AddisonStSox

QUOTE(Man Of Steel @ Jan 13, 2005 -> 01:36 PM) .....wow..... He reminds me of Seneca Wallace.

I was wondering when these reports would start to surface. Harrington has shown his college game has not translated into professional football. He's had time to prove himself and has failed. If I were the Lions, I would draft the QB of the future this year (great QB class, better than 04's in my opinion) allow Harrington to QB the team for one more year in 2005, groom the youngster, and drop Harrington in 2005. Hell, if they draft the QB of the future this season, they will set up a potential Brees situation of 04. Its a win, win. Whatever you do, do NOT throw another rookie on the field and risk ruining him, like you did Harrington.

Ben Davis is far too valuable as a backup. Yes, I said it. If AJP goes down, at least we have a guy with major league ability and a good attitude. I don't think the Sox are in any position to trade the backup catcher unless there is some kind of fantastic return. Quick question: Anybody familiar with the Dodgers farm system? What's the middle infield situation?

I tell ya what. If Kenny had to read a fan message-board for inspiration, we are all in a lot of trouble. He's a professional general manager; if I was JR and I caught Kenny reading Soxtalk, I'd fire him on the spot. EDIT: Williams does not need to seek fan approval before making a move. Rest assured, Kenny has never logged onto Soxtalk. Sorry for the backlash L21. No hard feelings.

s***. :banghead I really thought Cora was going to wear Black and Silver this season. I'll eat a little crow. Hopefully, Kenny has something up his sleeve. We can't afford to go into 2005 with a backup middle infield of Wilson Valdez. I'll give Kenny the benefit of the doubt. Maybe this sets the table for a suprise annoucment at Soxfest!? Just bring in somebody to challenge Harris. Anyone. Any warm body will do.

No. Never. Not even once.

9 times out of 10, I advocate a jump to the pros. However, Leinart's case is a little different. If he stays, he could be the second two-time Heisman winner along with Archie Griffin and the first ever player to win three consecutive National Championships. If he goes pro, he'll be a lock in the top 5 and will make millions. He has a tough decision to make. What a life huh?

Yeah MoS, Williams will be on my list by the time combines are over. He reminds me a lot of Brian Westbrook. He won't be a star, but he'll can be a very serviceable back in the NFL. I think he'll be a solid 3rd down back. Something to keep in mind, this list isn't about who I think we'll get drafted and in what order, its who I think rates amongst the best in the class. I'll have two or more of these lists by draft day.

QUOTE(GASHWOUND @ Jan 12, 2005 -> 11:57 AM) I got a couple 30 buck speakers, so can't help you with my expertise..but you can browse some for yourself..alot of good PC speakers at these sites http://us.creative.com/products/welcome.asp?category=4 http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products...US/EN,crid=2201 http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/store/c...ry=best_sellers hope this helps a bit Perfect. Thanks a ton Gashy!

About damn time. Hopefully this is the first step towards securing the offensive line.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Jan 12, 2005 -> 11:55 AM) You planning on sticking around for the evening, or are you taking off afterwords? There will be plenty of beers and good times up at the Atrium bar. I'll be hanging around for sure. Make sure to keep in touch the next couple days; I'd love to meet up with the gang at the Atrium.

SS hooks it up again! Am I suprised? Thanks a ton big guy!

Well, the first-timer is gearing up for Soxfest and needs a little help. I'll try to make this as painless as possible. 1. I'll be in attendance on Satuday. What time should I arrive? What should I bring to get autographed? Is it a hassel to bring in multiple things to get autographed? 2. How should one work the autograph lines? I've seen that many of them run at the same time; is this a problem? Do you have to pick and choose who you want to see or is there time to catch two different tables during one session? 3. Ballpark: how many people attend Soxfest at any given time? 4. How much spending money should I bring for Sox goodies? I've heard the garage sale is fantastic. That's about it. I really appreciate the help. I think I'm going to throw the nametag on if anyone wants to chat. I'm so stoked, thanks again!

