While the past couple years haven’t really allowed me the time to blog as I’d like I can’t let Opening Day go by without saying a few things.  I had already started thinking about what about this day and the upcoming season gets me excited.  Then, as I was listening to http://www.670thescore.com/ The other day Laurence Holmes and Chris Rongey were asking White Sox fans what they were most looking forward to.  I started to think about that and quickly realized that while I am interested to see how Peavy’s transition to the AL goes, how well this “DH by committee”  pans out, Beckham’s switch to second, an overall faster group around the base path, Sergio Santos, etc., etc., etc.  I’m really most interested in the fact that The Boys are Back in Town.  The sounds and smells, seeing old friends and meeting new ones are the things that have me most excited.  So (if I were Julie Andrews dancing around a mountain top in the Alps) here are a few of my favorite things, in no particular order…

• As I said, seeing old friends (this includes the 'Men in Black' aka the boys aka the players themselves) and meeting new ones
• Seeing The Sodfather’s perfectly manicured field, a green that is so brilliant it takes your breath away, I always wonder if it’s because it really is THAT green or because everything I’ve seen the past few months is monochromatic thanks to another bleak winter that has passed. 
• Hearing the crack of ball on bat 
• The sound of that leather smack from the pen as pitchers warm up 
• The smell of grilled onions 
• My fav beer vendor making up songs 
• The video (OK, this might be #1) and the anticipation of seeing if my fav parts (e.g. the real Pudge's dbl out at home) made the cut and what was added from last year--I'm sure we'll see some perfect game highlights (e.g. DWise's catch) 
• Checking out what has changed around the park and what hasn’t 
• Thunderstruck!
  
• Reliving memories from years past
• The flyover (2006's will never be topped)
• The feeling of euphoria and new beginnings

It’s Black and White …and I can’t wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not really what I want to be writing about but it's been a rough coupla days.  This time last week the Sox were in first, now they're sitting in 4th.  Ouch.  It's only two and a half games out as I type this and they are playing first place KC--what?---so if they start hitting they could make up some ground but they could obviously lose more too.

I definitely feel that the Sox are a better team than they've been showing.  There were a few injuries over the past week, including JD and Josh Fields (who are both back playing).  Chris Getz is back too.  Don't get me wrong, I know we have no room to start whining, I look at the Angels injury list and I know there is no room for complaining.

Why is it that the rotation has brought us Greinke and Gallaraga two days apart?  Yuck.  I'm starting to think there is something about pitchers whose last names start with G--kinda like it used to be with pitchers named Santana. Greinke (last night) had his 3rd complete game in his first 6 games.  He's also now 6-0 (first and only I believe--could be wrong though--of the year to do so).  I feel like as a fan of baseball I should be excited about this but it's really nothing to cheer about when it's your team who was beat in 2 of those 6.  I'm trying to take comfort in the fact that he was ridiculous last night but it's not really helping.

Scotty Pods just scored a run, I still think it's weird to see him but whatever he's been contributing.  I'm really starting to like Chris Getz too.  On a side note, I met him last Kid's Day, nice guy, wish I would have had more time to talk to him.  I'm glad he's back, he says his hand is still somewhat bothering him and now his leg is hurting too.  Alexei really needs to start picking it up, he has gotten a little better since Opening Day but I feel like he's not coming out of this quick enough.  Seems to really have something bothering him.  I don't like it.

Ugh, I really hope they start to turn things around.  Losing isn't fun, it's downright uninspiring and it leaves me restless. 

I really don't like his antics from last year against the Rays but I find myself kinda wishing Coco was wearing black.

Thank you Josh Fields...he just homered in the 3rd.  At least SOMEBODY is listening!  So is JD, welcome back indeed, a 2-run HR (Thome was walked just before him.)  

Hawk keeps reminding us that rain is in the area, come one guys, let's cruise on through a few more innings...we really need this win.

