Flash Tizzle

How about Guillen leaving in Cotts for only ONE batter, ONE PITCH, in the 7th inning. Marte is given more respect than that.

QUOTE(fathom @ Sep 26, 2005 -> 07:50 PM) Now we're going to hear story after story tonight about how he grew up in Chicago tonight. Good for him, he's a good kid, and we deserved to lose this game. OUR NUMBER 3 HITTER IS KILLING US! Our club had the luxury of controlling their lead tonight. With a victory, and an obvious Indians offday, there was no need for scoreboard watching. They wet themselves. Numerous scoring opportunities were squandered. As for Granderson, a UIC alumni, I enjoy watching him succeed. But I agree--you'll be hearing many quotes from him defeating the club he once watched while growing up in Blue Island.

QUOTE(kapkomet @ Sep 23, 2005 -> 04:30 PM) You probably just need to reload it. It's not "removed" by any of us. I assumed with all the arguing about 'Rally Crede'' and choking avatar a moderator may have removed mine. There must be some problem with the website hosting the original image.

Can someone tell me why they've removed my avatar?

QUOTE(Steff @ Sep 23, 2005 -> 10:52 AM) How is it the GM's fault the players peed themselves..? Ozzie asked for, and got, what he wanted from the GM and owners and it worked for 3 months. It's now the GM's fault Ozzie mismanaged (according to many) and the players suck (according to many)? I'm going.. and I'll be in the Q&A.. but if we don't make the playoffs, or get swept from them.. it's not Kenny I'll be yelling at in January. If you're suggesting the players "peed themselves," then it becomes the responsibility of the general manager to correct noticeable faults with his club. Is it not? Foremost, Williams must remove the bed wetting choke artists from this team. Guillen may have been instrumental in constructing this "smartlball" team, but it's obvious the only legitimate points of the philosophy are pitching/defense. It's now Williams duty to ignore Guillen and upgrade this team's offense. But you know what's great about our situation now? We're probably going to have to trade several arms, possibly Contreras, hopefully Marte (with diminished value and all), for another bat. Prospects will be delt, we'll likely be swindled, and knowing our luck, the pitching will be mediocre and the offense will rebound. Then in 2007 we'll be looking for pitching--which is true with several contracts coming to an end. Our minor league system better start turning talent over fairly quickly. I EXPECT one contributing player a year. Our payroll isn't high enough to just ignore a farm system.

Maroon 5--Harder to Breathe. Queen--Under Pressure Tom Petty--Free Falling Not sure of the artist, but the classic 80's 1 hit wonder featuring the lyrics, "I always feel that, somebody's watching meeee" with Michael Jackson singing chorus works. Concerning Ozzieball: The Who--Won't Get Fooled Again

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Sep 22, 2005 -> 02:01 PM) I'd love to hold onto the kid, but I don't want to do so if he can't hit .270 or so. He's just making too many outs otherwise. Crede, of course, making any decision on his future difficult with a recent hot streak attributed to a new batting stance. Once again, we're left wondering whether or not he may have finally "gotten it." However, if there's a better option available on the market I'd rather take my chances and non-tender him.

Damn, noticed I didn't even address Guillen's quotes in my last post. I can't believe anyone would interpret what he said as anything other than a manager buckling under the pressure of the largest collapse in MLB history. There's no phantom idea of deflecting attention off his players here. The national media will have a field day with this quote. Not only is the choking evident on the field, but now it's seeped its way into management. Pathetic. How many managers, one season into a contract extension, would say they're considering retirement if their team wins the World Series? If anything, this may be something you consider when you're IN the World Series. Even then, it's disrespectful for the fans and players. Isn't Guillen supposedly loved throughout baseball by other players? How would it feel for a FA if Guillen was a large factor in their signing, only for him to leave following a World Series? Don't get me wrong, I would leave to see him leave; but quite frankly, he's handling this like a pussy.

Look at Bronson Arroyo's pictures. A girl's sitting on his lap. Both him and AJ can expect themselves in the doghouse if their wives get a hold of these pictures. Owner of that blog could have extorted some money from either to keep these photos underwraps.

