Danks on Center Stage
The Return of John Danks and a Fitting Tribute to the Chairman
How Sweep It Would Be
Sox vs. Sox, Day 2
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. Red Sox at U.S. Cellular Field (7:05 p.m., CT, WCIU). Starters: Jose Quintana (2-1) for the Sox, Felix Doubront (3-1) for Boston.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Ramirez, SS; Rios, RF; Konerko,1B; Dunn, DH; Viciedo. LF; Keppinger, 3B; Flowers, C; Greene, 2B.
Here’s Why Sports Business Journal/Daily Chose Jerry Reinsdorf to Receive its Lifetime Achievement Award:
FOX Baseball Guru Ken Rosenthal Focuses on Alex Rios
Rosenthal’s rundown on baseball happenings includes the Rios success story.
#SoxSocial Lounge a Hit in Debut
As we mentioned in yesterday’s post, last night we opened the #SoxSocial Lounge, a special social media lounge for fans at U.S. Cellular Field. It’s the very first of its kind in Major League Baseball. And I’m happy to say it was “hopping” throughout the night.
Located behind Section 154, the Lounge is a great place for White Sox fans to connect with the team on and off the field. The Lounge features multiple TVs, many streaming Sox social media content, and others displaying the game telecast. The Lounge also has mobile phone charging stations and an atmosphere conducive to just sitting and relaxing.
Here’s a review from digital marketer, copywriter and Sox fan Anastasia Guletsky:
http://www.chicitysports.com/2013/05/21/welcome-to-the-soxsocial-lounge/
Be sure to stop by next time you’re at the ballpark.
Chicago Baseball Cancer Charities: A Dedication
Robin Ventura, Addison Reed and Sox legend Billy Pierce will be among those on hand tomorrow morning at the Ann & Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital as three infusion rooms on the oncology unit will be dedicated to Chicago Baseball Cancer Charities (CBCC) founder Marv Samuel, CBCC Chairman Pierce and CBCC members. Following the dedication the Sox will join patients in the White Sox Play Area and will make a special visit to a patient infusion area.
The dedication recognizes the White Sox and CBCC’s contribution of more than $1 million each during the Heroes for LIfe campaign to build the new hospital.
New Red Line Trip a “Breeze”
http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=chicagowhite-sox&id=15021&city=chicago
Simeon Public League Champs
A big shout out and congratulations to the Simeon High School Varsity Baseball team, which yesterday captured the Chicago Public League championship with a 20-9 win over Morgan Park.
An astounding 15 of the 18 starters in the title game are part of the White Sox Amateur City Elite (ACE) program. Several of those players have already signed letters of intent to play at the collegiate level at such programs as the University of Oregon, University of Louisville and Vanderbilt University.
Through the ACE program, the White Sox offer rising stars in the inner-city baseball community the opportunity to play baseball aainst other highly competitive groups on a traveling team. To learn more about the ACE team, visit whitesox.com/community. Congrats again to all those in the championship game.
Play of the Day
This Paul Konerko game-ending, perhaps game-saving, defensive gem in the 6-4 Sox win last night over previously unbeaten Jon Lester and the Red Sox.
Quote(s) of the Day
Robin on…
Adam Dunn’s resurgence at the plate:
“When he’s right, he can do a lot of damage…I don’t know mechanically exactly what it is, but when a guy knows he’s in the right position to hit, he’s more confident and it comes down to pitch selection. So he’s been a lot better, making a lot of solid contact, walking, doing all the things you normally see him do.”
Dylan Axelrod, who earned his second victory of the season last night:
“Axe is one of those guys (who doesn’t) light up the radar screen, but knows how to pitch, knows how to get through a lineup. He just limits guys…He’s going to go out and beat people.”
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Red Sox at U.S. Cellular Field (7:05 p.m, CT, CSN). Starters: Chris Sale (5-2) for the Sox, Clay Buchholz (6-0) for Boston.
Did You Know…
…that Alexei Ramirez is batting .385 with four RBI and eight runs scored in his last nine games with four multi-hit efforts?
Photo of the Day
Adam Dunn’s three-run homer, his 11th of the season, gave the Sox an early boost in last night’s victory.
Sox vs. Sox and a Special Honor for the Chairman
Monday, May 20, 2013
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. Red Sox at U.S. Cellular Field (7:10 p.m., CT, CSN) in the first of a three-game series. Starters: Dylan Axelrod (1-3) for the Sox, Jon Lester (6-0) for Boston.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Ramirez, SS; Rios, RF; Konerko, 1B; Dunn, DH; Viciedo, LF; Keppinger, 3B; Flowers, C; Greene, 2B.
