YASNY

Nah. Koch has to put a couple of runners on to get into the mood to pitch.

Kohlmeier was a shot in the dark. You can't count this as a negative against KW. Loiaza was also a shot in the dark, that payed off. These are very minimal risk, potentially high reward type of transactions. A GM would be stupid not to take a few shots like this. Kohlmeier is still in the organization, right? That can't even be consider a failure yet as he might still help this team at some point. Grilli also. Robert Person could have been a big siging, but he came up with an injury. Tough break, but again, minimal risk.

He has converted 8 out of 10 save opportunities. Consider it defended.

That's why KW needs to keep pushing for these guys.

Right now, this is working. If it fails to continue, then Ozzie can address it and make some changes.

And Hawkins has proven he can be an effective closer? Don't think so.

Today, he pitches and has a couple of rockets hit at people. Last game, he gets beat on 2 broken bat singles. They all balance out, unless your Koch. He gets reamed for both games.

Right now we have a 2 game lead. If we still have a lead of at least 2 games when Magglio comes off the DL, then I'll be happy.

I'm in 100% agreement. I do think we'll get another starter. But, I think we could also get Finley reasonably cheap. That would be one helluva pick up for us.

I wasn't picking on you. I just remembered reading that as I was typing in my posted. You made some very valid points.

That sounds good to me. Forward this to KW.

Finley would be a perfect fit for us. However, we should be able able to get him without trading Borchard. Maybe one of our younger OF prospects or Rowand, along with Rauch might get it done. I don't know. But I still think Borchard is going to be a major league stud and I don't want to give him up.

I wouldn't be looking for any "Maggs Watch". I'd be more inclined to look for the 2nd Coming (of the REAL Jesus) than a Maggs watch in the Trib.

I find it amusing that most of the same people who are shredding Koch also wanted us to go out and Urbina this off season. Yet, Uggie's numbers (numbers don't lie, remember?) are worse than Koch's. As of right this minute, Koch has succeeded on 80% of his save opportunities, which is pretty much the standard for acceptability throughout baseball for a closer. Bottom line is that this year, Koch hasn't been lights out but he has done a reasonably good job. I know he makes people nervous with baserunners allowed and such, but that has always been a thing with Koch and it always will be, I believe. Just as long as we keep walking off the field shaking hands, I'm satisfied.

Excuse me, but Borowski has 4 losses and an 8.02 ERA. You guys think we have closer problems? Koch would be a drastic improvement over Borowski for the Cubs.

Magglio has been damn near an iron man since he came up. I'm sure this is bothering him beyond his pain threshold or he'd be in the line up. I do not question a man who has played for 6+ years without being disabled. When the man says he's hurting, he's hurting.

Nice prediction. So how many will he hit in game 2?

Maybe he would. Garcia is a decent pitcher, but he sure doesn't qualify as an ace. And, if it takes Borchard to make this deal, I say "No thanks."

It is kind of strange that he hasn't connected on a long one in a while. But, they come. Just as long as he keeps stroking those line drives around the field, I'm cool with that.

I expect there to be an attempt at something more devastating than 9-11. Whether it is successful or not remains to be seen. However, it wouldn't suprise me if they attack the U.S. Olympic Team in Athens.

They were worth a nice little chuckle. Thanks Steff.

If that would have been Frank Thomas, he would have been barbequed on a spit by now. Sammy says "I'm sorry" and it just goes away. There's something to be said for Karma though. He has been hurt, slumping and hurt again since that happened. With a little black pepper, we can keep him on the DL all year.

I hate to hear stuff like this. It brings into question the integrity of the game if an ex-ump turns out to be dishonest. I think I remember this guy. Back when they had umps assigned to each league, this guy was the only ump to have his first name on his cap. AL

Did I miss something here?

I'll be there for the Monday night game, for sure. Maybe both. I'll be in the 6th row behind the Rangers dugout. Maybe we can have a mini Sox tailgate party.