NorthSideSox72

QUOTE (kapkomet @ Feb 20, 2009 -> 01:57 PM) Yea... pretty much the people that drive, need to drive right now. This is the worst idea I have seen in a while, stimulus package included. I literally cannot see a single valid argument FOR it, over gas taxes or taxes at vehicle purchase. Can anyone think of one? ETA: The one argument I have heard is that as we get away (slowly) from gasoline, we'll lose those taxes. Well, duh, that is part of the idea. And if we were actually to get to where we were purchasing a lot less gas, everyone's cost of living would be lower for multiple reasons. If you need that revenue for roads, then use tolls or vehicle purchasing taxes or license fees or whatever.

QUOTE (CaliSoxFanViaSWside @ Feb 18, 2009 -> 06:36 PM) More from Cowley : Not only did Josh Fields have knee surgery in the fall, but told reporters that he also had LASIK surgery to improve his vision. Interesting to think about that LASIK part. He was noted to have a hard time catching up to fastballs. The assumption made, was that it was his swing, that he loaded his bat too much at the top of his swing, etc. That might be true, or, it could have been his eyes, or some of each. Should be interesting to see what happens.

QUOTE (kapkomet @ Feb 20, 2009 -> 01:49 PM) This is just f***ed up. Seriously f***ed up. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090220/ap_on_...cle_mileage_tax On so many levels. It actually disincentivizes fuel efficiency, puts a huge amount of government control over behavior, is biased to heavily effect rural areas where incomes are lower already, will invite all variety of fraud, effectively reduces the number of jobs people can realistically work at a time when jobs are scarce already... ugh. What an awful, awful idea.

QUOTE (lostfan @ Feb 20, 2009 -> 01:39 PM) I think he's pretty acutely aware of what's going on. That this thread is highly chaotic?

QUOTE (Jenks Heat @ Feb 20, 2009 -> 12:13 PM) Am I reading correctly that both Jim Thome and David Ortiz are not as valuable in your mind than Marcus Thames. Ortiz and Thome could play first if they had but they don't have to so they do not play there. If Carlos Delgado can play first so could Ortiz and Thome. Thome, not too many years ago, was actually considered a pretty good defensive 1B. I'm sure if he had to play there in a pinch, he'd find a way to not be completely awful. But with his back issues and not having played there more than a few games in recent years, I think that is a last ditch option only.

QUOTE (TheBigHurt @ Feb 20, 2009 -> 11:47 AM) This reminds me... who in the HELL is going to be our backup catcher??? One of (in order of my guessed probability): Chris Stewart (may be washed up though, spring will tell) Cole Armstrong (seems to have come into his own lately, but hits lefties poorly, bad match for AJ's backup) Corky Miller (great defense, no bat whatsoever) Donny Lucy (best choice if he was healthy, but, no telling how bad his knee injury was or where he is at now) Tyler Flowers (probably not ready yet)

QUOTE (lostfan @ Feb 20, 2009 -> 12:07 PM) Actually, if I remember the argument from the other thread correctly, he was mostly making fun of Balta. Does Balta count as a segment?

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Feb 20, 2009 -> 11:38 AM) John Edwards. Oh yeah. I forgot about him.

QUOTE (Athomeboy_2000 @ Feb 20, 2009 -> 11:37 AM) Well, Quinn has no authority. But the more public pressure you put on a person, the hard life becomes for that person. In a situation like this, the harder you push back, it becomes less and less likely you will be vindicated. That may not be entirely true. Seems like he has authority to call special elections, under certain circumstances. Also, since the governor's office has nominating authority, it would seem that in absence of contravening, specific law, it would also have the authority to recall them.

QUOTE (Athomeboy_2000 @ Feb 20, 2009 -> 11:20 AM) Breaking: Pat Quinn is asking Burris to resign. Link. This is getting into very messy territory now, in terms of who has what authority.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Feb 20, 2009 -> 11:30 AM) And there were plenty of Dems who were in favor of it, then against it when the times called for different public stances. A couple of them ran for President. Hillary Clinton, and, who? I know that Obama and Kucinich were consistently against it. I don't know about Dodd, Biden or Gravel. Richardson was a governor, and I don't remember what (if any) statements he made about it when it was being discussed.

