DBAHO

QUOTE(Mplssoxfan @ Aug 25, 2007 -> 08:03 AM) Ain't it the truth. I have to admit, I was one of those who predicted Spurs would crack the top 4 ahead of Arsenal coming into this season, with the buys they had (even though I think they massively overpaid for Darren Bent). But they are really lacking something in central midfield, and losing Michael Carrick really hurt them. And they don't have much creativity in the midfield when Aaron Lennon isn't playing. And with the Berbatov - Jol feud, it's hard to see Dimitar regaining his form of last season.

A few interesting games this weekend. Arsenal - Man City has 0-0 written all over it. Man Utd play Tottenham, and if Spurs lose, Martin Jol could be sacked. Always find a way to shoot themselves in the foot Tottenham. Liverpool has to go to Sunderland in the early game. They should win, but Spurs should have won there on opening day. West Ham at home to Wigan, another game we "should" win, but Wigan's actually been in decent form.

I find it amusing how most of you are sick over there and yet it's practically summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Aug 23, 2007 -> 05:03 PM) Just bought "Star Wars:Empire At War" for the PC. Got it for 20 bucks, and I'm having a blast with it. Really great gameplay, and really keeping my interest. Is that the strategy game when you can take over planets, and play as the light side or the dark side? I loved space missions in the game, all little spaceships flying around everywhere.

QUOTE(BearSox @ Aug 24, 2007 -> 11:51 AM) anyone ever play swat 4 (and the expansion pack) for the computer? awesome ass game if you ask me. I played Swat 4, not the expansion pack though. Weren't enough missions for my liking, and they weren't too hard, except for the last one in the hospital, and the one where you spend most of the time in the car park.

BOOOO. Happy B-Day Rowand.

Yay;

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Aug 23, 2007 -> 01:07 PM) Why the heck not? I'd love to see the Sox take the initiative and go to a country where baseball isn't exactly a popular sport. The way I see it, the less competition, the better -- if the Sox were to build an academy in a place like the Netherlands, any and all athletes who chose to give baseball a try would basically be controlled by the Sox. If what DBAHO says is true, I think that's some very innovative thinking by those four organizations to go out to Australia. It's sort out of thinking outside the box. In China, no way is Baseball a main sport over there, and yet the Yankees are going to put quite a bit of money in there. Down in Australia, there's basically no real professional league down here, there used to be about 10-15 years ago, but it folded due to financial problems. HOWEVER, it is very popular under the age of 18. You see a lot of players down here play until they're eligible to go to college over in America. So the Sox could easily start up an academy down here, and get access to the best talent down here. And I mean we have produced some pretty good talent. Dave Nilsson was an all-star with the Brewers, and I think Justin Huber has really been mishandled by the Royals (in fact I recommend the Sox pick him up on the cheap as a longterm 1B/OF/DH solution).

QUOTE(whitesoxfan101 @ Aug 23, 2007 -> 06:11 AM) To call what the Twins have done over the years luck is beyond asinine. And as for Porcello, everything I've ever read and seen on him has grave concerns over his mechanics and long term health, so we'll see. Now that's quite an interesting observation on Porcello. I wonder what the reaction would be like around here, if Porcello became chronically injured and couldn't live up to his potential. Wouldn't it be quite funny if Aaron Poreda outproduced Porcello over their careers? Would be a waste of money on Detroit's part, but that's the risk you pay spending that type of money in the draft on a premium prospect I suppose.

QUOTE(Gregory Pratt @ Aug 22, 2007 -> 08:40 AM) The Braves have an Australian presence. I wouldn't really waste my time there. Latin America is the answer. Well it all depends on the cost. There's basically 4 teams down here who have a monopoly on the talent down here, Atlanta, San Diego, Minnesota and Boston. It may not be as talent laden as Latin America, but there's still a good chance you're going to find a good player down here, and probably for a lower cost compared to a similar Latin American prospect, since there's only around 4 teams bidding against you. Still, all in all, the White Sox need to throw more resources into these type of regions, and I think they've finally realised that. Whether they utilise enough money to get some stud prospects, and have the scouts to actually spot these type of talents, I don't know.

