Sale and Parker Face Off Under the Friday Night Lights
Friday, June 7, 2013
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. A’s at U.S. Cellular Field (7:10, CT, CSN). Starters: LHP Chris Sale (5-3, 2.44) for the Sox, RHP Jarrod Parker (4-6, 4.90) for Oakland. Sale and Parker face each other for the second time this week. They were mound opponents in a tight pitching duel last Sunday in Oakland with Parker winning 2-0.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, LF; Ramirez, SS; Rios, RF; Dunn, 1B; Viciedo, DH; Gillaspie, 3B; Beckham, 2B; Danks, CF; Flowers, C.
Keep the Faith
Something to think about: Through the first 58 games of the 2010 season, the White Sox owned the exact same record as they do now–25-33. And here’s what happened…
The Sox ended the first-half on a 25-5 run, matching the eventual World Champion Cincinnati Reds and 1990 New York Mets for the best record in major league-history in the final 30 games before the All-Star break. During that 30-game stretch, which began with a win over Detroit on June 9, the White Sox went from a season-high tying nine games under .500 (24-33) and 9 1/2 games out of first place to ending the first half with a 1/2 lead in the division.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, only one team in baseball history came back from a bigger first-half deficit to enter the break with a division lead (the 1973 St. Louis Cardinals,11 1/2 games behind).
I’d like to think history can repeat itself. Let’s start fresh tonight.
The Draft
White Sox fans saw their favorite team select a multi-talented infielder and a promising pitcher yesterday with their first two picks in the First-Year Player Draft. With the 17th selection in the first round, the Sox chose shortstop Tim Anderson from East Central Community College in Mississippi and with the 55th choice in the second round plucked righthanded pitcher Tyler Danish from Durant High School in Plant City, FL.
Check out the photo and video on Anderson in the Photo/Video of the Day section below and here’s a story on Danish, who tweeted multiple times in the last couple of days how proud he is to be drafted by the Sox organization.
Rounds 3-10 were held today. Here are the Sox’s selections: Jacob May (3rd round) a centerfielder from Coastal Carolina (Jacob is the grandson of former Reds and Orioles slugger Lee May and the great-nephew of ex-Sox star Carlos May); RHP Andrew Mitchell (4th round), TCU; RHP Thaddius Lowry (5th round), Spring, H.S. (TX); RHP James Dykstra (6th round), Cal State/San Marcos; 3B Trey Michalczewski (7th round), Jenks, H.S. (OK); LHP Chris Freudenberg (8th round), South Mountain CC (AZ); RHP Nick Blount (9th round), Southern Polytechnic State (GA); RHP Brad Goldberg (10th round), Ohio State.
Enjoy this video of Jacob May making an outstanding catch:
The draft will conclude tomorrow with rounds 11-40.
1983 Reunion
Members of the ’83 “Winning Ugly” Sox will be getting together tomorrow at the ballpark for a charity event. Among those attending are skipper Tony La Russa, Greg Luzinski, Ron Kittle and Mike Squires. The guys are excited to see each other both during and after the game.
Funny Story
Kittle stopped by my office today and shared a funny story about famed hitting coach Charley Lau.
It was the middle of the summer in Kansas City and it was hot, something like 110 degrees on the Astroturf, according to Kittle.
Kittle and Lau were out for early hitting hours before the game. No one else was around.
“It was so hot, I think I took my shirt off with just my baseball pants on,” KIttle recounted. “And Charley came out in a long sleeve undershirt with a windbreaker.
“I’ll never forget it. He put two balls on home plate and told me to hit them like a golf swing. I hit two line drives in the same place, and he said, ‘That’s it, we’re done.’
“I was mad (that I had to come to the ballpark early just for that) but that was Charley. He knew that if your mind was in the right place, you can hit. And once I hit those two line drives, he knew I was good for that night.
“I think I got two hits.”
