Flash Tizzle

QUOTE(Rex Hudler @ Apr 27, 2005 -> 09:32 PM) 2. I have seen several people ask why Oakland wasn't warned during the series. Umpires warn pitchers/teams when they believe there is intent. Again I didn't see the whole series, but it doesn't matter whether 15 Sox hitters got hit or 1. If there is no mal intent interpreted, no warnings are necessary. Yes, umpires MUST try to read the minds of the players. That is part of it. But it is not hard to do. I can watch most any game and have a pretty damned good idea if a guy was trying to hit someone. Sometimes, umpires will even let one incident go and let the teams even things up themselves, but they have to be careful because an idiot may charge the mound. It does matter how many of our batters are hit. How can it not? Ultimately, I still don't understand why our club is exclusively warned not to hit batters at risk of ejection. Did the umpires believe all of Oakland's pitchers were mistakes? Oakland could have done whatever they wanted this afternoon, and regardless of any warnings issued, our pitcher(s) would have been tossed for retaliating. Even if the umpires were concerned, why warn our club; who have yet to hit any batters, against Oakland's pitchers? Five White Sox (prior to today) were hit. Zero A's. There is something askew here.

Did anyone watching Sportscenter hear the context of this quote during the introduction? Believe I heard,"..hit and not awarded first base." Broadcaster sounded amazed, and I can only infer he's referring to our game. I know its rather obscure in this thread, but I'm interested in how the national media covers this.

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Apr 27, 2005 -> 03:07 PM) Hell I think he's right. Its tough being a Sox fan. It seems the Sox never really suck, but at the same time they are never good enough to get to the series, etc and on top of things they got knocked really hard in the media. I'd agree with most of his writing, although he's got one thing wrong, the Sox aren't going to fall off the face of the earth this year. This team will battle. So you agree we're difficult to root for because are organization doesn't embrace a losing tradition, fails to play in a magestic beer garden, and employs a homer for broadcaster? These all are ridiculous reasons. All of them. Hate our philosohpy, our players, or Ozzie Guillen. These tabloid pieces are probably why Mark Bechtel, whoever the hell he is, is left writing blogs which are hidden on Sports Illustrated's website. Oddly enough, his devotion is to Indians baseball. http://www.cnnsi.com/inside_game/archives/mark_bechtel/ 8-11 is hardly the start expected of his beloved Indians.

QUOTE(Soxbadger @ Apr 27, 2005 -> 05:58 PM) Jimh, Its a poorly written rule, that if applied properly would mean that most hbp's should be balls. The umpire that enforced it should be fined if he does not consistently call this in the future. If I were the White Sox I would tape every game that he calls, and if he does not make the same call again, notify the league. SB I agree, the rule is poorly worded and rarely enforced. I've never seen an umpire refuse first base for Bonds after his armor-plated elbow knicks a pitch 3 inches off the plate.

QUOTE(whitesoxfan56789 @ Apr 27, 2005 -> 05:20 PM) This is just like a cop pulling you over for going 21 in a 20. It doesnt happen. Good example. Illinois motorists are expected to follow an absolute speed limit, which explicity states the posted limit is the speed which a motorist should be following. If it were enforced properly, which it rarely is, I wouldn't drive one day without receiving a ticket. But this particular MLB rule is clearly stated, as well. There's nothing which can be done. It's just unfortunate when the rarely enacted rule is finally used for our team.

QUOTE(IlliniKrush @ Apr 27, 2005 -> 05:06 PM) Crede didn't stand still. If he did, the ball wouldn't have hit him. No, I'm suggesting this rule is rarely (if ever) enforced because it says a batter will not be awarded first base if he makes no attempt to avoid a pitch. Example: Crede stands perfectly still and is hit by a pitch, but makes no attempt to avoid being touched. According to the rule which you posted, the pitch should be called a ball. This is obviously NEVER enforced. Which is my point. Crede did throw his elbows into the pitch, but it was well within the batters box and obviously inside. Once again, never called against the hitter. But now it changes? I better see all umpires following this change.

Quoting an excerpt from Illini's post: Alright. So if the rules were to be properly enforced, NO ONE could reach first base as the result of a HBP unless they were squarely hit. Because if they stood still, regardless of the location of the pitch, it should be called a ball. This is a ridiculous rule. It's obviously never enforced, yet now it is?

