Paint it Black

With the Red Sox signing Napoli doesn't a trade for Ryan Lavarnway make at least some sense for this club? I know he's a bad defensive catcher, but there just isn't that much out there.

As a yougin' (I'm 25) I enjoyed the history lesson. Thanks!

QUOTE (ewokpelts @ Nov 8, 2012 -> 10:39 PM) Basically. Sth plans are without fees. And the sox do not sell PSLs with aeason ticket sales. If you're looking to buy a package, let me know. I'll connect you with my rep. Otherwise they may stick you with an intern. Thanks for the answer...and I may be contacting you. Need to talk with my dad to see if he would be interested.

Dumb question...but I just don't feel like emailing a ticket rep only to be slammed with emails for the rest of my life. I have never purchased season tickets (finally have the disposable income) but how do the prices work? For example, if I choose an upper box plan at $378, that's the only cost, correct? No PCL like stuff, correct?

QUOTE (ewokpelts @ Nov 8, 2012 -> 01:31 PM) The red line really isnt closing. It's just moving 2 blocks east. But the Sox have responded by lowering parking costs. The ticket reductions sound like market correction. This. In fact I preferred the Green Line this year. Less crowded after games and easier to get home for me (usually had to pick my bike up at my office by the Morgan stop).

QUOTE (VAfan @ Nov 2, 2012 -> 04:51 PM) The Sox finished 2012 at 85-77, the 8th best record in the AL. They were only 3 games behind the Tigers, but 8 games back in the Wild Card standings. With the rotation already mostly set -- Sale, Peavy, Danks, Floyd, and Quintana/Santiago -- and most of the lineup probably set -- De Aza CF, ?? 3B, Dunn DH/1B, Konerko 1B/DH, Rios RF, Viciedo LF, Flowers C, Ramirez SS, Beckham 2B -- where can the Sox make moves to make the most improvement? It has to be the bullpen. Using Baseball Reference, I looked up our bullpen's performance versus the seven teams ahead of us in W-L records. I'm not going to go into a full-blown analysis of pitching data. I'm just focused on two numbers -- wins and losses in relief. Here's how the teams ranked, by wins over losses in relief, then by fewest bullpen losses. Baltimore 32-11 (93 wins overall, +21 bullpen wins) Oakland 30-14 (94, +16 bullpen wins) New York 24-17 (95, +7 bullpen wins) Texas 21-14 (93, +7 bullpen wins) Detroit 25-23 (88, +2 bullpen wins) Chicago 25-25 (85, even) Los Angeles 19-20 (89, -1 bullpen win) Tampa Bay 20-21 (90, -1 bullpen win) According to this analysis, our bullpen had the worst performance out of these 8 teams, racking up 25 losses. The only reason we kept reasonably close to the Tigers was because they were the second-worst, with 23 bullpen losses. LA and Tampa Bay basically missed the playoffs because their bullpens also failed too often. LA was 4 games behind Texas, but 6 behind both Oakland and Texas in bullpen losses. Tampa Bay was 3 games behind Baltimore and Texas for a wild card slot, but was 10 and 7 games back in bullpen losses to those teams. It's also obvious that stellar bullpens propelled the otherwise mediocre Orioles and Athletics to 93 and 94 wins, respectively. Baltimore gained an incredible 21 games out of its bullpen, while Oakland gained 16. So, who were our individual pitching culprits? Axelrod 1-0 Bruney 1-0 Crain 2-3 Jones 8-0 Myers 3-4 Ohman 0-2 Reed 3-2 Santiago 2-1 Septimo 0-2 Stewart 1-1 Thornton 4-10 It's really two culprits -- Matt Thornton -- who lost 10 games out of the bullpen last year, and Brett Myers -- who lost 4 games in relief in much less duty (35 games to Thornton's 74). No one on the Orioles or A's lost more than 2 games in relief. The Yankees had 7-game loser David Robertson. Joe Nathan lost 5 for Texas. The Angels had several guys who lost 2 and 3 games. Farnsworth and Peralta lost 6 each for Tampa Bay. Villareal lost 5, Valverde lost 4, and three others lost 3 each for the Tigers. This seems to me a place where a team could make up significant ground from one season to the next. For example, the O's were 23-21 in relief in 2011, so they gained 9-1/2 games out of their bullpen. Oakland's bullpen turnaround was even more dramatic, from 15-25 in 2011, to 30-14 in 2012, a gain of 13 games (out of a 20-game overall improvement). Now I'm sure that more than just pitching goes into these bullpen records. The team also has to hit well enough to get wins in relief. And the manager has to call on the right pitcher in the right spots. (The Sox, for example, lost one game when Quintana was lifted in LA in the 9th inning of a 1-0 game when he'd thrown under 80 pitches, and Reed quickly surrendered 2 runs and the game.) But when I look at these records, I wonder why teams don't invest more in their bullpens, which seemingly can make the difference between making the playoffs and watching from home. Is there anything the Sox can do to go from 25-25 out of the bullpen to something like 26-15 or better? They absolutely need to have that if they want to contend in 2013. I think most people here would agree that what the Orioles did this year was a pretty big fluke. Jim Johnson is a low strike out rate closer who allows a lot of balls to be hit. It's not a good recipe for long term success. Moreover, teams sometimes just get lucky with the pen, and it was one of the main strengths of the Orioles. I wouldn't be asking the question of "how can the Sox do what the O's did" because in their case, it was a lot of luck, IMO. I sure as hell know that dumping big money into a bullpen is downright foolish (I'm looking at you, Ned Colletti) and that is something that the Sox don't need to do. I think pen guys are the easiest players to find (because typically they're the worst players on a roster). I couldn't tell you what is in the system that is ready, but the Sox always seem to have the org arms to plug in fill. The pen doesn't concern me this off season. And if Hahn starts spending more money ton pen upgrades we have much bigger problems.

