caulfield12

QUOTE (greg775 @ Jun 17, 2012 -> 11:32 AM) Seriously? After getting out of it with "just" four runs in three innings? Your starting pitcher? If it was 4-0 or 5-0, Humber definitely would be pulled. In some ways, it's counter-intuitive, because you do have a lot better chance to win the game you're tied or within a run or so either way when you bring in a bullpen guy. The problem is that the quality of your last two or three guys in the pen shouldn't be better than your starter, but it is what it is. Yet another hit given up by Humber. Just seems like he can never shut down the opponent after the Sox score, same with Floyd this season.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Jun 17, 2012 -> 11:28 AM) I do think every manager in baseball would do the same thing, leave Horrible Humber in. Four runs in three innings sucks, but it's not seven, eight runs. YOu have to let your starter go five as long as his pitch count is OK. Seriously, don't you agree? No manager hooks Humber this early "only" giving up four. I do think he sucks, though. When your options are Stewart, Ohman, Santiago or Hudson....and you don't want to completely destroy your bullpen, not knowing how long Quintana can keep pitching so well as a starter, there's just no good option. Personally, I'd have gone with Santiago and pinch hit for Humber there, but it's not like a "sure thing" and Viciedo doesn't match-up very well with Billingsley the way he's been going for most of June. We don't have a strong bench, especially hitting wise.

Guess Humber skipped bunting practice and only concentrated on hitting BP fastballs. Humber as the long man is just a prescription for disaster because the ONLY way he can be successful is when he has his sharp curve. Otherwise, he's going to get tattoed ever worse than Stewart. This is why the Twins and Royals gave up on him, they didn't see him being effective out of the pen or effective in general.

QUOTE (Marty34 @ Jun 17, 2012 -> 11:19 AM) What's going to happen when this rotation faces the Yankees, Rangers, and Red Sox in the coming weeks? What do you expect to happen, KW to resign in frustration since our pitching is in shambles? Our situation isn't any worse than what the Red Sox and a number of teams like the Brewers have faced all season long with injuries. Hudson running hard down to 1B and busting it, unlike Mr. Soriano for the Cubs when Middlebrooks bobbled a liner 3 times and finally dropped it and yet Alphonso was gunned down by half a baseline. Booed pretty hard in his final at-bat. Castro 1 for his last 21. So much for the new Mr. Franchise.

QUOTE (fathom @ Jun 17, 2012 -> 11:17 AM) Great thing we cost ourselves 2 runs in the top of the inning most likely. Farmer and DJ weren't against it, but Konerko just hasn't been hot and Rios has...you don't want to lose any baserunners, and Beckham just doesn't have the type of speed to steal 3B and be successful more than 25% of the time at best. You'd have scored two with the triple and then had 2 chances to get Rios in from 3rd, not that we've been automatic in that situation since the Lance Lynn/Peavy game.

QUOTE (fathom @ Jun 17, 2012 -> 11:15 AM) Problem isn't just control, it's that his stuff is fairly mediocre in general. For example, that 2-0 fastball he threw to Billingsley (a pretty good hitting pitcher) was 88 mph and right over the middle, get me over, BP type of stuff. Wherever AJ's putting the glove, the ball's going to the opposite side. All six of the Dodgers' hits have been on fastballs. Kudos to Ventura for trying Santiago as the long man instead of Stewart.

Humber just has no control/location... Seems like a copy of the 6th inning last night. Wish I had a modicum of confidence that Zach Stewart could actually hold the lead or keep it close. We'll see. Dreading what will happen if Uribe comes to the plate with the bases loaded.

En fuego for Rios. 5th triple of the season.

Maybe Humber can play 3B?

Ramirez continues to compile lots of RBI's despite the low 500's OPS. That's one example where OPS doesn't tell the complete story of his value to the team. Btw, what did Alexei do last night to cause us to lose? Didn't catch it. Someone said something about a "brain cramp" but what was it?

