Flash Tizzle

QUOTE(fathom @ Feb 20, 2007 -> 11:16 PM) Here is the link to the article discussing it. http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sp...-home-headlines The most disturbing this is that Ozzie might be considering having Erstad/Podsednik bat 1-2. Not only would that be the worst 1-2 in baseball, but this type of talk has me convinced that Erstad will be starting in CF against RHP. As much as I hate the idea, it's up to Anderson not to provide Guillen with an excuse to limit AB's. Play baseball without the entire sucking part and such decisions won't be necessary. Unless, of course, Guillen begins to play favorites; in which case may God help us.

If many of you were like me, you've heard of 'Jericho' but never bothered to actually view it. Continually hearing CBS proclaim its own show as "the new hit series" during promotional spots in a football game isn't very convincing. Honestly, I thought the entire series would be littered with religious references; another factor which drew me away. OnDemand has now convinced me otherwise. This show is tremendous. If none of you are familar with the premise, it's similar to "The Stand"--without the supernatural elements or a plague. The pilot episode begins with a nuclear explosion over Denver visible to the residents of Jericho, Kansas. From this event, and subsequent information released later (I'm not going to ruin it), the town bands together for survival. As one may expect, numerous events occur which test the residents and provide interesting post-apocalypic drama. I know I sound like I'm slurping the show, but I feel it's incredibly underrated. Comparing the first 11 episodes (which are free OnDemand, btw) to the first 11/12 of Lost, Jericho kicks the crap out of it. One noticeable preference for Jericho is the development of various characters. I genuinely care more about them and their situation than a large majority of stranded Lost cast-members. Hopefully this seasons begins strong.

QUOTE(santo=dorf @ Feb 20, 2007 -> 04:25 PM) Since Illiniwek is based on a really tribe, what if the Cheif change his name? He would then be a fictional character like the leprechaun. You could probably sneak in a math/physics lesson in their by renaming him Cheif Soh Cah Toa. (Anybody else learn that?) That's an interesting thought. Just have a group of students create their own extracirricular group which happens (coincidentally) to wear headgear, face-paint, and dance ceremoniously in centercourt.

QUOTE(soxsr08 @ Feb 20, 2007 -> 05:15 PM) Has anybody ever actually noticed the amount of famous and well- respected actors (Gary Oldman, Helena Bonham Carter, Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Ralph Fiennes) that are in the Harry Potter films? I swear I never did until I started writing down all their names when I started the thread. You don't really seem to notice when you see them all on screen and in character. It's only appropriate that I don't recognize any of these names.

I'll follow similar measures as last year, beginning with predicted standings. I'm going all out with this post; even at the risk of looking ridiculous after the season concludes. AL Central -Detroit -Cleveland -Chicago -Minnesota -Kansas City AL East -Boston -New York* -Tampa Bay -Toronto -Baltimore AL West -Texas -Oakland -Anaheim -Seattle NL Central -Chicago -St. Louis* -Milwaukee -Cincinnati -Pittsburgh NL East -Florida -New York -Atlanta -Philadelphia -Washington NL West -Arizona -Los Angeles -Colorado -San Francisco -San Diego * Wild Card World Series: Boston vs. Chicago Cubs World Series winner: Boston MVP AL: Michael Young Cy Young AL: Gavin Floyd.......Johan Santana ROY AL: Alex Gordon MVP NL: Albert Pujols Cy Young NL: Carlos Zambrano ROY NL: Chris Young (unfortunately for Williams, he'll never live it down) Now, here come the numerous (often baseless) predictions concerning the White Sox: -In a futile attempt to salvage the season, Gavin Floyd is replaced by Haeger early June. -Near the trading deadline, Buehrle -- who will have since pushed aside the troubles of 2007 -- is delt for one second tier pitching prospect and one low-A Jerry Owens clone. Similarily, another pitcher with a similar status to Buehrle is delt; albeit for a significantly better package. -Anderson, Uribe fail to signficantly improve upon their offensive statistics; thus, failing to compensate for the team wide regression. Erstad assumes a large portion of CF starts by mid-June. Mackowiak replaces Podsednik, whose mediocrity is no longer tolerable. -One shining position is the bullpen. However, the inconsistency of the starting rotation (sans Buehrle) forces Guillen to call upon the bullpen earlier and earlier. This results in starters battling through trouble to relieve our relief pitching. -Santana still embarrasses our lineup. Perez mimmicks second half produciton in Seattle. -Crede ignores advice of medical staff and continues to play with lingering back issues. As a result, old batting habits return to compensate for an absence of power. Credepopsup makes his triumph return to the South Side. Choke Crede appears more often as well. Yeah, I believe that about assures a repeat of "most pessimistic" award. That's what I call a man's prediction.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL50ddCSJmo -- New Simpsons movie trailer. LOL, the wolves that homer whipped turned against him. ......... BART'S NAKED!!!

