Flash Tizzle

I wouldn't be upset with Riske's departure. He was keen to hanging his breaking ball during crucial moments of a game. However, Williams realistically has to obtain (via trade) or require atleast one more reliable arm. What's going to be pitiful to observe is the competition for the lone relief position in spring training. You know we're going to enter March with one spot available, and all the usual talk will begin of "low risk, high reward" AAAA fodder attempting to make the team. We'll all have to endure the typical cast of characters: 35 year old in the twilight of his career, 26 year old recovering from surgery -- yet hasn't regained previous velocity, 28 year old reject from team with bullpen issues, and a collection of minor league talent from our organization. Ultimately, it'll be a huge, steaming pile of cow dung. Can't wait!

I'm definitely not a fan of signing Roberts. We're supposedly going for it; acknowledging a window of opportunity only extends as far as our rotation, yet we're in negotiations with Dave Roberts as a "stop gap" solution in LF? It wouldn't irritate me if the difference between Roberts and Podsednik weren't so minimal. I don't acknowledge "intagibles" such as veteran experience or a likelihood of accepting Ozzieball, either. I believe any gain earned is minimal. Might as well hold onto Podsednik. Honestly, how does this improve our ballclub? Look at the roster, people: LF may be one of the few positions Williams can realistically improve. SS and CF are the only other viable areas for improvement, but it's not clear whether Anderson or Uribe are at risk of losing their jobs. I'm not suggesting Williams run out and spend a large sum of money to reinforce our "win-now" attitude. I understand personnel decisions don't necessarily have to be flashy or expensive to prove successful. But Dave Roberts?! As I suggested in another thread, a RH platoon player would prove more useful. Such a move would force Guillen not to misuse Mackowiak in CF.

I don't like the idea of singing Catallanato for several reasons: one, I doubt he'll come cheap; and two, as 3e8 mentioned, Frank doesn't solve our problem against LHP. This is crucial when you consider the collection of quality lefties within our division. Even Dave Roberts doesn't do anything for me. If I had to guess, it's the influence of Guillen here requesting Williams find a lefthanded bat with speed. It shouldn't matter. Why substitute Podsednik for a more expensive, older version of himself? If it were my decision, I'd search for a RH bat to platoon with Mackowiak in LF. Even if it were via trade, I believe acquiring the proper player could significantly improve our chances against LHP.

QUOTE(Steve9347 @ Oct 27, 2006 -> 01:20 PM) you gys are way off. obviously the scissors had peanut butter on them, but the victim, who was allergic to peanut butter, actually licked the peanut butter completely off, and as his/her esophogial wall began to close, the scissors were dropped and the victim flung backward on the bed and died. DUH Let's be a little realistic here..... The scissors were obviously tainted with some sort of biological/chemical weapon. I'm guessing sarin nerve gas, which killed the victim in roughly 15 minutes after attacking his/her central nervous system.

Interesting. Another possibility: someone cuts gas line passing through room, individual dies of carbon monoxide poisoning

It's hilarious browsing through the comments listed in the link provided by Flasox. I admire the foolishness of people who believe the world's problems would immediately disappear without religion. Sure, if such an unfathomable event were to occur-- completely discounting the evolutionary component of believing in God--there are still differences amongst humans which would influence war. Haven't we learned there are always unforseen consequences to every perceived "perfect" solution? Instead of several thousand devote fundamentalists engaging in terrorist movements you'll have several thousand athiests replacing them. I've always regarded religion with a "wait and see" approach. I'll live my life accordingly, without commandments or verses to guide my decisions, and when I die -- and there's a God -- I can tell him(her) I made a HUGE mistake. Surely the loving, forgiving, merciful overlord can understand my dilemma. I just don't need to devote time to the equivalent of spiritual gambling. And in this case, the odds aren't even posted.

QUOTE(Controlled Chaos @ Oct 27, 2006 -> 12:12 PM) The person slept on a waterbed and was drowned. Damn good answer. I guarantee this it. Most of these questions have answers which lie within the word usuage. Personally, I envisioned a scenario where someone lodged a small pair of scissors down someones throat then removed it; but it doesn't fit the answer of a typical riddle.

Cardinals really have to be ashamed of themselves if they fail to scratch across one more run after what has occured this inning.

Granderson couldn't possibly feel worse than he does now. This is one of those "goat" moments in the making. Of course it won't be the sole reason they'll lose this game (if it so happens), but you can obviously tell his misplay disrupted Rodney. It'll be the point referenced after the series if the cArdinals win.

QUOTE(NUKE_CLEVELAND @ Oct 25, 2006 -> 11:43 AM) You forgot the tired old arguments that the death penalty is racist, all the methods are "cruel and unusual", Jesus wouldn't want that and on and on and on. Ah, yes. You also failed to mention Tookie. Or how this criminal would soon be with Tookie in hell. That always brings out a good argument.

Isn't there a large Taurus plant in Chicago which employs several thousand people? Damn.

