CSF

C Alomar 1B Gload 2B Smith SS Uribe 3B Crede LF Lee CF Reed RF Ordonez P Buerhle DH Thomas

Texiera home run. Herbert Perry singled to center. Chad Allen line drive single to left. Manny Alexander lined out to center. Rod Barajas lined out to center. David Newhan grounded out to SS, force at 2nd. Bottom of 4th: 5-1 Sox.

Mark Texeira home run off Buerhle. 5-1 Sox.

Jeremy Reed grounds out, he's now 0-2. Top 4th, 5-0 Sox.

Ed Farmer said Buerhle could go into the 7th inning today. His limit may be 105 pitches.

Sandy Alomar base hit scores CLee. 5-0 Sox.

Sox batted around in the 2nd scoring the 4 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks.

Carlos Lee leadoff double.

So far, bottom of the 3rd. 4-0 Sox. Buerhle's on the hill. The game is on ESPN Radio 1000 in Chicago.

I'm glad I didn't see it. I already detest ESPN with a passion. Seeing that would've made me throw my TV against the wall.

Maybe it's just me but that trade screams "Todd Ritchie, Part deux".

WHITE SOX WINNER! WHITE SOX WINNER! WHITE SOX WINNER! : : :

Uribe got down a sweet bunt in the 8th inning. Shows what I know. :

Yeah. I was under the same premise too. I was thinking who was traded this time?

The one Uribe hit was a bomb. That was TAGGED!!!

I know this isn't Sox news, so if necessary, move it to the appropriate forum, but here it is: Devil Rays' Hamilton suspended for season March 19, 2004 AP - Mar 19, 1:57 pm EST More Photos ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- Tampa Bay Devil Rays outfielder Josh Hamilton was suspended for the 2004 season for violating baseball's drug policy. Hamilton, the first pick in the 1999 amateur draft, already had been given a 30-day suspension on Feb. 17. Under the new suspension announced Friday, he isn't eligible for reinstatement until spring training next year, the commissioner's office said. Hamilton hasn't played since July 2002 because of injuries and unspecified personal issues. He received a $3.96 million signing bonus out of high school. In 251 minor league games, he's hit .295 with 33 homers and 166 RBIs. ``All we can do is hope that Josh Hamilton will be ready to participate in our 2005 spring training,'' Devil Rays general manager Chuck Lamar said. ``We all know the God-given baseball talent that he has. ... Hopefully, he can fulfill his dream of playing in the major leagues.'' According to the rules of baseball's drug program, a major league player must test positive at least twice for drugs of abuse before being suspended, with drugs of abuse subject to suspension defined as a group that includes cocaine, LSD, opiates, Ecstasy, the ``date rape'' drug GHB and PCP. Players who fail to comply with their treatment program a second time can be suspended for 25-to-50 days. Players who fail to comply a fourth time can be suspended for at least one year. A fifth failure results in additional discipline by the commissioner. Tests for drugs of abuse are conducted only if the joint management-union health policy advisory committee determines there is reasonable cause. The Devil Rays invited Hamilton -- who became the first high school player drafted No. 1 overall since Alex Rodriguez in 1993 -- to spring training, hopeful he would add to their young, promising core that includes Aubrey Huff, Rocco Baldelli and Carl Crawford. He took six weeks off for personal reasons during last year's spring training and later was granted permission to leave the organization for the rest of the season to handle unspecified personal problems. Hamilton later said he had sought counseling for depression caused by a serious illness in his family. Updated on Friday, Mar 19, 2004 3:00 pm EST Email to a Friend | View With Baldelli, Crawford, Huff, & Delmon Young in the wings, the D-Rays will probably cut their losses. This guy was supposed to be the next big thing. Such an unfortunate situation.

Well there had to be an explanation of why that change up goes so slooooooooowly. He has the ability to freeze time.

I just noticed Rotoworld still has him listed as an OF. Rotoworld.

I'll get started on that article right away!!!