Hey guys, after my first semester at college, I have decided its ridiculous to lug my huge music collection to and from school each and every time I travel. I have upwards of 400+ cds, and its incredibly difficult to take care of that many cds. Hell, half the time I don't even listen to music because it takes all day to find the cd I'm looking for if I'm not at home (I have them all listed alphabetically at home...dork). So, what a lot of my friends have done is put all their music on iTunes and bought really nice speakers (with sub woofer) to attach to their laptops. This way, all of their music is at their fingertips and you never have to worry about lugging cds or even a stereo; the stereo stays at home, the cds stay at home...it is really the way to go. Herein lies the problem, I'm not really familiar with this market. Do any of you have any recommendations or suggestions on computer speakers? I'm looking for something that packs a punch (you know I like it loud) with a nice sub, that is moderately priced. I really appreciate the help.

The top 16 runningbacks as of Janurary 12. This list, perhaps more than any other position ranking, will change drastically during and after combines. 1. Cedric Benson TEXAS- Cedric leads that group of what I consider one of the best runningback classes in the past 7 years. Benson has great size at 6'0 220, and gamebreaking capability. Although his character issues make him a bit of a draft-day risk, Benson's talent should outweigh all of those issues; far and away the best runningback of 2005. 4.5 40 Time. 2. Carnell Williams AUBURN- Carnell is quite possibly the best overall athlete in the 2005 draft class. Carnell is an extremely balanced runner that uses his speed and athletic ability to make big plays; some NFL scouts question is small size at 5'11, 205, as well as his hands, but very few question his potential impact in the NFL. 3. Ciatrick Fason FLORIDA- Declaring after a monstrous junior campaign, Ciatrick has passed Ronnie Brown in terms of this year's RB ranking. Ciatrick has fantastic speed (4.4 40 Time) and good size at 6'0, 215. Although I wish he remained in Gainesville for his senior year, Fason should produce very quickly in the NFL, despite his need to mature as a runner. 4. Frank Gore MIAMI- Here's my boy. Gore, one of the most unlucky players while at Miami, was considered the best RB at his age coming out of high school. This season, Gore battled back from serious injury to put up stunning numbers. If he didn't get hurt in 2001, Miami halfbacks Willis McGahee and Clinton Portis would never have gotten the opportunities they had. Had he stayed healthy, Gore could have been the number one RB in the draft. He will make a team very, very happy one day; Frank can be the steal of the draft, going somewhere in the second round. 5. Ronnie Brown AUBURN- Part of the two-headed monster, Brown was a large part of the Tiger's success in 2004. What makes Brown so dangerous is his abilty to play like a small back at 6'1, 225. Believe it or not, Brown is one of the fastest players in the draft. Brown can overpower you up the gut, then cut outside and become a first-class play maker. Playing behind Carnell may land Brown a later pick in the first round. 6. Vernand Morency OK ST 7. T.A. McLendon NC ST 8. J.J. Arrington CAL 9. Kay-Jay Harris WVU 10. Walter Reyes SYR 11. Ryan Moats LA TECH (*Sleeper*) 12. Anthony Davis WIS (Amazing Speed) 13. Darren Sproles (Little Darren, 5'7, 185) 14. Cedric Houston TEN 15. Marion Barber MIN 16. Maurice Clarett OHIO ST

