caulfield12

QUOTE (greg775 @ Jul 18, 2012 -> 01:58 AM) Let me try this one final time. Why do you folks despise our WS winning manager? Take out the "quitting on the team" and actions of his "kids" and you tell me what he's done so badly that makes you hate him. Don't forget this is a franchise with other villains like unlikeable Kenny Williams and the save-my-own-back-man, Mr. Cooper. He's been with the White Sox 28 years, Greg. The White Sox have led the majors in quality starts since 2003. As Stone mentioned last night in the broadcast, why is it that almost all of the pitchers who come to the White Sox from other organizations where they are struggling turn things around, and most pretty immediately? So...you've worked for your company for 28 years, you have a new GM for the last 8 or 9, why would your job status have ANYTHING to do with the GM? If you are the star employee but a specialist in your field, why should you quit or take one for the team or fall on your own sword because the GM of your company is having problems with the ownership (in this case, JR and KW)??? You're telling me you would quit to show symbolic support for Ozzie, when Ozzie wasn't even the one who hired you? After that same GM started renegotiating for a new contract without telling anyone what he was doing...and told everyone "let all the coaches sweat." What WOULD YOU DO GREG, in that same situation? Explain to me what Cooper OWED Ozzie there? If anything, he wanted to reconfirm his loyalty and desire to stay to JR and KW, and show he wasn't looking to leave to go anywhere else. Isn't being loyal to JR and the Sox a GOOD thing here? How is it back-stabbing? Ozzie backstabbed Jeff Cox, he just left him hanging out to dry and now he doesn't have a job, does he? Is Mr. Super Rich Ozzie paying for Cox's kids to attend their private school this year with him out of a job? I think not. Why do you think Baines is still coaching there, wasn't he a backstabber, too? No, they're both more loyal to the White Sox UNIFORM than any one single person or manager. Ozzie was talking about his 21 years...and he made his own point. Those people like Baines and Cooper always have put the organization over their own individual agendas. Cooper's had numerous opportunities since 2005 to go to other teams (like the Yankees), probably for more money....why do you think he's turned all those opportunities down, especially when he's from NYC, born and raised? Cooper was STILL going to be the White Sox pitching coach, even if BOTH KW and Ozzie were gone. Period. Guillen was booed vociferously during an eighth inning pitching change, the loudest Cubs fans got on a sweltering night. He responded by pointing to his ring finger, a reference to his two World Series rings with the Marlins and White Sox www.chicagotribune.com/sports

QUOTE (Y2JImmy0 @ Jul 17, 2012 -> 11:20 PM) We are down a guy in the bullpen with Hernandez and Axelrod technically starters. Hopefully Bruney is ready, if not it may be Heath again. Hernandez is only expected to get 1 start, if all goes well with Gavin's session Friday. I'm pretty sure at the end of the night WED another reliever will take his place through Sunday in DET at least (4 games). If Hernandez gets knocked out early, there's always the possibility they stick Pedro in the pen for those games, but unlikely.

Reed's done a very good job as a rookie, so far. He definitely hasn't pitched poorly enough to have the job taken away from him. I would look at KW in the 6th-7th inning Jason Frasor role, basically reinforce or replace Nathan Jones and push him further down in the pecking order.

QUOTE (flavum @ Jul 17, 2012 -> 09:09 PM) Well, let's see here... Jones, Santiago, Omogrosso, Septimo, Thornton, Reed I would assume Hernandez will be sent right back after the game tomorrow night, and they'll make a different move...don't know if Bruney is ready, or if they'll just hold off until Crain can come off the DL. Bruney's still having problems with his hip, no word on when he'll be back, looks like at least another 7-10 days.

QUOTE (Heads22 @ Jul 17, 2012 -> 10:01 PM) I can see a willingness to move Viciedo based on this organization's stunningly awesome recent history in developing position prospects. See Beckham, Gordon. Can't believe the Tigers and Cardinals are going to probably get extra high draft picks in that competitive balance lottery. Ridiculous. Not only that, but they can trade the picks before the end of the season, so it will have an immediate impact and essentially count as another high level prospect in their system. Thankfully, Turner got bombed tonight, but they still have Castellanos and Avisail Garcia, the "next Cabrera." Yikes. (See below). http://beck.mlblogs.com/2012/07/17/how-tig...alance-lottery/ http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1185005...-miguel-cabrera

