AddisonStSox

QUOTE(quickman @ Apr 20, 2007 -> 04:54 AM) It drives you nuts doesn't it? TQ, check your inbox in the next couple of days; I have some updates. QUOTE(RibbieRubarb @ Apr 20, 2007 -> 03:32 PM) Wait...you mean you need good players to win a championship?!?!? Yes, we know that. But, also understand what a bad manager can do to a talented ball club. Sorry...complain all you like, Ozzie and his managerial abiltites were a major...let me rephrase...MAJOR reason we won it all in 2005. I waited for a championship for a long time. I prayed for just ONE in my lifetime. Ozzie helped give me that. I would never dare call him a idiot, moron, or horrible...simply becuse its an insult to what we gave all of us and it simply isn't true. Does he make mistakes...sure all managers do. But is he the cause of all our issues. HELL NO. Spot on per usual, Ribbie. That about sums this discussion up, even with the World Series sentiments aside.

QUOTE(fathom @ Apr 19, 2007 -> 07:32 PM) Was it a long homer? Well, that's all relative. For Brian Anderson? No. For most mortals? Yes. No-doubter.

QUOTE(StrangeSox @ Apr 19, 2007 -> 07:32 PM) BA scales that wall and robs the HR, no doubt! Then kicks Padilla's ass. All the while he's younger, and more blond...and most certainly succeeding in spite of Ozzie Guillen.

Look, alls I'm saying is Brian Anderson doesn't throw that pitch if he was in.

QUOTE(Buehrle>Wood @ Apr 19, 2007 -> 07:18 PM) Having watched him, he is certainly legit. He will be no superstar, but trying to put him down by say he's "just a 3 star on Rivals" is just dumb. For starters, Rivals really doesn't update much for classes that are still a few years away. He is ranked as high as in the 30's in other databases. Then making a reference to him against Eric Gordon is idiotic. Pretty much no sophmore is going to be able to keep up with one of the best seniors in the country. Just look at it this way, he was maybe the best player on a nationally ranked high school basketball team... as a sophomore. He's good, and he going to be able to go to most any school he wants. Well done. Well done. I wouldn't worry. You could drag dogs*** through a pile of cream and crimson and it would be better than the Illini's starting backcourt, right, Boz? I love you. But, let's ease back on the Kool Aid...I'm worried about all that sugar for you.

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Apr 19, 2007 -> 07:18 PM) He actually got a hit. This only puts him 150 OPS points behind Brian Anderson this time last year. ...and now Brian Anderson is sitting at the end of the bench, a spectator tonight. I wonder why. Has to be Ozzie.

Boy, Erstad should made that very tough play look very, very easy. What a bad fielder. Brian would have gotten under that ball sooner, and younger, and blonder.

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Apr 19, 2007 -> 06:46 PM) no Logic + KW = 2005 World Series Champions Oh, no...you didn't

QUOTE(aboz56 @ Apr 19, 2007 -> 03:51 PM) IIRC, the younger Jordan didn't even start on his high school team this year the game I saw against North Central and when he did get into the game, I saw nothing that warranted 4-star consideration. That's why they're Scout and you aren't. http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=169&p=8&a...amp;nid=2431427

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Apr 19, 2007 -> 01:50 PM) Wrong. The back is a major concern. Joe could have had surgery on the back this season, but decided against it. So far this season, he has been awful at the plate, not even recording an Xtra base hit. Not very encouraging. And sorry, but he isn't close to being a "Top 5" 3rd basemen. To start. Alex Rodriguez Miguel Cabrera David Wright Ryan Zimmerman Scott Rolen Chipper Jones Eric Chávez Garrett Atkins Aramis Ramírez You could then make arguments for guys like Glaus, Mora, Tracy, even a guy like Inge. You are delusional

