RockRaines

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Apr 16, 2007 -> 11:23 AM) Is it really that outlandish to believe there's a single manager in baseball right now who would start the 25 year old over the 32 year old? I don't think any of this has to do with anyone being the devil. There probably is a single manager. Probably one that is either influenced by the GM (if Erstad wasnt an FA pickup) or has a younger, rebuilding team. I dont see the benefit of putting BA in over Erstad right now. The only real upside is that some of us like to watch prospects develop at the MLB level, which alot of people want to see.

QUOTE(StrangeSox @ Apr 16, 2007 -> 11:22 AM) Devil, no. Questionable manager who makes exceedingly stupid moves sometimes? Yes. Great manager who is known to make brilliant decisions sometimes? Yes

QUOTE(BigSqwert @ Apr 16, 2007 -> 11:21 AM) You can also add the #2 hitter. The #2 hitter shouldnt be the huge RBI machine that our vaunted middle of the order is supposed to be. Otherwise I would have included the 7 and 8 hitter. QUOTE(Milkman delivers @ Apr 16, 2007 -> 11:22 AM) What do you think would happen if Erstad actually does get hurt? Would Ozzie definitely make Anderson the starter? Think about that question. I don't really trust him to even start BA in that situation. Yes, he would. In fact, it will happen.

QUOTE(Milkman delivers @ Apr 16, 2007 -> 11:16 AM) Yeah, I seriously doubt that. Yeah, cause ozzie is the devil, blah blah blah.

QUOTE(BigSqwert @ Apr 16, 2007 -> 11:18 AM) As bad as everyone is hitting in baseball we are still 30th in hitting. And 90 percent of that is due to our 3,4,5,6, hitters who should be producing at a high rate.

QUOTE(retro1983hat @ Apr 16, 2007 -> 10:02 AM) I think it's between us and Rio. We have the advantage of having such a melting pot city. Irish, Greek, Italian, Polish and virtually every other country will have neighborhoods of fans already here to cheer for them. South America always makes me feel like there is security risk. We also have the benefit of a huge international airport, a large public transportation system, and an awesomely crooked Mayor.

QUOTE(Damen @ Apr 16, 2007 -> 11:08 AM) I don't know that Erstad has shown the ability to do any of those things all that well either at this point, save bunting. I think we can expect both to be hitting around .250-.265 by the end of the year. Anderson has some power. Erstad has none. Both play good D, however, Anderson's is still superior. But yeah, you're right. Under this manager, BA belongs in AAA. Under a competent manager, he's the starting CFer out of Spring Training. under ANY manager he belongs in AAA. Erstad has shown the ability to bunt, you have to give him that. His leadership may also be a benefit. I wouldnt pay too much attention to batting stats at this moment, as the whole team cant do anything at the plate. You need to wait a least a month to make any offensive judgement on Erstad.

QUOTE(aboz56 @ Apr 16, 2007 -> 10:53 AM) For BA's sake, the Sox need to show some class and trade him... Guillen is ruining his career. No, he needs to be sent down. Its apparent to anyone who has watched his at bats that he needs some more seasoning. His reads in the OF havent impressed me either. Erstad's reads and jumps are much better than BA's. He needs some AAA time until Erstad breaks his leg, then he can play full time.

QUOTE(Damen @ Apr 16, 2007 -> 10:56 AM) According to Ozzie's lizard brain, BA doesn't play the game the right way. Erstad does. Actual performance means nothing. They both cant hit, and they both can field. The only other way of Ozzie figuring out who is best is intangibles like work ethic, focus, leadership, and the ability to do little things for a team to win. It has come to light that BA may be unfocused when it comes to preparation. Also he cant really bunt, try to move a runner over, hit to the other field, or walk. Ozzie feels more comfortable in the experience of a Vet trying to do those things over a kid. Not to mention it has been said that Erstad has already become a vocal leader on the field and in the clubhouse. BA should be in AAA where he belongs.

QUOTE(KipWellsFan @ Apr 16, 2007 -> 12:19 AM) So Phil Leotardo's going to try to become boss right? Also that whacking with Silvio was weird. I wasn't sure what was happening at first. I'll have to watch it again. I think with the death of Johnny Sack he now doesnt have to be civil with Tony about his cousin's death and murder of Phil's bro. Methinks he is going to get even. Either Chrissy or Paulie are going to die.

QUOTE(GreenSox @ Apr 16, 2007 -> 12:06 AM) Isn't that the truth. Kenny should just use cut his losses and release him. He'll save money on per diems. Yeah, and we should probably just shoot him in the leg and leave him for dead. In fact, anyone in the league hitting under .200 right now, should be cut.

Thank f***ing god. Someone had to clean up that mess.

Looking at fatass Sabathia today, I feel he is going to severely decline as he gets older. He appears to be growing more and more fat every year, eventually he will get too fat to be as effective.

Its a good time as any to go to Europe on a two week trip.