Some days in April I felt like I didn't know what we had and others it seemed that things were starting to take shape (for good).  I guess first place, even by a narrow margin, alleviates some of the worry.  What I do like, beside the obvious, are the additions of Chris Getz and Josh Fields. Lillibridge still needs some refining but he's got talent (see 4/25).  Alexei needs to stop pressing and hanging his head so that he can start hitting (great play --5/1--last night by the way).  I also like that Jose had a good start last Sunday vs. TOR.  He gave 7 strong innings.  Big Bart seems to be coming around too.  I think this past week was the week that was the equivalent of time that everyone else had in Spring Training (for Josey and Colon).  JD, once again, solid defense and hitting--why doesn't this guy get more attention??!!

Another thing that I like, and sad to say it, is that we no longer have to watch MacDougal flailing around out there.  I'm not happy to see someone fail and the story makes me sad but he made me nuts not only because he would single-handedly lose games but also because he has talent but was horrible.  He couldn't match his brain to his skill. This was his final contract year and the Sox released him.  Yuck, just a sad situation, like I said, I feel bad for being happy but even the Good Doctor couldn't help him.

Speaking of...I love Don Cooper aka COOOP!  Thanks to my friend Amanda's bday shenanigans last August, let's just say Coop knows us (first my two friends, both named Amanda and now me too--yea!)  We've gone to the last two Score remotes this season at Cork and Kerry and each one is more fun.  Last time we were there he gave us a wave while on the air, came over to chat a few times during the breaks and then sat with us for a good 2 hours after the remote was done!  We talked about the important things like that "crap on Bobby's face" ("we don't like it", "tell him to get rid of it", "looks horrible"), our favorite commercial this season, he wanted to know our favorite player (we smiled and quickly said in unison "AJ!" he said he "wouldn't hold it against us")--you know, the stuff girls and Major League pitching coaches talk about.  ;)   I was trying to behave but every once and a while a few things I was *dying* to talk about would sneak out: the fact that even though the Sox lost 3-4 to TOR (Contreras vs. Halliday) that Sunday I actually felt good about it because Josey gave us 7 strong innings; 2005; his work with Thornton, Bobby, Gavin (etc.); what he really thought about Crede being in MIN; Mike North, etc.  It was GREAT!  He is fun.  The magnitude of it hit me the next morning when I was again, listening to the Score, as I drove to work.  Mully and Hanley were talking about the game and the significance of Contreras going 7 strong--I had a moment in my car, a minor freak out moment, but it hit me that I had said the SAME THING to Don Cooper last night while he was sitting at my table, I was talking to THE pitching coach for the Chicago White Sox.  It wasn't a radio call in show, there weren't producers and call screeners and talk show hosts, we weren't in a huge autograph line where you have to say all you've ever wanted to in 7 seconds or less, COOP was at my table, we were having a lengthy conversation about a lot of things AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  My only wish is that I would have asked to wear his ring--next time!

The injury bug has been rearing its ugly head.  Thome's heal, BA's right oblique, DWise separated shoulder, Getz's broken finger...all part of baseball.  I was about to start whining the other day but then took a look at the list and realized that things could be much worse.  Thank you Herm Schneider.

I didn't think BA and DWise being down would lead to Scotty Pods but guess who's back...I still have a puzzled look on my face since the announcement a few weeks ago but in his first game back last night he made it on base, rattled the pitcher and ran across home plate. Not bad, how long before he falls apart?

Happy 100 AJ!

For the first time in MLB history two teammates have hit century milestones in the same game.  Not only that but Jermaine Dye and Paul Konerko did it hitting back-to-back in the second.  That's the cool thing about baseball, this game is played over and over and over multiple times a day, month after month, year after year and there are still firsts to be had.

More good news:  Q had 2 HRs, in my opinion Fields and Lillibridge are still making a good argument for themselves.  Matt Thornton once again was really effective.

Bad news: Floyd stumbled but thankfully we had enough run support, both sides issued way too many walks (15 total).  Just as he was coming around and he said that the game “was slowing down” for him, DWise went down with a separated shoulder and is expected to be out 4-6 weeks.  Chris Getz is still out for a couple games. 

 I had fun going back and forth with family and friends today during the game—thanks boys for coming out on top!