QUOTE(qwerty @ Sep 22, 2005 -> 12:50 PM) But he built up a 15 game lead! I have already charted a full scale EXCUSE-O-MATIC to explain our late season slide. Entire point is to make sure the persons held responsible aren't identified. I mean, don't teams blow 15 games lead every year? Excuse #1: "Guillen obviously was good enough to build a 15 game lead in this division." Ignore the collapse, mismanagement of in-game situations, and odd lineup shuffles. Excuse #2: "Offense has drastically underachieved." This, of course, is a possible prelude to suggesting "this offense is fine and can't be expected to be this terrible next season." We've seen the numbers (aside from HR's) over an entire season. Oh, it can and WILL be repeated. Excuse #3a: "Williams did all he could last offseason changing this team's philosophy;" #3b: "teams weren't willing to deal a the trading deadline;" #3c: "it's not his fault the offense didn't perform!" All can be addressed with several suggestions. First, our 'philosophy' needs revision (ozzieball is bulls***). Second, the inactivity relating to other teams or their outrageous asking prices is irrelevant. Point is he failed to make a move and will be remembered for it. Finally, it's Williams duty to upgrade this offense. If he doesn't, UH OH--GOODBYE in 06'. Most likely the offseason of 06'; but regardless, next year is his ass on the line. Whether this club wins 91 or 97 I will not accept a lineup comprised of nearly the same people. Although possibly the biggest excuse may come from this man: You know DJ, it's just one of these things with baseball. One day you're on top, next day-- POOF, you're struggling to compete. That's why you play the games, and that's why I love this game.

Sox fail to reach the postseason I expect blame to be distributed throughout the organizaton. Guillen's managerial tactics, Williams absence of midseason trades, season extending offensive woes, and our starting pitching failing down the stretch will all be thoroughly discussed and attributed to any further collapse. My first concern this offseason is upgrading this offense. If we're placing immunity on Ozzie and Williams (which appears to be clear throughout Soxtalk) because "players decide the games," well, it's only fitting to revamp a lineup comprised of inconsistent choke artists. You blame the players? It's up to management to fix it. Honestly, whether this team falls short or celebrates a World Series I'm not anticipating another year of this shoddy lineup. Sure, Williams and his coherts may suggest "How can you break up a lineup which won a World Series." Or "How can you break up a team that won 95+ games." Concern lies on our pitching mimmicking its success of this year and the possibility of our lineup continuing to struggle. I realize both are mutually exclusive, and it's quite possible both may improve, but it this likely? Cleveland may be ready for another run at the division. No time to be content with mediocrity because of the "weak" American League Central. Damn, this offseason would be a good opportunity to showcase some of our up-and-coming talent!!!!! Wouldn't it be nice for once every four years not to worry about a position occupied by a struggling or FA bound player because a replacement was waiting in the wings? Sure would.

QUOTE(SoxFan562004 @ Sep 21, 2005 -> 09:02 PM) I wish tomorrow was just another day, but it's "Santana Day!!" meaning this is a 2 game lead no matter how well B-Mac pitches, which should be interesting since he's off a regular rest schedule. Santana is still a tremendous pitcher, but against the rest of the league he is not as unhittable as he was last year, but f'n Sox and their swing for the fences attitude fits right into his fastball/changeup arsenal... Unfortunately, our team appears to be poorly constructed to handle changeup pitchers. Their approach against Santana doesn't appear to change; and if it has, it's proven to have become progressively worse. AND HOW ABOUT BAJENARU TONIGHT? He threw some moonshots.

QUOTE(jphat007 @ Sep 21, 2005 -> 07:51 PM) Elarton has given up 3 ER in his last 3 starts FWIW. Not worth much. What exactly are the records of the clubs Elarton has pitched against during his last three starts? Playoff teams hit Elarton. His stuff is hardly overwhelming. Hits should come off him. It's obvious with all these popups our approach against Cy-Elarton is wrong.

You know if the Sox lose we'll hear some Chicago writer, most likely Mariotti, cite this as an ominous sign. "An ominous black cloud hovered over the White Sox prior to yesterday's deliciously entertaining game. First, local media giant Comcast Sports Net mimmicked the collosal White Sox collapse by leaving Chicago viewers bewildered and thirsting for Reinsdorf's blood. How can a organization which threw a World Series since it last won one be expected to regain it's composure, under the Blizzard of Oz, when Sox fans themselves can't witness the game?

QUOTE(winninguglyin83 @ Sep 21, 2005 -> 05:59 PM) there's no signal on DirecTV either crap Here I was thinking this problem was more localized. I've been experiencing problems with Comcast lately and just assumed it was our local provider losing a signal. Someone deserves to be fired over this.

