Balta1701

QUOTE (SadChiSoxFanOptimist @ Mar 6, 2009 -> 11:09 AM) I recall reading in the Tribune that Nate Silver from BProspectus predicted that Jayson Nix would win the starting job. Well, I guess that ends this thread. Either that or he'll soon be named deputy Treasury Secretary.

QUOTE (BFirebird @ Mar 6, 2009 -> 11:10 AM) They are going to keep Betemit over Kroeger. He is the only backup I think that is assured a spot. I included him as guaranteed a spot in my first post, and just left that assumed (when I referred to the limited IF backups, that means him). The roster could still include Kroeger, Nix, Owens, Wise, and Betemit and still work.

QUOTE (BFirebird @ Mar 6, 2009 -> 11:07 AM) - Who would the frontrunners for the last bullpen spots be? Hopefully Sox pick German over Wasserman (based on performance I don't see how that won't be the case) Based on his work last year I think Carrasco has the inside track for one of those bullpen spots and it'd be difficult to not keep him. The other IMO is wide open.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Mar 6, 2009 -> 11:01 AM) Backup catcher will be Corky. I think the other backups are Lilli and Kroeger IMO with BA starting in CF. Owens will prob be hurt again. It's worth keeping in mind who has options left and who doesn't. Nix, Wise, and Owens would have to pass through Waivers to go down. Not sure about Kroeger (did sign a minor league deal). Wise could probably get through. Owens, no idea. Nix, no idea, depends on whether he keeps hitting. Anderson has options left, as does Lillibridge and Getz. It wouldn't surprise me at all if Wise, Owens, and Nix found their way on to the opening day Roster to keep them from having to clear waivers. If the Sox carried Nix, Owens, Wise, and Kroeger, that would be similar to the makeup of the team at the end of last year, with limited IF backups but extra OF backups/platoons running. Anderson in particular needs to pick it up with the bat right now otherwise I have trouble believing he'll start in the big leagues.

QUOTE (BFirebird @ Mar 6, 2009 -> 10:57 AM) All this talk about Kroeger has me wondering. How many spots are actually available? 25 If we carry 12 pitchers which I think is likely (bullpen of Jenks, Thornton, Liney, Dotel, 2nd Lefty (Richard), there are I think 2 bullpen spots open for righties. 12 pitchers, 8 regular starters, 1 DH = 21 people. That leaves: 1 backup catcher 3 other slots. One of which is Betemit So, the available spots are: Backup catcher (really don't know who gets the job but absolute necessity). Starting 2b Starting CF 2 backups. Clearly 1 backup must be able to cover multiple OF positions. The other can be variable given Betemit's versatility, or can be used as a platoon player. 2 bullpen arms.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Mar 6, 2009 -> 09:53 AM) Better than I thought he would. I was really expecting Egbert 2.0 but have seen much more. His fastball is well located and has good sink. He also can drop it on both sides of the plate to both RH and LH hitters. His breaking stuff was the big surprise. His curve looks like a knuckle curve to me and drops quite a bit. I really think he could succeed if given some major league time. Farmer did refer to it as a knuckle curve more than once yesterday.

QUOTE (Melissa1334 @ Mar 6, 2009 -> 09:38 AM) its tough to say , bcuz its only been about 6 innings and against the cubs, but hes been impressive. i would have no problem with him being one of the starters. he makes the team, i think. Right now he's done almost exactly what he's needed to do, although he's given up a couple more flyballs than you'd hope for a sinkerball pitcher. If either Contreras or Colon aren't ready to go come April 10, he's on track to be the guy if nothing changes in the next 4 weeks, but things aren't exactly in his hands right now.

Sun Times today: Link2

QUOTE (MurcieOne @ Mar 5, 2009 -> 10:54 PM) yes -- charges weren't filed against him, but (correct me if im wrong) it was widely understood that he was "senate candidate 5" the guy who offered 500K While it is certainly true that he is Senate Candidate #5, we really don't know all the details and probably won't until the trial. If Jackson had been willing to pay, you'd sort of expect him to be a subject of the investigation, which he isn't, and there have been reports that he was cooperating with prosecutors since last summer in that case. I have really gotten the impression with him that there's information prosecutors and Jackson are deliberately holding back until the trial happens. Wikipedia

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Mar 6, 2009 -> 08:15 AM) Well, first, know that some of those names won't even be in the organization come mid-April. Broadway isn't likely to go to AAA again, for a 4th year, that's like a death sentence. He makes the club or he's shown the door. Richard won't be in AAA nor will Marquez, they are both making the team, one way or the other (though I would prefer Marquez starting in AAA if Colon and Contreras are both healthy, it won't happen). Also, no way they have Cassel repeat AA after he not only spent a full season there, but put up some of the best numbers of any starter in that entire league. It certainly seems so far like Marquez is pitching himself in to that #6 starter spot if Colon and Contreras are ready to go early April, and all signs say they both will be.

QUOTE (Melissa1334 @ Mar 6, 2009 -> 07:54 AM) its starting to look like BA will be the odd man out. theyre going to go with owens bcuz of his speed and listening to the score in the morning, they said theres no way wise will get cut and the sox really like him and hes doing great right now Frankly, if BA doesn't pick it up he doesn't deserve to be in the big leagues to start the year. Ditto Owens.

QUOTE (Melissa1334 @ Mar 6, 2009 -> 09:11 AM) i noticed that fields seems to be running pretty good too. beating out infield singles and barely being called out at 1st. hes not above avg but hes not a base clogger either like pk ,thome, etc In Charlotte pre-injury in 06 Fields was 26/31 on stolen bases.

QUOTE (kyyle23 @ Mar 6, 2009 -> 05:53 AM) The new Star trek trailer is awesome, i really want to see it now Seriously, thank you.

QUOTE (whitesoxbrian @ Mar 5, 2009 -> 06:16 PM) TO has never played in a playoff game and his team won. Link

Robnett flies out to Kroeger, ballgame over.

Harrell really struggling...

Sac Fly by Theriot, Single up the middle by Johnson, 4-3 Sox lead.

QUOTE (fathom @ Mar 5, 2009 -> 03:35 PM) What did Kroeger do? Doubled in 2 more runs. 3/4 with 4 RBI for "The guy who doesn't sing for Nickelback".

Harrell loads the bases in the 9th after throwing error, Theriot up as tying run.

QUOTE (Paint it Black @ Mar 5, 2009 -> 03:07 PM) No, they're older than people think Who is in the NBA finals this year? Lakers and Cavs. Has Albert Pujols done steroids/HGH?

Jesse Jackson Jr. is now also indicating interest. Blood in the water...

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Mar 5, 2009 -> 03:01 PM) He doesnt do anything well. Juan Pierre will get 200 hits and steal bases, Jerry cant even do that. Pierre has gotten 200 hits once in the last 4 years (and even if you project him to 700 at bats last year he still doesn't get to 200 hits.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Mar 5, 2009 -> 02:40 PM) And he had a chance at making this team why? Out of options and Grindy. He can take a walk actually. He's not bad in that regard.

QUOTE (ozzfest @ Mar 5, 2009 -> 02:20 PM) We're at 62-3, I think if Broadway saw this poll, he'd be completely demoralized.... Then he needs to pick up his performance.

Get a look at Gregg here