Gents, the following is in no way, shape, or form an accredited rumor pertaining to either Joe Crede or Brian Anderson; rather, it is simple conjecture and thoughtful foresight. Having said that, looking at this roster as it is currently constructed, there are at least two ballplayers that are primed for a trip to the transaction wire in the not too distant future. The two that I am referring two are Joe Crede and Brian Anderson. I realize that both Mark Buehrle and Jermaine Dye are valid names for trade-deadline transactions if the Sox aren't competitive; however, rather than pick apart an entire roster based on what might happen, I was looking to get your thoughts on two guys whose, although for entirely different reasons, days are numbered for the Pale Hose. First: Joe Crede As much as we've come to embrace Crede, a long term extension simply doesn't seem to be in the works and it would not be a logical stretch to suggest he will playing elsewhere in the near future (whether or not that is the proper decision isn't really my concern here). What I want to know is depending on what type of year Crede has, what can be had for a player of his caliber? As it stands, Crede must be considered one of the top five players at his position in baseball. With a relatively clean bill of health (back concerns), gold glove defensive capabilities, and an offensive game that seems to be coming into its own, Crede has to be considered one of the top players available at his position. My question to you: what does that get you on the trade market (taking into consideration the types of contracts received last off-season as well)? For you prospect fanatics, assuming Crede is traded for prospects (a move I am in no way advocating) can he pry away at least two top prospects from some willing team? How about that SS sensation Wood from the Angels? We all know Moreno's love affair with White Sox players and I really can't find a suitable long-term 3B anywhere in the Angels' system. Is a guy the caliber of Wood a possibility? I really am Brian Anderson'ed out right now; but, I raise the same questions. His stock is at an all-time low. If he were to be traded now, what would he net (I realize he will not be traded in April)? Conversely, if he were to show some glimpses of life with the bat, what could he net? Rock on.

QUOTE(Damen @ Apr 19, 2007 -> 12:38 PM) He has stated that he put himself in that position countless times. If you would be so kind as to rehash those sentiments, not so much for my sake, but, for the sake of the Guillen-conspiring Soxtalkers, it would be greatly appreciated.

QUOTE(StrangeSox @ Apr 19, 2007 -> 12:32 PM) No, sick of Ozzie apologists saying "BUT HE WON A WORLD SERIES!!!!11!!1111" as justification for every bad move he makes. Kiss the ring.

QUOTE(StrangeSox @ Apr 19, 2007 -> 12:25 PM) Unstoppable pitching staff = 2005 World Series Champions It doesn't take much managerial skill when your pitching staff throws back-to-back-to-back-to-back CG's. That's just pure domination. Ozzie won a WS in 2005. Good for him, time to move on. And it certainly doesn't justify and stupid decisions or non-decisions he makes now. Hell, even during 2005, he made some genius moves like playing Timo at 1B. Please, please, stop it...stop it...you're killing me. Again, the baseball savvy, fan of the game will tell you it is better to psychoanalyze each and every managerial decision throughout the course of the year than to put stock in that season's outcome. I'm not getting back into this again; but, that's why Bobby Cox could be the manager of the same ball club for the better part of two decades and why Bob Brenly and his "Baseball for Dummies: Manager Edition" are up in the broadcasting booth in Wrigley Field.

QUOTE(RibbieRubarb @ Apr 19, 2007 -> 12:23 PM) Logic + Ozzie = 2005 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS Does that compute?? To answer your question: no, it does not compute. That is being lost somewhere in translation...perhaps Guillen's translation.

QUOTE(Controlled Chaos @ Apr 19, 2007 -> 12:20 PM) He was a rookie that had a bad season at the dish. Ban him from baseball. Nobody is saying anything about the organization...but clearly there is something going on with Ozzie and him. ...but, don't anyone think Anderson did something to land himself in this position, right? Clearly, this is an example of Ozzie flying off the handle for no reason, right? Damn that Ozzie Guillen, former 15-year MLB veteran and first Latin American manager to win a World Series. Clearly, something is wrong with that guy to not acknowledge a talent the caliber of Brian N. Anderson.

