Flash Tizzle

QUOTE (Milkman delivers @ Aug 3, 2011 -> 03:37 PM) I love seeing so many people FINALLY echoing the things I've been saying for a while. I know we've agreed for a while, but it's just about the same thing I've said over the last two months. Crawling backwards into the playoffs to be humiliated would be the worst thing for this team. I also said that playing decently well before the deadline would be bad because they'd decide to stick with this team, and that they would likely do exactly that because it'd be the worst possibility at the time. Then, of course, they did. Thus, I expect them to somehow make the playoffs, haha. I almost expect them to go into Minnesota and sweep them because that's the type of s*** they do. Now, if it were September and we were in 1st place I'd expect them to sweep us; but since we're all counting them out and they're on the brink of packing it in they'll pull together one final tease.

Perhaps all those proposed moves (specifically Williams and Guillen) are inevitable at the end of this season, but I'd rather not take a chance. If their future is tied to the success of this current team, I am rooting for failure. Unlike 2007 when I was rooting for failure for the opportunity to draft higher, our current failures this year will do more for shaping our future than any potential 1st round bust. I'd rather take the chance of an abysmal second half leading to the firing of Williams and Guillen than the chance this team pulls together a miracle, makes the playoffs, and wins the World Series. Don't need anything, even our own success (however slim) prolonging the careers of those two with this organization.

QUOTE (BigSqwert @ Aug 2, 2011 -> 11:23 AM) For the Guillen apologists, please list out the reasons why you think that he needs to stay here as the manager of our ball club. I'm trying to objectively come up with reasons why he deserves to stay and I'm struggling to come up with anything other than he's entertaining with the media. Who else will play his blend of spicy Latin music in the clubhouse?

Four runs up and double stealing against us? That's an insult worthy of throwing at a few Yankee players.

QUOTE (southsideirish71 @ Aug 2, 2011 -> 08:48 PM) The problem with that is the manager. Do you think for a minute that 8 games back or more will stop Guillen from starting Omar over Morel, rios over DeAza or any of thebother silly decisions that he makes. No, he probably won't, but I think a sudden drop in the standings will increase tensions, definitely on Williams for his lack of midseason deals; maybe on Guillen for doing exactly what you're describing. It's better than the alternative of meddling around .500 and 5 games back, continuing to wait for that elusive 8 game winning streak we always seem to come across every season.

We better put Konerko in the lineup soon, injured or not. Listening to Hawk talk about this lineup being different without him, I sense an excuse forming to explain the slide in the standings. There should be none entering the offseason -- put his ass in now. Even if it just means standing at the plate.

64% of you may want to reevaluate your opinions. IN OR OUT?!!

QUOTE (fathom @ Aug 2, 2011 -> 08:17 PM) 5.5 back after tonight is looking very possible. This is definitely a nightmare scenario. The next will be the undervaluing of our players come the offseason when we're looking to trade them. And think, last week people were worried about dealing Quentin and Thornton because of all this boogey-man talk of "white flag" and "attendance dropping." Well, how'd that work out for us? Attendance is s*** and we could have easily played this poorly with a few less players. It's just ridiculous anyone could have thought this team was anything more than what we're seeing. It's as if Williams knew with dealing Jackson, but then out thought himself. Well, hopefully we'll just lose the remainder of this series, then the Twins series, and can begin looking forward to next season. Just end this misery now instead of September.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Aug 2, 2011 -> 02:56 PM) @MDGonzales Mark Gonzales Sox lineup: Pierre lf, Vizquel 3b, quentin DH, Dunn 1b, Ramirez ss, AJ c, Rios cf, De Aza rf, Beckham 2b, Danks p Hilarious. I'm more interested in watching now just to see how poorly this lineup hits.

QUOTE (fathom @ Aug 1, 2011 -> 09:01 PM) Get a slider and hit it into the bullpen Gordon! He'd rather just strikeout

QUOTE (Buehrle>Wood @ Aug 1, 2011 -> 08:35 PM) Love playing for one run against the yankees Our plan was to rely on Lillibridge to bunt over two players into scoring position for.......Morel and Pierre to drive them in. And with our powerhouse offense we can afford to give up outs for the one run.

QUOTE (elrockinMT @ Aug 1, 2011 -> 08:24 PM) I wonder if there is something physically wrong with Jake. When you read fastballs at 88 MPH and less that's just not right. There is nothing wrong with him. This is just the new Peavy. It looks like we have several more years of Lance Broadway starts ahead of us....

Meh. Unless Peavy is out of the game this HR means nothing. More runs will cross for NY.

