YASNY

I would trade Frank Thomas for a bat boy, if I could get rid of him, his piss poor attitude, and wasted payroll. Like someone said earlier, it would be addition by subtraction. I think we could actually get something decent for Frank Thomas. I wouldn't give him away.

This occured in Texas? .... That goat has been BarBQ'ed by now.

I'm still not sold on Everett. I like his heart, but I don't like him in CF. Basically, we'd have to dump Thomas and/or Konerko to keep Everett as a DH and spot outfielder. I wouldn't want to dump Lee to keep Everett, as Lee is much younger and has plenty more productive years ahead of him. Trading Lee for a quality starter could be an option. Honestly, after thinking it over, I think I'd rather let Thomas walk or trade him, keep Everett as DH. He has heart that Frank has never dreamed of having.

Loveable Loser? .... Hey! The Cubs may actually be a fit. He Chop Suey hasn't exactly panned out.

Well, they were overmatched by the A's last year, too. Let them play the games and see what happens. The Yankees are not quite a scary as they once were.

Backman may be the most logical choice for this team. Someone what Girardi has to do with the Sox... Who cares? The man has shown leadership skills his whole career. He's one of the few I'd take who doesn't have any managing experience at any level and I'd take him in a heartbeat. I think Joe Girardi will be a great manager. Another one I'd take under those circumstances is Sandy Alomar, Jr. Note that they are also both catchers. Not a coincidence. I don't think I'd want Ozzie Guillen as manager. Just call it a hunch.

You said sweep. But, still, I think you underestimate both teams. It wouldn't shock me to see either team advance.

BINGO!!! You hit the nail squarly on the head! In 2000, they shocked themselves and basically "won" the division before there was any pressure on them. 2001 and 2002 we sucked until we were basically out of it, then started playing well when there was no chance in hell of winning it. This year, a little pressure at the end and it was el foldo time.

If we had signed Jim Thome to the type of contract the Phillies did, we'd be crying because we'd have a slow, ineffective old 1B tying up too much payroll. The Phillies will regret that contract when it's all said and done. Mark my words.

AHhh dont worry about it dude. If they do make the playoffs, theyll open in Atlanta or San fran,both of whom will sweep their asses........... ............The twins open in NY, buh bye. No worries..... Don't bet on it.

This team definitely needs to be retooled. As I said last off season, we have to break up the all right handed lineup. Lee, Thomas, Ordonez, Konerko, Crede .... that is just too many RH everyday hitters jammed into 6 spots in tyhe lineup, with only Valentin to break them up between Konerko and Crede.

Kenny might not get the chance to "Botch" things up again. We'll have to see what happens. Regardless, it's time for Manuel to get his pink slip.

HSC, as badly as I hoped you would be proven wrong about this team, I have to say you were right all along. I can't say that I disagreed with you, but I sure hoped things would turn out different. cwsox, I have to agree with you on Manuel. His run as manager must come to an end. Now.

:fthecubs Need I say more?

I'm not arguing that JM should stay. The only logical thing they can do is relieve him of his duties. You can't fire the whole team, so the manager is the scapegoat. I've never bought into the whole concept of the manager being the difference maker. They say a good manager can get you what, 6-7 more wins a year. 7 out of 162 are won by the manager. It's done between the line. Just my opinion, of course. The manager can't be a difference maker? ....... Jack McKeon. I rest my case.

I agree. That's too much money to pay for Jose Valentin next year.

You are wrong. Period.

It's also very typical.

I'm afraid you are right. I think this is an issue that will have to be addressed one way or the other.

Now now guys, do I need to defend Roman again.................. What's the point?

They have shown a lake of killer instinct all year. Also, a lack fire in their collective guts when things are going bad. When things were going good, they all jumped on the bandwagon and rode it out. But, no one could step up and get that key hit against the likes of Detroit and Tampa Bay. This, I feel, is a direct reflection on JM. I've supported him all year, but, he had to take them deep into the playoffs for me not to call for his firing in the off season. He hasn't and he should be replaced. Agreed. SO my question is, are they mentally weak? IS it mostly JMs fault? If so do we really need to re tool a large part of this roster? Those arent easy questions to answer...... Yes. Yes. Yes.

Meanwhile. If Jerry Maneul had any guts ...... I agree Jason.

They have shown a lake of killer instinct all year. Also, a lack fire in their collective guts when things are going bad. When things were going good, they all jumped on the bandwagon and rode it out. But, no one could step up and get that key hit against the likes of Detroit and Tampa Bay. This, I feel, is a direct reflection on JM. I've supported him all year, but, he had to take them deep into the playoffs for me not to call for his firing in the off season. He hasn't and he should be replaced.

In this thread I saw the words stupid, idiotic, moronic, ludicrus. You people using those words should be ashamed of your selves. Roman doesn't deserve to be referred to in those terms. It gives him WAY too much credit.

South of Cleveland.