Flash Tizzle

9th inning, tie game at 2 apiece. Doug Eddings is trying to screw our opportunity of advancing in the draft. Two plays at second tonight have benefited us. As of now, Grindy at 2nd; Groiny at 1st. 0 outs. PLEASE screw this up. We can be in position to gain several slots with a loss tonight and another tomorrow.

QUOTE(Gene Honda Civic @ Sep 29, 2007 -> 07:52 PM) In that respect, I would hope this extension raises your blood pressure. It highlights the poor short and long-term decisions the organization has made to back themselves into this corner. You just have to wonder when the breaking point will be. Will it take two, three seasons of drafting in the Top 10 for Williams to attempt a rebuilding project? And even then, will it be too late? I can't believe Dye, Konerko or Thome -- our offensive core -- will gain much value in the upcoming seasons. Vazquez and Jenks may be worth something of value, but I doubt they'll take a chance dealing either. Williams only trades players at their lowest value, not their heighest. We're modeling ourself into an organization with a high payroll tied into inmovable pieces, without the benefit of a healthy minor league system to even out the salaries. No one can possibly believe our future is bright.

QUOTE(robinventura23 @ Sep 29, 2007 -> 05:51 PM) Great signing. I see no reason why anyone would disagree with this move. Glad to have him around for a few more years. I'm not quesitoning you, in particular, but I hope people realize this extension takes place after 2008. He'll be here for the next three seasons. Hoping an overweight, unathletic catcher holds himself up offensively and defensively over the next several seasons isn't exactly a no-risk venture. I have no problem with the extension because, honestly, what other options are there? It just proves a troubling trend of having to put our faith in veteran players because the minor league system can't provide viable replacements. With every high priced extension, we're only applying more pressure on the affiliates to produce talent. Fields, Richar, Danks, Floyd won't be enough.

QUOTE(29andPoplar @ Sep 29, 2007 -> 06:08 PM) Actually no, that was not what I was suggesting at all. I will suggest you're putting words in my mouth and I'd be right. Myers will be 39 years old next year. Math alone suggests he won't be around long term. That is what I meant by stop gap, until such time as they can develop someone, sign, trade, whatever. The issue is, can he be effective enough to warrant what they'd pay him, which in today's day and age is nominal for a baseball pitcher. I am not arguing he will or won't, I am simply saying I believe the White Sox will pick up his option because they will feel it gives them flexibility. Take your argument(s) up with Kenny Williams. Maybe write him a letter? Oh never mind, I think we've covered that already haven't we. Myers as a stop gap solution and, say, Dye are two entirely different variations of the term. Myers isn't the best option (and I believe this), yet he'll be given an opportunity because of his past success against lefthanders. Dye was signed an extension because there are, without question, no better options for the production he'll provide. Give me all the outfielders within the system and I guarantee none would outproduce Dye next season -- even during his injury stinct. Yet, do the same for Myers and I would venture to bet several come ahead. This is what I consider wasting money. Even if it's for a little over a million, the difference between someone getting paid the minimum and Myers' salary could be used for better purposes (ie, draft). I don't know why you continue this "write a letter!1!!" campaign. The next time I ever hear of management expressing their true feelings in a letter for everyone to read will be the first time. Flash Tizzle: "Mr. Williams, why would you consider extending Myers when there are several interesting options in the minors?" Williams: "Thank you devoted fan for your concern. It's my belief that the 2008 White Sox will once again rise atop the American League Central in route to another World Series championship. Make sure to call a friendly White Sox ticket representative today to pre-order your season tickets, group tickets, or various other ticket plans to fit your schedule (Letter continues without addressing question)...

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Sep 29, 2007 -> 03:55 PM) You can thank Donald Lucy and the rest of the fun bunch on the farm for this move. This idea has become a reoccuring theme. It was true with Erstad, Podsednik, Dye, Pierzynski, and it'll probably be true with Uribe. When will it end? I believe if Garland is resigned, that'll be about it with me. He needs to be traded before next season, and if we're unwilling to allow Egbert or Gonzalez to replace him -- and accept their struggles (since they are White Sox prospects), then the entire system needs to be overhauled.