Crede had his opportunity. Personally, I thought Duscherer K'd Crede on a two-team seam fastball grazing the outside edge of the plate. What's disappointing about the alleged interference is the umpire made a call which is rarely enforced. All replays show Crede's arms well within the batters box. He should have been at first base. However, there remained one more pitch, and Crede popped it up. This auro of losing in Oakland is remarkable. I feel as if this team, this series and those before, are caught in a 'Final Destination' series of events. One miscue/error snowballs and eventually leads to another unfortunate circumstance. It's as if everything perfectly aligns against our club on the West Coast.

QUOTE(fathom @ Apr 26, 2005 -> 11:43 PM) To be honest, we need Ozuna a hell of a lot more than Willie. We need a righty versatile player off the bench, as well as a backup SS. I'll be a happy man if I never have to see Willie play SS again. Second time in one week Willie's error has occured during a crucial moment in a game. Whether he's pressing himself or not, the ground ball which ran under his glove was moving slower than Durazo. Not excuse to justify his error. I'm equally upset with Dye, who had been patrolling RF for years and should have known how to obstruct the lights.

This rehashed media coverage of the Frank/Ozzie, Frank Magglio "fued" is becoming increasingly irritating. While I was anticipating our Sox grabbing headlines prior to this season, I rather ESPN ignore us if all they intend on talking about is this bulls***. This reminds me of last nights Sportscenter recap of the Detroit/Minnesota game. I tuned in to witness how the Twins loss, but instead am treated to an entire highlight reel of I-Rod and J.C. Romero exchanging words. This is what ESPN does. Looks for a topic which grabs the casual viewers interests and exploits it. I agree with others who question the topic's discussion ONE WEEK after it was originally debated on PTI, ATH. It's as if ESPN producers were wondering, "Hey, these White Sox are pretty good. But instead of talking about their team, which noone really knows anything about, we'll dig up old quotes and draw the attention of our audience. Jay Mariotti should add some balance to the topic."

It's easy to express a pessimistic attitude following a 15-4 start. We're bound to tail off eventually. Of course the pitching will not continue posting ~3.00ERA. Of course the offensive production we've been lacking will surely come around. Would it have been better if this team started 10-9? No one would have suggested we're playing over or heads with that record. Instead, talk would have centered around our failed "smallball" philosophy and other references to another dismal season. I understand the overall concern of Cerb and feel his position is justifiable. However, suggesting we're due to finish the season in a .400 clip is premature.

QUOTE(Gene Honda Civic @ Apr 24, 2005 -> 07:19 PM) I'll be listening to Rooney and Farmer. Hawk is insufferable during A's games. Don't worry. I'll point out all his observations in the chat room.

QUOTE(Jabroni @ Apr 23, 2005 -> 04:30 PM) During an interview after the game, Busty said he'd have to go "back to the drawing board" when it comes to the closer situation. He said for some reason Hawkins just isn't good in 1-run situations. Hey Busty, maybe it's because his nickname is LaChoke Hawkins. Problem with their closer situation is no other pitcher within their bullpen is worthy of the role. Wuertz Rusch Remlinger Fox (may be missing one) None strike me as possessing quality stuff or mental toughness. Our team, however, has several relievers capable of sharing closing opportunities with Shingo. Baker's club is really in a bind. Too bad Hendry might actually have to give up talent, or what's left in their minors, for a legitimate SS/RP. Of course, there's always small market clubs Hendry can extract talent from in exchange for paying the remainder of large contracts.

Too bad it wasn't Joe Mauer getting plowed over.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Apr 22, 2005 -> 08:59 AM) Only one person won't let this go, and keeps bringing it up after everyone has gone quiet about it. And it hasn't been just once, it has been repeatedly. And since Ozzie's character got attacked in this one, I don't blame him at all for snapping. Ozzie has probably done more for Magglio's career than any other individual, and this is how Maggs repays him. Good for Oz. People suggesting Ozzie place himself above this obviously are not familiar with his blunt demeanor. Ordonez continues to reference our organization in interviews, and although the media is responsible for rehasing old issues, it's Magglio's responsibility first and foremost to avert questions of his past. I honestly find this situation quite comical. I love it when people are in hissy fits about quoted information in newspapers. I can vividly picture some people picking up their Tribune today, stewing about this latest battle of words. While his comments relating to Frank were unjustified and detrimental to our clubhouse chemistry, this situation has far less effect on our team. So, fire away Ozzie.

