Dick Allen

ARod is batting 8th today. If the Yankees lose, could this be the end of his stay in the Bronx? I really think moving him down like this is showing him up. Its not like all the others are pounding the ball.

QUOTE(Jordan4life_2006 @ Oct 6, 2006 -> 09:52 PM) Really, really easy to say that right now. Props to KR, though. Didn't the Tigers make a run at Vazquez? I think Zumaya was part of the package, and Rogers most likely wouldn't have been there. I do know KW tried to sign Rogers a couple of years ago but really lowballed him so I don't think he would have come to the Sox. I think this series and of course the result of 2005 shows that pitching is so much more important than having all stars at ever other position. I hope KW spends every resource he has this offseason on the pitching staff.

Kenny Rogers has come up huge. A great pick-up for Detroit last off season. Too bad they didn't trade for Vazquez instead, and KW signed Rogers.

I saw where Oakland offered Thomas between $6 and 8 million total on a 2 year contract. Considering that's about what or even a little less than what Thome will get paid by next year's all star break, I think we are going to hear some contract moaning on the west coast soon.

That was quick. I still think the Twins would be the team you would least like to see if Liriano was full strength. With him and Santana pitching at least 3 of the 5 games, it would be very difficult. One thing the Twins did accomplish even though their season is pretty much over, is they kept extra playoff revenue out of JR's hands. If the Sox got in the playoffs and played for a while, they could have been a pretty nice chunk of change. QUOTE(Jordan4life_2006 @ Oct 6, 2006 -> 05:40 PM) LMAO@intentionally walking Frank with 2 outs and nobody on. That, my friends, is fear. 5-2 A's now. He can't score on a double or they lift him for a pinch runner and you get him out of the game. Its a very solid move. Its too late for Gardy though.

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Oct 4, 2006 -> 06:45 PM) Well the Angels do have one of the best defensive SS in the game starting for the right now, even if Figgins was excellent defensively at short he wouldn't be starting over Orlando Cabrera. The Angels spent a lot of cash bringing Cabrera to Anaheim. If they thought Figgins could play short, they would have spent that money on something else. I know Uribe is usually frustrating to watch hit. But he was 8th or 9th in RBI by a SS in MLB this year, and only 2 or 3 SS hit more homers. I would take my chances with him defensively over most. The last 2 plays he made in the WS last year were incredible. Omar Vizquel couldn't have thrown Palmiero out, his arm isn't strong enough. For my money, unless the Sox were to bring in Tejada or ARod to play SS, or TB insisted on Uribe as a part of a package for Crawford, and the Sox were going to sign Gonzalez, the Sox are much better off leaving Uribe at SS. Experimenting with someone as a SS is only going to make your pitching staff worse. We saw this season, White Sox pitchers need all the help they can get. They also have a hard time pitching over defensive miscues.

The fact of the matter is if Figgins was considered a guy who could play a great SS, he would have been playing there by now.

QUOTE(BobDylan @ Oct 3, 2006 -> 09:53 PM) Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man. Mine, and millions of others.

QUOTE(Kid Gleason @ Oct 3, 2006 -> 07:01 PM) Thank you Mr. Allen. Everybody I know of personally atleast likes Rush. As for Dylan. I can't name one person I know of who owns anything by or even likes him. I am probably responsible for the comparision of Dylan and Rush by taking a jab at the poster Bob Dylan after he popped off that Rush sucked. I'm not a fan of Dylan the musician. I just could never really get into his stuff. Music isn't like sports though. Just because you don't like a particular style of music doesn't mean it sucks, and I took offense to his summarily dismissing Rush's 30+ year career as sucks, even going so far as to state Styx is better. In sports, its pretty obvious when a team or individual suck. The thread was about the R and R HoF, something which Dylan is, and deservedly so, a member, even if I'm not an admirer of his material, and something which Rush certainly deserves to be a part of, but longevity, success, fan base, and performance have thus far been ignored by whoever it is who decides who belongs. I don't like every Rush song ever recorded. I'm a huge fan, but they have a few that I absolutely hate. One in particular they insist on playing every tour, and its my personal bathroom break. I never meant for this to be a Dylan vs. Rush argument, you really can't compare the two.

