Flash Tizzle

I have no problem with this acquisition. Low risk; high reward. /someone was bound to say it.

I wish I had created a poll which asked, "If the White Sox made no significant moves this offseason, do you still believe they'll compete for the division?" I still could, but I'm lazy and would rather pose it here. Not questioning your post specifically quickman, but merely anticipating an offseason similar to last years. Members who were screaming for changes two months ago will transform into Williams' apologists come Spring. It happened last year, and from browsing through this thread it appears the metamorphosis of mediocrity is taking place. NOTE: Some advance quicker than others. September 2004: Paul Konerko absolutely has to go! This team is a stationary, slow-footed offense incapable of manufacturing runs. November 2004: Paul Konerko should be traded, but only if Williams finds equal talent in return. February 2005: I don't know why everyone is complaining about Konerko. A player who just hit 40 HRs and 100 RBI's is valuable to any organization. You can't expect to win many games without a run producer in the lineup. (And of course, the usual "winning by default argument) Look at Minnesota's lineup! Williams was smart to not sign any FA's-or initiate any significant trades. He had assembled all his pieces last year and felt Shawn Chacon was the pitcher who could turn this team into a champion. Just to speed up the process; YES, I've heard all the cliches: this postseason is still early, KW is waiting to see how the market shakes out, let's not start complaining until the winter meetings. Am I missing any? If I had the power I would prevent these phrases from ever being uttered within this message board. I'd rather be the annoying person who points out every inactive moment of Williams then luring myself into false hope.

Well, if there's such thing as a moral loss this is it. I'm still disappointed UIC couldn't pull this out.

Holy crap this is nervewracking. Flames leading 57-56 with 1:41 remaining. If I didnt' have a f***ing termpaper due my ass would be at the Pavillion.

Sure did. Funny how Steven A. Smith and his NBA crew were predicting suspensions below 15-20 games.

Johnson may not feel comfortable relying on a offense consisting of Juan Uribe, Joe Crede, Willie Harris, Ross Gload, Aaron Rowand. I don't know if a pitcher of Randy's caliber will believe in the concept of "grinders."

Alright, I know what's going to happen in this thread. Members (like YASNY) will list their examples of a team under the 'illusion of contention', only to come back strong in the second half. Or someone else will attack the credibility of the author. I'm not trying to personally insult you YANSY, I just feel we ignore the problems by listing clubs who overcame their deficit in the standings. Why, instead of hoping we're in contention come July, management does it job and fills roster holes before April? I can't be the only one who is tired of praying this team competes, so Williams can patch a hole HE ignored in the offseason. Last two years the lack of a fifth starter has killed our club. If this problem isn't corrected we will find ourselves five games out, again.

YES. I've argued these points in another Randy Johnson thread. We have to understand some players may not want to join this organization. Mediocrity is not a selling point, and neither is the weakness of this division. When the choices are between the White Sox, Angels, Cardinals, and Yankees we should be at the bottom. /Shawn Chacon is still available.

Jim Gray was noticeably shaken during his assessment of the brawl. IMO, ESPN is essentially blaming an innocent man. The network should be in no position to judge the person responsible unless there's undeniable proof. What's worse is ESPN arrows the man in the white hat, but fails to mention the possibility Artest attacked an innocent fan. Why is that?

Artest's unpredictable, unstable personality only fuels this debate. Would Karl Malone or David Robinson have jumped into the crowd in a similar situation?

Didn't notice that. Watching daddy pummel on NBA players is bound to emotionally scar the kid.

You can't determine the severity of a suspension due to your reaction in the situation. There have been prior examples of harsh suspensions in less extreme circumstances. EDIT: Quoted wrong post. Point remains.

Sportscenter analyzed the film as it if were viewing the Kennedy Assassination. They were showing emotional clips of an old lady under a pile of Pacers, as well as some young kid crying. NBA doesn't need this. :headshake

This picture is deserving of a "OWNED" title if I've ever seen one.

Does a scuffle between players give anyone the justification to attack a fan? What matters is Artest overreacted and physically attacked an innocent person. I'm sure he's not the first basketball player in NBA history to have a cup of beer thrown on him.

You are honestly comparing basketball to "heat of battle?" I understand the passion these players have, but Artest won't persuade many of his innocense. Artest was fuming, and he simply exploded because a plastic cup landed on him. I don't recall Rocco Baldelli jumping into the stands when Sox fans drenched him in beer.

ESPN Basketball crew has suggested the NBA install nets between the floor and court, and removal of courtside seats. Was Wrigley Field under this much scrutiny following their brawl?

Steven A. Smith is attempting to rationalize this incident and protect the NBA. It's pathetic. I wish someone can throw beer on this idiot. "These basketball players are PROTECTING themselves." Plastic cups have sharp edges these days, you know.

This guy was enormous. Comcast SportsNet claimed the man "looked like a Detroit Lion."

Artest better have himself a great laywer.

I was wrong in this instance. Jackson was the name of the Indiana player who slugged a fan near Artest.

Last year at USCF, when a fan in the outfield poured beer on Rocco Baldelli, was he justified to jump over the wall? No. We're going to here basketball players agree with Artests' actions, but it certaintly was overblown and unneccessary.

Man in the black coat appeared to throw beer on Artest once he was pouncing on the fan. Not worthy of a knock out punch. I smell a HUGE lawsuit.

You can almost pinpoint the transformation from joy to pure FEAR. Jermaine O'Neal was drenched with beer and coke wakling into the locker area. AND HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO RUN BACK OUT!

He can't escape all criticism in this incident. The fan who started this brawl in the stands posed no immediate danger to Artest. A responsible player might have simply pointed the fan out to security, instead of going crazy.