Flash Tizzle

Last week the American Library Association hosted a exhibit on "banned books" at UIC. Browsing through the list I was surprised to find a personal favorite, The Chocolate War (by Robert Cormier). The story follows a 'renegade' student whom refuses to follow school custom and sell chocolates within the community. It's by no stretch a literally classic, but it's very engaging and likely relatable to anyone who fought peer pressure to follow their beliefs. I believe a movie was created based on the book, but I have yet to view it so I couldn't guess how closely it follows the story.

That's great, but what does it have to do with Shuf? Now pay your respects and quit whoring the thread.

:fyou 8-7 Yanks. Two run triple for Ortiz removes Gordon from the game. Enter Sandman blasts over the PA. One batter too late Torre.

Questionable managerial moves by Gardenhire in Game 2, Game 4 sealed the fate for the Twins. I believe it's that simple. Not many will agree with you on this idea. You can't predict what our fate would have been against the Yankees. Last year in particular, Yankee fans were relieved when the Sox fell short of the division. Our team manhandled the Yankees in 'the Stadium' and appeared to play with extra incentive when the Bronx Bombers were sitting in the opposing dugout. Three straight divisional championships solved that. Whether or not this division is weak, Twins deserve respect. I was hoping Twins would beat the Yanks, and lose to whoever else was playing in the American League Championship. Regardless, winning the division and exiting early is FAR better than three consecutive 2nd place finishes.

I've become accostomed to some extremely vile stories posted here in Soxtalk, and was honestly expecting much worse. If no one is being eaten, freakishly injured, or sneaking "tubgirl" into their links a thread is not worthy of "gross story of the day" distinctions. Far as Ms. Letourneau, I wonder if she'll be tuning into Desperate Housewives this fall on ABC...

I respectively disagree all mightly Sultan of Soxtalk. Your assessments on pitching leading to this team's collapse was dead on, but the few paragraphs on Neal Cotts perked my interest. IMO, Neal Cotts will never reach a level worthy of an "ace" distinction. I'm not attempting to rehash simple squabbles with the Kool-Aid drinkers, but he lacks the pitching prowess evident in top-tier starters. Johan Santana's fastball is "sneaky" because his motion is exactly the same regardless of changeup or slider. Three plus pitchers, all of which vary in speed, keep hitters off balance and often in between. I agree Neal does well hiding his fastball, but his floating changeup needs vast improvement. Perhaps his snap wrist delivery may hinder his grip on several pitches. () That's something you can't fix.

Noone, but what other options are available? Besides Konerko/Lee, whoch players would KW trade for Hairston/Lugo? The days of mistaking our prospects as currency have (hopefully) passed. I believe KW has learned not to meddle with our depleted minor league system. Whichever top tier prospects hold significant value need to remain in our organization. Spend money or trade players; leave the farm alone.

Welcome aboard A.S.S. Hopefully you've become familiar with our policies. Create objectionable threads and they will be thrown into our internet wasteland, the Roadhouse. You've been warned. Seriously. FEAR ME!!

I tend to overlook his disease riddled life when critiquing his broadcasting abilities, but he'll escape my insults on this topic. Whether he's joking or not, it appears at times all this guy has in his life is the Cubs. I do find it odd, however, that Santo can carry a 30 year grudge on the New York Mets.

Frank should have had this surgery several months ago when his removal from the team was official. I know several of you have professed, "You shouldn't have surgery unless its absolutely neccessary," but did anyone expect a heel supporting Frank's weight to magically heal? If Frank would have had this surgery in August/September, more time is left to condition and rehabiliate in preparation for next season. Instead, he'll get the surgery, return too soon, and his ankle will become a consistent problem. I'm hoping for a season free of excuses. No injuries, no setbacks, therefore all the blame can be delt if necessary. Playoffs or curb for KW. If Thomas is absent for an extended period of time he can use the "if we had Thomas for the beginning of the season..." card.

If any organization fails to acknowledge these conditions and STILL trades for him they deserve to be contracted. If Omar Minaya is susceptible to Sosa's fan appeal, or how a change of scenery may help juvenize him, then he may run away with the title of worst GM in baseball. Simply ignore all calls from Hendry on the topic of Sosa and LET...HIM...ROT in Chicago. I'm anticipating the effects another year Scammy and Dusty Baker will have in the Cubs likely collapse. SOLID!

Scamming Sam-ME So-So's arrogance has surfaced in the media this morning. Back title on Chicago Sun Time's reads: SAMMY SLAMS DUSTY. http://www.suntimes.com/output/mariotti/cst-spt-jay04.html His quote concerning Dusty Baker is, "I'm tired of being blamed by Dusty Baker for all the failures of this club. I resent the inference that i'm not prepared." Arrogant gladiator has the balls to question Baker after he's the supposed captain. Captains don't show up late for final games, refuse to dress in uniform, then leave early. And the Baker quote which angered Sosa? "I'd want him back if....he's got to go to work this winter. Get in tip-top shape mentally and physically. It's a big year for him." Listening to Mariotti on ESPN 1000, Jay and Carmen DeFalco have suggested Mets GM may be interested. I sure hope this isn't the case. Let the Cubs sulk in Corkilicious' 17 million dollar contract and cancerous clubhouse attitude. Anyone who frees the Northside 'Magician' Jim Hendry of Sammy needs to be fired. GM's across the league simply need to ignore any offers and allow Cubs to suffer through another year with the moron.

If Ozzie continues to push starters deep into games because he has no confidence in the bullpen, our staff will suffer devastating injuries. Buehrle's effecient pitch counts may allow him to endure 8 innings of work, but pushing Contreras and Garcia near 115 pitchers every start will initiate trouble. It's now up to KW to give Guillen reliable relievers this offseason to trust with a one run lead.

