Dick Allen

I don't know if this has been posted anywhere but Threets is at USCF and was an option to take Jenks spot. I would imagine if he looks like he can get anyone out at all the Randy Williams era could be coming to a close when Jenks gets back.

QUOTE (thxfrthmmrs @ Jun 27, 2010 -> 06:58 AM) well 2 weeks ago, no one on the face of the earth would have imagined the sox going on a streak like this, base on their team on paper, it's a pretty bad offensive team and we were pretty much out of it. That's why some of members on this board wanted to the expiring contracts to be traded away. I think it's normal to have that notion. If you are bashing people for being impatient and jumping on those decisions, did you envisioned a run like this? If not, I believe we would still be on those topics. Also, when do you think the sox should make an acquisition for an offensive upgrade? Have you watch the games lately? You will see that the Sox were actually outhit in a lot of the games and somehow came up on top. They were getting 4-6 hits for the game and that will not cut it against the offensively oriented AL teams, and you can't expect the pitching to hold a 2.00 ERA on a nightly basis. Lets be realistic here, if the sox do not make an acquisition soon for a power bat, they will get hammered when they play the Rangers and the Angels next week. Keep in mind that the Sox aren't the only team in need of a bat like LaRoche or Berkman, other teams do too. If we wait for too long, chances are, they could be gone by then. There's no question the Sox still need offense. After today, they are done with the NL until the WS. In this 15 out of 16 streak, they have won 6 games scoring 3 runs or less, almost the entire total of similar wins last season and this season up to that point. Moving forward, they still need to score more. The pitching staff is strong, but they aren't going to keep teams to 2 runs a game the rest of the season.

The White Sox have shown they aren't as bad as they were the first 2 1/2 months of the season, but KW has to be realistic, they aren't as good as they are playing right now. Face it, 15 out of 16 doesn't happen very often. This is the team's longest winning streak in 49 years. There's going to be some regression. Like what was posted above, odds are Rios and Konerko are going to slow down a bit. Beckham and Quentin will hopefully pick it up, but is that enough? I personally think the sooner the White Sox realize they need another bat, the better. Either that or give Viciedo a shot at DHing and playing 3B when Vizquel needs to rest. Lets end the Kotsay DHing experiment. Let him play once a week. I understand how some still love the rotating DH, but if you look at ithe numbers all the players have put up while being the DH, you would see it really hasn't worked.

QUOTE (Steve9347 @ Jun 25, 2010 -> 08:13 PM) If they could, they already would have. The only thing I think is possible is to pick up 2 or 3 guys added together making similar money to fill out some roster spots. If the Bulls get 2 max guys with LeBron being one, they aren't going to need much else.

QUOTE (Quinarvy @ Jun 25, 2010 -> 05:57 PM) The perfect type of 6th man is Kirk (defense, good combo guard) or Ben (instant offense)...definitely not Deng. In fact, it seems like Gibson will become the 6th man for defensive purposes. Plus, for his contract it's not a "it'd be nice if he didn't make so much money" as it is a "For that contract, he has to play or be traded" and when trading him clears up room for a Ray Allen type shooter, you do it. For what its worth, my gut tells me Deng will be in Sacramento for a future pick. I really wonder if the Bulls can give Deng away. Personally, I'm higher on the guy than most here, and there always has been talk about him playing a little 2 guard. Maybe it happens. If the Bulls do sign James and Bosh, there aren't going to be a whole lot of minutes for everyone else

QUOTE (whitesoxfan101 @ Jun 24, 2010 -> 01:55 AM) Yeah, Q's RBI total and pace shows just how overrated (if not meaningless, although I wouldn't go that far) RBI's really are. With runners on base, his numbers are very similar to the numbers he put up in 2008. I don't know how driving in runs is overrated. Obviously Quentin has had a tough year, but he's made the most out of lack of production. There are many ways to hit .227. We all would like it to be much higher for Carlos, but his .227 is a lot better than most.

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Jun 23, 2010 -> 07:42 PM) It was also under his watch that they failed to get qualifying offers out on time to several players, which cost them a few more million against the cap. In the end, he was fired because they wanted the Bowmans in, since frankly they are better at the job. Ironically, Stan Bowman was supposedly the guy who was responsible for missing the deadline, and I laugh at everyone blaming Tallon for the money woes. Didn't he have someone above him? I don't see anyone complaining about Hossa or his theft of Sharp or signing Niemi. Certainly he just didn't dole out a contract without someone's approval. Scotty Bowman is obviously a HOFer, but it has always angered me McDonough tried to make Tallon look almost like a buffoon. All I know is Tallon assembled a Stanley Cup winner. Not a lot of GMs can say that. Not a lot of fired GMs can say that the same year they were canned.

