Wednesday, May 31, 2006, 3:20 pm

Tonight's Lineup at the Jake

Pods, LF; Cintron, 2B; Thome, DH; PK, 1B; Dye, RF; AJ, C; Crede, 3B; Mack, CF; Uribe, SS; Garcia, RHP.

Wednesday, May 31, 2006, 10:31 am

Thoughts ...

Some losses hurt because you shoulda won.  Some losses hurt because you coulda won.

Last night fell into the second category for me.  O' for that big two-out hit with runners in scoring position.

Usually, the shoulda losses hurt worse and are more frustrating than the coulda losses.  Maybe it was because we were playing the Indians after winning the first game in the series, but last night's loss lingered for me.

All-Star Balloting

The first wave of results for American League voting for the All-Star Game come out later this afternoon.  Cardinals dominated the NL voting, which was released yesterday.  It will be interesting to see how our White Sox fare.

Remember to vote early and often online at whitesox.com or in the ballpark via fan ballot.

Egg Creme and Poodles?

For those of you who listened this morning, Jerry Reinsdorf was on the air with Mike North and WSCR from 9 to 9:30 or so talking White Sox and Bulls.

No real news came during the interview, but North did end the show by asking Jerry for his favorites, including:

Favorite drink:  egg creme

Favorite movie:  guys and dolls

Favorite way to spend his free time: playing with his dogs

Jerry, who is at the Berto Center with the Bulls today, ended the interview by telling North, "Now, Scott Reifert will call me and critique my interview."

So, of course, I did.  I sent Jerry and email saying, "Egg creme and poodles, so much for your tough guy image."

He called me, we laughed and then he explained what an egg creme was and how to make one.

Matt Thornton

What a bright spot last night!  Joe Cowley, Sox beat writer with the Sun-Times, wrote a very good piece about Matt, Don Cooper and their project together on May 26.  I saved it to show Matt when he is back in town.  It's not often you can bring a left-hander out of the bullpen throwing high 90s.

Blackout

Sorry to lay low over the holiday weekend.  I needed a break and my kids were playing in a soccer tournament in Park Ridge.

As we drove home from Day 2 of youth soccer listening to the White Sox game on the radio, my littlest one teasingly asked me what was more important, soccer or baseball, because I had just spent the day in 90 degree heat watching 11 year olds play the "beautiful" game.

"Wrong question," my wife explained.  "It's what's more important, baseball or family."

Family won last weekend and the blog lost ... sorry.

Yesterday, however, I was just swamped with messages, emails and meetings and did not have a chance to post.  That one was my bad.

Friday, May 26, 2006, 9:28 am

Suspensions

MLB announced its suspensions and fines this morning.  Michael Barrett received 10 games and a fine, Brian Anderson five games and a fine, Joey Cora two games and a fine, and A.J. received a fine only.

The players can choose to appeal the rulings, otherwise the suspensions begin today/tonight.

No Lineup Today

Sorry, but I am speaking at Highland Park High School this afternoon, so likely will be unable to post our lineup as I usually try to do.

Yikes

I clicked on mlblogs.com today to see this blog highlighted.  Always scare me ...

Tigers

Wouldn't you know my son's Little League team this year is the Tigers?

Thursday, May 25, 2006, 3:21 pm

Suspensions

Word is we should hear about any MLB fines and suspensions sometime tomorrow morning.  Remember that players have the right to appeal, so suspensions won't necessarily begin tomorrow night (or day in the Cubs case).

Gooch

Was given the last two days off due to his sore foot.  With the next three games on turf, my guess is you likely won't see Tadahito unless he is feeling 100 percent.

King of Illinois

Jim Thome was honored before yesterday's game for becoming the all-time home run leader from the state of Illinois (passing his "hero" Dave Kingman, who attended high school in the state).

Tom Quaid

Was kind enough to stop by the ballpark today and say hello.  He left with a heavy pack of media guides in tow (he begged enough for a set that we had to give in to him), so when he starts quoting obscure facts about the 1982 Padres on this blog, we all will know why.

Event

Reminder to anyone interested that for $54, you can attend the game on August 15, enjoy an all-you-can-eat pregame meal and then we will hold a special event for your eyes only in our conference and learning center (which doubles as Ozzie's postgame interview room).  The offer is only open to the first 50 fans.

Yesterday, I wrote that all the reservations had been by women.  Turns out that wasn't completely true.  Dustin, who is coordinating the event (and reads this site), evidently struggles with gender recognition at times.  My apologies, but several men have also purchased tickets to the event.

You may want to order soon by calling Dustin at 312-674-5186.

Schedule

Don't look now, but the next seven weeks are looking pretty tough on our White Sox.

at Toronto, at Cleveland

vs. Texas, vs. Detroit, vs. Cleveland

at Texas, at Cincinnati

vs. St. Louis, vs. Houston

at Pittsburgh, at Cubs

vs. Baltimore, vs. Boston

All-Star Break

at New York, at Detroit

Pretty tough rowing ...

Wednesday, May 24, 2006, 2:41 pm

Tonight's Lineup

Pods, LF; Cintron, 2B; Thome, DH; PK, 1B; Dye, RF; AJ, C; Crede, 3B; Mack, CF; Uribe, SS.  Buehrle pitching.

Sales Update

Here's a "sad but true" sales update for our event on August 15 (like Juan Uribe's batting average, it is early).

So far, we have sold 12 (with two pending) tickets to the event, which is fine, although the ticket sales rep gleefully informed me that he thinks all the sales so far have been to women!?