Second base: Mining the mighty mites By Brendan Roberts - SportingNews.com The latest in a series of position-by-position fantasy analyses previewing the 2004 season. Second base rankings The NFL has its prototypes for a certain position. You won't see a 280-pound left tackle anytime soon. Baseball has its own prototypes, and the prototype of the big-league second baseman is small, fast and sure-handed. Let's just say we won't see a player such as the 6-foot-8 Richie Sexson playing there anytime soon. Obviously, this sets limitations for fantasy owners at this position. Although there are exceptions to the prototype (Jeff Kent) and a handful of mighty mites (Alfonso Soriano, Jose Vidro, Bret Boone), you likely won't find production in the power categories here. But if it's steals you're looking for, have we got a deal for you. If you don't get one of the four- or five-category performers early, wait several rounds and look for a one- or two-category specialist (such as Luis Castillo). If that doesn't work, you're still fine. Sleepers arise in this category as often as any other, and there are a number of reliable old codgers who can suffice. HIT LIKE MAYS, RUN LIKE HAYES Power is not in abundance at this position -- only four regular second basemen topped the 20-homer mark in 2003. However, Alfonso Soriano, Marcus Giles, Jeff Kent and Bret Boone don't hit like second basemen. All four have shown their production can equal that of an upper-tier outfielder. Soriano is a freak of nature. He can wallop anything inside, is one of the fastest runners in the majors, is remarkably consistent ... and he is only 28. Too much is made of his high strikeout numbers in fantasy circles. If he produces like he has, we don't care if he fans 200 times. That was some full season for Marcus Giles, huh? His bat control is remarkable, and his plate production was no fluke. But will his nagging injuries and extended slumps catch up with him? It's almost unfair that a guy who had 35 homers, 117 RBIs and 111 runs also set a career high with 16 steals. Yet that's what Boone did. He'll slow down eventually, but he hasn't given any indication it'll be this season. Kent's 2003 numbers weren't quite what we figured -- we thought a great season with the Giants at Pac Bell would become a monstrous one with the Astros at Minute Maid. That didn't happen. But let's chalk that up to the wrist injury that sidelined him a month. Watch him return to superstardom in 2004. NICE CONSOLATION PRIZES Speaking of staying healthy, Jose Vidro had another painful season (knee, back, shoulder). He is one of the best when healthy, but we're not sure he can make it through another season playing his home games at Olympic Stadium. Luis Castillo has improved his average each of the last two seasons, although his steals dropped from 48 to 21 in 2003. As long as he still is running, he belongs here. Meanwhile, Michael Young has a perfect swing for his home ballpark. That's how scouts describe the gap hitter, who batted .353 at The Ballpark vs. .262 on the road last season. ON THE CUSP Jerry Hairston Jr. is definitely among those ready to break out. Yes, we've said that before and he is hurt again (broken finger), but we'll try it again. D'Angelo Jimenez hopes a different offseason workout program will better prepare him mentally and physically to deal with the rigors a middle infielder must play through. Our money is on Ray Durham to have a fine bounce-back season. He had been extremely durable and consistent before a strained hamstring derailed his 2003 season. The term "breakout" is relative when discussing light-hitting Mark Ellis and Orlando Hudson, but an uptick across the board makes them solid options. DEPENDABLE AS MICHELINS OK, so you'd rather take your chances elsewhere. Understood. Well, why don't you take some of these vets for a spin? When you watch Todd Walker play, you wonder why he isn't considered one of the best offensive second basemen in the majors. Then you see him meekly ground out on a hanging curveball or face any lefthander, and you understand why. He'll platoon with Mark Grudzielanek, another dependable option, but will help NL-only owners. A moment of silence for Roberto Alomar's once-elite status ... now go grab him in the middle rounds. Mark Loretta hardly has a track record of big-league production, but his breakout 2003 season was his first real shot at starting. Near the top of an improved Padres lineup, we don't see him slipping. It became obvious last season that Adam Kennedy has too many holes in his swing to become the elite option he looked like at times in 2002. That's OK because 10 homers, 20 steals and a .280 average are good enough for us. Placido Polanco had a career season in 2003, moving his status from "hits like a fast-pitch softball hitter" to surprisingly reliable. SHHH ... HERE ARE A FEW STEALS ON THE DOWN-LOW Brian Roberts might not have a full-time job to himself in 2004, but he still should approach last season's 23 steals. Say what you will about Eric Young's age and declining average, but the guy usually manages to swipe his share of bags. Just two seasons ago, fantasy owners were giddy about Luis Rivas' 31 steals. Two subpar seasons later, we shouldn't forget he still has steal potential. He is still only 24. Desi Relaford and Marlon Anderson seem to have shaken the "platoon player" label, and, in this case, more playing time also has meant more steals. Fan favorite Bo Hart doesn't exactly possess lightning speed, but the kid nearly wets his pants every time he reaches base. We don't see how the Cards could keep him from attempting more steals. Other stolen-base options: Luis Castillo, Ray Durham, Jerry Hairston Jr., Damian Jackson, D'Angelo Jimenez, Adam Kennedy. NEXT! We'd love to report there is a new dawn of major league second baseman on the way. But, hey, prototypes are prototypes, right? There aren't any can't-miss prospects you'll need to flag, but here are a few possibilities for you to track: There's not much left for Chase Utley to prove after batting .323 with 18 homers in Triple-A last season. However, that doesn't mean a starting job is his to lose in Philly, nor does it mean he is ready to carry over his minor league success to the bigs. But there's always that chance. The Pirates' dynamic duo of Freddy Sanchez and Bobby Hill will vie for the 2B job all season. Right now, it's Hill's job because of Sanchez's ankle troubles. But Sanchez, who has more upside, probably will get more ABs when he returns. The Brewers have vowed patience with 2003 first-round pick Rickie Weeks. But if the kid starts tearing up the minors, that plan could change. Others to watch: Omar Infante, Rainer Olmedo, Antonio Perez, Wilson Valdez. THE SMART MONEY Top power hitter:Alfonso Soriano On the rise: Marcus Giles On the decline: Roberto Alomar Primed for a career year: D'Angelo Jimenez, Michael Young Primed for a comeback: Ray Durham, Junior Spivey Sleepers: Orlando Hudson, Chase Utley Heats up after All-Star break: Adam Kennedy Cools down after All-Star break: Jose Vidro Most promising youngster: Aaron Miles Most overrated youngster: Bobby Hill Senior Editor Brendan Roberts is a fantasy baseball expert for Sporting News. So neither our 2nd baseman with speed (Harris) or power (Uribe) make the cut, but they do manage to put on this list our 2nd baseman from 2 yrs ago (Durham), last year (Jimenez/Alomar), and one of our former prospects (Miles). I'm beginning to hate the Sporting News the way I hate ESPN. :banghead