Geddy Lee Bass Hall of Fame - Guitar Player Magazine 6 time winner: "Best Rock Bass" - Guitar Player Magazine 1993 - "Best Rock Bass Player" Bass Player readers' poll 1994 - Juno Hall of Fame 1996 - Officer of the Order of Canada, along with fellow bandmates Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart. Alex Lifeson 1983 - "Best Rock Talent" - Guitar for the Practicing Musician 1991 - Inducted into the Guitar for the Practicing Musician Hall of Fame 1996 - Officer of the Order of Canada, along with fellow bandmates Geddy Lee and Neil Peart [edit] Neil Peart Hall of Fame: 1983 Best Rock Drummer: 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 2006 (won vote count, but ineligible) Best Multi-Percussionist: 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 Best Percussion Instrumentalist: 1982 Most Promising New Drummer: 1980 Best All Around: 1986 1986 Honor Roll: Rock Drummer, Multi-Percussion (As a member of the Honor Roll in these categories, he is no longer eligible for votes in the above categories.) Best Instructional Video: 2006, for Anatomy of A Drum Solo Best Recorded Performance: 1980: Permanent Waves 1981: Moving Pictures 1982: Exit...Stage Left 1983: Signals 1985: Grace Under Pressure 1986: Power Windows 1988: Hold Your Fire 1989: A Show of Hands 1990: Presto 1992: Roll the Bones 1993: Counterparts 1997: Test for Echo 1999: Different Stages 2002: Vapor Trails 2004: R30 Along with his bandmates Lee and Lifeson, Peart was made an Officer of the Order of Canada on May 9, 1996. The trio were the first rock musicians so honoured. [edit]From Wikipedia Over 30 years of activity has provided Rush with the opportunity for musical diversity across their discography. Like many bands known for experimentation, such changes have inevitably resulted in strong dissent among critics and fans. The bulk of the band's music has always included synthetic instruments in some form or another, and this, more than anything else, is a great source of contention in the Rush camp, especially in regard to the band's heavy reliance on synthesizers and keyboards during the 1980s[35] [36]. Still, many saw this as nothing less than artistic growth and support for the band remained unwavering through each transitional phase[13]. Due to this ongoing controversy over Rush, they have yet to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The members of Rush have themselves noted that people "either love Rush or hate Rush", resulting in strong detractors and an intensely loyal fan base. Rolling Stone has often been blamed for their inability to enter the Hall[37]. The Hall's refusal to induct Rush may also be a consequence of the band's insistence on remaining outside the mainstream of rock when it comes to self-promotion, in favour of maintaining a high degree of independence[38]. To this day fans earnestly clamor for the band's inclusion into the Hall by citing noteworthy accomplishments including longevity, proficiency, and influence, as well as commercial sales figures and RIAA certifications. Also, despite having completely dropped out of the public eye for five years after Test for Echo and the band being relegated almost solely to classic rock stations in the U.S., Vapor Trails reached #6 on the Billboard Chart in its first week of release in 2002. The subsequent Vapor Trails tour grossed over $24 million and included the largest audience ever to see a Rush show — 60,000 fans in São Paulo, Brazil. However, Vapor Trails remains the band's poorest-selling album to date. Rush in Rio (2003) was certified gold by the RIAA, marking the fourth decade in which a Rush album had been released and certified at least gold. Moreover, in 2004 Feedback cracked the top twenty on the Billboard 200 chart, in addition to receiving radio airplay. You don't have to like them, but to say they suck and have only influenced bad bands is wrong. Rush shows are known for having a lot of musicians in the audience. These 3 whether you want to believe it or not, influence someone whenever they play their instruments.

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Oct 2, 2006 -> 06:44 PM) So because its a "toss up" Williams should stick with Haeger/Tracey/Logan/Phillips? Ozzie wants a shutdown bullpen, and he was the right idea. I trust Williams to bring in some guys to get the job done. Part of 2006's problem was that KW didn't spend any money on the bullpen, and counted on guys 10 years olds could tell you not to count on. It was obvious Politte would step back. Hermanson mentioned retirement, didn't throw at all, and was suddenly being counted on. Vizcaino was gone. Marte was gone. A lot of cheap minor league free agents were signed hoping 1 would work out. Most did the Charlotte Knights proud.

If you are trying to win a championship, chances are you aren't going to have BA, Sweeney and Fields in the lineup, and chances are you aren't going to have 2 of those guys playing very much. For a guy who was 3-20 in his brief time in Chicago, Fields is sure being shown a lot of love. I really hope KW trades him. I think his value will never be higher than it is right now. I think he is Eric Hinske at best.

KW was talking about tweaking. Getting rid of Crede wouldn't be tweaking. I like how Ozzie said KW gets him what he wants, and what he wants is a nasty bullpen. If that happens, only injuries will keep the White Sox out of the 2007 postseason.

QUOTE(BobDylan @ Oct 1, 2006 -> 08:20 PM) Oh, I don't know...Cream? The Who? Led Zeppelin? and just about any other Brit-Blues band from that time. Rush SUCKS. Even Styx is better. Rush is still around 30 years later, selling out just about every venue they play. Go watch Styx at Ribfest. The Who and Zeppelin where big influences on Rush early on. If you listen to the first couple of Rush albums, Geddy Lee actually tries to mimmick Robert Plant a bit. It is very apparent on their first live album. Rush covered The Seeker their last album commemmorating their 30th anniversary, and have often mentioned The Who as a big influence. I don't know how anyone with the handle Bob Dylan can actually pop off that any group or musician sucks.