The Chairman
Over the years, I was often frustrated by how the public perception of White Sox and Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf didn’t match the man. If you asked most fans to describe him, the characteristics they would have listed were not even close to the person we saw every day at the ballpark. I always thought of it as one of my greatest professional failures … that Jerry’s perception was so far from reality.
Then, something happened. The White Sox won the 2005 World Series. Suddenly, everything was amplified. People read about Jerry’s flying Sox employees to the World Series, they read about his gracious distribution of World Series rings. They began to read and hear about all the community initiatives the Sox and Bulls had done (for years) at his direction.
And something changed. Fans began to see Jerry the way we all see him every day, whether in the hallway, at lunch or in his suite during a game. Ultimately, Jerry is a fan, and I don’t think anyone can ask for much else when it comes to being an owner of a sports team.
This week, many of us are flying to New York where Jerry will be honored Wednesday night by the Sports Business Journal with its fourth Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Don’t deify me,” was his order.
“OK, I’ll do my best,” I laughed.
There will be a video (he doesn’t want to see it in advance which is probably good for me!), an introduction and then a speech. And a lot of pride in a lifetime of being a fan because in the end, isn’t there a 12-year-old inside of all of us?
And for me, there will be a little smile because, finally, the public gets to see and understand the Jerry we all know and respect.
Here’s the link to the SBJ story:
#SoxSocial Lounge Makes its Debut Tonight
The first ever of its kind coincides with #SoxSocial No. 2.
Quote of the Day
Speaking of Jerry, this is more of an anecdotal story than a conventional quote, but it seems a perfect time and place to share it.
Play of the Day
Alex Rios, enjoying an All-Star caliber season, has now hit safely in 14 consecutive games as a result of his run-scoring double in yesterday’s game vs. the Angels. In all, he’s hitting .301 with 10 homers, 25 RBI and an OPS of .921.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Red Sox at U.S. Cellular Field (7:10 p.m., CT, WCIU). Starters: Jose Quintana (2-1) for the Sox, Felix Doubront (3-1) for Boston.
Did You Know…
…that White Sox pitchers own a .220 opponents average overall at home, the lowest mark in the American League and third-lowest in the major leagues?
Photo of the Day
When thinking about the White Sox-Red Sox rivalry, how can any of us forget Game 3 of the 2005 American League Division Series against Boston. Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez came on in the sixth inning with the bases loaded and no outs and got out of the inning in dramatic fashion without the Bosox scoring. The Sox won the game 5-3 for the three-game sweep and advanced to the A.L. Championship Series vs. the Angels. Shortly thereafter the Sox won the World Series and the El Duque image below is one of those depicted in bronze on the monument outside of the ballpark honoring our ’05 World Champs.
Sox vs. Sox and a Special Honor for the Chairman
Monday, May 20, 2013
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. Red Sox at U.S. Cellular Field (7:10 p.m., CT, CSN) in the first of a three-game series. Starters: Dylan Axelrod (1-3) for the Sox, Jon Lester (6-0) for Boston.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Ramirez, SS; Rios, RF; Konerko, 1B; Dunn, DH; Viciedo, LF; Keppinger, 3B; Flowers, C; Greene, 2B.
The Chairman
Over the years, I was often frustrated by how the public perception of White Sox and Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf didn’t match the man. If you asked most fans to describe him, the characteristics they would have listed were not even close to the person we saw every day at the ballpark. I always thought of it as one of my greatest professional failures … that Jerry’s perception was so far from reality.
Then, something happened. The White Sox won the 2005 World Series. Suddenly, everything was amplified. People read about Jerry’s flying Sox employees to the World Series, they read about his gracious distribution of World Series rings. They began to read and hear about all the community initiatives the Sox and Bulls had done (for years) at his direction.
And something changed. Fans began to see Jerry the way we all see him every day, whether in the hallway, at lunch or in his suite during a game. Ultimately, Jerry is a fan, and I don’t think anyone can ask for much else when it comes to being an owner of a sports team.
This week, many of us are flying to New York where Jerry will be honored Wednesday night by the Sports Business Journal with its fourth Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Don’t deify me,” was his order.
“OK, I’ll do my best,” I laughed.
There will be a video (he doesn’t want to see it in advance which is probably good for me!), an introduction and then a speech. And a lot of pride in a lifetime of being a fan because in the end, isn’t there a 12-year-old inside of all of us?
And for me, there will be a little smile because, finally, the public gets to see and understand the Jerry we all know and respect.
