Sox Notes - 4/26

I haven't gotten around to updating this blog since early spring training. So much baseball has been played since then that I can't help but log on and rant for a little bit.


First, let me say that I am very impressed with the pitching of Gavin Floyd so far. He's 2-0 with a couple of no decisions through 4 starts this season. Thats already one more win than he had all last year! Hopefully he'll be able to keep this up all throughout the campaign. I have him winning at least twelve games if his momentum continues.

Joe Crede has shown people that there is nothing wrong with his back. He's made a handful of amazing plays at third in only our first month worth of games. The only problems I've noticed is his occasionally wild throws to first base; other than that I've seen a lot of good things defensively. Crede's offensive game is also in full speed. He's hit 6 home runs out of 22 hits and driven in 21 runs. He's helped this offense a lot.

At this point in the season I can comfortably say that Carlos Quentin was a steal for what we gave up. 5 homers and 17 RBI through 19 games? Those are well-known power hitter stats! Quentin and Thome lead our team in home runs right now (Thome has 6), which needs to continue through the rest of the year to keep this offense going strong.

That wraps up this "edition" of Sox notes.

Spring is Here

The White Sox's spring has begun and we're actually looking lot better than I thought we would. Sure, we're only three games in and these games don't really count for anything, but I like how the team is preforming alltogether!

Nick Swisher is playing great ball. He's hitting well from both sides of the plate and he's contributing by driving in runs when we need them driven in. He's sporting Magg's old #30, which is good to see back is use, but isn't playing his right field.

The guy who is surprising me so far early on in the pre-season is Brain Anderson! He's actually playing very well right now. Batting .333 is a good sign, and he has 9 hits over the course of the last three games. He could very well play center field for us this coming season and I would have no problem with it whatsoever. He has three strike outs thus far, so that could be his only weakness going into the year.

Alexei Ramirez is also playing very well. He went 4-5 in his debut this spring and was thrown out on a steal attempt.

Yes, these are sorry notes to see but I do have some interesting facts!

• Jim Thome has a stolen base.
• Joe Crede is the only guy to hit a home run.

I'll write a little bit more this spring, then really get into the swing of things as soon as the season kicks off on March 31st.

Cover Your Ears

According to mlb.com, which I always place 100 % trust in, the Angels are pursuing one Mr. Paul Konerko.

This could be a blockbuster trade for us if it goes through. Blockbuster, I say, because it could possibly be our worst since the Rowand deal.

The Angels are considering sending starting pitcher Ervin Santana and second baseman Howie Kendrick here for Paulie. If this deal goes through then Swishy could possibly be our starting first baseman (with Quentin playing left and Alexei Ramirez or Jerry Owens in center).

The Sox are in dire need of a starting pitcher for the #5 slot with three pitchers battling for the job in spring training. Ervin Santana is young still, but his 2007 season left a bitter taste in the mouths of Angels fans. He went 7-14 with an ERA of 5.76. He started 28 games, pitched 150 innings and struck out 126.

This would also leave a bit to be desired with White Sox fans.

Howie Kendrick, however, contributed to the Angels' success going into the 2007 playoffs. I know you could get stats anywhere else on the net, but I'll give 'em anyway. In 88 games (338 AB's) he hit .322, drove in 38 runs and hit 5 homers. He doesn't have Jose Reyes like speed (only 5 stolen bases) but he can swipe some bags when needed.

I see this trade as one sided in the Angels' favor. They would be getting a sure power hitter for their lineup and we would be getting two sub-par farm hands, fine Kendrick isn't a farmhand, in return.

This would also take a HUGE bat out of our lineup that we could possibly need to make a run for the playoffs this year. We would be replacing it with an equally big bat in the form of Nick Swisher, but I still would like to see him in left field.

Hopefully we will stop dumping off all of our good players to the Angels. We're starting to look a little red around the infield and I'm seeing a good bit of black in theirs...

