Bears Draft

Michael Bottigliero, Sox Superfan

I know this is a White Sox blog, but at this time of year I cannot help but to chime in on the Bears.  This is about the upcoming draft, one of only two ways the Bears can improve, with free agency being the other.  We all know the Bears are seriously lacking talent, but I believe they’re also lacking adequate coaching, talent scouting and a competent general manager.  I don’t have any immediate cures for coaching/management problems other than firing all of them (though Bill Cowher wearing an orange C would look good), but there is some light at the end of the tunnel.  Here’s some quick cures:

Draft.  This is going to be difficult, considering Angelo traded away the 1st and 2nd round picks.  I don’t regret getting Jay Cutler, as this may be Angelo’s greatest move, but I knew the pick for Gaines Adams was a waste, even before his unfortunate death.  So now they’re starting with the 75th overall pick in the draft, and they better start studying if they intend on making anything out of it.  So I’m going to put my picks and moves out there for all to see, then everyone can see how qualified I am to be the Bears couch GM!  Here we go:

3rd Round, 75th pick.  Jared Veldheer, Hillsdale College, OT.  This guy has tremendous size and speed, and has done nothing but impress.  He comes from a small college, but at 6′8″, 315 lbs, I don’t think anyone is going to make him feel he doesn’t belong.  The Bears need to build up their offensive line, and protecting Cutler should be a main priority.

4th Round, 106th pick.  T.J. Ward, Oregon, SS.  Though some think he’s a bit small (5′10″, 200 lbs) he has it all: speed, strength, smarts and intangibles.  He plays great zone and man to man, tackles and hits extremely well, and is a leader.  The Bears have been missing this since Mike Brown was let go, so there’s no reason not to grab him.

5th Round, 140th pick.  I’d love to see Andre Roberts, Citadel, WR fall to them, as he has great speed, runs excellent routes, can block and has enough size to be a good 2nd or 3rd NFL option.  If not, they should grab Jermaine Cunningham, Florida, DE.  He is a very good rusher with great burst.  He only lacks size (256 lbs) and could use more upper body strength.  Good project, especially if you’re willing to change to 3-4 defense.

6th Round, 171st pick.  Chris Brown, Oklahoma, RB.  Bears need a good backup and CB has decent speed and hands.  He can run inside and out, and would be a great 3rd down back, except he needs some work on pass blocking.

7th Round, 202nd pick.  Reggie Stephens, Iowa State, OG.  Bears need big help on the O-line, and this is one big dude (6′3″, 322 lbs).  He was a consistent starter for the Cyclones and could be a good NFL player.  What do you expect in the 7th round?!

Free Agency.  The Bears need a big play WR badly, so it’s time to shell out the ca$h and grab Miles Austin.  He’s young (25) and has both size (6′3″) and speed.  He’s also proven, and would be up for some heavy stats with Cutler.  I think a contract similar to what Lee Evans grabbed in ‘08 would work.  5 years $46 million should get him in Chicago.  If the Bears would go to a 3-4 defense, which I would love, I see another robbery from the Cowboys with Marcus Spears.  He can plug up the middle and even though he doesn’t have a great pass rush, plays hard and is tough versus the run.  Playing upon the premise that the Bears went 3-4, I’d grab Barrett Ruud from Tampa.  He’s young (26), covers alot of ground like Urlacher, and will lead the team in tackles for years to come.  They could also use a safety, like Will Allen from Tampa or Sean Jones from Philly.  I would also love to see them get a pass rusher, but besides Julius Peppers, I cannot see them getting anyone of value.  That’s why I suggest the 3-4 defense- more linebackers, more speed, more blitz.

That’s all I have- call me crazy, but only time will tell if I’m right.  I know I’ll be checking back!

Mailing it In

Michael Bottigliero, Sox Superfan

Hi fellow Sox fans.  I am sorry to say it, but after today’s bloody beating by the Yankees, I believe our White Sox have thrown in the towel.  They have been in every game on this road trip, except today, against Boston and New York, but have only emerged with one win.  The offense has turned totally inept, and they have proven that they cannot come up with clutch and timely hitting. 