The Big Hurt Talks PEDs and the Hall of Fame
http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/9352214/frank-thomas-says-legends-opposed-players-ped-ties-gaining-hall-fame-entry?src=mobile
American League 67, National League 62
Through yesterday, the A.L. held a slim lead over the N.L. in interleague contests, 67-62, in this first year of continuous cross-league play. The National League last won the interleague series in 2003.
Quote of the Day
Sox Director of Amateur Scouting Doug Laumann on No. 1 pick Anderson:
“He was our target…The one thing he can do is change a game. His ability to get on base with his on-base percentage as well as his ability to take extra bases, that’s one of the things we thought was very exciting about him. His instinct for the game is off the charts.”
Play of the Day
Jose Quintana did his best to give some relief to the overworked bullpen last night by keeping the Sox in the game with 7.2 IP in the extra-inning loss to the A’s.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. A’s at U.S. Cellular Field (3:10 p.m., CT, WGN). Starters: LHP John Danks (0-2, 5.06) for the Sox, LHP Tommy Milone (6-5, 3.91) for Oakland.
Did You Know…
…that pitching coach Don Cooper will be managing the Sox tonight as Robin and bench coach Mark Parent, who managed last night, are both attending family graduations. Coop is 1-1 at the helm when called upon in the past. He also has experience managing in Venezuela so he’ll be in familiar territory.
Photo/Video of the Day
More on Tim Anderson…
Quintana, White Sox Have Payback on Their Minds vs. A’s
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. A’s at U.S. Cellular Field (7:10 p.m., CT, CSN) in the first of a four-game series. Starters: LHP Jose Quintana (3-2, 3.86) for the Sox vs. RHP Dan Straily (3-2, 4.60) for Oakland. The two pitchers faced each other last Saturday in Oakland as the A’s pushed across a run in the bottom of the 10th for a 4-3 win.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Ramirez, SS; Rios, RF; Dunn, 1B; Konerko, DH; Viciedo, LF; Gillaspie, 3B; Beckham, 2B, Flowers, C.
Peavy on DL, Fresh Arms Arrive After Last Night’s 16-Inning Win
Before tonight’s game, the Sox placed Jake Peavy on the 15-day disabled list with a rib fracture, optioned Brian Omogrosso to Class AAA Charlotte, recalled reliever Deunte Heath from Charlotte and purchased the contract of reliever Ramon Troncoso from the Knights.
Draft Starts Tonight
The 2013 MLB Draft begins tonight with the first two rounds and competitive balance rounds. The draft continues tomorrow with rounds 3-10 and concludes on Sunday with rounds 11-40.
The Sox own the 17th and 55th picks in the initial two rounds.
Two-time MVP Frank Thomas, the seventh pick overall by the Sox in 1989, will represent the club tonight during the opening round.
A Lefty Weekend
With Quintana, Chris Sale, John Danks and Hector Santiago scheduled to start for the Sox against the A’s this weekend, it marks the first time that the club has started all lefthanders in a four-game series since July of 1980 when Britt Burns, Steve Trout, Ross Baumgarten and Rich Wortham faced the Royals.
“Inside the White Sox” Anniversary
So when a friend mentioned to me recently that today is the eighth anniversary of this blog, I stopped in my tracks. It’s been eight years? That is a lot of wins, losses and words …
The anniversary also hits hard because I started this blog in the middle of the 2005 season, so it also means it’s been eight years since we spent October covered in champagne. THAT, just doesn’t seem right.
The concept of a blog was just hitting in 2005 when I decided to take a shot at creating a White Sox front office blog. Folks at MLB say I was the first, or one of the first, club officials to begin an online diary of sorts, but my main goal was to take advantage of this new technology to speak directly to the fans, to share info and insights and to also hear from fans in return. And I have tried to keep my eyes and ears open for funny lines and funny moments. In most major league clubhouses, there is always something funny happening. My goal has been to share those moments with our fans in a way that doesn’t betray confidences, but that leaves people laughing. You are the best judges as to whether I have succeeded or not.