QUOTE (MuckFinnesota @ Jul 17, 2012 -> 10:54 PM) Can you guys see the Sox targeting middle relief over starting pitchers? The bullpen seems to be spread thin and I cringe whenever Jones delivers a pitch. And who might be available? •Jonathan Broxton, Royals - The Royals are open to moving Broxton, but they aren't about to give him away for nothing. •Matt Capps, Twins - It sounds as though the Twins are willing to listen to offers for Capps, who was recently activated from the disabled list after recovering from shoulder inflammation. The trade candidate has a 3.42 ERA with a 16K/4BB ratio in 26 1/3 innings. •Grant Balfour, Athletics - Balfour has a 3.14 ERA with 6.7 K/9 and 3.8 BB/9 so far this season. His contract includes a $4.5MM club option for 2013. Click here for more on Balfour. •Brandon League, Mariners - League's trade value has diminished this year, but he still has a 3.35 ERA and recent success as a closer. •Huston Street, Padres - Street has a 1.13 ERA with 12.0 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9 for the Padres and is definitely a midseason trade candidate. His contract includes a mutual option for 2013. •Kevin Gregg, Orioles - The Orioles were shopping Gregg earlier this year. He has a 4.07 ERA with 7.8 K/9 and 4.8 BB/9 through 23 appearances. •Rafael Betancourt and Matt Belisle, Rockies - The Rockies would have to be overwhelmed to trade either pitcher, ESPN.com's Buster Olney reported last month. •Francisco Rodriguez, Brewers - If the Brewers become sellers, they could trade Rodriguez. The Mets are one interested team. •Brett Myers, Astros - The Astros are prepared to move Myers, who has pitched well in his return to the bullpen. Click here for more on Myers. •Shawn Camp, Cubs - Camp leads the NL with 43 appearances and he has a 2.80 ERA. Yet he's a 36-year-old on a one-year deal, so the Cubs could flip him for prospects. •Casey Janssen, Blue Jays - The Blue Jays need Janssen now, but if they do decide to sell he’d draw interest. •Brad Lincoln, Pirates - The Diamondbacks and Padres might have some degree of interest in Lincoln, who's enjoying a breakout season. •Brandon Lyon, Astros - Lyon has a 3.24 ERA with 9.5 K/9 and 2.2 BB/9 so some teams might be willing to overlook that $5.5MM salary. •Mark Lowe, Rangers - It appeared earlier in the year that the Rangers were willing to listen on Lowe and Scott Feldman. •Wade Davis, Rays - Davis has a 3.12 ERA with 9.4 K/9 and 3.8 BB/9 since the Rays moved him to the bullpen, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him draw interest.

•Ozzie is never going to invite general manager Kenny Williams or pitching coach Don Cooper over for a sleepover, but the White Sox are always going to be in his heart and on his mind. No. 13 played shortstop for the Sox for 13 years and came back and managed them for eight more seasons. In 2005 Guillen piloted the White Sox to the World Series. Yes, it was a messy split. But it was a necessary one, and Guillen reiterated it’s time to move forward. “I turned the page,” he said. “I miss being around a few people, yes. Of course. Listen, it’s like getting divorced and getting married again. What are you going to say? Oh, wow, look at my wife, she has another boyfriend. “No, I’m not that type of guy. I got remarried and I wish my wife the best of luck.” The White Sox are his first wife, and Guillen is never going to forget the link. “I am a true White Sox,” he said. “Put it this way, 21 years with the same organization. Nobody can say (bleep) about me in the White Sox organization. Nobody. I am a true White Sox. I spent more years with the White Sox than anybody out there. The White Sox will always be in my heart.” •Given his many accomplishments with the Sox, I suggested to Ozzie that it’s just a matter of time before he gets his statue out on the outfield concourse and has his No. 13 retired. “I already have a statue there,” Guillen said. “Every time you walk to (U.S.) Cellular Field, the first (bleep) you see is me holding the trophy. That’s the biggest statue you can have.” True, but shouldn’t the White Sox make it a little more official? “Yeah, I think it’s important for me because one of my best friend’s statues is out there — Harold Baines. Pudge (Carlton Fisk). Frank (Thomas). All those guys. “I think if the day comes, it will be very welcome. I hope they do it before I die. It would nice. “Do I expect it? It’s up to the owner. Hopefully, Jerry (Reinsdorf) is the owner. I don’t think that statue is going to be there pretty soon. I don’t expect that. But the statue I want, I already got it, it’s a (World Series) ring. “And every time they walk to the ballpark, Ozzie’s face is going to be there. That’s the biggest statue I have. If it comes, it comes. If not, you can’t do too much about it.” Scot Gregor, dailyherald.com/sports

QUOTE (greg775 @ Jul 17, 2012 -> 09:44 PM) I think it's my way of pointing out that it matters not what you think of Ozzie or what I think of Ozzie. He's rich and in the large scheme of things it doesn't matter because if they fire him, he'll be fine. Then why even bother to defend him, he wouldn't care and would probably get upset and say he doesn't need anyone to fight his battles for him, lol. Guillen did get into a minor argument with a longtime reporter -- "If we're friends, who needs enemies," Guillen said at one point -- but when it came time to meet with the phalanx of Chicago reporters, he was his usual loquacious self, only ducking a question about Nats phenom Bryce Harper. He spoke for 20 minutes, peppering his comments with laughs and expletives. After he talked to reporters, he hugged White Sox batting practice pitcher Rob Tamen and screamed with joy when he saw ex-Cubs general Jim Hendry, who is scouting for the Yankees. As Mark Buehrle said, "He's the same guy. He hasn't changed." espnchicago.com

QUOTE (GoodAsGould @ Jul 17, 2012 -> 09:23 PM) Don't they have big Jon Rauch? Not that I'd want him back. KW and Rauch pretty much hate each other. From what I've heard, Cooper isn't a big Rauch fan, either. No way that's happening.