QUOTE (MurcieOne @ Jun 23, 2010 -> 06:11 PM) The predicament we're in now is why Dale Tallon was fired. Too many good players and a Stanley Cup? Sorry, I'll take winning and cap problems over having cap space and going home losing any day of the week. Sure he may have overpaid for Huet, but Huet will be in Rockford, that isn't what is causing the problem. He overpaid for Campbell, but Campell helped them win. If they were to be a great team, they were going to have cap problems eventually no matter how you slice it. I think Tallon was fired because McDonough didn't want to go unnoticed, personally.

QUOTE (pittshoganerkoff @ Jun 22, 2010 -> 06:15 AM) I think Juan Pierre could hit .750 with a bunch of RBIs and a ton of stolen bases, and there would still be tons of hate towards him. The guy had a very poor start but has turned it around over the last month+. He's getting on base more, and is usually stealing when he does. He will not have many RBIs, will probably not hit a HR, but that's okay. His defense has been much better than average in LF as well. That being said, he's not going anywhere, and there's no way he becomes a bench player. If the Sox acquire a lefty power hitter who is an outfielder, I don't see Juan losing much playing time. He's doing what he's supposed to be doing as a lead-off guy. I'd like to see his BA up more, and I think it'll happen. We can complain all day about the trade to acquire him or what he gets paid, but it doesn't change anything. I'm really not a Pierre basher, but your info is incorrect. Juan Pierre has a .315 OBP. The last 28 days his OBP is .314 with a .213 BA. He hasn't turned it around. He had a hot streak, then a cold one. He hasn't been good this year. A leadoff hitter has to do better than he's doing.

QUOTE (Thunderbolt @ Jun 20, 2010 -> 09:58 AM) Let's take this series. This division is rapidly becoming within our grasp. The series is already taken. A sweep is what the Sox need. Have you changed your stance regarding the recent winning streak?

I loved reading Cowley's article where JR debunks all of his stories. " A source told the Sun-Times" he uses a lot when JR says a report isn't true. Its the same Cowley who hoped Soxnet would get new sources for Christmas. Funny how that works out. Joe also failed to mention his "exclusive" report that JR banned KW from roadtrips this year, was also deemed false by JR.

QUOTE (fathom @ Jun 19, 2010 -> 05:12 PM) And Mike Mordecai, he of the amazing at bat against Kyle Fansworth in Game 6. Has there ever been a bigger sight for sore eyes more than seeing the opposition send Kyle Farnsworth to the mound in a crucial situation the past 7 or 8 years?

The offense today is pudrid, but that should be no surprise given the line up. At least Peavy has come up huge and is starting to get on a roll.

QUOTE (southsideirish71 @ Jun 19, 2010 -> 05:04 PM) It would be nice to have a normal american league offense instead of having to hope that our pitchers outpitch the 2005 Sox. Even on this little run, we have had to pitch our asses off to get some wins. Even if you could pick anybody in the world to be the White Sox hitting coach, how many runs would you realistically expect the line up Ozzie threw out there today to score?

Maybe Viciedo is sick or something, but if he isn't it makes zero sense to have him on the roster if you have to so carefully pick his spots. I hope Stone blasts into Ozzie like he did Lou, 21 year olds need to play. That said, the defense has helped the Sox win. But if Konerko isn't playing then why not Viciedo at 1B? If he is so unprepared to play,again assuming he isn't sick or something, he needs to go back to Charlotte today.

QUOTE (Rex Hudler @ May 22, 2010 -> 10:52 AM) I'm heading up to Chicago for the first time in 6 years or so for July 4th weekend. We'll get in Thursday morning and leave on Sunday the 4th. I need some suggestions on things to do. Time will be somewhat limited. We'll have all day Thursday, but are going to Cubs-Reds games (yes I know its a Sox board, but the Sox weren't in town!) My questions are: 1. Tell me about Taste of Chicago. Is it worth spending time there? Worth catching after one of the afternoon games? What kind of entertainment will there be? 2. Does anyone know of any other events going on that weekend? Has anyone ever done any of the boat tours? There is an architecture tour and a skyline tour? Any input? Are there dinner cruises at night? 3. Will there be a big fireworks show downtown on Saturday the 3rd or will we miss out having to fly back on the 4th? 4. Suggestions for places to eat? We'll be doing pizza one night for sure. Mostly likely Giordano's or Lou Malnati's. We like dive type places, but wouldn't mind a nice dinner one night either. Definitely not looking for chain or corporate places. Want something unique to Chicago. We're staying at the Sutton Place Hotel which is a few blocks north of the Hancock Tower and west of Oak St. Beach. Is Oak St. Beach going to be packed that weekend. I figured on walking to it at least one morning, but not staying long. Thoughts? Any input on the above or any other ideas would be greatly appreciated. We're using public transportation and time would be limited, so unless something would just blow us away, it needs to be pretty convenient to downtown. Thanks! 1. I hate Taste of Chicago. Too crowded and its actually cheaper to go to the restaurant and be served. 2. Check out the seadog on Navy Pier. They do an architectural tour with a speed boat ride which is really nice if its hot. It will cool you off instantly. They also have coupons on line sometimes for a discount. 3. There will be fireworks at Navy Pier on July 4th. The 3rd used to be the big one, but has been a victim of the budget. You will miss them. 4. Frontera Grill if you like Mexican. Margueritas are awesome. Its Rick Bayless's place, and has won a lot of awards including best restaurant in the US a couple of years ago.It will be crowded but its my favorite restaurant in the world, also is reasonably priced and casual attire. Sutton Place Hotel is across the street from Gibson's and across the street from Tavern on Rush right in the Viagra Triangle. Good people watching and the Original Pancake House which is right next to Tavern on Rush and across the street from your hotel serves up a nice breakfast. Oak St. beach will be packed, but in the morning it should be OK.

