scenario

QUOTE (Reddy @ Oct 9, 2008 -> 07:30 AM) there's a reason it's around - it's because people can't let go of the past and it "looks good". it's been statistically proven to be useless. counterproductive even. It's a good example of where stats "lie". The research suggests that there isn't a positive correlation between bunts and runs scored. What it really means is that excessive bunting (bunting anytime anybody gets on) is not going to lead to more runs, and could in fact lead to less. It does NOT mean to avoid bunting in all situations. There are many situations where it does make sense... close games where you're trying to move runners into scoring position, etc. The "lie" or mistake in the analysis is the impression created that a generalized "rule" pulled from those stats applies equally to all situations. It does not.

Appears the Sox don't have any players in the Hawaiian League this year.

Arizona Fall League Opening Day 10/07/2008 AFL Rising Stars Game 10/27/2008 AFL Championship Game 11/22/2008 Hawaii Winter Baseball Opening Day 09/27/2008 HWB Championship Game 11/16/2008 Mexican Pacific League Opening Day 10/11/2008 Second half begins 11/21/2008 Dominican Winter League Opening Day 10/15/2008 DWL All Star Game 12/07/2008 Venezuelan Winter League Opening Day 10/14/2008 Puerto Rican League Opening Day 11/06/2008 Postseason begins 01/07/2008

QUOTE (Jenksy Cat @ Oct 8, 2008 -> 04:06 PM) It was essentially the same team + injuries + career lows for everyone. Nothing to do with the money. ^^^^^^^^^^^^ Yes.

Day game for the Saguaros today... In the top of the 9th, Sags lead Scottsdale 10-7. Beckham playing SS... 1-3, a single. He's been on base 3 times (due to an error and a walk). His walk came in the 8th with the bases loaded and 2-outs. Took a 3-2 pitch for ball four. Gartrell got a hit in the top of the inning to get the rally started. Poreda pitched an inning and struck out 2. A beautiful sunny 97 degrees at game time.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Oct 8, 2008 -> 11:53 AM) Dubler has a lot of potential, but he isn't anywhere near being ready for the majors in 2009. he struggled with rookie ball pitching for a while before figuring it out. He's at LEAST 2 or 3 years away. Yeah, I didn't want to give the impression that he is close to MLB yet... Just that he's an interesting catching prospect in our system.

I don't think the "Cubs as a wholesome family experience" really took hold until the Trib bought them and amped up the marketing of that message. I grew up in the burbs during the late 60's and 70's. Both parks were ghost-towns when the teams played poorly... and attendance at both parks was pretty similar. IMO, it was a combination of 1980's (and early 90's) factors that lead to the "Chicago is a Cub-town" myth... - Trib acquisition and marketing - WGNs growth as a superstation in the early years of cable-TV - the popularity of Harry and his move from south to north - Reinsdorf's failed attempt to control the Sox TV rights - the deterioration of Comiskey and the surrounding neighborhood - all of the issues related to getting a new ballpark... potentially moving to Florida etc. - rehabbing in the Wrigleyville area becoming chic - the Cubs dramatic growth in attendance during the 90's fueled by the steroid Sammy era - and others It added up to alienating alot of people toward the Sox while Cub-love became the "in-thing"... and the impact has affected almost an entire generation of sports fans in the Chicago area. But Sox success and Cub frustration could result in turning it around. The failure of the Cubs to win a World Series has shifted from being lovable to loathe-able. Boston and the WhiteSox got the monkies off their backs. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out over the next few years as fans patience with the "lovable losers" wanes now that they're alone at the bottom of the loser pile.

QUOTE (Milkman delivers @ Oct 8, 2008 -> 10:25 AM) I don't know that much about the minor leagues, except the most talked-about prospects. I don't think that makes me less of a fan of the Sox. I don't think that was his point. RR was just pointing out a way to get someone who was questioning JenksHeat's fandom to shut up.

Kevin Dubler

When I look at who we have down there... Armstrong at 25 years old, Gartrell at 24, Derek Rodriguez (25), Carlos Torres (turns 26 later this month)... I get the impression that the Sox are using the AFL to showcase all of these guys to other teams.

Story on the game... Armstrong, Saguaros edge Scorpions Bases-clearing double vaults Peoria past Scottsdale in opener Cole Armstrong hit a three-RBI double and Chad Huffman homered and scored twice as the visiting Peoria Saguaros bested the Scottsdale Scorpions, 9-3, on Tuesday night to wrap up Opening Day in the Arizona Fall League. White Sox catching prospect Armstrong cleared the bases with his two-bagger to right field in the four-run ninth inning. He went hitless in four at-bats out of the cleanup spot until the final frame. Armstrong hit .261 with 29 doubles, 48 RBIs and 39 runs in 99 games between the Triple-A Charlotte Knights and the Double-A Birmingham Barons in the regular season.

I'm going out to Phoenix on business at the end of October and hope to catch a few games out there. The problem is that it looks like most games are played during the day... and I'm going to have a hard time playing hooky from the conference I'm going to... But I'll find a way.

