CSF

Yes, I was quite aware that Mortensen is based out of Atlanta and used to (or still does) work for the Atlanta Journal Constitution. And I also remember Peter Gammons writing for the Boston Globe and USA Today. But thank you for your kind words and sentiments. I've also seen other ESPN writers and commentators such as Sean Salisbury, John Clayton, & Len Pasquarelli say the Bears made significant improvements without predicting where they'll finish. But excuse the hell out of me if I don't take Mortensen seriously. After all, he was one of the few "geniouses" that was in favor of the Bears keeping Dick Jauron. And please, by all means, please do look for a Mortensen article that doesn't mention in some breath, either Bill Parcells, Jerry Jones, or the Dallas Cowboys. But you know what; you're right. Mortensen is the first and last authority on the NFL. And I must be a retard for not knowing that.

Sox must think big to grab Big Unit Trading Ordonez could free money for possible deal May 20, 2004 An unsolicited word of advice for Ken Williams: Put 602-462-6500 on your speed dial. That's the Arizona Diamondbacks' switchboard number. It's where you can reach Joe Garagiola Jr., the general manager, and his top assistant, Sandy Johnson. These people are certain to be very popular the next couple of months, especially after they telegraph their willingness to deal Randy Johnson and Steve Finley. It's too early for the Diamondbacks to entertain serious thoughts about dealing the 40-year-old Johnson, who raised his trade value Tuesday night when he threw the third perfect game in the National League since 1965. But unless manager Bob Brenly and his players can recover from a 14-23 start to get into contention, Johnson is likely to have a new address by the end of July. The financial problems that forced Arizona to trade Curt Schilling last winter have not gone away. Jerry Colangelo's ownership group remains under pressure to reduce a $70 million payroll, which is likely to leave the Diamondbacks shopping Johnson and center fielder Finley, either of whom—or both—would look good with the White Sox. I know what you're thinking: Jerry Reinsdorf pay for Johnson? Yeah, right. But with the Sox knowing that nothing except an October run of their own will allow them to recapture attention in a Cubs' town, and Minnesota on pace to win 100 games despite an early run of injuries, it (like a potential Ken Griffey Jr. trade) is worth filing away for the time between now and the July 31 trading deadline. Johnson is signed through 2005 at $16 million per season, with $6 million deferred. Finley, who is making $6.75 million, will be a free agent at the end of this season. That's a lot of money for the already over-budget White Sox to pay, but it's not out of the question given the likely departure of Magglio Ordonez, who is making $14 million. Here's what I can see happening: The Sox trade for Johnson and Finley, whose left-handed bat balances the lineup, and then deal Ordonez for a package of prospects. Talk about a wild July. With Williams saying he's in an "ultra-aggressive" mode, anything is possible, with the possible exception of the Sox adding a headliner like Johnson and continuing to pay Ordonez $1,076,923 every other week for the rest of the season. That's not how the Sox do business. But add Johnson and subtract Ordonez? That could play in the executive offices at 35th and Shields. How about a deal that brings Johnson and Finley from Arizona for Carlos Lee, Neal Cotts, an outfielder from the minor-league stable that includes Jeremy Reed, Brian Anderson, Ryan Sweeney and Joe Borchard, and maybe another minor-league pitcher? Then the Sox move Ordonez to the highest bidder. Manager Ozzie Guillen's outfield options after those moves would include Finley, who is tied for the major-league lead with 12 homers; Aaron Rowand; Ross Gload; Timo Perez; Willie Harris; Andres Torres; and either Reed or Borchard, assuming the Diamondbacks didn't want them. Other outfielders, including Kansas City's Juan Gonzalez, will be available for teams willing to take on their salaries. Health was a major question for Johnson entering the season, but he reported to spring training appearing recovered from the knee surgery he had in 2003 and has been in form all season. He has gone at least six innings in eight of his nine starts, holding opponents to a .156 batting average and striking out 11.6 batters per nine innings, down only marginally from his ratios in 2001 and 2002. That was when he was at his most dominant, going 45-11 for the Diamondbacks those seasons and joining Schilling to pick up an MVP award in the 2001World Series. If the 98-m.p.h. fastball he used to finish off the perfecto against Atlanta is an indication, he hasn't lost much since turning 40. "You guys keep saying I'm old," Johnson said. "And someday I will be." Johnson's knee would pose a threat for any team acquiring him. He has worn through his cartilage, making it basically a bone-on-bone situation. A lubricating fluid can be injected occasionally to ease the problem. The Yankees, among other teams, covet Johnson. But the reality is few teams have both the resources to pay him and the package of prospects that would satisfy the Diamondbacks. Surplus talent is a problem for the Yankees, whose farm system is ranked among the worst. The White Sox don't have the bottomless pockets but have surprising flexibility given the impending free agency of Ordonez, Jose Valentin and Billy Koch, who account for $25.375 million of a $68 million payroll. Trading for Johnson would be a risk, sure. But imagine how White Sox fans will react if he's there for the taking and their ownership won't bite. Then imagine how angry they'll be if he winds up based at Wrigley Field. Crazier things have happened. Email: [email protected] Copyright © 2004, The Chicago Tribune I am not for any trade that costs this team either Reed, Anderson, or Sweeney.

