Making A Run
One of the biggest things the Sox have going for them as we head into this crucial stretch of the season is Ozzie.
There are managers out there that have no more business managing a ball club than Mickey Rooney. These guys interview well, but that's about it. They live by the computer printouts and don't let the players have any fun. The White Sox are the antithesis of that. Our guys have fun, we're 21 games over .500 and I think we're just beginning to hit our stride. I think the starting pitching is beginning to come around and I really believe we're in good shape for a number of reasons, but especially because Ozzie does let these guys have fun.
Ozzie doesn't try to manage a game to cover his behind and that's what too many managers do. They manage a game so that when the press comes in after the game is over they can say "I went to player X, then Y, then Z, and they just didn't get it done today." That way it wards off the negative questions. Ozzie is just the opposite of that and he is one of the best things to happen in this game in the last 10-15 years. I've said before, how many managers would have had guys throw 4 straight complete games in the LCS last year? He makes it fun for us and I can't wait to get in the car and go to the ballpark every day.
Hawk
Comments
Dear Hawk,
I couldn't agree with you more, Ozzie is one of the best things to ever hit baseball.
The unfortunate aspect of baseball today,is the media. When you have an individual like Ozzie who says what he feels,if it isn't politically corect,then here comes the backlash.
In our society,why can't we allow people to be real. Ozzie is about as real as they come, but instead of us respecting him we ridicule him.
Baseball is a business,but bussiness's grow with real people.
Tony
Posted by: Tony Sottile | August 7, 2006 9:50 AM
Dear Hawk,
This statement - "Our guys have fun, we're 21 games over .500 and I think we're just beginning to hit our stride" - is ridiculous in many ways.
First, I wouldn't call the performance of the Sox since the All Star Break hitting a "stride."
Secondly, do you really think you should be throwing around the first person plural so much with the Sox? I mean seriously, this "we" business is getting out of hand. I have seen the last 6 Sox games in a row and have failed to see you get an at bat, throw a pitch, pinch run, come in as a defensive replacement, or even take BP. I am pretty certain you aren't on the team. So knock it off. And take that WS ring off, too. Pedro Lopez contributed more to last year's team than you did.
PS - lay off Mickey Rooney
Posted by: Master Shake | August 8, 2006 2:02 PM
Have to agree with Master Shake on that one. Your bloated arrogance and assumed responsibility for the happenings of the 2005 season undermines the players and managers who ACTUALLY had something to do with winning the world series. I would say every single hotdog vendor contributes more to a sox victory than you do, ken. So please, stop with the "we", please hand over the ring, and please have your mouth sewn shut for the love of all sox fans. You are embarrassing us.
PS- I'd rather have mickey rooney calling the games than you. He isn't as arrogant, and what does that say about you?
Posted by: Chris Flintstone | August 9, 2006 7:27 AM
Dear all,
The one thing I truly enjoy regarding blogs, are everyones great opinions. Master Shake,and Mr. flinstone, you're absolutley right their is no we in team.
Although a winning team revolves around the Coach's, Manager, and Players, baseball is still a business and the only concern to Executive Management,is to insure the home games are sold out.
Listening to Hawk during games, we all realize the true meaning of baseball give 100%percent, work hard, and have fun.
Over the years baseball has transformed from a sport to a business,yet all major league teams still want people to believe it's just a fun family sport.
The one question I've always pondered, is why then can't a father of five afford to take his family to a game?
Being in Executive Management for many years, the one thing I've learned is that arrogance makes you a better businessman, yet if used the wrong way will destroy everything you've built.
If Kenny has used his arrogance to further his own agenda,then he will have to burden the responsibility regarding the Chicago White Sox downward spiral.
Tony
Posted by: Tony Sottile | August 10, 2006 8:18 AM
Well its obivious vacation and an extended contract with the sun-times makes Mariotti feel that he has to answer to no one.Reading thurs.paper..8/10/06,he is back
with the name calling of various
White Sox players and staff.Mark
my words it won't be long before
he he's calling players wimps,
sissies,or nick names like the
"Big Skirt".He will use his column to try and force Ozzie
out as manager,or any sox staff
who retaliates by calling him
names.To me the Sox showed signs
of they're old selfs by rallying
against the Yankees.It was a good game.To bad those that have no one to be accountable too will
smear the Soxs,and when they turn
it around,jump on the band wagon.
GO SOXS GO!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Terry Adams | August 10, 2006 12:58 PM