We may find out tonight. Today is opening day for the AFL. Ohhh... that's right, I forgot. You live close by. You going to the game Wanne?

QUOTE (Controlled Chaos @ Oct 7, 2008 -> 08:16 AM) I'm definitely in the keep Swisher fan club. Ditto.

Anybody else see the replay in Sunday's game against the Rays where Navarro was throwing to second on a steal with AJ at the plate... And AJ casually stuck his bat out to make the throw a little more difficult. LOL. I think his reputation as a 'jerk' among the players of other teams comes from alot of little stuff like that.

WinningUgly... Most of the regrets people have in life come from the things they didn't do... Go to the game.

QUOTE (Athomeboy_2000 @ Oct 4, 2008 -> 12:16 PM) I'm looking into getting a GPS for my car. I'd prefer sub $200. I am curious what you all have and if you like them. Plus, minuses... ect Get a Garmin nuvi 350. Top rated by both reviewers and customers. You can pick them up for $199 at RadioShack. Or at Amazon.com for $178. I've been researching them for awhile now and this is the one I'm going to buy. I found the reviews of different GPS systems on Amazon very helpful in the process of evaluating them.

QUOTE (Markbilliards @ Oct 3, 2008 -> 05:46 PM) My buddy in MN still claims that he used to hear frequently in the news about that AJ did not get along with the Twins when he was up there. I think he's revising history. I've never talked to anyone from Minneapolis (and I spend alot of time up there) who said AJ was a problem on his own team. Look at him on the Sox. Leopards don't change their spots. Has he been a cancer here? No. Was there some life changing event that caused him to take on a different personality all of a sudden? No. Bottom line... the 'AJ is a problem' stories are 10% truth - 90% hype. QUOTE (ptatc @ Oct 3, 2008 -> 03:17 PM) It did happen. I know the guy involved. It wasn't as blatant or mean spirited as portrayed by the rumors. However, I think that may make it worse, AJ thought it was funny. ptatc... Would you mind telling the story? I think it should be told in this thread and your insights about it would be greatly appreciated.

Here's an article from the SunTimes a year ago I kept bookmarked... Seven Sox Bars

From a minor league player perspective... I think the recent trade KW and fans are going to come to regret the most is trading Aaron Cunningham for Danny Richar. Cunningham is a really good ballplayer. I think he has all-star potential. 22 years old outfielder... blew through 2 levels (AA and AAA) in the A's system this year. Combined stat-line: .329/.400/.532. He got a September call-up and played in 22 games. Watch next year... I predict he will be a starter for Oakland and hit over .300 on the season... and he has good pop in his bat... 17 homeruns in the minors this year. And what did we get for him? One of the two guys we threw together for Griffey. Ouch.

For all the complaints about the Sox being a softball team that can't score runs without hitting homers... How does adding a guy with a .300 OBP (that can occasionally knock the ball out of the park if he connects) really help us? Isn't that just more of the same 'ol that everyone curses at the Sox for? We've got bangers. We need more people who can get on base in front of them... and people not prone to going into long early season slumps. If we had Young back here, I could just picture it... people would be piling on calling him an outfield version of Uribe. Adios Chris Young... and take your 'legend' with you.

QUOTE (Jordan4life @ Oct 2, 2008 -> 05:30 PM) scenario, you just love minor leaguers. lol. And that's good. Your who's posts I look for when I want info on our system. Thanks. I love the WhiteSox. I love minor league baseball. And I love to argue. I guess that pretty much defines me.

QUOTE (Jordan4life @ Oct 2, 2008 -> 06:13 PM) Scenario, that's the thing, I don't think every rookie that comes up has to dominate. But here's my question: when was the last time a WHITE SOX prospect came up and produced right away? I think I was in the 7th grade the last time that happened. I think you're setting your expectations pretty high. There are a few players each year who step up and perform great as first year players. Some of them come a team's farm system and some don't... (Quentin and Alexei) for example. Be thankful when it does happen, but don't expect it. It's MUCH more likely that players need a little time to adjust to the league before they become solid MLB players. If you go through and look at a list of MLB all-stars and HOF players, most required a period of adjustment. In fact many of them really struggled when they first came into the league.

QUOTE (Jordan4life @ Oct 2, 2008 -> 06:11 PM) I'm not saying Richard will never be a decent or even good pitcher ( I doubt it). But from the nearly 50 innings I've seen from him so far, he's possum s***. So... today against the team that won the AL East and was second in the major leagues in wins... in a playoff game... Was he possum s*** today?

QUOTE (Jordan4life @ Oct 2, 2008 -> 05:57 PM) He's garbage. A typical White Sox farmhand. Hey, if the 'typical WhiteSox farmhand' dominated at AA and AAA and got selected for the Olympic Team and the Futures Game, we'd all be very happy. Why is it that people think when a rookie player comes up that they either have to dominate everyone right away or they suck?