Author Archive
Peavy vs. Twins Usually Equals Good Results
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
White Sox Target Twins After Sale Gem
Monday, May 13, 2013
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. Twins at Target Field, Minneapolis (7:10 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Hector Santiago (1-1) for the Sox, Pedro Hernandez (1-0) for Minnesota.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Ramirez, SS; Rios, RF; Viciedo, DH; Dunn, 1B; Keppinger, 3B; Wells, LF; Flowers, C; Greene, 2B.
Sale and History
As a result of his magnficent outing in last night’s 3-0 victory over the Angels, Sale is the 12th Sox pitcher to throw a shutout while allowing one hit with no walks or hit batters, and just the sixth since 1958 to equal those numbers when facing 27 or 28 hitters.
The five others since ’58 are: Billy Pierce (6/27/58, 3-0 vs. Washington), Gary Peters (7/15/63, 4-0 vs. Baltimore), LaMarr Hoyt (5/2/84, 3-0 vs. New York Yankees), Floyd Bannister (9/13/87, 2-0 at Seattle) and Zach Stewart (9/5/11, 4-0 at Minnesota).
Sale also joined St. Louis’ Shelby Miller, Boston’s Jon Lester and the New York Mets’ Matt Harvey who worked 9.0 scoreless innings and allowed no more than one batter to reach base via a hit, walk or HBP this month. This is the first time in the modern era (since 1900) that four pitchers have accomplished the feat in a single month.
Back to Reality
Last night, Chris was enjoying the fruits of his labor. This morning, he was off to the dentist to have an abscessed tooth pulled. Don’t worry, it won’t affect his next start.
My Personal “Wow” Pitching Performances
Last night’s overpowering one-hitter by left-hander Chris Sale got me thinking about how lucky I have been during my 23 seasons with the White Sox and how many awesome pitching performances I have been fortunate enough to witness. According to the record books, there have been two perfect games, two other no-hitters, five one-hitters and 10 outings with 13 or more strikeouts during my time with the Sox.
So, if you’ll allow me, here are my personal Top 10 White Sox pitching outings since 1991. Hopefully the list will bring back a lot of good memories for Sox fans:
10. You can’t have a list without mentioning Jack McDowell, who threw a one-hitter at Milwaukee in July 1991. Mr. Complete Game from 1991-93, Jack won the Cy Young Award in leading the Sox to the division title in 1993.
9. Javier Vazquez struck out 13 to beat the Royals in 2007. There were nights when he was unhittable.
8. Jason Bere’s 14-strikeout performance on June 28, 1995 at Minnesota. His second 14-strikeout effort in consecutive seasons.
7. Alex Fernandez’s one-hitter on May 4, 1992 vs. Milwaukee. He, too, was dealing.
6. Sale’s 15-strikeout performance at Tampa Bay on May 28, 2012. He fell just one strikeout short of Jack Harshman’s club record. I sense Chris likes pitching in front of friends and family.
5. Chris Sale last night. Just electric.
4. Mark Buehrle’s no-hitter vs. Texas in 2007. First, we were amazed that a pitcher with stuff like Buehrle would throw a no-hitter, and then came that day in 2009!
3. Philip Humber’s Perfect Game in Seattle last April. Great guy. Truly sorry it hasn’t gone better for Philip.
2. Wilson Alvarez’s no-hitter in Baltimore on August 11, 1991. It was an amazing story as he was just up from Class AA, his first White Sox start. I had just worked for the White Sox for 20 days and this was my first trip on the road with the team. It also happened to be my first wedding anniversary (note to others: if you are going to work in baseball DON’T get married during the season). My wife and I spent the entire night in the hotel room answering phone calls from Venezuela. We ate room service.
1. Mark Buehrle’s Perfect Game of July 23, 2009, of course. Nothing comes close.
Honorable mention for me was a performance by an opponent, Bret Saberhagen of KC on August 26, 1991. Moreso than the no-hitter by Minnesota’s Francisco Liriano, what I remember most from this game was just how dominating Saberhagen was. You had a sense after just two innings–a little bit like you did with Sale last night–that there was a chance for something special. And although we took the loss, you just had to be impressed by his performance that night. I don’t think a pitch ever came up above the knees. It was my second no-hitter in five weeks on the job and I thought, “Man, this is easy …”
On the Way Back
Gordon Beckham, recovering from a broken bone in his left wrist, took flips in the batting cage today and said he felt great. Of course, that makes all of us feel great. Can’t wait to get him healthy and back in the lineup.