QUOTE (The Beast @ Jun 18, 2010 -> 02:36 AM) He is not the "revolution" that will save this team, but he might be a pleasant surprise at 1B/DH. You can't really put him at 3B, he's had some rough times over there (15 errors in AA as a 3B). I have no faith in the White Sox farm system. As far as I'm concerned, it isn't up to par with other teams in the league, and I will be surprised if he does something extraordinary. Welcome to the bigs Dayan Viciedo, your table is ready. (Don't follow your counterparts and be told to swing, swing, swing.) White Sox baseball, deal with it. Just kidding, if this kid can bring some pop with his bat then I'm all for him, and I'll awaken again once someone else is DFA'd. From what I read this morning, he's going to be seeing time at 3B.

Hawk basically admitted it last night, the injury to Teahen was a blessing. I wasn't big on Omar Vizquel, but if his playing 3B has this effect on the pitching, you had to figure it would have some effect but not this large, then play him as much as a 43 year old can play.

I think Iwamura and Nix both suck. People get mad at KW for getting ex Royals, now some guy the Pirates will pay off to play somewhere else becomes wanted. If either gets extended playing time, it means the team is terrible. Who cares about them?

Ahhmmm. Peavy has a shoulder. He'll be fine.

QUOTE (fathom @ Jun 15, 2010 -> 08:29 PM) Wow, where did you hear that Beckham stuff? The Hawkeroo was talking about it a few weeks ago.

QUOTE (fathom @ Jun 15, 2010 -> 06:54 PM) I want a new hitting coach to see if we can salvage the career of Quentin, and also prevent Beckham from becoming another Sox bust. I think you're being a little dramatic. Who was the hitting coach when Quentin had the success everyone now expects him to have yearly? Who was the hitting coach when Beckham had success last year and led many, me included, to believe he would be a White Sox all time great? Unless you can guarantee the offense will be better without Walker, its at best a lateral move. In their last 31 games they are hitting .271 as a team and that is without these 2 doing anything. The Beckham problems surfaced supposedly because he decided on his own to focus on hitting breaking balls better and it has screwed him up with fastballs, and he still is having problems with offspeed stuff.

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Jun 15, 2010 -> 06:03 PM) Agreed. Regardless of what he preaches (and I think he's a good hitting coach), the results haven't been there and no matter how good you are, eventually you need results. Since it is easier to switch coaches than players, the coach should have gone a long-time ago. So you're saying they should be more like the Cubs. In the past year, they fired Gerald Perry, then Von Joshua, now have a guru Rudy Jaramillo as the hitting coach and what has changed? If the White Sox don't change players a new hitting coach is going to hated on this board pretty quickly.

I would suspect if this is totally true, JR would not let KW fire Ozzie until all avenues of reconciliation were attempted and they failed. He'll be very deliberate and maybe will never let KW fire Ozzie or may reluctantly let him if he figures they cannot work together. I wonder if KW is hoping Ozzie says something so crazy, something most of us feel will eventually lead to Ozzie's demise, so he has to fire him. I still think my theory that Ozzie's voice became heard a lot more by the 2009 failure even with adding significant payroll during the season, may be valid. I know for a fact JR was pissed off at the end of last season with the team's performance. Maybe he started listening to Ozzie more and more. The quote JR had this past winter when he said about Ozzie, "he should get the team he wants", makes me think he was willing to try Ozzie's way at least this season. Barry Rozner had a column the other day saying it was time JR stepped in and likened Ozzie to a seven year old brat who will do whatever he pleases because he knows he'll never be held accountable. Both these guys have huge egos and both really believe they are the reason there is a WS trophy at USCF.

QUOTE (GreatScott82 @ Jun 13, 2010 -> 10:40 PM) another thing, last year we got Rios for nothing. A similar situation can occur with Fielder if we eat up the rest of the contract. So instead of Hudson and Danks with them eating some of the contract, it would be just Hudson with us taking ALL of it. Not a chance.