Of course CSN turns on after I've been on the phone with a thick accented Jamaican woman for 10 minutes. Wait--"No signal'" has reappeared. This station sure picks the best moments to experience techincal difficulties.

Any pictures floating around of Pierzynski using Aaron Boone as a springboard? I figured some online publication must have it featured.

If you care about ESPN coverage of the White Sox, and just finished watching Baseball Tonight, you would have been shocked not to see Uribe's game saving "jeteresque" throw in the 8th inning featured on webgems.

Since the Sox game is approaching and I'm unwilling to read through this entire thread, I'll answer the initial post with the same exact comments I've been repeating for several months. If the Sox fail to make the playoffs, it's on Williams. It's that simple. However, when you question his job security, it's important to reflect on the contracts of a majority of our current squad. Aside from Konerko, Crede (and possibly one more I'm forgetting) this current team will be almost entirely entact. It would unneccassary to throw a fresh general manager into this steaming pile of crap we call an "offense" and attempt to clean it up. My question is will any of you remain confident in this offense even IF it makes it to the postseason? Whether it's Williams or another guy, this team needs help offensively. It's amazing to sit here and think KW, if he's intent of upgrading this club, will have to revamp his team AGAIN. Goodbye prospects. It's a shame--because Williams will be under too much pressure to stand pat with this current club and likely will trade Sweeney/Anderson or Young. We just can't wait for these hitters to slowly trudge through the minors. I guess when you produce one contributing talent every 4 years and don't have a high payroll patience runs thin. This offseason should be interesting. Either we'll be witnessing another rollover of the lineup, or another round of spintalk from Williams trying to cover his own ass and convince us this lineup can continue it's success. Despite the fact Cleveland certaintly isn't degressing and Detroit, Minnesota won't remain pushovers for very long.

Alongside my frustration with this club is an equal amount of concern. I just can't fathom (zing intended) if this team misses the playoffs. If the White Sox fails to summon the energy of Joe Crede on this message board my old avatar waits in the wings. STEP IT UP BUEHLRE. Bring us back on track.

QUOTE(POPPY_HIDALGO @ Sep 20, 2005 -> 12:08 AM) And I said the choke stuff was all for show. Just jumping on the woe is me bandwagon. I thought that was the newest trend around here? You can blame the White Sox for this trend of negativity. Everyone observing these two clubs play recently should be freightened. 2.5 game lead in this division can evaporate quickly with Cleveland playing TB and KC.

QUOTE(POPPY_HIDALGO @ Sep 20, 2005 -> 12:02 AM) I predict a MB CG SO. And I'm not kidding. MB comes in shuts them out today and they go on to win 2 out of 3 in this series and then sweep the Twins. Its obvious. They're just playing with our emotions right now. They have the playoffs locked up. All the choke talk is just for show. That's not what your signature suggests. One, which I believe, you featured several times in the gameday thread.

QUOTE(aboz56 @ Sep 19, 2005 -> 10:33 PM) Sad part about tonight, it's probably not one of his worst botched games of the year. He's probably had a few others that have been worse. It's like a bad record that just keeps on skipping over and over and over again. It was easy to dismiss Guillen's odd managerial decisions when this club was 15 games ahead of Cleveland in the Central Division. Now, when games have more meaning, his foolish moves no longer hold immunity. What aggrivated me about this latest debacle is it appeared Guillen left Marte out to regain his confidence rather than concern himself with winning a ballgame.

QUOTE(Harry&JimmyRocked @ Sep 19, 2005 -> 10:29 PM) too many of you are makin excuses for this loss. You'll notice it usually happens following tough losses. Honestly, we were lucky to even put ourself in a position to lose it late. If not for Sizemore and Broussard misplaying line drives we'd have 3 less runs.

QUOTE(SouthSide2004 @ Sep 19, 2005 -> 10:03 PM) I'm with you Hibbard. Am I pissed we lost this game? f*** YES!!! But I ain't giving up on anything. Tomorow is the key game. The Indians' offense is much worse against lefties. Mark needs to throw a gem. And if they lose tomorrow the result of the game is irrelevant and our "key game" is moved to Wednesday. Every game remaining with Cleveland is important. From this point forward, every player wearing a White Sox uniform needs to step--it--up.