QUOTE (knightni @ Jun 17, 2012 -> 09:55 AM) Because they're still thinking small and not regionally or nationally like they should. Do the Cubs have a toll-free number? 1-800-THE-CUBS Heard it during their broadcast.

Why have the White Sox never had a 1-800/toll-free number to call for tickets? Just curious. That seems pretty basic marketing, especially when you had to make long distance or out of area code land line calls.

Bryce Harper with 9 swings and misses out of 10 pitches against Pettite. All sliders or curveballs. Time for him to adjust. Ibanez and Eric Chavez two of the better bench signings of the entire offseason in a largely quiet Yankees' offseaso on the free agent market, with the exception/s of Kuroda/Pettite/Pineda.

QUOTE (Wedge @ Jun 17, 2012 -> 12:00 AM) I feel like other than the winning streak we've been in a long bad stretch. 10-6 4-12 17-5 3-7 Win, lose, win, lose.

QUOTE (Greg Hibbard @ Jun 16, 2012 -> 11:21 PM) This team has lost 7 of 9 - just like every team does. It's a bad streak over a relatively small portion of the season, after an insane winning streak. I wish some of the same people that screamed "sample size!!!!" about batting stats could hold perspective together when this team goes on either a good or bad stretch. This stretch doesn't mean that the sox are going to lose 90 just like the winning streak didn't mean the sox would win 100. If we continue to play well against the division we will win it. If we don't, we won't. Losing 7 of 9 doesn't mean s***. We have holes, yes. So do most other teams, including competitive ones. By the end of this month we will probably have reeled off 8 of 10 and the naysayers will once again be the converted. Christ, let's all act like we've watched a full season of baseball at some point. It's actually 7 out of 10. When 50-75% of the fans disappear for starts by Humber and Floyd, I wouldn't say that's normal around here. Especially any starts made for a first-place White Sox team. When has that ever happened?

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jun 16, 2012 -> 09:26 PM) The Sox need an upgrade at 3B? That's an astute observation. I'm Gavin Floyd's biggest critic, but what kind of logic are you using when you say the Sox needed a starting pitcher, and then ripping them for not trading a starting pitcher? I'm also, except for Marty, KWs biggest critic , and I'm sure he listened on offers for Floyd and Thornton. Considering what was received for Santos and Quentin, I'm sure those offers weren't nearly what you think they would be. The problem is, this is nothing new for Floyd. His ERA is normally about where it is right now this time of year. He'll get hot for 6 weeks, all will be forgiven. Extensions will be discussed on this board. Then he'll be mediocre again and it will be the offseason. Other GMs who would actually have to pay Gavin notice this as well. Keep in mind, KW could land Verlander and David Wright today. This still wouldn't be the Sox last 3 game losing streak of the season. And here's the column you were ripping not even a week ago: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/colum...,6968593.column Considering that a 30+ save, close to 85% conversion rate, cost-controlled closer nets you only Nestor Molina, call me unimpressed. Maybe you're right, it's better off if we don't let Marco Paddy or KW have anything to do with any more trades. Why would they give Gavin Floyd an extension if they have a $9.5 million club option for 2013 already? They're now going to turn around and sign him to an extension for $21-27 million over 3 years? That's like signing Mark Teahen to an extension when they already controlled his rights anyway. The point is even if KW made the worst possible trades in the history of baseball for Floyd and Thornton, their salaries would be off the books, our record would arguably be the same or better and we'd have another $12-15 million to use now that we know we definitely need another starter to compete this season.

