S720

Hi all, I'm not sure where to post this message, but I haven't been able to access Soxtalk.com from home. It's okayed at work, but when I try from home, I haven't been able to get in for this past week. Does anyone know what's going on? Sorry for this thread.

QUOTE(Jabroni @ May 22, 2005 -> 08:32 AM) But we are trying to win THIS YEAR. What could the Angels give us that would help us win more THIS YEAR than Frank Thomas? It's not like they are going to ship us Francisco Rodriguez for Frank and even he wouldn't help us win more than Frank. Jabroni: Great point! Let's keep Frank Thomas. I really wish Frank will retire as a White Sox.

I take Kenny Williams as a GM over anyone! I love his serious attitude when it comes to winning for his team. http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sp...tesox-headlines Sox GM denies Cubs extra help Coleman has words with Williams after he's kept from dugout By Paul Sullivan Tribune staff reporter May 22, 2005 White Sox general manager Ken Williams wondered aloud before Saturday's game whether his desire to win may have cost him a good friend. Williams and Cubs minor-league baserunning instructor Vince Coleman engaged in a heated exchange during Cubs batting practice Saturday as Sox coach Tim Raines, Cubs bench coach Dick Pole and others watched in disbelief. Coleman was upset Williams denied the Cubs' request to let Coleman sit in the dugout during the City Series. Coleman hasn't been with the Cubs since spring training, but appeared Friday to help give a "refresher course" to Cubs baserunners this weekend. Teams are allowed to add a "seventh coach" in the dugout during September call-ups with Major League Baseball's approval, and also may do it during the season if the opposing team OK's it. Because the Sox rely heavily on their running game, and because Coleman was one of his era's great base-stealers, Williams believed Coleman's presence could be detrimental to the Sox. Coleman was allowed to help out on the field before the game and pitched batting practice. Williams approached Coleman near the batting cage before Saturday's Sox-Cubs game as Coleman was talking to Raines. After Williams made an off-hand comment, Coleman stalked off in a huff. Williams asked Coleman to come back and talk, then got angry when Coleman refused. Williams yelled that Coleman should take it as a "compliment" the Sox were wary of his knowledge. He then walked off the field in disgust. After cooling off, Williams acknowledged his friendship with Coleman probably was in jeopardy, but he was not about to apologize for putting his team first. "It's nothing personal," Williams said. "I attended Vince's wedding last winter. Our kids play on the same football and baseball teams in Scottsdale. But this man has a tremendous amount of knowledge and I wouldn't be surprised if he helps out a major-league club as a manager some day. "I can't afford to let someone with such knowledge give them an edge [about] trying to stop our attack, especially when I have the option of [keeping him out of the dugout]." Cubs manager Dusty Baker confirmed Saturday the Cubs had made the request to allow Coleman in the dugout, and the Sox denied it. Baker did not witness the Coleman-Williams altercation and declined to answer questions about it.

Man, I love Iguchi!!! "In a move from hitting third in Japan to hitting second in Chicago, Iguchi's responsibilities have changed. "I have made a lot of adjustments," said Iguchi through his translator. "In Japan, I never had to bunt. I never had to hit to the right. For me, I'm actually trying my best to fit as a No. 2 hitter. Sometimes, I don't like being the No. 2 hitter, but I'm trying to make that adjustment. "My natural swing is more of a power swing. Since I've been here, I haven't really used that swing. I've been trying to hit to right field." It was a combination of both power and hitting to the right side on display from Iguchi on Monday night, when he lined a pinch-hit home run over the right-field wall to tie the game in the eighth inning. The long ball off the bench served as another example of how Iguchi is doing everything asked of him to help the White Sox win, one of the reasons general manager Ken Williams worked so hard to acquire him in the offseason. Some people would attribute Iguchi's high Japanese home run total to smaller ballparks and slightly lower pitching quality. But Iguchi believes his home run total would increase in the United States, if his offensive goals weren't so team driven. "If they didn't ask for average, I might be able to hit more than 20 home runs," said Iguchi with a smile. "The biggest thing is I'm here to help the team win. I'm going to do what the team asks me to do and I'm going to bat accordingly."

Why is that I now have more faith in our 4th and 5th pitchers than our 1st, 2nd and 3rd? It seems like whenever the White Sox are going through tough stretch, the latter part of our starting pitchers will pick the team up! And that, my friends, is a good feelings to have!

