Author Archive

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.

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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.

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Sox-Royals Postponed, Makeup Game Monday

Friday, May 3, 2013
 
Today’s News
 
Tonight’s Game
 
Postponed due to inclement weather. Makeup game will be played Monday at 1:10 p.m, CT.
 
Feeling Better
 
Jake Peavy, who missed his start last night due to back issues, said that he’s feeling better. He”ll get more treatment today and is hoping to pitch on Monday.
 
Getting Closer
 
John Danks took another step toward the major leagues last night in a rehab start with Class AA Birmingham. He pitched seven solid innings against Chattanooga, giving up two runs on five hits, striking out one and walking one. His velocity was between 84-87 and he hit as high as 91 mph later in the game.
 
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Gillaspie Impresses the Captain
 
 
Play(s) of the Day
 
Tyler Flowers’ three-run homer, his fourth blast of the season, proved to be the difference in the White Sox’s 3-1 victory last night, giving the Sox the series win in Texas. Hector Santiago, in for Peavy, pitched a strong 5.1 innings, allowing just one run, two hits, two walks and six strikeouts. Matt Lindstrom, Matt Thornton, Jesse Crain and Addison Reed finished it off with 3.2 scoreless innings. Reed recorded his 10th save in as many attempts.
 
Quote of the Day
 
Robin on the Sox winning their first road series of the year:
 
“Nobody’s easy, but these guys (the Rangers) are tough. We scratched Jake tonight, Hector fills in on short rest and does a great job. It’s a good way to start a road trip, especially how bad the last one was. Not only were we losing, but losing people. 
 
“We’re still losing people, but at least we’re winning games.” 
 
Always taking things in stride, RV said the last sentence with a chuckle.
 
Tomorrow’s Schedule
 
White Sox vs. Royals at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City (7:10 p.m., CT, WGN). Probable starters: Dylan Axelrod (0-1) for the Sox vs. Jeremy Guthrie (3-0) for K.C.
 
Did You Know…
 
…that Paul Konerko leads all active players with 142 RBI vs. the Royals and ranks second in homers with 42?
 
Photo of the Day
 
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Tyler Flowers’ game-winning homer.

Santiago Replaces Peavy in Rubber Game of Series

Thursday, May 2, 2013
 
Today’s News
 
Tonight’s Game
 
White Sox vs. Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (7:05 p.m., CT, CSN+). Starters: Hector Santiago (0-1) for the Sox, Justin Grimm (2-0) for Texas. Santiago, who was scheduled to start tomorrow night in Kansas City, replaces Jake Peavy who was scratched due to back spasms.
 
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Keppinger, 2B; Rios, RF; Dunn, 1B; Konerko, DH; Gillaspie, 3B; Ramirez,SS; Flowers, C; Wells, CF.
 
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Gavin
 
“The news isn’t always good and it’s just one of those you keep getting a different opinion to have all your bases covered because once you go there (alluding to surgery), it’s for a long time,” Robin said before the game today about the issue with Floyd’s elbow. “I think for him it’s the comfort of knowing he is doing the right thing and getting enough opinions from experts. It is ultimately his decision.”
 
Gavin indicated he would address the media following tonight’s game.
 
Scheduling Update
 
The Friday, April 19 home game vs. the Twins, which was postponed, will be played as part of a split doubleheader on Friday August 9–at 1:10 and 7:10 p.m., CT.  The postponed Tuesday, April 23 game vs. the Indians at U.S. Cellular Field has been moved to Friday, June 28, and will be part of a straight doubleheader starting at 4:10 p.m., CT.
 
The Sounds of Baseball
 
Peavy, Adam Dunn and numerous other major leaguers talk about the sounds they hear at the ballpark in this entertaining piece by ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian.
 
 
Play(s) of the Day
 
The pair of homers in the seventh inning last night–a solo blast by Conor Gillaspie, his third home of the year, and a two-run shot by Alejandro De Aza, his fifth–that backed Chris Sale’s outstanding outing in the 5-2 Sox win that evened the series at 1-1. Here are the Gillaspie and De Aza homers:
 

atmlb.com/16qJXQw 

Quote of the Day

 
RV on Sale’s ability to get out of further trouble in the second inning last night after allowing two runs with the bases still loaded and one out:
 
“The one inning, it just seemed like there were people all over the place. For him to come out and only give up two to that lineup, he gutted through it. I think that was the first time you started noticing him work really hard as far as having to have command, having to get a strikeout…After that he was pretty good as far as being able to get ahead, keep (them) a little bit off balance. It’s a tough lineup to go through…”
 
Tomorrow’s Schedule
 
White Sox vs. Royals at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City (7:10 p.m., CT, CSN). Probable starters: Dylan Axelrod (0-1) for the Sox, Jeremy Guthrie (3-0) for Kansas City.
 
