AddisonStSox

QUOTE(Soxbadger @ Feb 14, 2005 -> 04:22 PM) Everyone keeps saying Williams size: Williams Edwards Williams is 6'5, Edwards 6'3 Williams 230, Edwards 215 Williams supposedly has lost about 20lbs to make him faster because scouts were talking about him having to transition to TE in the NFL. Williams does have better hands, thats why he is projected to be like Keyshawn. I really am high on Williams as well, I hope that he some how pushes his 40 time under Edwards, or else I just do not think the Bears will be able to rationalize taking Williams over Edwards. And Id rather have Fitz, Rogers, Johnson, and Roy over Mike. SB Edwards is a safe draft pick. Angelo loves safe draft picks. The problem with that is passing up talent like Williams because either 1) talent too raw or 2) some outside circumstances like missing a year or injury pushed player down on boards. I think Edwards is a much safer selction than Terrell and anyone telling you Angelo will pass on Edwards because they got burned on the last Mich WR is downright crazy. Things will really start to sort themselves out after combines. If Williams holds the same type of workout he held last season, he will be a consensus #1. Will I be angry if the Bears draft Edwards? No Do I think his talent merits a #4 selection over Edwards? Yes As I said earlier, after combines, the cream will rise to the top. There is a reason so many analysits are bonkers over Williams, problem is, no one has seen him play for a year.

QUOTE(Palehosefan @ Feb 14, 2005 -> 03:59 PM) I can see why Mike Williams is the top rated WR also. He has the size to absolutely dominate games like Plaxico Burress does. Plaxico doesn't even use his jumping ability like Mike does, and Plax's hands aren't of the same caliber of Williams. If Mike is lucky enough to be drafted onto a team with a QB with some balls that will just throw the ball up to him and let him do his thing, he will dominate as a rookie. 40 times are overrated. 4.55-4.6 is definitely good enough, especially at his size. I just don't see any reason Braylon should be taken or will be taken ahead of Mike. The year out of football will be a question, but those questions will all be answered at the combines good or bad. I can't wait to see what kind of combine Mike and my sleeper Troy Williamson have. Agreed on Williams. -He could be a stunning rookie. His ability to go up and CATCH balls is unmatched this year...hands down. As for ranking Williams above Fitzgerald, Williams, and Andre Johnson: looking back on my notes from the past two years, Williams could have been drafted as high as all three of those guys. I was crazy about Fitzgerald, absolutely crazy, but I still think Williams will be more of an "impact" player in the NFL. With his size, he can dominate games, especially in the red zone. I think Johnson is more dangerous downfield, but in terms of hands and red zone abilites, its dead even...maybe even advantage Williams on hands. I can't stress that enough, his hands are unreal. Disagree on Williamson. -He's no sleeper. Williamson will be an excellent WR in the NFL. He's well deserving of a first round selection but may slip to the second round if teams are high on Clayton. In my mock, I have Williamson going to the Ravens; however, this might all change if Moss ends up in Baltimore next season. If he has a first-class combine, he'll be a lock for the first round.

QUOTE(Y2HH @ Feb 14, 2005 -> 01:27 PM) Minor corrections to your rant: ** sPod had his break out year in 2003, not 2004 when he had 70 steals. He will land somewhere between both years @ Comiskey, a better hitters park. ** Dye is NOT old, he just turned 31 and will easily put up monster numbers in Chicago. His numbers were quite nice while at Oakland, not a very good hitters park (just ask all of our power hitters). Steve Stone, one of the greatest baseball minds I've ever had the pleasure of listening too, said on the White Sox: I don't know, so NOBODY knows what this team is capable of until they take the field. If their leadoff men to get on base (and he thinks Pods WILL get on base, a lot), they will put pressure on the opposing defense and their power hitters (which they still have, contrary to popular belief), will be able to put up massive numbers in that park. Hmmm, who should I listen too...Steve Stone...or Ken Rosenthal or Marrioti...um, I think I'll listen to Stone, who knows more about baseball than just about every columnist combined. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm....BUZZ! I never mentioned a year with Podsednik. He had a great 2003, followed by an awful 2004 with the exception of 70 seals. Those are two different years. I was way ahead of you shooter. Podsednik won't regain 2003 form in USCF or anywhere for that matter. Not gonna happen.

$1M is just about the league average for a backup catcher. Hell, look at what the crybabies from the Northside paid for their backup. For the first time in years, the catching position is a position of strength for the White Sox; let's not mess that up.

