Peavy Looks to Turn the Tide in Tomorrow’s Series Finale
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Today’s News
The Game
Final: Indians 9, White Sox 4
Last Night
While the Sox lost a 1-0 heartbreaker, Jose Quintana was masterful. He pitched seven scoreless innings, giving up only one hit while striking out seven.
All it Takes is a Tweet
Help “Make An Impact” and join us in a campaign to raise money for the White Sox RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program. It’s as easy as sending a tweet!
Quote of the Day
Robin on the Sox’s veteran presence taking the current losing streak in stride:
“Nobody likes losing a game, they’re tough games. But they’ve been through the long season before and you can’t start heading down that road looking at the negative…that’s part of the discipline in baseball, to be able to put stuff behind you and keep grinding every day and thinking about today instead of down the road or three days ago.”
Play of the Day
Alejandro De Aza’s two-run homer in the seventh inning today off of reliever Bryan Shaw. It was his second home run of the young season.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Indians at Progressive Field, Cleveland (12:05 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Jake Peavy (1-1) for the Sox, Brett Myers (0-1) for the Tribe.
Did You Know…
…that Paul Konerko (423) and Adam Dunn (408) rank fourth and fifth in home runs among active players? Only Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees (647), Albert Pujols of the Angels (477) and Jason Giambi of the Indians (429) have more.
Photo of the Day
Jake will be aiming for his second win of the season tomorrow afternoon against the Tribe.
A Fresh Start in Cleveland
Friday, April 12, 2013
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. Indians at Progressive Field, Cleveland (6:05 p.m., CT, WGN). Starters: Jose Quintana (0-0) for the Sox, Justin Masterson (2-0) for the Tribe.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Keppinger, 2B; Rios, RF; Dunn, 1B; Konerko, DH; Viciedo, LF; Gillaspie, 3B; Ramirez, SS; Gimenez, C.
Heath Joins Sox
RHP Deunte Heath has been recalled from Class AAA Charlotte to replace Gordon Beckham, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a fractured left wrist and will have surgery at the Cleveland Clinic on Tuesday. In three innings pitched in two relief appearances at Charlotte, Heath had a 0.00 ERA with six strikeouts. He spent most of last season with the Knights, going 4-3 with a 1.48 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 36 games, which included four starts. In three appearances with the Sox in 2012 he allowed a run in two innings pitched over two games. Here’s the newest member of the Sox pitching staff.
Honoring 42
Fifty members of the White Sox Amateur City Elite (ACE) youth baseball program will attend a special screening of the movie “42″ tomorrow afternoon in Country Club HIlls, IL. The Sox have arranged for the youngsters to view the film, which is based on the life of Jackie Robinson and his breaking of baseball’s color barrier in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Through the ACE program, the Sox give rising stars in the inner-city baseball community the opportunity to play against other highly competitive groups on traveling teams. Athletes 13-18 years of age are challenged and given the unique chance to play among elite teams as well as prepare for success in life after baseball.
Sox Notes of Note
Alex Rios has hit safely in all nine games this season and owns a 15-game hitting streak dating back to 2012, hitting .456 with five home runs and 12 RBI…the White Sox bullpen leads the American League with a 1.84 ERA and is tied for second with a .200 opponents batting average.
Quote of the Day
Robin on the series in Washington and the Beckham injury: “It’s tough. You’ve got to be able to withstand all that and keep going. It’s still early.”
Play of the Day
Conor Gillaspie, inserted in the starting lineup in the wake of Beckham’s injury, singled and doubled in last night’s 7-4 loss to the Nationals to up his batting average to .438.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Indians at Progressive Field (3:05 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Chris Sale (1-0) for the Sox, Zach McAllister (0-1) for the Indians.
Did You Know…
…that Paul Konerko leads all active players with 46 home runs and 171 RBI vs. the Indians?
Photo of the Day
The White Sox ACE participants will view “42″ just a day after the movie opened today in theaters nationwide.
Final Day in D.C.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. Nationals at Nationals Park, Washington, D.C. (6:05 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Dylan Axelrod (0-0 for the Sox), Dan Haren (0-1) for the Nats.
Sox Starting LIneup: De Aza, CF; Keppinger, 2B; Rios, RF; Dunn, LF; Konerko, 1B; Ramirez, SS; Gillaspie, 3B; Flowers, C; Axelrod, P.
Beckham
A fractured hamate bone in his left wrist will keep Gordon out of action for an expected six weeks. He will have surgery in the next few days. A corresponding roster move will be made tomorrow.
