beck72

QUOTE(SnB @ Sep 3, 2005 -> 02:44 PM) We've also been playing subpar teams ...just saying We'll see soon enough if the sox are loading up on a team that's a little down now, by the evidence of the full Sept. record. But a strong finish couldn't hurt. And Detroit isn't the patsy it has been in the past

With the solid pitching and young position players the sox have coming on in the minors, the sox are in a great position to contend each and every yr, ala the Braves.

Looking back at the last 3 series winners, each had a very strong finish in September [and early Oct. in 2004]. Boston was 21-11 in Sept/oct. In 2003, the Marlins were 18-8. And the Angels were 18-9 the last month. I like how the sox have started Sept. Strong pitching, hitting up and down the lineup, good defense. I also like how the Sox have been able to get early leads and then get some bench players in to rest the regulars. the guys stay fresh that way, while staying sharp. This would be a nice way to finish the year and head into the playoffs. Keep it up

QUOTE(redandwhite @ Sep 1, 2005 -> 12:38 AM) He can obviously play the dh position, as anyone can, but he's not going to like doing it, and he certainly won't resign here if all he's getting is DH duties. I think he'd like playing in the playoffs in October opposed to playing for cubs for the month of sept., esp. when he is playing for a contract next yr. As far as resigning him, I don't think the sox would want him for 2006.

This Perry guy was a big time tool based on his off season and early season predictions saying how bad the sox were. He's got no love lost for the Sox

QUOTE(BigSqwert @ Aug 21, 2005 -> 10:24 AM) It just seems like an excuse with every pitcher we face these days. "What did you expect our guys to do against ? He has been on fire lately. We faced a pitcher who is on a roll." The way the sox hitters are scuffling, they do make Chacon look like cy young. The point is that it can't be this bad for long. Nearly every sox hitter except for Konerko is at their worst point of the season or is slumping---far below their career avgs and their best point of this yr. This goes for Rowand, Dye, Iguchi, AJ, Everett.

QUOTE(flyg88182 @ Aug 21, 2005 -> 09:27 AM) I don't post on here ever, but every single day for the last 2 years I have been on soxtalk reading up on posts. So many sox fans are worried right now and getting nervous. Guys any team right now would love to be in the position the Sox are in right now. Its the first slump of the year and people are panicing. The hitters are trying too hard. We all know were a better team then this and we will show it tomorow afternoon. We have to face the fact that were not trading for anybody. It is almost September. No one is coming here. This is the team we have and we are sticking with it. The offense will get it going. I had never been more dissapointed after watching the loss yesterday, but i cooled down and im over it now. We gotta have faith in this team. We are going to the playoffs. The indians or the twins aren't passing us, we are too good of a team and we have should that all season until about the last 2 weeks. This slump is over today vs. Randy Johnson. Lets get it going, and tomorow nite everyone on here will be happy. Sorry if i wasted peoples time whoever read this, but I had to just say how i felt. CHISOX IN 05! Welcome aboard You certainly didn't waste anyone's time. The only ones who do that around here are the 1001 threads saying how bad the sox suck, that all b**** about the same old stuff.

QUOTE(fathom @ Aug 21, 2005 -> 12:01 AM) When I see an offense that has the opportunity to score runs maybe more than once every 5 innings, I'll get optimistic about our chances. We got 4 hit by Chacon, and we realistically have about 5 hard hit balls in the last 36 innings of baseball. Didn't the sox get the leadoff man on in 4 of the first 6 innings? that's what they were most successful at, not blowing scoring chances earlier in the yr. Getting back to that mindset and approach to hitting is easier to break out of slumps than the "rip and grip" mode the sox had been in the previous yrs. Had they capitalized on a few of those, maybe scored a 3 spot, the hitters could relax a little. Once they failed to score, the sox didn't go into the "here we go again mode" right away [after the 6th they did]. I saw them continue to battle, work pitchers a bit. I see guys pressing trying too hard to get the big hit, when a little dink hit, or grounder to the opposite field to move a runner over is only needed.

Even with the horrible play of late, the sox have me more encouraged that they'll get it out of their system before the playoffs start and be ready for October. Sure, there are the doubters who worry the Indians and Twins may yet overtake the sox. But IMO, the sox pitching is strong enough that the offense will score enough runs to keep the AL Central teams at bay. today was a prime example of why the sox should be OK. Before, when the sox couldn't buy a hit or get on base by standing on the plate, I wasn't so sure. But they had the scoring chances, had guys on base. They execute, they win. It didn't happen today. Yet even at their worst, they still were in the ballgame. Up and down the lineup, most of the guys are at their obsolute worst hitting wise--avg, OBP, SLG, situational hitting, working pitchers. They can't get any worse if they tried. This collective funk will pass. All it takes is one game to get over it. It's not like in years past where you'd feel the sox were overmatched, and unable to mount a serious threat against even weak teams. Against possible playoff opponents who've been playing good ball, the sox, at their obsloute worst, have been in the games. They get back to playing the unselfish team game, working pitchers, playing solid defense, they'll be ready for the playoffs.