Since it is limited to 50 people, and I don't want to start twisting arms, please place any orders with Dustin at 312-674-5186.  We can even offer a special discount price for members of the media (just joking).

Early and Often

I am sure you are all over it, but feel free to vote and often as you'd like for 2006 All-Stars.  Just visit whitesox.com or click right here to vote, preferably for our guys. You can vote up to 25 times online so use them all.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006, 10:28 am

Random Thoughts this Morning

Roger Bossard said it may be wet off and on until 5 pm today, but he expects we will have no problem getting tonight's game in ...

We have sold out 11 games this season, including the last five ...

We have beated the A's in two straight for the first time since 2002 ...

We haven't swept Oakland at home since 1983 (can you believe that?) ...

Perspective

I read through the posts yesterday, and the back and forth debate was interesting.

Don't think for a minute that Kenny Williams and Ozzie Guillen don't share the same concerns as our fans, but we all do need to keep the perspective that we are 15 games over .500.  We have some guys who need to improve their performances, and we all know Kenny will act if need be, but we cannot overreact.

Last night was a case where Javier Vazquez won -- to improve to 5-3 with a 4.25 ERA -- without very good stuff.  There are a fair number of pitchers who would have struggled to get through that start and post a victory against a team like Oakland.

I think it is safe to say that Jon Garland (and Kenny and Ozzie and Coop) understand that Jon needs to be better and what he needs to do to be better.  Now, he needs to do it.

On Juan Uribe ... Juan is indeed a very streaky offensive player historically.  If you look at his career, he is generally very good in April, August and September. (For example, Juan is a lifetime .310 hitter with 23 of his 63 career home runs entering 2006 coming in September).  May, June and July can be offensive struggles for him for whatever reasons.  I am not sure anyone can really explain that ...

I don't think we can suddenly expect Juan to become Mr. Consistency at the plate ... that's not really his approach (high strikeout/low walk/big swings).  We do need him to be Mr. Consistent in the field, though.

Another blog I was reading the other day had Juan listed as one of the 10 unluckiest offensive players to date in 2006.  I believe their "balls in play" statistic said he should have been hitting something like .270, which is probably where we all expect Juan to end up by year's end (I think he is a .268 lifetime hitter entering this season).  The expectation is that this "luck" will balance out -- in Juan's favor -- over the rest of the season.  I do know anecdotally, that he has been hitting the ball on the nose lately, sometimes with nothing to show for it.

Ray Durham remains one of the streakiest players I remember in a Sox uniform.  Ray's streaks would be relatively short -- 8 to 12 games -- but lethal.  He could carry the team for a week, looking like an MVP candidate, or he wouldn't touch a ball for a week, looking lost at the plate.  But the amazing fact was that in the end, his seasons all ended up being pretty statistically similar despite wild fluctuations from week to week during the year.

Juan's streaks appear to be longer, but they also seem to balance themselves out over six months ... at least that appears to be the case over the past two years.

Another team may have been unwilling to give Juan a regular job because of his streakiness.  We took that chance in 2004, and we all have to admit it paid off in spades in 2005.  It is certainly worth monitoring, but let's show him some patience.

Just my (pretty worthless) opinion.

Tuesday, May 23, 2006, 5:49 pm

Tonight's Lineup

Pods, LF; Iguchi, 2B; Thome, DH; Konerko, 1B; Dye, RF; AJ, C; Crede, 3B; Mackowiak, CF; Uribe, SS.  Vazquez.

So What Do You Do When You Are Thrown Out of a Game

For White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, you flip on the televisions in the clubhouse.

"I watched our game and the Spanish news," Guillen said.  "My wife asked me what I did for three hours, and I told her 'what do you need to know about South America?'"

Monday, May 22, 2006, 6:11 pm

On Frank's Reception

The man is the greatest offensive player in our franchise's history.  It is certainly up to the fans to decide his reception, but I think he deserves a standing O.  Then I hope we strike him out four times.

Good to see him, although he still looks funny in green.

Turns out my information was wrong in a prior post.  The ceremony will be between the first and second innings, so hopefully right before he hits.

I spoke with the TV folks and they will not be able to air the tribute.  You may be able to hear the other gesture we have planned.

No Biting

A story out there that Joey Cora bit Jacque Jones' shoe during Saturday's fight was circulating the ballpark before the game.

I went to Joey and told him he probably needed to comment in some way to end the speculation.

"I did not bite anyone ... in this fight," he said/confessed.

Don't ask him about a fight with the Padres in something like 1988.

Who?

We all were giving Ozzie Guillen a hard time about the ever-present billboards of him in downtown Chicago promoting a Brazilian-style steakhouse.  If you haven't seen them, they are everywhere ... omnipresent.

"It looks like you are carving a rabbit," one person said.

"My brother said, 'Look, he is always watching us,'" said Oney Guillen.

"Listen to this," Ozzie said, before launching into a hilarious story.

(Note to reader: all of this is a direct quote from Ozzie, so imagine the following with his accent)

I am going to the place where I get my nails done.  I've been going there for a year and a half now.

I sit down at the table and take off my White Sox World Series ring.  Then I put my hands out.

'Oh, the White Sox,' the woman says.  This is the same woman who has done my nails for almost two years.

'I am the biggest fan,' she says.

'I know you from somewhere,' she says a bit later.  'Are you famous?'

No, I'm not famous.  Now, I am thinking that she has seen my face for two years, claims to be a big fan and has even seen my credit card ... G-U-I-L-L-E-N.  She still doesn't know who I am?

'Are you a chef?'

Chef?  I have no idea what she is thinking about.  Then I remember?  Oh yeah ... the billboards.