Ultimately, the fun in this has been connecting with White Sox fans, passionate, passionate Sox fans. Many have read along and followed me for years. Many attended our Blog Nights and Social Media nights so that I was able to connect faces with online names. I’ve also heard from so many fans who don’t ever post but love to read. For example, my mom and dad read all the time and always tell me how much they love my stories (but not always my spelling).
But I do think more people than just my mom and dad have been along for this eight-year ride. I appreciate that you are willing to spend a little of your valuable time reading this blog, and most importantly, caring about the White Sox.
After all, we never forget that it is our fans who truly matter.
I will never forget the first day I posted to this blog because the earth moved … literally. I finally found some time while the team was in San Diego to figure out how this thing worked. So sitting in my hotel room on the water in San Diego, I posted my first post. If my memory is correct, the next morning was a Sunday. I woke up and was getting dressed to head to the ballpark. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I felt a jolt.
What was that?
I walked to the window, partly expecting to see people running from the building (I might have been on the 30th floor). Nothing.
I flipped on the TV and kept packing.
The news quickly circulated that San Diego has just suffered a small (seemed big to me) earthquake.
Wow, I didn’t think then, but think today for dramatic license, that this blog thing is pretty powerful. It moved the earth and all … HA!
Quote of the Day
With Robin on his way to his daughter’s high school graduation, bench coach Mark Parent managed the end of last night’s marathon. He spoke to the media following the game:
“Hopefully those guys grinding offensively late in the game carries over until tomorrow (today) and the future, that’s the good part about it…the whole pitching staff and the team really rallied around each other in the dugout and it was really good to see.”
Play of the Day
It was also heartening to see the way the Sox persevered last night. Losing the lead in the 14th on the Kyle Seager grand slam was deflating, but we came right back to win and end the losing streak.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. A’s at U.S. Cellular Field (7:10, CT, CSN). Starters: LHP Chris Sale (5-3, 2.44) for the Sox, RHP Jarrod Parker (4-6, 4.90). Sale and Parker face each other for the second time this week. They were the mound opponents in a tight pitching duel last Sunday in Oakland with Parker winning 2-0.
Did You Know…
…that, according to Parent, if last night’s game would have gone longer, outfielder Casper Wells–who pitched during his college days at Towson State–would have been called upon for mound duty. All seven relievers on the Sox active roster saw action in the extra-inning affair.
Photo of the Day
Parent, shown here congratulating Alex Rios, will be managing the Sox again tonight in Robin’s absence.
Happiness is a 7-5 Win in 16 Innings
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Today’s News
The Game
Final: White Sox 7, Mariners 5 in 16 innings–and the eight-game losing streak is history. It was the Sox’s longest game since the 19-inning marathon on July 9, 2006 vs. the Red Sox.
That’s What We Were Afraid Of
Jake’s MRI today revealed a non-displaced rib fracture on his left side. He will be shut down for 4-6 weeks.
Play(s) of the Day
* Alejandro De Aza drove in Gordon Beckham to give the Sox a 6-5 lead in the 16th. Rios, with four singles and two RBI on the day, drove in run No. 7.
* Rios drove in De Aza with the first run of the five-run 14th, which broke the 0-0 deadlock. Jeff Keppinger added a two-run single in the inning and Casper Wells and Hector Gimenez each drove in a run.
* Dylan Axelrod (5.1 IP), Hector Santiago (0.2), Matt Lindstrom (1.1), Matt Thornton (1.0), Jesse Crain (1.2), Nate Jones (2.0) Brian Omogrosso (1.0) and Addison Reed (0.1) combined for 13.1 scoreless innings before the Mariners crossed the plate. Reed, who blew the save by giving up five runs in the 14th which tied the score, rebounded nicely with a solid 15th and struck out the side in the 16th for the victory.
* The Sox turned six double plays today to halt rally after rally and keep them in the game: Keppinger-Beckham-Dunn; De Aza-Beckham-Dunn to double off a runner at first; Rios-Gimenez to gun down a potential run at the plate; and Ramirez-Beckham-Dunn (twice) and Beckham (who tagged the runner going from first to second)-Dunn.