the sox are trying to hit. Probably trying too hard. Instead of going up there loose, they are going up there tight. That's not the approach that got them to 1st place. The more they press, the more they struggle. When they go back to the relaxed approach, trying just to make contact, move runners over, a few bunt, infield hits, they'll be fine. Right now, the sox hitters seem to be gripping and ripping, everyone trying to win the game in each at bat. That approach will get them more of the same--K's and weak, easy outs. No one wants to go deep into a count, afraid they'll get a called 3rd strike. The sox need to make the pitchers work more, work some walks to get runners on. When things were going right for them, they were able to hit the ball where and when they wanted. Some will say it's clutch hitting. It's making contact, hitting while the body is relaxed and loose. I'm not particularly worried. Not everyone can slump at the same time for extended stretches like it has been for the last few weeks.

QUOTE(JimH @ Aug 20, 2005 -> 12:48 PM) Does anyone seriously think the Red Sox would trade him to the White Sox? Seriously? IIRC, if he clairs waivers after 10 days [which he should], he can become a FA free to negotiate a deal w/ any team.

Bellhorn could definitely help the sox with his OBP, and ability to take a lot of pitches. His #P/PA of 4.23 would be best on the team. PK's 4.17 is 3rd in the AL. the sox have had the most trouble just getting quality AB's, making pitchers work. If he hits .250, he should have an OBP of .360 The worst guys on the Sox for #P/ PA---Rowand, 3.52; Uribe, 3.56; Crede, 3.64 the best: PK, 4.17; Pods, 3.94; Dye, 3.94 and Iguchi, 3.82 Frank's #P/PA? 4.21 With Timo getting most of the AB's for Pods in LF [Anderson isn't a LFer] Anderson could go back to AAA and Bellhorn take his spot. Seeing how playing rosters are set by Sept. 1st with guys on the 25 man and DL eligible [Pods stays there, Bellhorn could get all of Sept. for a trial run] it gives the sox some options.

Looking at the wildcard race, including all the teams with a realistic shot [yanks, A's, Twins, Indians and Blue Jays] the Yanks and A's look to have the toughest schedule. I included these teams, and the 3 division leaders in seeing which team has the toughest road to hoe with over 40 games left to play. The Yanks play 22 games vs the teams in the wildcard race and the division leaders. 10 of these are vs. Tor. And they play 20 at home and 23 on the road. The A's have the next toughest schedule. They play 20 games vs the top teams, with 7 vs LAA. And they have 18 home games and 24 on the road. Tor. is next, with 20 games vs. the top AL teams, with 22 at home and 20 away. 17 of those games are vs. the Yanks and Red Sox. the Twins and Indians are pretty close for the easiest schedule remaining. The twins play 19 games vs these teams, with 22 at home and 19 away. 10 of the games are vs the Sox. Cle. plays 18 games vs these teams, with 21 at home and 20 away. They play the sox and twins 6 times each. All in all, the Twins and Indians could make a strong push for the wildcard. Could make in very interesting to see who the sox play in the playoffs.

Carrying 12 pitchers is more important than having Ross Gload here. the sox want to keep guys like Cotts, Politte and Hermanson fresh for the playoffs.

QUOTE(ScottPodRulez22 @ Aug 16, 2005 -> 06:54 AM) Well sorry to get everybody hopes down but on Sporting News Radio they said that the ceo of the reds said that no deal had even been offered to them. IIRC, John Allen is the REds "C.O.O.", and is fully involved in all deals. I'm not sure who the reds "C.E.O." is

I could see the sox sweetening an offer for Jr, adding in a good pitching prospect like Liotta or Daniel Haigwood. But I still think that's not the key. [Rogowski or no Rogowski] It's whether or not Lindner wants to hold onto Jr. He thinks Jr. is an asset to the reds and to prospective buyers. My guess is the Reds COO and GM will convince Lindner to deal Jr.

QUOTE(SpringfieldFan @ Aug 15, 2005 -> 10:12 PM) From the Red's fansite: No confirmation, or backup resources but a fan over there is saying: Redszone Take it for what its worth. SFF When the Reds COO Allen and the GM both agreed to trade Griffey, that means the head money man and the head baseball guy thought the trade was in the best interests of the Reds. I can see the owner, an old guy in 80's, follow the advice of his "baseball people" and allow his people to get something done.

With anderson called up, I'd like to see Iguchi moved to the leadoff spot. But that probably won't happen. Anderson should see plety of playing time, though, either in the OF or at DH. The Ozuna and Timo experiment hasn't worked too well. If Pods was out for longer, and say the playoffs [i know it's a precautionary move having Pods on the DL, but....], this could be a trail period for Tad to see how effective he could be in the 1 spot. But Ozzie will prob. not mess with Iguchi.

griffey has cleared waivers, per ESPN and his agent, in the Dayton Daily news http://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/cont...4redsnotes.html

Ozzie doesn't sound convinced. But the Sox org. thinks Owens "can play here". I think he'll be the one called up. Here's the link http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/whitesox.asp

Also interesting that Ray Durham has been out the last 2 games, only pinch hitting one time. Now his is a bat I could see the sox getting as Pods insurance. He could hit leadoff and move to the 3 hole when Pods returns. SF hasn't been happy with Ray. Now would be a good time to move him, as he likely would pass through waivers

Well, Jerry Owens was out of the Barons lineup Saturday night.

