DEFENDING WHAT IS OURS

The Chicago White Sox were back on the field for the first time since the rifle arm of SS Juan Uribe cutdown any chances the dillusional Astros might have had in last year’s Fall Classic. Here is a picture of Teddy Ballgame along side the World Series Trophy from spring training and this is what it’s all about. Defending their World Champion status is what the ’06 season is all about. Certainly there are some questions going into the year, but this White Sox team may be better the team that won it all in ’05. People might say, “there goes Teddy Ballgame again off on crack”, and the experts have the Tribe winning the division. But the experts didn’t predict last season’s outcome and they’ve been wrong so often in the past that I pay them no more mind than the weather man. This year’s team has newcomers Jim Thome, Rob Mackowiak, Alex Cintron, & Javier Vazquez. Gone are Carl Everett, Timo Perez, Willie Harris, & El Duque. I’ll take that trade any day of the week. Also gone is the Big Hurt, but enough has been made of that departure already. Replacing Aaron Rowand is rookie Brian Anderson, trusting their own talent. Newly acquired lefty Matt Thornton will take Damaso Marte’s spot in the bullpen. And the good looking youngster Brandon McCarthy takes his talents to the pen. The LARGE MAN Bobby Jenks is again the closer, with Neal Cotts setting him up. But everyone knows the White Sox strength is their starting rotation. In a game where Championships are won with pitching & defense the White Sox can’t be beat. There isn’t a team in baseball that has a stronger five man rotation than the Sox Mark Buehrle, Jose Contreras, Freddy Garcia, Jon Garland, & Javier Vazquez. And the team’s defense is right up there with the best of them. Chicks may dig the long ball, but baseball people will tell you pitching & defense is what it’s all about. Was at the Cell (US Cellular Field) last night for the Opening Day Ceremonies & the unveiling of the World Championship banners. Got the opportunity to take it all in from 34 rows right behind the dish. Doesn’t get any better than that! There was a LONG rain delay and ended up getting home about 2:00 AM, but our seats were covered so I was warm enough in just a sweatshirt. I know it’s a long season, but last night’s opener did alot to address some of my concerns about this year’s ballclub. Brian Anderson handled centerfield and hit at the plate. Both Brandon McCarthy & Matt Thornton looked sharp out of the pen after rocky springs, Coop seems to have turned Thornton around. Jim Thome launched a 431 foot rocket into the night over the rightfield wall, his eighth homer since last Sunday. Checked out ESPN to see what games were going to be televised today and then remembered I’ve got the MLB package and can pretty much watch whatever I’d like. Don’t bother calling me today cuz I’ll be watching a little baseball. Next games on my schedule are the Sox hosting the Indians Wednesday and then the Cubbies home opener Friday versus the Redbirds. LET’S GO WHITE SOX!!!