Some sad news, I just heard a little earlier today that The Bird aka Mark Fidrych, Tigers pitcher from the 70s died today.  By coincidence I just happened to watch a game of his this past weekend.  June 28, 1976 vs NYY I'm a little too young to remember the first time around but that guy was something else.  Talking to the ball, talking to himself....

 Also sad to hear of Harold Kalas' passing.  You know his voice from many NFL films as well as the announcer for the Phillies.  

 These two along with Adenhart in just a few days...

The  Fun
Sox win! Baseball is here!  Chris Getz had a good day as did Josh Fields (laid down a perfect bunt and had nice jumping throw to home to save a run).   Welcome back to the AL Central Kyle Farnsworth, we’re glad you are here and although we don’t understand it, we’re even happier that Trey Hillman left you in vs. JIM THOME  and with that, THANK YOU JIM THOME!!!!  Bullpen (Clayton Richard, Doetel) did a great job and Bobby was there to slam the door shut!  Yeah baby!

The Royals have made some good strides over the past couple years, however, that infield…oi.  Throws to first were pretty scary, seriously.  Give Jacobs some credit for hanging in there and making some of those catches.  Gordon—yikes.


The Fat
Buerhls—what’s up man?  It wasn’t the worst outing he’s ever had but it clearly was not close to his best.  I think it was the longest game I’ve ever been to that Buerhle’s started, 24 (maybe more) pitches in the first inning??!!  He was in a jam nearly every inning.  97 pitches in 5 innings---zoiks.  Some are speculating that he’s not 100%, I’m reminded that he can be slow to start, which has the staff telling him that he needs to improve on his offseason conditioning.  Everyone over 30 knows things start to change in regards to being in shape and rebounding, maybe it’s time for Buerhls to do a little bit more in the offseason.  I completely understand the Sox holding back on him in Spring Training, I do think it’s the right thing to do but I think maybe some more conditioning in the winter wouldn’t be a bad idea.  Am I worried about him?  No.  A few more outings like this and I might consider it but currently not concerned.

Dewayne Wise---but I’m not mentioning him because of his performance but more so because of the "boo birds".  Really?  It’s Opening Day and you’re already booing someone?  Rongey and Brian Paruch were talking about this on The Score as I drove home (ugh, yeah I had to drive home…my 2.5 block walk has become a 2.5 hr drive but I’m not letting it get between me and my boys!)  Anyway,  Rongey and Paruch were somewhat scolding the fans and I couldn’t agree more.  Why boo the guy on Opening Day?  I don’t agree with it.  Do I think he will remain our lead-off hitter?  No, but I’m willing to wait a few weeks.  Do I think he will remain our starting centerfielder?  No, but I’m willing to wait a few weeks.  Ozzie and Kenny have proven themselves and I am willing to be patient with this experiment.  I don’t think they will let it go on forever.  I also think people are too quick to forget that DWise did some good stuff for us this past fall.  Look, you go out and find an available leadoff centerfielder (and I can’t even begin to speak on Scotty Pods—two callers on the post game show brought up that name, to even acknowledge those calls is giving them too much credit right now:  MORONS!)

AJ trying to squeeze his hit into a double.  *I LOVE YOU*, you can’t run.   JD, why did you try to run home?   --and your near steal of 2nd was close and I love you but you can’t run either.

The Fluff
New Gate 5: protected, more escalators and now includes an elevator.
No more Best Kosher
Goose Island is now on draft—why’d it take so long?  This is Chicago, right? 
New TexMex stand—haven’t tried it but looks tempting
New out of town scoreboard, I like it but the cycling of games should be slowed down a bit.
Hello Ace, no more DHL on the tarp

Subtle clues of the economic downturn:
The Comcast Fundamentals Deck—bye-bye Pontiac
Harris Bank ATMs
Only 2 F-14s in the flyover instead of 4
I don’t know if it was because it was Opening Day but I think we saw less of the Chevy Pride Crew --I don't even know if they were there (???) and thankfully a few less annoying plugs between innings.
Season ticket holders got nothing this offseason in regards to giveaways.

 The bottom line, it was a great day!  I was so happy and grateful to be there!  I LOVE THE WHITE SOX!