Coop
He’ll miss the rest of the road trip to recover from diverticulitis. Minor league pitching coordinator Curt Hasler will join the team in Cleveland to help out in the bullpen. Bobby Thigpen will continue working with Robin in the dugout.
Hawkins Goes Deep–Twice
Top Sox prospect Courtney Hawkins (below) smashed a pair of two-run homers last night in Winston-Salem’s 5-2 victory over Frederick. The first one was hit in the first inning over the 400-foot marker in dead center field to give the Dash an early 2-0 lead.
True Story
So it’s much harder than I thought to get into a cemetery.
This morning, I decided to walk over to Arlington National Cemetery and then walk around those hallowed grounds. Our hotel’s concierge assured me that I could reach the cemetery easily on foot, so off I went. Well, I technically reached the cemetery’s walls easily. The getting in part was not so easy.
Walking along the wall, the first gate I came to was locked tight. A little further along, I ran into a manned gate that marked the edge of the cemetery and a military installation (Fort Myer, which I didn’t know even existed). Three guys manned the gate.
“Hey, can I get into the cemetery from here,” I asked. “I just want to walk around.”
“Do you have an ID?”
“No,” I laughed. “All I have is a hotel room key. I don’t want to go onto the base, I just want to get into the cemetery. I didn’t know it would be this hard. Can I walk all the way around?”
“It’s a long way.”
“OK, well right down there, the stone wall to the cemetery is only waist high, can I just jump over it?”
At this point, one guard, an older guy, said, “You want to jump over the fence?”
“Well, I’m just trying to get inside the cemetery.”
A younger guard quickly added, “Only if I don’t see you …” Now, he seemed to be smiling as he said this, but I also noticed that he was armed with an M-4 rile.
I could just imagine the headline.
“White Sox executive shot while breaking into Arlington National Cemetery.”
So I start walking. And walking. And I can now tell you there is no way into Arlington National Cemetery by foot from Arlington.
Determined, at this point, not to be defeated, I went back to the nearest Metro Stop, hopped on the next train and entered Arlington Cemetery by the normal visitors route.
Stating the obvious, but a walk through Arlington is truly a moving and humbling experience, so many “Unknown” headstones from every war.
Today, I happened to pass the grave of Abner Doubleday (see photo below), long claimed as the “inventor” of baseball.
Yesterday, we had taken a tour of the Pentagon and one of our tour guides, Seaman Tom Williams of Oklahoma City, came to the game last night with several of his other guides. Seaman Williams mentioned that he had spent a year as a member of the color guard at Arlington, serving in over 500 funerals.
Braves Arrive
I ran into former White Sox hitting coach (and current Braves hitting coach) Greg Walker in the hotel lobby this morning. The Braves are in town early before they begin a series with the Nationals tomorrow night.
Quote of the Day
Beckham on his injury: “It’s frustrating, but it is what it is. We’ll get the surgery done and I’ll work hard and get back. I’m not really worried about it.”
Play of the Day
Alex Rios went 2-4 with a double and RBI in last night’s 5-2 loss to the Nats. He owns an eight-game hitting streak, tied for the longest active streak in the American League, and has hit safely in his last 14 contests dating back to September 26, 2012. He ranks among the A.L. leaders in slugging percentage (3rd, .839), home runs (T3rd, 4), average (4th, .419), RBI (T8th, 8) and on-base percentage (T8th, .471).
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Indians at Progressive Field, Cleveland (6:05 p.m., CT, WGN). Starters: Jose Quintana (0-0) for the Sox, Justin Masterton (2-0) for the Tribe.
Did You Know…
…that all eight Sox games this season have been decided by three runs or less?
Photo of the Day
Happy Birthday! Alejandro De Aza celebrates No. 29 today.
Looking to Rebound
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. Nationals at Nationals Park, Washington, D.C. (6:05 pm, CT, CSN). Starters: Gavin Floyd (0-1) for the Sox, Jordan Zimmermann (1-0) for Washington.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Keppinger, 2B, Rios, RF; Dunn, LF; Konerko, 1B; Ramirez, SS; Gillaspie, 3B; Flowers, C; Floyd, RHP.
Home Cooking
Tonight’s game bodes well for Gavin. He calls Annapolis, MD home and has had a good measure of success when he’s pitched in nearby Baltimore and Washington.
In his four starts in Baltimore he is 3-0 with a 2.28 ERA and 17 strikeouts.
