CWSOX45

no prob. CWSOX45

White Sox look to close gap on Royals By Jim Baker ESPN Insider Now that the White Sox of reality are catching up to the White Sox of projection, it is time for their biggest series of the season so far. Starting tomorrow night, Chicago travels to Kansas City where they will take on the first-place Royals, whom they trail by four games. This is their most important series of the season so far although it is by no means a life and death situation. As Paul Konerko told Kent McGill of the Arlington Heights Daily Herald, "... we play them 13 more times this season. This is not big like it's do or die. But we need to send a message that we aren't going to go away." It should be pointed out that if the White Sox were to find a way to lose all three games, then things would be getting rather dire. A seven-game lead is a pretty formidable obstacle to overcome even at this juncture and even with ten more head-to-head games remaining. Frank Thomas thinks this is a good time to play the Royals so the White Sox can show off their new personnel and outlook to set the tone the rest of the way: "I think this team has more swagger and attitude [now],'' Thomas told the Chicago Sun-Times. "We made a trade to add quality veterans. We're motivated to win it, and that's what it's going to take." In truth, neither newcomer Carl Everett or Roberto Alomar has played up to his potential since coming to the White Sox via trades. That is, unless what we are seeing Alomar these days is his potential. He is doing about as well with the Sox as he did with the Mets, which is to say, far below the standards he set for himself as recently as two years ago. Record with Carl Everett in lineup: 11-8 Record with Roberto Alomar in lineup: 10-8 Their arrival has coincided with the overheating of the bat of Magglio Ordonez and the continued reconnection of Frank Thomas to the man he used to be. Paul Konerko has also showed some signs of improvement over the last couple of weeks as he fights to see his way out of a miserable first half. Speaking of rough first halves, Mark Buehrle looks to resume the comeback from his tomorrow night at Kauffman Stadium. He had something of a hiccup in that endeavor last time out when he surrendered five runs to the Blue Jays (although given their bats, that was probably a decent performance for seven innings of work). Prior to that, Buehrle had had five consecutive decent starts. He would like to see the team sweep the Royals and move to within one game of first. Shortstop Valentin echoed that sentiment, "No mercy!" he told Rick Morrissey of the Chicago Tribune. Tell me if this link works: http://insider.espn.go.com/insider/story?id=1586298

According to the ESPN insider the White Sox are not a team listed for Hernandez, if they do make a deal it will be a minor one no doubt. CWSOX45

Has anyone heard any solid information about the White Sox acquiring either Hernandez or Jarvis? CWSOX45

You never know with Shapiro though, he can be quite demanding at times. CWSOX45

We should be able to get Jarvis much cheaper. I'd like to see him in a Sox uniform. CWSOX45

Saw a special about him and his drinking problems on Sportscenter today, it was an interesting story. I doubt he makes the majors because of his drinking problem, anyone else see this piece? CWSOX45

One game at a time. Let's get the first one tomorrow than worry about the next two. CWSOX45

2 more games and the hawk is hairless!!!! CWSOX45

There are two things Jerry needs to focus on for this series. 1 Win. (duh.) 2. Get guys like Glover and Sanders in there so they can get used to pitching in game type situations again. We can't go on only using Gordon and Marte for the rest of the season. CWSOX45

Down to three games!!! CWSOX45

hmmmm... yea never got it. hotmail is gay. w/e its not that big a deal. May I ask who that fine lady is on your sig? It sort of looks like Sarah Michelle Gellar but I can't tell cuz of the angle. CWSOX45

4 more wins and the Hawk goes hairless! CWSOX45

"and maybe thongs sure do look good with tampa coming up" That's what you said, I wasn't trying to show you up. It was obviously just a typo, don't get so defensive. CWSOX45

I agree, thongs in Tampa always look good! Sorry I couldn't help myself. CWSOX45

And the Hawkeroo will be hairless!! CWSOX45

Possibly because they have too many starting pitching prospects? They A's are loaded with Starting Pitching prospects. CWSOX45

I might have to go find Joe tomorrow and ask him. I hope Blanton doesn't get traded. He's a fun guy to watch in Kane County. CWSOX45

Shane Komine is only a couple years away. CWSOX45

Porzio's minor league numbers were solid. There was no point keeping him down there. CWSOX45

Remember the rumor was about a three team deal, it could be possible that Konerko and Rowand go elsewhere.... CWSOX45

and doesn't Toronto have the best offense in baseball? Why would they trade away their only weakness(pitching) for more offense? Are they reeling in the lose of Shannon Stewart? Riccardi has several real good pitching prospects in the minors. Toronto is still rebuilding within their organization to obtain better pitchers. There is no way Toronto even comes close to catchin the Yanks this year. CWSOX45

I'd only want Lidle if he is a free agent next year. Does anyone know Lidle's playoff record, I know he must have pitched with Oakland in the post-season. CWSOX45

I'm jumpin on the Porzio bandwagon!! CWSOX45

There is no way the O's would take Koch. He's a waste of cash and they're trying to re-build. We shouldn't give up any more prospects in trades this year. CWSOX45