Chicagoist: Is It Going to Be a SucksFest?

Tower18

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:19:38 -0600

They will be better than 2007, because to a man, EVERY player played well below his potential. However, they still will not come close to contending for the division. Transplant them to the NL Central, and they might win it, or at least battle the Cubs/Brewers. But the AL Central is going to be a bloodbath this year.

Benjy Lipsman

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:39:29 -0600

As a fan, I just can't see how the 2008 squad is much of an improvement over the 2007 edition. We have a somewhat better bullpen, but a weakened rotation. Logjams at two infield positions but no leadoff hitter. You're right -- pitchers and cathers haven't yet reported -- which hopefully means that there's still time for Kenny Williams to make some moves.

Hugh G Rection

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:31:09 -0600

Nahorodny...Nahorodny....hey hey hey...good BYE! That's how I differentiated as a kid. Nordhagen didn't fit in the song.

jnewfry

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:51:54 -0600

I always used to get Nordhagen and Bill Nahorodny mixed up. I too share the Sox fan's cynicism, but it's hard not to with the majority of a 72 win team returning. But there's always 2005. My World Series T-Shirt doesn't have a hole in it yet, and I still see a guy on the El with a Sox championship hat on everyday. Nobody's got a hat from the last Cub championship :-)

Hugh G Rection

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:31:09 -0600

This lifelong fan (Wayne Nordhagen , anyone?) would love to be optimistic but can't seem to find any silver lining. Older, slower players have only gotten older and slower. Juan Uribe? Still on the team. Contreras? Dead, but still on the roster. Dye, old. Thome, old. Konerko, slow (running and getting started). I hope for the best and expect the worst. Seems a World Series did nothing to change my Chicago baseball anxiety/cynicism. Cubs look strong, however.

justpresspause

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 11:54:50 -0600

Wow guys. That was a completely unnecessary article. Anything can happen this season. To write off 2008 before it's even had a chance to play itself out is ridiculous. I think they have a formidable lineup, a rotation that has potential, and a vastly improved bullpen. Who knows what will happen? You don't, I don't...all I know is that baseball is entirely too unpredictable to write off a season before it even starts.

justpresspause

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 11:54:40 -0600

billyorourke

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 11:36:10 -0600

Benji, do you speak as a Sox fan or as a writer? writing off the 2008 white sox seems a little premature considering pitchers and catchers havent reported yet.

spookhatespuppies

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 11:24:47 -0600

@lletdown Like any good Sox fan, I'm a total "THE SKY IS FALLING" sort of guy. That said, who the hell in this bullpen do you want to trot out there to face Detroit's 3-4-5 much less Boston's, New York's, or hell, even the "Rays" at that rate. I'm hoping for the best, expecting the worst, and have a 9 game ticket package already so I can at least catch some of the big teams (LA, Detroit...)

Shannon

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 11:24:02 -0600

This all makes for a very expensive wake. snicker. i shouldn't talk, i've got no more confidence in the cubs this season as compared to last season..

lletdownl

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 11:03:05 -0600

Oh come on now, you can not write off 2008 yet. Granted, we have a lot of question marks, we also still have a tremendous amount of talent. The bullpen was the most glaring weakness from last years team. Last years white sox even WITH the unbelievable lack of offense was a 500 team if the bullpen was solid. That being addressed, plus the addition of some solid young players in carlos quintin, alexi ramierez, and nick swisher means we are a better team this year than last. Plus, Joe Crede, juan uribe and mike mcdougal are all on the block, and could all bring back some good prospects from the right team. Dont write this sox team off yet... they are a 3rd place team, but might surprise the indians and tigers before the years done.