I was at game 4. My uncle lives in Detroit and bribed me to drive out to Detroit for a free ticket under the stipulation I would root for the Tigers. Ok fine. I didn't wear any Sox gear. But on the drunk bus back to Nemos after the game this guy behind me says to his friend "You know what, at least we made the World Series at that a****** AJ Pierynksi didn't." I really enjoyed that for some reason.

QUOTE (Swingandalongonetoleft @ Oct 25, 2012 -> 03:59 PM) Whatever their reason for it was (is it really that 35th & Shields story?), a big strike against this ballpark was permanently made when they built it facing away from the amazing view of one of the best skylines in the world. No matter how great the modifications and renovations over the years have been (and they have done wonders for the place), it'll never be as good as it could have been. I hate to use a stale meme, but this is a profoundly epic fail. Is there an explination as to why this was not done? I just wish we could roll back the clock and put the stadium right in the south loop. How great would that have been?

QUOTE (JoeCoolMan24 @ Oct 26, 2012 -> 11:47 AM) Think they planned this on the 7th anniversary of the WS title? Or just a coincidence? Probably more conincidence. Makes sense with it being a friday without a World Series game tonight.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Oct 26, 2012 -> 11:41 AM) "Not overly optimistic that we will be big players in free agency" I'm ok with this. The free agent market is awful this year.

I hope this is the first step towards better drafting, a bigger presence with regards to international signings, and better player development. But I won't be holding my breath either.

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Oct 15, 2012 -> 08:29 PM) A true White Sox fan would show up in Tigers apparel, then as soon as the 1st pitch is thrown, you rip off the Tigers gear and be wearing Cardinals/Giants stuff underneath. You are already in the stadium, what's your uncle gonna do, kick you out? I love this post so much

QUOTE (flippedoutpunk @ Oct 15, 2012 -> 06:03 PM) The sox need to appeal to the sometimes annoying casual baseball fan if they want to sell close to 30k a night. This is where the Cubs are so successful. Im guilty of having gone to more Cubs games this season than Sox games, and I get tickets free with my military I.D. with the Sox. I hate how after a white sox winner theres nothing left to do except take the red line home and hope to Allah that no one notices my iPhone and tries to rob me of my prized possessions. The Cubs games you get a chance to watch the great game of baseball (played not so greatly) and look forward to post-game festivities with some exploration of the rest of wrigleyville if you please. I have an easier time convincing friends and family to go with me to a Cubs game than a Sox game for this reason. People still believe this? There is a WORLD CLASS BAR right across the street. Don't want to pay an arm and a leg for a crappy beer? Go up to Halstead where there are tons of wonderful places to go or the other bars located off 33rd accross from Armour park (Turtles and Cork and Kerry). If your friends think there is nothing to do over there, show them up. I did this this season. Saturday night game and we went down to Bridgeport early. Got real nice and drunk and saw a great game. And the Red Line is very safe over there, especially after games. Cops all the time. It amazes me that this stigma still exists, in both there's nothing to do or I'm going to get robbed.

