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Post by showcase on Jul 19, 2005 8:51:14 GMT -5
Sweeping a four-game series from the Indians for the first time in 30+ years - maybe now people will be convinced that this club has real staying power?
Nice offensive explosion by the Sox to come back from a 4-1 deficit in the 6th (or was it the 7th?). I'd prefer if they'd tallied a run in each of the first seven innings instead, but I'm more than happy to see six runs cross the plate in a single inning. It ain't small ball, but it'll do given how inconsistent the offense has been of late.
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Cambridge
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Post by Cambridge on Jul 19, 2005 9:00:31 GMT -5
Seeing as we are about to meet up for a barn burner of a series, I thought I'd swing by crack open a few beers and tailgate before Soxfest 2005.
My Sox are limping into the series, dropping games left and right. Although Schill did look a lot better last night in the 9th -- we were unable to rally. For some reason we've been struggling mightily against lefty pitching...and Buerhle looms in our near future.
Anyways, here's to a good series. I imagine there will be some stellar pitching and some hard fought games. I can't wait.
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Cambridge
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Post by Cambridge on Jul 20, 2005 9:27:32 GMT -5
What the hell...where are all you White Sox fans? I mean, I expected a little hospitality and intensity. You've got an epic thread here and no one is minding the shop.
Well, I'll just throw another dog on the grill and pop open another brew and wait for you guys to return.
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Post by showcase on Jul 20, 2005 10:26:48 GMT -5
The shop's always watched - on closed circuit tv, by the 'authorities.' Really, I think Scoop Jackson was right on in his Page 2 column to the effect that Sox fans are looking at this team with a more than healthy dose of scepticism. To quote from the column: The series with the BoSox will be interesting, particularly because the BoSox are fighting to stay at the top of their division, whereas Detroit and Cleveland are teams that are still at least a piece or two (or a season or two) away from being true contenders. But we've still got a series with Detroit to take, and we like to take them one game at a time, try to do the little things necessary to win, not look too far ahead, etc., etc.
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Cambridge
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Post by Cambridge on Jul 20, 2005 10:48:32 GMT -5
Well, last night we finally put together a solid game. We made some roster moves and they seem to be paying off defensively.
We are way more solid up the middle with Cora or Hyzdu at second.
In fact, our infield is actually drastically improved from decent to really good. With: Mueller at 3B (very underated) Renteria at SS (who has finally settled down) Cora/Hyzdu at 2B (BIG defensive upgrade over Bellhorn) Olderud/Millar at 1B
Simply put, we don't need to score 6-7 runs a game to win when we play solid defense.
As for pitching, I'm less worried than I was last week. Bronson was spitting fire last night and managed to keep a nice low pitch count. Timlin was on fire in the 8th -- with a sweet pickoff of Crawford at 2nd -- and Schill actually looked sharp in the 9th -- I think he hit high 90s on the gun.
Anyways, I'm looking forward to the series.
Looks like: Clement vs Buehrle -- which should be awesome Wake vs Garland -- which Wake will show up? Miller vs Hernandez -- can't wait to see ol' Hernandez again Arroyo vs Contreras -- again, and old friend
I think we split the series...but I could see us sneaking 3 games. We seem to have turned the corner.
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Post by AustinHoya03 on Jul 20, 2005 14:01:03 GMT -5
I'm going up to Chicago this August when the Twins are in town. Been trying to get some lower deck tickets online, but Ticketmaster is telling me only the upper deck is left. I doubt this is true since Ticketmaster pulls the same crud with O's tickets.
So what's the best way to buy White Sox tickets from down in Texas? Is there a magic number to dial? Anybody have season tickets they want to sell me? Any advice would be appreciated.
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Post by showcase on Jul 21, 2005 9:48:16 GMT -5
I've had difficulty purchasing tix from the White Sox without having to go through TM. Eventually, all roads seem to lead back to them.
There ought to be several on-line brokers that could help you out, but obviously you'll pay a premium for those tix.
If I can think of any friends with tix who might not be using them for the Twins series, I'll let you know.
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Post by showcase on Jul 21, 2005 9:50:33 GMT -5
I'm looking forward to the series.
Looks like: Clement vs Buehrle -- which should be awesome Wake vs Garland -- which Wake will show up? Miller vs Hernandez -- can't wait to see ol' Hernandez again Arroyo vs Contreras -- again, and old friend
I think we split the series...but I could see us sneaking 3 games. We seem to have turned the corner. I have a gut feeling that this series will go to the BoSox. The closer situation is deteriorating, the starters have been a bit uneven, as has the offense. Dropping two to the Tigers at home can't be a good sign. But who knows? Perhaps Contreras will like pitching against the BoSox in pale hose instead of pinstripes...