Although this list will most certainly be adjusted when players declare, and again during combines, as of January 11, these are the top 16 quarterbacks as I see it. Please post all things quarterback here. 1. Matt Leinart USC- Although Matt has until January 15th to declare, if he decides to pursue his sure-fire top 10 draft selection over the pursuit of a third consecutive national title, he will be the number one quarterback in the draft. Matt has it all. The left-hander has great size at 6'5, 220, above-average arm-strength and superb accuracy. If his athleticism, leadership and win-loss record at USC isn't enough, Matt has posted single-digit interceptions each season. A winning youngster that feels comfortable in the pocket, San Francisco would be foolish to pass up the quarterback of the future. 2. Aaron Rodgers CAL- Aaron has franchise quarterback written all over him. Possessing both the ability and desire to be a leader in the NFL, Aaron can do great things. At an athletic 6'3, 220, Aaron has amazing arm strength, above-average accuracy and top-notch athletic ability. Although some question his ability to develop into a pocket-passer, no one questions his talent. Could very well challenge Leinart for the top spot come draft day. 3. Alex Smith UTAH- Alex is my sleeper. Having watched a lot of Alex with his Utes, one can not help but admire his ability and leadership. Alex, one of the smarter players in Division 1 athletics, is a complete student of the game. If Alex is able to maintain his TD:INT ratio and work-ethic in the NFL, he could be one for the ages. I really think Smith may become the best quarterback on the draft board within his first 2 years in the pros. Although he doesn't have the strongest arm, or the best accuracy, Alex gets it done. Favre-esq. 4. Charlie Frye AKRON- This is a name you will see a lot more of come draft day. Charlie, keeping the tradition of MAC quarterbacks alive, has the potential to be a front-line quarterback in the NFL. Having played his college ball at Akron, Charlie has often gone overlooked. Frye has above-average accuracy, average arm strength, but has flexed his athletic ability and knowledge of the game. 5. Dan Orlovsky UCONN- A huge, pocket-passer from UConn, Dan has the tools to merit a top five quarterback seeding. At 6'5, 226, Dan often relies on his size to overpower smaller defenders and make plays. Given the proper grooming, Dan could start in the NFL in the next 2-4 years. Still a tad rough around the edges. 6. David Greene GU- Love this kid. Prooven winner on and off the field. 7. Andrew Walter ASU 8. Kyle Orton PUR 9. Jason Campbell AUB 10. Gino Guidugli CINN 11. Adrian McPherson (AFL) 12. Stefan LeFlors LOUIS 13. Matt Jones ARK 14. Stan Hill MARSH 15. Chris Rix FSU 16. Jason White OU

QUOTE(qwerty @ Jan 11, 2005 -> 11:25 PM) If you watch bet you will still see it alot in not as popular videos. I'll take your word for it. Don't think I could quite sit though that.

QUOTE(qwerty @ Jan 11, 2005 -> 11:22 PM) Sox merchandise is the most worn in rap videos by far. Maybe in the mid-90s: Circa E, Snoop, Dre. I don't see them much anymore. BTW, I hate rap.

QUOTE(Palehosefan @ Jan 11, 2005 -> 07:40 PM) I'll put together my list of QB's since you spoke of yours AddisonSt, by the way, great idea on this seperate board, I like to ramble about draft stuff when I'm bored and have time also. Here's my QB list. 1. Matt Leinart USC 2. Alex Smith Utah 3. Aaron Rodgers Cal 4. Charlie Frye Akron 5. Andrew Walter ASU 6. Kyle Orton Purdue 7. Jason Campbell Auburn 8. Dan Orlovsky UConn 9. Derek Anderson Oregon State 10. David Greene Georgia 11. Adrian McPherson (AFL) 12. Gino Guidugli Cinci 13. Stefan Lefors Louisville 14. Stan Hill Marshall 15. Chris Rix FSU 16. Jason White OU Nice list. Real nice list. I'll be posting mine tonight. Nice to see you too have former Heisman Winner Jason White at 16. Please feel free to chime in on my choices a little later.

QUOTE(Man Of Steel @ Jan 11, 2005 -> 06:25 PM) oh wow.. you think White is gonna get DRAFTED!?!?! come on, the guy has 2 bum knees and plays in a wide open offense.. ever hear of Josh Huepel?.. He was another OU QB who had great numbers and was like second in the Heisman, he got drafted.... in the 7th round and then got cut.. Im sorry, but White will most likely not be drafted.. Yup, MoS hit the nail right on the head. Jason White, although QB for the mighty Sooners, will be lucky to even get drafted. In fact, he ranks 16 on my QB list behind the likes of Bruce Gradkowski and Gino Guidugli.