A Swishy Situation

Our left field problems are cleared thanks to a deal that brought switch-hitting Nick Swisher to the South Side.

The 27 year-old outfielder/infielder slammed 22 home runs this past season for Oakland and drove in 78 runs. Theres a little niche on his stat sheet that bothers me and thats the 131 strike outs. Hopefully (hitting coach) Greg Walker can help him stay away from those pitches.

Swisher has played a little first base as well as in the outfield, so that ca provide Konerko with a little rest when needed.

The lineup now is getting a little... awkward, for lack of a better word. We got Quentin who will most likely platoon with Owens in center and also play a little left field. Now that we got Swisher, he may become our everyday left fielder.

How is our batting order going to stack up?

1. Owens/Quentin - CF
   
2. Cabrera or Swisher - SS or LF
   
3. Thome - DH
   
4. Konerko - 1B
   
5. Dye - RF
   
6. Pierzynski/Hall - CF
   
7. Swisher or Cabrera - LF or SS
8. Fields - 3B
9. Richar - 2B

Now, an angle I didn't take into consideration was that Swisher could possibly DH at some point whenever Thome needs to sit. So that could become a possibility.

The talent we gave up to acquire Swishy, however, did not please me. We sent over Ryan Sweeney, Gio Gonzalez and Fautino De Los Santos. Gonzalez and De Los Santos are both pitchers while Sweeney is an outfielder.

I have mentioned before that I'd love to see Gonzalez somehow make it into the starting rotation but obviously that can't happen now.

I had never heard of De Los Santos before, which makes me a bad organizational scout, so I'll give him his dues when I write about the trade on my minor league blog.

Sweeney was supposed to play all three of the outfield positions this year, which I would've loved to have seen, but now is loving the opportunity for more playing time over in California.

Will Swisher possibly wear Rowand's lucky #33?

We'll have to see when he gets introduced at some point (Cabrera still hasn't been).

Welcome... Alexei Ramirez!

Finally, we get something done about our second base woes.

Going in to 2008 it looked as tough our second baseman would either come from the minors, Danny Richar or some other major league team. Little did we know that he would be imported from Cuba of all places!

Mister Alexei Ramirez will, hopefully, be the starting second baseman come March 31st. According to mlb.com, Ramirez signed a 4-year 4.75 million contract (dirt cheap if you ask me) to play for the Sox.

The Cuban second baseman has hit 87 home runs over the past 7 years while compiling 391 RBI. Sounds like a pretty hot bat to me. If his speed is anything like Pods' was, we could have a serious import on our hands for practically no (baseball) money at all!

The one thing I am concerned about is... he comes from a country with Cub in it's name...

Team Grades - Starting Pitchers - Part One

I'm a tad bit late in my season-ending player rankings but as long as the stats are still up, I can do it whenever.

Jose Contreras - #52
His 10-17 record is a statistical eyesore. To go along with that, he lost 7 games in a row from June 24th to August 8th. He did come back later on as he won a season high 2 straight starts. This is mostly contributed to our outfield troubles and our infield problems after we traded Iguchi. He worked out of the bullpen for a short stint then was back to the rotation, thank goodness. My grade: C+

Mark Buehrle - #56
After being smacked in the elbow by a line drive in his first start of the year, Mark rebounded amazingly well. He didn't miss his next scheduled start but instead he decided to no-hit the Rangers. On the last out of the ball game Paul Konerko said he was afraid Joe Crede would make a bad throw and it would be called a hit. The only base runner Buehrle allowed in the game was a walk to pesky Sammy Sosa. Ending the season with a 10-9 record, once again over the .500 mark, I can't wait to see how he does next year. My grade: B

Jon Garland - #20
Now of the Los Angeles Angels I won't spend much time on good 'ol Jon. He went 10-13 for the first losing season in his past 4 years. He had a terribly high ERA of 4.23 and struck out only 98 batters over the course of 32 starts.
My Grade: C- (Traitor)