QUOTE(Kalapse @ Feb 19, 2007 -> 07:56 PM) From what I've seen of the trailers and written previews thus far it sounds like recent Simpsons humor to me. We can only hope though, if it was written in the 90's it should be pretty good. I'm not holding my breath though. What, you didn't think Homer attached to a wrecking ball and bouncing between a large rock and a bar named "Hard Place" was funny?!

QUOTE(santo=dorf @ Feb 19, 2007 -> 06:55 PM) Or Jim Hungry doing it with relievers starting with Dumpster and Eyre last year. I know he has had a hard on for Soriano for a long time but I think he's going to regret that deal. Paying for those relievers was necessary because their bullpen was absolutely terrible in 2005. I'm sure Hendry knew the unreliable nature of relief pitchers season to season; but he had to do what was necessary. Their failures last season certaintly didn't rest on the shoulders of the bullpen. A rotation of crap overworked Howry, Eyre and company. I agree with you on Soriano. He wasn't exactly the missing piece for the Cubs entering this season. Especially with their powerful lineup and Felix Pie available shorty.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Feb 19, 2007 -> 06:43 PM) Ask Tom Hicks. They are still paying for "setting the market" to this day and beyond. Plus they don't even have the player they are paying for anymore. Hicks overpaid for players commanding salaries and years beyond what Iguchi would receive. How I look at this situation is this -- if Williams overpays for Iguchi, so be it. We have no one available to replace him. The other possible options, aside from Louis Castillo, don't sound very intriguing. Why even put yourself in a situation where it's possible Iguchi leaves. I believe we're playing roulette to save a million or so. If we're worried about this with Dye and Buehrle leaving, well, that's just pathetic.

IMDB really needs to remove the new format from their website. The lack of borders around the various items doesn't work well with my brain. Far as these particular movies, none of them excite me. I've conditioned myself to avoid the relase of films catoring to a teenage audience. Here are the films I'm looking forward to: March 9th -- The Host May 11th -- 28 Weeks Later .......... That's it. All I really know about, as of now.

Atleast we'll only have to watch the Diamondbacks kick our asses twice.

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Feb 19, 2007 -> 04:20 PM) so I'm definitely hooked on Tecmo Super Bowl. Is that possibly the greatest video game ever? http://www.everyvideogame.com A website shouldn't be allowed to have "everyvideogame" in the title without any of the mario brothers games.

Any pictures of Danks, Floyd, or Gonzalez floating around?

QUOTE(bmags @ Feb 19, 2007 -> 03:54 PM) i just don't get one think. Kenny has cried about the irresponsibility in the spending the market has had this winter, why he would then let that irresponsible market set the price for our players? It doesn't. Which I dismiss those who believe Williams is willing to have other set the market -- because it's ridiculous. Honestly, people. Can you seriously believe Williams, who has voiced opposition to the inflated price of free agents, would do nothing about it but let similar events occur next season? What exactly is wrong with "setting the market?" Something which I doubt would happen.

Take a comb and move upwards.

QUOTE(bad at best @ Feb 19, 2007 -> 12:11 PM) It would be a pretty boring message board if we all just applauded KW. "Isnt KW brilliant?" "Yeah, completely" "Coundn't have said it better" "What do we talk about now?" "I don't know, maybe how great ozzie is?" "Yeah he is great too" "Totally" *crickets chirping* Reminds me another White Sox message board...