Here’s the link to the SBJ story:
#SoxSocial Lounge Makes its Debut Tonight
The first ever of its kind coincides with #SoxSocial No. 2.
Quote of the Day
Speaking of Jerry, this is more of an anecdotal story than a conventional quote, but it seems a perfect time and place to share it.
Play of the Day
Alex Rios, enjoying an All-Star caliber season, has now hit safely in 14 consecutive games as a result of his run-scoring double in yesterday’s game vs. the Angels. In all, he’s hitting .301 with 10 homers, 25 RBI and an OPS of .921.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Red Sox at U.S. Cellular Field (7:10 p.m., CT, WCIU). Starters: Jose Quintana (2-1) for the Sox, Felix Doubront (3-1) for Boston.
Did You Know…
…that White Sox pitchers own a .220 opponents average overall at home, the lowest mark in the American League and third-lowest in the major leagues?
Photo of the Day
When thinking about the White Sox-Red Sox rivalry, how can any of us forget Game 3 of the 2005 American League Division Series against Boston. Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez came on in the sixth inning with the bases loaded and no outs and got out of the inning in dramatic fashion without the Bosox scoring. The Sox won the game 5-3 for the three-game sweep and advanced to the A.L. Championship Series vs. the Angels. Shortly thereafter the Sox won the World Series and the El Duque image below is one of those depicted in bronze on the monument outside of the ballpark honoring our ’05 World Champs.
Coming Home…Red Sox Up Next
Sunday, May 19, 2013
On A Roll
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Today’s News
This Afternoon’s Game
White Sox vs. Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim (3:05 p.m., CT, FOX). Starters: Hector Santiago (1-2) for the Sox, Joe Blanton (0-7) for L.A.
The Sox are now 4-1 on their seven-game road trip and looking for their fifth straight win.
Sox Starting Lineup: Wise, CF; Ramirez, SS; Rios, RF; Dunn, 1B; Konerko, DH; Gillaspie, 3B; Viciedo, LF; Gimenez, C; Greene, 2B.
Roster Move
RHP Deunte Heath was optioned to Class AAA Charlotte after last night’s game and LHP Donnie Veal was recalled today to replace him on the 25-man roster. Veal pitched 8.0 scoreless innings over four games with the Knights after being optioned on May 1.
New Look
The Sox will be wearing camouflage caps today, Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day vs. the Cubs to honor our troops. The jerseys also have a touch of camo in the script Chicago on the front and in the name and number on the back.
Play of the Day
The Chris Sale Show: Chris won his fifth game of the season last night, tossing a three-hit shutout along with 12 strikeouts over 7.2 innings in the 3-0 Sox victory–his second masterpiece against the Angels in a week. Including last Sunday night’s gem, Sale worked 16.2 IP, allowing no runs, four hits, three walks, 19 K’s and held the Halos to four hits in 53 at bats in the two games. He now has a career 0.38 ERA vs. L.A. and improved to 10-0 lifetime against the A.L. West. Additionally, he has recorded 23 straight scoreless innings, the longest by a Sox starter since Mark Buehrle’s 24.2 IP in 2001.
Here’s a glimpse of Chris from last night’s outing: http://atmlb.com/Z2D0TH
Pitching In
Jesse Crain made his 16th consecutive scoreless appearance last night in relief of Sale and Addison Reed earned his 14th save.
Quote(s) of the Day
Robin on Sale:
“He’s good, we know that…This is probably the best two games that he’s had (as far as) velocity and control..He’s growing into being the guy and going out there and proving it. You go through a team a second time–their lineup is tough enough even going through it once–then you do it back-to-back in a week, it’s a feather in his cap. It just proves how good he is. He wants to get better, he wants to be in that elite group. He’s proving it.”
RV on Alex Rios having an All-Star caliber year. Alex has smashed go-ahead homers each of the last two nights, giving him a total of 10, and has now hit in 12 consecutive games:
“He (was outstanding) last year. This is nothing new for us as far as him doing a lot of different things…Power-wise, getting on base, stealing bases, playing the outfield…he has a lot of talent. We know it, I think other people are starting to see it.”
The skipper on Conor Gillaspie, who drove in the second Sox run of the game in the seventh with a clutch, two-out single and is now hitting .295:
“He just makes good contact, he has a pretty simple approach. It was a big hit for us.”
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim (3:35 p.m. CT, CSN). Starters: Jake Peavy (5-1) for the Sox, Jason Vargas (2-3) for Los Angeles.
Did You Know…
…that the White Sox now lead the American League in ERA (3.41)?