QUOTE(BobDylan @ Oct 1, 2006 -> 06:20 PM) But I have never liked Rush. There are bands that do what they did much better. Who?

Before anyone writes off Anderson, please remember he was a rookie. I'm not saying he's going to be just like my example, but Derrek Lee was a pretty bad hitter his first 300 games in the major leagues. Nathan makes a lot of hitters, great veteran hitters at that, look very silly. BA obviously needs some work, but I would be shocked if he turns out to be a bust.

QUOTE(santo=dorf @ Oct 1, 2006 -> 03:40 AM) I think by moving Iguchi down in the lineup he will hit for more power increasing his SLG% and having an OPS > .800 For me the leadoff postion would be the LF platoon of Mack/Gload/Right handed hitter (Byrnes) #2 would be Omar Vizquel, or if push came to shove, Uribe (did well there in 2004.) Omar may not have a high enough SLG%, but he can bunt, steal bases, move along runners, and he tends to walk more than he strikes out. Byrnes isn't Eric Byrnes, career .322 obp is it? Weren't you the guy saying Michael Young can't hit away from Texas and his road obp is .333, so he should not be an option for KW as a lead-off man?

Pitching is what matters, although Thome, Dye, Konerko and Crede are going to be hard-pressed to duplicate this year's numbers again as a group and individually. It will place more importance on the other guys in the line-up.

If you were to review my posting history, you would see that I have been a Pods basher pretty much from the get-go of his White Sox career. That said, he is not the reason the White Sox failed this season. Rickey Henderson in his prime could have been leading off for this team and it wasn't going to win. Pitching was and is the problem. That needs to be addressed first. Whether you want to admit it or not, enough runs were scored this year. Seriously, just about every pitcher on the White Sox staff has issues. Even Bobby Jenks, who has been absolutely horrible lately. QUOTE(Kalapse @ Sep 30, 2006 -> 02:35 PM) With Freddy Garcia, before you give a definative answer as to whether you want him traded or not just ask yourself on simple question. Would you be willing to give Freddy Garcia a 3 year ~$33M deal with a 4th year option/buyout RIGHT NOW. If yes then you obviously do not want him traded If no then you should want him traded. I think people are getting too excited about his success at the end of this season, thinking it just will carry over to next year. He was pretty successful at the end of last year, and was brutal for a long time this year.

As long as the Tigers don't get swept by KC they are the Central champions. And if the Sox win again tomorrow, Detroit could get swept by KC and still be the champions.

QUOTE(santo=dorf @ Sep 30, 2006 -> 01:01 PM) Pierre's and Crisp's OBP aren't that good, so how are they supposed to get on base for the big boppers? Pods real OBP is much lower than his stated obp which isn't too great to begin with, if you take his CS and getting picked off into consideration. Pierre would be a far better choice to leadoff. He actually makes contact which would enable the Sox to play some hit and runs and the like when the bottom of the order gets on. I'm not a huge fan of Pierre, but I think he would be a pretty good LF replacement. I'm not so sure I like him in CF, but he can get to balls, he just can't throw. The White Sox got by and had a few great teams though with the One Dog in Cf, and Tim Raines in LF. Both those guys threw no better than Pods or Pierre.

QUOTE(rudylaw @ Sep 30, 2006 -> 08:57 AM) I hate hearing all of the talk about trading Garcia. I think that now that he has realized that he also throws a splitter he has been amazing. I think that he is a very valuable part of this team. I would rather see Javy or MB go than Big Freddy. Freddy has been great lately, but where was he when the Sox really needed him, back when they had a very realistic chance. I heard Hawk say last night that there is no reason to believe Freddy won't be able to regain his fastball next season. I have to disagree with this. What reason is there to believe he suddenly will be able to throw hard again? How many pitchers lose 5-7 mph off their fastball supposedly with no injury and then suddenly refind it? I think his September domination is a mirage, and I think his value is higher now than it was earlier this season. I hope he is sent packing.

Podsednik's stolen base total has dipped from 59 to 40, but Williams said his exit wasn't certain because of the difficulties of acquiring a fast player. KW is laying it on pretty thick here. Pods may be a "fast" player, but he certainly hasn't played fast for a while.

I'll root for the AL central teams, and if they don't make it, I'm for the AL in the WS.

IMO, Buerhle's trade value is lower now than it has been since he became a starter. There is no guarantee he can bounce back, and if he can, you have to give him a boatload of money to re-sign. If his value is as high as some people here think, the Sox would be crazy not to move him. Of course, I'm for moving at least 2 starters, maybe even 3. I think it could set the Sox up for a long run of contention.