QUOTE (EvilJester99 @ Jun 16, 2012 -> 08:44 PM) WTH happened last night.. I went to bed and we were up 6-2?? Implosion or what? Well, that definitely didn't happen, because it was 5-1. That's nothing compared to the feeling of waking up the next morning that time in September, 2005, and expecting to see a victory over the Royals and realizing we'd blown a truly huge lead and were in the process of choking away the division. A combination of Sale's wildness, pitch count, the choice to go to Jesse Crain over Nathan Jones, a 7 1/2 year minor league veteran/journeyman/AAA filler guy (Elian Herrera) consistently beating us all day long and Matt Thornton/AJ Thornton wetting the bed after the game was tied. At least Alex Rios had one of his best games ever in a Sox uniform. Unfortunately, it will most be remembered for two bullpen letdowns. Oh, and more reminders that Orlando Hudson shouldn't be playing major league 3B, certainly not for a pennant-contending team.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jun 16, 2012 -> 09:01 PM) The point is they were never out of the race. To thing the Sox are going to continue a nearly .800 pace during interleague play is insane. The only way the White Sox will win the divison is by beating their rivals in the AL Central. That is really nothing new. It was just last week you proclaimed 4 or 5 games out of first is nowhere near first place. Now you have changed. Who would have figured? Maybe Dan McNeil was right. Dan McNeil was right if he said we needed a legitimate upgrade at 3B and another starting pitcher to compete. And two of the biggest trading chips we could have used this entire offseason, Gavin Floyd and Matt Thornton, are both at their lowest values ever in a Sox uniform. Your move, KW and JR. Stand still, you get passed.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Jun 16, 2012 -> 07:14 PM) The Sox lost facing Kershaw. This season is ova. I see Mitt's(caulfied) pendulum is starting to swing the other way again. "Let" other teams back in the "race". That's rich. Like 4 or 5 out with 100 to play is out of it in the AL Central. The Sox are flawed. KW would probably even admit that. So is every other team in the division. If they pitch, they win. Anyone who really thinks KW would consider trading Viciedo for a 3 month rental has not been paying attention. Every team in the AL Central is legitimately back in the race now. In 2003, the Royals were 6 1/2 and 7 games ahead of the White Sox and Twins, and that was at the All-Star break. They let everyone back in because the ONE thing the White Sox did better than any other team was win on the road in interleague play. Before the Cardinals series started, we were 23-7 in our last 30 road interleague games. 1-3 and 5-5 overall in interleague isn't going to get it done, and the next 8 games all present tough pitching match-ups for the Sox. This year, the only logical way the Sox can win the AL Central is to beat the Royals and Twins consistently. As far as KW learning something, I'll believe it when I see another starting pitcher and 3B added without sacrificing our future ability to compete the way the Hudson/Holmberg for Edwin Jackson trade did. Only the miraculous find of Quintana has kept this team in first for now, but not PHT. For the record, I do think it's inappropriate to constantly bring Mitt Romney into every single post or response you make to me. If you want to debate politics, there's a place for it. I think you have an obsession with Mitt Romney, for some reason. People want leadership, Mr President. And in the absence of genuine leadership, they'll listen to anyone who steps up to the microphone. They want leadership. They are so thirsty for it, they'll crawl through a desert toward a mirage and when they discover there's no water, they'll drink the sand. President: People drink the sand not because they are thirsty. People drink the sand because they don't know the difference.

QUOTE (Quinarvy @ Jun 16, 2012 -> 07:16 PM) Caulfield has thought Viciedo would be traded since the Manny days, no shock there. Nope, you'll not find one single post here with me advising that Viciedo should be traded. You must be confusing me with Marty34. Why would a washed-up Manny Ramirez have anything to do with Viciedo? In 2010, I wanted Viciedo to play everyday, and I wanted him to be playing in May/June last year over Pierre.

The other hurdle with Soriano is his is contract, and what Cubs President Theo Epstein will likely look for in compensation. According to Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com “The compensation for Soriano would likely come in the form of relief for some of the $54 million still owed over the next three seasons. The Cubs would eat 80 percent of the money as long as they got back a decent prospect.” To his credit, Soriano is a known as a terrific clubhouse leader, however even if the Detroit could get Chicago to eat most of his salary, they would surely have to include a top level prospect like Jacob Turner who is currently ranked as the 22nd prospect in MLB.1 So the question is, is it worth taking a flyer on Soriano while players like Yoenis Cespedes or and Carlos Lee might be all-around better alternatives? The problem in dealing right now for any player is that Dombrowski would be doing so without any leverage. Other executives — Epstein especially — know the Tigers’ need, and might more willing to play hardball in terms of a trade. Perhaps the more prudent option is for the Tigers to try and fill their need with older, more cost effective veteran such as J.D. Drew, Carlos Pena, Cody Ross, or Ronny Cedeno, and reassess come May or June, once they can accurately evaluate their roster. http://thefanhub.com/posts/detail/274097/W...Fit-In-Detroit-