Did You Know…
 
…that the White Sox have won 18 of its last 27 games vs. the American League West and are 66-43 (.606) since 2010, second only to the Yankees (.618) in winning percentage among A.L. teams?
 
Photo of the Day
 
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Pitching seven strong innings, Sale won his third game of the season in last night’s Sox victory.

 

Sale on the Bump

Wednesday, May 1, 2013
 
Today’s News
 
Tonight’s Game
 
White Sox vs. Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (7:05 p.m., CT, WCIU). Starters: Chris Sale (2-2) for the Sox, Nick Tepesch (2-1) for Texas.
 
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, LF; Keppinger, 2B; Rios, RF; Dunn, DH; Konerko, 1B; Gillaspie, 3B; Ramirez, SS; Flowers, C; Wise, CF.
 
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Omogrosso recalled, Veal to Charlotte
 
Before tonight’s game, the Sox optioned LHP Donnie Veal to Class AAA Charlotte and recalled RHP Brian Omogrosso from the same club.
 
Sox Notes of Note
 
Sale is 7-0 with a 3.18 ERA and 69 strikeouts lifetime against the A.L. West…the Sox have homered in nine straight games…Adam Dunn is hitting .321 with 12 homers and 18 RBI in 24 career games vs. the Rangers.
 
White Sox Volunteer Corps
 
Join the Volunteer Corps and participate in White Sox Service Day on May 11. Sign up today:
 
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Play of the Day
 
Dewayne Wise went 4-4 with a two-run shot, his first homer of the season, and a double in last night’s 10-6 loss to Texas. 
 
Quote of the Day
 
Wise on the Sox’s early struggles (from Dan Hayes at CSNChicago.com):
 
“Nobody is stressing about it. We all know what we can do. We have to keep working hard and things will come our way.”
 
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Tomorrow’s Schedule
 
White Sox vs. Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (7:05 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Jake Peavy (3-1) for the Sox, Justin Grimm (2-0) for Texas.
 
Did You Know…
 
…that 62 years ago today White Sox icon Minnie Minoso, acquired from the Indians the day before, made his Sox debut against the Yankees at Comiskey Park? He hit a long two-run home run off the first pitch in his first at bat. And the rest is history.
 
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Photo/Video of the Day
 
Dunn blasts No. 6 last night vs. the Rangers.

Deep in the Heart of Texas

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Today’s News

Tonight’s Game

White Sox vs Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (7:05 p.., CT, CSN+). Starters: Jose Quintana (2-0) for the Sox, Yu Darvish (4-1) for Texas. 

Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, LF; Greene, 2B; Rios, RF; Dunn, 1B; Konerko, DH; Gillaspie, 3B; Ramirez, SS; Gimenez, C; Wise, CF.

Casper Wells Joins Sox

On yesterday’s off-day the White Sox acquired righthanded-hitting outfielder Casper Wells from the Oakland A’s for cash considerations. To make room on the 40-man roster, pitcher Leyson Septimo was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

Wells, a four-year major leaguer who is a career .244 hitter with 25 homers and 80 RBI in 244 games, takes Blake Tekotte’s spot on the 25-man roster. Tekotte was optioned to Class AAA Charlotte after Sunday’s game.

In addition to the A’s, Wells has seen action with the Tigers and Mariners. Here’s what was waiting for him in his locker in Arlington:

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Good Report

Dayan Viciedo, on the disabled list with a strained oblique, feels a lot better today. He took about 25 swings and didn’t have any pain.

Jordan Danks

Jordan was in the starting lineup tonight, but removed in favor of Dewayne Wise due to an inflamed bursa sac in his right knee. The lineup change was a precaution and Jordan is day-to-day.

Quote of the Day

Robin on managing with key players on the DL:

“Guys are playing hard. You try to make do and make sure everybody’s giving some constant effort. That’s all you can ask.”

Play of the Day

Paul Konerko, boasting a .500 batting average with runners in scoring position, is among the American League leaders–tied for fifth place with the Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera.