I have seen the effort there though, except today.  Jose Contreras should never be allowed to tow the rubber for the White Sox ever again.  He is old (alot older than his Topps card wants to admit) and if he has anything left, he should try it for another team.  I remember Ozzie saying that he is out of the starting rotation, but then he is allowed to come in and throw meatballs to the Yankees.  I would’ve much rather seen any Triple A pitcher come in to try.  By putting in Contreras, the Sox literally forfeited the game.  And on the offensive side, to allow Sergio Mitre and Chad Gaudin throw a 1 hit shutout against you?!  That is ridiculous.  Every Sox fan that had to endure watching that should be recompensated for that.

I usually try to blame Kenny Williams for something like this, but he has done alot to help.  Jake Peavy’s acquisition should’ve boosted everyone, just to know a Cy Young pitcher has a chance to come in this season.  Scott Podsednik has been amazing at the dish.  Alex Rios, while he has yet to do much with his bat, is gliding in the outfield, and is a huge acquisition.  Ozzie has been his usual spirited and hard working self.  So this one is clearly on the players.  With veterans like Thome, Konerko, Pierzynski, and Dye, I cannot tell why this is happening now.  They are playing worse since the moves than before.  They better wake up and realize that this team is massively underachieving.  On paper they are much better than any team in their division.  But that is probably the problem- it is only on paper.

Sox vs. Cubs- Game 1

Michael Bottigliero, Sox Superfan

The Sox have played subpar baseball all season thus far, but they looked like their ‘05 selves today.  Ozzie was doing a masterful job with hit and runs, bunts, game management.  Podsednik was and has been stellar since returning to the Sox, causing havok atop the order.  Great pitching, defense.  I would love to see more of this, and, at three games under, a rise to the top of the division.  Then we may be able to get some help (Kenny!) and make a playoff run. 

But one game at a time.  Go Floyd tomorrow, go Sox!

What happens in Vegas

Cait Higgins, Sox Superfan

I got the pleasure of seeing my beloved White Sox in Las Vegas on Wednesday and Thursday of last week. They played exceptionally well. Best of all, they beat the Cubs both games!!!!!

The Cubs play games in Vegas every year, usually against the Mariners. It was like sitting in the bleachers at Wrigley Field; Cubbie Blue(s) everywhere. AWFUL. It was nice, however, to see a ton of Sox fans showing support for the Southsiders. I stayed in MGM Grand and saw a ton of both Sox and Cubs fans. I must say, it was very cool to be hugged and high-fived by fellow Sox fans and given the side-eye by the Cubs fans! The Cubs fans at the game were as obnoxious as ever, so it was extra pleasant to sweep the series! 

I was sad that I did not get to see Carlos Quentin or Alexei Ramierez play, but did get to see some of the other heavy hitters. Ben Broussard is a welcome addition to the team, even if he didn’t have such a great game on Thursday. John Danks started on Wednesday against Jeff Samarsomething and pitched very well through his couple of innings. It was nice to see him back in top form and the lineup actually giving him some run support! It was nice to see some old faces: Jim Thome, Paul Konerko, MVP of the World Series Jermaine Dye, and Josh Fields. I thought Mike Restovich played very well. It will be interesting and great seeing his progress throughout the White Sox organization. I look forward to seeing him start in the next couple of years. I also liked seeing Chris Getz coming in to play on Wednesday and starting on Thursday. I thought he was playing very well last season when he, unfortunately, went down with a broken finger. It will be nice to see a couple of guys fighting for the second base/shortstop/third base spots instead of wondering if Crede will be healthy or if Ramierez can play two positions. Hopefully Josh Fields impresses Ozzie this spring training and will have a good start to the season. 

I’m also really excited to see Brian Anderson back in center. I think he is an outstanding fielder. If he could learn how to swing the bat as well as he has shown he can, and continue to be consistent, I think we will have the best outfield in our division. I love the way he plays defense because he reminds me of everything I love about Aaron Rowand. He plays with grit and isn’t afraid to run full speed into the walls to make a great catch. I have given him flack in the past, but I really respect him as a player and am very happy to see him back on the South Side this season. Maybe he will even get his number back, now that Toby Hall is gone! 

Wednesday night I was basking in a White Sox winner when some Cubs fan informed me that “the Sox suck.” Oh really? I’m thinking we won a World Series in 2005 and just beat your team in walk-off fashion in the bottom of the 9th. Yeah, sorry, I think you’re talking about the wrong team here. I’m not a Royals fan…. or a Cubs fan. 