In his two starts in Washington he is 0-1, but has posted a 2.57 ERA and 11 K’s.
Six starts, a 3-1 record, a 2.38 ERA and 28 strikeouts. Pretty impressive.
Beckham
Gordon injured his left wrist last night while fouling off a pitch in the third inning. X-rays were negative and he’s day-to-day. He’ll test the wrist on Friday.
Coop
He’s improving and the hope is that he’ll travel to Cleveland with the team after Thursday night’s game.
Uni Change
I’m sure eagle-eyed White Sox fans noticed the subtle change in our road uniforms. The black and white piping on the uniform pants has been changed to one thinner black stripe.
Danks
According to RV, John Danks threw six innings yesterday in extended spring training: “There was more velocity and he said he felt great.”
When in D.C…
Several White Sox staff members woke up bright and early today and headed over for a private tour of The Pentagon, arranged by Assistant Trainer Brian Ball and Illinois Senator Mark Kirk.
The building is more than impressive, with memorabilia, photos, paintings and history exhibits lining its 17 miles of hallways (we only walked a little over one mile on our tour).
Among the sights: tour guides (our two were from the Navy and Army) who walk backwards the entire way … a salute-free courtyard (“otherwise all everyone would do all day is salute one another,” according to our guide) … a moving memorial to the victims of 9/11 attack on the building and the nation … and a fly-by of the office of Naval Secretary Ron Maybus to say hello. The Secretary – who threw out a first pitch at a White Sox game last year when he was in Chicago to commission the USS Illinois submarine – wasn’t around.
The resounding takeway for me was that while the 9/11 attacks seem, in some ways to be long ago, they are very real at The Pentagon where daily reminders line every hallway, where employees can worship in a chapel near where the plane hit the building, and where a look outside shows a memorial arbor of small trees and sculptures. It was very moving and made you appreciate the cost and sacrifice of the past 12 years.
Of course, like any good tour, we concluded in The Pentagon gift shop where a few challenge coins were purchased and where Head Trainer Herm Schneider then “briefed the media.” (See photo below).
Don’t worry folks, The Pentagon was in good hands. And the other question is, how in the world did these guys get into The Pentagon?)
South Side Sox
It was good to see Jim Margalus of the popular website, South Side Sox, at the ballpark in D.C. last night. @southsidesox
Rave Review
Check out this story from mediapost.com, which applauds the Sox’s success in reaching families.
Quote(s) of the Day
Robin on…
The silver lining in last night’s 8-7 loss to the Nats in the series opener: “When you lose, you always look at the fact that you lose, but we kept battling back and getting close…”
On managing a National League game: “I think it’s good team-wise. Players get more action.”
Play(s) of the Day
Paul Konerko’s three-run homer in the seventh inning and Alex Rios’s two-run blast in the ninth, his fourth in as many games, in last night’s defeat.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Nationals at Nationals Park (6:05 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Dylan Axelrod (0-0) for the Sox, Dan Haren (0-1) for the Nats.
Did You Know…
…that despite the Sox being on the road in D.C., chants of Paul-ie, Paul-ie reverberated throughout the ballpark after Konerko’s home run?
Photo(s) of the Day
Some sightseeing in the nation’s capital after The Pentagon visit. Here’s the Mall with the Washington Monument and Capitol building in the background and the awe-inspiring tribute to a great Illinoisian at the Lincoln Memorial.
A National Challenge
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. (6:05 p.m., CT, WCIU). Probable starters: Jake Peavy (1-0) for the Sox, Gio Gonzalez (1-0) for Washington. It is the first game of a 10-game road trip for the Sox, who also will travel to Cleveland and Toronto.
The White Sox, 4-2, lead the A.L. Central by 0.5 game over Kansas City and MInnesota.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Keppinger, 3B; Rios, RF; Konerko, 1B; Viciedo, LF; Ramirez, SS; Flowers, C; Beckham, 2B; Peavy, RHP.
Interleague Excellence
The White Sox are 4-2 all-time against the Nationals, including a three-game sweep in Washington in 2010…the Sox are 164-120 (.577) all-time in interleague play, the second-best winning percentage in the major leagues behind the Yankees (.603) and have gone 59-31 since 2008…Peavy is 6-2 with a 1.63 ERA in nine interleague games (eight starts) since coming to Chicago.
Harold’s Commute
It’s an hour and a half from Harold Baines’ front door on Maryland’s Eastern Shorre to the ballpark. “Same distance as Baltimore and I did that for five years,” Baines said, agreeing that the drive was worth the payoff of sleeping in his own bed.