Tomorrow’s Schedule

White Sox vs. Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (7:05 p.m., CT, WCIU). Starters: Chris Sale (2-2) for the Sox, Nick Tepesch (2-1) for Texas.

Did You Know…

…that the Sox were 6-3 against the Rangers last season and won five straight games against Texas in July, including a three-game sweep at U.S. Cellular Field, July 3-5?

Photo of the Day

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Jose goes for victory #3.

A Milestone Homer for Paulie and #SoxSocial Trends on Twitter

Sunday, April 29, 2013

Today’s News 

The Game:

The White Sox and Tampa Bay split their four-game series as the Rays came out on top today, 8-3. Paul Konerko smashed a two-run homer in the third inning, his fourth of the season and 426th of his career. PK is now tied with Hall of Famer Billy Williams for 45th on the all-time home run list…Dylan Axelrod had another quality start, giving up three runs and four hits in six innings of work.

#SoxSocial Day

Today was the first #SoxSocial Day and because we trended on Twitter, fans will get: a 20 percent discount at whitesox.com/shop if they use code: CWSTRENDING, a 20 percent discount at Chicago Sports Depot if they present this tweet:

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There’s also a special ticket deal for the May 24 game against Miami. Use the promo code: SOCIAL (both online and at the box office). The offer, good through April 29 at 6:00 p.m., CT, is $15 for outfield and bleacher seats (currently $26/$24) and $14 for upper box seats (currently $19).

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Gavin to DL; Heath Promoted

Before today’s game, the Sox placed Gavin Floyd on the 15-day DL with a flexor muscle strain in his right elbow and Deunte Heath was promoted from Class AAA Charlotte to replace him on the roster. Hector Santiago will replace Floyd in the rotation while Heath will be part of the bullpen mix.

Keppinger Update

According to Robin, Jeff Keppinger, who has missed the past three games with a back issue, should be ready to go on Tuesday in Texas.

Beckham Speaks

Gordon Beckham, on the DL with a fractured hamate bone in his left wrist, visited with Hawk and Steve today in the WGN booth during the top of the third inning. Beckham said he feels that he turned the corner last season and has gotten back to where he was in his rookie year. He added that it’s the first time he’s been on the DL, which has been a different experience, and he’s working hard to get back on the field as soon as possible. Gordon also said his job now is to be a good teammate by giving his support on the bench and in the clubhouse.

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A Step Closer to Chicago

John Danks will pitch for Class AA Birmingham vs. Chattanooga Thursday on a minor-league rehab assignment.

Spanky Remembers

Another Sunday, another celebration of the 1983 A.L. West Champion Sox. First baseman Mike “Spanky” Squires, a member of that club who wore the Sox uniform for 10 seasons, reminisces about that memorable campaign.

http://atmlb.com/YejWRY

Quote of the Day

Today, Hall of Famer Carlton “Pudge” Fisk, a star on the ’83 Sox, threw out the ceremonial first pitch and expressed how much he enjoys coming back to the ballpark:

“A good part about these Throwback Sundays is remembering the ’83 team with the uniforms and the guys, calling us back. I haven’t seen Thiggy (Bobby Thigpen) for a long time or Harold (Baines) or all these guys. Then once you see them it’s like you’ve been around them all these years. It’s really familiar and very satisfying to come here and be a part of the whole deal.”

Play of the Day

Paulie’s homer. Take a look:

http://atmlb.com/ZW0IMd  

Tomorrow’s Schedule

Off-day. On Tuesday, White Sox vs. Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (7:05 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Jose Quintana (2-0) for the Sox, Yu Darvish (4-1) for Texas.

Did You Know…

…that Pudge played longer for the White Sox (13 seasons) than he did for the Boston Red Sox (11 seasons)?

Photo of the Day

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No. 426 for Paulie

#TWTW

Saturday, April 27, 2013
 
Today’s News
 
Tonight’s Game
 
White Sox vs. Rays at U.S. Cellular Field (6:10 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Gavin Floyd (0-3) for the Sox, Matt Moore (4-0) for the Tampa Bay.
 
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, LF; Greene, 2B; Rios, RF; Dunn, DH; Konerko, 1B; Ramirez, SS; Gillaspie, 3B; Flowers, C; Danks, CF.
 