* Beckham collected three singles and a double, all from the ninth inning on.
Quote(s) of the Day
White Sox Director of Amateur Scouting Doug Laumann talks about the June amateur draft, which begins tomorrow:
On narrowing down what player the Sox will select with the 17th pick in the first round…
“We’ve narrowed it down to a group of five or six players. We’re real confident in 10 to 12 of the players being selected ahead of our pick, but not necessarily the certain order. In the pool of players we’re working with, we feel one of them will get to us. I’ve never gone through a draft where every single option on our board is taken away.”
On the chance of a player rated higher (8-10 range) slipping down to the Sox...
“It’s happened. It happened in 2010 with Chris Sale. And, for whatever reason, you just don’t know sometimes. Typically the reasons include signability or injuries, but it’s pretty uncommon for a guy to fall in the draft based on ability. But we are always prepared for that.”
On changes in the draft process with Rick Hahn taking over as GM…
“I don’t think it’s changed a whole lot. Kenny has always asked us to shoot for the stars because that’s the way you win championships with those types of players. And I still think we are going to subscribe to that theory of drafting the most impactful guy. Maybe it will change a bit a couple rounds earlier than it has in the past, and those are the types of things we have asked Rick. Kenny always shared his input and still does, but it’s clear we are going to go the direction Rick wants us to go.”
On the overall talent in this year’s draft class…
“I’m always cautious in trying to rate an entire class. Some of the high school players being signed for so much money a few years ago may have diluted the college level (junior class) some, but the talent level of high school kids is always pretty consistent.”
On taking the best player rather than filling a specific need…
“I instruct our staff to scout everybody on equal terms, whether it be signability or ability. As we have done in the past, and it looks like we will continue to do, we want to take the best possible player that has the highest ceiling down the road.”
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. A’s at U.S. Cellular Field (7:10 pm., CT, CSN) in the first of a four-game series. Starters: LHP Jose Quintana (3-2, 3.86) for the Sox, RHP Dan Straily (3-2, 4.60) for Oakland. Quintana and Straily faced each other last Saturday in Oakland with the A’s winding up on top, 4-3.
Did You Know…
…that there are seven players on our active roster who were drafted by the Sox? They are Beckham, Jordan Danks, Jones, Omogrosso, Reed, Sale and Santiago.
Photo of the Day
De Aza’s single put the Sox over the top.
It’s Jake vs. King Felix in Matchup of Cy Young Winners
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. Mariners at Safeco Field, Seattle (9:10 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: RHP Jake Peavy (6-3, 3.62) for the Sox, RHP Felix Hernandez (6-4, 2.38) for the M’s. Peavy is 5-1 with a 2.25 ERA and 50 strikeouts in his career vs. the Mariners. He is 3-0 with a 0.86 ERA and 23 strikeouts in three starts at Safeco.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, LF; Beckham 2B; Gillaspie, 3B; Rios, RF; Konerko, 1B; Dunn, DH; Ramirez, SS; Jor. Danks, CF; Flowers, C.
Peavy: An “Inside Look“
Jake will be featured tonight (8:00 p.m., CT) in the latest installment of the monthly Comcast SportsNet series, “Inside Look presented by Cadillac,” airing just prior to the Sox-Mariners game.
Chuck Garfien hosts the exclusive interview with Peavy from Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music, where Jake will talk about his career and will even sing and play a little guitar.
Comcast SportsNet will re-air “Inside Look with Jake Peavy” at the following dates/times: Sunday, June 9 at Noon; Wednesday, June 12, 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, June 16, 4:30 p.m.; Friday, June 21, 5:00 p.m.; Monday, June 24, 7:00 p.m.; Thursday, June 27, 4:30 p.m.; and Saturday, June 29, 7:30 p.m. The show also will be available at CSNChicago.com after tonight’s debut along with additional interview content not contained in the TV version.