Javy Vazquez - #33
In 32 starts Vazquez struck out 213 batters. His highest single game total from last year was 13 on September 17th against the Royals. This is a sign of even better things to come. I have shown my dislike towards Vazquez in my posts over the past few months and I believe I'm starting to lean in the direction of liking him. His 15-8 record was the best on the team which adds to his career record that now stands at 115-113. My Grade: A

John Danks - #50
Our equivalent of the Cardinals' Al Reyes, Danks was a measly 6-13 with an ERA of 5.50. I never liked our trade of McCarthy to the Rangers because I knew Brandon's place in the bullpen and he knew it, and Ozzie knew it, and Kenny knew it, but apparently that wasn't enough as we had to trade him for three minor league pitchers, one of them happening to be a mister John William Danks. Maybe I'll grow to like him as I have with Vazquez. But then again... maybe not... My Grade: D

In Starting Pitchers - Part Two, I'll evaluate the seasons of Lance Broadway, Gavin Floyd and Nick Masset.

Showing My Emotion

I'm embarrassed that I have not yet mentioned the fact that we picked up releiver Scott Linebrink!

He signed a four year contract to be a part of our fantastic bullpen. I'd love to see him as a bridge to Jenks instead of Thornton. Linebrink has the kind of fire power that we need out of the bullpen. If we have him and Aardsma maybe as a one-two punch out of the 'pen I could see us holding teams for maybe two innings.

Linebrink's season last year was sub-par compared to his others but we should all hope that improves over time.

Carlos Quentin?

When did we get him?

I'm happy now! We may have a player to put into left field then play Fields at third! I never heard any of this on The Score and I just found it out now when I was looking at the Sox's roster on whitesox.com.

Where would we bat him if he were to start?

1. Jerry Owens
   
2. Orlando Cabrera
   
3. Jim Thome
   
4. Paul Konerko
5. Jermaine Dye
6. A.J. Pierzynski
7. Carlos Quentin
8. Josh Fields
9. Danny Richar

I guess that could work but it all depends on what Ozzie and Kenny plan to do with him. Whether they keep him in the majors our send him down to Charlotte or Birmingham will probably be decided after spring training.

And thats 85 days away (yes I'm counting)!

Bullpen

Now that our bullpen has been strengthened with the addition of Scott Linebrink what will we do with our rotation? Jon Garland is gone so that opens up a hole in the starting five.

Doc (which is pitching coach Don Cooper) has mentioned on 670 The Score this possible rotation...

1. Mark Buehrle
2. Jose Contreras
3. Javier Vazquez
4. John Danks
5. Gavin Floyd

As I mentioned a few posts ago I would love to see Lance Broadway somehow make it to the rotation for 2008. I know I'm planning ahead, yeah, but still.

Good Bye Pods...

Sadly, our main lead off man has left the Chicago White Sox organization. He was designated for assignment yesterday and is now off the team.

He was out most of the season and when he came back he only batted in the seventh slot. This could open up the lead off spot for either Orlando Cabrera or Jerry Owens (depending on the Torii Hunter deal).

Now that Pods is gone, who will fill out left field spot? If Owens moves to left that would open up center for Hunter. But then what about Fields? I don't see him taking the job from Crede unless something happens in Spring Training or over the rest of the off season.

I'll keep you posted...

Christmas Garland or Christmas Cabrera?

We have made our first "big" move of the off-season.

No longer will Jon Garland be on our pitching staff! He will be joining the staff of the Los Angeles Angels. Pitching alongside Bartolo Colon, Jered Weaver and Kelvim Escobar must be very tantalizing for Garland.

But, we got Orlando Cabrera in return! This coming just weeks after the Sox took Juan Uribe's option for the 2008 season. Where's Cabrera (nicknamed Cabby, by me) going to fit? He will either bat leadoff or second, but where will he go in the field. Uribe could back him up I suppose but that would cause a stir amongst Sox fans as to shy they picked up his option. I know Williams couldn't see into the future and know this deal was going to take place, but still it makes you wonder...