YES! I love threads devoted to executions because there's always several guaranteed actions: -Nuke cheering the execution of a man on death row for a horrendous crime. -Several posters criticizing Nuke for cheering the execution. -LCR posting a response which is half green, mostly criticizing Nuke and others for blood-lust while ignoring the absence of a deterrent effect.

It's almost ironic how this situation has played out. Sox sign a young pitcher from the Domincan Republic at 16 -- an area of the world that's seemingly ignored by our scouts -- and lose him to the Rule Five draft. Of all the crap which makes it way through our system, we let go one of the few who have the potential to make something of his career. Really, doesn't surprise me at all.

Kodos: It's a two-party system; you have to vote for one of us. Man1: He's right, this is a two-party system. Man2: Well, I believe I'll vote for a third-party candidate. Kang: Go ahead, throw your vote away!

Halloween III is on AMC right now. ..........And I don't care what you people say, I'll defend this movie to the DEATH.

Quickly commenting on a few selections: - Hutchinson's death occured well after INXS had reached their peak commercially. I like the band, but don't believe they had much left in the tank around the mid-90's. -Syd Barrett died, what, last summer? Despite what the hardcore Pink Floyd fans would have you believe, early albums "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn" and "Saucerful of Secrets" weren't very good. In content, both albums were more similar to the Yardbirds than the Pink Floyd we're all accustomed to. My vote would go to Ronnie Van Zant of Lynard Skynard. I believe they could have easily adapted to the 80's rock scene, considering the talent guitarists amongst the group.

I'm a huge proponent of trading someone while their value is high, but with Dye, it's nearly impossible to compensate his production for his salary. Now, if we had a blue-chip, absolute stud RF emerging within the minors, and our LF/CF positions weren't such question marks, I'd be more than willing to offer Dye. However, I'll be the first to say if we're more than 6 games out of the Wild Card midseason and Dye is producing, he should be shipped elsewhere. I don't care about out history with the White-Flag trade, if we're in a poor position come the All-Star break I'm not betting one second on our team rebounding. Buehrle, if he hasn't already been shipped/signed longterm, should be gone as well. If management refuses to do what's necessary because of the risk attendance may dip, or criticism will begin, they deserve to terminate themselves. Next season is absolutely crucial to our teams long-term status. If we're not competing with this division, with these pieces, 2008 won't be much different. Neither will 2009, 2010, etc. It will be time to blow it up and officially close this "window of opportunity." With FA compensation out of the picture, it should serve as a warning to GM's to make intelligent decisions concerning their ballclub. You can no longer keep fan favorites, give some bulls*** quote about "believing in your team"-- even when you dont, only to watch valuable players leave via FA without compensation. Absolutely can't; especially with Detroit and Minnesota seemingly growing stronger.

I figure it won't be long until someone complains that Detroit should have dove deep within its rich, Motown history for the opening ceremony. GAME ON. Unless Fox decides to include more dedication ceremonies, or trailers for upcoming series which are bound to fail.

Ha, three straight strikes sets down Beltran. CARDINALS ARE WINNARZ!

You know, that's absolutely ridiculous to walk Lo Duca. If I were a Cardinals fan I'd REALLY be upset. I'd rather throw 10 straight fastballs and risk Lo Duca hitting a HR than pitching to Beltran with the bases loaded and risk him hitting a double and ending the game.

Wainwright certaintly hasn't begun this inning on the right track. How about a series ending triple play?

LOL at these camera shots of shocked Mets fans. I'm absolutely loving this. Just three quick outs, St. Louis.

SP - Francisco Liriano - $327,000. The remaining 89,673,000 will be spent cloning future Lirianos. ......and if that doesn't work, the rotation will resemble this: SP - Francisco Liriano SP - Johan Santana - $8,750,000 SP - Felix Hernandez - $340,000 SP - Carlos Zambrano - $6,500,000 SP - Justin Verlander - $980,000 Total: $16,897,000 I'll fill in remaining positions later.

You take something away such as "tag" or flag football--even for reasons such as liability-- these kids are going to compensate. So, they'll just create other, more violent games. Or release there aggression out across other areas deemed safe, such as basketball. I propose the reemergence of V-Bombs. Atleast that's what we called them in grammar school. You would tightly fold up a sheet of paper, fold it into a 'V', and then lauch it from a rubber-band at someone. This little activity made recess during the winter months enjoyable. Nothing could POSSIBLY go wrong from kids these days using V-Bombs.

QUOTE(Steff @ Oct 18, 2006 -> 12:11 PM) I love flying, especially the take off. I'm amazed at how it all works. After that I am so bored I fall asleep. The worst part IMO is the ear popping. That I absolutely hate. That's probably number two on my list. As I kid I had numerous ear infections, and whenever I was aboard an airplane it wasn't a pleasant experience. Personally, I've always HATED the smell of an airplane. They have their own fragrance, like a new car. It didn't matter which airline either-- all were alike, and it was nauseating to me. Recirculated air mixed with whatever else was terrible. I haven't been aboard an airplane in 6 years so perhaps it has changed. All I know is immediately stepping aboard an aircraft would give me a headache from breathing in that crap.