Sox-Cubs Makeup Date
The final game of the Crosstown Cup series will be played Monday, July 8 (7:10 p.m., CT) at U.S. Cellular Field. Game tickets and parking coupons from the postponed May 28 contest will be honored.
Quote of the Day
Peavy, from his “Inside Look” interview, on his legacy:
“I’m not looking to leave any number…that doesn’t mean anything to me. I want to be a winner. I want people to go, ‘You know what? He was a winner and he was the best teammate I ever had.’ “
Play of the Day
Jeff Keppinger, who singled and drove in a run last night, is now hitting .375 in his last 14 games. He was at third base in the series opener against the Mariners with Gordon Beckham back in the lineup at second.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Mariners at Safeco Field, Seattle (2:40 p.m., CT, CSN) in the finale of the three-game series and eight-game road trip. Starters: RHP Dylan Axelrod (3-4, 4.04) for the Sox, RHP Hisashi Iwakuma (6-1, 2.13) for Seattle.
Did You Know…
…that the Sox are trying practicially everything–and I mean practically everything–to reverse our fortunes? Last night, we wore our game hats for BP and BP hats during the game. If that weren’t enough of a change, Coop ran the hitters meeting and Jeff Manto ran the pitchers meeting.
Photo of the Day
It’s a Peavy kind of day.
Beckham’s Back
Monday, June 3, 2013
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. Mariners at Safeco Field, Seattle (9:10 p.m., CT, CSN) in the opener of a three-game series. Starters: LHP John Danks (0-1, 5.40) for the Sox, LHP Joe Saunders (3-5, 5.57) for the M’s.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Ramirez, SS; Rios, RF; Konerko, 1B; Viciedo, LF; Dunn, DH; Keppinger, 3B; Flowers, C; Beckham, 2B.
Happy Return
Gordon Beckham, who was hitting .316 through seven games when he broke his left wrist on in Washngton on April 9, is back with the Sox after a successful rehab assignment at Class AAA Charlotte. In eight games and 36 at bats with the Knights, he batted .333 with five RBI and seven runs scored. To make room for Beckham on the 25-man roster, INF Tyler Greene was designated for assignment.
A Good Omen: Sox vs. Mariners by the Numbers
* The White Sox lead the season series against Seattle, winning two of three at U.S. Cellular Field in April.
* The Sox own an eight-game winning streak at Safeco Field.
* In 2012, the Sox went 8-1 vs. the Mariners, 6-0 in Seattle.
* We are 26-5 vs. Seattle since 2010…16-3 at home and 10-2 at Safeco with five total sweeps. Since 2008, the Sox are 35-11 (21-4 at home and 14-7 on the road).
* Since 2010, Sox starters are 16-0 with a 2.64 ERA, 23 quality starts, three complete games and a perfect game during that span.
* The White Sox have not lost consecutive games to the Mariners since September 16-17 of 2009.
The Sox According to GM Rick Hahn
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/06/02/white-sox-gm-rick-hahn-messages-have-been-sent/
Quote of the Day
@gordonbeckham via Twitter:
“Want to thank all the people that have wished me well over the last 2 months. Looking forward to getting back with the team! Thanks so much!”
Play of the Day
John Danks, who will be making his third start of the season tonight, is 7-0 with a 1.31 ERA in his last eight starts against the Mariners.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Mariners at Safeco Field, Seattle (9:10 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: RHP Jake Peavy (6-3, 3.62) for the Sox, RHP Felix Hernandez (6-4, 2.38) for Seattle.
Did You Know…
…that 28 years ago today the White Sox chose Mississippi State’s Bobby Thigpen in the fourth round of the amateur draft? He made his big league debut the next year and in 1990 set a major league record with 57 saves. The current Sox bullpen coach is the club’s all-time leader with 201 saves.
Photo of the Day
Danks is looking for his first win of 2013.