QUOTE(WHITESOXRANDY @ Aug 22, 2007 -> 10:01 PM) Two years ago, in the White Sox championship season, the Sox called on Garland to pitch 2 games in the playoffs. He responded thusly: League Championship Series vs. L.A. Angels 9 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 7 K and THE WIN. World Series vs. Houston Astros 7 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K and THE WIN. He's the same pitcher NOW that he was THEN. If you want to replace that with Nick Masset - good luck. I don't think anyone really doubts that (unless Garland is injured which is a possibility). The question is, are we going to get back to a World Series with Jon Garland around on our team, or would we get their quicker by trading him to fill some other needs and revamp the roster, and create some payroll flexibility to help fill some more needs?

QUOTE(whitesoxfan101 @ Aug 22, 2007 -> 02:37 PM) Tonight's home run actually got him to the mendoza line at 11 for 55 and an even .200, with a .323 on base and hey the slugging and OPS are up to .418 and .741. Plus, not only are his walks impressive, his ratio is too with more walks (10) than strikeouts (9). And now he's starting to show some of his power too, which is a big plus. It also shows how much of a better hitter Juan Uribe could be if he would take a walk as Richar does. KW said we needed more OBP players, and Richar could be the 1st new player really in that type of mould who can stick. I didn't like the trade with him for Cunningham, but right now, things are looking quite good.

I think Richar has shown enough to give him a starter's job for next season. He's got good plate discipline and he's shown a bit of power. All he needs to do is to work on his defence, and increasing that BA of his.

Wow it really is dead in here. Sox up early. Javy looks good so far.

I may be late, but Happy Birthday Tony!!!

Only if a team offers you a good deal (e.g Bill Bavasi overpays). I'm worried that his performances recently and the health of his shoulder will have decreased his value, from what it was at the deadline.

Yeah Rob Styles won't be refereeing in the EPL for a month. Terrible penalty call, and Chelsea certainly got lucky. And Man United are in trouble. They can't play 4-4-1-1 with Tevez up front, because he needs support, and he can't hold the ball up on his own against 2 bigger central defenders. Losing Rooney and Saha has really hurt them big time. Liked what I saw out of Nani though.

QUOTE(maggsmaggs @ Aug 21, 2007 -> 02:52 PM) I hate how Poreda is still starting in rookie ball. He needs to be in low ball right now. Gio/Egbert need to be in AAA and other moves could be made too. What is the Sox's deal with so little player movement? On Gio I would guess that the Sox just don't want to rush him, at least not this season. He's been good lately but not as good as he was earlier on in the season, so he may possibly be getting a little tired. Egbert I can't explain though, he should be in AAA for sure.

I love Soccer and I haven't even heard of the 1st guy.

I don't mind the move at all. As Beck said, if Myers can pitch well and get back to that 06 Yankee form, it gives us options in regards to Thornton, who could be dealt to help bring in a SS for example.

Meh. One of those signings that really doesn't get you excited. Still I don't really hate it. Myers could always gets back to the form of last season, he was a very good reliever for the Yanks. Plus it gives the Sox another option. If Myers does well, it allows for a Matt Thornton to be available for trade for example to fill another need. Of course this is all dependent on whether Myers can pitch well, and he very well may not have anything left.

Guess our camels are just a bit more friskier down here I suppose.

All I want to know is did anyone take Heads's financial advice?

We had a mine collapse down here last year, took about 2 weeks to get 2 people out, 1 had died trapped under the rubble. Hopefully something like this will allow for mining companies etc. to have a look at their mines and to make sure their staff are operating under safe working conditions, and that management and the companies aren't taking shortcuts or anything.

Well I like the signing for 2 years. Dye should be able to at least put up the production that he has this season, with the potential for more. I guess this may take us out of the Rowand sweepstakes, unless Garland was dealt to free up some salary.