Flash Tizzle

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.

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Feb 18, 2007 -> 08:45 PM) I discussed Ichiro with Wite a few nights ago on AIM, and he makes too much sense for 2008. I'll be interested to see how we approach these next few seasons if a significant amount of money is available to spend. We're not going to be the only ballclub looking to sign Ichiro, that's for sure. There's always a change we may have to (gasp) overpay! Hopefully Williams realizes it may be necessary. Although, even with Ichrio, a potential OF of Sweeney/Anderson/Ichiro may not have 30 HR's between them. It would, of course, be acceptable if Crede were traded with Uribe, Fields promoted ot 3B, and Alex Rodriguez signed to play SS.

QUOTE(SoxFan562004 @ Feb 18, 2007 -> 07:03 PM) The thing I'm waiting for KW to explain is what is his plan going forward? The Sox are going to have a big payroll this year. So once everyone hits FA, are they just going to slash payroll and only have young players? That would upset me. Sox fans have responded since the WS year, and it wouldn't be fair for the Sox to cut payroll significantly after 07. I wouldn't worry about that.... If the Sox contend this year and draw a sizable amount of fans, I don't see how anyone can justify lowering the payroll. It's just an idea I can't comprehend. How do you even begin to explain it? Our organization would deserve to be crucified.

Honestly, I'm not very upset his comments. The players Williams alludes to (with the exception of Iguchi) have risks associated with long term deals. I have to believe Wililams knows the embarrassing status of infielders in our minor league system. It'd be rather foolish to suggest market fluctations make signing Iguchi unrealistic when other options will garner similar contracts. I believe there's a reason for this. His name within the crop of FA's isn't excluded because, realistically, you can't single someone out. You can't say, "yeah, well we have replacements for Buehrle and Dye, so we're going to let them go. Iguchi, on the other hand, should be signed immediately." I know the season hasn't even begun, but how I look at 2008 is any additions made for our team should be made from free agency. I DO NOT want any more trades which further deplete the system. Hell, and if you people are upset now, wait until the discussions concerning Crede begin. Or the remainder of our veteran pitching staff. The best possible scenario which could emerge in future seasons is if Fields and another minor league arm take HUGE steps forward. Thus, making Crede and another starting pitcher expendable.

QUOTE(santo=dorf @ Feb 18, 2007 -> 03:31 PM) How many people are wearing black at the game? From what I witnessed on ESPN earlier, about 5% of the students participated in the "black out." It must have been rather embarrassing for those on Facebook (and wherever else) who made a simple request -- wear black under your Illini shirt, and after the Chief finishes his routine take it off. Now, whatever excuse anyone has for the lack of participatin, if it doesn't happen Wed. with atleast 80% of the students attending it's obvious they don't care.

Unfortunately, most of what I remember of Foulke is from his poor performances. Aside from those listed, one which sticks out in my mind is when he pitched a fat one to Jason Giambi in 2002 while the crowd was chanting "Yankees Suck." Everyone immediately became quiet once the ball landed ten rows into the RF stands. Then the booing began...

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Feb 17, 2007 -> 03:35 PM) Aardsma, the guy KW got to take McCarthy's place in the bullpen, gave up a ridiculous number of gopherballs himself in a very weak NL, but if you read this board, he's unhittable. Although it's not nearly to the extent people have annointed Masset unhittable. No so much here, but at WSI it's ridiculous. Personally, I'd have to first see him pitch in spring training before drawing any conclusions. He's only been pitching out of the bullpen for a shortwhile, and I'm not one to place stock in Mexican League statistics.

QUOTE(NorthSideSox72 @ Feb 17, 2007 -> 01:51 PM) Is he the one seated, in the vest? Or the one standing up against the wall? Gonzalez is the one with the vest sitting down. I have no idea who the Konkero look-a-like or any of the other reporters are.