Photo/Video of the Day
Adam Dunn has hit four homers in the last four games and 10 on the season. Here’s his ninth-inning solo shot last night.
htatmlb.com/Z2yq7Z
Sale, Sox Go For Fourth Straight Win
Friday, May 17, 2013
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim (9:05 pm., CT, CSN). A rematch of last Sunday night’s starters: Chris Sale (4-2) for the Sox, C.J. Wilson (3-2) for the Angels.
Sale, of course, was dominant on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball in his last outing, pitching a complete game one-hitter in the 3-0 Sox victory. Over his last five starts, Chris has allowed two earned runs or less and worked 7.0-plus innings pitched. He also owns a 15.1 scoreless IP streak and has faced 61 consecutive batters without giving up a walk.
Furthermore, Sale is 9-0 with a 2.79 ERA lifetime vs. the American League West. The nine-game winning streak is the longest among active pitchers vs. the division.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Ramirez, SS; Rios, RF; Konerko, DH; Dunn, 1B; Viciedo, LF; Keppinger, 2B; Gillaspie, 3B; Flowers, C.
Jake in Spotlight
Jake Peavy, off to a great start with his 5-1 record and 2.96 ERA, was an in-studio guest this afternoon on the CBS Sports Network’s Jim Rome Show. Jake faces the Angels on Sunday.
Sports and Marketing Career Fair
Play of the Day
Alex Rios’s homer in the fourth inning that broke a scoreless tie in the Sox’s 5-4 victory. The solo blast was estimated at 440 feet.
Quote of the Day
Robin spoke about Adam Dunn’s offensive resurgence as the Sox slugger followed up his two-homer performance on Wednesday, going 2-4 with a double and an RBI last night:
“I think it’s his at bats…He hit a hard ball to left-center, the double, then knocking in the run. Those are important when you continue to add those day after day.”
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim (3:05 p.m., CT, FOX). Starters: Hector Santiago (1-2) for the Sox, Joe Blanton (0-7) for the Halos.
Did You Know…
…that White Sox starting pitchers lead the American League in ERA (3.55) and are 10-6 with a 2.88 ERA and 17 quality starts over the last 26 games? During that 26-game span, the starters lead the league in ERA, opponents average (.219), opponents on-base percentage (.294), WHIP (1.07) and baserunners per 9.0 innings pitched (9.96).
Photo of the Day
Happy Birthday to former Sox star Carlos May, believed to be the only athlete in history to wear his birthday on the back of his uniform.
Four-Game Set vs. Angels Up Next After Sox Take Series From Twins
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim (9:05 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Jose Quintana (2-1) for the Sox, Jerome Williams (2-1) for L.A.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Ramirez, SS; Rios, RF; Dunn, 1B; Konerko, DH; Gillaspie, 3B; Viciedo, LF; Keppinger, 2B; Flowers, C.
On Fire
Dayan Viciedo, who homered and drove in a pair of runs in yesterday’s 9-4 win over the Twins, is hitting .469 with four doubles, two home runs and eight RBI in his last 10 games. He returned to the lineup on May 10 after a stint on the disabled list.
Rehab Report
Infielder Angel Sanchez, who has been on the DL with a lower back injury, has joined the rehabbing Gordon Beckham at Class AAA Charlotte. John Danks, on the DL since March 22, will be making his next start for Charlotte Saturday at Buffalo. It will be his fourth rehab start.
Quote of the Day
Adam Dunn to whitesox.com on his recent turnaround at the plate:
“I feel great. My body feels great. Everything feels like it’s supposed to…the last couple of days we tinkered with some things and I’ve hit some balls good. Hopefully it’s the start of something good.”
Play of the Day
Somewhat overlooked by Dunn’s pair of homers. Alex Rios extended his hitting streak to 10 games yesterday with a triple, two singles and three runs scored in yesterday’s victory. He is hitting .390 with two homers and seven RBI during the streak.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim (9:05 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Chris Sale (4-2) for the Sox, C.J. Wilson (3-2) for the Halos.
Did You Know…
…that after a stretch of playing 15 of 18 games on the road, the Sox will play 17 of 23 games in Chicago (including two games at Wrigley Field) from May 20 to June 12? The home opponents will be the Red Sox, Marlins, Cubs, A’s and Blue Jays. The road foes will be the Cubs, A’s and Mariners.
Photo of the Day
One of the league’s top relievers this season, Jesse Crain heads into the Angels series with a 14-game scoreless streak over 13.1 innings. He has recorded an outstanding 1.00 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 18 innings.
mlblogswhitesoxpride1
Scott Reifert
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