White Sox | The Baseball Zealot

TAG UP RESULTS IN 4 RUNS

6/8/06 Went to the Cell to see if the White Sox could sweep Detroit, but wasn’t optimistic as veteran lefty Kenny Rogers was on the bump for the Striped Cats in this one. As it turned out Pudge Rodriguez was the difference. Although Joey Cora’s waving arm contributed to the Sox loss in the very first inning, trying to score Jermaine Dye on AJ Pierzynski’s 2 out double, with Joe Crede on deck, and a struggling Rogers trying to escape the 1st inning with only two runs scoring. The relay man already had the ball as Dye was hitting 3rd, it was no contest. It turned out to be the only time the Pale Hose would dent home plate. Placido Polanco took Jon Garland deep for a two run third inning game tying bomb, Garland allowed two other drives which died in gloves at the warning track.

The turning point came in the top of the 6th when Rodriguez pushed the issue. Ivan got a one out single, tagged & took 2nd when Rob Mackowiak caught a high fly hit by Magglio Ordonez drifting back. A little duck snort by Carlos Guillen scored Pudge, Konerko failed to cut the throw, allowing the Guillen to take 2nd. Then a soft roller to short was beaten out by Omar Infante, Paulie hestitated as he took the throw, Guillen didn’t & scored from 2nd. And then Marcus Thames took Garland over the LF fence for a two run big fly. Had Rodriguez not tagged up, arguably the Tigers get nothing off Garland. If Ifs, ands, & buts were candy & nuts – everyday would be Christmas. White Sox lose a sleeper 6-2.

6/1/06 Linescore of Day: Jermaine Dye

2 for 5, 2 HR, 2 runs, 5 rbis Jermaine Dye did everything right but the Sox lost anyway as starter Jose Contreras had his worst start of the season. The loss was the Sox’ third in a row.

2 for 5, 2 HR, 2 runs, 5 rbis

Jermaine Dye did everything right but the Sox lost anyway as starter Jose Contreras had his worst start of the season. The loss was the Sox’ third in a row.

Stay on the Mound, not the Mike

The whole Dempster-Guillen-Mike North affair is further evidence that ballplayers need to stay on the field and not in the media. Let’s face it, the only person who benefits from all of this is North who gets free publicity for his radio show. I’m sure the pitch to Dempster to do the show sounded appealing. … Continue reading “Stay on the Mound, not the Mike”

I’m sure the pitch to Dempster to do the show sounded appealing. “Come on the show. Talk about Cubs. Give an inside look.” The usual spiel. But when something like the Barrett/Pierzynski debacle happens, do you think North is going to shy away from getting Demp from saying something he probably shouldn’t? Doubtful. I envision North with a widening smile his face egging him on.

Dempster, for the record, claims he never said some of things Guillen was upset about and the two of them have patched things up. Meanwhile, North reaps the benefits.

A few in the baseball world have called for North to air the tapes from Dempster’s original broadcast to “clear the air” as whether he made the offending comments. To what end? What purpose would it serve other than to draw out this already old storyline? If Guillen and Dempster are man enough to put this behind them then we should be too.

The only thing Dempster should be concentrating right now getting hitters out. Not what he what he’ll be saying on his next show.

MINNIE MINOSO GOOD GUY

Minnie Minoso Saturnino Orestes Armas Minoso Arrieta Born November 29, 1922, Havana, Cuba First Game: April 19, 1949 Final Game: October 5, 1980 Bat: Right Throw: Right Height: 5′ 10″ Weight: 175 Again took the El to the Cell last night, got a veggie burger, fries, some corn, a Mountain Dew, and some caramel corn. … Continue reading “MINNIE MINOSO GOOD GUY”