Road Unis
Astute White Sox fans will notice a slight difference in our road uniforms tonight. Do you?
Get Well, Coop
Pitching coach Don Cooper is in the hospital with diverticulitis and is day-to-day. Bobby Thigpen moves into the dugout and Mark Salas will head the bullpen. ”He’s not feeling real good, but he can still talk. I know that,” Robin joked. The skipper also kidded that the ailment might have been caused by too much “Funk 49″ from the Bob Seger-Joe Walsh concert that they both attended Saturday night.
Gellinger to Manage Bristol
Mike “Gelly” Gellinger, who was on the White Sox’s major-league staff from 1997-2012, will manage Advanced Rookie Bristol in 2013, replacing Bobby Magallanes, who will be a roving minor league instructor.
PK: “You’re Always Working Hard. There’s No Real In Between.”
Click the link and see why Paulie is the extraordinary player and leader he has become.
Sox Offer Tickets to Chicago Firefighters and Police
The White Sox are offering complimentary tickets to select games for all members of the Chicago Fire and Police Departments. Here Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf presents symbolic tickets to members of the two departments.
A Good Cause
Join White Sox Executive VP Ken Williams for a night of dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions and more at the Jack and Jill 30th Anniversary Gala! The event will take place on Saturday, May 4, and all proceeds will benefit Chicago White Sox Charities and the Jack and Jill of America Foundation. Purchase tickets here: http://atmlb.com/10LlKyy
Quote(s) of the Day
RV on last night’s team NCAA Basketball Final viewing party: “Moments you can just hang out. Everyone is interested in a game like that. I think everyone had fun.”
Robin on Peavy: “He’s just excited to swing the bat tonight.”
Play(s) of the Day
The Sox lead the American League with a 2.41 ERA…The bullpen tops the league with a 1.83 mark and the starting rotation ranks second at 2.72…The Sox are tied for second in the A.L. in home runs….Alex Rios has homered in three straight games for the first time in his career.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Nationals at Nationals Park (6:05 p.m., CT, CSN). Probable starters: Gavin Floyd (0-1) for the Sox, Jordan Zimmerman for the Nats (1-0).
Did You Know…
…that in his two seasons with the Nationals, Sox slugger Adam Dunn had virtually identical seasons? He hit 38 homers and drove in 105 runs in 2009 and 38 and 103 in 2010.
Photo of the Day
Today will be the first April game since 1972 that Sox pitchers will bat. The last Sox hurler to step to the plate in April was Terry Forster, who not only led the team in saves that year with 29, but batted .526 (10-19). Thanks to @soxnerd for the tip.
White Sox Get Dramatic Win in Retro Uniforms, Now Head to D.C., Cleveland and Toronto
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Today’s News
Throwback Sunday
If it’s Sunday at U.S. Cellular Field this season, you’ll be sure to see the Sox wearing replica 1983 uniforms honoring the ’83 “Winning Ugly” White Sox that won the A.L. West.
The new old uniforms were all the buzz during batting practice today as players were already asking manager Robin Ventura about the chance to wear them more than just Sundays.
“You look like a natural in that,” I told coach Harold Baines, who of course played a key role in the ’83 team’s success. And take a look at Jake Peavy in the photo below, accepting his 2012 Gold Glove Award before the game in his retro uni.
The batting practice tops are especially sharp looking and the players raved about the comfort. Early season reports from The Chicago Sports Depot across the street show fans like the retro look as well, with sales up.
But will you see the uniforms more than just home Sundays?
“Let’s win a game in them first,” a clubhouse sage noted before the game.
Well, I’m happy to say that the Sox got their first win in those uniforms today, powered by a two-run homer by Adam Dunn and solo blasts by Alex Rios and Dayan Viciedo, the latter a walk-off shot in the 10th to give us the 4-3 victory. Kudos also to starter Chris Sale and the bullpen trio of Matt Lindstrom, Jesse Crain and Addison Reed, who each worked a scoreless inning. Reed added a win to his three saves.
The Sox ended the season’s first homestand with a 4-2 mark.
Law, Cruz Represent ’83 Sox
Leadoff hitter and centerfielder Rudy Law, who stole 77 bases in 1983, and flashy second baseman Julio Cruz, who added enormous energy and speed to the ’83 lineup, were in the house today. They signed autographs for the fans and participated in the ceremonial first pitch festivities. Here is Law reminiscing about that memorable ’83 season.