QUOTE(Milkman delivers @ May 8, 2005 -> 02:05 PM) Another win against a .500 team. And WHO made the Jays .500 team? Just like the Indians, the Tigers, and the Royals. My question to the experts is WHO made those teams under .500?

Damn, I can't believe I let you guys hijack my thread. And the feelings lives on... Game by game, that invincible feelings is growing folks!

I remembered during the Bears' and the Bulls' Championship years, I've always had this feelings that no matter who we played against, we would come out on top. Slowly, cautiously but growing game by game, that's the feelings that I currently have in me with this Chicago White Sox team. Do you? GO SOX!

A clip from Chicago Sun Times: "ON CALL: Brandon McCarthy pitched for Class AAA Charlotte on Sunday and would be in line to pitch in Friday's game at home against the Detroit Tigers if Jose Contreras is unable to return from a strained right hamstring. Contreras pitched just 3-1/3 innings Saturday against Kansas City, hurting himself as he started to cover first base on a ground out to the right side by Mike Sweeney. The Sox still will give it a few more days before deciding if Contreras can make his next start, but Guillen said he's expecting Contreras to take his next turn. McCarthy is 1-2 with a 3.91 ERA at Charlotte." Wow, McCarthy time is almost here! I'm not sure if I like this idea, but it certainly is intrigueing.

QUOTE(SoxFan1 @ Apr 23, 2005 -> 08:25 PM) Crede K's, inning over, 4-2 Sox going to the bottom of the 10th. Is it 4-2 or 3-2 Sox?

How the hell did KC score 4 runs on Santana? And it's only 3rd inning!

Why the hell took Hermanson out, then now we have to go through this heart-attack suspense? Damn you Ozzie! Why could you not just leave Hermanson to finish up the Twins in the 9th? This makes no sense at all!

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2036676 How I wish others would ignore us while we are just going after wins after wins silently, softly and quietly staying on top of AL Central.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6841776/

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Mar 30, 2005 -> 08:44 PM) Not discounting him, but I think Okafor does more things. Whose more valuable, Gordon, simply because he's playing for a winning team and has had so many huge 4th quarters. Still, I think you have to look at it that Gordon is a scorer, Okafor is many things and plays starter minutes. I think in the end Gordon's lack of minutes is what will keep him from winning the award. I wouldn't complain if he did though cause it will be a tough choice. Part of me says give it to Gordon simply because he's helping a team into the playoffs. On a sidenote, Wizards win. I disagree with you. To me, Ben is ROY and 6th MOY. Ask Scottie: http://www.nba.com/blog/blog30.html

QUOTE(bulokis @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 01:19 PM) ESPN radio 1000 updates saying he's in for physical today and if everything goes well Tadahito will be introduce to the media today. I thought the press conference was set for tomorrow? http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/baseball/10749979.htm?1c Posted on Thu, Jan. 27, 2005 Iguchi Passes Physical, Joins White Sox Associated Press CHICAGO - Japanese infielder Tadahito Iguchi and the Chicago White Sox completed their $4.95 million, two-year contract Thursday. Iguchi will make $2.3 million in 2005 and $2.4 million in 2006. Chicago has a $3.25 million option for 2007 with a $250,000 buyout. "Tadahito is one of Japan's premier infielders, both offensively and defensively, and he immediately strengthens our lineup and the middle of our infield," general manager Ken Williams said after his latest addition. "As a middle infielder, Tadahito has shown that rare ability to hit for average, get on base, run the bases well, hit with power and drive in runs." The 30-year-old Iguchi spent eight years with the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks of Japan's Pacific League and batted .333 with 24 homers and 89 RBIs last season. He's won two stolen base titles, three Gold Glove awards and been a four-time All-Star. His presence is expected to send Willie Harris to the White Sox bench. Iguchi has 149 homers and 159 stolen bases to go with a .271 average in his eight-year career. Iguchi is second White Sox player from Japan, joining reliever Shingo Takatsu, who was 6-4 with a 2.31 ERA and 19 saves in his first season a year ago. "Our fans really took to Shingo Takatsu last season, and we think that reaction helped make his adapting into major league baseball, the city of Chicago and the White Sox clubhouse that much easier," Williams said. "We think Tadahito can look forward to that same type of warm reception." Since the end of last season, Chicago also has added center fielder Scott Podsednik, right fielder Jermaine Dye, catcher A.J. Pierzynski, and pitchers Dustin Hermanson, Orlando Hernandez and Luis Vizcaino. ******************************************************************* Funny that the local media do not have this yet!