QUOTE(29andPoplar @ Sep 29, 2007 -> 04:06 PM) Whatever they do with this bullpen, they will need a backup plan. If they keep 3 LH or not, whatever. No more Ryan Bukvich's or Brett Prinz's and so on as a backup plan. They miscalculated on Masset, Aardsma, Sisco, and I would also say MacDougal. Aardsma and MacDougal are what I would call head cases, they are afraid to throw strikes. Sisco is a long term project and a big maybe. Masset has talent but I think they will cut the cord on him, he would look good on an NL team as a 5th starter. This I agree with. Particularly how Williams was proven wrong with every offseason acquisition in the bullpen. What I would like to see is several of our in-house options to be given extra opportunities. Whether that's Day, Perez, Vasquez; anything which limits the need of Williams to trade/sign for more bullpen arms.

QUOTE(29andPoplar @ Sep 29, 2007 -> 01:15 PM) All three left handers in the bullpen have had their bad moments, Thronton, Logan, and Myers. On the surface many of the stats for their respective 2007 seasons are remarkably similar, although Thornton K's more guys. Of course many of these stats don't tell the whole story as I'm sure a stat-friendly poster would tell me. Actually, no one would tell you statistics don't tell the whole story in relation to Thornton and Myers. Logan, at least, is capable of retiring lefthanders. His role has been defined this season. Not many statistical measures available support Thornton, much less Myers, as viable options. One advantage Thornton has is his velocity (which has decreased from last season) and an extended contract which may make dealing him difficult. It will be an embarrassment if Myers is extended. Flexibility should not be the issue, here. I'm tired of acquiring stop-gap solutions to compensate for the inability of this organization to develop replacement level players. Myers is somehow the solution because he has a proven track record? Why isn't it just as likely that maybe his decline has begun? I'm more willing to accept that what we've seen from Myers in a White Sox uniform is all there is, then devoting over a million dollars for a mere 'stopgap.' And by stopgap, of course, you're suggesting that production isn't key; rather, he's a warm body throwing with his left arm. This decision is more the reason why this organizaiton is no where near competing. Myers as a legitimate option out of the bullpen? A bullpen that still needs its share of upgrades, lol.

GO CUBS GO!!! Milwaukee, lol.

DAmmit, Vazquez is too good. May as well be a 10 run lead with him on the mound.

QUOTE(southsida86 @ Sep 28, 2007 -> 08:44 PM) With a couple of wins we could be looking at drafting in the 11-12 spot. A s***ty season and we'll get no talent to show for it. This certainly doesn't help improve our barren farm system. First, it's impossible for us to select anywhere beyond 10. Second, don't just assume that we'll have no talent available to us. Remember, we haven't had a position this high in seventeen years. This is just the type of thinking that helps the organization if they fail. They'll say, "oh, this was the best player available." Too bad, is my thinking. The better find an excellent talent who turns into a legitimate major league ballplayer.

QUOTE(Jordan4life_2007 @ Sep 28, 2007 -> 08:24 PM) Just a couple more days until this nightmare is over. I can't believe this team. They can't even f***in' lose right. Guys like Thome/Konerko/Dye have decided to turn it on first-half 2006 style. We're all of a sudden getting good starting pitching for the first time since, what, May? The bullpen has actually been decent. And we only had to wait for meaningless September games for this to happen. So long Pedro! He's been a lost dream for quite awhile. Only way we'll even have an opportunity to draft him is if Boras is his agent and he's demanding an absurd amount of money. Even then, because he's in his junior year with little bargaining power, I can't imagine many teams ahead of us will be intimidated. It won't be like Porcello. Having a draft selection secured for the following year doesn't hurt, either. My expectations will still be high, regardless of what position we select at. I'm honestly going to be under the belief that if ANY player from our 1st selection through the end of the sandwich round outperforms our pick, we failed. That's potentially 40 players. It'll take some time to determine this, but it should still hold true. People need to do their homework, next season. Hell, it already should have begun.