Minnie Minoso Saturnino Orestes Armas Minoso Arrieta Born November 29, 1922, Havana, Cuba First Game: April 19, 1949 Final Game: October 5, 1980 Bat: Right Throw: Right Height: 5′ 10″ Weight: 175 Again took the El to the Cell last night, got a veggie burger, fries, some corn, a Mountain Dew, and some caramel corn. Then stepped up to the ticket window and bought over $450 worth of tickets for White Sox June home games, also going to see the Sox battle the Buccos in Pittsburgh. While I was in getting my tickets Jermaine Dye made two fantastic first inning catches, one took a homer away, later I actually saw Joe Crede imitate Brooks Robinson when he dove toward the line and fired to first to get his man. How about ARod for Crede (inside joke)? Wore my Mark Buehrle tee shirt, he got the win, but Bobby Jenks was lights out as he picked up Ozzie Guillen and the Sox shakey middle relief to save the game, striking out three of four batters. The White Sox hung on to win 3-2 and pick up the A’s sweep. Standing behind the last row behind the plate there are alot of distractions. BIG MIKE sez, “Why do you even bother coming to the game?” Well it’s all about the people, being a part of the crowd, and being a part of winning & exciting baseball. Over 40,000 Monday, 38,000 Tuesday, 38,000 Wednesday, all shiny happy people holding hands. Besides the hotties, Minnie Minoso walked by, and I gave him a nod. At 84 he’s still a great guy, his whole face smiles. The above picture of Minnie was of him many moons ago in the Cuban League. Also saw a guy I’d coached in little league baseball at Horner Park, about 30 years ago. Then I saw a guy who was in a fantasy baseball league with me about 10 years ago. The rain held off till we were riding the El home, then stopped when we reached our destination. Life is good! LET’S GO WHITE SOX!!!

5/9/06 Linescore of the Day: Scott Podsednik

1 for 1, 3 runs, 1 rbi, 4 BB, 1 SB Continuing on yesterday’s leadoff man theme, Sox OF Scott Podsednik did what was expected of him and more. When the top man in the lineup is up five times and gets on base each time, it’s no surprise that the Sox won this game. … Continue reading “5/9/06 Linescore of the Day: Scott Podsednik”

1 for 1, 3 runs, 1 rbi, 4 BB, 1 SB

Continuing on yesterday’s leadoff man theme, Sox OF Scott Podsednik did what was expected of him and more. When the top man in the lineup is up five times and gets on base each time, it’s no surprise that the Sox won this game. Of course, it helps when you have guys like Thome to drive him home (4 rbis).

Ironically, Pod wasn’t the only player to walk 4 times yesterday. Tribe SS Jhonny Peralta did so against the Royals.

5/3/06 Linescore of the Day: Pablo Ozuna

2 for 2, 2B, HR, 2 runs, 1 rbi That’s Oz-un-a, as in Oz-un-a you put me in, Coach, we’ll win this one. (groan) Pablo Ozuna’s sense of timing is impeccable. His first career homerun couldn’t have come at a better time. That tied the Sox with the Mariners in the bottom of the ninth. The … Continue reading “5/3/06 Linescore of the Day: Pablo Ozuna”

2 for 2, 2B, HR, 2 runs, 1 rbi

That’s Oz-un-a, as in Oz-un-a you put me in, Coach, we’ll win this one.

(groan)

Pablo Ozuna’s sense of timing is impeccable. His first career homerun couldn’t have come at a better time. That tied the Sox with the Mariners in the bottom of the ninth. The double that came after was pretty timely, too. Uribe singled him home for the winning run.

Pretty good work considering he didn’t enter until the ninth inning.

Fat Freddy Enjoyed the WBC a little too much

He seems to be saying “Yesss! I scored a dime bag!” All kidding aside, White Sox pitcher Freddy Garcia was found to have violated International Baseball Amateur Federation anti-doping policy during his stint in the World Baseball Classic. Marijuana was found in his urine. Fantasy owners of Garcia don’t need to worry yet. IBAF rules … Continue reading “Fat Freddy Enjoyed the WBC a little too much”

He seems to be saying “Yesss! I scored a dime bag!”

All kidding aside, White Sox pitcher Freddy Garcia was found to have violated International Baseball Amateur Federation anti-doping policy during his stint in the World Baseball Classic. Marijuana was found in his urine.

Fantasy owners of Garcia don’t need to worry yet. IBAF rules don’t apply in MLB. Don’t hold your breath though.

However, violators of the rules can be suspended for two years from IBAF competition.

Comeback Win for Cubs.. and where are those Darned Sox?

Watched the Cubs game this afternoon… for 8 1/2 innings. Comcast Sports Network went kaput with the Cardinals up in the ninth and one out. When ”Technical Difficulties… Please Stand By” flashed on the screen, I rushed to the stereo and tuned in just in time to listen to the Cubs win. Michael Barrett proved why … Continue reading “Comeback Win for Cubs.. and where are those Darned Sox?”