QUOTE (BigEdWalsh @ Oct 15, 2012 -> 05:38 PM) But a minor league affiliate in the western suburbs could help to develop more Sox fans out there. It wouldn't hurt. I worked for the Cougars in High School. I admit I'm not a marketing expert, but most people who go to those games are people with small kids who can let them run around without any hassle (hell it's why my dad took me to so many games there as a kid). Also, the Cougars do a ton of business with corporate events/parties. I can't tell you how many guests we had ask me "Hey who are the Cougars affiliated with" or "Who they playing tonight" followed up with "who are they affiliated with." I also ask this, the White Sox have not had a great track record of developing talents recently, nor do they particular draft well OR sign a ton of international talent. How the hell are you going to make any new fans out in the western burbs if you really are not sending good talent there? And that all assumes that people going to Cougars game pay attention. I guess I just don't see any Cub fans or someone who doesn't follow baseball suddenly become a White Sox fan because the low A affiliate is playing in their backyard. With that said, my parents still live out in St. Charles and I would go to tons of games if the White Sox were involved, but I would consider myself pretty diehard.

QUOTE (jasonxctf @ Oct 15, 2012 -> 04:17 PM) Lets call geograhpically close (within 4 hours driving) Which camp would you rather be in? MLB attendance #, next to AAA name. 8 of the top 10 teams in attendance, have a AAA team nearby. Teams with AAA ball clubs geographically close to MLB affiliate Toronto (Buffalo)-23 Philadelphia (Allentown)- 1 Boston (Rhode Island)- 8 Atlanta (Lawrenceville, GA)- 15 Baltimore (Norfolk)-20 Cleveland (Columbus)-29 Cincinnati (Louisville)-16 Detroit (Toledo)- 9 Chicago NL (Des Moines)- 10 St Louis (Memphis)- 6 Kansas City (Omaha)-25 Texas (Round Rock)- 3 Colorado (Colorado Springs)- 13 Seattle (Tacoma)-26 San Francisco (Fresno)- 4 Oakland (Sacramento)-27 New York AL (Moosic)- 2 Teams without AAA ball clubs georgraphically close to MLB affiliate Minnesota (Rochester, NY)- 12 Washington (Syracuse, NY)- 14 Chicago AL (Charlotte)-24 Tampa Bay (Durham)-30 Pittsburgh (Indianpolis)-22 Milwaukee (Nashville)- 11 Los Angeles NL (Alberquere)- 5 Miami (New Orleans)-18 Houston (Oklahoma City)-28 San Diego (Tucson)-21 New York NL (Las Vegas)-17 Arizona (Reno)-19 Los Angeles AL (Salt Lake)- 7 Can't compare like this. Especially since places like Albuquerque, Las Vegas, and Reno are HUGE hitter parks, if I recall, and teams love to get out of those towns any chance they can. Vegas last year as a Toronto affiliate. Affiliates flip all the time so I don't think it's fair to compare "current" attendance data when many affiliates are held "in the past" if that makes any sense. And yes, I realize that this may even help your argument. I just think that comparing mileage to attendance is VERY simplistic with way too much statistical noise going on.

QUOTE (jasonxctf @ Oct 15, 2012 -> 03:43 PM) and from what I've heard, from some ex-minor leaguers, this concept is without merit. What's more important, travel time for roaming instructors or developing a fan base? Chicken or the egg question. You could argue that roaming instructors help develop better talent, and better talent makes your major league team better, which in theory should draw more fans to the big club. I personally don't think having the White Sox in Kane County would have considerably. I think this because the "average" fan gives a damn about prospects. Further, I grew up in the western burbs and there just are not as many Sox fans out there, as say, the south suburbs. I don't see south suburban fans driving all the way to Geneva to catch a minor league game. I guess I just disagree with your premise. If winning this year doesn't bring the fan base out to the game and "develop new fans" than why do you think having a low A affiliated team in Kane County would?

Since every team I wanted to win lost in the Division Series, so now I'm just watching for drama. My uncle lives in Detroit and asked if I would drive to Detroit for a World Series game and purchase my ticket on one condition - I root for the Tigers at the game. I can't turn this opportunity down. Am I a bad White Sox fan?

