career journeyman with a lifetime .247 batting average. Sure he hits left-handed pitching well, but is he really worth a spot over Pablo, Podsednik, etc. as is being said? I'll have to come back from class and read this thread because right now, even with the whole Thome can't hit lefties thing, am not as hyped as everybody else. In our division, it's vital to have guys who can hit lefty pitching. You wouldn't hear one complaint from me if Perez was the DH against every LHP, and Thome was on the bench. I know it won't happen like that, but it would improve our offense against LHP. Last year, I believe the Sox were like 3 and 12 in games started by Johan, C.C., and Kenny Rogers. Those guys are great, but if you're going to win your division, you can't be dominated like that by the top pitcher of your rivals. QUOTE(jphat007 @ Feb 13, 2007 -> 02:40 PM) I find it incredibly interesting that the player that hit one of the biggest, and most meaningful, HRs in White Sox history could be the most hated in the similar time frame that he did it. And really what he did that entire postseason. I don't want to argue that it's not valid or incorrect or anything like that, but I just find it incredibly interesting, especially considering he has pretty much blamed any struggles on himself, been a good team guy, not caused any trouble off the field, etc. It's just interested to see him called the most hated White Sox player of this decade. I actually agree with you that it's fascinating how much some of us hate him after 2005. Just think how much it must suck for Houston to think this guy is good! Looking forward to sparing with you in 50 days or so.

QUOTE(jphat007 @ Feb 12, 2007 -> 09:06 PM) I can't imagine them letting Pablo go. What an awful move that would be. But I don't think there is anyway that happens however. There's no chance that they trade/release Pablo. If anything, I could see them trading Mackowiak. I think the only chance Perez makes the opening day roster is if Pods is on the DL.

QUOTE(Milkman delivers @ Feb 12, 2007 -> 08:25 PM) How'd he hit against Buehrle? Very good

Perez can't play in the outfield anymore. He's had some leg injuries which have hurt his mobility. I'd like to see Pods start the year on the DL, and have Perez take his spot.

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Feb 12, 2007 -> 08:07 PM) About damn time they picked him up, he's been a popular name on here for a few years now, I know I mentioned his name as recently as a few days ago. In the past few years, I've mentioned Mackowiak and Perez. Maybe I should set my sights higher, and start naming someone like Johan Santana or ARod.

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Feb 12, 2007 -> 08:04 PM) My question is where does he fit on the 25 man roster? He definitely gives us two good Right handed bats off the bench (him and Hall) but the guy can only play first base (IIRC) and we have Thome/Konerko who both can only play first or DH. My question is this, Would we not play Thome against real good lefties and instead go with Perez? I know for the most part I wouldn't simply because Thome is a better player and draws a ton of walks. I'm not sure how he'll make the roster. In my opinion though, I'd much rather have Perez facing tough lefties than Thome. Against LHP, Perez is a better overall hitter.

I've been begging the Sox to sign Perez for a while now. He's fantastic against LHP, and he did very well in his brief time in the AL Central last year against the top lefties in the division. He'd be a great guy to have face the likes of Santana, C.C., etc. I just hope he can make the 25 man roster. Great signing!

QUOTE(Texsox @ Feb 9, 2007 -> 03:34 AM) She would have cried for any of us that died and showed us a great deal of remorse, sadness, etc. She was famous for her boobs and nailing an old billionaire. Her contribution to society will not be missed, there will be a thousand people today that will die in anonymity who contributed more as a parent, teacher, community leader, etc. than her. I'm not saying that to disparage her, but to point out the celebrity worship this country is on. People jumping in to defend her and her life. Why? Because she was famous for being famous. I'm more annoyed that this took away all of Amaechi's attention. It's a fascinating topic regarding gays in the NBA, as there's been frequent talk about many famous NBA players being on the "DL".

QUOTE(Kid Gleason @ Feb 9, 2007 -> 03:30 AM) Is this THE Howard Stern we are all talking about??? No....if possible, he's a bigger tool.

QUOTE(redandwhite @ Feb 9, 2007 -> 03:08 AM) Definitly an interesting interview replayed on CNN tonight. An interview with Anna Nicole Smith's mother saying that she knew 100%, no questions asked, that her grandson, Anna's son, Daniel never overdosed purposely, didn't kill himself, etc... She then proceeded to say that "Vicky Linn, if you don't watch out for the people you're with, you will be next." I don't know why this story is interesting to me, but everything I'm seeing is making it more and more crazy. I'm interested to see where this goes. On TV tonight, Nancy Grace was saying that her "husband", Howard Stern, was missing in action during a large portion of the morning leading up to her death, which was out of character for him.

QUOTE(Jimbo @ Feb 6, 2007 -> 07:16 PM) oooooooooo yinka dare I hope this is a sick joke.

The article specifically mentions that the guy didn't play for the Nets or Bulls. I actually went through some rosters from 3-4 years ago, and tried to find as many guys that retired during that span. I'm eagerly anticipating this news over the next 10 days, as it should be very interesting.

Interesting blurb in Fred Mitchell's column today about how a former NBA player, who retired 3 years ago, is going to "come out" on Valetine's Day. Should make for some interesting speculation, just as the rumors that there's currently a gay NBA player on the Nets has.

By the way.....D. Clark couldn't catch a ball thrown by Charlie Hough right now.

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Feb 5, 2007 -> 05:20 AM) Teams who can complete the short pass have killed the Bears all season. Look what AZ did to us with virtually the same game plan. It should have been obvious that if we couldnt get pressure this would happen. Either way this team shoudl contend for the NFC next year. I expect an improvement on offense from this year. Exactly, the people I was watching the game with kept saying "why aren't they getting any pressure". The Colts offense is just that damn good and efficient. Cedric Benson had to have one of the worst individual games in history. A huge, momentum switching turnover, and then a game-ending injury. The debate about who to keep at RB is going to be interesting this offseason.