Little junk in the trunk, eh? I've seen her "work," and several angles were very unflattering to her figure. Seinfield was right; crouching is very unsettling (for some).

Whether or not Ozzie and Frank have settled this issue, it's important for the media to get the impression they've reconciled their differences. Further mending can be done behind close doors, without Tribune reporters baiting Ozzie/Frank everyday. Now these reporters have no choice but to report winning White Sox baseball.

Yet another vintage Kerry Wood outting: ND: 6 IP, 8 hits, 5 ER, 2 BB, 6 K's. Very disappointing effort from the pitcher whom continues to burden high expectations. Regardless of his past achievements, the Cubs can't be satisfied with an 11 million dollar, inconsistent hurler. I'm honestly looking forward to Steve Stone criticizing Wood on The Score tomorrow afternoon.

If Guillen was critical of Harris before today's 9th inning caught-stealing, his opinion of Willie has further deterioated. This has to absolutely tear him apart. I don't believe we'll see Harris for a LOOONNNGGG time.

QUOTE(soxfan420 @ Apr 13, 2005 -> 08:29 AM) i know crede has it in him, he has 2 learning seasons under his belt and will finially put his doubters to rest. A seven game hitting streak won't convince me of anything. Try sixteen, like Gload.

QUOTE(jackie hayes @ Apr 10, 2005 -> 11:33 PM) You're all wet. Rodrigo Lopez and Josh Beckett have officially won the 2005 Cy Young awards. Congratulations to both. I am confident they will honor the title just as Jason Stanford and Al Leiter did in 2004. Also if Pat Burrell and Eric Hinske could claim their MVP trophies as soon as possible, we'd much appreciate it. This is a recent trend. Yesterday, I witnessed Billy Beane pre-ordering his 2007 World Series trophy. It will surely look great alongside the titles won during the last seven seasons. That's for sure.

I believe he said, " Because he doesn't play for Boston or New York, "when asked why Buehrle is relatively unknown outside Chicago. Ozzie is difficult to understand, so I may be wrong.

QUOTE(Rowand44 @ Apr 10, 2005 -> 09:49 PM) Once again tell this to the whole league. I'm actually pretty impressed the sox managed 2 runs off of him considering the strike zone he had to work with. No doubt Santana is one of the American League's best pitchers. I'm merely worried this tipping-hat mentality is felt among players as well. Such as: "Santana is good. Let's move on and forget about it." Then when September rolls around and we need a win, but are disgraced with a 12K performance, we're left clueless because noone bothered to assemble some plan against Santana. I hope our players approach him different their next start. Although I agree collecting 7 hits off Santana over 7 innings is impressive. However, how was Iguchi able to hit twice off Johan, despite never seeing him prior to today? Some of our players need to ask him his approach and follow it.

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Apr 10, 2005 -> 09:20 PM) Tip your cap, go to Cleveland, and beat the s*** out of Millwood. Personally, I'm tired of tipping my hat for Santana. Eventually you have to develop a plan against him. Such as not swinging at the first two pitches; regardless of what is thrown. When you foul off Santanas changeup/fastball, its guages which pitch you're sitting on. In addition, nearly all his strikeouts are swinging. Usually because of a changeup in the dirt of a high fastball. This needs to be addressed. Anything is appropriate to battle Santana. I'm simply tired of admiring him. These players have to learn how to win against Santana, because he's not going anywhere anytime soon.

This game was typical of so many ESPN telecasts. Our team picks the right time to be overwhelmed by pitching and commit several costly miscues/errors. Santana is unbelievable, but there were still situations we should have scratched across runs. Konerko, in particular, completely altered his batting stance to only look foolish against Santana. As I said in the chat, we're probably going to battle Santana several more games. Study tape or else every game will follow a similar path. Start off by working counts; resist swinging at first pitches.