Play of the Day
What else? Here’s Sale in action during last night’s virtuoso performance.
http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=27081555&topic_id=28033182&c_id=cws
Quote of the Day
Tuesday’s White Sox starter Jake Peavy stepped out into the Sox dugout on Sunday and immediately zipped up his jacket.
“Wow,” he said. “I just looked at the weather for Tuesday in Minneapolis, and it’s supposed to be 90 degrees. That’s like a 50-degree change. Crazy.”
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Twins at Target Field, Minneapolis (7:10, CT, WCIU). Starters: Jake Peavy (4-1) for the Sox, Kevin Correia (4-1) for Minnesota.
Did You Know…
…that as a result of last night’s win, Robin became the 27th White Sox manager to collect at least 100 victories?
Photo/Video of the Day
Sale was last night’s headliner, but Alexei Ramirez’s clutch two-out, two-run single in the seventh inning got the Sox on the scoreboard in what had been a scoreless deadlock.
http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=27080573&topic_id=8879206&c_id=cws
ESPN Sunday Night Baseball: Mother’s Day Edition
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. Angels at U.S. Cellular Field (7:05 p.m., CT, ESPN). Starters: Chris Sale (3-2) for the Sox, C.J. Wilson (3-1) for the Halos.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Ramirez, SS; Rios, RF; Konerko, 1B; Viciedo, DH; Keppinger, 3B; Wells, LF; Flowers, C; Greene, 2B.
Memories
Ron KIttle, the A.L. Rookie of the Year in 1983, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before tonight’s game as part of the on-going celebration of the ’83 “Winning Ugly” Sox. Here, Kitty reminisces about that championship season.
Sox Look to Give Robin his 100th Victory as Skipper
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. Angels at U.S. Cellular Field (6:10 p.m., CT, WGN). Starters: Jose Quintana (2-0) for the Sox, Jerome Williams (1-1) for L.A.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Ramirez, SS; Rios, RF; Konerko, DH; Dunn, 1B; Viciedo, LF; Keppinger, 3B; Flowers, C; Greene, 2B.
Robin
A victory tonight will give RV his 100th win as manager of the Sox.
Kitty
Ron Kittle, the 1983 American League Rookie of the Year, will be the next member of the ’83 “Winning Ugly” Sox to throw out the ceremonial first pitch during our season-long Sunday tribute to the A.L. West championship team. Kitty will do the honors tomorrow night before the nationally televised game vs. the Angels on ESPN.
Good Works
The White Sox Volunteer Corps along with Sox players Alex Rios and Matt Thornton, pitching coach Don Cooper and broadcaster Darrin Jackson were out in full force today at the Park Manor Elementary School in Chicago. Here’s Alex, Matt and two volunteers doing their part to beautify the school.
Quote of the Day
Sox GM Rick Hahn on the club’s early season performance. The bottom line? Keep the faith:
“We did feel going into the season that starting pitching was going to be one of our strengths and thus far it’s been tested, but it’s also been proven to be one of the strengths, which is nice…We have been disappointed the way things have started from an offensive standpoint and even defensively has been a little bit erratic and not up to the standards we set last year. That being said, we do have a fair amount of guys with some substantial track records behind them which gives you reason to believe that there will be some improvement back toward those career norms. We are talking about a team that last year was fourth in the league in runs scored and there’s no reason to believe that this permutation of that team with some improvements in some areas and a lot of the same personnel in others is going to wind up at the bottom of the league in runs scored. So we expect there to be a correction fairly soon, but thus far it’s been disappointing and it’s time to get going.
“…You always want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to try to push that magic button and make that move that’s going to solve whatever problem may be in front of you, whether it’s a health standpoint, or depth or the bench or as we just talked about, our offense. You do have to try to let things unfold and give guys the chance to show their true colors and their true performance levels over an extended period of time. Obviously you don’t wait for that indefinitely and you don’t spend the whole summer just waiting around and hoping that things are going to get better. But this early on there’s still the expectation that guys are going to return to their previous norms.”
Play of the Day
Dayan Viciedo’s two-run double in last night’s 7-5 loss to the Angels, his first game back since returning from the DL.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Angels at U.S. Cellular Field (7:05 p.m., CT, ESPN). Chris Sale (3-2) for the Sox, C.J. Wilson (3-2) for the Halos.
Did You Know…
…that White Sox starters own a fine 2.78 ERA during the last 20 games?
Photo/Video of the Day
In last night’s game, Alejandro De Aza gave the Sox an early lead with his second consecutive leadoff home run and his seventh homer of the season.
