Flash Tizzle

Tonight's Simpsons episode was mediocre. Typical of recent episodes. Too many plugs of professional atheletes. Yao Ming's lines weren't funny, and neither were LaBron James. -Lebron accepts omlettes LEBRON: This is the happiest day of my life. LISA: Didn't you recently sign a 90 million dollar contract? LEBRON: That was a good day, too. No punch line. One of many weak lines during this week's episode.

How much different is Hendry's response from Kennys? Did Magglio honestly believe they'd offer arbitration without examining, or observing him workout? It's ridiculous Magglio spouts off against Sox management, while failing to acknowledge the risk of spending 12 million on a player recovering from knee surgery. I wouldn't expect him to publically acknowledge this risk; but merely understand our situation and remain quiet. Detroit didn't forsee anything other clubs overlooked. They simply wet their pants at the notion of an unsuccessful offseason. Extra money laying around from the NHL strike has to be spent on something. Oh, and Magglio, when only one club offers a contract you term suitable, there's usually a reason. While Mets/Cubs weren't on record questioning your knee, it's obvious the problem is lingering in the minds of general mangers. Have fun in Comerica, buddy.

QUOTE(Jeckle2000 @ Feb 6, 2005 -> 01:51 PM) Anyone else see the title and was hoping that it was Maggs... "Ex-Sox Player Admits to Steroids." Sounds more like the title of a Tribune article.

I wonder if Detroit could terminate Magglio's contract if he landed on the disabled list (for more than 25 days) due to another injury besides his knee. As exampled with Mark Prior last season, one persistent injury could lead itself into another. This interests me because exact language is important when negotiating contracts. If Ordonez contract states 'Detroit voids contract if time on DL exceeds 25 due to injured left knee,' I'd have to believe it has no relation to any other possible injury (unless specifically stated).

QUOTE(witesoxfan @ Feb 6, 2005 -> 12:06 AM) $37 mill per year isn't bad now, is it? Hell no. While it's unlikely Magglio would reinjure himself during the years he was guaranteed money, and regain his health the three needed to prolong the contract, just because the possibility exists its insane Detroit approved this. Ordonez could reinjure himself following 05'; requiring additional knee surgery, just as he can gradually wear down his knee following 08/09. Of course, Magglio could continue his career unscaved and prove critics wrong. I just don't forsee Magglio patrolling spacious Comerica Park without reaggrivating his knee. Ultimately, this was the wrong person to gamble this money on. Good example of spending money just because it's there. Beltran and Beltre would have been better investments for the Tigers.

It's ridiculous Tigers failed to include performance related clauses in this contract. If Magglio drudges through 2005 well below expectations of Detroit management; either because of persistent knee troubles or drop in production, their hopes of voiding the contract is solely based on his DL time. Sure, 25 games is a safety net, but only for 2005!? What if Magglio's knee condition is degenerative? Ordonez has all the motivation to perform this season. After which, he can undergo necessary surgery for an additional two years while pocketing 27 million. Both options years are based solely on his 2008, 2009 performance. What a deal Boras negotiated. Magglio could potentiantlly earn 105 million on three years work.

QUOTE(Chisoxmatt @ Feb 5, 2005 -> 02:32 PM) IMO, no one is worth 15 million. There are players several worthy of 15 million:

Atleast Ordonez inks this ridiculous contract now, after nearly every slugger is off the market. No more 'Boras influence' to worry about.

Returning home from Chicago on the Metra service (around 3:15), there were several trucks parked outside the ballpark with Berwyn labels. Nice gig for your company to provide moving services for the White Sox. Also happened to notice a sizable collection of blue seats stored alongside the 2nd story walkway. I'd be interested in finding out whether or not these seats will be repainted, or perhaps sold to season ticket holders (ie, last year). If not, I believe I'll visit the Cell tomorrow.....to "observe" these locations....yeah....

QUOTE(Chisoxmatt @ Feb 4, 2005 -> 05:12 PM) Why do they think dempster is their savior in the BP? He came off a huge injury. Players recovering from Tommy John usually revert to old form two years following the surgery. Unfortunately for Dempster, he was far from stellar every season since 2000. If any of the Cubs' starting pitchers find themselves on the DL, (which is entirely possible w/ Baker) Dempster would likely become the leading candidate for a starters role. Outside of RD, no immediate spot-starter is available on their roster. However, White Sox have two relief pitchers (Cotts/Hermanson) capable of providing an emergency start. In addition to our superior depth, the White Sox bullpen can (probably) perform without Cotts/Hermanson if either pitcher entered the rotation. Could the Cubs bullpen survive without Dempster, whom is expected to shoulder a significant burden of the workload? Likely not.

QUOTE(qwerty @ Feb 3, 2005 -> 09:12 PM) ''He sucks''. No offense Qwerty, but you're not exactly known for your posting lengths either. s***, I can't even count all the occasions you typed "1-2-3" during gameday threads. I was even considering adopting "1-2-3" as your unofficial nickname.

I'll miss Dave Wills. Professionalism and class (which several of you indicated he lacks) were never characteristics I highly regard in a radio broadcaster. Wills appeal is his southside, blue-collared, neighborhood attitude and demeanor. Blasting the Cubs was simply an added bonus to which fans could relate. Perhaps his best quality was avoiding phone calls/harsh criticism following a disappointing loss. He developed aversion techniques which will become useful in Tampa Bay. Don't know about anyone else, but I'm going to miss Willsy squirming in his seat whenever 'Bill from the Northwest Side' would relay his ridiculous predictions. He became quite the nemesis of Wills through the progression of the season.