QUOTE(beck72 @ Feb 14, 2005 -> 11:48 AM) This is how it should be. The sox haven't won. They need to prove themselves to the league that they can overtake the Twins and go far in the playoffs. Absolutely. To the impartial observer: Kenny lost a 30HR SS ( ), Carlos Lee, Magglio Ordonez, Scott Schoenweis, the Alomars, etc. He replaced these White Sox staples with: Podsednik- Scott had one fantastic year with the Brewers. Last year, despite a nasty BA and OBP, he had 70 steals. Unfortunately, I think we are going to be disappointed with Podsednik's production this year as he fails to regain that great year's success. Jermaine Dye- An injury prone outfielder getting up there in age. His power production should benefit this club, but who knows how many game he'll play. Plus, he has the biggest shoes to fill in a White Sox uniform in recent memory. El Duque- Another injury prone, older veteran. His stuff is dynamite, but he has not shown he can stay healthy over an entire season. Pierzynski- You have to be crazy to not see this as a vast improvement. Hermanson- Improvement. Vizcanio- Seems to have good stuff, but unproven. Iguchi- Japanese veteran who hasn't seen one pitch in the MLB. Its very easy to remain skeptical of this current club and I think in all fairness, these national reporters should be skeptical of this ballclub. There is an entirely different makeup in the clubhouse, a completely revamped offense, and the absence of two of the most consistant White Sox contributers. That said, I, a White Sox die-hard fan, remain optimistic in 2005.

I can't believe how excited I am for sping training; but, in the meantime, I was wondering what the starting rotation projections for 2006 and beyond might look like. For all of you guys who are big into contracts and free agents, could you put together your rotation projections for both 2006 and 2007? Some things to consider: White Sox free agents, free agent aquisitons, farm system, potential moves via trade, etc.

He asked for Roy Halladay money and he nearly got it. After winning the Cy Young, Halladay signed to a four year, $42M deal. Santan signs for four years, $40M. Its not a good deal. Its not a bad deal. Its a fair deal and the Twins paid market value.

My justification for the selction of Mike Williams: Williams' size is a matchup nightmare for defenders. At 6'5, 228, Williams is one of the finest physical specimens in the entire draft. In just two seasons at USC, he is the school's all time leader in touchdown receptions at 30, and fourth on the all-time recpetion list with at 176. You'll be hard pressed to find an athletic big-man like him in the all of college football. Mike held a workout last year for NFL scouts and was very, very impressive. Checking in at 6'4 5/8" and 228 pounds, he posted a 4.56 40 time and a 37" vertical. With his overpowering size and jumping ability, he'll win 9 times out of 10 in a one-on-one situation with an often smaller defender. That said, I've yet to talk about his most impressive attribute: his hands. I have yet to find in all my college notes a WR with better hands than Mike Williams. He never...and I mean never...drops catchable balls. When compared to Braylon Edwards, Williams hands are off the chart. The only real knock on this kid is his lack of pure, deep speed. However, that is something you can live with when you consider what he brings to the table. I've seen him compared to a much bigger Cris Carter. The guy is an absolute terror in the red zone, he has an amazing work ethic, and he still possesses a tremendous upside. BLUECHIP. That's it, that's all there is to it. He's the most NFL ready reciever I've seen come out since Randy Moss. Did I mention is 37" veritcal?

QUOTE(Punch and Judy Garland @ Feb 13, 2005 -> 07:13 PM) I'm not sure what sites you are going off of. The majority of experts I have read have Braylon going higher than Williams. Comines my man, combines. The cream will rise to the top.

QUOTE(WHarris1 @ Feb 13, 2005 -> 08:07 PM) Tools>Options>General Thanks. Can anyone tell me why its so darn slow though?

It seems kind of slow. I dunno. Do any of you guys know how to change the home page?

QUOTE(greasywheels121 @ Feb 13, 2005 -> 07:07 PM) The only problem I've had w/ Firefox is it doesn't mark posts as read some reason for me after I view them. I don't know what that's about. Wadda ya mean?

Disclaimer: If you are sick and tired of hearing about Mozilla's Firefox, this thread isn't for you; if you'd like to help a fellow poster out, please read on. For those of you using Firefox: Are you satisfied? Is it worth switching over from Internet Explorer? I've heard nothing but great things and I've been thinking very seriously about switching over. Although I'm pretty satisified with Explorer, the pop ups and third party software are overwhelming (even with Google's pop up blocker). Do I make the switch?

