spiderman

QUOTE(WSoxMatt @ Mar 26, 2007 -> 07:40 PM) If you guys are so bummed for the season, just go to the Tigers board and start cheering for them...Season hasnt even started and half of you have given up already. This isnt the Delta I remember.... Not giving up, but predicting that the White Sox did take a step back this season. They will still be a good club, I just don't see enough to think they will win the division.

It's hard to be overly excited when our pitching staff is worse than it was last season. No, I'm not arguing we should have kept Garcia, but we are taking a step back in the #5 spot. We're also counting on Vazquez a bit more than last season. Our bullpen can be very good, and assuming Jenks is healthy, the backend of the bullpen should be fine. Saying that, the rest of the pen has potential, but at this point, I'm not calling it anything more that that. Offensively, we reverted back into a HR or nothing team last season. Pods needs to rebound for starters, but we also have to be able to rest Thome at least once a week to keep him from breaking down in the 2nd half. The offense will probably score runs in bunches - 10 one game, and then 10 for the next three games. I think the White Sox are a 2nd/3rd place team somewhere in the 88 range.

QUOTE(BearSox @ Mar 26, 2007 -> 06:25 PM) What the hell are some of you doing by blaming Ozzie? Hall needs his AB's. Hall has played 1B before and is capable there. Hall has never had an injury his whole career playing the most physically demanding position in all of baseball. This was a freak injury. Ozzie did not go out there, push Hall down, and rip his labrum. I bet Hall even volunteered to play 1B, to stay in the game and get some extra ab's. Was it the smartest move, probably not. If Hall went out there and re-did the play 10x, I bet this freak injury would only happen once out of those 10x. Yes, this is a big loss. My first option to replace him would be Javy Lopez, but he seems to be acting like a whiny-baby, claiming if he doesn't start, he will retire. You got cut from the freaking Rockies!!! Then after reading some of these posts, I got the horrible idea of bringing Sandy back... shudders. There could be a trade, but I doubt it. It just might be wikipedia... Man, I miss Chris Stewart right now. Lopez doesn't really interest me. If I recall, he's pretty horrible defensively. we may not be able to do much better so I wouldn't rule him out, but I would prefer a bit more of a defensive backup.

Not sure if it's been mentioned elsewhere in this thread, but I'll ask anyways. What backup catcher besides Sandy Alomar Jr. can we hopefully add before the start of the season, assuming that Toby Hall's season is done ?

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Mar 18, 2007 -> 06:26 PM) Just because hitters can't hit it doesn't mean he's throwing strikes though either. Regardless of who the 5th starter is, there's going to be inconsistency throughout the year, be it Haeger, Danks, or Floyd. And is we have a 5th starter who sucks, does that cost us the division if we need 95 wins ?

QUOTE(Flash Tizzle @ Mar 18, 2007 -> 06:15 PM) Trade bait? Maybe Cooper knows Williams is attempting to unload Haeger onto another ballclub. I sure hope this isn't true. Haegar might be the best choice for the 5th starter just because we can keep him out there for 7 innings a start without overworking the bullpen.

QUOTE(Flash Tizzle @ Mar 18, 2007 -> 05:47 PM) Danks and Floyd are now separated by .75 ERA. Looks like we have a competition again (sigh) Are we calling this a competition ? We don't have a 5th starter - just a bunch of young arms with good potential who probably aren't ready to pitch in the majors, much less for a team that's expected to win 95 games. It's early, and let's hold off on overreacting, but I'm not sure we have anything more than a revolving door in the 5th spot.

QUOTE(whitesoxfan101 @ Mar 16, 2007 -> 09:36 AM) I've been saying those things for 5 years, glad to see that people who get PAID to be scouts can see it now. He's a grinder though!!!!!

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Mar 14, 2007 -> 12:16 PM) Hagel is like the Republican's version of Lieberman...he bashes the Bush Administration constantly, especially on the Iraq war, but then has one of the most reliably pro-Bush voting records in the Senate. The only difference between him and Lieberman is that Lieberman on a few issues does actually vote with the Republicans, where Hagel simply doesn't Does Hagel vote with Bush on Iraq often ?

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Mar 14, 2007 -> 12:16 PM) Where have you not advocated bringing him back? No one wants him back immediately because he's mediocre. And if you aren't advocating that, then why are we even having this discussion? He would be a 4th OFer here, that's all I've ever said, and you've essentially agreed to that, have you not? And you're just arguing for technicality's sake? JFC, you aren't defensive when it comes to Rowand at all. Next, if you read closely, I said he'd be around league average, pretty much at his best. I don't know how else you would interpret "I guarantee Aaron Rowand is either below average or right around average offensively." I haven't done the math, but my instinct tells me he's below average offensively, and perhaps quite a bit below average. And I don't get what the f*** you're trying to prove with your last statement. Who suggested that? I think, ideally, he'd be a 4th OF, but I think with the uncertainity in LF/CF for the White Sox, I wouldn't be shocked if he became the regular CF as Anderson doesn't seem to be that high on their list, and I'm not sure what we're going to get from Erstad/Pods. Of the four outfielders, including Rowand if he is traded to the Sox, he would seem the most likely to me to become the regular CF unless Anderson really comes on.

