Sox-A’s Under the Lights in Phoenix, Opening Day Just 10 Days Away

Friday, March 22, 2013

Today’s News

Tonight’s Game/Lineup

Sox vs. A’s in Phoenix (9:05 p.m., Chicago time. Game can be seen live on MLB.TV). Jose Quintana (below), who is 2-0 with a 1.35 ERA in Cactus League play this spring, will start vs. Oakland’s Jarrod Parker. Also seeing action on the mound for the Sox will be Hector Santiago, David Purcey, Jeff Gray, Brian Omogrosso and Ramon Troncoso.

Starting Lineup: De Aza, cf; Ramirez, ss; Rios, rf; Gillaspie, 3b; Konerko, lb; Viciedo, lf; Gimenez, c; Flowers, dh; Beckham, 2b.

Sox Among Cactus League Leaders

Paul Konerko is tied for second in home runs (5), ranks sixth in total bases (34) and seventh in slugging percentage (.694) … Adam Dunn is tied for fourth in the Cactus League in walks (9). Dylan Axelrod ranks second in opponent batting average (.231) and fifth in ERA (3.21) … Gavin Floyd is tied for sixth in the Cactus League in strikeouts (15) … Chris Sale is tied for third in IP (19.1) … Ramon Troncoso is tied for the CL lead in appearances (10).

Lindstrom Talks to Fans

New Sox reliever Matt LIndstrom was available to fans via #SoxPhone today. He certainly looks engaged.

Opening Day Aces

Sale’s mound opponent on Opening Day (April 1) vs. the Royals will be James Shields, acquired by K.C. from the Rays in the offseason.

Sandy Hook Victims to be Honored by MLB

Major League Baseball will honor the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School during the opening games (3/31-4/2) of the 2013 regular season. All players, managers, coaches, umpires and on-field personnel will wear a symbolic ribbon patch and join fans in observing a pre-game moment of silence. The patch features Newtown’s official seal, a black memorial ribbon and 26 stars.

Poor Badger Bob

Bob Beghtol, longtime White Sox director of media relations, is a die-hard Wisconsin Badgers fan. Today was not a good day for Bob with Wisconsin getting upset by Ole Miss. His cell phone reportedly buzzed for 15 consecutive minutes following the Badger defeat with “friends” passing along their thoughts.

Quote of the Day

Robin on the return of De Aza and Rios from the WBC: “They’re ready to go, it’s nice to just have them back. You get a little more of the flow of how the lineup would go. They had a good time, but got enough work and they look fine.”

Tomorrow’s Schedule

White Sox vs. Dodgers at Camelback Ranch-Glendale (9:05 p.m., Chicago time). Jake Peavy vs. TBA for L.A.

Did You Know…

…that the White Sox will break camp at Camelback Ranch-Glendale after their game vs. the Tribe next Wednesday and fly back to Chicago? The Sox will play a pair of games at Miller Park vs. the Brewers on March 29 and 30 before Opening Day at at the Cell.

Photo of the Day