QUOTE(bmags @ Feb 19, 2007 -> 12:31 AM) I'll go by points. One - DiCaprio was obviously messed up and at first the thought of taking on a new identity seemed to please him, while he justified it as doing some good. Clearly people do offer to go undercover in major mob families, i don't know how this is different from donnie brasco. It's not the idea of DiCaprio going under cover, but having to sit through prison for several months as a precursor. I thought DiCaprio had a decent look when Damon began to turn his head sideways, which forced him to hide alongside a store. His reluctance to first provide the information, then soon after leave is what I was referring to. I dont' know why I wrote he failed to provide his information, as it would have made the entire chase sequence useless. I agree about not having to explain every detail within a film, or rather, having everything represent something other than itself. David Lynch's films can be absurd at times with this idea. For me, Damon staring at the dome made it appear as if he had a connection with it. Whether something happened there, or he just felt emotionally attached. I don't believe it was the same church he was an alter boy for....

QUOTE(jackie hayes @ Feb 19, 2007 -> 12:17 AM) Andruw Jones is the other big of name. You also got Carlos Guillen and Zambrano. We're not coming close to any of those names. Here's a website I found with other possible 2007 FA's: http://sports.aol.com/mlb/story/_a/top-20-...118044909990001 Many pitchers, few corner outfielders.

QUOTE(Buehrle>Wood @ Feb 18, 2007 -> 11:58 PM) Yeah, we mine as well start printing Ichiro's name on the back of the jerseys. There is no way this deal won't happen. On a similar note, does anyone know if the domain name of Ichirotalk.com has been registered yet? I'm not that certain about signing Ichrio. Anyone know aside from him, which other OF's are possible 2008 FA's? How I feel is, either FA or bust. Enough of the trading prospects, "win-now" mentality. Develop talent, and with available funds sign necessary components. If everything falls into place, we shouldn't have to give up anything but two draft picks for Ichiro.

QUOTE(DrunkBomber @ Feb 18, 2007 -> 10:59 PM) i was really dissapointed in the Departed. Di anyoone else notice that lack of attempt to set up the characters. We got no background on anyone. I also saw the Guardian recently and thought it was ok. As was I. The entire idea of DiCaprio entering prison in order to have established street credibility never flew with me. Does anyone really want to to be a police officer to the extent that prison time is necessary? And then, upon entering the police force, risk your life to infiltrate an organized crime syndicate? Cmon, now. Someone would have to pay me millions to consider that. Several other points: -If Mark Walhberg isn't in another film ever again I'll be happy -It was never explained what the contents of the brown envelope were -How didn't DiCaprio identify Damon anytime from the theater to the alley? -The ending. Ridiculous, really. I'm not sure exactly how much was taken from Internal Affairs, but it felt jumbled up. Like someone thought, "well, I don't know how we're going to end this, but let's have A shoot B, A shoot C and D shoot A. Then after that, E shots D." -Damon's ability to locate keys while typing into his phone which rests in his pocket. -FBI's camera position in the wearhouse just happened to have a blindspot where the exchage happened. -Why wasn't it explained the connection Damon had with the golden dome atop the church? I figure it's supposed to signify his guilt, but I don't know for sure. -It should have been known from the minute DiCaprio failed to provide his personal information he was the rat. -Tell me that picture the therapist had of her childhood didn't look incredibly bad. -Van Morrison singing Comfortably Numb. Why God? Perhaps I'm being too critical, but being a Scorcese film I expected more from him. It was still a good movie; just not on the level of Goodfellas or Casino. One of the brightest spots of the film is DiCaprio's acting. He has to be considered one of the best actors within my generation.

QUOTE(hitlesswonder @ Feb 18, 2007 -> 10:57 PM) All I'm saying is that the Sox refuse to shell out big money for players the caliber of Dye or Buehrle. So they must be "saving" for a big-name target. But I just do not see the Sox outbidding the Red Sox, Mets, Yankees, LAA, Dodgers, Toronto, or even Detroit for someone like Cabrera. One of those teams will go crazy and offer more money and years than the Sox. In the end, I think the Sox will "overpay" for mediocre talent, because that's all that they will be able to afford in the market. Their other option will be going with all homegrown players, and I think we can agree the results would be dismal. In the case of Cabrera, several events could really help us -- Anaheim or Los Angeles signing Crede and New York retaining Rodriguez. There are two options removed. Another when you consider Wright likely isn't going anywhere. Yet another if Detroit signs Inge long term. I'm just resting my hopes that various teams are more willing to fill their 3B woes immediately, and for extended contracts, rather than waiting on Cabrera. Hell, it may not be necessary to offer contracts to these players. Maybe by then we'll have our version of Cabrera, Santana, or Ichiro!

