sircaffey

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Jan 18, 2008 -> 11:18 AM) To be fair though...this year's FA crop looked better than it wound up being as well. Things like the signing of Mark Buehrle, Jermaine Dye, Vernon Wells, etc., took several big money guys off the market, at least 1 big guy (Jones) had a horrible season, and you had the Yankees spending big money to keep their 3 guys from moving on also. That's true, but even factoring that in, it's still going to be a better class than this year's was.

We guaranteed a 2nd year at $5.5 mil? I don't believe this contract until it's posted on the Sox website. I have no problem with $5.5 mil this season as we wouldn't have spent it on anything else anyways, but next year when the FA crop is much much better? Horrible if true.

I would have rather took a chance on Lieber than Colon. At least with Lieber his injury was in the foot and nothing to do with the shoulder or arm.

Predict the Big Ten finish...Let's see what everyone thinks. 1. Wisconsin (14-4) *Losses: @Purdue, @IU, vs.MSU, +1 slip NOTE: WIS does not play @ MSU 1. Indiana (14-4) *Losses: @WIS, @OSU, @MSU, +1 slip 3. Michigan State (13-5) *Losses: @IU, @WIS, @OSU, +1 slip (already lost to Iowa somehow...) 4. Ohio State (12-6) 5. Purdue (11-7) 6. Illinois (10-8) 7. Minnesota (9-9) 8. Penn State (6-12) 9. Iowa (5-13) 10. Michigan (5-13) 11. Northwestern (2-16)

QUOTE(Jenksismyb**** @ Jan 13, 2008 -> 05:55 PM) Wow, so many things to say about that game. For anyone who thinks Weber can't coach, re-watch this game. His plan was perfect. If only the two biggest morons on the team (Randle and Pruitt) showed some patience and senior/veteran decision making in the last 5 minutes, this would have been a win. How worthless is Sampson? Did he even try to get Gordon the ball on set plays? A ball screen? That's all you've got? And you have one of the worst shooting teams in the nation, and you play zone like three times? Anyone could see that the success Illinois had against the zone (i think two baskets) were lucky ones - how often is meachum going to drive right under the hoop? He's terrible. He made zero adjustments. He relied on Ratliff draining ridiculous three point shots to win this game. IU fans are real classy with the shut up Weber chant - shocker there. In the end I'm happy. I expected Illinois to get blown out. Honestly it reminds me of the Indiana game in 04, when Deron, Dee and Luther finally saw what the motion offense could do. I think the last two games, two of the toughest on the schedule, will go a long way in helping this team grow. Yeah, UI fans, and every other school for that matter, are proper and very polite.

QUOTE(thedoctor @ Jan 13, 2008 -> 05:45 PM) agreed. it will not be good in champaign. people will make azzes of themselves as people usually do. It's probably going to be the nastiest situation in a long time. What do you get when you mix drunken college students, a student section that sits on the floor 3 feet from the players, and the loss of the top recruit in the nation? Mayhem. They better bring in extra security.

QUOTE(Soxbadger @ Jan 13, 2008 -> 05:41 PM) Well not sure what Randle was thinking, why not dump it into Pruitt and just for the tie? Maybe even get the 5th on DJ White and go to OT? Illini could have easily won that game, Im not sure how any objective observer can say that Indiana is that much more talented than Illinois in any way shape or form. The difference is basically Eric Gordon. Even then, the Illini could have won. And the Indiana fans yelling shut up Weber, how classy. With a coach like Sampson how can you possibly thow stones? He is the most classless and sanctioned, coach in the Big 10. Its students being students. Just wait until Indiana goes to Illinois. You might want to recant your statements of the IU student base. It's going to be ugly in Champaigne.

QUOTE(AssHatSoxFan @ Jan 13, 2008 -> 05:36 PM) Randle, that was exactly the shot we wanted you to take...and thanks for your great career Disappointing career to say the least. Too bad too. Thought he was going to be a great player...

QUOTE(whitesoxfan99 @ Jan 13, 2008 -> 05:36 PM) No foul on IU there? Really? Edit: No doubt foul on IU there. Which one, lol? Looked like Ratliff had ball on the rebounded shot though.