I'm sick of this f***ing team. We're looking at 9th place, and one game behind Washington, if neither Houston or Cincinnati win.

QUOTE(whitesoxmanager @ Sep 28, 2007 -> 07:34 PM) I almost posted something to the effect that Aaron Rowand has made a big difference on the attitude, personality, and competitiveness on the Phillies. To those of you who think otherwise, well you have many years to gain the experience necessary to realize what it really takes to win. KW you were wrong and now we are left with a listless team. Philadelphia has an offensive ballclub talored for the American League. Sure, he may add attitude, personality, and competitiveness to the ballclub; but he's surrounded by talent. I'm not interested in paying him 8+million over 5 years to help motivate a mediocre ballclub. The goal we should be looking towards is receiving young, cheap talent; not expensive talent riding off a career season. And is anyone else disgusted at how Hawk has had a complete 180 turnaround on Uribe in the last week? As if he realized after reading Guillen's comments (and perhaps talking to Williams), there is no one available to replace Juan. It wasn't too long ago Hawk wasn't sure how the team could possibly keep him because he can't be taught.

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Sep 28, 2007 -> 06:36 PM) Since the draft position is meaningless at this point anyways, here's to hoping Vazquez wins 15 and gets his ERA below 3.70. (reverse psychology or somethin...?) I'm really becoming aggrivated with Guillen leaving in Thome/Konerko/Dye this last week. Any win we receive this series is useless. And any production from those three is useless. Wouldn't it be appropriate if one (or more) were injured at some point these next several days? It would follow the theme from this season that rarely has anything gone right. Concerning the draft, at worst we're selecting in the 10th position. These last few drafts have proven quality prospects are available at this point (Lincecum - 2006; Maybin/Bruce - 2005; Weaver - 2004.) However, several spots lower at 7, the following players have been available: Kershaw - 2006; Tulowitzki - 2005; Bailey - 2004. But according to Greg, draft position means nothing.

Lineup: Podsednik Fields Thome Konerko Dye Erstad Uribe Richar Hall

QUOTE(Markbilliards @ Sep 28, 2007 -> 12:41 PM) I think Kenny Williams should have been graded before the season, not after (unless you count midseason trades). He did get rid of Garcia, which is what many wanted, he got what should have been a better backup catcher which we needed. The problems he created were that he stuck with podsednik which is kind of like the cubs sticking with wood and prior, plus Williams went with a young bullpen instead of a proven vet pen. He also resigned Javy which many of us thought was stupid, but it turned out to be good for this year. I feel like before the season started that's how I felt, he address some big problems, but had some holes and took some risks that may not pay off, so I definitly wouldn't have given him an F, probably a C. You can't say that he should have expected Konerko to be hitting .258, Dye to have an average in the .250s, Ozuna to wind up breaking, and for everyone in Cintrons family to wind up dying. He could have suspected injuries from Crede and Thome, but with Crede he knew Fields was ready and Thome's too good to get rid of even in case he does get hurt. Did you guys give Kenny an F before the season started? I didn't. I didn't give him an A either, but I don't think it appeared as if he ruined the team before it all even started. I feel as if I've been transported to WSI where people just create new and inventive ways of deflecting blame off Williams. Compare your belief to any activity in life -- are grades assessed based on final results, or the effort behind it? If I had all the right materials for an exam, yet still failed, should I be graded based on the effort? Of course not. The whole point here is, he may have done what was necessary before the season (dealing Garcia, acquiring arms, acquiring Hall) but it didn't work it. That's just reality. His moves ultimately failed, and nothing else is important. Admit it -- he deserves a D at the hightest. I hope you're around this offseason. Williams has quite the work to do to improve this ballclub and its minor league system.