Those are Ozzie's talking points, by the way, about his wealth and being able to go to Spain whenever he wants, etc. By the way, it's not a matter of forgiving Ozzie. I'd just like to understand how and why he lost the motivation to be an above-average manager. At least since the 2008 season ended.

QUOTE (Stan Bahnsen @ Jul 17, 2012 -> 09:38 PM) Anybody we want from the Mets? They're cratering, and should be selling soon. Johan Santana? No idea, probably someone from their bullpen, veteran reliever, but don't follow the Mets closely so no idea.

Too late, Greg. FWIW, I read or heard that Cooper had 28 years with the White Sox, in total. I think he mentioned that in the middle of the "let the coaches sweat" scandal in the 2nd half last season. Still no word about poor Brian Cox and what became of him.

By Mark Gonzales, Chicago Tribune reporter 8:10 p.m. CDT, July 17, 2012 BOSTON — The White Sox actually could be nearly full strength as soon as Monday night when they return home to open a three-game series against the Twins. Reliever Jesse Crain, who hasn't pitched since June 23 because of a right shoulder strain, could be activated without a minor league rehabilitation assignment. Crain, 31, estimated he was at about 90 to 95 percent while pitching off a mound with batters standing in the box. "I want to get a little sharper with my slider," Crain said. "But with the curveball, fastball, changeup, I felt good." The Sox, with six rookie relievers, would welcome Crain's experience. Gavin Floyd, who was placed on the disabled list Tuesday retroactive to July 8, believes he could be ready to return Monday night to start the series opener. The Sox took the precautionary measure of placing Floyd on the DL and promoted rookie left-hander Pedro Hernandez to start Wednesday night. Hernandez, 23, who will make his major league debut, is 7-2 with a 2.90 ERA at Triple-A Charlotte and Double-A Birmingham. Hernandez was acquired from the Padres last winter with pitcher Simon Castro for slugger Carlos Quentin. For his part, Floyd sounded optimistic he would miss only one start and plans to throw a bullpen session Friday to test his right elbow. "These days off are going to be pretty important for calming things down," said Floyd, who hasn't pitched since July 7. "I haven't picked up a ball in a couple of days. I don't know how it feels throwing a ball, but I've been (receiving) treatment and just trying to give it some time to cool down."

QUOTE (Stan Bahnsen @ Jul 17, 2012 -> 08:20 PM) Nice win. SP looking less shaky than the pen. In the history of Soxtalk has there been a crappy player that engendered more discussion than Punto? He's a metaphor for slappiness, undeserved lucky wins, and so much more. Erstad? Brian Anderson? Kotsay? Pierre?

QUOTE (Stan Bahnsen @ Jul 17, 2012 -> 08:01 PM) In a system full of streaky hitters, he just might be the streakiest. He can join the Dayan Viciedo and Alexei Ramirez club.

Post-game story will focus on Valentine's stupid decision to try to beat YOUK instead of doing the logical thing and facing Dunn there instead.

That was the snappiest fastball I've seen Reed throw this season. I know he's delivered some at 97, but that one just LOOKED quicker somehow.

That was over FAST. Morales and Padilla have looked very solid out of the pen.

So Dubront tmrw and Buchholz on Thursday. Obviously, it would be devastating to lose this one.

Thornton should have been in last night and Septimo or Santiago tonight. Oh, well. Still, the problem remains. The bullpen's just not reliable right now at all. Jones has really struggled recently. We knew it was coming eventually this year.

Hernandez profiles a lot like Quintana. Most thought he we would be a candidate to be a LHR coming into the season, but nobody ever would have predicted him starting a game for the Sox this season.

PenPals is not exactly scary or fiercesome. Something a little more forbidding would be helpful. You don't want anyone throwing 95-100 MPH to be your friend.

Omogrosso's looking more and more comfortable these days. Of course, it's a bit different pitching with a 5 run lead, compared to a tied or 1 run game, like Septimo came into last night. Will be an interesting decision who they send down when Crain comes back. Probably Marinez.

Gordon with a horrible AB there but it didn't matter. The Angels still have bullpen issues. Hawkins just got lit up like a Christmas tree last night, as they blew that early 5-2 lead. It's going to suck for either the Angels or Rangers to face elimination in a single game with how good both those teams are.

Take that, Marty. Evens out the Aviles rob of AJ.