Flash Tizzle

I'm very torn, as one could imagine. Liriano obviously deserves the rotation spot if we're judging on merit alone............. But God dammit, I'm biased. Pierzynski gets my vote. As I figure, Liriano will have many years left to worry about All-Star appearances. Who knows how many Pierzysnki will have left with Mauer set to dominate the position. Above all other factors, I love to see people aggrivated. Nothing would be sweeter than having ANOTHER reason for the nation to hate Pierzynski.

I'm glad Lumsden is pitching well. Trust me when I suggest there's nothing I would love more than to be proven wrong with our pitching prospects. It only helps for contributing arms to emerge from within the system. I recall when the Thome trade occured someone (whether it's Randar or Chisox) commenting on concerns with Gonzalez's small figure. Past injuries nonwithstanding, Lumsden has a 6'4 frame with a relatively easy delivery. Good future ahead if he can remain healthy; whether that's in the rotation or bullpen. Comparing Lumsden and Gonzalez is interesting. It's as if both seem to have qualities the other doesn't. Lumsden has a better ERA (more than a run), 14 less walks, 10 less HR's allowed (although the park or competition may play a role) with merely 3 more innings pitched. Gonzalez, however, has given up 10 less hits and struck out 48 more batters. Considering the difference in earned runs (11), it's surprising only 10 hits separates Gio from Lumsden. I'll take a guess Gio doesn't fare too well with RISP or other tight situations.

QUOTE(aboz56 @ Jul 2, 2006 -> 08:53 PM) Just because he had a bad game today, he (Buehrle) doesn't deserve to make the team? He had 9 wins and a top 5 AL era before today when I remind you the team was already picked. He doesn't deserve to start, but I don't have a problem with it. We're talking about one of the top starters in baseball who has been a workhorse and an ace for us for several years now. Not to mention he is a class guy and a winner. We should celebrate him going and not worry about Liriano or Verlander or any other pitcher who is NOT on the team. I know that's not what I'm suggesting. It's because of this afternoon that selecting Buehrle over Schilling or anyone else worthy looks bad. People won't care about when players were picked. They'll look at Buehrle, look at today's boxscore, and wonder -- "how the hell did he make the All-Star team?" Again, his crappy performance happen at a poor time.

QUOTE(Wanne @ Jul 2, 2006 -> 08:39 PM) I can't say I blame these other fans about being pissed...but...it happens every year. Torre was always the culprit for quite a while. The only problem I have is Buehrle. He is VERY non-deserving of being an All-Star this year...especially after today. Does Mark have a clause in his contract that states he gets a bonus for being on the All-Star team btw? I still think AJ should have been named though. Today's performance from Buehrle makes Guillen look foolish. It raised his ERA, what, about half a run? Happened at the worst possible time.

QUOTE(TitoMB345 @ Jul 2, 2006 -> 08:09 PM) Yeah because thats so common. If you're referring to Buehrle giving up 7 first inning runs, it's more common than the other pitchers vying for a starting position. Three in his last 82 starts (stolen from Cheat's blog). Guarantee that's three more seven run innings than Contreras, Santana, and Halladay have had TOGETHER in their last 82 starts.

QUOTE(RudyLawRules @ Jul 2, 2006 -> 08:25 PM) Brian Roberts OVER Jose Lopez Giambi or Hafner OVER Gary Matthews JR "any biped" OVER Mark Redman Michael Barret OVER Paul LoDuca John Smoltz OVER Brian Fuentes Nomar or Nick Johnson OVER Freddy Sanchez Roy Oswalt OVER Derrick Turnbow I guarantee Law's other explanations didn't have nearly the negative tone of Liriano for Jenks. Perhaps Redman, but that's more the fault of MLB than any manager.

QUOTE(Greg Hibbard @ Jul 2, 2006 -> 08:15 PM) Again, most of the cubs "offensive numbers" were compiled without Lee. With Lee, they are a FAR better team. Lee in the lineup explains the Cubs scoring 10 runs off of Buehlre? Just admit it. Buehrle pitched poorly. Even if you factor in Lee's presence, and somehow believe he alone changes the complexion of the Cubs offense, Cedeno (who hit in front of Lee) had 2 hits, 1 run, and didn't drive in any himself. Lee had 2 hits, 1 RBI, 1 run. Most of the damage done to Buehlre was AFTER Lee. This had nothing to do with him in the lineup. I know Lee's good, but not good enough to where he's providing protection for players hitting 4 spots after he is. QUOTE(Rowand44 @ Jul 2, 2006 -> 08:18 PM) It nearly is. It does seem that way, but I wouldn't have dismissed it before today even began.

Where were these articles when Joe Torre selected the entire Yankees squad several years ago? Suddenly Guillen selects his pitchers and all hell has broken lose?

QUOTE(Rowand44 @ Jul 2, 2006 -> 08:02 PM) We weren't going to sweep the Cubs. As much as this one stings because of some odd things that took place, I'm satisfied with 2 of 3 because this series worried me a lot coming in. Why weren't we going to sweep the Cubs? You act as if were impossible thing to occur. I don't believe having one of our most reliable pitchers win against a club he dominated last month was too much to expect. And not even a quality start. He gives up 5 runs we win easily. BUT 10 RUNS?! That's pathetic.