I was really surprised with Broadway's start last night. Pierzynski mentioned something interesting in the post game conference concerning him "inventing" a slider (more like a cutter) in the bullpen. It appeared, at the least, to keep Royals hitters very offbalanced and tentative to catch up with his fastball. However, it's really difficult to guage this start because of several factors: one, we're talking about the Royals; and two, it's possible his changeup and cutter -- two pitches hardly thrown during his previous innings out of the bullpen -- didn't factor into preliminary scouting reports. I've seen Floyd enough to know how different he can look from start to start. Too bad there won't be another start from Broadway this season to find out. Now, it's only my baseless opinion; but I don't believe Broadway will begin next season in the minors. He'll either be in the White Sox bullpen or rotation. How many years can they possibly let their first round pick repeat AAA? We're not talking about a starting pitcher with high potential here that needs to hone his craft. If Williams does trade Garland and Contreras (or even one), someone needs to be available to potentially eat innings. A long reliever now makes more sense than these last few years, when it was all but certain 4/5 of the rotation would pitch 6 innings on any given night.

Sigh. This team exists to irritate me. Sometimes I get the feeling 2007 will never end.

HANSON performing for fan appreciation weekend? Cmon, now. Although it'll be funny if DJ has to interview the three. He's usually stuck doing the dirty work with their psuedo celebrities.

Owens Fields Thome Konerko Dye Pierzynski Podsednik Uribe Richar Thome, Konerko and Dye shouldn't be in the same lineup for one more game the remainder of the season. Let them rest.

I'm in love with Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Watched her on Death Proof yesterday and she has such a natural beauty. Similar to Katherine McPhee.

God dammit. Just lose, already.

I'm not interested in overpaying for DeJesus. Dayton just won't give him away to a divisional rival. If we want someone comparable to him, tell those people in the minor league system to develop one like everyone else.

QUOTE(Gene Honda Civic @ Sep 26, 2007 -> 01:45 PM) "might be the top prospect in all of baseball" -- Not until he starts throwing more strikes. He's clearly the top LHP prospect in baseball, a guy I'd love to have on our farm, but he's still got work to do. He'd get eaten alive in the bigs next year if he doesn't improve that control. Regardless of what the article suggests, I don't believe Kershaw would be expected to replace Santana beginning next season. If Bill Smith is willing to accept the inevitable public relations hit of trading him, may as well give Kershaw time to develop in Rochester until -- at the earliest -- June/July. What's sad here is even if you don't include Liriano or Santana into Minnesota's future, Kershaw/Garza would still be a formidable 1-2 punch. Minnesota has enough pitching candidates on the club, and within the minors, to fill out the remainder of the rotation. And I'm sure they'll be another stud (Brombell, McCardell) ready to push through the ranks in another few seasons, anyways. I'm like you -- Minnesota's future is much more appealing than ours. More than enough pieces for Smith to trade for offensive help.

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Sep 25, 2007 -> 10:05 PM) What's honestly stopping Minaya from offering half of his minor league system for Johan? If I had one surprise to throw out this offseason, it's Johan getting traded. With a new GM in place, and the Twins not being able to develop a hitter (outside of Morneau, Mauer, and Cuddyer...they're a small payroll organization, so they need more than that), I wouldn't be surprised in the least to see Minnesota take a package absolutely loaded with talent from a team willing to give it for Johan and to then start the rebuilding. I'd put it at about 75% that the Twins shop him, 10% they get an offer they're willing to make, and 9.5% that the offer comes from the Mets. Perhaps I'm wrong, but I could easily see such a scenario playing out. I don't believe that'd surprise many people. They're definitely in bind entering 2008. Cheap, offensive players are required and someone of value needs to depart. It just doesn't seem right to let Santana go for two draft picks. Unless Minnesota is confident they can contend in 2008 -- which they can't possibly believe at this point -- some significant change is needed. Two issues have to be known before Santana is shopped: Liriano's health and Hunter's replacement. If Liriano is, perhaps, at 80%; the issue of dealing Santana for an acceptable package would probably be a certainty. Just imagine, for example, if Minnesota acquired Kemp and Kershaw for Santana. It's almost like witnessing the birth of some continuos cycle of talent going through Minnesota. Because when Santana is traded, and the talent received for him begins to produce, someday they'll trade them for more talent.