Pants Rowland

QUOTE(knightni @ Feb 10, 2008 -> 01:08 AM) You don't look a day over 125! Wow, what a surprise! Thanks for the well wishes. I appreciate it.

QUOTE(Jimbo's Drinker @ Feb 11, 2008 -> 11:22 AM) I forget so much, i forgot to post my response. I found it here... http://www.soxtalk.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=62948

QUOTE(santo=dorf @ Feb 8, 2008 -> 06:49 PM) You make a public cry to have people PM you for a book to read. Either you're spamming or spewing your own propoganda. Which is it? If you don't care, why did you reply? I think by using a capital "B" he is hinting on the name of the books.

Crack

QUOTE(NCsoxfan @ Feb 8, 2008 -> 04:33 PM) What a stupid statement. Exactly how should he "practice his morals in private"? So he's not allowed to practice good moral behavior just because everyone else acts a different way? In a way you are saying, "Josh should act like everyone else, and he can be a Christian in private" How biased can YOU get? EVERYONE has beliefs and practices. Whether they manifest themselves in the form of a practiced faith is a separate question. If a player acts in a way that is in every way against Christianity, that is a belief system and behavioral pattern, even if its not an explicity religion. So why should Fields, just because he's a Christian, be forced to act just like the rest of the team? Again, it baffles me that people have such a high tolerance for jerks, but when a GOOD guy comes along, he gets ripped to shreads. Your last statement exhibits even more stupidity. How do you assume him being a Christian will act in division among the team? Even if it did, how would the blame be put on Josh? If that is the case, then it isn't his fault. All of your statements smell of someone who is intolerant of people practicing their own faith in a FREE country. Moreover, what is the big deal even if HE DID RUN A BIBLE STUDY? How is that any different than Buerhle starting a strip club night? Just b/c one is morally upright, it shouldnt be tolerated? Your lack of tolerance and deliberate stereotyping are prime examples of whats wrong in this world. Again, you pretty much think that people are allowed to practice behavior ONLY if it is within the consensus of everyone else. Thanks for your very intelligent and Christian response. You extrapolated a whole lot of information from my comment. Very impressive. First, let me clarify, I am all for Josh setting a good example as a human being who respects his teammates by practicing the golden rule. I probably did not do a good job phrasing things when I mentioned him practicing his morals in private. If he is a standup guy, it will show wherever he goes and that is to be commended. I do not idolize and tolerate jerks any more than christians, communists, fascists, atheists, or anything else that someone may or may not have a problem with. My concern was his statement: "I prayed about it and realized there is nowhere I could have more influence right now than in that clubhouse." I hope that means that he wants to set a good example by working hard, respecting himself and his teammates and having fun at the game of baseball. I am going to assume that is all he meant but there are some zealots (christian or not) who take things to extremes and try to impose their will on others. The culture around the Rockies clubhouse is a prime example where some players may be having the will of others imposed upon them. Banning Playboy is one thing, pressuring people to be christians is something else. I have also read of other instances where very religious players who were good people overall had a negative influence over the clubhouse. In particular there was a player in Japan I read about in You Gotta Have Wa whose spirituality really messed up the clubhouse. More recently, I believe Royce Clayton had a similar impact. It didn't help that he could not hit his weight, either. Anyway, just because someone calls themself a christian does not mean they follow the teachings of Jesus. So it is possible for a devout christian to be as disruptive to team chemistry as a jerky prima donna is to his team. As for my last "stupid" statement, I do not care if he conducts bible studies, seances, or santeria sacrifices and other players join him. Just as some players may not want Playboy or Hustler in the clubhouse, I do not think a bible study hour is all that appropriate either. At most, put a time and place on the bulletin board and let others attend at their own free will. You tell me I lack tolerance and deliberately stereotype people and say that is a prime example of what's wrong in this world. You further assume I only allow people to practice behavior if it is within the consensus of everyone else. I do not know you, but from reading only a few posts, I get the feeling there is some projection going on here. You fail to realize the clubhouse is a workplace. I love talking religion and politics and anything else controversial because it is a great way to learn and hopefully teach and create a better society. In many ways I find it to be our duty to posterity to continue to ask and answer questions on these controversial topics. However, there is a time and place for everything. Like I said, Josh can be a nice guy and set a good example for humanity and I am all for it. However, if he or any other player start using the clubhouse as a medium for preaching, that is where I draw the line.