QUOTE(KevHead0881 @ Feb 13, 2005 -> 05:10 PM) I've given up on Chandler becoming anywhere near the KG type of player I thought he could become. But I do think he can become a Ben Wallace type of player if he can toughen up and put on some pounds. He's proven that he can be a good rebounder and a dominating shot blocker. If he does nothing but rebound and block shots, thats good enough for me. Yeah, the expectations put on this guy's shoulders at the start of his career proved to be more than he could handle. I, too, thought he could have an offensive game, either as good, or, nearly as good as KG. Turns out, he'll be a defensive force in the NBA...nothing more, nothing less. If he continues to improve under Skiles, I think a Ben Wallace compareson suits him very well.

QUOTE(Punch and Judy Garland @ Feb 13, 2005 -> 04:40 PM) I think this Mike Williams to the BEars thing is highly unlikely and really just fan site talk. I think I'd say that Braylon is three timse more likely than Mike to be taken. That said, it should surprise no one in CHicago if they trade down or draft more defense. How can you say its unlikely? People forget how talented Williams is. If he can put together the type of combine he is capable of, he'll be off the board at pick #4. If he doesn't have a solid combine, or Angelo isn't completely sold on him, then I think you'll see the Bears trade down before they'd take Edwards at #4. He's the top prospect on many analyists' boards.

Barry Larkin officialy retires and is hired in the Washington Nationals front office. Barry was a class act. Good luck to him in the front office. MLB Link

Larkin officialy retired. Hired in Nationals front office. MLB Link

In the past, we loaded up on power hitters, now, we are loading up with speed. I dunno what to make of this. I have to think the middle infielder is on the way.

What an awesome expierence. I was part of history today; the highest attendance ever in Assembly Hall. After having grabbed IlliniKrush's ticket, I found a spot, first row, next to the Chef, at the end of the Wisconsin bench. We gave Bo a hard time from tip-off to the final buzzer. I know what the Badgers are going to be doing tomorrow. Bright and early. 6 am free-throws. Horrendous. Perfection continues. Oskee Wow Wow

QUOTE(Soxbadger @ Feb 11, 2005 -> 01:03 PM) Crennel is a DC, so in his first draft I doubt he goes out of his own speciality especially since poor first round choices can spell the end of a coach (see Belichek's days coaching the Browns). My guess is that the Browns select Derrick Johnson, and then if they want go secondary in 2nd round. (Guy like Shazor could be there at the second round pick) Dallas from all accounts Ive seen is switching to a 3-4, most Dallas fans have a hard on for Merriman at 11, let alone that you do not even have him being picked in the first round at all. Washington has been said to be looking at a WR at their pick, going after whoever the Bears pass on. After the first 15 or so picks, its really up in the air because I do not think many teams see a huge difference between the 16th player selected and around the 45 player selected. SB If Shawne Merriman is drafted by Dalls, it won't be pick #11. He'll remain on the board until pick #20. That is the luxury of having two first round selections.

QUOTE(Mr. X @ Feb 11, 2005 -> 12:30 PM) Dont count out one of the QB's Crennel is the new man there, what he wants will most likely happen and if he feels they need a future signal caller then it prolly will be done No doubt. Alex Smith is a very good possibility, but I have to think they'll be going defense in round one. Again, if Smith impresses at combines, they may realize its time to lock up the QB of the future.

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Feb 11, 2005 -> 04:13 AM) As a Cowboys fan, there's no way I can see us taking Tuck at 11. I don't even see Merriman in the 1st round, and the Cowboys are pretty hot on him, especially if they move to a 3-4. I'd also think they'd be very interested in a big DT like Hawthorne. And there's no way Rolle gets taken at #3. CB's won't be taken that high nowadays because they can't be difference makers with the new rules about no contact after 5 yards. Cleveland needs help in the secondary. If its not Rolle, which IMHO, it will be, it will be an impact defensive talent. As for the Boys, in my estimation, Parcells will be drafting a defensive lineman with that first pick. Have your pick of DEs or DTs like Hawthorne or Shawne Merriman, things will be fuzzy until combines. With so many talented DEs, its hard projecting who goes where. After watching some film on Tuck, and reading how high the scouts are on him, I think he would fit right in Dallas' defensive schemes.

Truly, a guy I loved to hate. Many memories involving Chicago v. Reggie. Great run.

QUOTE(3E8 @ Feb 10, 2005 -> 10:32 PM) dude also has the Cubs winning the NL central. Methinks he's a Chicago native. I dunno 3x10^8, I think he may be on to something. 90 wins? Jeesh.