Chris Mortensen is to Bill Parcells and the Dallas Cowboys what Peter Gammons is to the New York Yankees. Mortensen's a clown. Pay no attention to his clueless predictions.

On the Score's update segment when talking about the Sox game, they said that Danny Wright might need Tommy John surgery. Anyone else hear about this? Got any additional info?

It's not right.

Nice time to stop hitting, Catalanatto. :fyou

Maybe if the Jays had the dome closed for this series like they did with the Sox 2 weeks ago, maybe that slam is an out. :headshake

Un-f***ing-believable. How I hate the Twinkies. Oh let me count the ways.......:fyou

Bottom of the 7th, bases loaded, and Vernon Wells just delivered a 2 run single. 5-2 Jays, with Delgado coming up. Come on Toronto, send Minny back home on the down side.

Diehard, but devoted is a close 2nd. I feel like a small piece of me dies with every loss. I hope every game doesn't feel like the ones played at Baltimore. I might not make it through the season.

Don Cooper is on J-Hood's show right now. He said Cotts will start Saturday, but might only go about 3 innings. He said Cotts is still in the bullpen and is just starting Saturday. He's also saying that Diaz will go down and work on keeping the ball down in the zone, and that he said he'll definitely be back, but didn't say when.

Just heard it on JHood's show on the Score. Nice.

Cubs go 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 9th. Giants win 1-0. Nicely done, Jason Schmidt.

You're right. A 1-2-3 inning by Billy is a feat rarely accomplished.

Even though I hate the team, also gotta give kudos to Clement as the Giants have only scored one run and only have a few hits.

Obviously, Randy Johnson and his perfect game. Also, Garland and his nice outing tonight, and Jason Schmidt with 8 innings of one hit ball against the Cubs. Hope he gets the shutout, and more importantly, the win.

Now would some of you quit it with the "Judy" Garland talk. Back to back strong performances. Get off the guy's case.

Sammy Sosa has a sprained ligament in his lower back. He will be placed on the DL tomorrow. Link

And the sad thing is, every series the Sox have had that's not in a dome, whether it be home or away, has had rain in the forecast. I have never seen anything like it. Unreal.

That's illegal in 46 states.

For the record, the one run during this Sox-Indians game was on an RBI by Thomas when he hit it to the right side. Nevermind it was a little nubber near the 1st base side on an excuse-me swing and he was tagged out, he went the other way and brought in the run.

With the exception of Tuesday & yesterday, absolutely no ball was carrying any distance unless the batter hit the hell out of it. With the weather supposed to be nice for the 3 game series in Cleveland, I expect them to put up some decent numbers, but will also expect those numbers to fall in the climate-controlled Metrodome this weekend.

You mean the same division rival that just swept the D-Rays, and nearly swept us, save a 9th inning rally? A sweep would be nice, but I'll gladly take 2/3 as well.