Obviously all the SoxFest chatter got me anxious for Spring Training and now that ST is here I'm wishing I could be in AZ!  I'm ready to see what unfolds in centerfield, 2nd base, 3rd base and in the rotation.  I'm antsy to watch Alexei at his normal spot (he had never played 2nd in his entire life until last year...for those of you who know how he played last year, that's pretty amazing!) 

Rumor has it that Josh Fields is more than ready for 3rd.  Joey Cora says he's really made huge jumps and the fact that he went to the coaches to ask to work out with them this winter shows what kind of heart this guy has.  I don't expect him to be (defensive) Joe Crede but I'm excited to hear that Joey is spreading good news.  If you will remember his offense was promising in his '07 stint in the big leagues, he needs more patience at the plate but I'm stoked that his defense is coming along (to his credit, he actually committed less Es than Crede did in his rookie year).

 As far as #24 goes, yes, I'm bummed he's gone but it's no surprise.  He can't get/stay healthy and his agent is the devil.  I CAN'T BELIEVE he signed w MIN!!  Are you kidding me?  The DUMBEST thing I've heard in a long time.  He used to get taken out of the line-up when we'd go to domes because the turf is so hard on his back.  Someone tell me how this is going to work for him.  I understand that this is a tough year for all free agents but he had other offers.  I just can't believe he's going there!  If they were out of that terror dome it'd be one thing but they've got another year.  I don't get it and I don't like it.

I have come to the place where I understand that Paulie will most likely not leave despite the fact that his numbers will probably continue to decline.  One glimmer of hope is that he has started working out much sooner than he ever has.  It won't give him any speed but hopefully it'll help his offense. 

2nd base: I've been thinking it'll probably be Getz but wondering if Fields wins 3rd and they feel that Dayan Viciendo is too good for AAA ball then would they think about trying him at 2nd?  They are totally different jobs but they did it w Alexei last year and if he's just that talented....guess we'll wait and see.

It'll be good to see Q back in left.  I hope he picks up where he left off last year and gets that MVP and HR title.  

Centerfield.  Centerfield will be interesting.  Jerry Owens, BA and D. Wise, they will all put up a good fight and it's not their defense that will put them in the line-up.  If it's Owens don't forget he had over 30 stolen bases in his rookie year--and only played 1/2 a year....

This year I have a particular interest in the #9 spot.  Because I moved not only out of the neighborhood but also out of the state and the time zone I simply, but sadly, couldn't justify renewing my season tickets at the full 81 game level.  I did, however, renew with a weekend package.  With this change I moved seats.  I now sit 6 rows away from JD.  I love this guy.  I have loved him since he got here.  I'm on edge every time I hear a stupid trade rumor--even when my mind knows better and that it's just a rumor.

As for the mound...well, Buehrls is here, Danks is here and Floyd is here.  I'm happy.  Love Buehrls, Danks was ridiculous in game 163 and I think Gavin has finally found his way.  Contreras is hugely ahead of schedule and has lost nearly 30 lbs.--wow!  He's a guy who pitches with his heart on his sleeve, his performance on the mound is a direct reflection of his personal life: good and bad.  Sounds like there's been a whole lotta good lately and I hope it continues because when he and that fork ball are on it's scary.  Colon, well, we didn't give up much to get him.  If it turns out, great, if it doesn't, it doesn't.  His contract is based on incentives and that's the best thing for him. 

I just bought my MLB package, it will be very strange to watch home games on TV, thankfully Steve Stone is moving out of the radio booth and into the chair next to Hawk.  

So much to say and so little time to say it, I hope I'm able to sort this problem out a little better this year, if not, send me a note for motivation.

For those of you who don’t know the Muskegon Big Reds you probably also don’t know that they are on one of the “winningest” high school football teams of all time, named to Sports Illustrated's “Best in State” and just played a game this past weekend that was touted as the #1 high school game of the week in the nation. 

I understood the tradition of Big Red football early on.  Although I didn’t attend MHS my parents did, my grandparents did as did the majority of my closest friends growing up.   By junior high I not only knew the words to On Muskegon but also Red and White and their Alma Mater.