I was browsing Chicago Sports.com earlier and came upon this blub referencing a Washington Post blog. Apparently, if we are to believe his sources, a decision could come by Monday. This would be absolutely huge for American soccer; the Fire in particular. Hell, if this pipe dream were to occur, I may actually be interested in the games when I'm working at Toyota Park. http://blog.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsid...to_chicago.html More recent update suggests Chicago Fire coach Dave Sarachan doesn't believe anything is close. http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune....han_on_zid.html Any thoughts from the more knowledgable soccer fans?

QUOTE(SnB @ Feb 16, 2007 -> 08:13 PM) But i did love the old ones. I have one of them and it's the only sox hat I'll wear. It's over 4 years old, never been washed and pretty much disgusts everyone. It's my baby. Ha, I can completely relate. Wish I had a camera right now to showcase my three year old retro Sox hat. It endured piss, alcohol, cigarette butts, dirt, grime, and sweat over it's liftetime. I literally had to stop wearing it because it was giving me rashes on the back of my scalp. Not to mention it had an odd odor. Lysol could only do so much. I considering washing it, but another hat I had previously was never the same after a rinse cycle.

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Feb 16, 2007 -> 09:27 PM) FWIW, Gammons on his blog on ESPN.com polled 70 front office people on who would be the biggest breakout player in 2007. The number 1 pick, Brandon McCarthy, with a little Jack McDowell II reference. Is this available only with an insider subscription? I couldn't find his blog. If McCarthy does justify this title, and we're floundering with the 5th starters position, Williams will appear like a complete dope. He better hope the following events occur -- Masset is an immediate impact player in the bullpen, and Danks pitchers similarily (or better) than McCarthy from 2008 onwards.

QUOTE(Hideaway Lights @ Feb 16, 2007 -> 12:30 PM) the reason why I set up the thread this way is because I'm interested if beyond Thomas, there are going to be any White Sox HOFers we can otherwise expect over the next 20 years, and it seems like there probably isn't. I sure hope within the next twenty years a hall of fame player is developed through our organization. Considering the time which have passed since the White Sox drafted Thomas, I'd like to believe we're approaching a period (which I realize isn't quantifiable ) where just by plain luck a potential superstar emerges. An individual who is within the top five of their position for an extended period of time. Atleast I hope that's the case.

Konerko needs 255 HR's to reach 500. He'll be 31 years old once the season begins. At a realistic rate of 35 HR's a year, it'll take him approximately seven more seasons to reach the milestone -- which by that point shouldn't matter much. We're also assuming his hip condition doesn't worsen over the forthcoming seasons. You have to put it this way -- was Konerko one of the best 1B during his peak seasons in MLB? Top 10, perhaps, but not enough for entrance into the HOF. Buehrle may possibly enter, but he'll need to pitch on-par with career numbers for the next 15 years. All the while collecting over 10 victories per season. It's a long shot, but more realistic than Konerko as Buehrle will likely outlast Paul in the majors.

QUOTE(LosMediasBlancas @ Feb 16, 2007 -> 01:10 AM) Hardaway was asked a question and he answered it...truthfully. If you don't want a guy to tell you his truth and are looking for the 'feel good, Miss America answer', then don't ask the frickin' question. That'll never happen. The media lives for stories such as these. NBA players, in particular, are probably pushed into a corner when asked this question. I'm not going to debate the perception of the "NBA culture," but just say this -- it would look strange if someone said 'no comment', or some other form of avoidance, in response to a journalist inquiring about a potentially gay teammate. Someone needs to coach these players had to respond from this point forward, because the NBA is appearing like a horde full of neanderthals.

I say, why not just plaster a giant rainbow across the logo? It would signify unity and strengh, as to persevere following the most tumultuous of events. If you say no, I can only chalk it up as intolerance. Either pick the rainbow or everyone attending University of Illinois is a homophone. Don't be afraid of what Hardaway might say, either.

Any ideas thrown around concerning a possible replacement for Chief Illinewek?