Didn't we say the twins were "lucky" more so than they were "good" the last few years?! The sox aren't beating themselves offensively and defensively, ie making errors, not taking advantage of scoring opportunities, etc. They are making other teams beat them--which hasn't happened a lot. Pitching wise the sox are vastly improved--solid both SP and bullpen. The better defense also has helped the sox get out of innings they didn't the last few yrs. And AJ has helped the pitching staff get more aggressive. the best teams find ways to win games that they should really lose. And the sox have had a lot of success in this dep't.

QUOTE(fathom @ Aug 13, 2005 -> 12:46 PM) Well, this is going to get everyone's hopes up. Unless the Reds ownership has a change of heart, it means nothing. IMO, what all this "news" means is that if any team has a chance at getting Jr., the sox probably have the best chance. Seeing how he'd be the best player available via the waiver wire and best bat out there by far, though, he'd be quite a coup for the sox to add. [Esp. as the sox benefit from the lack of player movement around the other AL teams] Some probably overstate the odds of a deal happening. But it's still a possibility

The link wasn't working. Here's the text of the Dayton Daily news article: MILWAUKEE | It's a rumor with a dusty shelf life, a trade of Ken Griffey Jr. to the Chicago White Sox. All Griffey wants is a parade, with confetti, signifying that a team on which he played won a World Series. And for sure the White Sox are fathoms closer than Griffey's Cincinnati Reds. But there is zero credence to reports that Griffey is Chicago-bound. The rumor surfaced again Friday in Chicago newspapers, based solely on a report that New York General Manager Brian Cashman said the Yankees wouldn't claim Griffey if the Reds placed him on waivers. It is believed that Griffey already has cleared waivers, without being claimed, so the Reds could trade him if they wish, although O'Brien has said he is not interested in trading any of his outfielders. Because the Yankees are one of the few teams that can afford Griffey, when Cashman said the Yankees wouldn't claim him, that clears the way for the White Sox. The Chisox are the team to which it was reported — and denied — had a deal done with the Reds two days before the non-waiver trade deadline, only to have CEO Carl Lindner say no. So now the Chicago media says it could happen again, and the denials are flying. "I don't pay any attention to any of it," said Griffey. "I just keep playing. If I worried about that stuff, I'd be miserable." Griffey's Cincinnati-based agent, Brian Goldberg, said the Reds didn't talk to him or Griffey about a trade before the deadline and haven't talked to them this week. "John Allen (Reds COO) told me on the Wednesday before the trade deadline (Sunday, July 31) that nothing was going on, Junior wasn't going anywhere," said Goldberg. Two days later, it was reported that Allen and General manager Dan O'Brien agreed on a trade of Griffey to the White Sox with GM Ken Williams for three minor-leaguers. The report said Williams was told the trade needed approval from Lindner but it was late and they would check with him Saturday morning. That's when Lindner allegedly nixed the deal, although Allen and O'Brien deny it happened. If the Reds do trade Griffey, they must get his approval because he is a 10-and-5 player and also has four teams to whom he would accept a trade listed in his contract — Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, St. Louis. "I haven't heard from the Reds so I assume nothing is going on," said Goldberg. "If they tell us something is going on, we'd have to keep an open mind and decide yes or no." Griffey talked candidly and pointedly about his situation before Friday's game in Miller Park against the Milwaukee Brewers. Asked about his desire to win a World Series ring, Griffey said, "As a kid, you didn't talk about how much money you would make. You talked about hitting a home run in the All-Star game or that 3-and-2 walkoff home run in Game 7 of the World Series. "You want to be in that (championship) parade when the city gets to rip up a few documents," he said. "That nice convertible ride down the street waving at everybody." Will he need to OK another city to make that happen? "I'll cross that when it happens," he said. "I'm going out to do what I'm supposed to do for this ball club. If the organization feels they need to make a change with me, then we'll look at it and I'll make up my mind. If not, I'll continue doing what I'm doing here. "I have control over where I would go, but I have no control over who (the Reds) talk to and what they talk about." Griffey wouldn't say he prefers to stay in Cincinnati and when asked that he said, "I prefer to win. I have to do what I have to do, as far the 24 guys in this room and not letting them down, no matter my situation. I depend on these guys and they depend on me." The perplexing question is that if Griffey wants so badly to wear the jewelry does he believe it can happen in his playing life in Cincinnati. "A parade is a parade," he said. "Yeah, I can see it happening here. We just have to play consistent. The first half we didn't play offense or defense, but the second half we've played a lot better. That's a test for everybody in here to send somebody else home with you." Griffey was asked if knocking a team out of the playoffs was enough and he said, "No, but considering how we played the first half, it makes the off-season a little better that you can send somebody home with you. "Yes, they have a whole lot of work to do here, but if we have a strong next six weeks we'll have a lot to look forward to next year." With or without Griffey?