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The Will To Win: White Sox Style
 
I think you had to be living in Australia or on a remote island to have have missed this week’s “battle” between Ken “Hawk” Harrelson and MLB Network’s Brian Kenny over the importance and value of sabermetrics. As an organizaiton, probably like most MLB organizations, we utilize both “new school” statistical analysis and “old school” scouting to collect data and opinions for GM Rick Hahn, Ken Williams, Robin Ventura and others to use before making a decision. For us, the whole debate is entertaining, as is Hawk’s creation of TWTW, which stands for The Will To Win. When you can measure that, he says, and factor that into statistical analysis, well, then you’ll be on to something.
 
Scott Merkin of whitesox.com caught up with Hahn yesterday.
 
“You’ll be happy to know that we’ve run the numbers, and we rank extraordinarily high on the TWTW metric right now,” Hahn told Merkin. “As you know, it has proven over the years to be a harbinger of good things to come. Hawk is great and just as people who may approach the game from a more objective standpoint want to have their voices heard and their opinions respected, I think given a man who has accomplished what he has in the game over seven different decades deserves the same respect and the opportunity to air his opinions.”
 
To that, Merkin tweeted an “Amen.”
 
Happy Ending
 
Around 6:00 p.m. last night, I wandered back toward Herm Schneider’s training room (because it does belong to Herm) and ran into Jake Peavy walking down the hall. Nornally, I am old school and don’t talk to that day’s starting pitcher, but I bumped into Jake so fast that I didn’t really have time to think.
 
“How’s it going?” I said as a greeting.
 
“I’ll tell you in three hours,” he replied.
 
It was indeed a happy ending as Jake got credit for this third win of the season in the 
5-4 Sox victory.
 
Bobblehead Harold
 
Tonight is Harold Baines bobblehead night. Take a look at Harold and his little buddy.
 
Pudge
 
With the Sox suited up in their 1983 replica uniforms, Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk–one of the standouts on the ’83 “Winning Ugly” White Sox–will be honored prior to tomorrow’s series finale.
 
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Play(s) of the Day
 
Give it to the G-men: Hector Gimenez, Tyler Greene and Conor Gillaspie, who each went deep in last night’s comeback win. It was Gimenez’s first major league homer, Greene’s 17th (his first in a Sox uniform) and Gillaspie’s third.
 
Here’s an interesting tidbit about the 30-year-old Gimenez, courtesy of the Elias Sports Bureau. Over the last 60 years, the only other 30-something rookie to hit his first major-league home run for the White Sox was Tadahito Iguchi in 2005.
 
Hector’s memorable moment:
 
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Quote of the Day
 
Robin on the White Sox bench players, who were instrumental in last night’s victory–the Sox’s third straight win:
 
“There’s energy when guys get a shot and you put them in there. There always seems to be energy. That’s one thing that Hector Gimenez brings when he comes in there. He has energy and he’s ready to go no matter what. I think Tyler had that today, and also Jordan (Danks). It’s good when you have guys that get their shot and take advantage of it.”
 
Tomorrow’s Schedule
 
White Sox vs. Rays at U.S. Cellular Field (1:10 p.m., CT, WGN). Starters: Dylan Axelrod (0-1) for the Sox, David Price (0-2) for Tampa Bay.
 
Did You Know…
 
…that San Diego State honored its former star pitcher Addison Reed last night by giving away Reed replica jersey shirts to the fans that attended the Aztecs’ game vs Fresno State? Reed, of course, responded in Chicago by recording his eighth save in as many opportunities.
 
Photo of the Day
 
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Two Wins in a Row is Good, Three Straight Would be Even Better

Friday, April 26, 2013
 
Today’s News
 
Tonight’s Game
 
White Sox vs. Rays at U.S. Cellular Field (7:10 p.m., CT, WCIU). Starters: Jake Peavy (2-1) for the Sox, Roberto Hernandez (1-3) for Tampa Bay.
 
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, LF; Greene, 2B; Rios, RF; Dunn, DH; Konerko, 1B; Gillaspie, 3B; Ramirez, SS, Gimenez, C; Danks, CF.
 
Kyle Long: From Pitcher to Protector
 
Today, offensive lineman Kyle Long–son of Hall of Fame defensive lineman and broadcaster Howie and brother of Rams DL 
Chris–stands as the No. 1 draft pick of the Bears out of the University of Oregon. Five years ago, he was a lefthanded pitcher who reached 97 mph and was promising enough to be selected by the Sox in the 23rd round of the June draft. Instead of signing a pro contract, Kyle went to Florida State on a baseball scholarship and then ultimately turned to football.
 