A Big Weekend Ahead
Following the game, Harold cemented his reputation as a man of few, but powerful words. When asked by a media member if he got all of the ball with his swing, Baines famously replied, in his matter-of-fact manner, “Evidently.”
That “evidently” response became one of the most famous ever uttered on the South Side.
Fast forward to this new 30-second video for White Sox Family Sundays and you’ll see Baines deliver the line with more excitement than longtime Harold watchers can ever remember. And keep your eyes and ears on Ron Kittle at the end of the spot for a good chuckle. http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=26793781
On to the Next Round
Congrats to the Blackhawks for their convincing 5-1 win over the Wild last night to win their first round playoff series. Go Hawks!
Jake Returns
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Homecoming
Thanks Danks
Monday, May 6, 2013
Today’s News
The Game
Final: White Sox 2, Royals 1 (11 innnings)
Highlights: Jordan Danks’ long solo homer in the 11th proved to be the game-winner in a very sweet victory…The Sox loaded the bases in the ninth on singles by Jeff Keppinger, Alex Rios and Adam Dunn and with two outs tied the score at 1-1 on an Alexei Ramirez single…After giving up a run in the first inning and throwing 57 pitches through two, Chris Sale settled down and was superb, going 7.1 innings. He gave up just six hits, didn’t allow a walk and struck out five. His pitch count ended up at 119, tying a career high…Matt Lindstrom (0.2), Matt Thornton (1.0), Jesse Crain (1.0) and Addison Reed (1.0) pitched scoreless ball in the final 3.2 innings. Reed got credit for his 11th save.
Surgery for Gavin
Gavin Floyd will undergo season-ending surgery tomorrow in New York City to repair the ulnar collateral ligament and a torn flexor muscle in his elbow. Expected recovery time for the 30-year-old Floyd is approximately 14-19 months. Surgery will be performed by Dr. David Altchek.
Viciedo Update
Dayan, on the DL with a strained oblique, starts his 4 or 5 game rehab stint tonight with Class AAA Charlotte in Columbus, OH.
Family Field Day
White Sox fans have the opportunity to experience U.S. Cellular Field like the pros on Saturday, May 18 at Family Field Day. Our annual event provides fans the chance to play catch on the outfield grass, warm-up in the bullpens and visit the dugouts. Tickets for the event are $30 per adult and $12 per child with all proceeds benefitting White Sox Charities.
Additionally, we will be holding the Garage Sale in the Patio area from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. with free admission. The Garage Sale allows fans to shop for game-worn items including jerseys, game-used equipment, such as bats and gloves, along with other memorabilia. All sales from the Garage Sale benefit White Sox Charities.
Today we had the chance to catch up with long-time White Sox fan and Tinley Park native Shane Mosely. Shane has been attending Family Field Day for the last six years with his wife and son. This year, the couple has a newborn son that will experience U .S. Cellular Field for the first time at Family Field Day.
Upon chatting with Shane, he provided some insight about what drew him to the event and what keeps them coming back.
“Family Field Day is an atmosphere unparalleled by game days or other events” said Shane. “At Family Field Day, you have the opportunity to relax and explore U.S. Cellular Field surrounded by other families that are also passionate Sox fans.”
The event also allows a White Sox fan to experience the field from a player’s perspective, something that even the best seats don’t allow. Shane’s oldest son, now six, loves exploring the field—from the dugouts to the bullpen.
“He pretends to manage the team from the dugout; phone in calls and make base running signs. In the bullpen, he imagines himself warming up as a reliever.”
Family Field Day isn’t only for kids, though. Last year, the Mosley’s brought Shane’s father-in-law who, according to Shane, had more fun than anyone else there.
“He loved playing catch on the grass” said Shane. “He was able to feel like a ballplayer, even at his age”.
Family Field Day has become a tradition for the Mosley’s and part of that tradition means stopping by the Garage Sale to purchase a game-used bat. Each year, they purchase a cracked bat—Shane noted they’re surprisingly affordable—as a memento of their experience.
“We’ve purchased something each year we’ve attended Family Field Day. It’s a perfect way to remember the event.”
Play of the Day
Mr. Danks’ extra-inning blast, which proved to be the difference. It was Jordan’s second career home run and second game-winner. Last season, on August 10 against the A’s, he became the second player in franchise history to hit his first major-league homer on a game-ending blast (Dave Gallagher did it in 1988).