Lou Piniella managed like a jackass on Thursday afternoon. The Cubs were down 4-0 in the bottom of the ninth. One of our new pitchers walked the first two, and wound up loading the bases. Who does Mr. Piniella put in? Ryan Theriot. That’s the way to do it. Gotta win by all costs against us. Put in a guy who you know is going to make the team and play him against a AA pitcher. They go down 4-3, and Reed Johnson comes in to pinch hit. Reed Johnson, who has been in the MLB for a hundred years, comes in against our already shaken pitcher. However, he had ice water in his veins and shut down Johnson. He strikes out their final batter with a swing and a miss. All amid screams of “Cubs are #1!!!” and “I am guaranteeing a Cubbie Winner!” In Spring training. 

I am so excited for baseball to start! 27 days, 21 hours and 44 minutes as I am writing this.

Let’s go WHITE SOX!!!!!

Sox New Additions

Michael Bottigliero, Sox Superfan

I am looking over the Sox offseason moves and still looking for more.  There have been some big changes.  Javier Vazquez, Nick Swisher, Boone Logan,  Joe Crede, Ken Griffey Jr., Orlando Cabrera, Juan Uribe, and Toby Hall are all gone.  The very versatile Wilson Betemit and a slew of young talent are in.  It will be difficult to tell if this ‘08-09 offseason was a success, as only time will tell.  One thing is for sure- the Sox have alot to play with if they want to either let the talent prove themselves, or package some for proven talent.  We will all be watching the upcoming weeks before spring training for trades (I heard Michael Young from the Rangers) and viewing the new young Sox during the spring to see if they are MLB ready.  In any event go SOX in ‘09!

Can’t win them all

Cait Higgins, Sox Superfan

The best thing about the Rays is how much they remind me of the 2005 White Sox. They have spunk, charisma, and a winning attitude. They went through their mini slump in July, but have been rolling ever since. I was sad that we didn’t make it past the first round, but was satisfied with a playoff berth. I never think that a season where we make the playoffs is a disappointment.

I was surprisingly okay with how the playoffs happened. I know that we can’t win it all every time we get close. The Rays played us exceptionally well. At least we won one! Better than we can say for the Cubs! Also, I am happy to say that I have probably seen Orlando Cabrera’s final game in a Sox uniform. He was such a Prima Donna and really brought down the morale in the clubhouse, in my opinion.

That said, I am really rooting for the Rays. I am so sick of Boston, and I would like to see the American League win again. Not that it matters, but I feel a little better about the team that beat my team winning the World Series.

The end of a season is always sad. I can’t wait for April! I will be updating, I promise, when we make some off season moves. It should be interesting.

Until next time, Sox fans!

On To Florida

Mike Steadman, Sox Super Fan
Some twenty years after the White Sox franchise almost abandoned Chicago’s southside to move to St. Pete, the team returns to face the Rays in their first postseason appearance.  Games 1 and 2 will be played in Tropicana Field; formerly known as the Suncoast Dome, a venue built specifically to lure a relocated major league team.  The Sox and Jerry Reinsdorf publicly flirted with Florida officials in the late 1980’s until the Illinois legislature voted to use public funds to build New Comiskey Park.  As it turned out, no baseball franchise decided to up and move until the Montreal Expos in 2005.  Luckily for the thirty or so baseball fans in central Florida, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays were created as an expansion franchise in time for the 1998 season.

But before delving into what should be an excited playoff series I think Sox Nation is entitled to a day of celebration and giving thanks for a heck of a conclusion to the regular season.  And so I give thanks to:

John Danks- I don’t think Sox fans are missing Brandon McCarthy much anymore.  A stellar eight shutout innings propelled the Sox to a victory in the only one-game playoff in their long history.

Ken Williams- Deserves many kudos for building this team after last season’s disaster but also deserves particular credit for the then unpopular moves to obtain John Danks and Gavin Floyd.

Jim Thome- Has that home run landed yet?

Bobby Jenks- I haven’t seen the White Sox closer hit 99mph on the radar gun in a long time.  Maybe he hasn’t since the ‘05 World Series.  Bobby will be a force to reckon with if the Sox can get him a ninth inning lead during the playoffs.

Mark Buehrle- A strong performance on Monday allowed the Sox a chance last night.  Also deserves credit for raining sunflower seeds on his manager while Ozzie Guillen was being interviewed in the dugout between innings on national television.