A side note, but a vivid memory for me is the Big Red Marching Band, and THE BEST part is at the end of every home game when everyone runs into the tunnel under the home seats of the stadium.   You try your best to become part of the stadium walls because if you aren’t part of that wall you will get hit by a collection of wind instruments.  Excitement builds, then you hear it…that distinct drum line cadence.  The adrenaline pumps as it gets louder and louder and begins to echo off of the cold cement walls.  In no way does YouTube do it justice, but THIS is what I’m talking about!

I remember watching in person the as the Big Reds won the state championship in 1986 and 1989 at the Pontiac Silverdome (yes, some Michigan teams actually do win football games in Detroit.)  Marcus Longmire, Willie Wilson, Elan Banks...yeah, there was an Elan Banks who played on a state champion team and now his son is the QB for the very same team two decades later.   Coming home for Thanksgiving over the years I was happily surprised to see the Big Reds in contention for another state title in 2006 and although I wasn’t able to make the trek to Ford Field I watched them win it on TV.

Saturday, November 15, 2008, Opening Day of Deer Season in Michigan but it was also open season on the Lowell Red Devils.  The Massey Nationally Rated #2 Lowell Red Devils. "USA Today"'s #8 team in the Midwest Lowell Red Devils.

A crowd of nearly 8,500 gathered for the Michigan Division 2 Regional Final.  It’s  a day with dropping temps, a steady and constant and cold north wind (chills in the low 30s),  rain and snowish mix with the sun peaking out here and there to tease you--there was even a rainbow.  The game was played on a somewhat neutral site at Grand Haven High School--really not in the middle of the two schools, it’s much closer to Muskegon who was supposed to host the game but because of Muskegon's field being in such poor condition-- thanks to bad weather--the switch was made because Grand Haven's turf field was in much better shape. 

Many were saying that THIS game was the state championship.  It was #1 vs #2.  They just happened to be from the same region and had to meet this past weekend instead of at Ford Field on Thanksgiving Weekend.

The Big Reds scored on their first 6 possesions and ended up with 526 total yardage (429 of those yards were in 41 carries).  This game had it all, interceptions, quarterback sneak into the end zone and Jason Hannett…all I can say is WOW!   The senior running back had 193 yards and 16 carries, QB Elan Banks was 6 for 6 and threw for 97 yards, by half time the score was 34-7.  Most of the game was played with a running clock (high school mercy rule).  It was utter domination, offensively and defensively.  I'm honestly still rubbing my eyes.  It was crazy!

So it's onto East Lansing where the Big Reds will play the semi-final game at Spartan Stadium this Saturday. Go get 'em guys!!!!

(Note, I believe there are 13 high school football teams in Muskegon County...5 of them are headed to the semi-finals this weekend, not bad for a county of approx. 175,000.)

Update from Nov. 22: with a come from behind win, the Big Reds are headed to the Michigan State Championship!

I feel like commenting on next season is like commenting on a meal without having eaten it and without even seeing the menu.  This time of year (between now and Spring Training and Spring Training and regular season) typically makes me nuts.  Not because I can’t see the whole picture but because others don’t realize they can’t see the whole picture and shoot their mouths off—and some shouldn’t even be allowed to comment even after seeing the whole picture.  That being said, here are my thoughts on the Swisher trade.

In a nutshell, I wish he would have produced more.

I remember never being happy when he walked up to the plate at Comiskey when he was wearing green so I was happy when I heard he was coming to the South Side.  He did a lot for the community.  I appreciate his positive energy.  He was fun to watch off the field.  He was only hitting .219.  This should probably be “enough said” but since this is not a text message I’ll elaborate.   

I’m sure he needed some adjustment time, however, baseball is a long season so I’m wondering how long a pro needs for adequate adjustment time?  I do, however, think it’s kind of unfair to judge his adjustment time since he came from a place where he was the starting first baseman (had only played for that team) in a different market.  In Chicago not only did he find himself in a new clubhouse but he was plugged in here and there and never was played in one particular spot.  That’s probably fine if you are used to being a utility guy but going from infield to outfield to platooning outfield & back-up infield…putting a ton of pressure on yourself…it doesn’t surprise me that he failed here.  I would have liked to have seen if he improved with a year under his belt but that obviously won’t happen.  I also wonder if he chocked on the Chicago stage how’s he gonna do on the biggest baseball stage on earth?