1B - Paulie A: Got a lot more out of him than I expected 2B - Becks C. SS - Lexi C-: Disappointing power year, wasn't as good defensively this year, IMO 3B - Youk B-; Morel F LF - Viciedo C: Too many awful at bats, defensive liability. CF - DeAza B+: Team really suffered when he was not leading off RF - Rios A: Fantastic year. Played a good RF, hustled, great base runner. C - AJP B+: Great year but too many bad at bats down the stretch, defensive liability DH - Dunn A-: Part of his grade includes just bouncing back. Had some huge hits and played ok at first Danks - D: I'm going to grade him on how he pitched, albeit probably pitched hurt all season before his DL trip. Floyd - C: Meh, was awful for a long stretch. Sale - A Peavy - B+ Quintana - B+: Liriano - C Thornton - C+: Some good, some bad Crain - C+: Some good, some bad Reed - A- Veal - A- Lilly- D Hudson - D" Wise - C Flowers - B- Dan Johnson - D: I don't care about his 3 homers. He's a giant meh for me. Danks brother - C Robin Ventura - B. Cooper - B-: Coop needs to get credit for Quintana, the management of Sale and Peavy, and Veal Manto - INC: I just don't have a high regard for hitting coaches in general so out of fairness I'm not grading.

QUOTE (The Ultimate Champion @ Oct 6, 2012 -> 07:51 PM) The guy jumps 2 levels from A+ ball and almost helps us win a division and yet he barely avoids a B-. Excuse me while I read this headline Quintana Risks Own Life, Saves Elderly Nun From Speeding Train Sox Lefty Hoists Woman Over Shoulder At Last Instant; SoxTalk Poster greg775 Condemns Pitcher For Not Also Stopping Train Your news letter, I'd like to sign up for it. But seriously, there is coffee all over my monitor. Well done.

Really good stuff. Anything that helps shatter the "GAMES ARE TOO EXPENSIVE!!!" myth helps.

QUOTE (bighurt574 @ Oct 1, 2012 -> 01:22 PM) If you bought from Ticketmaster, do they automatically just credit your card or do you have to do something with the tix? The credit automatically minus the service fees. Ticketbastard sucks.

QUOTE (Jenksy Cat @ Oct 3, 2012 -> 06:07 PM) The neighborhood it slowly getting better, but there's just way way too many "unsavory" people to completely revamp it. And even if it did turn around, the stigma will be there for a long long time. I lived 4 blocks from the park for about a year and it was perfectly fine, but west of Halsted and east of the highway = no bueno. Comparing attendance figures for the Cubs/Sox always cracks me up as that's what most sad Cubs fans resort to. My typical reply as that literally ANY baseball team in the league could have been swapped with the Cubbies and the results would have been the same. Cubs attendance is 100% neighborhood. Well it's also a tourist attraction. I have an Uncle who lives in Ohio and has wanted to go to Wrigley Field for years, and he isn't a baseball fan. Me and my Dad took him this year. The Cubs brand appeals to your casual fan. It's fine. As far as what the media says, who cares. I never understood why White Sox fans cared. Anymore there are SO many outlets for baseball news, giving a crap about what the boo yahs or the other national types doesn't bother me. I like the White Sox because I do. I get my baseball news from other hardcore fans/sites (A lot of Baseball Prospects) that publish to fans like me. The boo yah's and others are appealing to broader, more casual audience. Find again.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Sep 21, 2012 -> 12:38 PM) That is interesting. I wonder if some people don't know about the changed format for games. It's very possible. I consider myself a huge baseball fan, and I didn't know about the lower seed having the first two home games rule for this year until the other day. It just seems so backwards.

Anybody get so lucky to get tickets through general sale? I got UD at $45 a pop. Don't have anyone to go with me yet... Nothing left on ticketbastard for game 1. I could still get 2 OF seats for game 2.

QUOTE (HickoryHuskers @ Sep 19, 2012 -> 12:35 PM) I've never succeeded in getting Sox or Bears playoff tickets via online general sale. That's what I thought. Plus I just found out about the weird ALDS scheduling for 2012 only. The lower seed plays games 1 and 2 at home...which doesn't help me because my dad is going to be out of town during first two ALDS games. Might just have to bite the bullet on ALCS tickets and hope they make it.