QUOTE (The Critic @ Feb 20, 2009 -> 06:35 AM) Ehh, Cubs fans or not, that's a dick move and I disapprove. If the roles were reversed this place would have a collective aneurysm about it. And we've had that debate, complete with aneurysms, on SoxTalk before. The poster in question is SSI71.

QUOTE (southsideirish71 @ Feb 20, 2009 -> 09:45 AM) Hopefully people circled the date. The annual IT event of imposing a block on a certain fanbase's ability to purchase their tickets. Enjoy the fail. I remember having a "discussion" with you, years ago, about this "event". I believe the thread ended up in the buster, and your avatar for years after was a result of it. If this is what I think it is.

By the way, there is now a rising tide pushing for a 28th Amendment to the US Constitution, mandating special elections to fill vacant Senate seats.

QUOTE (bmags @ Feb 20, 2009 -> 01:44 AM) Thank God! Now for a real senator from Illinois. Maybe. I am not sure that Quinn will find the right replacement. Or, if there is a special election, I am not sure the candidates for that office will be very good. Maybe, maybe not. Probably better than Burris though.

QUOTE (Kalapse @ Feb 19, 2009 -> 06:03 PM) Screw the last 18 AL Champs, here's going back to the DH's inception: 1989: Dave Parker, 38 1988: Don Baylor, 39 1987: Roy Smalley, 34 1986: Don Baylor, 37 1985: Hal McRae, 39 1984: Darrell Evans, 37 1983: Ken Singleton, 36 1982: Roy Howell, 28 1981: Oscar Gamble, 31 1980: Hal McRae, 34 1979: Lee May, 36 1978: Cliff Johnson, 30 SLOW! 1977: Carlos May, 29 SLOW! 1976: Carlos May, 28 SLOW! 1975: Cecil Cooper, 25 SLOW! 1974: Jesus ALou, 32 1973: Deron Johnson, 34 There is a grand total of 11 stolen bases in there and absolutely NO versatility. This philosophy of using the DH as a means to get your team full of 5 tool superstars ample rest or plugging a versatile slappy bantam speedster in there will revolutionize the game if it ever takes hold (the day Dusty Baker guns down Bill James) because since 1973 not a single team has used it for that purpose and won the AL pennant. I guess until that day the Thome's and Thomas' of the world can keep playing and not have to retire at age 33. Well, just to point out the black swan here... Roy Smalley actually played quite a few positions. I fully agree with your point, BTW. Just thought that one exception was interesting.

I think this argument about the GOP'ers looking for the money being hypocritical is not realistic. They fought against the bill, for some good reasons and some stupid ones, and using some stupid tactics. But, once the money is set for the exits, they HAVE to get as much as they can, or they aren't doing their jobs. There is plenty to be disappointed in, when looking at Congressional Republican behavior over this bill. But on this, they are doing the only thing they can, and they should.

QUOTE (GREEDY @ Feb 19, 2009 -> 03:55 PM) Not sure what steroids have to do with my speculation that Thome would have taken a few weeks off in '08 if it hadn't been for his option... but I'll bite Just because Jim is a tad on the round side, doesn't mean he didn't use PEDs. I don't like how certain big guys get a pass just because they aren't ripped. Nice guys take shortcuts too. I don't believe Jeter, I think EVERYONE used substances that are now illegal. And I think they are using stuff now that will be illegal in the future. I really don't want to turn this into a juice discussion but I have read articles by two different sports writers that have hall votes stating that they won't vote for McGwire specifically because he has admitted to using Andro.... which amazingly was available over the counter at f***ING WALMART during the years he stated he used it. Despite the constant talk about PEDs in the media I can't believe how ignorant most when it comes to the subject, from message board posters to people with hall of fame votes. Also, not sure what the shift has to do with my prediction, but again, you got me NO PLAYER that faces the shift and refuses to at least attempt at changing his approach to take advantage are not "pure class" in my book, at least from a baseball standpoint. I'll admit it appears I am wrong on this one, as none of the lefty sluggers that managers shift against appear to try and combat it. While I was a D1 athlete (I didn't play a real sport, I was trying to be the best at exercising) I wasn't a baseball player, so I would buy a decent argument that proves that "messing with your swing" is a big mistake; but I see guys try and go "the other way" all the time, or an announcer will say "there is a big gap in RF"... wouldn't that involve changing an approach? Does a bunt attempt mess with your swing? Hope that made sense... couldn't really convey it well. Finally, my prediction isn't a big one, I just think that there was no way that a little soreness or fatigue was going to keep Thome from vesting his option in '08. Just watch, Jim will take a few weeks off for a sore back or other non direct injury in '09 and he will end up with around 50 less at bats than in '08. If you watched Jim hit last year, you would see that he indeed did start working against that shift. And was sometimes successful. Also, you think that "EVERYONE" used substances that are now illegal? Everyone? I don't think there is anything that "EVERYONE" in baseball does, other than basic bodliy functions. There are some that have done these things, and some that haven't. No one knows for sure what % of course.