All that being said, I remember conversations stating that he was on the team because of his attitude and his OBP, which was down a little but he still did finish with .332—which was what made me wince when he was in green playing the Sox.  It wasn’t his hitting; it was his switch-hitting and patience at the plate.

To be honest, I think he would have been better for us in 2009.  Some may think I’m crazy but I wish it were Paulie leaving instead.   I’m sure the no-trade clause has snagged some opportunities there and I wonder if it’ll happen this year.  No doubt the rumor mill will be churning on that one. Regardless, it's not a surprise that this happened as there just wasn't room for Swish.

As far as what the team gets back in exchange for Swish, a contender for 2nd, 3rd or back-up and a pitcher who may be fighting for the 5th spot in the rotation—great.  I trust KW and I’m sure as much of a freak show I can be about this team I can’t hold a candle to him.  

Man, what a bummer.  Jose's first game back and he ruptures his achilles tendon on first base.  Lots of moves tonight as a result: Sox have acquired Horacio Ramirez...and from what I can tell it's a good pickup.  Josh Fields and Boone Logan sent down.  We traded an A ball player for Ramirez.  Rumor has it there could be more moves.  Guess we'll see.

 For those of you who know me, you know my life's been a bit turned upside down but it's all good and I'm really hoping that the changes I'm making will allow me to write a bit more!  Hopefully I'll be back soon!

I wish I had more time but here are my thoughts on the last eight games.  First, it's always great to come back from the West Coast (or anywhere) with a winning record, however, we were stranding WAY too many guys on base.  I know you can't get everyone in all the time but it was getting ridiculous regardless of wins.  There were a few games where we left guys stranded in double digits--not good.  Since then though we've come home and look good.  There has been some very good base-running as of late (Thank you Jeff Cox).  Ever since Uribe's take out of the Tiger's 2nd baseman a while back I've noticed everyone doing all they can to break up the double play and for the most part it's been working.

The last couple nights have been VERY exciting and the cool thing other than this May weather is that the rallies have come later in the game.  Wed. we scored 5 in the 6th and last night the two runs we needed came in the 8th.  Runs are coming from not only the long ball but also via singles and doubles---FINALLY!! The pitching has been getting it done and last night I think the pitching staff may have even faced the minimum.

Kenny's trades look great right now (CARLOS QUENTIN, Masset and Danks and the list goes on) and the guys made Ozzie look like a genius last night.  Toby Hall was three for three last night--yes, Toby Hall.  Let's keep it rollin' through the weekend boys.  I want more fireworks!

...when Verlander is in town and the Gambler isn't dealing.  Verlander's record vs the Sox is now 1-6 and today just wasn't Kenny Rogers' day.

I wish I had more time but I really need to start packing for a business trip this week so here's a quick recap of the weekend.

Friday night was wet and cold and miserable unless you were smart enough to snag a seat underneath an overhang on the lower level.  The Sox dedicated the new 2005 WS monument.  It's pretty cool.  The ceremony though was a bit odd.  Whoever thought it'd be a good idea to have a card carrying cub fan there to help dedicate it should probably have their head examined along with the guy who thought bikers want to hear Elton John in concert.  WTF?!!??!!!??  Really?  Somebody's wearing bad idea jeans if you ask me...and where was Mayor Daley?

On Friday, Sox offense just couldn't get rolling and Thome got kicked out for arguing balls and strikes. Sox lose 2-5.   Yeah, Thome got kicked out, only the third time in his career.  Can't wait to see the Dugout on that one.

The universe was righted on Saturday as the Sox blanked La Tigre 7-0 and Gavin Floyd missed a no-no by 5 very soggy outs.  Sunday was beautiful and dry but again cold as the Sox won 11-0 thanks mostly to two grannys from Paulie and Crede. 