#1 San Francisco-Aaron Rodgers, QB, Cal After looking at the depth chart, the Niners realize they need the QB of the future, the face of the organization. Rodgers has both the skill and heart to do just that. #2 Miami-Cedric Benson, RB, Texas Meet Mr. Reliable. Benson brings it each and every week. He's the workhorse this team was praying for since the departure of Ricky. #3 Cleveland-Antrel Rolle, CB, Miami The signing of Coach Crennel was just the first step in a long process to make the Browns a defensive-minded team. Rolle is lockdown. #4 Chicago-Mike Williams, WR, ex-USC Angelo gets his man. Ultimately, Angelo realizes Williams brings more to the table than Edwards. Here's the playmaker the Bears have been lacking for the last 5 years. Williams will establish himself as a top WR in two years time. #5 Tampa Bay-Carnell Williams, RB, Auburn Coach Gruden fell in love with Williams at the Senior Bowl and has been singing his prasies ever since. #6 Tennessee-Derrick Johnson, LB, Texas The top prospect on my board goes to the Titans with pick #6. #7 Oakland-Ronnie Brown, RB, Auburn The Raiders, desperate for a running game, get arguably the best RB on the board. #8 Arizona-Alex Smith, QB, Utah Coach Green gets his quarterback at pick #8. McCown is clearly not the answer and Green drafts the new face of the new-look Cardinals. #9 Washington-Dan Cody, DE, Okla Take your pick of DEs, one will be headed to Washington. #10 Detroit-Thomas Davis, FS/SS, GU Brings instant credibility to the Lions secondary. #11 Dallas-Justin Tuck, DE, ND A Parcells man if ever there was one. #12 San Diego (from NYG)-Braylon Edwards, WR, Mich The Chargers get a fantastic talent in Edwards; you're welcome Drew Brees. #13 Houston-Alex Barron, OT, FSU Finally, David Carr has some protection. Barron should help those sack totals tremendously. #14 Carolina-Jammal Brown, OT, Okla Coach Fox loves his o-line. Having seen Barron drafted one pick earlier, the Panthers are compelled to draft the big OT. #15 Kansas City-Adam "Pac Man" Jones Its a no-brainer. #16 New Orleans-Justin Miller, CB, Clemson Love this kid. He'll be great for the Saints. #17 Cincinnati-David Pollack, DE, GU This is a tough pick to call. Its a toss-up, personally, I think the Bengals can't pass up this talent at #17. #18 Minnesota-Anttaj Hawthorne, DT, Wisconsin Hovan's expected departure creates a whole at DT. #19 St. Louis-Erasmus James, DE, Wisc Let's face it, the Rams are going to need some help on D and James has the potential to be a very dangerous pass rusher. #20 Dallas (from Bills)-Mark Clayton, WR, Okla Clayton is first-round material and will look great in a Cowboys uniform. #21 Jacksonville-Marcus Spears, DE, LSU Yet another DE; noticing a pattern? #22 Baltimore-Troy Williamson, WR, South Carolina Who? Yeah, Troy Williamson. He's a great fit for the Ravens. #23 Seattle-Channing Crowder, LB, Florida Seattle gets a great talent in Crowder; he'll be a premier LB in the NFL. #24 Green Bay-Shaun Cody, DE, USC The Packers decided to wait until round two for the heir apparent and go for defense in round one. #25 Denver-Travis Johnson, DT, FSU Provides a nice presence up the middle. Good player still on the board. #26 NY Jets-Heath Miller, TE, Va Great hands for a big man. Offensive weapon. #27 Atlanta-Khalif Barnes, OT, Wash Amazing potential as a pass-blocker. Vick's going to need it, his sack totals are not pretty. #28 San Diego-Matt Roth, DE, Iowa Some Hawkeye love for the Soxtalk Iowa fans. #29 Indianapolis-Marlin Jackson, CB, Mich One of my favorite players on the board. He'll help the Colts D dramaticly. #30 Pittsburgh-Alex Smith, TE, Stanford Disappointed that Miller was taken, the Steelers look to Smith, a very talented TE. #31 Philadelphia-Kevin Burnett, LB, Tennessee Not many wholes on this team, but they could use some help at LB. #32 New England-Bryant McFadden, CB, FSU O-VER-RA-TED. Doesn't really matter though, does it? Its the Pats. All picks subject to change. Let's hear some feedback fellas!