If CHI SOX don't show a spark, GM may have to blow up the roster

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Sox' weekend could be a blast
3 ... 2 ... 1 | If they don't show a spark, GM may have to blow up the roster

<!-- Article Publsih Date -->June 22, 2007
<!-- Article By Line -->BY JOE COWLEY jcowley@suntimes.com
<!-- Article's First Paragraph -->Having to deal with Round 2 of the media-hyped Cubs-White Sox crosstown rivalry isn't a high priority for the Sox, who are chin-deep in quicksand with likely just a few more deep breaths left.

That was made evident when starting pitcher Mark Buehrle was asked about this weekend's series and gave a one-word answer -- very rare for the talkative southpaw.
''Matters,'' Buehrle said, dripping with sarcasm.
The fact is the fading Sox need wins this weekend, period. It doesn't matter if it's the Royals or Cubs.
But losing another series to the Cubs could mean a lot more than Buehrle or his teammates even know.
General manager Ken Williams has all the explosives and wiring in place, with his finger resting on the button. One more embarrassing series, especially with Scott Podsednik and Darin Erstad back from injuries and in the lineup, and Williams might have no choice but to blow up the 2007 version of the Sox.
That feeling is permeating throughout the Sox clubhouse.
''Things can change in a day or two,'' Buehrle said. ''You hear rumors and hear everything that is going on, and I don't pay attention to it. Some guys may.
''A couple of weeks ago, [Williams and manager Ozzie Guillen] said nothing would happen, and now something might happen. It can change in a day or week, so I don't pay attention.''
He should -- because Buehrle tops the list of players likely to see his career on the South Side come to an end.
Buehrle, right fielder Jermaine Dye and second baseman Tadahito Iguchi will be free agents after the season, while the Sox hold a 2008 option on shortstop Juan Uribe and haven't been thrilled with his lack of concentration in the field.
There are also scenarios in which starting pitchers Jose Contreras, Jon Garland or Javier Vazquez could be moved. In other words, no one is safe.
''I remember, being in Philadelphia, your name is brought up,'' designated hitter Jim Thome said. ''That's part of this time of the year. If you're playing good or playing bad, there's names brought up. It's that time of the year where, in general, rumors happen.
''As a player, you have to forget all that and not get wrapped up in all the media approaching or people saying, 'Hey, I heard this, and this paper said this.' The bottom line is you have to focus on the task ahead, and for us, that's to win games.''
But not everyone wants to ignore the fact the North Siders will be in the Sox' backyard this weekend.
''It still means something because of the city and the fans,'' catcher A.J. Pierzynski said. ''It's still games we have to win and one of those things that people still care about. We should care because it's another series for us to try to turn things around.''
There's no doubting, however, what's on the minds of most Sox players at this point.
Buehrle was asked what the Sox-Cubs series has meant to him through the years.
''It's a big series for the fans,'' Buehrle responded, before pausing and looking at the reporter. ''Am I getting traded or something before I pitch [today]?'' No, not yet.
 

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MY FAV TEAM, but been a GREAT FADE as they still have good line FOR them amazingly in many cases due to a decent staff/lineup but they have given up in the past month.

:money8:


will be interesting to see what moves they make.
 

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