Walt, I've always been told that ties goes to the runner, and it looked to me after seeing countless replays as if the A's Coco Crisp got to first base just an eyelash ahead of the ball from Mark Teahen, who finished the game at first base after starting at third. The umpire on the call, first base ump Brian O'Nora, didn't see it that way and that ended the game. It looked like the White Sox got a break on that play.

As for this upcoming road trip, the Twins have resembled a M*A*S*H unit, but it looks like they're starting to finally make their move, even though they are 9 games back of the Indians & Tigers in the A.L. Central cellar. The White Sox have had a lot of trouble vs. Minnesota in recent years, and I believe they lost a pair of games to the Twins at "The Cell" earlier this season, complete with a Francisco Liriano no-hitter to boot.

Then, the Sox head out to Chase Field in the All-Star city of Phoenix next weekend to face the Diamondbacks. Although they are the only N.L. team the Sox will play in Interleague with a winning record, the age old question Ozzie will be dealing with is obvious. Paul Konerko or Adam Dunn? Who plays first base minus the DH in the National League park?

Because Santos had two out and nobody on base as has been repeated time and time again. This last game Ozzie knew that Santos had struggled the previous outing so he had a backup ready to go. This is a move that most managers would do, unlike the 2 out, nobody on move, which nobody would do. Its two totally different situations.

When did anyone say that a manager should "NEVER back up a closer"? That would obviously be a totally idiotic thing for a manager too do. Also, bullpen situations and decisions are not only made by Ozzie, Coop and Nieves have input.

Had Ozzie not had a guy warming up as a backup and Santos blown another lead than Ozzie would be at major fault. It would have been a valid criticism of Ozzie. On Friday, it wasn't a valid criticism because the situation was too different. I'm not saying its anything personal about you, I just think too many fans tend to try to blame things on the coaching staff. Especially when it comes to Ozzie.




Jenks was not very good the last two years, in fact he was removed from the "closer role" for awhile. He has done terrible this year as well. I am so glad the Sox didn't keep him. He was far the lockdown guy that we once had.

I sorta feel bad for the guy, he's not very intelligent and his upbringing sucked. He was supposedly raised on a Neo-Nazi compound, which will fuck anyone up. But at the same time, he never conditioned himself and seemed to struggle with personal demons which while difficult, he could have worked on.

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" THis poster said it's 90% that Bernstein goes national. He put a percentage on it. " - Beardown

The Sox need to remain calm and not be their own worst enemy in Minnesota. The Twins have been playing better, but they are still a very flawed team that will be missing many of its core players. I also really didn't like the last close by Santos. I would like to see Thornton or Crain get a shot at closing. As has been pointed out, Santos lost his stuff for awhile last year.

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" THis poster said it's 90% that Bernstein goes national. He put a percentage on it. " - Beardown

He was better than you think, even the last two seasons. But I'm glad they didn't keep him too. The White Sox got his best years. You just told me a couple days ago that Santos was a top closer. His close percentage isn't better than Jenks' at his worst.

And after Friday night you said no manager would back up his closer. Now you're justifying Ozzie doing it two days later? Who you crappin'? And stop telling me that he had two outs and two strikes with nobody on. I watched the game. I know exactly what happened. I didn't expect him to have someone up and throwing at that point. He should have gotten someone up when Matsui got on, though. Santos himself said he knew he was doing everything wrong, rushing and overthrowing and he couldn't calm down and stop himself. AJ knew it too and he kept looking at the dugout. If a manager can't remove that guy, why even pay a manager?

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Anybody here seen my old friend Bobby?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
I thought I saw him walkin' up to The Hill
With Elon, Tulsi, and Don

Also, I appreciate you pointing out that your statements are not of a personal nature. It felt like that on Friday and Saturday.

Obviously, I'm not a fan of Guillen. But I think the one thing he excels at is handling a pitching staff. If he's going to fuck that up, I can't see why you'd want him around.

Finally, I can admit I was highly emotional and extremely pissed off after Friday night's loss. In the big picture, way too much is made of the manager's effect on games. The players win and lose ballgames.

_________________
Anybody here seen my old friend Bobby?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
I thought I saw him walkin' up to The Hill
With Elon, Tulsi, and Don