Flash Tizzle

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Aug 6, 2006 -> 05:04 AM) Don't forget Glen Perkins as well. The Twins just scare the hell out of me for the next 5 to 10 years, more than Detroit, and that's saying something in itself when the Tiggies could have a future rotation with Bonderman, Verlander and Andrew Miller as permanent fixtures. IIRC Baker has been mishandled quite a bit by Gardy this season. Like to get benchwarmerjim's thoughts on this. And how do you picture our future rotation competing with Liriano/Santana/Garza and Bonderman/Verlander/Miller? McCarthy is one. Lumsden would have been another. Aside from that, I don't forsee Garcia, Contreras, Vazquez remaining for this club beyond their contracts. Buehrle all depends on how he finishes this season and the price he's commanding. You can't continue to say, "every team would love any one of those pitchers," becuase we're entering a period of time where immediate production is required or we're going to be looking up for a LOONNG period of time. This isn't your American League central division from 2000-2005. If not from our minors, two venues I imagine our club competing with those pitchers is from free-agent signings and trading prospects/players for established veterans. You can cite Garcia's success -- and the failures of past prospects traded -- but when a Javier Vazquez move occurs you begin to think about making drastic moves to bolster a rotation.

QUOTE(dasox24 @ Aug 5, 2006 -> 07:29 PM) I heard during the MLS-Chelsea game that there are rumors that Chelsea is looking to sell Hernan Crespo Btw, how 'bout the MLS All-Stars' perfermance today? I know this is preseason for Chelsea, but I still think it's pretty impressive. The MLS really played quite well. Plus, you've got to consider the MLS didn't have the likes of Landon Donovan, Eddie Pope, and a couple other all-stars. I work security at Bridgeview Stadium, was present at the game this afternoon, and have been to all but one Chicago Fire match this season. It was undoubtedly the most exciting game I've witnessed. 20,000+ fans into the entire game. Must have sounded great on ESPN. Because my back is turned away from the action I couldn't observe the entire game; but watching fans expressions and quickly glancing to the screen stationed on the southside of the stadium, it was a quality matchup. There was the intial Chelsea goal which wasn't (have no idea why it didn't count) and the hustle from MLS goalkeeper to BARELY save a loose soccer ball. Two great moments. Admittingly, I don't know much about soccer. Although working at Fire games -- coupled with the World Cup -- has heightened my appreciation for the sport.

QUOTE(santo=dorf @ Aug 5, 2006 -> 01:48 PM) How come Scott Baker is no longer mention? He was always lumped in with Liriano the past couple of years. What are the odds that one of Garza, Slowey, and/or Swarzak become the next Scott Baker where they get slurpped before the big leagues, and can't cut it? You're right about Baker being endlessly slurped before promotion, but I don't recall anyone comparing him to Liriano. Brad Radke was the comparison I heard. That was a prime example of Minnesota's reputation preceeding its product on the field. People assume -- as I often do -- their minor league totals will automatically transfer to the majors. However, that's quite a situation to find yourself in -- having several quality pitching prospects lined up and only needing one to succeed. Personally, I'd be surprised if Garza didn't atleast duplicate Radke's current numbers upon promotion. His stuff is simply too good not to succeed. In the upcoming seasons, if Minnesota's pitching prospects continue producing we're going to need to step up our minor league output. It's not even a passing joke anymore. You can't just shrug your shoulders at the combination of Garza/Liriano/Santana. Something must be done to offset this. Call it impossible, or unlikely, but something must be done. Detroit's pitching staff isn't exactly over the hill either. We're competing within a tough divisiona need legitimate talent to arise.

QUOTE(Heads22 @ Aug 4, 2006 -> 07:29 PM) Our pitching prospect did well tonight. Montero will never be mistaken for one. My mistake for labeling Montero as such. But you knew Garza would not leave this evenings game without dominating Charlotte's lineup and further aggrivating me.

QUOTE(Heads22 @ Aug 4, 2006 -> 07:23 PM) Montero gives up a 3-run jack, Garza in line for the W. Eh, it was inevitable one of our stellar pitching prospects would wither in the presence of true talent. They're sure as hell never going to witness a pitcher comparable to Garza pitching within their Charlotte clubhouse. Might as well soak up the moment, loss or not.