QUOTE(Rex Kicka** @ Mar 13, 2007 -> 06:39 PM) Fox News Channel's first episode of 1/2 Hour News Hour: 1.5 Million Viewers Fox News Channel's third episode of 1/2 Hour News Hour: 802,000 Viewers What's their normal audience for a Sunday night ? I'm guessing that the 802K is more than a typical Sunday night. Anyone know how Hannity's America is doing ? I believe that is one at 8:00 PM CT Sunday night.

If we could get Aaron Rowand back without giving up a top prospect (meaning a Boone Logan), then I'm all for it. I don't consider Rowand to be a 140 game player as he is just an injury waiting to happen, but this OF needs help. Brian Anderson is in the dog house, Erstad may be a find, but he also has had injury issues, and Podsednik, for whatever reason, seems to be rushing back a bit early. While they do have enough bodies (Erstad, Anderson, Mackowiak (LF), Ozuna (LF), and Podsednik) to fill the two spots, and I'm not really sure Rowand is going to be better then anyone of them, I do realize we need to add somebody out there, and it's obvious the White Sox organization loves him. QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Mar 13, 2007 -> 03:42 PM) at best Scott Podsednik is a .380 OBP/.820 OPS/75 SB guy at 80%. I'd bet one of my toes he doesn't get anywhere near any of those numbers this year (except maybe the stolen base percentage, and that's if he only steals like 15 bases). I'd also put that same toe on the line and would bet that Aaron Rowand never puts up another .800 OPS season as a starting player again, let alone .300 20 60 XBHs .900. Rowand, at best right now, is a 4th OFer. If you are going strictly based off of numbers, you are incorrect in this. His game just doesn't allow him to be any more than that, and without an adjustment, he never will be able to do it again. I agree with you - Rowand, is probably, a 4th OF, but I'm not against acquiring him and playing the best matchups in CF/LF. I think, outside of Dye, we have an OF currently of backup OF's.

QUOTE(bulokis @ Mar 4, 2007 -> 11:18 PM) I agree with you FlaCWS. I dont like Vazquez and I dont think he will be better than what he showed last year. My biggest disappointment this offseason is still having Vaz with the Sox. As a #4 starter, I don't have much issue with him. Hopefully, he'll settle in this season and be a little more consistent.

QUOTE(TLAK @ Mar 4, 2007 -> 08:23 AM) Gavin Floyd's effort yesterday brings us to one appearance from each of the 5th starter candidates. Here's the numbers. While one appearance doesn't mean much, at least nobody's arm fell off and each one got some guys out. It'll take a couple weeks for these guys to sort themselves out, fun to watch. I think it's Gavin Floyds's job to lose. As long as he doesn't fall on his face, I think he opens up in that spot. I think Haegar has a great shot to get a bullpen role, and I think the Sox would like to see Denks get another season of minor league development.

The only thing missing is a Jay Mariotti column ripping Ozzie.... http://www.suntimes.com/sports/mariotti/28...T-jay04.article

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Mar 3, 2007 -> 11:34 AM) I'll make this as simple as I can; If Ozzie Guillen keeps his team together and keeps them winning ballgames this year, gets them to the playoffs, and so on; I couldn't care less which players he rips into. If that works, I'll take it. If Ozzie Guillen becomes a distraction that starts costing the White Sox chances at the playoffs, in repeated seasons, then there will be no more reason to tolerate these rants. How does last season fall into this ? Guillen was a distraction with some of his comments (the Mariotti fiasco stands out), and the team didn't make the playoffs ? Does it matter what part of the season his comments are made ?

If Minnestoa goes .500 this season, I'd give Gardenhire manager of the year. That team has not starting pitching outside of their ace.... I don't think the White Sox will win the division, but they are going to be in the race. To come up with 72 wins, they must be predicting injuries to Thome, and a few pitchers.

Thanks Buster for stating the obvious. Of course, the White Sox would be crazy to not move Buerhle should the White Sox not be in contention at mid-season, though, chances are, he'd probably be a big reason why they wouldn't be.

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Feb 25, 2007 -> 10:44 PM) Then we have them build windmills. Gigantic windmills. And no I'm not joking. Those places I believe receive more wind more regularly than anywhere else in the country. They can build windmills. Ggantic windmills. Right after they figure out how to create a fishing pole out of their underwear or make a spear out of 64,000 blades of grass. I'm sure buildindg windmills is about third or fourth on the list.