Yeah, this was Crede's second slam of the week!  Josh who?  Seriously, I was SOOOOOO annoyed midweek when someone on the radio was making some noise about all the Sox fans wanting Crede out of town this winter.  Um, really?  Not this Sox fan and not the majority of Sox fans I know.  It infuriates me how the media (local and national) play up stories and then say it's what the fans wanted.  No, actually, it's what stupid people who have to fill up time in front of a mike, on camera or on paper say when they don't know what to say.  A few dumb people who can't think for themselves may fall prey to their noise but most Sox fans did not want to get rid of Joe Crede out of the gate.  A few years ago, yes, a lot of Sox fans wanted Crede out of town but to KW and the coaching staff's credit, they were patient with him and it's paid of with a WS trophy and so far an exciting start to 2008.  I thought about it as he took his curtain call this afternoon.  I love the guy.  I love his defense, I love his presence at the plate (clutch hitting).  I clearly remember a handful of years back with each painful at-bat, I was confused.  He was starting to make some good defensive plays but then it seemed he couldn't get a hit to save his life, he was the automatic out.  I didn't get it.  Why was he up in the majors and/or he'd make a good play and I'd think OK, next at bat will be it for him.  Nope.  I wish he would have had surgery in the 2006 offseason, perhaps 2007 wouldn't have been so bleak but it's done and over and TG so far looks as though this will be a much better year.

I was talking to a co-worker this week.  He said, "Sox fans are way too excited..."  I can't speak for everyone.  I am excited but a lot of it is just that so far AND I KNOW IT'S EARLY it looks like 2007 is over so a lot of my excitement is actually relief.  I know I'm sounding like a broken record but it was just plain painful and I'm hesitant to enjoy what I'm seeing, I'm hesitant to watch a game, I'm still nervous with nearly every pitch and at-bat.  We appear to have some offense again, some/most of the starting pitching is working, we have been able to get out of the 8th inning, half the starters are not making their Major League debut. Yeah I'm excited and who wouldn't be excited when their team spends the first two weeks proving "the experts" wrong??!!!  Now, all that being said, I'm not saving up for my post season ticket deposit.  It's April.  There is a long road ahead of us but I think there is nothing wrong with once again being excited about the White Sox.

Whooo Hooo!!  Man, this morning felt like Christmas morning--without the 6 hour round trip drive through a blizzard both ways, no sleep cuz I'm cooking two dinners nearly completely by myself...OK, guess it's not like Christmas present but more like Christmas past when it was easy, fun and all about excitement--hopefully this is a little bit of Christmas Future too!!

It's soooo early and I know this.  It's just refreshing. I'm still on pins and needles with every at bat and pitching change.  I have renewed excitement and energy for the team and the game, funny what a few games do for ya.  Bring on the OCD!

Really, it makes me nuts (the OCD).  It doesn't come around til baseball season but when it's here, I'm a nut job--how about you? What do you do?  Any rituals or OCD?  Don't want to share mine as I'm afraid it'll negate everything (eventhough I know FULL WELL nothing I do will impact anything!)

JOE....CREDE....YES!  OK, maybe he's made up for the 2 Es last night.  Granny!!  NICE!  It's funny, I've been loooking at our line up and after Thome, Paulie and JD I think "great, easy outs coming up" but our 6th guy is hitting .500 and the 7th and 8th are both above .300.  Again, refreshing.  2007 did a number on me.  Now I'm actually excited to get to the bottom of the line up.  Still a few too many left on base, which grinds me (no pun intended) but we are still winnning so I'll save my complaining til we don't. 

I like Jeff Cox's engery but he needs to learn the players a bit more...I know it will come and yes, we have some ssssllllloooooowwww guys but I'm with him 50/50 on the calls for the runners to hold or go home at this point (maybe 60/40).  It should come in time...hopefully it doesn't cost us anything in the meantime.  Atleast he's been erring on the side of caution and we've still be winning.

 Missed Gene Honda (announcer) today, it wasn't the same.  It never is without him.