Quote of the Day
Jake Peavy on his health status after missing a start due to back problems:
“I think we’re all on point to go on Wednesday night (against the Mets). I’m super excited about that. Can’t thank our training staff, Herm (Schneider) and A.T. (Allen Thomas), enough–please give them the due respect. A few days ago I didn’t feel good at all…For me to feel the way I did and only to miss one start, I can’t thank them enough getting me back out there…Hopefully we can help turn this thing around and start getting in the win column more often.”
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Mets at Citi Field, New York (6:10 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Hector Santiago (1-1) for the Sox, Matt Harvey (4-0) for the Mets.
Did You Know…
…that nine of the Sox’s last 24 games against the Royals have gone into extra innings (including the last two)?
Photo of the Day
Hero of the Day!
Sale Aims to be Stopper in Series Finale Tomorrow Afternoon
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Today’s News
The Game
Final: Royals 6, White Sox 5 (10 innings)
Highlights: Down 3-1, the Sox offense came alive in the seventh inning as Alejandro De Aza’s double scored Hector Gimenez and Dewayne Wise (who both singled)…De Aza, who moved to third on Jeff Keppinger’s groundout, scored on a wild pitch…Alex Rios accounted for the fourth run of the inning with his seventh homer of the season.
Congrats to Bulls
No Rose? No Deng? No Hinrich? No problem. The shorthanded Bulls, led by an inspired Joakim Noah, showed their grit last night by winning Game 7 of their first round series on the road in Brooklyn. Loved the headline in today’s Trib: Broadway Jo.
Next up–the World Champion Heat, beginning tomorrow night.
Play(s) of the Day
Rios’s homer, De Aza’s two-run double and Wise’s three-hit day.
Quote of the Day
Robin on the upcoming Sox pitching rotation, which includes a decision on the next start for Jake Peavy, who has been dealing with a back issue.
“(Chris) Sale’s going to go Monday so he’ll go on regular rest. Jake’s just pushed back at this point. It’s kind of wait and see how he’s doing. Hopefully it gets better by tomorrow, that’s when you start having to make decisions about Wednesday. Hector (Santiago) will go first day in New York (Tuesday). Everybody goes on their regular rest and figure out when Jake’s going to get better.”
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Royals at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City (1:10 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Chris Sale (3-2) for the Sox, James Shields (2-2) for K.C.
Did You Know…
…that 24 of the White Sox’s 29 games this season have been decided by three runs or less?
Photo of the Day
No. 7 for Alex.
A Battle Royal
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. Royals at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City (6:10 p.m., CT, WGN). Starters: Dylan Axelrod (0-1) for the Sox vs. Jeremy Guthrie (3-0) for K.C.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, LF; Keppinger, 2B; Rios, RF; Dunn, 1B; Konerko, DH; Gillaspie, 3B; Ramirez, SS; Flowers, C; Wise, CF.
Congratulations/Good Luck!
Congrats to the Blackhawks for going up two games to none in the Western Conference quarterfinals with a convincing 5-2 win last night over the Wild.
And good luck to the Bulls tonight in Game 7 of their NBA Eastern Conference first round series against the Nets in Brooklyn.
Quote of the Day
“Vote for the White Sox on your All-Star ballot,” says yours truly.
http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2013/ballot.jsp?tcid=ASG13_Trending
Play of the Day
While the White Sox game was postponed, Sox catching prospect Josh Phegley went 3-5, with a pair of homers and four RBI last night in Class AAA Charlotte’s 10-2 victory at Toledo.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Royals at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City (1:10 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Jose Quintana (2-0) for the Sox, Wade Davis (2-2) for K.C.
Did You Know…
…that Conor Gillaspie is hitting .345 with three homers, five RBI and five walks in the last nine games? Adam Dunn has three home runs, six RBI and four runs scored over his last seven? Tyler Greene is hitting .304 with a triple, home run, two RBI and four runs scored in his six starts at second base? And Alejandro De Aza has hit safely in 10 of his last 12 games with two homers, 13 RBI and nine runs scored?
Photo of the Day
Lefthanded pitcher Dickey Kerr, who won 53 games in four seasons with the White Sox and is best known for winning both of his starts as a rookie in the 1919 “Black Sox” World Series against Cincinnati, died 50 years ago today in Houston, TX.
Approximately 20 miles from Houston in Sugarland, TX, a statue of Kerr was unveiled last month at Constellation Field, home of the independent Atlantic League’s Sugarland Skeeters.
mlblogswhitesoxpride1
Scott Reifert
Recent Comments