QUOTE(Soxbadger @ Feb 6, 2008 -> 04:30 PM) Its actually Jaffa Bagels, I always confuse it with Haifa Cafe because that place gives out a million fliers. And Union Station also has a sandwich place that has some interesting things, but the drinks are pre-made and in ice so its kind of watered down. And Lou Mitchell's is good,its a nice place for breakfast. One of the best of the healthier lunchtime options in the loop. You gotta watch your sandwichista, though. They sometimes go light on the toppings you ask for, especially the mustard. The falafel is a nice side to get with the turkey. Definitely better than Haifa. Taza next to Perry's on Franklin is also nice for middle eastern food.

QUOTE(whitesoxfan101 @ Feb 7, 2008 -> 04:17 PM) AMEN!! Anybody who is bothered by what goes on in the locker room is IMO not a strong Christian, but rather a tempted one. If he were so strong in his religion, he'd laugh off the nonsense that goes on and realize how fortunate he is to have his faith. I don't find this to be that big a deal, but Fields was more tempted by the groupies than anything else, regardless of what he says, IMO. I have no problem with anybody have any religion and openly practicing it, but don't tell me that it almost caused you to quit your job. That's a classic case of talking out of both sides of your mouth, because anybody strong in a religion knows how to handle people who don't feel the same way. Any support for this statement? Just curious. I know how BA loved the major league honies but did not hear anything about Josh.

QUOTE(JoeCredeYes @ Feb 8, 2008 -> 09:46 AM) "God is Not Great How Religion Poisons Everything" by Christopher Hitchens....a book I think everyone should read Thanks. Any general background information or would you rather not bias people for/against reading it? I personally do not care what Josh's beliefs are or what religion he practices. I do get concerned about chemistry in the clubhouse, however. I worry when Josh talk about the good he can do or example he can set, or however he phrased it. I just hope he practices his morals and religion in private and performs on the field as necessary to help the team compete. The last thing I want to see is a divided team because someone starts running a bible study group in the massage room.

Had my first weigh in this AM after working out. Disappointed to see I am starting a little heavier than expected at 209, but c'est la vie. Good luck to all.

If you need to drive, a nice alternative is to park near the red line stop in China town and take the train one stop south. Even parking further north at Roosevelt or Jackson can get you some cheap parking and a quick inexpensive train ride. Also, if you have a friend in the neighborhood, thye typically can call their alderman and get an extra street permit that will work for all games.

QUOTE(WHarris1 @ Feb 5, 2008 -> 02:18 PM) It is called the food poisoning diet for those of you looking for quick results. A terrible week-long bout with strep throat last summer took me from 215 to 195. Total loss of energy and appetite and a raw throat led me to force myself nutrition via liquid primarily. It was a great result after a most miserable week. I shot back up to about 200-205 but with a little extra exercise thrown into my daily routines I have been holding steady at that for about 6 months now. Based on all the stats I have seen, at about 6' (with a large frame), my ideal weight is probably around 180 to 185. I would like to join the group tracking our goals. Thanks for the inspiration TexSox. BTW, if anyone is within 10 miles of their workplace, biking to work is a great, non-boring way to get in about an hour of exercise a day. Also saves money on transportation, cuts down on global warming, etc. In addition to eliminating certain sugar-laden drinks, drinking lots of water all day is very helpful for me. The other thing is always asking to substitute (soup, salad, fruit, vegetables, anything) for the large pile of fries or chips that frequently come with sandwiches at restaurants. A relaxing (i.e. not a "workout") long walk for 30 minutes or so at lunch time helps tremendously as well.

QUOTE(Vance Law @ Feb 1, 2008 -> 04:28 PM) It doesn't surprise me that there is a disparity, because this business of ranking baseball prospects is such a complete crapshoot. Take a look at past Baseball America lists and note what sort of success they have at predicting Major League success. My favorite is the #8 (#8!!!) prospect on the 1999 list. Who was it? I do not have access to BA. Nevermind. I was able to find it. I did not recall Pablo aging over the offseason.

QUOTE(Vance Law @ Jan 31, 2008 -> 10:41 PM) Baseball Prospectus has their own top 100 list that includes, DLS at 46, Gio at 56, Poreda at 87, and Chris Carter at 99. http://baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=7092 That is interesting that there is such a disparity in talent evaluation.

QUOTE(Wanne @ Jan 31, 2008 -> 05:42 PM) Poreda at #67. No. 22 still pisses me off. If it makes you feel any better, the only other product from the White Sox system was DLS (i.e. no sweeney, no cunningham, no carter, no gio). Maybe the Sox did not give up that much for Swisher after all.

QUOTE(max power @ Jan 30, 2008 -> 01:35 PM) Why is right really that much harder/more important to play than left? The need for a strong arm is magnified in RF to keep runners, especially those at 2nd and 3rd, honest. RF can control the running game of a lot of teams if his arm is strong. With third base right there, or the catcher already in position to make a tag, the arm of a LF is less of a factor. A strong arm is a bonus in CF, but typically covering a lot of ground is the bigger need in the middle of the outfield.