QUOTE (ChiSox_Sonix @ Feb 19, 2009 -> 03:33 PM) http://www.paherald.sk.ca/index.cfm?sid=76887&sc=4 Palin said: That leaves open for 'other than bear' conflicts. And that may be the case with bears as you say, but a well-aimed shot from a .44-cal could also scare the bear or wound it enough where it'd rather not bother attacking any further. I acknowledge the odds are miniscule that such a situation would ever arise but if I was somewhere like that and I was up there to do non-hunting activities, I'd feel safer in bear country with a gun on me than without one, which isnt to say that I would actually bring one with me. I think she was more pointing out that as one reason why they should be allowed the right to carry concealed weapons, not as a necessity. I don't know how the law in Alaska works but I know in NY that if you have a carry permit you are required to conceal the gun if you are carrying it. I guess I just disagree that it was an ignorant statement on her part. I actually wasn't aware of that 2005 possible attack. Best list I could find (wiki) shows that 2005 attack was probably the only time a wolf in the wild has killed anyone in the US or Canada since the countries existed. Interesting trivia though - 1 is different than zero. Although even in that case, it sounds like it was far from conclusive, and may not have even been the case. But on the main point I was making, I'll stick to it. If you can't use an effective weapon as noted earlier, you are better off following all the other non-weapon methods of defense against Grizzlies. You can find those all over the web I am sure. By using a weapon that is likely to just wound, you are making things worse for yourself, and possibly provoking an attack that would not have occurred at all. I am all for regular gun laws extending to parks. But as a defensive weapon against animals, it makes no real sense. The only good reason I know of to carry a gun, is for other humans.

QUOTE (bmags @ Feb 19, 2009 -> 03:16 PM) holy s*** northside is jack london No, but I am a big fan of his writing. And Aldo Leopold, and John Muir, and Sigurd Olsen...

QUOTE (southsidehawkeye @ Feb 19, 2009 -> 02:59 PM) This is the main reason that I am really pulling for Viciedo to make a good transition to the MLB. If he could show that he is ready to step up if needed this year, that will really ease my worries about Thome and to a lesser extent Dye and Konerko's health this year. With Viciedo ready to step up and play DH, 3B, or according to Ozzie maybe even LF I would feel a lot better about this team. As it is right now I worry that one or two injuries (which every team runs into every year) could spell the end of our contention. Thome is a free agent after this year. I feel pretty confident that at least one of Brandon Allen or Dayan Viciedo are going to be ready to fill a slugger spot, if not maybe both, for 2010. You also have David Cook, maybe (unless he signed elsewhere), who I think has a notable shot at putting up big offensive numbers. Flowers too. There are a number of future sluggers who will be in the AA and AAA levels by the end of 2009, for filling 2010 holes.

QUOTE (Texsox @ Feb 19, 2009 -> 03:08 PM) Gee, I hate to disagree, but a .44 mag and a coupled decent, reasonably placed shots, could do wonders. The best likelihood would be to have the bear flee, unless you really nail a great shot, which is unlikely in this situation. We will agree that there are plenty more useful ways to avoid the situation, bear bagging food, making noise, being aware of your surroundings, but I will not totally discount the use of a high caliber handgun. Go find any book or reasonably expert person regarding defense against Grizzlies, and see what they say about handguns. They are useless in that purpose, and may actually make things worse. You want to defend yourself in Grizz country, you do what I do - shotguns (12 gauge or bigger) with alternating slugs and 00 buckshot, and/or OC spray.