Uribe will probably be in there.

Who's taking the fifth? Wright, Grilli lead battle for rotation's final spot By Scott Merkin / MLB.com Tickets Scoreboard Fantasy With another solid outing, Dan Wright looks ready to assume the final spot in the rotation. (Charles Rex Arbogast/AP) TUCSON, Ariz. -- The fifth starter's saga for the White Sox has not quite been resolved, even after Dan Wright and Neal Cotts turned in solid efforts Thursday during a minor league intrasquad game. But manager Ozzie Guillen cleared up some confusion by limiting the competition to only two candidates for the starting vacancy. Well, maybe three. OK, there are no more than four candidates for the last position -- at this point. "This is the toughest decision of Spring Training, and I don't want to make the decision just to say I've made the decision and we have a fifth starter ready," said Guillen, who watched Wright and Cotts in action during the team's lone off day in Arizona. "I would like (Wright) to be the No. 5 starter," Guillen added. "But we have other guys throwing the ball well." Realistically, it looks as if Jason Grilli is the only other challenger to Wright. It also appears that both pitchers will make the team, with the runner-up pitching in long relief. But Guillen also likes the way Cotts has thrown the ball, as well as 6-foot-11 right-hander Jon Rauch. If neither of these hurlers earns the fifth starter's job, they will both start the season at Triple-A Charlotte. Guillen echoed pitching coach Don Cooper's sentiments from Wednesday in that it would be better for Cotts and Rauch to get their innings in the minors instead of waiting on the bench for sporadic work. That concept became clear Thursday, after Cotts' five-inning, 68-pitch effort. The 24- year-old left-hander allowed five hits and three runs, including a Derry Hammond home run, while striking out five and walking two. "Cotts is a big question," Guillen said of his left-hander. "He has thrown the ball well, but I don't want to waste a good, young arm in the bullpen. I don't want him to sit there and not know when he's going to pitch. "It's the same way with Rauch. I want them to get innings to get ready, in case we need them. Right now, we are making the decision between Grilli and Rauch for the fifth spot. If Wright is the fifth starter, then Grilli is on the team right now in the bullpen." Wright pitched six innings Thursday, allowing eight hits and four runs. He gave up Carlos Maldonado's three-run home run in the fifth and Guillermo Reyes' solo blast in the sixth. But Wright pointed to only one walk, allowed near the end of his 73-pitch effort, as Thursday's biggest positive. It's a trend Wright has produced all spring, after walking 156 over 349 career innings. Wright came into camp both physically and mechanically sound, and the offseason work on his delivery has paid big dividends. That sense of confidence left Wright at ease when he arrived in Tucson, not worried about what might happen during Cactus League play or his chances to make the team. Wright seemed eager to take the mound for his next start, as opposed to worried about some of the shots he gave up in the later innings on the back fields at Tucson Electric Park. "I probably ran out of gas because I left two pitches right down the middle of the plate," Wright said of the home runs. "Both of those balls were hit. Other than that, I was fine. "I had good command of all three pitches and got a lot of ground balls. I'm just anxious to pitch -- it doesn't matter where." Wright has more than just the best command on the pitching mound he's had in some years. He also has a good grip on the entire fifth starter's situation. Even if the process takes another week, Wright is ready for the continued competition. "You believe in yourself and go out and take care of what you can," Wright said. "I leave the decisions to them. But I've had a good spring, and I'm pleased with my command." "I want another outing for Dan over there (in a Major League game) because you can lose your focus against the free-swingers (in the minor leagues)," Guillen said. "He got hit good, but he threw the ball well. We will probably go the next time for each one and make a decision." Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to approval by Major League Baseball or its clubs Looks like Charlotte for Cotts and Rauch again. At least, that's what I took from that article.

Uhhh, I can live with those numbers.

The White Sox. Always the trendsetters.