Greg, You need to hope that Konerko, Dye, AJP, Crede, Erstad, and Iguchi arent going to scuffle the whole season. I havent seen Paulie miss hit this many fastball for a long time.

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Apr 15, 2007 -> 07:39 PM) I think the offense has been hindered by the weather. I think the pitchers have benefitted from it. I really believe Danks would have an ERA of at least 9.00 if the weather was decent in his 2 starts. The thing is not having it 9.00 could build some confidence. Contreras goes from being pounded by the Indians when its 60 degrees to giving up 1 hit when its 35. What was the temp in Oakland? Also, Danks made 2 of the best hitters in the AL (Sizemore and Pronk) look like they didnt have a clue at the plate. That cant be totally weather related.

QUOTE(bigruss22 @ Apr 15, 2007 -> 07:37 PM) Thank you, that is exactly how I feel. Anderson showed that what, he can hit at best .250 for half a year? I'm not trying to say that he wont be a good player, but he needs to prove it. Yes, he should be in the minors to do that, but he does not deserve to be out on the field unless he is subbing defensively for Pods. He needs to be in AAA. And Terrero needs to be the 4th OF'er.

QUOTE(WhiteSoxfan1986 @ Apr 15, 2007 -> 03:47 PM) Yep Masset's stuff hasn't been as good as advertised as well say what? The guy has been nails for us so far. His stuff is fantastic.

QUOTE(LVSoxFan @ Apr 15, 2007 -> 07:34 PM) LOL. I think you're right Rock. And for all the stick he took last year for his pitcher management (sometimes deservedly so), I think his bullpen management this year has been spot-on. Again, the pitching seems to be there. That makes me happy. I can't beleive that one of the most offensive teams of the past two years (no pun intended) is going to be in a slump forever. The pitching is exactly what we need. If you would have told me we would go 3-3 on this road trip, without scoring any runs and with sub .250 BA for the season, I would have told you that you were f***ing nuts. I dont see how we cant go on a run here, it will come. And then all the sunshine and puppy dogs on Soxtalk will be pure comedy. QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Apr 15, 2007 -> 07:34 PM) Worry about the pitching. Are you? Im not at this point.

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Apr 15, 2007 -> 07:32 PM) 4 games and 7 at-bats in 2 weeks will do that to a guy. Why do you think Mackowiak and Cintron look like s*** right now? Anderson was never given a chance, and that's the problem. Exactly, so what of his history with the team makes you think he is head and shoulders better than Erstad? BA should be in AAA, and thats that. Frankly I think the 3-3 record on this road trip with this offense is stellar, but if we must nitpick, we must.

I dont even understand why we are still following BMAC. We clearly came out on top of that trade. IN fact I think Masset is going to be a better player than BMAC, add on the fact that Danks is unreal for a player of his age and dev and im glad BMAC is gone.

QUOTE(LVSoxFan @ Apr 15, 2007 -> 04:46 PM) Yeah I'm not sure what Ozzie did that was so wrong when his team can't score one run--he's not the one at the plate. And he obviously managed the pitchers well. I agree, and how many times have we said this in the past two weeks: ENOUGH with the home run swings? We've all been saying it since ST, yet it continues. Hell I'd rather see bunt attempts then another deep fly to... the right fielder. Or another pop-up to end the inning. How about some opposite field hitting? Ozzie has put a team on the field to succeed, did a good job with subbing, and his management of the bullpen has been top notch. Its not his fault that Konerko does nothing but pop up, that Crede cant see the strike zone and that AJP apparently is going to stay below the mendoza line.

QUOTE(SoxFanForever @ Apr 15, 2007 -> 11:27 AM) What has Erstad done to make you believe he is a better palyer than Anderson? I'm curious. What the f*** has Anderson done? Erstad looks better in the field, has an actual approach at the plate, and is able to do the small things. BA isnt up to snuff in any of those categories right now.

QUOTE(Capn12 @ Apr 14, 2007 -> 07:06 PM) I'm telling you, its the same lineup card Oz carries around daily. Since grindErstad hits 2nd, he just crosses him out and puts Anderson there. Thats the ONLY explination I have for a low OBP type hitter like BA is at this point in his career being 2nd in the lineup. I think right now, the best chance for our lineup looks like this: 1. PODS 2. Uribe 3. Thome 4. Konerko 5. Dye 6. Iguchi 7. AJP 8 Crede 9 BA

QUOTE(BearSox @ Apr 14, 2007 -> 06:26 PM) I hope Ozzie sees after this game, there needs to be a change. Have it go... 1. Podsednik, LF 2. Iguchi, 2B 3. Thome, DH 4. Konerko, 1B 5. Dye, RF 6. Pierzynski, C 7. Crede, 3B 8. Uribe, SS 9. Anderson, CF Just give it a try for a couple of days... thats all I ask! That would be my ideal as well. BA needs to play everyday or not at all. Im sure he will tomorrow, and then go 0-4 against CC. If BA is in the 2 hole tomorrow, im quickly changing the channel.