No, I work in baseball.

'Baseball?'

Yeah, I am the manager.

'Manager?  What is a manager?'

Nevermind ... I'm a chef ...

Two days later my wife goes in to have her nails done.

'I didn't know your husband was famous,' the woman says. 

My wife tries to lowkey our name and celebrity so she doesn't say much.

'He's a chef', the woman says. 'What restaurant does he work at?'

'He told you he's a chef?!' Ibis responds.

Monday, May 22, 2006, 2:20 pm

Tonight's Lineup

Ozuna, LF; Iguchi, 2B; Thome, DH; PK, 1B; Dye, RF; Crede, 3B; Widger, C; Uribe, SS; Anderson, CF.  Gar takes the mound.

Frank Return

I learned a little more about the video this morning.  The tribute will last about 1:40 and run between the top of the first and bottom of the inning.  Because the music used with the piece is popular in nature, and we do not own rights to it on the internet, we unfortunately cannot post it on our site.

And as I mentioned, we have planned one other special moment for our fans (and Frank).

Dr. Cooper

At long last, the Cooper family has found its lost dog.

Originally lost in Tucson in March, the Coopers were notified last week by someone who thought they had found the canine.

"It was about the fifth time someone called," said Coop.  "But they sent us a faxed photo and it sure looked like our dog.

"My wife hopped on the next plane back to Tucson -- getting the dog back cost me something like $1,700 in air fare -- and sure enough, it was ours.  Now, it's back with the other two dogs like nothing ever happened.  The dog just took a one-month vacation from the Coopers."

Sunday, May 21, 2006, 10:43 am

Oops

I sense a fine coming.  Manager Ozzie Guillen showed up a little late to the ballpark this morning having set his alarm to pm instead of am.

He and his family took in The Da Vinci Code last night, and Ozzie said he screwed up when he set his alarm.

Graduations

Congratulations to Greg Walker and Don Cooper on two separate graduations today.

Walk's daughter, Kaycee, is graduating from John Marshall Law School today, and Greg will leave just about game time to be at the ceremonies downtown.  I told him it is always impressive how the younger generation can leap so far ahead of the older generation.

And Coop today received an honorary degree from the New York Institute of Technology, where he played baseball 28 years ago.

"I thought I was six hours short of a degree and was taking two classes," he said.  "Then I found out I was actually nine hours short.

"It had taken me 28 years to get the six hours, so I figured I would never get to nine."

Coop has stayed in touch with the school and has given baseball clinics and held camps on the campus each offseason.  His former teammate is the AD.

"So they called me this winter and said they would like to present me with the honor.  It is really nice when people think of you in ways they don't need to.

"I guess the World Series title is a gift that keeps on giving."

Top Secret

We closed our clubhouse after batting practice today to make arrangements for a special promotion.  You didn't read it here, but our team is going to wear replica uniforms from the 1906 World Series for today's game.  Let's just hope these have hits in them.

Sunday, May 21, 2006, 9:19 am

Today's Lineup

Pods, LF; Iguchi, 2B; Thome, DH; PK, 1B; Dye, RF; AJ, C; Crede, 3B; Mackowiak, CF; Uribe, SS.  Contreras returns to the mound.

Roster Move

We will need to make a move prior to the game to make room on the roster for Jose Contreras.  We will wait until Jose gets to the ballpark to make it since we want to make sure he didn't wake up with any strange soreness or sleep wrong.

Sunday Mornings

Are always a very quiet time at the ballpark.  As always happens after brawls and fights, guys are giving each other a hard time about how everyone looks in the various photos in newspapers (check out the back page of the Sun-Times) or on websites.

Ironic

One local columnist takes AJ to task for the incident yesterday, writing "this is what happens when you have a reputation, when you're known as a sport's reigning provocateur/punk ..."

Later he labels AJ with terms like rabble-rouser, smart-aleck, instigator, aggitator, trouble-maker, a wise guy and annoying cuss, before concluding with "All this showed me is that baseball players can be little boys, some littler than others."

I guess he doesn't like AJ, which is certainly his option, but this seems like such a severe case of the pot calling the kettle black that I laughed out loud while reading it.

Let's see ... punk, instigator, smart-aleck, rabble-rouser, troublemaker, wise guy ... it seems like someone makes a living moon-lighting as just that character each weekday afternoon on ESPN.  Maybe he just doesn't like himself.  Maybe that expains a lot.

No one deserves to be punched ... ever.

Media Coverage

Kudos to Chicago's newspapers for the amount of coverage given to this series and baseball so far this season. 

Frank Arrival

I mentioned in a earlier post, but we do have a video tribute planned for tomorrow night (pregame) when Frank Thomas returns to Chicago with the Oakland A's.  We also have a special little tribute planned that we hope Frank and our fans enjoy one last time.

Welcome

Paul Sullivan, Tribune beat writer for the Cubs, has endured a tough season so far with his coverage of the team becoming a story in itself in local media.

"I don't like being the center of the story," Sully said Friday. "It's really not a big deal."

Manager Ozzie Guillen gave Sullivan, who has also covered the Sox, a big hug and then gave him a hard time about his season to date.  "We love you, Paul," he said.  I think he stopped short of giving him a kiss ...

I am sure Paul's reception in our dugout will make things even better for him on the other side of town.

But at least he knows he is loved ...

Saturday, May 20, 2006, 4:03 pm

Random, Incoherent Thoughts ...

Well, now, that certainly was interesting ...

A hugely pro-Sox crowd today, even more than Friday ...

White Sox vs. Cubs is never dull ...

Why does this stuff always happen to AJ ...