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Jan 11, 2005 -> 04:45 PM) I disagree. That draft has the potential to send us four starters/quality players in Vasher (could be our nickleback next season), Berrian (had a very solid year once he got the rookie-jitters out, speedy, should be the number 3 receiver next season, loved by this coaching staff), Tommie Harris (awesome), and possibly Tank Johnson. I'll bash Angelo for some of his signings, some of his contracts given out, but one area where I cannot bash him is drafting. I have all the confidence in the world in Angelo's drafting ability. Last year's draft was a success. Defensive Tackle- Perhaps the position least likely to produce a rookie impact, was drafted successfully in both Tommie Harris and Tank Johnson. Harris, drafted per Lovie's defensive scheme, was widley successful this season and was on pace to contend for ROY honors. With one season under his belt, two training camps under his belt, and an improved 40 time, Harris will be a forced to be reckoned with next year. As for Tank Johnson: Tank, brought in to compete with Harris, did exactly that. Although he didn't have great success in his rookie campaign, his production was par for the course. If Tommie didn't have the success he had in 2004, Tank would have gotten more recognition as an above-average rookie DT. If he wanted to, Angelo does not have to draft another DT in 2005 or 2006; I guage that as a success at that position. Cornerback- Vasher. What could be said of this kid that hasn't already been stated? In my opinion, Vasher could have been consider a top three candidate in ROY voting. Often as a reserve or the nickle-back, Vasher proved to be an above average defender with excellent hands and a nose for the football. He can be an upper-tier CB in the future. Wide Recieve- Berrian, a draft-day risk, panned out. Coming off some serious injury and character questions, Berrian proved he deserved a spot on the roster. I think we are kidding ourselves if we ever expect him to be a Randy/Terrell/Torry recieve, but he can be a very servicable WR in the mold of Terry Porter or Koran Robinson. Each draft is going to have its disappointments (Joe, Harriot), but on the whole, Angelo drafts with the best of em'. Don't let Tank Johnson dictate if 2004's draft class was a success.

QUOTE(WHarris1 @ Jan 11, 2005 -> 03:53 PM) Good idea for a subforum, I was gonna ask if we could have one. Thanks. Jason was all for it. We think it could be a nice addition to the Sportsbar. I have been very involved with the NFL Draft for over 5 years and I just can get enough draft chatter. In a few days I'll have my first mock draft out and in a few hours, I'd like to have my first position breakdown/analysis. Stock Rising/Falling, Top Prospects, Hot Positions, Over/Under rated, GM Criticism...all things touched on in the War Room Dig In! Enjoy Everyone!

Hey all, welcome to year one of the Soxtalk NFL Draft War Room! I thought this would be a great way to discuss all-things Draft. Over the course of each NCAA football season, I keep anywhere between 3-6 notebooks on player analysis, position analysis, offensive and defensive schemes, team needs and position breakdowns. In this, our introductory year, this forum is reserved for any thoughts you have on positions, team needs, or player analysis...for any shots you'd like to take on the general manager of your favorite NFL organization...and, the aspect I'm most excited about, a mock draft contest. After the NFL playoffs have concluded and the draft order has officially sorted itself out, I'll start a contest where each contestant submits a Round 1 Mock Draft and earns one point for each correct projection. Until then, have at it folks! Please PM me with any suggestions, rants, raves, or criticisms for this forum

QUOTE(hammerhead johnson @ Jan 11, 2005 -> 12:58 PM) No s***, Notre Dame eh? I spent my first 18 years off of Addison and Central, then I lived off of Oakton and Harlem for 5 years...within half a mile of Notre Dame. I used to play baseball there with my buddies when nobody was using the field. The baseball coach came out and played with us once...he had some mean sideburns. Hammerhead takes this one the distance. Yup, ND. You nailed it. Although I live on the Northwest side of Chicago, the ND neighborhood is my stompin' grounds. The ND grounds are still fantastic and they have done a really great job of keeping everything beautiful. My girlfriend lives a stone's throw away, so I'm around ND constantly. The Mighty Dons. Our former head baseball coach was a GT grad.

I sport the Illinois Loyalty. Its a top-seller and the $ goes to a great cause.