QUOTE (fathom @ Jun 16, 2012 -> 01:39 PM) With Drabek tearing his elbow, Morrow getting hurt and Hutchison leaving the game with an injury tonight, KW should be on the phone with AA discussing Gavin Floyd. So you would be looking for future pieces or someone to help the team win this season? After the Santos/Molina trade, I'm not sure how comfortable AA would be taking another pitcher from the Sox so soon. On the other hand, it looks like we got fleeced by agreeing to take Stewart and Molina as major pieces in return, so who knows... Ultimately, you could argue we would have been much better off had we dealt Gavin Floyd and Matt Thornton in the offseason, as many wanted and advised. At the very least, you would have an extra $10-15 million on top of what you have left to spend right now to fix all the problems springing up everywhere. That's not even taking into consideration the talent we could have acquired in return. Now, we'd be lucky to get anything resembling a B prospect and salary relief. Heck, if you could get Beck to slim down and fix his mechanics quickly, he might be the best pitcher in our system right now to just into the breach.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Jun 16, 2012 -> 02:00 PM) The Royals are four back in the loss column. Will they ultimately pass the Sox? 15 games remaining vs. KC I think. Any team in this division, except perhaps the Twins, could finish in 1st. Any of the other teams could finish in 1st or 5th. If Liriano got superhot, they could even make a run at it, although I just don't see it all coming together for them...stranger things have happened, which much less time left remaining in the season. However, most would be shocked if the Tigers, no matter what happens with their rotation, Valverde and defense, finish lower than 3rd. They just have too much offensive talent with Jackson, Fielder, Cabrera, Avila and possibly Victor Martinez.

Is that it should be making it painfully obvious to JR and KW that the team as presently constructed isn't going to be good enough to win the division. Hudson has largely been a failure, and cost the White Sox again defensively in the 6th tonight. We can't afford "on the job" training and the painful lessons that come with it. On the other hand, neither the Indians and even the Tigers (because of defense and pitching injuries) right now have the teams to run away and hide. So fix 3B and add a starting pitcher largely by adding on salary and not sacrificing major league talent from the 25 man roster or you watch the White Sox be doomed to near irrelevancy and even lower attendance the next couple of seasons. Management has a clear choice now. They can't just wait for Morel and Danks. There's two gaping holes in the dike that have to be fixed, and that's operating under the assumption that Quintana will continue to be a consistent performer (there's very little chance he'll keep up his ERA of nearly 2) going forward. They can't go "all in" and trade for likes of Greinke by sacrificing Viciedo, Nathan Jones and Mitchell. They can decide to do what's in their power to fix the two broken parts of this team or end up falling back in the pack by the end of July. The other reason they have to add a pitcher is 1) to protect Chris Sale in August/September and 2) the odds right now are against Floyd returning, so you need at least one more experienced starter or you go into 2012 with Sale, Danks (if healthy), Quintana, Axelrod and Castro/Molina as your rotation. That simply can't happen if you want to compete, to break in essentially 3 rookie pitchers.

QUOTE (Jake @ Jun 16, 2012 -> 12:40 PM) I think the Sox would have been happy to give him a chance when the spot came up, but it never happened. He was sick of waiting and could make much more money in Japan so he asked to be let go. We obliged him because at this point the odds of him even getting a cup of tea were low. Let the kid make some money, if he pitches well over there we can pick him up as a FA someday Colby Lewis went to Japan and came back to have quite the successful career.