iamshack

QUOTE (Jenks Heat @ Jan 25, 2010 -> 03:38 PM) Why would he be....although I think he should. He still thinks Wise was the right move as was Mackowiak in center. If Jones/Kotsay post s*** numbers, they trade for Dunn in June or July hopefully. For $1M, bringing in Thome is a no brainer and then you can Carlton Fisk him in June if he is sucking. I hate to keep bringing this up, but accountability does seem to be an issue here. JR did recently say that it is difficult to hold Ozzie accountable if they don't provide him with the team he asks for. Seems like there is a struggle about how closely to follow his vision, and the closer it is followed, the more accountable he will be held.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Jan 25, 2010 -> 03:33 PM) The only thing that really bothers me here is the network's seeming double standard on what ads it runs. As for Tim Tebow's ad being useful... smart women will think for themselves, talk to experts, talk to family and friends, etc. Women not so smart will make the decision lightly, and probably not care about Tim Tebow either. I have no idea the percentage of each. But either way, I don't see Tim Tebow making any difference whatsoever. You are probably right, I don't think the actual commercial will affect many people in the end, either. But the presumption that it can and should really ticks me off. And you guys know I don't come back here often. I'm not one that loses too much sleep over politics or the like. But this really makes my skin crawl...

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Jan 25, 2010 -> 12:05 PM) In fact I do. I think a lot of young women think of it as a simple procedure, and only later reflect on the decision they made. Studies have shown that women who have abortions succomb to depression and anxiety after the fact, sometimes long after the fact. Adding yet another reminder that it's a serious choice isn't a horrible thing IMO. I don't have any problem with the Tebow's message if it is a simple pro-life message. But assuming the commercial is NOT a simple pro-life message, but instead one that involves risk to the fetus and/or mother, do you really think young women who might undergo an abortion because it is "just a simple procedure" are the ones it is targeting?

QUOTE (Leonard Zelig @ Jan 25, 2010 -> 06:39 AM) Right, nobody is ever emotional, illogical, or inebriated here. Ok, so to put it a different way, which general consensus would you value more? That at Soxtalk or that of Chris's callers?

QUOTE (Alpha Dog @ Jan 25, 2010 -> 07:02 AM) WOuld you have an issue with Tebow (or anyone else) using his celebrity as a carrot in a very serious decision when it comes to electing a President? Our votes are secret and personal and very serious stuff. They are individualized based on location, needs and wants. I know there are many on here who have no problem with people using their celbrity to push political choices, just wondering if that extends to this choice? No, I would have absolutely no problem with that. The use of one's fame to further a political agenda, or to try to sell a product, or even to further most issues does not bother me in the least bit. This particular use seems to leap way over the line, however.

QUOTE (Tex @ Jan 25, 2010 -> 06:54 AM) So the fact it is the Super Bowl alters how you feel? If it was aired as a 30 minute special it would be ok? What about them trying to influence people into making a harmful decision? To me it doesn't make a difference if it is being aired during Leno or the sanctity of the Super Bowl. Yes, the more time spent on it, the better. More time to appreciate the complex nature of the issue. Something that cannot be accomplished in any manner in a 30-second commercial.

I don't understand how to put this any other way. This issue is something that SHOULD be detailed in an entire movie-length videos or in extensive literature. That is how the issue should be dealt with, not in a 30-second commercial. You seem to be equating the amount of exposure with my reaction for some reason. I am arguing the exposure should be more thorough and complete, not the opposite.

QUOTE (knightni @ Jan 25, 2010 -> 05:14 AM) I tried it. It wasn't what I consider pizza. It's lasagna with pizza crust. Knight, you've tried Gino's East with the sausage patty?

QUOTE (SoxAce @ Jan 25, 2010 -> 03:30 AM) Ya.. don't have a facebook... BOOOOOOO. Oh my....how on earth do you manage to live, my friend?

QUOTE (Ranger @ Jan 25, 2010 -> 12:43 AM) You don't say? Well remember to keep that in mind when putting fans that contact you through your show, and fans whose opinions you read here in the same group. There usually is quite a distinction.

QUOTE (vandy125 @ Jan 25, 2010 -> 12:25 AM) Gotcha, I was reading that argument elsewhere in this thread that it was a complete waste of money. Would you see it as inappropriate because it was a sober message in the middle of the "party time", or is that one ok because it is not a deep, personal decision? Just seeing if I can understand the delineation. Personally, I think that positive messages of hope are good at any time. I think that we are focusing a lot on the decision here. But this affects more than those who are making that decision now. Maybe there is someone out there who has already made that decision that Tim's parents did and is in the midst of that pregnancy. If they are feeling beaten down a bit right now, it could be a great message to help lift them up to know that others are going through it or have gone through it. I know that has helped me in the past. Sure, you know that the superstar thing is probably not going to happen, but to see there is a good chance of things turning out alright and that you will make it through is encouraging. I'd take any platform to give that type of a message. My issue with the Tebow's message (or what we believe it to be), is that the intention (again, apparently) is to use Tim's celebrity and athletic achievements as a carrot in a very serious and personal decision. Deciding whether to bring a pregnancy to term in the midst of significant medical risk is an incredibly complex and difficult issue. It is one that is probably very individualized and specific, based on particular medical concerns, heredity, fertility considerations, just to name a few. It's something that is only considered on a case-by-case basis. In my opinion, issuing some kind of broad advice or opinions on something so incredibly personal and particular seems irresponsible by default, because it is impossible for that person to know the unique circumstances of each individual case. And yet, the Tebow's and this organization are implying that one choice is better than another, most likely in all circumstances, by showcasing Tim as the finished product of Mrs. Tebow's decision. That seems irresponsible, disrespectful, and plain insulting to all the women, couples, and families grappling with this incredibly difficult decision. The Haiti situation is much different. It is not complex. It is not controversial. The appeal made in such a commercial is simply encouraging, inspiring, and in the worst case, guilting Americans to donate money to the Haitian relief fund. And while it may be a somewhat questionable tactic to purchase an ad for millions of dollars in an attempt to raise money that was just spent, the worst result of someone being influenced by the commercial would be someone donating money and having it be wasted. Again, this is a far more trivial result than someone feeling bad about their decision to end a risky pregnancy with the advice of their physician, or even worse, being unable to terminate said pregnancy due in some small part to the commercial featuring the Tebow's. The distinction is not in a sober cause using the Super Bowl as a forum to achieve some sort of goal, but in the message being communicated, and the potential harm involved.

