103 mph screwball

Can't blame Josh. Maybe he can get trade to a team who might actually be able to FIX his swing. First Brian and now Josh. Is this a case of two weak minded young players or should the Sox organization examine themselves and figure out why guys like these did not succeed. Is it Ozzie? Is it the minor league instruction? Walker? AJ!? Please Please figure this out before we are talking about Beckham or Mitchell wanting out of town in a few years.

If Anderson or Fields go somewhere else and become successful, then can we try an new hitting coach? Hire a second hitting coach? Robin Ventura, special assistant to Walker?

Today is the self imposed Halladay trade deadline. If there are not at least new rumors added to the "Halladay Superthread" today, then I'm guessing Halladay keeps paying Canadian taxes.

QUOTE (nastymasty21 @ Jul 28, 2009 -> 07:49 AM) I applaud AJ for getting in Alexei's face. Alexei tippy toed into 2nd for the throw and then gator armed it alomost giving casilla 3rd base on the over throw. Alexei's lackadaisical play at SS is killing this team. AJ's act is that he tells the truth even if it gets under someone's skin. Alexei needs to be the one shipped out of town if he doesn't get his act together or he at least needs to move back to 2B. He's had over a half of a season at short now which is supposedly his natural position. Beckham is already showing big improvement at a position he barely played until he had to learn on the job. If Alexei needs to be the centerpiece of a Halladay deal, so be it.

Man is it quiet on the trade rumor front. The supposed Halladay deadline is tomorrow. What is KW up to?

The Sox don't want to lose him for nothing. They don't want to pay him 6 million again next year. They want to use that money freed up by trading Dotel for someone else. The Sox would have another reliever lined up to take his place first. For example they move Dotel for prospects. They trade the farm for Haren, Halladay, or KW surprise starting pitcher and use Dotel's money to help pay him. Richard moves to the pen. Pena takes over Dotel's role. Haren, Halladay, KW surprise Buehrle Danks Floyd Contreras/Colon/Freddie who ever is healthiest.

Don't have time to go through this whole thread so please forgive me if this is a repeat post. Did you guys know Mark pitched a perfect game? It's available on itunes now for $1.99

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jul 24, 2009 -> 11:17 PM) That means either Mora or Sherrill. I wouldn't count out Huff or Pie.

QUOTE (Tony82087 @ Jul 23, 2009 -> 09:20 PM) What you want to see is one thing. There isn't a manager in baseball that would have had his players go up to the plate in the 9th solely looking to break up a perfect game. That isn't the way the game is played. If one of the Rays had done that, he would have been vilified on every sports news show. He also would have had a pitch in the ribs from whatever team the Rays play tomorrow. Bush league without doubt down by 5 runs.

1. Playoff vs Bos Iguchi HR game 2. 2004 vs Twins 9th inning 2 out slumping Konerko HR to tie and Thomas for the walkoff back to back. 3. My first Sox game ever in 1983 w/ my Dad, Uncle, and friend. Fisk and Luzinski HR.

That took the pressure off of Mark to have the lead. Later in the game, it made it less likely the Rays would bunt hit being down by five. If they had been down by one, it could have been a different story. Good job Fields!

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Jul 23, 2009 -> 05:47 PM) Sounds like the Sox are in fact shopping for relievers. I still don't think they buy one without moving another. Why do you think the Sox are shopping for relievers? Sherrill?

QUOTE (SoxFan562004 @ Jul 23, 2009 -> 05:25 PM) I wouldn't be shocked if the Sox moved Dotel If they did, it would be to free up money for somebody else and get talent back. Otherwise, I'd be surprised.

I actually didn't hear Hawk's call until the replays. I was too busy running around my house screaming and having a baseballgasm.

Sox are buyers! Now, let's put the boot to the throat of Detroit this weekend!

I have a gut feeling that was his last HR playing for the Sox. He played a solid 1B and gave Mark an early lead.

QUOTE (lostfan @ Jul 23, 2009 -> 04:21 PM) I wanted to say this but I would have felt like such a dick amid all the euphoria. You too!! Can't give Wise a break for a little while! booooo haters!!! Yea WISE!!!!

QUOTE (Thunderbolt @ Jul 23, 2009 -> 04:18 PM) He gets a break today, that catch was incredible, but he needs to contribute in other areas. No one gets a free pass, not even today. boooooooo! Thunderbolt! WISE gets a free pass today man! Come on man! That was the catch of his life to preserve a PERFECT GAME!!!!! Have a heart and give the man a free pass today!

QUOTE (PlunketChris @ Jul 23, 2009 -> 03:48 PM) Please post when that becomes available.. places like megaupload.com are good for large video files. I got Marks no hitter off of itunes. I'm sure they will have the perfect game. It cost 1.99. Comcast has replayed the no-no like 3 times so I'm sure they will hook us up again with the perfect game. Holy S***! PERFECT GAME!!!!!!!

QUOTE (SoxFan1 @ Jul 23, 2009 -> 04:08 PM) I luuuuuuv Hawk. Me too.

Congratulations WISE!!! Heck of a play! Second big play this year. Keep shutting us up! That was a truly spectacular catch at a special moment. HUGE!

YES!!!!! HISTORY!!! YOU DESERVE IT MARK!!!!

WISE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

QUOTE (elgonzo4sox @ Jul 23, 2009 -> 02:26 PM) Only drunks and baseball know-nothings would boo Jenks after Tuesday's outing. People whose behavior is governed by emotions rather than rational thinking also could boo Jenks, if their brains hold only short-term memories. If someone boo'ed Jenks on Tuesday night, it shows either: -- they don't understand baseball, and that this is a 162-game season where on any given night something unexpectedly good or bad can happen. -- they don't understand that it was Ozzie's decision to put Jenks in the game and leave him in, when there were other options. -- they focused just on Jenks, rather than the Sox hitters, who scored only 2 runs all game. -- they don't understand that closers are humans, and not robots that nail down 100% of all save opportunities. -- they don't know history or baseball statistics, which prove Jenks to be one of the best closers in the game since 2005 - and someone who closed out a World Series victory for the Sox. -- they don't understand motivation. -- or they were drunk or just stupid. Silence, when Jenks came off the mound, or a "You'll get 'em next time, big boy", was the proper response. Jenks is always hard on himself - witness his reaction upon coming off the mound. He doesn't need any supposed Sox fans giving him a hard time. Well said. Bobby is hard enough on himself and the boos must have bothered him or Ozzie would not have brought them up. People have a right to boo and a right to be stupid. That doesn't mean they should.

Odd thing for Steve Stone to say. The trivia question had Carlos Pena, McGriff and Abrey Huff as possible answers. Stone Pony read the three names and said "One of those guys will be traded before the deadline. You figure out which one." Unusual that he would say that someone on another team was going to be traded. Why would we care? What positions can Huff still play. He's played mostly 1B and DH this year. Can he still play 3rd or LF? That would make Fields expendable and Huff the Q backup plan. With the O's scouts mentioned in paper, I thought that was an interesting side comment by Stone.