I, personally, would love to see "Cabby" there instead of Uribe. I know in the previous post I said he was a great player and all but I lied. He stinks.

Hopefully Cabrera will bring his gold gloves with him and win another next year.

Juan Uribe

The White Sox have a choice: do they test the free agent market or pick up Juan Uribe's option for 2008?

I would personally like it if we got rid of Uribe. He hit 20 home runs, yes, but his defense started to go downhill last season. Like I mentioned before, I would love it if the Sox somehow acquired Miguel Tejada (who they almost got last year) from Baltimore. He plays gold glove defense, he can drive in runs and hit homers!

Not that I have anything against Uribe, he's a great player, I just think his time in Chicago has been spent.

Next stop: Short stop.

Fifth Rotation Slot

Spring Training '08 will be a pitchers battle for the number five slot in the Sox's rotation. Some possible candidates for the spot include Lance Broadway, Gavin Floyd, Nick Masset and John Danks.

Personally, I would love to see Broadway climb into that spot. He showed great talent in his audition towards the end of this season. His record in 2007 for the White Sox was 1-1. He had a great ERA of 0.87, even though he only started one game. He struck out 14 and only walked 5.

There are other possibilities, but Broadway did the best out of all of our "starters" other than Buehrle this year! If he makes the rotation in the spring, I will be one happy Sox fan.

But, Broadway, like I said, isn't the only candidate! Gavin Floyd and Nick Masset are also in the running for Danks' number 5 spot.

Gavin Floyd showed some flashes of greatness in Freddy Garcia's #34! Though his 1-5 record doesn't show it, I think he did well last season. His sparkling 5.27 ERA has dazzled scouts and... oh wait...

I don't think the job will be going to Floyd. He was good in maybe 2 of his starts but the offenses just wasn't there to cushion him.

Here's a guy who looked great in Charlotte this year! Nick Masset (mister Gangster hat), baby! He is my second consideration for the fifth slot in the rotation. His record was only 2-3 with the Sox! Though his ERA at 7.09 wasn't all that great. If he could work out some of the kinks in his mechanics, I'm pretty sure Guillen and Kenny "I hate Frank Thomas" Williams would give him a good look for the starting rotation.


Still; not as good a chance as Broadway!

Off Season Hopes

So the seasons over now and some things need to be done. Jon Garland has done wonderful, but I think it's time for him to be traded. He's won 18 games the last couple years, but it's time for him to go. Jose Contreras is another guy who needs to pack his bags and leave town.

Heres who I want us to pick up...



Miguel Tejada, SS Baltimore Orioles -- Juan Uribe, who hit 20 homers this year, needs to go. And I've found a suitable replacement! If we could somehow pick up Tejada, that would be another 25 homers, 90 RBI and possibly 200 hits!


Johnny Damon, LF New York Yankees -- If A-Rod ops out of his contract in New York, that would leave the Yanks without a third baseman. We send over Crede for Damon, that way we could keep Fields at third and not have to worry about our left field situation.

Torii Hunter, CF Free Agent -- If we could somehow lock up this guy, then we shouldn't have to worry about Jerry Owens anymore. He's a great defensive center fielder and can also hit the long ball. He can drive in runs, score runs, and hit the ball. Hunter would be a great addition to a Sox team in need.

So there you have it! Thats what needs to get done in the off season, according to my standards.

Clearing the Dust...

What was once the most embarassing team in the MLB... is still the most embarassing team in the MLB. WIth the rumors floating in the air about getting rid of Gooch, Buehrle and Dye, I have yet to wonder of the possible outcome. Why would we trade Buehrle to the Brewers? Why would we accept Jim Hendry's (GM of the Cubs) offer of Jacque Jones for some prospects? Where in the world would Tadahito go? All of these will remain an inigma, as we sit, watch, and read what goes on in the sports world.