The total amount spent on Prisons in the United States was over $60 billion last year. The average cost to house a prisoner in the US is close to $23K per year. Nearly 2 million people are in prison at any given time and the system is overwhelmed because 2/3 of prisoners are sent back to prison again within three years. The current system is not a deterrent. It is simply a temporary barrier system to keep the offenders away from the general public temporarily. Here is the solution. The Aleutian Islands are a chain of 300 islands that extend over 1200 miles off the coast of Alaska. Several of the islands could be used by the Alaskan Government as a permanent exile for violent offenders or multiple repeat offenders across the country. Any state would be allowed to participate. They would simply have to pay an upfront $50K fee per prisoner and cover the costs of shipping the prisoner to Alaska. After that, their hands are washed from that individual forever. Alaska would take care of getting the prisoners to the islands in question. The prisoners would be left on the island to fend for themselves and live among other outcasts/animals of society. Few people live on these islands, so moving people to accomodate the prisoners would not be difficult. The islands offer all of the neccesities of life. Each prisoner would be provided with a backpack containing survival gear, meals ready to eat for two weeks, and two sets of weather proof winter clothing to keep them warm (one set they would be wearing). They would be required to participate in a two day class to teach them how to survive in the wilderness for the rest of their lives. It would be their choice whether to participate or not. The mass production of the equipment for the inmates could be kept low due to the large quantities ordered. Perhaps $500 per inmate. Costs to transport inmates to the island would be minimal if done in bulk visits via helicopter or ship. The total cost to Alaska per inmate would be about $2K, netting out $48K per inmate minus the minimal costs of keeping a couple ships on round the clock duty watching the island. For the 20,000 murderers and violent sexual predators each year, that would total a nearly $1 billion revenue to the state of Alaska each year. States could also choose to send "three strike" offenders to the island (a significant deterrent to most criminals, I would have to believe). The temperature ranges on the islands from 30-52 degrees year round and the military style clothing and gear provided (including a poncho) would keep the prisoners warm until they can build adequate shelter for themselves. It rains on the islands about 200 days per year, so fresh water would never be difficult to come by for the prisoners, not to mention the large quantities of lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams. The islands that have trees have coniferous trees and plenty of vegetation, including grasses, sedges, and flowering plants to eat and for insulation and bedding. The ocean waters are loaded with crabs, shellfish, and fish of all shapes and sizes and the prisoners would be required to fend for themselves to acquire food. The islands are also loaded with fresh water abundant with fish, as well. There are seals, sea lions, and otters to eat, also. The islands are foggy, windy, and rainy with oceanic storms frequent enough to prevent anyone from escaping the island (since they would most likely have to swim hundreds of miles to get off). The islands could be patrolled by a small number of vessels to prevent anyone from trying to rescue anyone off the islands. Natural selection would keep the population of the island under control. Deceased prisoners could simply be "put to sea" so nature can take its course, eliminating the need for burial or hospitalization costs. There would be no need for an death penalty anymore since they sheer numbers would on the island would probably take care of that on their own (hence, quieting those who say that the State does not have the right to kill a human being either). In this scenario, the prisoners are provided adequate gear to ensure protection from the elements, training and food to ensure survival from the perils of nature, adequate freedom to not be cooped up in a small cell and restricted from fresh air, given the right to create a new life for themselves away from the society they have proven they cannot live beside, and no longer be killed by their own State. The States that choose to participate would slash the costs of their prison systems for housing long term inmates freeing up money for schools, health care, or tax cuts; remove unsavory characters from society permanently; create a real deterrent to prevent violent offenses from occurring in the future; create safer societies for their law abiding populace while lessening the burden those societies have to house these offenders.

QUOTE(Texsox @ Feb 24, 2007 -> 11:35 PM) News is when things go wrong. A twelve car pile up on the Edens is more newsworthy than the hundred thousand cars that arrived successfully. Tonight on the CBS News, this man drove home without incident! This isn't news either. Check out a poll A large majority of people are against the war. Why should the army be any different ?

QUOTE(Texsox @ Feb 23, 2007 -> 06:34 AM) I wonder if one of these is Nuke!? Why is this a story ? Did anyone really think that all US Soldiers believe in the mission, especially the longer we are there ? Of course not. I hope that 60 minutes will have a story next week about 1,000 soldiers there who believe in the mission. I'll probably be waiting a long time for that story though.

Pitching has a chance to be very good with lots of potential in the bullpen, and a veteran starting rotation....saying that, I need to see to believe. White Sox will finish in 2nd place, 86 wins

QUOTE(NorthSideSox72 @ Feb 18, 2007 -> 05:31 PM) Wasn't reported? It was out there for me to find in multiple locations. Considering it was just a couple employees of a campaign staff, I'd say it was overreported for what it was. If that was McCain, Clinton or Guiliani, that would have been more widely reported. Sure you could find it if you if you're into politics, but it wasn't a top story. Maybe it shouldn't have been a top story, I'll agree, but when the race for '08 is beginning so early, I was surprised it wasn't more easily found.

QUOTE(Alpha Dog @ Feb 18, 2007 -> 01:03 PM) Have you read any of the stuff those two have written? I think you would have probably come to the same conclusion. Those two write for shock value, and seem shocked that it came back to bite them in the ass. The bloggers were scumbags, and it does goes back to what Edwards was thinking when he hired them, and then, at first, refused to fire them when this story came out. Not surprisingly, this story wasn't widely reported by mainstream media.