That really did seem like a cheap shot ...

If you notice, AJ ends up far from the fight action ...

Brian Anderson scored some big time clubhouse points in defending a teammate ...

As did Scott Podsednik ...

Ozzie Guillen was very clear that there would be no retribution from the White Sox ...

BA sent along his hopes that John Mabry was OK ...

Oh, by the way, Tadahito Iguchi homered twice, including a grand slam, and drove in a career-high six runs ...

When asked if he had ever seen this type of behavior in Japan, Iguchi replied, "sometimes" and smiled ...

"Shame is that Freddy Garcia and Tadahito Iguchi will hardly be mentioned tomorrow," said Javier Vazquez.  "Everything will be about the fight" ...

"You mean for the one inning I caught him," answered AJ to a question about how did Garcia look ...

This might really help AJ's Professional Wrestling career ...

Wonder if Michael Barrett is interested in a cage match ...

The White Sox reported no injuries from the melee ...

Over two games and 18 innings, the Sox have allowed only one unearned run ...

Tomorrow, we go for a sweep ...

Go Sox ...

Saturday, May 20, 2006, 9:39 am

Today's Lineup

Pods, LF; Iguchi, 2B; Thome, DH; PK, 1B; Dye, RF; AJ, C; Crede, 3B; Uribe, SS; BA, CF.  Garcia on the mound.

Friday, May 19, 2006, 10:13 am

Pods, LF; Iguchi, 2B; Thome, DH; PK, 1B; Dye, RF; AJ, C; Crede, 3B; Mack CF; Cintron, SS.  Buehrle takes the mound.

The team arrived home around 1:30 am.  By 9 am Neal Cotts was in the clubhouse to work out ("I wake up the same time every day.  It doesn't matter when I go to sleep," he said.).  Ozzie Guillen was going through mail in his office, and Joey Cora was bouncing around from task to task.

Friday, May 19, 2006, 9:08 am

Sox-Cubs Pregame

Maybe it's just me (and obviously, Ozzie), but the buildup to this series this year just doesn't seem to have the same feel.  Maybe i t's too early.  Maybe it's due to the season the Cubs have had so far.  Maybe it's because the afterglow of last year's postseason has dimmed this series.  Not sure, but it jsut doesn't feel the same to me (and Ozzie).

Although he overstated the case a bit (surprise anyone?), Ozzie does have a point about the series from a go-to-work, get-my-job-done perspective for the front office, clubhouse staff and players.

But our fans are obviously pumped for this, and that is what is most important.  I hope Sox fans enjoy today and the weekend, but do so in a classy, fun manner.

We are speculating on what the mix of the crowds will be like this weekend.  Will Cubs fans show up here (and potentially subject themselves to the ribbing) or will they stay home and watch on television?  Will the weekend be a chance for White Sox fans to celebrate last October again and again and again?

It will be interesting to see.

Beware the Underdog

My own sense of this series is the "underdog" going in very often surprises the favored team.  I remember one year the Cubs were flying high and we went to Wrigley Field and sent them into a tailspin. 

We need to play well from the start today.

Long March

Put this in the "we really feel sorry for you" category, but I played Medinah's Golf Course No. 3 on Wednesday with three media friends.  We walked with caddies and I am still sore.  I think I touched every tree on the course and maybe hit a ball off the short stuff five times all day.  I was brutal.  The course was magnificent, and I can't wait for the tournament in August.  It is always amazing to see the PGA guys play the same course as you (say Medinah, Cog Hill or Castle Pines).  It really ends up not being the same course, but it is so amazing to see them play.  They really are that good.

Abuse

I have taken some good-natured abuse in the office today for forgetting my World Series ring at home (I don't wear it too often).

"You have to wear it today," one employee chided.  "What a rookie mistake."

They are right.

More later as the day allows.

Thursday, May 18, 2006, 4:31 pm

Tonight's Lineup

Ozuna, LF; Iguchi, 2B; Thome, DH; PK, 1B; Dye, RF; Crede, 3B; Widger, C; Uribe, SS; BA, CF.  Vazquez pitching.

Contreras Side

Jose Contreras threw another bullpen today and reported no pain.  He is set to go Sunday once he comes off the disabled list.

Coaching News

Don Cooper, Harold Baines, Joey Cora, Art Kusyner and Greg Walker have all agreed to terms on multiyear contract extensions, while Tim Raines and the White Sox will decide on his position at the end of this season, his first as our bench coach.

Hey, We have a Date

Not sure if folks are still enthused about the idea of readers from this site coming to a ballgame together as a group.

Well, if you still think this might be fun, we have reserved space for up to 50 for the White Sox vs. Royals game on August 15 (tried to get a date when college students could attend). 

The deal is you get a ticket to the game (outfield), a pregame party in the patio (all you can eat and drink) and we will have a pregame event in the Conference & Learning Center with a front office rep or two.  Cost is $54 per person.

If interested, call Dustin at 312-674-5186.  First 50 responses, please.  If fewer than that, we still we have fun.

Sox-Cubs info

Check out our release yesterday with information and recommendations for fans attending this weekend's games.  Gates open 2 hours before game time.

Sox-Cubs Pitching

Tuesday, May 16, 2006, 5:32 pm

Tonight's Lineup

Pods, LF; Iguchi, 2B; Thome, DH; PK, 1B; Dye, RF; AJ, C; Crede, 3B; Uribe, SS; BA, CF.

Let's Go White Sox.