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Cambridge
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Post by Cambridge on Jul 21, 2005 9:56:29 GMT -5
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Post by AustinHoya03 on Jul 21, 2005 13:33:02 GMT -5
I've had difficulty purchasing tix from the White Sox without having to go through TM. Eventually, all roads seem to lead back to them. There ought to be several on-line brokers that could help you out, but obviously you'll pay a premium for those tix. If I can think of any friends with tix who might not be using them for the Twins series, I'll let you know. Thanks, showcase.
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Bahstin
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Post by Bahstin on Jul 21, 2005 14:20:45 GMT -5
I feel like I am visiting NDNation or something posting here. I too am looking forward to what should be a great series and as 'Bridge mentioned, the pitching match-ups are intriguing. OK, not gonna leave without talking a little trash:
I think the BoSox take this one as they are used to the AL East where there are other Major League Teams.
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Cambridge
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Post by Cambridge on Jul 21, 2005 14:55:29 GMT -5
Oh SNAP! Are you going to take that lying down Showcase?
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Cambridge
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Post by Cambridge on Jul 22, 2005 8:20:09 GMT -5
Tough way to lose it at the end there...but what a great first game. Talk about excitement!
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Post by showcase on Jul 22, 2005 8:21:05 GMT -5
I think the BoSox take this one as they are used to the AL East where there are other Major League Teams. What, like Tampa? The AL East is collectively about 10 wins behind the AL Central - gimme a call when your squad is hovering around 30 games over .500 instead of 10.
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Post by showcase on Jul 23, 2005 11:13:14 GMT -5
Where are the BoSox fans today, eh?
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3GenerationHoya
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Post by 3GenerationHoya on Jul 23, 2005 12:34:28 GMT -5
Good to see Garland get out of jams in several innings against such a great hitting lineup that the Red Sox have. Series like these will hopefully give us White Sox fans a look into how the team will perform in the playoffs, and what holes need to be addressed as the trading deadline approaches.
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Post by showcase on Jul 24, 2005 22:20:50 GMT -5
Well, the best teams in the AL Central and the AL East split a four-game series. Contreras getting the win over the BoSox is extra nice, however.
The Pale Hose really didn't acquit themselves too well this series. Can't fault the pitching staff for Manny's mashing, but the baserunning this series left a lot to be desired. Plus, yesterday's loss could easily have been a W if Pauly connects with the bases loaded in the 5th, or if Rowand doesn't line into the double play with two on in the 9th. The Sox were 9-49 with runners in scoring position coming into today - that's really squalid hitting with ducks on the pond.
When the Sox were winning early they were getting timely hits, putting runs across with two outs. Aside from this afternoon, the Sox offense has been woefully inconsistent. Hopefully they get back on track soon.
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Cambridge
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Post by Cambridge on Jul 25, 2005 9:04:26 GMT -5
Sorry out of town all weekend.
Great, if mistake filled series. Really enjoyable games. It was a lot of fun to see a totally revamped infield at times...with Graff and Cora teaming up for some tight double plays and infield prowess. So much smoother there than with Bellhorn.
Unfortunately I agree 100% with you on the Red Sox inability to be productive when it counts. Seems to be the theme of the season.
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Post by showcase on Jul 26, 2005 8:50:59 GMT -5
Well, considering that the White Sox were the first team since Oakland in 2000 (Zito, Mulder, Appier & whatshisface) to hold the BoSox to three earned runs or less in each game of a four-game series, I'd say the BoSox were productive when it counted this series. If someone told me my team wouldn't tally more than 3 ER in any game of a 4-game set but I'd still come away with a split, I'd be pretty pleased.
In fairness, the outcome is more a testament to the quality of the starting staff, but I feel like the BoSox still got timely production.
Well, perhaps the Royals will provide just the tonic to cure the White Sox's offensive woes; I suspect that the Sox didn't score 14 runs for the entire four-game set against the BoSox, but that managed that many in last night's opener.
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Post by showcase on Aug 2, 2005 8:45:12 GMT -5
Let's take stock, shall we?
WhiteSox - sweep a four-game set from the O's. Best record in baseball, best road record as well. 15 game lead in the division.
Twins - dropped fifth straight. Where's TBird now? Ah, with his beloved Twinkies - 15.5 games back in the division and a half-game behind Cleveland!
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