YASNY

So much for that particular streak, eh?

I personally think Beane is overrated. And I read Moneyball. I just don't take everything I read as gospel. The point that was made about the 3 stud pitchers is a valid one, but he's about to run out of time with those guys. They'll be hitting the arbitration-free agent years soon. Now, will Harden and Blanton be able to step in and fill those slots? That remains to be seen. People used to complain about KW's overseeing of the clubhouse and dugout. Well, Beane's and egotistical control freak based on what Moneyball portrayed him, if you read between the lines. Chad Bradford has been decent to very good over the course of his tenure with the A's, but Olivo has a chance to be the AL starting All-Star catcher for the next 5 years. I'll take that potential over what Bradford has accomplished with Oakland. For the record, Moneyball was written by Michael Lewis (I think I have his name right) and not Billy Beane.

I took Scott for his word in ST, as what he was saying made sense. He needed to work on and develope those pitches down there to become a good starter. Having siad that, I can't say that I thought he would be this effective. You have to give KW kudos for knowing what he was talking about with this guy. He traded an unused mop up reliever for an unused mop up reliever, but he saw something in Scott that turned that deal in a real steal. I'd laugh my ass off if he outpitches Colon this year.

I'm sure Koch has experienced not getting a called strike he thought he deserved, I don't think that shook him up all that much. However, I think Koch is the type of pitcher that can't quite kick everything into gear with full focus until he gets into dire straits. He seems to be a better pitcher in a one run game than in a game with a 3 run lead. He also seems to better when he's put a couple of runners on base than he is with bases empty. Of course, that might be because he always allows baserunners. When's the last time Koch had a 1-2-3 inning?

Actually, I was more surprised by Konerko's rating than anyone else on the Sox. He's coming in at a just slightly below average 1B if I'm reading this right. I would have thought he would have been somewhat lower, though I never thought he was the defensive slug others have seemed to think he was. I also have to say that I thought Crede would be a bit higher at 3B.

Dransfeldt will have to be put on waivers, as he's out of options. Either way, he's gone. Whether he is claimed or not is anothjer story.

I'd heard Kip mentioned as a possiblility to be traded at the deadline. I read it in the media somewhere, not in here.

LOL ... So what is it that you are smoking? Giles is now a Padre.

Of course he's going to cool off. You can't expect him to hit at a .400 clip all year. I'd settle for .380

You're right. But, having agreed to that, I have to say that I'd much rather have a good young up and coming catcher than a decent to good reliever. It was not a one-sided trade, but in the long run, it should be a positive outcome for the Sox.

You're dad is wrong. Lofton is washed up or on the decline (see Robbie Alomar). Willie may never be a Lofton in his prime, but then again he just might. One thing for certain, Lofton won't find the fountain of youth and be the KL of old.

Let's let Jose get this out of his system in AAA. I don't want to have to relive his opening week of the season.

Don't mention it.

I'd be willing to trade Carlos Lee ..... If we got equal value from the other side of the plate.

Stewart is pitching for AAA Charlotte.

I agree with the 2nd half of each of the above statements.

It is just you.

Brando, you're a legend in your own mind.

I'd love to have Giles. I've wanted him since before KW "forgot" to have him included in the Ritchie deal. I don't know what his $$$ situation is, but I would suspect he's making too much for us to afford him.

Did anyone notice that Williee didn't have his foot on the bag when he caught that flip from Uribe to end the game? He had to "find" the bag before the runner got there.

Takatsu knew he lucked out on that one. But, the same heavy air that held that one in the park also held in Magglio's shot.

It was on the Duece here in KY.

What this team needs is a good solid RBI producing LH hitter for the starting lineup. We have needed a guy like this since 2000, yet we still have Maggs, Frank, Carlos and PK as our version of murderer's row. A good RH pitcher will shut this team down. Even a mediocre one can do so on a good day.