Anyone hear about Buehrle starting the All-Star game? On WSI I noticed a thread which suggests it's official. It was posted about 10 minutes ago. Please say this is wrong. If Ozzie is interested in winning he'll start anyone of Santana, Halladay, or Contrereas before Mark "7 run first inning" Buehrle.

QUOTE(Greg Hibbard @ Jul 2, 2006 -> 07:42 PM) why is it that our offense "destroyed" one of the best pitchers in the NL, but Buehrle "wet the bed" is it ok to have one set of standards for our pitcher and our offense and another for the opponents? Honestly, I don't get it. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/stats/aggreg...batting&group=9 Now, can you tell me which team is atop the list and which is at the bottom? Sox offense couldn't statistically be any better than the Cubs overall. I expect the Sox to score runs. However, I don't expect Buehrle -- our ace, supposedly -- (second "ace reference, Jackie ) to give up 10 f***ing runs. Something about him and 7 run first innings which is beginning to wear on me. Don't even suggest Derrek Lee is the difference of runs scored by the Cubs this afternoon. You just have to admit Buehlre embarrassed himself. I'm sure as hell not giving the Cubs any credit.

QUOTE(Wolverine31 @ Jul 2, 2006 -> 07:38 PM) BTW I think Ozzie is even more of a tool for taking all of his players to the game instead of the most deserving players. There's no way guys like Liriano who lead the AL in ERA or Verlander who is third in ERA and has 10 wins did not deserve to go before Ozzie's home team picks.

It's hilarious reading through Boston and New York's MLB message boards. Especially New Yorks, considering how Torre was with selecting his own players. This s*** happens every...damn...year. There is always going to be deserving players left off. It's inevitable. Yet again and again we complain as if it's unexpected.

QUOTE(Felix @ Jul 2, 2006 -> 06:56 PM) Jermaine Dye in the HR Derby NO.........NO!!! Haven't we seen with players how the homerun derby often disrupts a players stroke? HOnestly, I hope he hits several HR's (don't want to be embarrassed) and is eliminated in the first round.

QUOTE(Felix @ Jul 2, 2006 -> 06:46 PM) He plays for the Twins, whose fans couldn't even get Mauer in as a starter. I don't think Liriano is going to make it, but hey, I could be wrong. He definitely deserves it though. It won't be the Twins fans alone who'll be voting for Liriano. Anyone with a TV knows how dominant he has been. You have to imagine if anyone were given an opportunity to vote, most would pick Liriano. I'm guessing Pierzynski finishes third behind Hafner.

QUOTE(Felix @ Jul 2, 2006 -> 06:39 PM) http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2006/fv/index.html Liriano deserves to go over any of those names. He'll probably be voted in.

I hope Guillen purposely puts Mariano Rivera in the 6th inning just to hear people complain. Baseball Tonight crew (namely Phillips) made a point of having him close the 9th. "No respect to Bobby Jenks," though.

QUOTE(Greg The Bull Luzinski @ Jul 2, 2006 -> 06:26 PM) They will have to take a number and stand in line behind everybody else that hates our manager. It's even more enjoyable since it's Schilling. Couldn't have happened to a bigger douche.

Well, Baseball Tonight made a big fuss of comparing Buehlre and Schilling. Boston hates Guillen now.

Mauer made it. Good decision, Guillen. Dont need another million people hating you.

I guessed Konerko was on simply because it said below his name "3rd All-Star selection." Even though no one made any reference to it. Might have been a slip up with ESPN.

Konerko is apparently on the All-STar team.

QUOTE(BigSqwert @ Jul 2, 2006 -> 05:47 PM) Correct me if I am wrong but today is the official halfway point in our season and Ozzie is still trying to see what Cliff has to offer. He came into the game with a 7.48 ERA. I thought it was obvious over a month ago that he had nothing to offer. He has yet to have a good outing this year from what I can recall. It all started on opening day when he had trouble getting outs. You're right. It didn't occur to me half a season has gone by. Bad example comparing Guillen and Baker on this issue.

QUOTE(jackie hayes @ Jul 2, 2006 -> 05:43 PM) AJ's having a great year, but Mauer's been the best catcher in baseball, hands down. How in the world could you rationalize AJ over a guy flirting with .400 and leading all catchers in slugging? (With excellent defense, btw.) Believe me, I wouldn't select Pierzynski over Mauer either. I'm merely suggesting it's easier to understand selecting Pierzynski because atleast he's put up All- Star caliber numbers. Not to mention Guillen will be more willing to select one of his own. Mauer's numbers are obviously all-star and then some. In past years, players have been selected -- most noteably from the Yankees -- who aren't even deserving of a spot. We act as if Guillen does anything conventional. Did you watch this afternoon's game? Wouldn't it be pure Ozzie to do exactly the opposite of what's expected?

Even though I would hate to be a fan of an opposing team and have one of my players not make the All-Star roster, it's not as if anyone can say those names are undeserving. All seven deserve their spots. If people are criticizing Guillen for taking Pierzynski over Mauer (for example) it's easier to rationalize than Veritek over anyone.