winninguglyin83

the only numbers that matter are the ones in the standings. they were nice on August 9 They're not quite as nice today. This team doesn't need a 1-6 road trip. A win tonight, with Cotts starting, would be a huge pick-me-up.

totally agree We all know JR isn't going to bend. Actually, I think Frank is going to have to finish strongly to have any chance to return next season. Fans were already softened to the idea that he might leave last winter. They'd take a minor PR hit, but we know from watching the Bulls that JR doesn't let sentiment sway his decisions. If he let Phil Jackson, Michael and Pippen walk after six NBA titles, he's not going to lose a second of sleep if Frank leaves after two (or three) division titles. You figure Lee would be moved to DH and Rowand moved into left field. In the grand plan, I'm sure the Sox hoped Borchard would have been ready by now, but his performance his season has been a major step backwards. Whatever happens, it will be an extremely interesting off season.

one of the two needs to be gone. need to break up the right-handed, lead-leg nature of the lineup

Sox are not getting ichiro they have maggs. They can -- and should -- keep him. What they MUST do is surround him with more guys who can run and get on base, especially at the top of the batting order. biggest problem this team has offensively is too many guys who clog the bases and can only go station to station -- Konerko, Thomas, S. Alomar, Daubach, Crede and sometimes Lee. The result? Lots of three hit innings that result in the bases loaded and no outs. Then we either get one run on a DP grounder or no runs after a pop out and DP grounder. We've all seen it 8 million times. Also, too reliant on the home run. Put a quality leadoff or number two hitter in front of Maggs and watch what happens. Maybe Reed can be one of those guys. and he'll make the minimum, a huge factor considering the track record of management.

can't see any way the Sox will be able to keep Lee Everett Maggs Konerko Frank Robbie Alomar and Valentin in 2004. (not advocating keeping Jose, but Sox SS options are extremely limited unless a Martian kidnaps Tejada and brings him here.) no way they spend that kind of money. JR loves those guys in the first three years that he can pay peanuts. The more at the minimum, the better. He's got Crede, Olivo, Harris. He'll try to supplement that with one or two from this group: Reed Hummel Borchard Miles. Even if this team gets it back together and wins, a few of the guys on this team will be gone. Somebody would take a chance on Konerko. His salary is high, but not outrageous. And he did average nearly 100 RBIs from 2000-02. I'm sure some GM will figure he can get him cheap because his value is diminished. He'd look good at first base for Baltimore or maybe even the Angels.

another vote for mulder. love a solid lefty. has four or five pitches he can throw for strikes. Not as dependent on the heater as Prior excellent all-around athlete. Never causes problems from the south side of town. I'm sure the As have him locked up for at least two more years -- but after that I've love to see somebody hypnotize JR into opening the wallet and bringing Mulder to the Sox. 2. Prior 3. Oswalt.

as this season twists and turns, surges and stalls, one positive today is the absolutely incredible season Jeremy Reed is having at Birmingham. Dude went 4 for 4 last night. Three singles and a triple. Drew a walk. scored two runs drove in three stole a base. He's closing in on 200 at bats in AA after his ridiculous start at Winston Salem and he's now hitting .415. That is just sick. I'm not advocating a call to the big leagues. Rather see him develop all his skills and play in the Arizona Fall League. Give him a chance to make the club next March. But this guy is as exciting an offensive prospect as the Sox have had since Magglio. Plus, he's a left-handed hitter who can play multiple outfield spots. Sox took some hits for drafting him in the second round last year, but the scout who recommended him deserves major kudos.

Can Graffanino pitch? Rowand? could see that tonight. it's only the fourth inning, remember

Porzio anyone? Pacheco? Farmer sez the Rangers are getting pitches and know when the fast ball is coming

ugly game. Ugly series. ugly road trip. ugly ...

Wright is in so what happens tomorrow? who backs up Cotts? Schoeneweis? Adkins? then we face Washburn on Monday And shields on Tuesday. it's make or break time for this team, in my opinion

how many runs will win this game? 15? 18? 22?

manuel doesn't know what to do. let Colon give up 15 runs or use Wright, knowing he only has cotts with nobody to back him up aginst a team that has score 20 runs in 11 offensive inning againsst Loaiza and Colon

agreed on Sandy and Olivo needs extra BP to work on recognizing a big-league breaking ball

Sandy Alomar showing Olivo how to hit in the clutch

thank you Benoit he shut the sox down last season alomar can give us the lead

What is spanish for 110 percent horse s***? If Crede is only going to take half swings, might as well take two -- they're cheap and horribly ineffective this is beyond sad.

name one call jerry manuel has ever gotten reversed. take your time. You'll need it.

jamie burke had 5 hits in 8 at bats in an 18-inning game last night didn't see enough of him in the big leagues to know how well he catches and throws. but I've seen enough of Olivo waving and missing at curveballs low and outside that he's been bagged and tagged as a hitter for this season. There's no reason to rush Reed. Let him finish the season in Birmingham, hit over .400 and then play in the Arizona Fall League. Very interested to see him play. But anybody who hits over .400 (he's now at .402) with nearly 200 at bats at AA ball has to be a tremendous offensive prospect. Robbie Alomar is in a funk. Until this road trip, he'd been getting on base pretty consistently. Gotta stick with him. I agree about Everett. Rowand needs to be in CF at least 2 to 3 times a week. Let Everett play LF or DH. Give Lee, Konerko and Frank a day off each. As for shortstop, we don't have many options -- now or for 2004 and beyond. in the end, it's the starting pitching that will have to get the job done because we all know that offensively this team will simply drive you crazy with its inconsistency.

we knew Ring was very good. we fear Rupe will really be the one that comes back to burn us

better days tomorrow -- or else

my bad miguel olivo Bench is indeed hitting

there's the 11 for texas now the Sox need to get their five in the ninth

jerry manuel, walking A-Rod, managing his butt off, folks

three in the ninth? probably 5 in the ninth -- to lose 11-10