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Jan 29, 2008 -> 06:13 PM) Quite honestly...and I like the Swisher deal...I'd have given that and more for the best pitcher in baseball regardless of the price. Minny has not had the greatest teams the last few years, but they're always in contention, because every 5th day they get a very good start and usually a win. I agree with betting the farm for Santana. However, I think the success in Minnesota goes far deeper than just Johan. No doubt, he is one of the few stoppers in the league. However, their nasty bullpen, outstanding scouting/trades, excellent coaching staffs, and player development all factor significantly in their success over the past several years.

I am not a huge fan of Crisp, but I am wondering why so many people are quick to hand Quentin a starting position in LF if they want to win now. I do not think Crisp is the answer to any prayers, but a lineup with Quentin, Richar and Fields relies heavily on youth that is not 100% proven to perform. A veteran CF with solid defense and adequate ability to handle the bat does not sound terrible to me. I do not know if Crisp is the answer, but defensively it would be nice to see him in CF, Swisher in LF and Dye in RF. Maybe CQ is the fourth OF or maybe he starts the season at Charlotte to get to 100%. I think Fields can handle himself fine in his sophomore season and you can take a lot of pressure off of Richar by putting him and Crisp at 8th or 9th in the order, have Swisher lead off and OCab bat 2nd. Swisher is not the ideal leadoff hitter, but he gets on base and has some pop at the top of the order.

Does anyone think the White Sox will still make a run at Coco Crisp now that the Red Sox appear out of the Santana sweepstakes?

ESBM stills says... "Baseball officials involved in the Johan Santana trade talks say the Mets have the best offer on the table, as the Twins looked to honor the pitcher's request to resolve the situation. If Minnesota opts to trade the two-time Cy Young Award winner rather than keep him and he works out a new contract extension, Santana could fill the hole at the front of the Mets' rotation." The Red Sox also made offers, while the Yankees appeared to be out of the Santana talks altogether. But by mid-day Tuesday, Mets officials were hopeful they were the front-runners for the All-Star lefty, with an offer that included center fielder Carlos Gomez, pitcher Phil Humber and two other minor leaguers. It is not yet known whether the Mets have fashioned any offers around their best prospect, outfielder Fernando Martinez." I hope the USA Today piece is correct, however.

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Jan 29, 2008 -> 02:41 PM) Brandon Inge is a dreadful contact hitter and "emergency catcher" really means nothing seeing as how he's your starting 3B. He's also 31 years old and signed through 2010 so his representation is a non-issue. You could say: Clean bill of health with no real history of injury problems, signed for another 3 years to a reasonable contract and he's been a more consistent offensive player than Joe Crede over the past 4 years. Inge's representation may be a non-issue, but you can not say the same for Joe since his term is up by mid-October at the latest. Crede might be the better option if the Giants don't have enough chips to play with or if they are grooming a 3B who needs another 500 ABs at AAA before bringing him up.

QUOTE(knightni @ Jan 29, 2008 -> 02:17 PM) Health, contact hitting, emergency catcher ability, already signed to en extension, a non Bora$ client. Those all sound pretty compelling to me. If I am any team in need of a third baseman, I would sooner call the Tigers. He is wrapped up for 3 or 4 years at an average of roughly $6MM per season. Detroit will probably want either prospects or relief pitchers. I am not sure the Giants have enough of either to make it worthwhile to the Tigers, though.

A bit of an update. Apparently the deadline for offers was midday today. Supposedly all offers have been received. The Yankees do not appear engaged in the discussions but that is not confirmed. Per ESBM... "Some officials engaged in the talks strongly believed that Santana will land with the Mets. Early Tuesday, Mets executives are quietly hopeful that they could land the left-hander with a package of players, so long as the Twins backed off their insistence that shortstop Jose Reyes be included in the deal. The Mets have preferred to dangle young players, such as center fielder Carlos Gomez, pitcher Phil Humber and others."

Is there any reason not to think the Giants might prefer Brandon Inge over Crede?

Update on the housing market. Ugh! http://money.cnn.com/2008/01/29/news/econo...sion=2008012913

QUOTE(Gregory Pratt @ Jan 29, 2008 -> 12:07 PM) Would we all rather be Tiger Woods than, say, Dwight Eisenhower or Ronald Reagan? Woods, but only because those other two guys are dead. That would suck. Unless of course you believe in the Elysium Fields. Then I would rather be dead.