“Sox Social Day” Set for Sunday
 
 
Sox Notes of Note
 
The White Sox rank second in the American League with a 3.20 ERA overall and a 2.38 mark at home…the bullpen leads the A.L. with a 2.04 ERA and a .180 opponents average…Nineteen of the White Sox’s 21 games this season have been decided by three runs or less…the Sox are tied with the A’s, Mariners and Rays starting staffs for the most quality starts in the A.L. (13)… outfielder Jared Mitchell, now playing for Class AA Birmingham, has been placed on the disabled list with a strained right oblique.
 
Play of the Day
 
Chris Sale’s seven-inning, seven-strikeout performance last night as he won for the second time this season in the Sox’s 5-2 win over the Rays, our second victory in a row.
 
Quote of the Day
 
Rays’ manager Joe Maddon on Sale:
 
“He’s tough. He’s got good stuff, he’s got that slider and changeup off the fast ball and a tough angle to work from. He pitched well…(Sale) is going to make a lot of teams look sluggish. He’s really good, he’s really good.”
 
Tomorrow’s Schedule
 
White Sox vs. Rays at U.S. Cellular Field (6:10 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Gavin Floyd (0-3) for the Sox, Matt Moore (4-0) for Tampa Bay.
 
Did You Know…
 
…that Jeff Keppinger, who is out of the lineup tonight with a back spasm, has had quite a productive week? He collected two hits in each of his last three games (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday), had an RBI and a run scored in each of the last two contests and drove in a pair of runs last Sunday.
 
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Photo/Video of the Day
 
Enjoy watching Adam Dunn’s fourth homer of the season, a two-run blast in the sixth inning of last night’s win.

Sale, Sox Plan to Keep Tampa at Bay

Thursday, April 25, 2013
 
Today’s News
 
Tonight’s Game
 
White Sox vs. Rays at U.S. Cellular Field (7:10 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Chris Sale (1-2) for the Sox, Jeremy Hellickson (1-1) for Tampa Bay.
 
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, LF; Keppinger, 2B; Rios, RF; Dunn, DH; Konerko, 1B; Gillaspie, 3B; Ramirez, SS; Flowers, C; Wise, CF.
 
Vote Early and Often
 
The 2013 All-Star ballot is now available. Go to http://atmlb.com/13vryxC and vote for all of your favorite Sox.
 
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A Special Day for a Special Boy
 
Yesterday, the White Sox had the pleasure of hosting Adam Sanchez, a nine-year-old Chicagoan.
 
In his short life, Adam has faced more than his share of adversity. Nearly four years ago, his uncle and godfather Alex Valadez, a Chicago police officer, was tragically killed in the line of duty. Then, the day before Thanksgiving in 2012 Adam was diagnosed with Stage 3 ependymoma, a form of brain cancer.
 
Adam’s road to recovery began on January 10 of this year with both chemotherapy and radiation treatments. He underwent 30 sessions of chemo and 33 sessions of radiation by the end of February, which completed his treatment. Despite the on-going treatments, he didn’t miss a single day of school and maintained a straight-A average.
 
Prior to the game, Adam mingled with Sox players in the clubhouse, received various autographs and met his favorite player, Adam Dunn (the youngster likes that they share the same name). He then moved to the field, where he threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Chris Sale. After making his throw, Adam proudly took off his Sox cap to show off his scar and waved to the crowd that filled U.S. Cellular Field with cheers. Here’s the moment captured on video:
 
Adam also met Paul Konerko, who upon talking with the boy offered to have Adam and his family enjoy the game from his suite. In addition to being joined by his family, hundreds of students from Adam’s school, St. Bede, were at the game. They received the tickets from Jim Zangrilli, a generous season-ticket holder who caught wind of Adam’s story and wanted to help.
 
Of course the day was made even better with the 3-2 win over the Indians.
 
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Nicest Guy in the World
 
I had a chance to watch some of yesterday’s game with former White Sox slugger Jim Thome, one of the nicest, most humble guys in the world.
 
After a quick hello, Jim plopped down next to me an inning or so later.
 
“Hey, do you remember that Black Out game?,” he asked innocently and earnestly about the 163rd game in 2008 vs. Minnesota that determined the A.L. Central title.
 
Remember!?!? Remember!?!? I pointed to the center field batter’s eye where Thome’s gigantic homer proved to be the difference in the 1-0 victory over the Twins to send the Sox to the postseason.
 
“That was pretty awesome, huh,” he said.
 