The Final Two
Embarking on their first road trip of the young season, the White Sox will be getting together as a team tomorrow night to watch Louisville and Michigan clash in the national championship game. The Sox open a three-game series with the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night and head to Cleveland for three and Toronto for four.
Congratulations…
…to Michigan alums Rick Hahn, Scott Merkin (mlb.com) and former Sox players Chris Getz (Royals) and Clayton Richard (Padres)–those are the only ones I can think of this morning, but I’m sure there are others–on last night’s win over Syracuse. But c’mon, let’s make a free throw at the end to save on the stress.
Friendly Advice
A sign in the clubhouse reminded players to pack carefully for the road trip to Washington, D.C., Cleveland and then Toronto.
“Remember to pack your black shoes,” it read.
Smile
Four teenage boys will be surprised when they see their on-the-field photo from batting practice. Sneaking up behind the four as they posed for a lifetime memory was 6-foot-5 bench coach Mark Parent, smiling broadly as he provided two of them with “bunny ears.”
Rocky Mountain HIgh
Righty Jon Garland won 92 games for the White Sox in eight seasons on the South Side, including back-to-back 18-win seasons in the world championship year of 2005 and 2006 and an All-Star nod in ’05. Plus, along with pitching mates Jose Contreras, Mark Buehrle and Freddy Garcia, Sox starters pitched four consecutive complete-game victories in the ’05 ALCS to end the series, the first time the feat was accomplished since the 1928 Yankees.
Since leaving the Sox, Garland pitched for the L.A. Angels, Arizona Diamondbacks, L.A. Dodgers and San Diego Padres, but because of undergoing right-shoulder surgery he hadn’t seen action since June 1 of 2011 with the Dodgers. Until last night that is, when he made a successful comeback with the Colorado Rockies, allowing just two runs and five hits in six innings of work for the victory over the Padres in Denver.
Welcome back, Jon!
Bob Seger
Everyone in the clubhouse who attended last night’s Bob Seger concert at the UC was raving.
“Top four concert in my life,” Jake Peavy said, with enthusiasm (which, as true fans know. needs to be put into some context because everything Jake says is with enthusiasm).
Hoops Visionary
Many years before college basketball and the NCAA tournament were as popular as they are today, Sox Vice Chairman Eddie Einhorn was way ahead of everybody. Read more.
Quote of the Day
Bo Jackson, a proud Auburn product, to White Sox 3B Jeff Keppinger, a former Georgia star, on Opening Day: “Did they ever fix the dent I put in that light tower at your field?”
Play of the Day
Viciedo’s walk-off homer. And the celebration begins…
Tomorrow’s Schedule
Off day. On Tuesday, White Sox vs. Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. (6:05 p.m., CT, WCIU). Probable starters: Jake Peavy (1-0) for the Sox vs. Gio Gonzalez (1-0) for Washington.
Did You Know…
…that Conor Gillaspie’s father, Mark, was an All-America outfielder at Mississippi State in 1981 and was selected in the 11th round by the Padres in the ’81 June Amateur Draft? It is also interesting to note that in the years following the elder Gillaspie’s honor, MSU had a string of outstanding players who went on to excel in the major leagues. They included Rafael Palmiero, Will Clark, Jeff Brantley and former Sox closer and current bullpen coach, Bobby Thigpen.
Photo of the Day
Sox Executive VP Ken Williams is shown here playing guitar with an “Air Band” at WVON’s star-studded 50th anniversary event last night at the Chicago Theatre. Toni Braxton provided the featured entertainment and rocked the house.
A Win to Savor
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Today’s News
King Felix Dethroned
Facing “King Felix” Hernandez is never an easy task. But with a revamped lineup featuring five lefthanded hitters against the tough righty, the Sox rose to the occasion and defeated the 2010 Cy Young Award winner and the Mariners this afternoon, 4-3. Alex Rios delivered the big blow with a two-run homer in the sixth inning, his second blast in as many games. Conor Gillaspie, in his first start in a Sox uniform, tripled and scored on a Hector Gimenez sacrifice fly in the fifth. The fourth Sox run scored in the seventh on a Alejandro De Aza sac fly that scored Gillaspie, who followed up his key triple with a single and moved to third on an Alexei Ramirez double.
Pitching-wise, starter Dylan Axelrod was outstanding in 5.2 innings of work, allowing only one unearned run on three hits. Donnie Veal (who got credit for the victory), Nate Jones and Jesse Crain ended the sixth, seventh and eighth innings, respectively, by inducing key outs. Addison Reed recorded his third save with a 1-2-3 ninth.