Sox Head to Seattle, Look for Ninth Straight Win at Safeco Tomorrow Night
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Today’s News
The Game:
Final: A’s 2, White Sox 0
Sox Siblings
We announced today that Dewayne Wise has been placed on the 15-day DL with a strained right hamstring. Replacing him on the 25-man roster is Jordan Danks. This is the first time that Jordan and older brother John have been on the active Sox roster at the same time.
Graduations
Robin and bench coach Mark Parent will each miss two games vs. Oakland later this week to attend family graduation ceremonies in California. Ventura will miss the game on Thursday and Parent will manage. Both RV and Parent will miss the game on Friday and pitching coach Don Cooper will manage the club. Also, special assistant Vance Law will join the team Thursday through Saturday.
Play of the Day
His scoreless inning streak ended at 28 in the sixth inning as a result of a sac fly, but Chris Sale was his usual outstanding self this afternoon. He went six innings, allowing only one run, four hits, a walk and while striking out five.
Quote of the Day
RV on Jordan Danks, who was in the starting lineup today in center field:
“He’s a great defender. For me, he’s made a lot of improvements since we’ve had him in spring training–even last year to this year. Offensively he’s been doing fine, he has some speed. It’s one of those that you trust him out there…”
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Mariners at Safeco Field, Seattle (9:10 p.m., CT, CSN) in the first of a three-game series. Starters: John Danks (0-1, 5.40) for the Sox, Joe Saunders (3-5, 5.57) for Seattle. The White Sox are 26-5 vs. the Mariners since 2010–16-3 at U.S. Cellular Field, including two of three in April, and 10-2 at Safeco. We have won eight straight in the Emerald City.
Did You Know…
…that John and Jordan are the ninth set of brothers to play for the Sox and the first to play at the same time since Sandy Alomar Jr. and Roberto Alomar (2004)? Here are the others: C Frank Roth (1906) and OF/INF Robert Roth (1914-15); RHP Homer Blankenship (1922-23) and RHP Ted Blankenship (1922-30); LHP Bob Weiland (1928-31) and RHP Ed Weiland (1940, ’42); LHP Jim O’Toole (1967) and RHP Denny O’Toole (1969-73); 1B/DH Dick Allen (1972-74) and INF/OF/C Hank Allen (1972-73); OF/DH Nyls Nyman (1974-77) and INF/OF/DH Chris Nyman (1982-83); RHP Jeff Darwin (1996-97) and RHP Danny Darwin (1997).
Photo of the Day
The “Brothers Danks”…
Sale Aims to Baffle A’s in Series Finale
http://atmlb.com/115eVG6
It’s Axelrod vs. Colon as Sox Visit A’s
Friday, May 31, 2013
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. A’s at O.co Coliseum, Oakland (9:07 p.m., CT, WGN). Starters: Dylan Axelrod (3-3) for the Sox, former Sox hurler Bartolo Colon (5-2) for the A’s.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Ramirez, SS; Rios, RF; Dunn, DH; Konerko, 1B; Gillaspie, 3B; Viciedo, LF; Keppinger, 3B; Flowers, C.
Memorable Trip
Members of the White Sox Amateur City Elite (ACE) program, who were playing in a national Memorial Day tournament in Kansas City, visited the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum there over the holiday weekend.
Here are “Five Questions” with Kevin Coe, White Sox Manager of Youth Baseball Initiatives, focusing on the K.C. trip and the ACE program in general:
What exactly is the ACE program for people who are new to the concept?
ACE gives kids from the inner city, kids who might normally not be able to afford the high costs of travel sports, the opportunity to play competitive travel baseball. They wear White Sox uniforms and we provide the funding, practice facilities and coaching staffs. We teach them the right way to play and we begin at a very early age, with seven teams and 105 kids in the program. Now in its fifth year, we’ve had eight players drafted and more importantly, 52 receive college scholarships for baseball. Last year, 12 kids from our oldest team received scholarships to play baseball AND get an education. This year, we already have kids committed to schools like Arizona and Michigan.
At what point in the season are the White Sox ACE teams?