Michael Barrett proved why he won the Silver Slugger by coming through with a timely pinch hit homer in the seventh to tie the game. Ironically, it was other Silver Slugger from the Cubs, Derrek Lee, who hit the game winning homer.

Every win for the Cubs is nice but wins against the Cardinals are doubly important. Tomorrow is Sean Marshall’s MLB debut against the Cards. I’m very interested in seeing how he does. Hopefully, he learned a thing or two from his last start in spring training when he got rocked by the Pads. A friend went to that game and got this shot of him warming up before the game.

Meanwhile, the Sox have lost 4 in a row. Including two against KC. This may have been the year I should have bet a $1/game Cubs vs. Sox against Teddy Ballgame. Not last year. Maybe it’s not too late.

I know it’s early in the season but who would have thought that the two unbeaten teams left would be Detroit and Milwaukee? Not I.

DANGER KENNY WILLIAMS

The wheels on the White Sox wagon came off last night in Kansas City. The hapless Royals starter Jeremy Affeldt surrendered five runs before KC even stepped to the plate, it was 6-0 going into the bottom of the 3rd. Then it happened, Pablo Ozuna (an infielder misplaying in the outfield) misjudged a fly ball that fell in front of him for a double(?), it was an error if there ever was one. Ozuna also misplayed another flyout into another double later in the game when he went back to the wall, feeling for the wall, which wasn’t even close to, as the ball landed in the middle of the WARNING track. It was too much for the White Sox & Jon Garland to put up with as the All Star starter from 2005 gave up nine earned(?) runs in 5 1/3 innings. Matt Thornton came on, was throwing hard, but he let up a couple of runs himself to make the final unlucky 11-7 Bad Guys.

KC hadn’t won a ballgame this year. This White Sox team has some needs that won’t go away. Ignoring them will not help. In 2005 Chicago won the close games with pitching and solid defense, which is why the 2006 team is losing the close ones. Brian Anderson is hardly adequate in CF, Jermaine Dye & Scott Podsednik have been hurt. The only other guy who can play OF is Rob Mackowiak. As illustrated last night Pablo Ozuna can’t play outfield. And while Brandon McCarthy & Neal Cotts have been throwing well out of the pen, gone are Dustin Hermanson, Luis Vizcaino, & Damaso Marte. The only other relievers are Matt “I throw it hard, it gets hit harder” Thornton, Boone “Look at me I’m a big leaguer, who was that?” Logan, & Bobby “He’s too fat for me” Jenks.

I’m a die hard White Sox fan who knows a good team when I see one. Kenny Williams seems to always find a way to get the missing pieces. So I’m not jumping off the band wagon, but something needs to be done, NOW! Surely a 162 game schedule is a marathon, not a sprint, but the Sox were at the top from start to finish last year and need to wake up before it’s too late.

Q & A with Ozzie

MLB.com had a Q & A with Sox manager Ozzie Guillen. When I read these kind of things, I wonder to what extent does it have to be approved by team and league management. That said, I thought it was thoroughly Ozzie and therefore interesting. Some excerpts: MLB.com: Kenny Williams? Guillen: Crazy. He hired me … Continue reading “Q & A with Ozzie”

Some excerpts:

MLB.com: Kenny Williams?

Guillen: Crazy. He hired me as a manager. Kenny is a guy who also is underrated. Anything he does since he got the job is because he’s trying to win. You look around at the players Kenny brings here and the trades he made, he just wants to win. Kenny and myself will both tell you the truth, whether you like it or not, and I think I can live with that.

This man did a lot of things in his power to get this ballclub better.

MLB.com: How about Frank Thomas?

Guillen: He’s the best player ever to play for the White Sox. That’s it. He was one of the best hitters I’ve ever been around. People don’t appreciate him in Chicago, and maybe that’s his fault. But he did a lot of good things for the city.

and this one I particularly liked:

MLB.com: Final question for you: Where is Ozzie Guillen going to be 10 years from now?

Guillen: Managing the White Sox.

Yeah, I’m a Cub fan but I gotta say I like Ozzie’s style.