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mari...095_mari01.html Iguchi had a breakthrough season this year, hitting .340 with 27 home runs, 109 RBI and 42 stolen bases. And at 28, the same age as Matsui, he may be a better option for U.S. teams. For instance, Matsui is a free swinger who strikes out a lot — 124 times in 140 games this season. Iguchi only struck out 81 times. Iguchi also had a far better on-base percentage (.438 to Matsui's .365) and a better slugging percentage (.573 to .549). I know it's a wishfull thinking, but if Iguchi got his 2003 playing form back, watch out!

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Jan 25, 2005 -> 08:19 AM) Irony-the title of this thread, and its contents. I am sorry everyone, including Jeckle. I did not mean for this thread to take off negatively like this. I want to emphasize that I love our offseason of this year. I believe the Sox now have the players to truly compete with other teams within and outside of the AL Central. Honestly, at the end of last year, I was very much as devastated as all of you. However, after all of these wonderful offseason moves, I really feel much better and believe that the Sox will win the division this year. Great prop to Kenny.

QUOTE(Jeckle2000 @ Jan 25, 2005 -> 08:03 AM) So you want to give up a sure thing in Garland for a maybe in Vazquez. Glad your not the GM... Contreas for Vazquez and now your talking... Jeckle, Are you saying Garland equals the value of Vazquez? If you do, you gotta be joking! Ask any team GM to choose between Garland and Vazquez, guess who would they select? You only see Vazquez's one bad year, and you've already thrown out the previous years when he pitched tremendously. If you think Garland is a sure thing, then Vazquez is A MUCH MORE SURE THING. With Buerhle, Garcia, Vazquez, Duque and Contreras, the Sox can be very competitive against any team. By the way, look for Contreras to be much better than what he's shown last year. Book it!

Now that Kenny has fabulously accomplished his goal and done with this offseason, I kind of feel a little bit sad. There is no more waiting in ancitipation, excitement and anxiety! Now is just painfully watching time and time and time to go by until Spring Training. When does Spring Training begin? Hell Kenny, make one more move just for the sake of more excitement. Ask JR to increase payroll to 80 mils, then trade Garland, Willie Harris and a prospect to Arizona for Vazquez . This will close this offseason PERFECTLY!

QUOTE(winninguglyin83 @ Jan 24, 2005 -> 09:43 AM) is there any official confirmation of this yet? If so, Kenny Williams has indeed rebuilt this ballclub very nicely. if we can get Frank back by early June, the Sox should be in business. Where the hell are Bruce Levine and George Offman???? Come one and make the news official!!!

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jan 24, 2005 -> 09:02 AM) How ironic. After the Sox signed Walker and had that mini lull period, KW was getting crucified on here for "Flying Under the Radar". DBAHO, It supposes to be a HUGH COMPLIMENT. Personally, even without the Iguchi's signing, Kenny has done a wonderful job. What I meant "Flying Under The Radar" was because not a single Chicago reporter has news of this signing when we forum posters have already known. It's ironic that later on today, the news will come out via Bruce Levine or Offman!

QUOTE(AnthraxFan93 @ Jan 24, 2005 -> 08:56 AM) Do we have a link to make this offical ? IN English!! No No We Can't. It supposes to be Flying Under The Radar! If we sign Iguchi today, this signing truly has the meaning of "Flying Under The Radar." Great job Kenny.

QUOTE(OFSoxFanMike @ Jan 21, 2005 -> 08:22 AM) I think that at 6M/2yrs the reward absolutely outweighs the risk. KW should not haggle over a few hundred thousand dollars. Get the deal done while the scrubbies are still having their little convention. This is what Kenny has been waiting for. And that's the reason why he is willing to let other 2B free agents go to other teams such as Cora to the Indians and Cairo to the Mets. In Kenny's eyes, Iguchi is much better 2B player than Cairo and Cora. I don't think he's ever had his eyes on Cairo or Cora since the offseason began. Kenny, please pull in Iguchi and call the offseason a success.

QUOTE(beck72 @ Jan 21, 2005 -> 08:09 AM) the question is why would the sox let veteran UTL guys go [cora, cairo, etc] if they didn't have someone in mind for either 2b or UTL? The need is there. The players via FA aren't. Iguchi. The Sox is waiting for Iguchi to come to them!