Lots of Work to do...

The Sox have to blow off all the remains of the past few weeks and start fresh. We've been losing (6 straight), we haven't been hitting AT ALL, our bullpen has collapsed and we have no arm power in the outfield!

I don't know what has happened, but I don't like it.

Our base coaches have been a bit too aggressive, allowing runners to get out a home, or stopping them from an obvious scoring chance! I like them, but still... open your eyes.

I'll post again later, or maybe not...

FINALLY!!!

I can rest easily tonight as I now know that the White Sox finally managed to pull off a victory and throw us out of our little skid.

I happend to miss the game on the radio because my batteries died... yeah... so I missed a great victory.

• Notes
• Jon Garland got his first win of the season.
• Erstad stole his 5th base off former teammate Jose Molina.
• Ryan Sweeney got his first double of the season.

Fianl score, Sox 6 -- Angels 3

You Know...

Another loss to the Chicago White Sox comes the way of a Kelvim Escobar gem, and a score of 5-1.

I don't even feel like writing because we're so bad, but I want to since I have so many things to write about.

• Why in the world can Rob Mackowiak not get the job done with runners on?
• At this point, I could field better than Ryan Sweeney.
• I need Podsednik back.
• Erstad gets standing ovation in first AB back at the Big A.

That's really all I feel like writing. But on the flip side, Jose Contreras pitched well! When he dropped down sidearm he hit his spots, which is good. And I can tell A.J.'s defense behind the plate has vastly improved since last year. Joe Crede is still the #1 third baseman in the AL Central. He makes every play look easy and the only other contender would be Detroit's Brandon Inge.

I like the fact that our defense is playing well, but I would like to see more 'pen improvement. Other than that all I can say is

GO SOX!!!

Sox Lose!!! Sox Lose!!!

Why is it that thats all the real news we're getting now? All thanks to nobody getting on base for John Danks. It's the fact that we don't have a legit leadoff hitter that may be the problem. Darrin Erstad is good, now don't get me wrong, but after my last post you can see how much I enjoyed having Pods at the top of my lineup.

I'm thinking of starting a new little updater for after the games. Something like...

• Dye and Konerko both homer off of Mariners' righty, Batista
• Danks KO's 4 in loss

And stuff like that.

But anyways,

[Game Info]

Tomorrow the sox will take on the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, in LA. The game is set to start at 9:05 PM, so join Chris Rongey at 8:35 PM tomorrow night for the Sox pregame show. Then join Chris Singleton and Ed Farmer for the lineups, first pitch and the rest of the game starting at 9 eastern time on AM 670 The Score.

After Sox loss, Danks Going for Game 2

John Danks needs to win a game! He's 0-3 but has pitched well enough to get the win in all 4 of his starts. The offense just hasn't performed well enough to back him up and win him a game. Come on guys! Get Danks a win!

Apparently my lineup idea went unnoticed. Mainly because no one really reads this. But I can still post! Luis Terrero played left field last night and hit a homer in his first Sox at bat. Congrats, Luis!

I've been hearing on ESPN 1000, actual names will go "not named" so lets just call them... Silvy and Waddell, ok? Anyways. They think that Jermaine Dye may be getting too old and is falling off the map offense wise. He still has a great arm and can roam right field with the best of them, but the fact that he has 5 home runs and 14 RBI proves them wrong.

We haven't yet gotten Scott Podsednik back to our leadoff slot. As soon as he gets back into our lineup I can see some more wins for the Sox. More stolen bases are needed. We need to get some runners on second and third via the SB, and thats what Pods brought to us! Erstad has contributed with a few swipes, but just the left handed presence at the top of our order is what we need again.

What if we put Erstad first? Ozuna could bat 7th or 8th...

Oh well!

Today's pitching match up: John Danks 0-3 against Miguel Batista 2-2.