Southside hitmen

QUOTE(daa84 @ Jul 13, 2005 -> 11:48 AM) classy, too bad hawkaroo ran him outa town Mostly all the Sox fans wanted him out of town as well

Willing to exchange Aug 19th tickets for Aug 5th tickets

Common sense says it's too early for White Sox fans to get their hopes up. History says it's lunacy. For the former reason, Mark Buerhle firmly avoided projecting forward to October from his lofty perch at Tuesday's All-Star Game. In spite — or maybe because — of the latter, Tony La Russa couldn't help but to do so. The former White Sox manager wouldn't dare presume his Cardinals would defend their National League pennant. But, if the Cards were so fortunate as to return to the World Series, La Russa knew beyond a doubt whom he'd rather face if given the choice of another crack at the world champion Boston Red Sox or a visit to the South Side of Chicago. "It's not even a tough question," La Russa, pulling on his fourth All-Star jersey in the Comerica Park visitors manager's office, said before Tuesday night's 7-5 American League win. "By a huge margin I'd want the White Sox to be in the World Series." La Russa, of course, nearly got the Sox there in 1983, skippering the Winning Uglies to 99 regular-season wins and a 1-0 lead over Baltimore in the ALCS before the bubble burst. Though he has since managed the Cardinals and A's to five postseason berths each, winning the World Series with Oakland in 1989, La Russa has fond memories of his Sox days. "The time in Chicago with the White Sox, it was like being part of a large family," he said. "Ever since I left, they've always made me feel like I'm still part of the family, just that I've moved." La Russa even appeared at the Sox's fan convention this past offseason. There, he got to renew acquaintances with several former Sox who have been brought back into the fold as coaches under general manager Ken Williams and manager Ozzie Guillen. "I think it was a real smart move," La Russa said. "Not that they haven't had quality baseball guys there before, but the White Sox are a unique franchise in some ways. The type of passion they bring from their fans, the situation in town with the Cubs — if you've been a part of the team I think you have a better understanding of that. "I think they've brought in some of the best guys who have worn the White Sox uniform, that are really passionate White Sox guys. I think it's got to help." So far, it has helped the Sox get off to the best start in the majors — 1½ games better than the Cardinals — through the All-Star break. It helped them land four players on an All-Star team for the first time since Bucky Dent, Rich Gossage, Jim Kaat and Jorge Orta made the 1975 squad. And on Tuesday, Buehrle's two shutout innings to open the game, plus Jon Garland's scoreless frame in relief, helped nail down home-field advantage in the World Series for the American League. Dare we say for the White Sox as well? "You never know, it could be us," Sox first baseman Paul Konerko said after striking out in his only at-bat. "The way this season is going, I wouldn't say it wouldn't be." Buehrle wouldn't say it would. "No," he said. "I'm mean, we're liking our chances, being in first place. But I'd say we probably have one of the toughest schedules in the second half, with who we're going up against — and with Minnesota going out and getting (Bret) Boone, that's only going to make their team better, so by no means are we thinking if we win this game we're going to have home-field advantage." Why not? After all, the game itself wasn't much to think about. The Americans got off to a 7-0 lead and the Nationals didn't get on the board until the seventh inning, when Andruw Jones treated Kenny Rogers like Rogers treats cameramen. Not that the crowd of 41,617 seemed to mind, as Jones' mammoth two-run homer simply offered another chance, following the pregame introductions, to lustily boo the Rangers hurler. Rogers became a target for abuse after making a couple of cameramen the target of his frustration a few weeks ago, earning a 20-game suspension — since appealed — for the unprovoked attacks. Though baseball's bosses shouldn't have allowed Rogers, voted in by his peers, to attend, it was nice to see him take his medicine. It was nice, too, to hear a leather-lunged majority tell Rogers and anyone else who thought otherwise that such behavior is gutless and detestable even when directed at a convenient punching bag such as the media. Otherwise, there will be few lasting impressions from this affair — apart from the natural inclination of Sox fans to want to turn Garland's pair of walks and a wild pitch into proof positive he can't handle pressure. "He might have had a couple of nerves going — he walked a couple of guys," Buehrle said. "But I just said he wanted to get a little extra work in and get his pitch count up, that's why he was throwing so many balls." Hey, that take sure beats worrying about the potential ramifications of Garland's spotty outing three months down the line. Especially when we know the potential ramifications of the AL's win. Games 1, 2, 6 and 7 at the Cell. La Russa would love to be a part of it, both for his Cardinals and Jerry Reinsdorf, the old boss with whom he maintains a close friendship. "I know how much it would mean to the franchise and all the friends I have with that franchise, but it would start with Jerry," La Russa said. "I mean this guy has got a passion for baseball. He's said it before — he would trade every one of his NBA championship rings for one World Series ring. "For him, for everybody that's associated with the organization, and for the White Sox fans, it's not even a close call. I'd love to see them in the World Series." At this point, Tony, I wouldn't say you won't.