Monday, May 15, 2006, 11:28 am

Today's Lineup

Pods, LF; Cintron, 2B; PK, 1B; Thome, DH; Crede, 3B; Mack, RF; Uribe, SS; Widger, C; Anderson, CF.  Freddy Garcia, 41-14 in day games since 1999, starts for the Sox.

Early Morning News

Jose Contreras is scheduled to throw a bullpen session before today's game.

Hermanson Update

Many of you have asked about the health of Dustin Hermanson.

He has started a throwing program in Tucson and will continue to increase his schedule as his endurance and pain threshold allow.  The next step after that would be for Dustin to go on a rehab stint to one of our minor league affiliates, although that remains to be decided in the future.

A Win is a Win

According to our friends at Elias Sports Bureau, Mark Buehrle became the first pitcher since Jack Powell of St. Louis (remember him) on 9/29/1900 at the Cubs to record the victory after allowing seven runs in the first inning.  Powell, who tossed a complete game, earned the win as the Cardinals scored 10 unanswered runs in their 10-7 victory.

About Last Night

The White Sox won despite allowing seven runs in an inning for the first time since 8/21/01 at Kansas City when the Royals scored seven times in the first before the Sox came back to win, 13-12.  Jermaine Dye's home run in the first inning last night was the 200th of his career.  A.J.'s home run in the fourth was his first since 9/1, a span of 56 games.

Triple Play Tidbits

Last night the White Sox turned the 29th triple play in franchise history and first since 7/7/04.  The last six triple plays in franchise history were:  5/14/06; 7/7/04 vs. LAA ... ground ball to Joe Crede; 6/6/96 at Boston ... ground ball to Robin Ventura; 6/15/86 at Sea.; 8/31/81 vs. Det; 6/22/80 vs. Det and 8/6/67 at Bal.

Charlotte Success

Not many have noticed, but our Class AAA club in Charlotte has gone 28-8 to open the season.  The Knights own an eight-game lead in the International League.

Josh Fields went 5-5 with a double, two home runs (his seventh and eighth) and three RBI (23) in yesterday's 7-3 win over Louisville.  Jerry Owens leads the league with 27 runs scored.

Friday, May 12, 2006, 1:31 pm

Aaron Rowand

A great story from lunch ...

During our November budget meetings the fall after Aaron Rowand arrived in Chicago, Jerry Reinsdorf asked if we could add two inches of padding to the outfield wall, because "Aaron is going to need it."

We budgeted for the additional padding, and it went up before the next opening day.

Friday, May 12, 2006, 9:48 am

Know Thyself

I learned something about myself Wednesday night ... I don't have the temperament to watch a knuckleball pitcher start once every five days.  Watching drove me crazy.  It's my problem, and I know I need to deal with it, but it has taken me a day plus to recover.

Nice Catch

How about that Rowand guy?  Now, fans in Philadelphia understand why White Sox fans enjoyed Aaron so much during his time here and still miss him.

Rainout

Yesterday was so crazy, I did not get a chance to post ... so sorry.

The rain kep coming and the forecast was for more rain and cold, so we called the game just after lunch.  We tried to decided on a makeup date, but we could not get an answer yesterday since so many different groups are involved ... players, the union, MLB, us, etc.

Sit tight for a makeup date.  The important thing to note is that tickets for last night's cancelled game will only be good for the makeup game, whenever it occurs.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006, 5:04 pm

Random Sights and Sounds Before a Sox Game

There is nothing in the world like sitting in Ozzie Guillen's office about five hours before a baseball game.

Ozzie sits behind his little glass desk in his long underwear (when he installed the desk two years ago, he took some good-natured ragging about his South Beach desk).  Pictures of his wife, family and friends surround him on the walls.  The United States and Venezuelan flags share a single flagpole.  Awards and trophies are arrayed around the room, along with a great many books, all in Spanish.  A refrigerator sits in the corner, just below a television that is constantly turned on -- alternating among Spanish-language TV, ESPN and local news.

Two couches in Ozzie's office are filled with people, often me, Kenny Williams, Joey Cora, one of Ozzie's sons, visitors from Venezuela (some who can speak English, others who cannot ... it appears).  Players wander in and out.  Coaches wander in and out.  Others poke their heads into his office to say hello or ask a quick question.  Sometimes Ozzie hops up and walks outside into the clubhouse to talk to someone or ask a question.  The phone rings.  Music plays.  We could be at the corner market in Caracas, hanging out on Ozzie's porch in Miami or in the ballpark in Chicago.

And it is constant Ozzie.  Ozzie on the team.  Ozzie on what he did last night.  Ozzie on his kids -- and his kids give it back to Ozzie -- but with respect.  Ozzie on the game that night.  Ozzie on a story from 1984, 1994 or 2004 ... sometimes all at once (today his stream-of-consciousness covered Robert Valido, Juan Agosto, Julio Cruz, Tony La Russa, Kenny Williams ... ).  Ozzie doing impersonations, Ozzie doing imitations (many of AJ), Ozzie making pointed comments, and somewhere in there Ozzie offering a very lucid commentary on his 2006 White Sox.

I wish I could bring a camera into his space and let you see Ozzie in casual action among his friends and teammates.

Then, he often goes outside and repeats the performance for the media.

It really is amazing to see and most days, we leave the room laughing ... which I think I read somewhere is the way you should always leave a room.

Barbs

Yesterday, as he bantered with the media, Ozzie inadvertantly (or intentionally) paid us the greatest compliment.

"The marketing and PR departments around here," he said with a twinkle in his eye and his head tilted slightly.  "All they care about are the fans.  They don't care about the manager.  Fans come first.  The manager is last."

Well, he's certainly not last.  But he's right that we do try and place the fans first.  I think he knows that is the right order -- despite what he might say.