High School playoffs are just starting in Illinois, so our high school ACE teams are beginning practice for summer league this weekend. In fact, today is the first day of practice for some teams … weather permitting. Our U13 and U14 teams are at the midpoint of their 60 (or so) game seasons. Those are the kids who went to Kansas City and toured the Negro League Museum.
How did the Kansas City trip come about?
There is always a very good Memorial Day tournament in Kansas City featuring teams from Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Nebraska, Missouri and Iowa. Since we were going there, we contacted Bob Kendrick, president of the Museum, and he was kind enough to give the kids a personal tour. It was life-changing for some of the kids. It was the first time for some to hear stories about players like Satchel Paige warming up by throwing pitches over a gum wrapper or Cool Papa Bell, who was so fast he could flip the light switch and still get into bed under the covers before the room was dark.
You mentioned the draft. Do you expect kids from this year’s ACE teams to be drafted next week?
Absolutely. I would expect players like Corey Ray, Marshawn Taylor and Ronell Coleman to be drafted. All three have the option to go to college, but I imagine all three will receive a call on draft day.
What are you most proud of?
I grew up in Chicago, went to Simeon and then played baseball in college before having the chance to play professionally in the minor leagues. I’m most proud to be able to come back to my own community and help kids imagine, dream and achieve their goals. Nothing is better.
Did Your First Sox Game #MakeAnImpact On You?
Here’s a look at our newest commercial:
http://atmlb.com/115soOb
“Road to Return”
I’m sure that you’ll enjoy the first two segments of a four-part series, “Road to Return,” focusing on John Danks’ shoulder surgery, rehab and return to the Sox. I’ll post the final two parts when they are available.
Quote of the Day
Future Hall of Fame Manager Tony La Russa, who managed the Sox from 1979-86:
“I always pulled for the White Sox. I enjoyed their World Series win in 2005 almost as much as they did. Every time I’ve come back, I’ve always felt the closeness. Once the game is played and over, you can’t lose the feelings you have, the respect and the affection. I’ve always felt it and I’ve always given it back.”
(This is the first in a series of quotes and anecdotes from former Sox that I will share with you over the course of the season from the book, What It Means to Be A White Sox, by Bob Vorwald).
Play of the Day
Axelrod, aiming to win his fourth straight start vs. the A’s tonight, obviously will not be hitting on this road trip to Oakland and Seattle. But Ax does hold the distinction of being the only Sox pitcher to have collected a hit in interleague play this year. He singled in two at bats against the Nationals in D.C. on April 11–and even scored a run.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. A’s at O.co Coliseum (3:07 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Jose Quintana (3-2) for the Sox vs. Dan Strally (3-2) for Oakland.
Did You Know…
…that Gordon Beckham, continuing his rehab assignment at Class AAA Charlotte, went 3-5 with a double, two runs scored and an RBI in last night’s Charlotte’s 8-4 victory over Toledo?
Photo of the Day
Mr. Peavy is 32 today!
On to the West Coast…Three in Oakland and Three in Seattle
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Today’s News
The Game
Final: Cubs 8, Sox 3
PK Comes Out on Top in “Shoot the Puck” Contest
Paulie bested Jeff Samardzija of the Cubs in the Shoot the Puck competition between the second and third periods of last night’s dramatic Hawks victory. Konerko, a former center/right winger youth hockey player, made two of five.
On his last effort, he thought about airing one out.
“But there were people down there and I didn’t want to hurt anyone.”
Both teams had large contingents of players at the game.
(Photo credit: Chicago Tribune)
Quote of the Day
Hawk Harrelson missed the two games at Wrigley Field with a sore throat. Hope he’s back Friday in Oakland.
Speaking of Hawk, he has taken to calling Jesse Crain, “Jesse Stones,” for his airtight work out of the bullpen this year.
Someone approached Jesse and asked if he had heard Hawk call him that.
“No, I’m usually on the mound at that point,” Crain answered with a shrug.