QUOTE(JimH @ Aug 4, 2006 -> 07:20 PM) Again, it comes down to pitching, where is the hue and cry about the pitch call and the bad pitch?

QUOTE(Heads22 @ Aug 4, 2006 -> 07:12 PM) Matt Garza and Sean Tracey each have 4 hit shutouts going thru 7. What about the strikeout differential between the two? I'm guessing they're in favor of Garza.

I believe it's rather obvious from these last two AB's that avoiding outside pitches against Glaus is the smart decision. First AB Glaus smashed a changeup, last AB he hit two fastballs rather solid. Next matchup Garland needs to continue busting him inside until he shows an ability to adjust.

I know I'm a bit behind in relation to the game, but Garland pitching 6 CONSECUTIVE OUTSIDE PITCHES to Glaus was atrocious. Pierzynski deserves most of the blame for that. He was comfortable on the corner -- since it was obvious that was their intended target -- and Pierzynski called a changeup DESPITE the fact Glaus had yet to catch up to his fastball. It's embarrassing to watch this crap unfold.

QUOTE(SoxAce @ Aug 3, 2006 -> 11:54 PM) Tizz, I'm actually surprised that you haven't mentioned Daniel Cortes being the next "Liriano" simply because for one, he just traded a talent like that for a reliever who is injury prone, also the fact that he is a 19 year old kid extremely raw with, from what I heard, good stuff, also being a latino doesn't hurt eigher. Maybe if you see his numbers looking better you will? Honestly, I didn't even know Cortes existed before he was traded. I heard assessments of his "stuff" -- and obviously noticed his quality statistics from this season -- but can't say I was labeling him the next Liriano immediately upon his departure. The extent of my minor league knowledge is Futuresox and occasional browsing of Baseball America, MiLB.com. I follow boxscores and individual progress of upper affiliates more than lower class ones. For MacDougal's injury problems, if either Lumsden or Cortes develop into anything more than a reliever than we've already lost. You, or someone else, can suggest "If we win a world series with MacD it doesn't matter," but it does. The success of either is pivotal when you consider they're in our own division. Imagine battling Cortes and/or Lumsden both in the rotation for 6+ years. *shudder* For an inconsistent reliever, giving up Lumsden alone -- our top SP prospect -- definitely could be considered overpaying. Cortes merely is an add on. Which is another similarity to Liriano.

QUOTE(Heads22 @ Aug 3, 2006 -> 09:20 PM) Charlotte wins 4-3. Randolph 6 IP 1 H. Fields 2-4; Sweeney 2-3 2 RBI. Logan 1 IP, H, K, W (2-1); Garza vs Tracey Friday. http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/mil...ox&did=milb You know if Garza dominates it'll only enrage me further. Step it up, Tracey.

QUOTE(beck72 @ Aug 3, 2006 -> 07:41 PM) IIRC, BMac himself said he threw his FB at 91 mph during an interview. The point is he is valuable. But could Crawford have more value to the sox than BMac? Perhaps, but I'm not willing to depart with McCarthy. I'll guarantee you we'll regret the decision. Think about it this way -- considering the current nature of our offense and starting pitching, is it easier to imagine ourselves without Crawford or McCarthy? Personally, I value starting pitchers over positional players. Crawford alone may be irreplaceable, but his production can be compensated across other divisions of the team. Without McCarthy's salary/production to offset this mammoth starting rotation, Williams is devoting an awful amount to a rotation yet to consistently meet expectations. Tell me, without McCarthy, who will be available this upcoming offseason to replace Garcia or Vazquez in the rotation? I don't believe there's any doubt changes must be made. Either one of those two, perhaps another, will depart. Or how about 2008? This rotation -- which no longer attains its VAUNTED label -- can't be depended upon. Honestly, I wish Lumsden were still here so perhaps he could replace Buehlre in 2008. Not because I entirely doubt Buehrle's future, but atleast have the in-house option available. Crawford would be ideal to replace Podsednike, but not at the price of our future starter.

QUOTE(Yoda @ Aug 3, 2006 -> 07:32 PM) There had to be something that got Freddy the W in that St. Louis game. Probably the fact that Pujols wasn't playing at the time? I don't believe there's any doubt Garcia's performance against St. Louis was due to Anthony Reyes' dominance. Pujols' absence from the lineup likely enhanced his confidence as well. Similar to last season agaisnt Santana, when Garcia knows what's at stake (no offensive production; tough opposing pitcher) he concentrates. Postseason statistics proved it as well. It's obviously not a quality he can turn on and off, which makes it more frustrating to observe.