Take a look at the Rios homer:
The Windy City
While Spring arrived in the third inning today with temperatures reaching 65 degrees, the windy conditions were the closest you can get to San Francisco’s Candlestick Park.
A Cold Night
It was very cold last night, but not necessarily the coldest day anyone could remember around here.
“When I went out to the mound to get (Matt) Lindstrom last night,” Sox manager Robin Ventura laughed this morning, “I got out there and thought, “Man, it’s really cold out here.’”
But Ventura recalls a night game when the Sox faced Roger Clemens.
“It was like last night but even colder,” he said. “We sent the batboys out to buy tennis racquet grips for the bats.”
PK Climbing the Ladder
With his base hit last night, Paul Konerko moved past Frank Thomas into sole possession of third place on the all-time White Sox hit list with 2,137. Only Hall of Famers Luke Appling (2,749) and Nellie Fox (2,470) rank above Paulie.
The Third Man
Since most teams don’t carry a third catcher on their roster, one lucky position player is always designated as the team’s “third catcher” and spends time in spring training and during the season honing his emergency skills behind the plate. For the Sox this year, it is Gillaspie.
At one point in the 1990s, it was Robin…”for about 20 minutes,” the skipper joked.
Ventura described a game where the Sox started a man down. Ron Karkovice was on the DL and Mike “Spanky” LaValliere gave it a go but a few innings into the game, warned he might not make it nine innings.
A quick look up and down the bench showed few candidates. RV volunteered.
“A lefty was pitching, so I wasn’t playing that day,” he recounts. “I put on the gear and they drove me around the tunnel to the bullpen in a golf cart. I went out and Mark Salas gave me a quick tutorial on how to catch. So I’m down in the bullpen catching and apparently (Sox GM) Ron Schueler saw me. He called down and said, ‘Get him out of there.’”
And that’s how Robin’s career as an emergency catcher lasted 20 minutes.
I told him he should have put the equipment on and then make a dramatic run out to the bullpen.
1983
Beginning tomorrow, the White Sox will commemorate their 1983 American League West division championship by wearing ’83 replica uniforms for every Sunday home game. Those “Winning Ugly” Sox, managed by Tony LaRussa, won 99 games and finished the season 20 games ahead of the second-place Kansas City Royals.
Here are Reed and coach Harold Baines, one of the stars of that ’83 team, modeling the vintage unis along this year’s retro racers. They are “Racing Pudge” (Carlton Fisk), “Racing Harold” and “Racing Kitty” (Ron Kittle). Fisk and Kittle, of course, were also key cogs on the ’83 team with Gary, IN native Kittle winning the A.L. Rookie of the Year award.
Familiar Voice
When you sit down tonight to watch the NCAA Final Four semifinal games, you might hear the familiar voice of White Sox PA announcer Gene Honda, who once again will miss a few Sox games this homestand to call another NCAA championship.
A Day to Remember
Today was pretty special for Sox backup catcher Hector Gimenez, a switch-hitter who was in the lineup today against Hernandez. His Dad was here from Venezuela and it was the first time the senior Gimenez saw his son play in the major leagues. Hector delivered with a key sac fly.
Happy Birthday
A happy 49th birthday to Ken Williams. A piece of the famous Levy carrot cake was delivered in the second inning to help him celebrate the occasion.
Quote(s) of the Day
Robin on Axelrod’s performance:
“Ax was great. He did what he needed to do to get us to that point, then Rios with a big homer. He showed he could pitch with anybody.”
RV on Gillaspie’s day:
“He looked good today. For Conor, he wants to be a storm chaser, it’s a perfect day for him…He’s a tough kid, plays hard and has a compact swing that has a lot of pop with it, too.”
Play of the Day
The Rios homer, but honorable mention goes to Gillaspie and Axelrod
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs Mariners at U.S. Cellular Field (1:10 p.m., CT, WGN) in the rubber game of the series. Probable starters: Chris Sale for the Sox, Hisashi Iwakuma for Seattle.
Did You Know…
…that Jake Peavy, who will officially be presented with his 2012 Rawlings Gold Glove Award” before tomorrow’s series finale vs. the Mariners, is the third pitcher (sixth time) in White Sox history to win the award, joining lefthanders Jim Kaat (1974-75) and Mark Buehrle (2009-11).
Photo of the Day
Dylan excels while “Blowin’ in the Wind.”