QUOTE (bmags @ Jan 25, 2010 -> 12:03 AM) I'm inebriated currently. And yet, you spelled the term correctly and I did not. Maybe my entire theory is wrong... :begood

QUOTE (SoxAce @ Jan 24, 2010 -> 11:59 PM) Hmmm... well that could be good and scary. That means either he's pitching his ass off and having a career year (or went back to his early Seattle/2005 days) or we are really in trouble/couple other guys had sub par years. I think he is still capable of an ERA in the high 3's or low 4's, a WHIP in the 1.30 area, and a good 180-200 IP.

bmags has just touched on this, but I don't think a whole lot of people anticipated in midsummer of last year that Thome could be resigned for $2 million either. Then again, Mr. Rongey, no offense intended, but the vast majority of people that contact you via your show are reacting in an emotional, illogical, and/or inebriated manner.

QUOTE (vandy125 @ Jan 24, 2010 -> 10:50 PM) Quick question, what would you say if there was a commercial about support for Haiti? Would that be considered a waste of money considering it could have all gone straight to help those people out? I have never made the argument that the money spent on the commercial would be better served going directly to whatever the particular cause may be. I trust that there are smarter people than I crunching the numbers and predicting which method will cause the most funds to be raised.

QUOTE (SoxAce @ Jan 24, 2010 -> 11:45 PM) He better pitch as good as he talks (and sweats). Hudson might be the one facing the Cubs (and saying f*** the Cubs) in interleague play middle of the season. I actually really like what Freddy brings. I think it's very clear that he has really learned since his stuff deteriorated on him, and he has a very solid mental makeup and attitude. I wouldn't be shocked to see him be our 3rd of 4th best pitcher this year.

QUOTE (3E8 @ Jan 24, 2010 -> 10:47 PM) Not when you're having a discussion about who is the better team Obviously. My point is that isn't the discussion a bit moot right now? Seems to me that the purpose of arguing which is the better team is to ascertain who would most likely make it to the Super Bowl, especially in the case that the two play one another.

QUOTE (BFirebird @ Jan 24, 2010 -> 10:37 PM) Did anyone catch Freddy's antics on Saturday night in the hotel bar? It wasn't that late, probably before 10. I went to dinner with my dad to Miller's Pub, pretty decent place and we came back to the Palmer House probably around 8:30 and we see Freddy on the Street level of the hotel, signing autographs and taking pics with girls, laughing having a good time and obviously had a few drinks. He makes his way to the bar in the lobby and people are buying him drinks left and right. I didn't really see how many he had...but it was a few. Then he gets the attention of the crowd and starts shouting..."f*** the Cubs" "f*** the Cubs"...security comes to stop him...he tells everyone to quiet down, then does it again and eventually leaves. It was pretty hilarious. Hah, always loved Sweaty. Seems like the Ozzeroo has quite a few fun "friends."

Who gives a s*** who's better. All that matters is who won the game.

QUOTE (SoxAce @ Jan 24, 2010 -> 10:18 PM) Kardasian's got a nice ass he's taping once again. Oooh, sex tapes?

Tex, not a one person in here has come even close to suggesting that women should not have the right to speak out against abortion. What has been attacked by a few of us is the method of doing so. I can only speak for myself, but my sincere guess is that Soxy would support the message Mrs. Tebow and Tim want to share if they did it in a more responsible and more respectful way than in a television commercial. In fact, it could be argued that your support of communicating such a message in this manner suggests you actually have less respect for the issue than those of us arguing it has no business being aired as a Super Bowl commercial.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Jan 4, 2010 -> 10:33 AM) I think the Saints are going to be pretty tough to beat at home as well, and I think it'll be awfully tough for Dallas to go into NO and beat them there again. I like Indy/NO So I got the Dallas part wrong, but what do you think of me now, Balta?

Oh boy.

QUOTE (chw42 @ Jan 24, 2010 -> 08:03 PM) Exactly, do we really NEED Randy Williams? We do need Williams, actually. What we don't need is another RH longman. Go with Jenks/Thornton/Putz/Wiliams/Linebrink/Pena, with Linebrink being the longman until he proves he can be effective in high-leverage situations.

QUOTE (Brian @ Jan 24, 2010 -> 08:56 PM) Awful call. Absolute garbage. I usually don't mind Joe Buck but he is so far off. Well you know if Aikman, as a former QB, is telling him it wasn't, then it probably wasn't.