I couldn't believe Hardaway's lack of self-awareness during the radio interview. Listening to the feed, it sounded more like a casual conversation between close friends than a discussion broadcasted over the radio. You can think whatever ignorant, hate-filled, or otherwise vile beliefs towards a group of people -- just keep it to yourself. I'd rather people be reserved and politically correct than truthful if this is the result. We've all witnessed several NBA players drawing criticism for their comments concerning gay athletes recently. Mainly, because they appear not to have been told how to react. If I were Williams, I'd seriously consider instructing Guillen and everyone within our organization how to appropriately answer the question (if asked). Take a company line. Say, "I respect someone's choice...." or "It wouldn't effect how I view the person." Even if they don't believe it. Because you just know a reporter is going to ask Guillen, or another person, hoping for controversy and a juicy quote. Ozzie doesn't need unwanted attention again, especially after the Mariotti debacle.

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Feb 15, 2007 -> 06:16 AM) Interesting to see Wilder replacing Duane Shaffer, who's moved to another role. A repucussion of KW's thoughts on not finding enough young pitching through the draft perhaps? Looks like crazy ol' Flash and his persistent rants concerning the minor league system have new company in Williams. It's almost as if a figurative brick hit Williams on the head this previous season. It's a simple equation -- no production from within the organization + reluctance to sign pitchers to long term deals + inability to locate/sign foreign talent + division rivals with legitimate farm systems = teh suck. Less we forget, positional players aren't exactly compensating for the lack of pitching depth. It's medicore through and through; but atleast there exists hope -- if Konerko's contract was any indication -- we're willing to spend necessary funds for positional players.

Of course, because when Williams peered down into his minor league system, all he could see was Lance Broadway and Charlie Haeger competing for future rotation spots. Atleast within the next several seasons. I'd like to believe from quotes given this offseason by Williams, he's placing some people on notice. Here, he's basically saying, "I had to go out and trade for young pitching because there's no one within our organizaiton capable of replacing these starters."

Seems to me if this were a legitimate singing competition, the beat-box kid, the guy with the shaved head and sideburns, and Antoinella wouldn't be advancing into the Top 24. Antoinelle was especially brutal. When she was judged with the other girl -- whose solo performance was great (even Simon admitted it) -- it couldn't have been an easier decision. Add in two instances of forgetting lyrics on stage as well. I suppose someone could answer back that the decisions were made prior to filming, but why then did producers arrange the two as the final contestants? Just....bad.

I believe he'll have around 470 AB's when the season concludes. If Perez handles lefthanders as well as he has shown in previous seasons, Guillen should limit appearances against certain pitchers within the division. Add this, and perhaps a nagging injury which sets him back a week or two, I'd say July is a bit early. Sometime during the Aug. 24-25 series against Boston is my guess.

QUOTE(SleepyWhiteSox @ Feb 14, 2007 -> 01:33 PM) Another winnable Bulls loss...so frustrating...I'm not very interested in this team unless they do get gasol or another significant trade...some combination of gordon, tyrus, pj, and/or the pick is fine with me... I'm of the feeling now the first round pick is rather useless. What exactly can we get, considering New York isn't cooperating and the Bulls are in playoff contention? I'm not a draft expert, but are there any franchise players beyond Durant and Oden? Not any that I have heard of. Anything below five and we're drafting into an already crowded group of complimentary players. Without drafting, signing, or acquiring a talent comparable to Gasol/Garnet, Bulls will be exactly how they are right now for the unforseeable future. That is, good enough to make the playoffs; but unable to do much else.

QUOTE(southsideirish @ Feb 14, 2007 -> 02:18 PM) I never said you haven't agreed. I asked if you have. I doubt your track record is even close to 50% let alone 89.23%. I didn't know Soxtalk kept these rankings. It's a little known feature within Soxtalk available to those members with 3,000 or more posts. Only a few more and you can find out for yourself. The statistics don't lie -- I'm just that accurate.