Play(s) of the Day
Konerko doubled, singled and drove in a pair of runs in today’s game. PK now owns a .311 batting average with seven homers and 26 RBI in 34 career games at Wrigley Field…Alejandro De Aza singled twice, walked twice, scored and drove in a run.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. A’s at O.co Coliseum, Oakland (9:07 p.m., CT, WGN) in the first of a three-game series. Starters: Dylan Axelrod (3-3) for the Sox, former Sox hurler Bartolo Colon (5-2) for the A’s.
Did You Know…
…that Axelrod, who won his third straight start last Sunday against the Marlins, will be facing the A’s for the first time in his career?
Photo of the Day
Ax looks to extend his winning streak in Oakland.
Sox Counting on Peavy to Break Through Against Cubs in Tomorrow’s Finale
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Today’s News
The Game
Final: Cubs 9, Sox 3
Sox Notes of Note
Chris Sale, whose start last night was halted by the postponement, told the media today that he will stay on his regular rest this weekend at Oakland, which means a Sunday start…According to Robin, Gordon Beckham is scheduled to take batting practice today and will hopefully play tomorrow for Class AAA Charlotte. The current thinking is that Beckham won’t rejoin the Sox until our next homestand, which begins June 6 vs. the A’s.
Go Hawks
Several members of the White Sox are heading to Game 7 of the NHL playoffs between the Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings tonight at the United Center. Rumor has avid hockey fan (and former player) Paul Konerko sitting on the glass for this showdown.
Looks Matter
“How do I look,” asked first base coach Daryl Boston as he stepped up out of the Sox dugout pregame, showing the back of his head and neck to fellow coach Harold Baines and interested onlookers.
Boston rubbed his cleanly (and apparently recently) shaved head.
“No one’s laughing, so I must have done OK,” he said, smiling.
Wrigley Memories
“Kid, I don’t feel so good, you’re playing left today,” Cardinals outfielder George Hendrick said to rookie catcher (and current Sox bullpen catcher) Mark Salas before a 1984 game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
“Kid, you can play the outfield, can’t you?” asked manager Whitey Herzog of Salas.
“Sure.”
Salas immediately starting looking around for an outfielder’s glove he could use.
“Here, you can use mine,” Hendrick said.
So out to left field trots Salas in a game that became an instant classic, a 12-11 Cubs win in 11 innings behind HOFer Ryne Sandberg.
“Fly ball over my head,” Salas re-counts. “I go back and BOOM! I’m doused with a warm beer. All down my back and pants.”
“What did you do, shower? Did you change your uniform or just wear it?” I asked.
“Wore it.”
Grand Slam
It dawned on me as I drove past Soldier Field this morning, taking my daughter to school. How many other people managed the Chicago Sports Grand Slam, all before 1:00 p.m.? In addition to Soldier Field, I stopped at U.S. Cellular, ran past the United Center to pick up Blackhawks tickets for the players and then made it to Wrigley Field for batting practice. Pretty good day for making the rounds, I’d say.
Play(s) of the Day
Tyler Flowers doubled, singled and drove in a run. Jeff Keppinger had a three-hit day.
Quote of the Day
Robin on the recent death of Dr. Lewis Yocum, a pioneer in the field of sports medicine (via mlb.com):
“He was always somebody everybody went to for one thing or another,” said Ventura who saw Dr. Yocum for a shoulder injury while he was a player. “I don’t know how they do it for the Hall of Fame stuff, but if you’re looking at people who affected the game, he affected the game.”
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Cubs at Wrigley Field (1:20 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Jake Peavy (6-2) for the Sox, Travis Wood (4-3) for the Cubs.
Did You Know…
…that Alex Rios, the Orioles’ Adam Jones and the Angels’ Mike Trout are the only players in the American League with at least 10 homers and eight steals?
Photo of the Day
We made a lot of White Sox fans happy outside of Wrigley Field today with some pretty cool giveaways. Here are a few of those smiling faithful. And follow us on Twitter (@whitesox) to find out how you can participate in our giveaways throughout the season.
mlblogswhitesoxpride1
Scott Reifert
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