QUOTE(thedoctor @ Jan 13, 2008 -> 05:23 PM) way to state the obvious. we've only been talking about this from the preseason up until now. remember, illinois did lose at home to tennessee state. i don't think anyone was making the argument they were talented. my question would be why a team that is so outclassed isn't getting tihskicked by a team that's won 26 straight at home. to me, that would be a more salient observation and one that actually took some thought, not just regurgitating something you read on a message board. No one should be questioning that Illinois is playing well. They certainly are. Even if Indiana has missed a bunch of open looks, can't take away Illinois' effort.

I think it's safe to say these teams do not like each other.

If Randle could hit FT, he would be a seriously good player. That and staying healthy. That's one guy I would have loved to see at full strength throughout his career.

QUOTE(whitesoxfan101 @ Jan 13, 2008 -> 01:02 PM) I think it's obvious that North Carolina and Kansas are a cut above the rest right now with their depth and experience, and I hate to do this since I know Jimbo will read it, but Kansas has to be #1 right now IMO (regardless of what the polls says) because of how well they play consistent defense, unlike what I've seen of UNC so far. Oh, and Tubby should already clear the mantle for his Big 10 COY award. He's a first year guy that is doing a great job taking over what was a disaster of a program until this year, and everybody expects Wisconsin to be good every year now with the job Bo Ryan does. I think the win at Texas puts Bo in the lead currently, but if Minnesota can finished above .500 in the conference (which is very possible), I think Tubby takes it home. Tough to lose Cam Taylor and Tucker and still be this good. It's gonna be a good race between the two. Can't go wrong with either. The Big Ten has some seriously good coaches. Gotta respect Lickliter too. Another great 1st year coach. Should be fun to see Michigan, Minnesota, and Iowa getting back into the race here in the next few years.

QUOTE(thedoctor @ Jan 13, 2008 -> 04:47 PM) i rarely give billy packer credit but he pointed out something i noticed a bit against wisky. for the first time there was good ball movement, sharp cuts, and things that showed an understanding of motion. it was encouraging to see and hopefully something they can build on. Yeah totally. This is a completely different Illinois team that I watched a few days ago. Could be a season saver for them if they can pull this one out. Any ideas why Indiana is not playing a zone? Illinois hasn't been able to shoot from the outside so far this season.

QUOTE(Brian @ Jan 13, 2008 -> 01:04 PM) I know Memphis is conference USA, but I'll take that squad over UNC and Kansas right now. Kansas a close second. All 3 teams are top notch, obviously. You gotta love Memphis' athleticism. Tough to match it. Dorsey vs Crazy T would be a great matchup. I agree with you on Memphis. They just can't be matched up with 1 through 5, imo.

Predictions on tomorrow's IU/UI game? IU 78 UI 55

QUOTE(Rex Hudler @ Jan 12, 2008 -> 07:36 PM) Can't argue with you at all on Smith. I never expected Minny to be dangerous this year. In fact, I have had that game earmarked on IU's schedule along with the game at Wisky as games I am really worried about for IU. Any game in the Big Ten could bite you in the ass and I am not looking past tomorrow (okay, who I am kidding, I pretty much am lol) but Thursday's game at The Barn is worrisome. IU has traditionally not played well there. Before you go ga-ga over Tubby and Minnesota consider the fact that their wins are: Army, Iowa St., Central Michigan, UC Riverside, North Dakota St, Colorado St., Santa Clara, Nicholls St., Kennesaw St., Northwestern, and Penn State. Pathetic. They haven't beaten one worthwhile opponent. Indiana by 20+...White is playing like an absolute animal lately. Ellis does everything. Gordon is Gordon. And the bench is very strong assuming Bassett is healthy enough to play.

QUOTE(SoxAce @ Jan 12, 2008 -> 07:25 PM) IMO, This tells me that a. The Tyrus pick was basically a mistake/trade bait, b. Wallace signing was a bust/didn't go to plan. I'm one of Tyrus biggest fans (damn shame that the horrid Hinrich stays but there isn't anyone out there who you can say is an impact PG thats avaliable) but if you get a T-Mac, (despite his legs being 33-35yrs.+) see ya. But I'm hoping it's just Wallace/2nd rounder or Wallace + rounder + Gordon (who makes the most sense to go) We'll see if this is true. What's McGrady's contract status? I'm ecstatic to get rid of Wallace. I'm shocked someone would actually want him. I guess playing along side Yao will better suit Wallace, but he looks done. Half a season from McGrady and we're a better team than we are currently. As long as McGrady is healthy come playoff time each season, I don't care if he player 40-50 games each season. That should be enough to get us into the playoffs each season.

