Traveler1776

In response to CWSOX45, we are not yet in the playoffs due to today's win. Only one scenario exists where the Sox could fail to make the postseason. This is what would have to happen: Sox lose remaining 4 games. CLE wins remaining 4 games. BOS wins tomorrow and takes 2 of 3 from NYY. NYY wins tomorrow and wins 1 of 3 from BOS. In that scneario, CLE would win the Central at 96-66 and BOS, NYY and the Sox would finish with identical 95-67 records. NYY and BOS would play for the AL East title and the loser would play the Sox for the Wild Card. If the Sox lost to the loser of the NYY-BOS title game, they could fail to make the playoffs. This is all moot, b/c the Sox will win tomorrow.

80 Ks and 80 pop ups with runners in scoring position.

My wife was kind enough to work the phones and computer as I did so at work. We got 1 ticket to game 1 (Box 109, Row 24), 2 to Game 2 (Sec 537, Row 15) and 4 to Game 3 (Box 529 Row 11 and Box 524, I believe). If my brother cannot fly in for Game 3, we may have extras. I'll post on the message board if I do.

As much as it seems like Blum is a good guy (as a person) he hasn't shown the defense of Crede nor the O of Ozuna. You have to activate Crede and hope that he hits a hot streak during the playoffs and wins us one or more of his patented late inning heroic shots that have been lacking this year. I'd be mortified if the Sox stuck with Blum.

It's hard to rank them, but included would be the Ventura GS off Gossage, the Lee slam against the Cubs, the AJ homer in June against the Dodgers and a game in August 2003 against the Yanks at the Stadium where we lit up Roger Clemens on Roger Clemens night at the Stadium, ripping him for 9 runs in 4.2 after his Mom introduced him coming onto the field. Homers by Thomas, Konerko (2), Maggs (2) and Crede.

Surprised Tejada won it. As far as position players, Ortiz deserved it more on his hitting, while Tejada's D (he made the nice flip to Roberts to start that double play) likely helped him. Of course, in a 2-run game, B-le's 2 shutout innings and 3 strikeouts deserved, IMHO, the MVP.

My point exactly.

The one thing you always have to consider is how many World Series rings do the 1990's Indians and 2000's Twins have? None. While I'm not for completely mortgaging our future, if the right guy(s) are out there, you have to go for it -- even at the expense of good prospects. I'd love to put together a team that wins consistently like the Braves of the last decade and a half, but I also want to see the White Sox win the Series more than anything. Kenny has been better at signing quality free agents than in making impact trades or developing young talent, so if the right guy(s) is out there, you gotta go for it. I do agree, though, the Sox have seemingly remade their organization into one that plays better fundamentals, has locked up some of our key players and is moving forward with some good looking young talent on the horizon.

For what it's worth, it is a fact that Reinsdorf wanted to build a suburban stadium. The only reason it did not happen is because the Mayor kept all of the Chicago legislators' votes off of the legislation that was passed to fund the ISFA and the new stadium. Without those votes, the Sox would be playing in the Crap Dome down in St Pete. Even with those votes, the stadium deal barely passed and only after the Gov personally twisted some arms on the floor of the General Assembly and the clock was stopped so the bill only needed a majority to pass . . . I just wish that they would fix some of the awful construction and congestion problems on the Dan Ryan. As a former suburbanite and later downstater, it was a mess to get to the park. Much happier that I'm a Red Line trip away for the past 5 years.

Thanks for the posts. Love reading the first-hand accounts.

My wife has had the opportunity to meet a number of recent Sox players. She said that Maggs was relatively self-absorbed and Carlos Lee pretty quiet, but not really a nice guy. I was with her when we met Paul Konerko two years ago and he was as nice as could be. Very personable and very gracious. We "met" AJ and Garland Friday at an event downtown to increase organ donations. No chance to really chat, but AJ was very personable and Garland more laid back and pleasant. I agree with Jim H. In my limited experience, players have been very gracious and accomodating as long as you give the same back to them and don't ask too much of their time. Great set of posts. Had a lot of fun reading it!

1st 3 game sweep! Let's take it to the A's!!

Ozuna can do everything!

Quickest half inning we've had against KC all game. Way to go Viz!

No excuses for not laying that bunt down - especially for a veteran.

Wow! The Royals botched that one! Nice awareness of Pods to notice he could get past the 1Bman.

Ozzie has done in one plus years a much better job handling the bench than Jerry did. He was notorious for playing all his reserves at the same time - usually a Sunday day game when families would come wanting to see at least most of the regulars and get treated to a Sox loss with their "B" team playing. Today is the first game I recall in which Ozzie has played most of the bench guys at the same time (outside of when injuries have made it necessary).

It may be that this is the industry standard (the PbP guy taking a break during one inning or part thereof), but its the first time it has happened regularly with Hawk and DJ. DJ is a really nice guy and a good person to have in the organization, but let's face it, he just isn't cut out for the booth. If he has gotten better, it is baby steps only. If this was you or me and we were that bad at our full time job, we'd have been fired a long time ago. I appreciate the Sox and their loyalty, but when his contract expires (I believe at the end of this year), he needs to be reassigned within the organization and another guy brought in. BTW, during the breaks where Hawk is gone, I picture Hawk downing Jack Daniels out of the bottle like Bob Uecker in Major League and saying "he ain't the best color man in game for nothing, folks!"

Ballsy for Marte to throw the high heat on 3-2 . . . WOW! now sweeney gets himself out!

C'mon Joeyballgame, put the nail in the coffin!

Great baserunning by AJ!

Uribe looks like he wants to beat someone up.

Gooch looks better and better each game.

QUOTE(Traveler1776 @ Apr 23, 2005 -> 08:53 PM) Now would be a good time for some of Crede's late inning heroics. CRAP!

QUOTE(fathom @ Apr 23, 2005 -> 08:53 PM) We created their luck that inning. T. Long is 0-11 for lhp this season, and batted .72 pts higher against rhp last season. No doubt there can be some second guessing regarding pitching to Long.