Contreras

Continues to feel better and will undergo an epidural tomorrow.  The only epidural I experienced (well, watched), came past midnight under quite a bit of duress (at least for my wife, less so for me), but the effects and relief were amazing.  Here's to hoping that Jose feels the same way tomorrow afternoon.

Gamer

White Sox scouting analyst Mike Gellinger (who also throws BP and works on the field during practice) took a richocet line drive off the wall of the batting cage and went down today.  After receiving treatment for the cut and bruise, Mike headed back out to batting practice on the field.

The ricochets in our cages are infamous.

Media

Always a fun topic for all ...

Last night, a member of the media I hadn't seen for awhile asked me how the blog was going.

"Everywhere I go, people are talking about it," he offered, with a mix of smart aleck, mild threat, veiled animosity, deep baloney. 

I relayed the comment to a friend later.

"Well, at least you know they are reading," he said with a laugh.

530

With Jim Thome home run blasts reaching amazing distances into the right field stands even in the cool April and May weather, talk has turned to how far balls might fly when the weather turns warm.

We had a team of students from IIT (next door) survey the ballpark prior to the 2003 All-Star Game so that we would know distances to the newly renovated ballpark was accurate.

As part of the study, the team surveyed all the way up the back walls of the ballpark.

"Just in case," they told me then. 

"Yeah, right," I replied.

Well, thankfully, we now know that a home run off the top of the LaSalle Bank sign in right field would have travelled 530 feet had it not hit the sign.  That might be good to know come June-July-August.

Here is an AP shot from before Game 1 of the last World Series that shows roughly what that poke would look like to a batter:

Here's to ...

May Charlie's knuckleball dance tonight ...

Wednesday, May 10, 2006, 1:52 pm

Tonight's Lineup

Pods, LF; Iguchi, 2B; Thome, DH; PK, 1B; Dye, RF; AJ, C; Crede, 3B; Uribe, 3B; Anderson, CF.  Charlie Haeger makes his big league debut.

Welcome

I happened to be in the clubhouse talking to Greg Walker at about 1 pm when Charlie Haeger arrived with his equipment bag slung over his shoulder.

We both welcomed him to Chicago with a handshake.

Charlie is a great guy, and hopefully tonight's start goes well.  A native of Plymouth, Mich., Charlie "retired" in 2003 and went home to coach golf at Livonia State (I believe was the school).  A very good golfer, he won our annual Pro-Am this February in Tucson.

Last Night's Leftovers

The White Sox are 12-1 over their last 13 home games ... the Sox have won eight straight over the Angels (including postseason) and are 7-2 against the AL West ... Freddy Garcia extended his winning streak to five games, his longest since winning six in a row in 2005 ... he did not walk a batter last night for his second straight outing ... threw 52 pitches in the first three innings but just 54 in the final five ... retired the final 16 batters he faced ... is 5-0 with a 3.49 ERA in his last six starts ... Sox starting pitchers have gone 15-2 with a 2.69 ERA and 18 quality starts in the last 22 games.

Tuesday, May 9, 2006, 5:18 pm

Titan of Bronze

Jose is going to be placed on the 15-day disabled list with sciatica, or inflammation in his back that is causing the stiffness.  Knuckleball specialist Charlie Haeger will be recalled from Class AAA Charlotte and start tomorrow's game.

Ozzie and Kenny addressed the media within the past hour, while Jose and Herm Schneider will be available between now and game time.

Ozzie said his prefers to have Haeger start because he is concerned that McCartney may only be able to give him 2-3 innings.  Haeger, who has been starting for Charlotte, can go deeper into the game.

Also, Ozzie hopes that with the time off, Contreras can return in time for the series with the Cubs.

Jose is obviously down and disappointed.

Kenny remarked that even before talking to the pitcher, they had decided today that he would be given the time off to avoid risking anything further.

Conan

For those late owls, tonight's episode of Late Night with Conan O'Brien will feature a segment with Jermaine Dye that was taped early last week. 

Tuesday, May 9, 2006, 4:03 pm

Tonight's Lineup

Pods, LF; Iguchi, 2B; Thome, DH; PK, 1B; Dye, RF; AJ, C; Crede, 3B; Uribe, SS; Anderson, CF; Garcia, pitching.

Note the return of Jermaine Dye to the starting lineup tonight.

Contreras Update

Jose arrived at the ballpark and was called into a meeting with Ozzie Guillen, Kenny Williams, Don Cooper and Joey Cora.

We should have more information soon.

Habitat Build

Is it a good sign if I am already sore?  But the frame of a house is up, the experience was pretty cool and there definitely is some group pride in building something together for another.

The Konerkos, Thomes and Podsedniks stopped by to stay hello, drive a few nails (no injuries to report) and sign pieces of the construction.

Tuesday, May 9, 2006, 10:27 pm

Jose Contreras

Despite alarming reports to the contrary, Jose Contreras really is alive and kicking.  My off day of golf (I know, I hear all of your sympathy through the internet) and Little League practice was interrupted by a flurry of calls from the media after one news outlet reported that he was headed to the DL.  The rumors seemed to range from serious arm problems to a sore hip.

This was news to me (us) ... which sometimes can happen, but doesn't very often.  So I quickly made a couple of calls.

What I found out was that Jose felt some stiffness in his back on Sunday.  The decision was made to wait and see how he feels today before we decide how to proceed.  Options range from doing nothing, to skipping a start to DL, but again, no decision has been made.  Ken Williams, Ozzie Guillen, Herm Schneider, Jose and Don Cooper will probably all get together later this afternoon and decide on next steps.