Yes, Jim. Pretty awesome.
 
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Beckham Update
 
Gordon said today that he is continuing to work out and stay in shape. His hope is to be back in the big leagues by the six-week mark of the recovery timetable.
 
What a Catch!
 
Take a look at Jared Mitchell’s spectacular catch last night for Class AA Birmingham vs. Huntsville: 
 
Congratulations
 
Congrats to the Chicago Blackhawks, who last night clinched the NHL’s President’s Cup, awarded to the team with the best regular season record. Word is the Blackhawks spent their pre-game lunch in Edmonton watching White Sox Baseball on WGN-TV.
 
Carmine Derrière
 
TWTW. “The will to win,” copyright 2013 Ken Harrelson.
 
“You can have all the will you want, you still have to hit that slider,” laughed one dugout sage. “You have to drive that runner in from second base with two out.”
 
Quote of the Day
 
Robin on Alex Rios, when asked if Alex is becoming an impact player:
 
“He was that guy last year. He’s just a good all-around player for us. He’s a good outfielder, he’s a good runner, can hit, hit for average, hit homers. He’s about as complete a guy as you can get.”
 
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Play of the Day
 
The terrific slide by Alexei Ramirez in yesterday’s game as he evaded the tag for the stolen base.
 
Tomorrow’s Schedule
 
White Sox vs. Rays at U.S. Cellular Field (7:10 p.m., CT, WCIU). Starters: Jake Peavy (2-1) for the Sox, Roberto Hernandez (1-3) for Tampa Bay.
 
Did You Know…
 
…that the Sox have played a major-league high 11 one-run games so far this season?
 
Photo of the Day
 
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Addison Reed, who shut the door on the Tribe in the ninth inning yesterday, is now 6 for 6 in save opportunities.

That’s More Like It

Wednesday, April 24, 2013
 
Today’s News
 
The Game
 
Final: Sox 3, Indians 2
 
Highlights:  Alex Rios’s two-run homer in the fifth, his sixth of the season, proved to be the difference in the game…Jose Quintana, now 2-0, got credit for the victory. He worked 5+ innings, allowing two runs and four hits. His consecutive scoreless innings streak reached a career high of 18.2 IP before he gave up a run in the sixth…Jeff Keppinger collected a pair of hits and an RBI…Adam Dunn drew three walks.
 
Two Guys Talking About the Weather
 
WGN meterologist Tom Skilling, at the ballpark talking to fans on Weather Day, spent some time chatting with Conor Gillaspie before the game in the Sox dugout. The subject of the conversation? Conor’s interest in becoming a meterologist.
 
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Supporting the Community in a BIG way
 
I’m proud to say that today we announced the Sox will be awarding charitable donations of $1.64 million for 2013.
 
Donations include $660,000 in grants to 29 Chicagoland non-profit groups through the White Sox Community Fund, a McCormick Foundation Fund. Additionally, Chicago White Sox Charities awarded grants totaling $119,500 to seven agencies providing services throughout the community.
 
White Sox Charities also made donations of nearly $861,000 to support the Sox’s urban baseball initiatives and to funding non-profit organizations such as City Year Chicago and the Jackie Robinson Foundation. 
 
This year’s grants, along with other charitable donations, moves the team’s total giving to more than $17 million since the inception of White Sox Charities in 1990.
 
Quote of the Day
 
Robin on his decision to start newly promoted Blake Tekotte today in centerfield:
 
“Just to get him out there. He’s been here, he hasn’t really played a whole lot. I don’t like guys just coming up, sitting here without getting in there, getting their feet wet…Once you get him out there you ease their feelings and nerves, or whatever it is, on the field. Just get him out there and see what he can do.”
 
Play of the Day
 
Rios delivered the big blow, but let’s give it to the bullpen–Nate Jones, Matt Thornton, Jesse Crain and Addison Reed–for holding off the Tribe in the final four innings to preserve the victory. Reed recorded his sixth save. 
 
Tomorrow’s Schedule
 
White Sox vs. Rays at U.S. Cellular Field (7:10, CT, CSN). Starters: Chris Sale (1-2) for the Sox, Jeremy Hellickson (1-1) for Tampa Bay.
 
Did You Know…
 
…that Sale struck out 15 Rays last May 28? It was the second highest total in Sox history (Jack Harshman K’d 16 in 1954) and a Tropicana Field record.
 
Photo/Video of the Day
 
Check out Rios’s homer:
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