Sox Host Mariners in First Weekend Series of the Season
Friday, April 5, 2013
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. Mariners at U.S. Cellular Field (7:05 p.m., CT, WCIU). Starters: Jose Quintana for the Sox, Blake Beavan for the Mariners.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, cf; Keppinger, 2b; Rios, rf; Dunn, dh; Konerko, lb; Viciedo, lf; Ramirez, ss; Flowers, c; Beckham, 2b.
Pitchers Take BP
Despite very cool, call it cold, temps and a breeze, Sox pitchers took batting practice in advance of the team’s trip to face the Nationals in Washington, D.C. next week. Extra players also took early BP.
They Call it Work Ethic
Paul Konerko–despite needing only one hit to move into sole possession of third place on the franchise’s all-time hit list (he’s now tied with Frank Thomas at 2,156)–was working in the batting cage at 3:30 p.m. this afternoon, well before regular pregame batting practice started.
Speaking of PK
Paulie, a huge hockey fan, was in attendance at last night’s Blackhawks-Blues game at the United Center. Here’s Paulie talking baseball and pucks with Blackhawk legends Bobby Hull (left) and Denis Savard.
(Photo courtesy of Chicago Blackhawks).
Calling All Foodies
For new fan favorite recipes, make sure to check our our Sox Tailgating Secrets every Thursday and Sunday before the game in section 157. And find photos of the food plus recipe cards on our Pinterest board.
Against the Wind
Bob Seger fans are likely to spy a few Sox staff and players at the “Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band” concert at the UC tomorrow night. I wonder who will be dancing to “Night Moves.”
Quote of the Day
Robin on Paulie’s consistency and leadership qualities:
“He’s been a good hitter throughout his career, but to hold it up year after year after year takes a lot of discipline and talent. He’s always in the cage and always thinking about (hitting)…You have a guy like him and people see what he’s doing–and he’s always been that way. He is a leader and he doesn’t have to yell and scream. It’s by example and if he needs to say something he’ll say it.”
Play(s) of the Day
Two of the Sox’s four full season minor-league affiliates opened their seasons last night. Tyler Saladino and Trayce Thompson homered for Class AA Birmingtham in a 5-2 win at Montgomery…Kale Kiser went 4-5 with two doubles and four RBI for Class Kannapolis in a 9-2 victory at Lakewood. Class AAA Charlotte was rained out.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Mariners at U.S. Cellular Field (12:10 p.m., CT, CSN+). Probable starters are Dylan Axelrod for the Sox, Felix Hernandez for Seattle.
Did You Know…
…that the White Sox lead the American League and rank second in the major leagues with a 1.00 ERA (3 ER/27 IP) while the Sox bullpen is tied with the Dodgers for the major league lead with a 0.00 ERA?
Photo of the Day
In his first series as the Sox’s starting catcher, Tyler Flowers batted .571 (4-7) with two homers and posted a .700 on-base percentage against the Royals this week.
No Sweep, But Sox Take Series From Royals
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Today’s News
Sox Game Highlights
Gavin Floyd worked six innings, allowing just two earned runs, four hits and a walk along with five strikeouts in today’s 3-1 loss to the Royals, which followed Sox victories in the first two games of the season-opening series…Hector Santiago pitched three scoreless innings in relief…Alejandro De Aza singled in the lone Sox run in the fifth …Gordon Beckham was 4-4 with four singles…Tyler Flowers also reached base four times on a single, two walks and was hit by a pitch.
“Gavin pitched well enough to get the win today,” Robin said after the game. “He was aggressive and got first pitch strikes. To me, tip your hat to (K.C. starter Jeremy) Guthrie and what he did.”
Quote of the Day
Asked about the Sabermetric opposition to utilizing the sacrifice bunt and giving up outs in general, Robin said: “There are a lot of those guys out there, but they’re not sitting in this seat. It’s a different feel when you’re a player or a manager than it is to write down numbers on a piece of paper.”
The question came up in reference to Robin’s decision to have De Aza bunt two baserunners over with no outs in the seventh inning of Wednesday’s game. Robin said the decision wasn’t a no-brainer, but made sense in that De Aza is a good bunter and Jeff Keppinger, a good bat-handler, was the next hitter.
Play of the Day
Flowers and Beckham, the Sox’s eighth and ninth place hitters, reached base every time up–a total of eight plate appearances.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Mariners at U.S. Cellular Field (7:10 .m., CT, WCIU). Probable starters are Jose Quintana for the Sox and Blake Beavan for Seattle.