Anything beyond that would be premature and speculative at this point.

Which brings me to a bit of a pet peeve.

When I was in journalism school (now about 20 years ago, yikes), you could not print or report a fact unless you had two sources to verify the information.  This made sure the information was correct and also protected the journalist from sources intent on using the media to promote their opinion of someone or something as opposed to supporting factual information.

It amazes me how often this "rule" is ignored now.

Take this report, for example.  No one contacted the White Sox to verify any of the information before it was reported.  Don't you think someone should have checked?  It may ultimately turn out to be correct, Jose could have to go onto the disabled list, but it may also turn out to be incorrect, he may be absolutely fine.  Will the reporter and his/her single source be accountable?

In a rush to be first, being accurate and correct becomes secondary, or worse, unimportant.

Making the situation worse is that once one news organization reports information, all the rest follow, potentially repeating the error made by the first.  We ran into this last night.  In the age we now live in, this information passes through media with lightning speed, whether it is accurate and sourced or if it is just speculative rumor.

Sorry to rant.

Let's see how Jose feels later today, we'll decide on a course of action, and we will let our fans know as soon as we can.

Build

PK, Pods, Jim Thome, AJ and their wives will stop by and take part in the MLB/White Sox Habitat for Humanity House Build that is taking place today across the street in Armour Park.  White Sox employees and the players are donating their time and expertise (insert joke here) to help build a house that will be donated to a family that has been re-located to the Chicago area (Lake County) due to Hurricane Katrina. 

I plan to head out there this afternoon to help, but my guess is after they see me drive one nail, I might get moved to the refreshments team.

Sunday, May 7, 2006, 12:05 pm

Today's Lineup

Ozuna, LF; Iguchi, 2B; Thome, DH; PK, 1B; Crede, 3B; Mack, RF; Uribe, SS; Widger, C; Anderson, CF; Buehrle, P.

International Reach

An employee here received an email from his friend showing a clothing store front window in Maastricht, The Netherlands.  Call it Sox appeal ...

Reception

For those of you who weren't in the ballpark, earlier in the week, Carl Everett received a very mixed reception from Sox fans, while Jim Thome received polite, but not overwhelming applause. 

We do have a pregame video planned for when Frank Thomas returns to USCF with Oakland on May 22.  Our game operations staff also has a one-time wrinkle planned that I think fans will enjoy.

WCIU Telecasts

You are correct in noticing that White Sox home games on WCIU are now available in HD.  In fact, all Sox home games -- whether on WGN, Comcast or WCIU -- are now in HD.

I made the jump to HD in July last year.  It is truly amazing for sporting events.  Other times, I catch myself and my kids watching HD programming we would never generally watch but the picture is just so compelling.  The other day, I was watching something like "A day in the life of the rain forest" when I had to catch myself.

Speaking of catches

People around here were still talking about Brian Anderson's layout catch in center field the other night.  Amazing: 350K

AP Photo

Sellouts

Congratulations to our fans ... we just sold out two early May games against the KC Royals.  Attendance for the three-game series against the Angels are strong.  Tickets do remain, so act quickly and act now.

Self Promotion

Allow me to toot our own horn for a minute ...

MLB and diversityinbusiness.com have partnered to recognize America's Best Diverse Suppliers, and the White Sox (and our top 10 suppliers) are featured.

We consistently rank among MLB's leaders in dollars spent with minority and female-owned companies.

"It's really simple," says chairman Jerry Reinsdorf every time he is asked.  "It is good business.  Like anyone, the White Sox want as many qualified suppliers as possible bidding on our business."

Saturday, May 6, 2006, 5:31 pm

Tonight's Lineup

Pods, LF; Iguchi, 2B; Thome, DH; PK, 1B; AJ, C; Crede, 3B; Gload, RF; Uribe, SS; Anderson, CF.  Javier pitches.

Friday, May 5, 2006, 2:51 pm

Today's Lineup

Pods, LF; Iguchi, 2B; Thome, DH; PK, 1B; AJ, C; Crede, 3B; Mack, CF; Cintron, SS; Gload, RF; Garland, RHP.

Don't Blow Our Secret

We have a little surprise planned for Ozzie Guillen today, so please, don't spoil it. 

Ozzie went to the BBWAA dinner this winter in New York to "accept" his manager of the year trophy.  Only they didn't have a trophy ready for him yet.

So since, Ozzie has been griping, mostly in fun, that he was manager of the year and didn't get (blank).

On the last road trip a package arrived for me ... his trophy.  Initially, I was going to head into his office and drop it off.  But then I thought there was no way I could stop with that.

So tonight, at 4:50 pm as the team stretches in the outfield and Ozzie meets with the media, a charter bus with the words "Ozzie's Bus" is going to pull onto the warning track in center field.  The scoreboard and video board will congratulate Ozzie Guillen on being the 2005 American League Manager of the Year, and AJ Pierzynski will get off the bus and deliver Ozzie's trophy to him with pomp and circumstance. 

Let's see if we can pull this off.

Victor's Welcome

As Pablo Ozuna entered the United Center to join his teammates in watching the Bulls playoff game, fans recognized the super sub and began chanting his name.

More Later ...

Thursday, May 4, 2006, 11:06 am

Today's Lineup (same as yesterday)

Pods, LF; Iguchi, 2B; Thome, DH; PK, 1B; AJ, C; Crede, 3B; Mackowiak, CF; Uribe, SS; Gload, RF; Contreras on the mound.

Jeez, what does a guy like Pablo Ozuna need to do to get in the lineup?