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Feb 18, 2007 -> 10:39 PM) Ichiro - RF Iguchi - 2B Thome - DH Konerko - 1B Pierzynski - C Fields - 3B Anderson - CF Sweeney - LF Uribe/someone else - SS or something similar to such in 08/09, and while it's probably not a 200 homer lineup, it's a lineup that may be able to put up a .340-.350 cumulative OBP, which flat out means runs. I personally don't believe it'll happen, but if Fields/Anderson/Sweeny are on the same starting lineup (opening day) I'll fricken crap myself. What's appealing is ~24 million would be available from Dye/Crede/Buehrle departing. Even with Ichiro's addition, inevitable raises and perhaps an replacement at SS (if Uribe loses a few steps defensively) could be addressed.

QUOTE(Gregory Pratt @ Feb 18, 2007 -> 10:27 PM) Johan Santana will not be a Chicago White Sox player. Cabrera? Ichiro? Maybe, hopefully. As a pitcher, he'd probably be the least likely addition. Although if there's one player to break the "three year" rule concerning pitchers, it's him. It would, again, all have to depend on our farm system producing. We'd need over 20 million off our payroll for Cabrera/Santana and 15-17 million for Ichiro.

QUOTE(hitlesswonder @ Feb 18, 2007 -> 10:11 PM) My fearless prediction is that Ichiro, Santana, and Cabrera are not going to be White Sox. The Sox may in fact be saving money for a run at a big-name free agent (though I doubt it). But the Sox simply will not outbid other teams to bring in a player of that caliber. Those guys will sign huge longterm conracts, and all the sabermetricians on the web will say that the signing team "overpaid". Kenny Williams will not overpay, and the White Sox will be left with the satisfaction of being fiscally sensible, but not having any star players on the field (it's not like the farm system is going to produce an all-star). When A-Rod was free agent, I believe the Sox really did think they had a shot at signing him, but they absolutely wouldn't match Tom Hicks offer. I would expect similar scenarios this time around. It's pretty clear Williams is planning on following the example of Oakland. It's too bad the Sox don't have the farm system to pull that off. That's....not fearless at all. Infact, I'll guaranteed you're wrong if we're in playoff contention these next several seasons. It'll take three/four year for recent changes within our minor league system to show promise. If it does at all. Tell me, how exactly does Williams field a contending ballclub? He doesn't overpay for mediocre talent; doesn't overpay for legitimate talent; and doesn't have a minor league system. Something obviously has to give. If several pitching prospects make it to the rotation, and two of Sweeney/Fields/Anderson consistently produce, more than enough is available.

One drawback, if you could call it that, is Crede basically is untradeable. We can't afford to lose his production. As a result, Fields is either held back another year (which is unfair for him if he's producing,) traded, or brought on as a 4thOF. It'd be fine by me if Fields were placed in LF come 2008 with Anderson in CF, Ichiro in RF, and Sweeney as the 4th OF. Then come 2009, break the bank on Cabrera. QUOTE(nitetrain8601 @ Feb 18, 2007 -> 09:56 PM) I don't see it happening at all. Again, I think the Sox are gearing towards signing a Miguel Cabrera or Johan Santana or at least trying to. Ichiro is already older, isn't he? Isn't Iguchi going to be at least 33 by then as well? Not exactly guys you can build around. I think the Sox will resign Dye to a 3 year deal before they sign Ichiro. And the Sox won't be a winning franchise if they keep letting players go. I'm less worried about Ichiro because of the physical conditioning he puts himself through. It's also far more likely Ichiro is on our club than either of those two. What we'll need in future seasons is consistent production from the minors. Atleast three prospects in the rotation and three or more around the diamond. At which point, if our payroll remains 90+ million (which no one can predict) it may be feasible to expect a Cabrera or Santana.