The Blackhawks made an appearance today at the park.  Kane, Taser (Toews), Byfuglien, The Wiz and Co were all there complete with a quick bit featuring Kane and Toews on the ice wearing Sox hockey jerseys and Thome (I think) wearing a Blackhawks jersey at the plate.  Gotta love Marketing, right?

It was SO nice to not see Santana and Torii Hunter and the like--there were more new names than familiar ones in the line up.  The pirahna's are still in effect and deserve concern, luckily the White Sox brought their fishing poles today.  Hope it continues.

Would like to say more about today's game and to have my pix uploaded by now but it's been a long day and I'm drained and somehow I'm supposed to go to work tomorrow. 

The boys are back!! 

Wow, is DET hurting.  They are going to win a game some time but considering their next series is in BOS I will be surprised if it's anytime in their next series.

It's kind of funny.  Have you taken a look at the 1st week standings?  Yes, I KNOW it's only the first week.  I've got a box full of 162 tickets for 81 games, there is a looooong way to go, they will not stay this way but I get SO tired of all the pre-season predictions esp. when it's all (almost all) the same names year after year.   If you don't know much about baseball and/or believe everything said on ESPN you'd wonder why some teams bother to show up.  The AL East is currently lead by, of all teams, Baltimore.  Following behind in second is Toronto (who just swept BOS), then Tampa Bay, NY and in last place is Boston--funny, eh?  The Central is just as entertaining, in this order they are Chicago and KC tied for first (!!), CLE, MIN and DET.  In the NL East ATL and FL are tied for first then it's Washington, NY and Philly.  The NL Central MIL and STL tied for first, then CIN and the rest.  As I said, I know this won't stay this way, it just feels good to see some of the "experts" already backpedaling.  Just goes to show it doesn't matter how good teams look on paper or what the guy says on TV, you still have to play the game and KEEP EVERYONE HEALTHY!!

Friday's Sox game in DET was the "battle of the bad" between Contreras and Robertson but then DET showed they had worse on Sat. with the D-Train, who was more like Thomas the train, he could not find the strike zone to save his life.  He actually had a no-no going for 6 but I think it's because he was just throwing balls.  He walked 7 guys.

Saturday the Sox were behind for a bit and I thought to myself, " well, we knew the Tigers would have to start winning and the Sox as much as I'd like the Sox to win every game, they won't..." but then they started scoring and caught up and then pulled ahead and I realized that it's not 2007.  The extra work done in Spring Training and the additions to the roster are giving this team much more spunk in the form of offense.  JD, Thome and AJ are off to great starts at the plate and new Sox player Carlos Quinten not only showed off his arm Sat. with a GREAT throw from left that was dead on to Paulie to get the runner out (in turn made the Kitties think twice about running when the ball was in left the rest of the weekend).  He's also got 7 RBIs in his first 6 games as a Sox player.  Many of the guys have missed HRs by a skotch and with that big Tiger outfield you know if they were hit elsewhere they could have been over the wall.

Also evident is the new bullpen.  Linebrink and Dotel have been good as has Boone Logan--much improved from last year.   I'm still eating fingernails when anyone goes in but do you blame me?  The pen was dead on at the beginning of last year and then well...maybe it's time I just stop talking about it.

It was good that Floyd had his first start vs. DET as he pitched well against them last year and I think that probably helped him this first outting and thankfully Buehrls 2nd outting was much better than his first, which was to be expected.

Other things I liked about this first week: Ozzie yelling at Contreras in the dugout between innings (I'm tired of this lights out guy sucking and people seeimingly tip-toeing around him).  Crede is back, Alexei Ramirez, all reports on life in the clubhouse rave about the chemistry, the team has life again.  I could do without the crazy beards of Boone, Bobby, Swish and Hall but if they are working then I'm not complaining!

Tomorrow is the home opener.  I almost feel like I should be hanging up my Christmas stocking.  It's like Santa is coming tonight.  Tomorrow is the day!!!!!  I'm so happy.  I can't wait to get to the park.  I can't wait to hear the line-up announced.  See the video, the fly by, I can't wait to cheer on the 2008 White Sox!!!!!!!!  It's gonna be great!!!!!