Happy Birthday Greg. And Dougly....... If there's anything that you want.... If there's anything I could do..... Just call on me, and I'll send all my love, from me to you.

It doesn't matter which location Garcia aims his pitchers. He'll rarely hit a spot in two consecutive throws. Every zone -- whether inside/outside or high/low, his batting practice fastball and consistently hanging curveball will be destroyed. Pitch inside more? Hitters will open up their stance quicker and adjust. Nothing aside from 5 mph on his fastball will cure Garcia's problems. Watch Pierzynski catch him -- Garcia has trouble consistently locating his fastball. It so may happen that Cooper/Pierz have noticed when Garcia aims inside he often leaves pitches over the middle of the plate, whereas outside pitches are easier for him to locate. They just can't be ignoring what even a 25year old casual fan can observe.

QUOTE(danman31 @ Aug 3, 2006 -> 01:23 AM) Not to be an ass, but do we really need White Sox loser threads? Seems kinda depressing and who wants to talk about a loss? They're created to discuss the game after its conclusion. Is it any different than a "White Sox Winner" thread? Or is it that only acceptable because it doesn't depress you? Can't have it both ways. Either both or none. That's why WSI is what it is -- any discussions relating to positivity are heralded, whereas threads negative in nature (aside from post game threads) are disregarded. Would someone like to explain why else the Javier Vazquez thread was closed when there obviously wasn't a reason besides negative commentary? There weren't exactly personal insults within it. And don't answer, "because how many times can you hear Vazquez is THE SUXORS11111!!!!", because I've seen numerous threads with far less to offer allowed to remain. Actually, it would be more constructive to Soxtalk for an all-encompassing Vazquez thread to exist.

QUOTE(fathom @ Aug 3, 2006 -> 12:03 AM) From what I was told, Sweeney's homer was an impressive shot to right center. Fields' two homers went a combined 620 feet, FWIW. You sure about this total? Is there a 300ft porch in whichever field Charlotte played? EDIT: You're right. I browsed gameday through the boxscore -- Durham's LF wall is 305ft.

I don't want to hear one fishing person suggest Garcia's outting was good except for "the wind blown HR." It doesn't matter whether or not mother nature assisted the pitch. I'm tired of the excuses to justify poor performances. If I don't have to hear it I'll be a happy person.

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Aug 2, 2006 -> 09:19 PM) So if you were worried about the toll last year, haven't rested them this year, and still lead the league in starter's innings, why do you insist on stretching the starters game after game when even idiots like me can see what is going to happen? Garcia doesn't need a break -- HE NEEDS MORE CONFIDENCE!1!11 Guillen leaving him out in the 7th inning to give up another run is OBVIOUSLY more important than removing him and possibly damaging his confidence. Gosh darnit, that's what makes Guillen such a good manager. He'll look into his players eyes and decide, by their words, whether or not they can continue. Great managerial technique right there.

QUOTE(Milkman delivers @ Aug 2, 2006 -> 09:16 PM) Yeah. I mean, he is the reason we won the WS. He should be the reason we're losing now, right? When players don't perform to their capabilities it's on the players. When they do, as they did last year, it's a credit to Guillen. Didn't you know?

QUOTE(GoRowand33 @ Aug 2, 2006 -> 09:10 PM) ozzie seems to be one of those managers where if things are going well he's a genious, and if the team starts to slip a little bit its all blamed on him Anyone who is willing to, one, defend Guillen's decision to leave out Garcia; two, intentionally walk one player to face another whose yet to record an out -- but is righthanded -- is certifiably baseball retarded. Guillen ALWAYS does this with Garcia. It's maddening to watch. He'll continually leave him out one inning too long, or one player too long, when it's obvious a change is necessary.

Chat room open.

QUOTE(Jordan4life_2006 @ Aug 1, 2006 -> 11:36 PM) Damn, pretty spiffty night for our minor league pitchers. We're going to be witnessing many more of these days for awhile.

I love how the National League has had no problem with Perez, but when he faces our ballclub, suddenly it's 2003 again.

Chat room is open for the coalitaiton of the willing. Link on the top of the page under the Soxtalk banner.