NY POST Article about AJ Burnett The Yankees had scouts at Burnett's last performance before the break, but it appears they are not one of the teams the Marlins can find a match with if they decide to deal the right-hander, who is a free agent after the season. If the Yankees lose Burnett to the Orioles, White Sox or Blue Jays, it would be a double blow. Marlins catcher Paul Lo Duca has been a big reason for Burnett's recent improvement, finally convincing the 28-year-old to throw his changeup more. How good is Burnett, in Lo Duca's expert opinion? This good: "He really has the ability to throw a no-hitter any time he starts," Lo Duca said

Eddie Guardado, Mariners The team's bullpen ace is throwing well, and racking up saves on a mediocre team that isn't thinking about this season any more. with so many teams needing closing teams, Seattle could get a nice return for this veteran. Potential Suitors: Red Sox, Braves, White Sox

Joe Randa, Reds Of all the Reds players likely to attract attention, Randa might be the most tradeable. Not only does he have affordable $2.15 million one-year deal, but the veteran has been perhaps the most consistent all-around contributor for the Reds this season. Potential Suitors: Indians, White Sox

Mark Redman Pirates The Pirates have basically decided they won't be able to afford Redman when he becomes a free agent after this year, so they'll try to move him before July 31. Several teams are looking for pitching help and while Redman may not be their first choice, he might be the best starter of those available. Potential Suitors: Marlins, Braves, Red Sox, Yankees, White Sox

I think team chemistry is way over rated.. If the team is good they will win look at the 70's A's teams that team couldnt stand one another but they won 3 championships and the yankees teams of the past they did nothing but fight in the dugout... Also the Bulls team with Rodman and MJ,Pippen &Kukoc not getting along. If we got K Rogers I would root for him because he is on the Sox and hopefully he would be a huge part of us winning the series.Do not think KW will go out and get him

The White Sox reached the All-Star break with a nine-game lead in the AL Central, but the doubters are still out there. Count ESPN.com columnist Bill Simmons among them. In his midseason look at the AL, he gives the South Siders a couple of dubious awards. First is "The Napoleon Dynamite Award for Most Inexplicable Success Story." "How are the White Sox headed for 112 wins right now?" Simmons writes. "Really, 112 wins? Does that seem reasonable for a team with nobody hitting above .280 and Dustin Hermanson as their closer?" Simmons also picks on right-hander Jon Garland. Noting that Garland is on pace for 25 wins but only 110 strikeouts, he bestows on him "The James Baldwin Memorial Award for Best Candidate for a Second-Half Collapse." "Would you say Garland is another James Baldwin or another Tommy John?" Simmons asks. "I'm leaning toward another Baldwin."

According to Ozzie on Espn radio

If the Sox are giving about 4M dollars plus prospects so this trade can go through. I think we are going to get alot more back than just Zach Day

Z Day would be a nice 5th starter since B Mac isnt ready yet

the score is talking about Schmidt to the Sox that it can be very close didnt hear all he said

I would love to pick up Kenny Lofton as a bench player than release Timo Perez...

CBS Sportsline rumor mill says The White Sox are spending a lot of time scouting Giants P Jason Schmidt, says the Chicago Tribune, but the Daily Southtown believes a more likely deal would see Chicago packaging Joe Crede to Oakland in a deal that could return Eric Chavez. How awesome would it be if we got both Schmidt&Chavez

My choice for top player this year is Buehrle

Scott Eyre is on the trading block he woud be a very nice pick up..

I hope KW gets someone alot better than Stanton.

Im sure KW is looking for a Left hander now..

Sometimes us fans should lay off the Mgr because we dont know everything going on in the clubhouse.. Ozzie took a beating last night on this site for NO dam reason

Today's Daily Herald

The White Sox cut ties with Lee and Magglio Ordonez over the winter, and Konerko is eligible for free agency at the end of the season. There has been some talk that Konerko is also heading for a new home, but look for the Sox to lock up the 29-year-old first baseman.

Dam- Fisk number is already retired

I agree but Frank isnt Ex Sox player yet

I think the next Ex Sox player that should have his number retire is Wilbur Wood