Did You Know…
…that Flowers has joined Sherm Lollar (1958) as the only catchers in White Sox history to homer in each of the first two games of the season? Flowers also is the first Sox player since Paul Konerko in 2010 to homer in the first two games and the first major-league catcher to accomplish the feat since Atlanta’s Brian McCann in 2007.
Photo of the Day
Beckham has a perfect day at the plate today against the Royals.
Two in a Row
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Today’s News
Game Highlights: Pitching and Power
Jake Peavy gave up only one earned run and four hits in six innings along with six strikeouts in chalking up his first win of the season…Jesse Crain, Donnie Veal, Matt Lindstrom, Matt Thornton and Addison Reed, who recorded his second save, combined for three scoreless innings…Adam Dunn, Tyler Flowers and Alexei Ramirez hit solo homers while Dayan Viciedo smashed a two-run shot as the Sox won, 5-2, to remain unbeaten.
Sox to Host Civil Rights Game
Major League Baseball and the White Sox announced yesterday at a U.S. Cellular Field press conference that the Sox will be the host of the seventh annual Civil Rights Game, Saturday, August 24 against the Texas Rangers. The Sox previously participated in the event when it was held in Memphis and Cincinnati.
“This game isn’t just the game,” Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said at the press gathering. “The majority of people in this country were probably not alive when (Dr.) King was killed, and certainly weren’t alive when Jackie Robinson came into the game. Just like the majority of people weren’t alive for the Holocaust. We just can’t have people forgetting what went on if we’re going to be a country where we truly have opportunity for everybody.”
Here are Reinsdorf, MLB exec and Hall of Famer Frank Robinson (left) and Sox EVP Kenny Williams at the presser.
One Who Knows
While there was a collective gasp among sports fans and non-sports fans alike in the wake of the leg injury to Kevin Ware of Louisville on Sunday, only a few can fully understand. Robin Ventura is one of them, having suffered a devastating injury himself. Please see the links below:
My Memory of Robin’s Injury
Watching Ware’s injury on Sunday, my mind couldn’t help but flash back to that sad night in 1997 during spring training in Sarasota when Robin suffered his horrible injury.
With two out in the inning, Robin rounded third base and tried to score. He slid into home and was out at the plate. In the press box at Ed Smith Stadium, I vividly remember being focused on Robin even as the teams began to run off the field. I even recall saying, “Look at his leg.”
Unfortunately my fears were realized. Robin endured a compound fracture and, with the injury, most of our hopes for the ’97 season ended.
My other memory of that night was of Robin’s wife Stephanie. I remember that she had gone out to dinner early that evening and came to the ballpark just moments before the incident.
Sunday made me remember that night as if it were yesterday.
Goal!!
Crain took in Monday night’s Blackhawks game at the United Center and taught Chicago fans a lesson: don’t challenge a baseball player born in Canada!
The BHawks had Crain shoot the puck between periods and the Sox reliever promptly sent his first puck right down the middle, just missing one of the openings. His third shot was a winner.
I gave him props during BP today.
“Don’t mess with a Canadian on the ice,” I joked, “but I expected a bigger celebration.”
“Act like you’ve been there before,” he smiled.
Here’s Crain in action on the ice:
Funny Stuff
Treat yourself and check out the new–and hilarious–extended version of our #MAKEANIMPACT commercial plus outtakes.
Quote of the Day
Royals’ manager Ned Yost on the White Sox pitching staff and Peavy in particular after being on the losing end of two well-pitched games: “They’re good for a reason…Like Sale was (on Monday), I thought Jake threw the ball very well and was on top of his game.”
Play of the Day
With the Sox leading 4-2 in the seventh inning, Lindstrom made his first appearance in a Sox uniform and dramatically ended a Royals’ rally by retiring Alcides Escobar with the bases loaded and two outs.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Royals at U.S. Cellular Field (1:10 p.m., CT, CSN). Probable starters are Gavin Floyd for the Sox and Jeremy Guthrie for the Royals.
Did You Know…
…that Dunn’s first homer of the season in the second inning of today’s game was his 407th and ties him with Hall of Famer Duke Snider for 48th place on the all-time home run list? And that Paul Konerko’s sixth inning double tied Frank Thomas for third place on the Sox’s hit list with 2,136?
Photo of the Day
Today it’s a video of Tyler Flowers’ second home run in as many games, which gave the Sox a lead they never relinquished.
mlblogswhitesoxpride1
Scott Reifert
Recent Comments