QUOTE(shagar69 @ Feb 3, 2005 -> 01:11 AM) i was at a bar tonite, talkin to this chick, and the f***in cops have to show up. they caught like 6 people underage drinking, pretty much forcing anybody who wasnt 21 to leave. WTF is that. I mean cmon, its a wed. night. Leave us the f*** alone. f*** THA POLICE! Dislike the police for performing their duty? I've been busted for drinking off campus at UIC, and despite my connections and aspirations in criminology, I was thrown into the "drunk tank" for 10 hours. If breaking up your shindig is the worst of your problems, consider yourself lucky.

QUOTE(KipWellsFan @ Feb 1, 2005 -> 08:18 PM) Umm I see a reflection here. http://www.aoox77.dsl.pipex.com/1/b1.gif Alright, there goes that theory. /still fake

QUOTE(SoxFan1 @ Feb 1, 2005 -> 05:06 PM) It's real...vindication? Go to stupidvideos.com and #7 to the left is "Basketgirl". Click on that one and watch the video...it des it in slow motion so you can see how she goes through. Notice her reflection fails to appear off the backboard. Clear indication of a hoax. Although, as many of you pointed out, it's still nicely done.

QUOTE(greasywheels121 @ Jan 28, 2005 -> 11:36 PM) You know what's really upsetting? It's becoming more difficult to isolate Chicago Cubs' players I dislike. Sure, Messiah and Dusty usually offer us some laughter, but Moises Alou and (especially) Sosa were lightning rods for criticism. I'll miss the potential for mayem those two offered Sox fans following every loss. Looks like I'll have to grudgingly concentrate my hatred towards Hawkins and Zambrano....

QUOTE(greasywheels121 @ Jan 28, 2005 -> 11:26 PM) I know it's been said somewhere, but the offense wasn't even Baltimore's problem. This does nothing but hurt them, even if Sosa exceeds expectations. It seems Baltimore is attempting to compensate their ineptness with a headline grabbing move. Isn't that what teams are fighting for today, media coverage? :rolly Ponson is their ace. Cabrera (unless I've misplaced another starter) is their number 2. Outside of these starters, which is hardly proven or formidable, strong American League clubs will rip through their rotation. Their bullpen may sustain some leads, but again, mediocrity won't cut it in the ALE. Not against two clubs running payrolls exceeding 120 million.

QUOTE(WilliamTell @ Jan 28, 2005 -> 10:57 PM) I'm actually surprised the trade went through even though we've been hearing Sosa could be moved. Good trade for both teams though. Baltimore doesn't want to keel over for Boston and New York. They'll continue to be b**** slapped by Yankees and Red Sox. Listening to Mike Murphy driving home from school, Angelos promised Orioles fans a "revamped team." and it appears he was willing to tango with Hendry. Sosa has feasted off weak NLC pitching for nearly his entire career, how can Angelos expect him to perform consistently against New York/Boston? If the structuring of the deal is correct (06 voided), I'm afraid Baltimore will be put in a similar situation as the Mets were with Chris Benson. Overpay for Sosa, and risk scewing the upcoming market for power hitters. All we need is Konerko demanding >10 million because Baltimore lavished Sosa with a 45/3 deal.

Oriole fans on the website Qwery posted are reporting: Sosa -for- Hairston Jr. 2 prospects ( Caruthers/Fortenot likely included) No mention of Lugo or Farnsworth in this deal.

Also important to note subtracting Sosa would push the Tribune into the bidding for Ordonez. :puke

QUOTE(Gene Honda Civic @ Jan 28, 2005 -> 07:22 PM) Sosa to B'more for Jerry Hairston and 4 minor Leaguers is big rumor floating around the net right now. Bruce Levine says many details still need to be ironed out. Do general managers understand how to negotiate? You shouldn't have to offer Hendry, Hairston/4 prospects unless these 4 prospects all are comparable to career minor leaguers. If Orioles are trading any valuable prospects (ideally their highly regarded pitchers) a large amount of Sosa's contract should be eaten by the Tribune. It irritates me to watch other clubs humor the Cubs with Sosa discussions. Baltimore doesn't need offense, dammit; they need to develop pitching. No need to "steal headlines" or create the "offseason splash" if it involves this dope.

Sounds familiar...... Have we learned nothing from Alfred Hitchcock?

WHORE OFF! I don't believe I laughed as hard in any other recent episode. South Park is resurging as a pop culture phenomenon.

QUOTE(ihatethecubs @ Jan 27, 2005 -> 07:13 PM) my big worry was maggs signing with the cubs, it doesnt bother me much if he goes to detroit, its just more opportunity for us to kick his ass with our new team! Unfortunately, I feel the same way. Perhaps its my conditioning as a Cub-hater, but for Cub management to sign Ordonez, Sosa would have since been traded. Sosa must remain a Cub for the likelihood of clubhouse distractions. In addition, listening to a Chicago Media glorify Maggs, while oblivious to his 8 yrs of service on the southside, would be hell. The potential of Ordonez battling our team 19 times a years should exceed any resentment of Cubdom, but it doesn't. First, his health remains questionable; second, the addition of Ordonez to Detroit's lineup won't push them into contention.

QUOTE(raff @ Jan 26, 2005 -> 11:15 PM) sox fan forever suck a dick. im just letting you guys know that something big will hit the cell this summer. end of story. Sounds like another uncorroborated, unreliable terrorist threat. My bet is this thread is intentionally open ended, so if anything "big" were to "hit the cell" Raff claims inside knowledge. Sly fox, you.