Oops

So helpful me goes into the clubhouse this morning and erases the lineup off the grease board because it is the same one as last night.

I go and find Joey.

"Hey," I say, "no one updated the board so I erased it."

"It's the same lineup," he said.  "You're going to owe me for this one."

And he re-wrote the lineup.

"Sorry."

Crazy Game

Amazing, isn't it, how sometimes you win games but they feel like you lost and sometimes you lose games but they feel like victories?

After last night's wild game -- each team tried to win and lose that game multiple times -- I am glad today is a day game.  Let's get Seattle back on the field while they are still thinking about last night.

Go Bulls

Many of the Sox coaches and players are heading to the UC after today's game to catch Game 6 of the Bulls/Heat.  Ozzie always wants to be close to the action, so he and Harold will be near the court.  Everyone else will be taking the game in from the suites.

Congrats

To both Joe Goddard and Ron Rapoport, who are retiring from the Sun-Times after decades of service.

Joe was one of the original beat writers when I began in 1991.  There was a time when the baseball beat was the prize at any paper.  Unfortunately, that is no longer the case.  The baseball beat is a lot of work ... 162 games, spring training, travel, no real offseason ... that younger reporters now do it for a few years before moving on to something easier or in hopes of becoming a columnist.

Joe is among the last of a breed of guys who covered baseball year and year.  They knew the industry and had better sources than anyone else.  There are very few of those lifers left.

To Ron and Joe, enjoy the well-deserved retirement.  For Ron, it sounds like sun and books.  For Joe, I know retirement means gardening and visiting Civil War battlefields to walk through history.

Enjoy.

Wednesday, May 3, 2006, 10:39 pm

Ozzie Guillen on Pablo Ozuna

On the HR to tie the game ...

"We just were hoping for a single, stolen base and then figured we would take a shot with Uribe.  I'm not that smart.

"The last at-bat from him is the way people should play the game.  To take the extra base like he did, you need to do it from the go-get, as soon as you leave the batter's box.

"To me, it's exciting to see this guy play.  That's the way Pablo plays.  He hustles and plays hard."

Pablo Ozuna on the home run and scoring the winning run

"As soon as I hit the ball, I realized the second baseman and center fielder were slow to the all and decided to take a chance.

on his first career home run ...

"I had been ready to go since the fourth inning because I knew there were a lot of left-handers in their bullpen.  I just wanted to swing the bat and hit the ball hard somewhere.  I was looking for a pitch to hit in the strike zone.  I got it.  I knew it was gone when I hit it.

"It was my best moment personally.  I was excited I did my job."

Juan Uribe on his game-winning hit

"I was glad.  The AB before, I tried to do too much.  I knew the CF was deep and knew the ball had a chance to drop in. 

"I tried to calm myself down before the AB and just try to put the ball in play.  When you put the ball in play, good things can happen.

"Personally, Ozzie Guillen has pushed me to be all that I can be, which is an every day player in the major leagues.  I really like that he pushes me and rides me because it pays off."

Wednesday, May 3, 2006, 4:23 pm

Chris Widger

Saw Chris as he walked in and asked him how he felt.  He said fine and looked to be feeling OK.  I told him it sounded scary on TV and he said the guys in the bullpen said they heard it.  "I didn't hear a thing," Wid said. 

"Yeah, except the bells," I replied.

Jermaine Dye

Was receiving treatment on his calf from Herm Schneider.

Feedback

Had a chance to review all your recent comments on this blog.  We did pretend that our west coast trip actually took us through central illinois and into eastern iowa.

Also, Dawn, I appreciate your idea of trying to hold a group event before a game later this year.  How much interest is there and I will try to organize in my free time ...

Good Story

From a Sox staffer who lives near the Ritz downtown ... as he was leaving his condo, the doormen stopped him to look at his World Series ring.  Who is standing there in a White Sox hat but Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat (in town for the playoffs).  He came over and checked out the ring bling.

Wednesday, May 3, 2006, 2:16 pm

Back in the Saddle

Sorry to disappear for a while again. 

Today's Lineup

Pods, LF; Iguchi, 2B; Thome, DH; PK, 1B; AJ, C; Crede, 3B; Mackowiak, CF; Uribe, SS; Gload, RF.  Garcia pitching.

Return of the King(s)

Talk around the water cooler, in chat rooms and even in our clubhouse continued to focus on Jim Thome's reception Monday night in Cleveland.

Many called it the worst they have ever experienced.  Guys had been giving Jim **** for a week leading up to Monday about how nice his reception would be, how it would be a love-in of a homecoming.  The results were just the opposite.

Someone came up with a great idea for tonight.  Our fans should welcome Jim back with a standing ovation ... the one he did not receive in Cleveland.  I bet he will acknowledge the fans.

Carl Everett also returns tonight for the first time since the 2005 World Series.  Fans on-line were debating how he should be received after dissing the team and organization this spring.  I tend to agree with those fans who point out that any member of the World Champion team should never be booed at U.S. Cellular Field.  At most, they should be met with indifference.

So the other question is how will White Sox fans receive Frank Thomas on May 22 when he returns as a member of the Oakland Athletics?  What do you guys think will happen/or should happen?  Let me know ...

Crowds

Tickets remain for all games on this homestand, but they are going fast for the Royals series.  If you are planning to come to one of the games this weekend, buy now, don't wait.

Ring Raffle

Raffle tickets for the World Series Ring Raffle are available.  Sales are steady, so we suggest you buy now rather than wait until July when the raffle ends.  Ticket sales are limited to 100,000 and three lucky fans will win.  Proceeds go to Chicago White Sox Charities.