How many swinging strikes has Peavy had against him? They're not fooled by anything he's throwing

QUOTE (kapzk @ Aug 1, 2011 -> 08:01 PM) I don't even know what difference would be brought to the team with a change in coach staff (except for Cooper). The players are at fault more than the coaches IMO. I don't even care, I'm just tired of looking at the same faces. Let nothing change. Also Peavy is going to hurt himself with these line drives that are finding their way past him on the mound.

Not like runs will be difficult to come by tonight. We can afford to make mental errors.

QUOTE (fathom @ Aug 1, 2011 -> 07:51 PM) On the bright side, at least it will be more interesting watching Stewart pitch the last month of the season than seeing Mr. Petco Peavy at this state in his career looks EXACTLY like the type of pitcher we'd draft and develop through our system. 90 mph fastball with limited movement and a steady collection of rolling breaking balls. His own lack of talent actually is endangering people on the field (including himself) due to the velocity his pitches are leaving the bat.

QUOTE (TitoMB @ Aug 1, 2011 -> 07:34 PM) Honestly, this disaster is going to end up being good for the franchise. Had we somehow managed to win this Comedy Central, KW and OG would be brought back. Now that it has blown up in their faces, they will surely both lose their jobs. The franchise will FINALLY be able to move forward. I wish I was reading this post in October, not now. There's still ample time for this team to linger and give all the super fans around here hope. Every embarrassing loss brings us closer to dismantling. And you know what? I don't care how long it takes. I don't care how much our payroll drops due to poor attendance, either. We need new management, new coaching; and if nothing changes atleast we'll be without the drama this team carries with it.

QUOTE (NCsoxfan @ Jul 29, 2011 -> 11:01 AM) I realize its an inflammatory thing to say...just feels like we are going to win just enough to make it close and flame out...Sorry for being so negative and cynical If I was Williams, trading Quentin would be a risk I'd be willing to take. Not only considering the possible return package, but my own job security. Figure, if nothing is done and we don't make the playoffs, it could be his end. If this trade is done and we still miss the playoffs, nothing changes, he'll still on the block. It wouldn't matter either way if he truly believes this team isn't fit to win the division. I have to believe those in charge are smarter than the mopes filling the stands. No one should be frightened with trading a sought after commodity because of random people suggesting "white flag" or an attendance drop. Many here are just afraid of a different approach. They'd rather every season follow the same formula of always believing they're in it (aside from 07') and whatever happens in September happens. We'll just try it all over again. I'm sure Williams knows how this script will go, even if we're within striking distance of first.

QUOTE (Thad Bosley @ Jul 28, 2011 -> 09:41 PM) I haven't been a big fan of Aramis in recent years, but this year he's been on his game, so as long as the rental cost wasn't too extravagant, he could be the perfect addition to pick up any offensive slack lost in a Quentin trade, while also upgrading a position we happen to be deficient at (offensively speaking). He's a dog at 3B, though. You'll never see the 2011 Ramirez over extend himself at 3B and risk injuring that shoulder on the heel of perhaps his final multi year contract.

QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ Jul 28, 2011 -> 07:39 PM) SoxTalk will/would be unbearable if KW started over. If he acquired the right pieces for Quentin, or any other players, I wouldn't complain. I'd still sell pieces from this team if we were 10 games ahead and the right package was available. And if these highly regarded prospects don't pan out, what is anyone going to say? "Man, that 2011 season had potential until Williams traded away Quentin. 2006 Cardinals! (insert other random statements)" Far as the fans, most that fill up a stadium with their jerseys of whatever new acquisition Williams makes, they're morons and will react impulsively. Worrying about their feelings should be irrelevant. It's like reacting to the random comments section of any news story. I'm glad Williams is considering these moves. He shouldn't be afraid of doing what's best for the team.

Rios is probably thinking f***, two more runners I'll be blamed for stranding in scoring position.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Jul 24, 2011 -> 02:08 PM) GMAB man, the Cardinals have been thought have a bottom of the league system almost every year. They occasionally pull out a couple of pieces but then they're gone before they get to the big leagues, a-la the Mulder trade or the Holliday trade. In the past yes, but this last year they've taken strides. Find me an article posted more recently than last season to criticize their system.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jul 24, 2011 -> 02:04 PM) Yet if the Sox do exactly that, they are some kind of idiots... When have they done exactly that?

QUOTE (Special K @ Jul 24, 2011 -> 01:58 PM) I think John Jay has taken over the everyday starting job in center This is the benefit of a minor league system worth a damn. They develop Rasmus, who was considered among the league's top prospects, then several years later produce another player to supplant him. And now, they have the luxury of dealing a player they don't need for several pieces to help them contend.