White Sox Nation- You looked impressive and intimitading in black.  It also made you appear slimmer.  Keep up the good work.

2008 AL Central Division Champs

Cait Higgins, Sox Superfan

I was at the game tonight. I got celebration champagne in my hair. It is the best feeling in the world.

Since school has been kicking my butt, I am going to keep this short and sweet. I will write more after Game 1 of the ALDS.

Grinder Ball Rule # 1: WIN OR DIE TRYING.

GO WHITE SOX.

No Heart, No Drive, No Division

Michael Bottigliero, Sox Superfan

I am not a big fan of Orlando Cabrera, but he hit the nail on the head the other day when he said the Sox do not know how to come back.  When they trail in a game, even if it is by one run, they have no urge to gain the lead. 

When they went to Minnesota, they knew they had to take at least one of the three game set.  Well, two games later, and the Twins have all the momentum only being back by a half game!  The Sox trailed practically the whole game Wednesday night by one run and could not muster a comeback.  I am not thrilled with the makeup of this team, but everyone can admit they have more talent than the Twins.  This team has championship experience, and this is the time when it should be shining through.

All is not lost.  All the Sox have to do is win the last game of this set tomorrow and do well against Cleveland this weekend and we are in.  Sounds simple, but the Sox arent making it.

No love lost

Cait Higgins, Sox Superfan

Hello dear, patient readers. I feel that this season has been a beautiful rollercoaster. All things considered, much too good of a season for me to have been putting this blog on the backburner for much of it. For that, my sincerest apologies. I would like to use the excuse that work and school have been taking up so much of my life that I haven’t found the time to write about my beloved White Sox. While this has been the case, I find that when I reflect upon it, that I have had a few minutes here and there to write. As you may or may not know, I work for the Chicago Blackhawks, and the preparation for the season has been crazy! It has been excellent to have two great Chicago teams pairing up for 6th inning “shoot the puck/baseball.” I have really enjoyed seeing so much support for our teams. I am sad, however, that the great Blackhawks have chosen the least neutral place in the city to hold the Winter Classic. Seeing as that it may not be played again in this city, it would have been nice to keep both sides of the sports spectrum happy and hold it at Soldier Field. However, things must be done a certain way when you have former Cubs employees making the decisions.

Anyway, this past month has been terrifying for me. Every time I watch a starting pitcher have a stellar outing, I have to hold my breath and pray that the bullpen is able to close them out. And, every time our starters surrender enough runs to put us behind, our bullpen seems to hold it together and our hitting dies. I was so scared when Konerko went down with his knee injury, but have been pleasantly surprised that he has been able to recover so quickly in hopes of making the playoffs. I feel that the rest of the season and the postseason will be interesting. Considering, the last time the Sox played the northside minor league team was 1909.

I think McDougal needs to be cut loose. For real. I cannot stand to see my team give up a run or more every time he comes in. He. is. AWFUL. Boone Logan hasn’t been much better. I think that we are going to live and die with our starters in the final week of the regular season. It is sink or swim, and with the bullpen playing the way they have been, I am ready to get my white flag out (But not quicker than I hang up my dark blue ‘L’ flag). Thornton has shown that he may be our only semi-reliable guy in the later innings. I am starting to get nervous when Bobby comes in, but I think that will pass. I also think that Linebrink may be playing injured, and that scares me. He was shut down before his arm started to bother him, and now he is giving up back to back homers. Finally, I am not-so-patiently awaiting the return of the guy who should have been MVP this season, (THE) Carlos Quentin.

1909 was another reason I felt that I could no longer stay silent on this blog. The Cubs have clinched their division, much to my dismay. I am patiently waiting, hoping and looking forward to a repeat performance of last year’s playoffs for them. I find that their fans are getting less and less tolerable. I’m hoping that their demise will be quick, painless, and effortless. The Sox, on the otherhand, better get it together quick if we think we have a shot against a DOMINATING American League. The Rays, BoSox, and Angels are going to all be tough matches. I am not expecting two first round sweeps like last season.

Let’s not count our chickens before they hatch. We still have the Twins to take care of after our day off tomorrow.

I promise you, dear readers, that after I get done with tests this week, there will be regular updates until the end of the season.

LET’S GO WHITE SOX!!!!!