QUOTE(Steve9347 @ Jan 12, 2008 -> 05:31 PM) My sister in law claims she heard on the radio that the Bulls dealt Wallace/Thomas/Gordon for McGrady. Anyone heard anything like this? She's probably nuts. One of my friends called me saying his girlfriend called him saying she heard the Bulls traded Wallace and their 1st Rd pick for McGrady. They were probably just talking about trade ideas or something. Although there have been McGrady whispers recently.

QUOTE(SoxAce @ Jan 11, 2008 -> 12:11 AM) It's f***ing scary just to think about. Hopefully the Mets do get him. I love seeing him pitch, but never against us again. Let that be the NL's problem. IMO, the Mets will be instant favorites to go very, very far. I'll say this, more than likely the Twins will have two studs (Guerra, Martinez) that will be damn good in the future and I like Gomez alot (he just needs experience.) Hopefully the Mets get this done one way or another. That and the Phillies and Braves (perhaps the two next best offensive teams in the NL after the Mets) aren't any good vs LHP (Phillies 26-26 vs LHP, 63-47 vs RHP...Braves 32-32 vs LHP, 52-46 vs RHP). Santana might only lose 2-3 games within the division.

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Jan 11, 2008 -> 02:33 PM) Again, no it isn't. Ozzie still uses his bullpen less than any other team in the league, regardless of whether or not his starters are good or suck, whether or not his bullpen is good or sucks, etc. Ozzie does not have a quick hook for any of his starters. He will put a guy out there for 5-6 innings and let people whack at them if he has to. The numbers say that, my eyes say that, and even the positive things we've heard about him (like how he'd let Garland work through his troubles) say the same that. Increasing the Bullpen's innings last year by 25% would still leave us in the bottom half of the league in innings pitched out of the bullpen. If Oz leaves Floyd and Danks in there like Buehrle, Vazquez, and Jose, he's just plain dumb. Even if they perform well, you don't treat young arms like they are vets. The Garland example doesn't fit for Floyd and Danks as Garland had logged near 400 IP at the major league level when Oz took over. Personally, I'd split up Floyd and Danks in the rotation to help ensure the bullpen doesn't get taxed on back to back days.

QUOTE(BaseballNick @ Jan 11, 2008 -> 01:44 PM) Ken Rosenthal's take: Swisher's that bad in CF? Carl Everett part 2? And we're to believe KW hasn't talk to LAA about Konerko...? Ha.

The more pitching the better. If he can get his velocity back up to 92-93, he could be our 3rd best SP. If he doesn't, he still might be the 5th best SP in this organization.

QUOTE(Gregory Pratt @ Jan 11, 2008 -> 12:42 PM) "Most likely he will improve". No, that isn't most likely until he shows he can hit the fastball -- but that's just my thought on it, and you have the right to make whatever predictions you'd like about our players. That, and I doubt Josh slugs .698 vs LHP this upcoming season. He better improve his line vs RHP (.213/.284/.383) or else he's going to disappoint a lot of Sox fans apparently.

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Jan 11, 2008 -> 12:41 PM) You're holding it against him because he didn't get a "Full season"? So, the fact that he got what, 60%+ of a season just doesn't do it for you? Could you explain to me how those extra 150 at bats are as important as the weight you're giving to them? I can see how they'd be useful, but somehow I don't see the fact that Josh didn't get 150 at bats last season being the difference between Josh being ready for 40+ next year and Josh only giving us 25-30. I'm just stating history. Don't be offended. If you think Fields has the power of McGwire, Fielder, and Howard then more power to you. I hope you're right. I doubt he does though. It's just a very rare thing to hit 40 HR in your first full season. 373 AB isn't enough to go by. Especially when Josh never hit more than 20 HR in any of his previous full pro seasons.