The particular segment was part of Dave Wills post game show. And the date of the interview was likely Thur, instead of Friday as I've previously described. Levine quickly listed names within the minor league organization (all of which are unfamiliar to me) who were switching titles. Levine never mentioned the changes were made due to failures, but its simple to read between the lines. One guy in particular was a friend of Willsy, whom declared himself a "homer" in predicting this guy would fit in the White Sox organization. Levine also referenced JR's old buddy Jerry Krause, predicting he would soon find a job with the Sox. Have you by any chance ever called into the show, Jim? Friday someone phoned in who discussed limiting season tickets, and despising arrogance of Cub fans. I have never heard you speak, and there's a high probability another season ticket holder named Jim exists in Chicago, but the person wasn't your average caller. Seemed to possess intelligence.

If this is true then our organization needs a new approach. No one is ignorant to the financial handicaps which are imposed upon KW by the chairman. Because of these restrictions, Williams he needs to impliment a stronger minor league system. Give our scouts and directors of player development a quotient to follow. If this exists, then hopefully our current group is nearing their end. Here's my philosophy (If I'm KW): Every three years I would EXPECT atleast one prospect to advance through the system and contribute. The discretion would lie within myself whether or not a 3.50 ERA or a .250 BA is the definition of contributing. When you're team is stuck in the middle between depending on prospects and signing FA's, there's limited room for error. It's easy in Milwaukee where expectations aren't very high, or New York where money is plentiful, but our team needs a balance. Why is it so easy for Minnesota or Oakland? If teams are so willing to fire managers, no different policy should be held for player development. Two nights ago I heard Bruce Levine (on ESPN 1000) talking about changes in scouting development. Obviously, our team has become aware the Felix Diaz, Joe Borchard, and Arnie Munoz of the world don't equate success. I would like to mention Sweeney, Andersen, Lumsden, Fields, Gonzalez, or McCarthy give me hope for our future. However, if there are significant setbacks on these players an overhaul is essential. Torn labrums, injuries, drop off in talent are all unacceptable. Every prospect within the Minnesota Twins system which immediately contributes provides another indictment on our system. They may be in the upper echelon of organizations (developing quality talent), but unless this team switches divisions it should be a priority of managment to compete with Minn. Don't tell me we're in the middle and accept mediocrity. Cubs are quite good at hyping their young talent. That must be the only explanation for trading Bobby Hillbilly and Hernandez to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Aramis Ramirez. Or how about the infamous five team trade involving Francis Beltran/Alex Gonzalez to the Expos for Garciappara? Other teams are quite willing to accept crap from the goof, Hendry. His rape of less fortunate organizations should be a model for KW. No longer should GM's eyes light up when their receptionists are recieving a call from KW. I know I'm shifting the focus of the discussion here, but I don't accept failure of this team because others have theirs as well. We (as fans) should expect KW to shadow the success of fortunate organizations instead of accepting failure and noting the trouble's of other teams.

Good. About Grilli, the radar gun on WGN had him consistently registered at 94-95 mph. Is this correct? Previous starts his velocity was well below this speed. If it were true, he may be throwing with all his strength; which might explain his wildness.

For the dignity of White Sox baseball Felix Diaz deserves nothing more than a bullpen role. Under no circumstances would I accept Diaz as a starter unless injuries forced him into the role. Another, I suppose, would be if he stumbled upon greatness and added another 3-4 mph on his fastball. But that would likely occur after a trade to another organization. So no.

Due to my exceptional talent of searching our archives I found one prediction thread with interesting comments. Several of which were written by a Russian douchebag/Cubbie Prostitute who has since been banned. http://www.soxtalk.com/forums/index.php?sh...%20series&st=30 :fthecubs

Oakland's streak of four consecutive playoff appearances ends this evening. If any one factor could be attributed to their failures its the bullpen. 27 blown saves?! That's truly a shame. Now they can't choke their way out of the playoffs.

When looking back on this last week, it's truly amazing when you observe the circumstances which led to their collapse. IMO, this years fall tops last years monumental Game 6/7 choke. The Choke Factor: - 5 straight losses. All of which have been at home. - 2 consecutive 12 inning losses - LeTroy Hawkins blows two straight saves with 2 outs and 2 strikes on hitters. - Dusty Baker. Has he made one successful bullpen move this last week? - Offense: Shut down by the dismal (Cheat has posted stats which prove their ineptness) Cincinatti pitching. Corey Patterson and Derick Lee have been horrid in September There's likely more factors leading into the collapse. Feel free to add on any I may have missed. IT'S FUN!

Final week of the '98 season the Cubs were in a similiar situation as this year. Every game was important. It was the final out of this infamous game when Brant Brown dropped a routine fly ball. On the "OH NO!" clip you can ever hear the fans loudly cheering in the background. They were all standing; anticipating a win. Cubs eventually lost this game. Cubs eventually clinched the wild card birth at home following a decisive, one- game playoff against San Francisco. You're right to label the event as "mute," but its hilarious nevertheless.

Switching between local radio outlets and Cubs.com the "blame Dusty" campaign has begun. It is possible Cub fans have grasped the idea of attributing their choke to an actual person, instead of a Billy Goat curse?

You may get your wish. Two run double for Ben Grieve brings the Cubs within 2 runs. Grabowski in for the save. Jon Smoltz, under no circumstances, will pitch this game so it will be up to Atlantas bullpen.

Andruw Jones waits for the worst possible moment to misplay a line drive. No worries. Grieve should elimate any threat of a comeback.

Juan Cruz should have been available to pitch this 9th inning. Nothing like stepping on the Cubs throats while showcasing a rare Hendry mistake. s***. Leadoff single in the 9th. Warm Smoltz now, Cox.