The armchair managing has reached epic proportions the likes of which I have never see before. Anderson was virtually handed a starting outfield position for a defending-champion roster on a golden platter and could not capitalize on it. He was renown for being one of "Kenny's guys." and the two better center field options in the organization were cleared out of the way so that Anderson would essentially be handed the spot. And yet, the organization is out to get Brian Anderson. The way this has been playing out on this board has been cracking me up.

Hey, Brian, less time talking, more time being a good baseball player. You are an automatic out. Shut your mouth. At least it sounds like Anderson is coming to grips with the fact that he, himself, has put himself in this position, nobody else--something the Soxtalk community can not seem to grasp.

For the Illini guys: I have heard from impeachable sources that Michael Jordan's boy Jeffery may very well walk-on this year with Weber. He has already been accepted academically and U of I is now awaiting an admission on his part. If so, that would be kind of fun. Jeffery is an alright basketball player--he is pretty fundamentally sound, but lacks a bit on the talent side of the equation (not even in the same breath as his old man's athleticism at that age). It's some nice PR and it may give Weber the upper-hand with Marcus Jordan (a four-star SG that actually projects to be of Big Ten caliber). Also, I've heard Weber may have some big names (not necessarily from the 2007 class as the scholarships are pretty well maxed out) on campus in the coming days. I'll tell you what; he stepped in a pile of s*** with the Gordan thing and may come out smelling like a rose. He put together a whale of a class, all things considered, and may have some surprises in store for 2008 and beyond. I have become a bit more optimistic about the state of Illinois basketball over the past couple of weeks. Keep the good vibes going.

Way to prove all of those doubters wrong, Podsednik. I never much cared for Podsednik one way or the other; but, if he is any significant part of this team's plans past this season, Williams is going to have to pay the piper and answer some awfully tough questions. Thanks for 2005, Scott. Don't let the door hit you on the ass on the way out.

Scouting Report: Never before seen by White Sox hitters = Trouble. (Look for a line of 7 2/3IP 1ER)

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Apr 17, 2007 -> 12:15 PM) careful with your cause and effect there Addy... If McCarthy does indeed put up better numbers than Danks, that doesn't mean that Williams didn't THINK that it made the Sox better for 2007. Plus Massett + Danks preformances have to be considered against McCarthy's if you want to say the Sox are better or worse for 2007, because they were both in the trade. You could have Bmac outpitch Danks head to head, but Massetts preformance out of the pen could sway the pendulum back in the Sox direction. You make some valid points; so, I think I'll tighten up my argument. I disagree with the logic that trading for a young reliever with less than 9 major league innings and a young left-hander with no major league experience (no matter how heralded he might have been at the minor league level) puts the team in a better position to win than a young pitcher with whom you have had success in starting situations and have brought up through your own system (this presumes you know this pitcher's strengths and weakness more than anyone else)...especially considering you best alternative for filling McCarthy's slot, outside of Danks (whom projected to need at least one more year in the minors), is Gavin Floyd.

I'm not going to read the Rangers board, but, it is still April, right? Still, I would be willing to bet McCarthy puts up better numbers (including win totals) than John Danks in the year 2007; which, of course, would refute what Williams said when he suggested he would not make any trade that diminished the chance of winning in 2007. I'm fine with trading McCarthy for Danks and Masset (two guys that were held in high regard around the league), but don't tell me you aren't going to make any trades that diminish chances of winning ballgames in 2007 and then trade for two kids, one of which never pitched an inning at the major league level.

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Apr 16, 2007 -> 11:24 AM) Great manager who is known to make brilliant decisions sometimes? Yes Rock, do we really have to play this game anymore? How many times are we going to keep having to defend Guillen? Boy, someone reads a Baseball Prospectus from cover to cover and suddenly, everyone's an expert.

Hands down, the best sports talk-radio show is Boers and Bernstein. Both of those guys are so far ahead of their time it's not even funny. It's the best thing to ever happen to Chicago sports radio and for whatever reason if they were to move to some sort of satellite service (i.e. XM, Sirius), I would pay double the asking price to have them from 2-6 every working day. Brilliant. Hysterical. Informed. They absolutely are doing the show for themselves; but, if you get what they are all about, it is simply a gift.