QUOTE (ChiSox_Sonix @ Feb 19, 2009 -> 02:58 PM) I do not like Palin, and generally agree that she is not very intelligent, but I dont think this is an issue at all. My father owns a cabin in the Adirondacks next to a stream where he can go trout fishing etc...He just recently acquired a carry/conceal permit. He did it b/c when he goes up there he is in the middle of nowhere with sketchy cell service. There's always the possibility he could run into a black bear, coyote, fox, etc...He carries a .44 Glock and mace. This is in case he were to encounter a bear or whatever and needed protection. A bear's skull is extremely hard and a shot to the head probably wouldnt even kill it. However, it may be enough to scare it off or if you shot it in the right place (heart, eye, neck) it could even mortally wound it. Basically, carrying a concealed weapon in national parks isnt about killing/hunting animals. it is about personal protection. And yes, you very well may be attacked by something smaller than a bear in Alaska (wolves) and worry about it. Or even a rabid animal (if rabies is even a problem up there). Basically what I'm saying is IMO you are knocking her for supporting what I feel is actually a fairly sensical (sp?) rule if you think about it a little more closely. This isnt a case of her being stupid. As I mentioned, the rule isn't stupid. I specifically stated that the rule itself isn't what I took issue with. Palin's statement is what I took issue with - a governor spouting on about something she obviously doesn't comprehend. First... "you could run into a black bear, coyote, fox, etc." and "wolves"... Not once in the history of this continent has a coyote, wolf or fox ever killed a human being. Not once. Any fear associated with them is entirely old wives tales. Second, I was specifically talking about Grizzly (same works for Polar) Bears, which was her example, and a handgun is a lot more likely to piss it off than scare it off. I've spent a lot of time in the woods, I'm fairly well versed in these issues. There ARE predatory animals that a handgun might work on if necessary, and that have also on occasion attacked humans - mountain lion and black bear are about it, and even with black bear, its iffy if a man-stopper is going to work. Might or might not. And again, in both those very rare cases, a shotgun or rifle is much more useful. I actually agree with the law, as it pertains to allowing guns generally in the parks. I am not quite so sure about the concealed part, which provides no defensive value to speak of, but I could see a general 2A argument working for it. So I could be talked into it. But Palin trying to say that people need to carry concealed pistols because of Grizzlies is just ignorant, which was my main point.

Palin talking gibberish again. She apparently wrote a request to Obama, to keep on the books a last minute law that Bush signed, allowing for people to carry concealed weapons in national parks (as long as the follow existing state regs in effect). Now, putting aside the issue itself (where some good arguments could be made either way), let's look at a quote from Palin: Please stop talking about things you clearly know nothing about. We are talking about CONCEALED weapons (unless the article is wrong). That means pistols. A handgun against a Grizzly you'd encounter in Alaska is worthless, you might as well use a tennis racket. And anything smaller than a Grizz or Polar Bear, you aren't going to get attacked by anyway. The only gun that is any real use against a Grizzly or Polar Bear, is either a large bore shotgun, or a serious high powered rifle. I am sooooooo glad she wasn't elected to high national office. She really is the female equivalent of W. CAVEAT: The article states this is about concealed weapons, but at other times, talks about loaded weapons generally. If this is referring to guns in general, its a very different story, and nevermind.

QUOTE (Greg Hibbard @ Feb 19, 2009 -> 11:29 AM) He might be a smart baserunner, but IIRC he got sent a lot of times and was out at the plate. Maybe that's on the third base coach, but many times it wasn't even close. Also, Thome has an expected injury factor that limits the number of games we can use him in. Based on his history and makeup, him playing 150+ games in 2009 would be miraculous. I don't disagree on his injury situation, at all. I've predicted myself in that "BOLD" thread that he'll miss games and fall back. I was specifically addressing baserunning, where I think he's not nearly as bad as he's made out to be. Now Konerko, for example, there is your slowest guy. He may be the slowest position player in all of baseball.