Results tagged ‘ alex rios ’
Sox Look to Give Robin his 100th Victory as Skipper
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. Angels at U.S. Cellular Field (6:10 p.m., CT, WGN). Starters: Jose Quintana (2-0) for the Sox, Jerome Williams (1-1) for L.A.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Ramirez, SS; Rios, RF; Konerko, DH; Dunn, 1B; Viciedo, LF; Keppinger, 3B; Flowers, C; Greene, 2B.
Robin
A victory tonight will give RV his 100th win as manager of the Sox.
Kitty
Ron Kittle, the 1983 American League Rookie of the Year, will be the next member of the ’83 “Winning Ugly” Sox to throw out the ceremonial first pitch during our season-long Sunday tribute to the A.L. West championship team. Kitty will do the honors tomorrow night before the nationally televised game vs. the Angels on ESPN.
Good Works
The White Sox Volunteer Corps along with Sox players Alex Rios and Matt Thornton, pitching coach Don Cooper and broadcaster Darrin Jackson were out in full force today at the Park Manor Elementary School in Chicago. Here’s Alex, Matt and two volunteers doing their part to beautify the school.
Quote of the Day
Sox GM Rick Hahn on the club’s early season performance. The bottom line? Keep the faith:
“We did feel going into the season that starting pitching was going to be one of our strengths and thus far it’s been tested, but it’s also been proven to be one of the strengths, which is nice…We have been disappointed the way things have started from an offensive standpoint and even defensively has been a little bit erratic and not up to the standards we set last year. That being said, we do have a fair amount of guys with some substantial track records behind them which gives you reason to believe that there will be some improvement back toward those career norms. We are talking about a team that last year was fourth in the league in runs scored and there’s no reason to believe that this permutation of that team with some improvements in some areas and a lot of the same personnel in others is going to wind up at the bottom of the league in runs scored. So we expect there to be a correction fairly soon, but thus far it’s been disappointing and it’s time to get going.
“…You always want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to try to push that magic button and make that move that’s going to solve whatever problem may be in front of you, whether it’s a health standpoint, or depth or the bench or as we just talked about, our offense. You do have to try to let things unfold and give guys the chance to show their true colors and their true performance levels over an extended period of time. Obviously you don’t wait for that indefinitely and you don’t spend the whole summer just waiting around and hoping that things are going to get better. But this early on there’s still the expectation that guys are going to return to their previous norms.”
Play of the Day
Dayan Viciedo’s two-run double in last night’s 7-5 loss to the Angels, his first game back since returning from the DL.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Angels at U.S. Cellular Field (7:05 p.m., CT, ESPN). Chris Sale (3-2) for the Sox, C.J. Wilson (3-2) for the Halos.
Did You Know…
…that White Sox starters own a fine 2.78 ERA during the last 20 games?
Photo/Video of the Day
In last night’s game, Alejandro De Aza gave the Sox an early lead with his second consecutive leadoff home run and his seventh homer of the season.
Thanks Danks
Monday, May 6, 2013
Today’s News
The Game
Final: White Sox 2, Royals 1 (11 innnings)
Highlights: Jordan Danks’ long solo homer in the 11th proved to be the game-winner in a very sweet victory…The Sox loaded the bases in the ninth on singles by Jeff Keppinger, Alex Rios and Adam Dunn and with two outs tied the score at 1-1 on an Alexei Ramirez single…After giving up a run in the first inning and throwing 57 pitches through two, Chris Sale settled down and was superb, going 7.1 innings. He gave up just six hits, didn’t allow a walk and struck out five. His pitch count ended up at 119, tying a career high…Matt Lindstrom (0.2), Matt Thornton (1.0), Jesse Crain (1.0) and Addison Reed (1.0) pitched scoreless ball in the final 3.2 innings. Reed got credit for his 11th save.
Surgery for Gavin
Gavin Floyd will undergo season-ending surgery tomorrow in New York City to repair the ulnar collateral ligament and a torn flexor muscle in his elbow. Expected recovery time for the 30-year-old Floyd is approximately 14-19 months. Surgery will be performed by Dr. David Altchek.
Viciedo Update
Dayan, on the DL with a strained oblique, starts his 4 or 5 game rehab stint tonight with Class AAA Charlotte in Columbus, OH.
Family Field Day
White Sox fans have the opportunity to experience U.S. Cellular Field like the pros on Saturday, May 18 at Family Field Day. Our annual event provides fans the chance to play catch on the outfield grass, warm-up in the bullpens and visit the dugouts. Tickets for the event are $30 per adult and $12 per child with all proceeds benefitting White Sox Charities.
Additionally, we will be holding the Garage Sale in the Patio area from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. with free admission. The Garage Sale allows fans to shop for game-worn items including jerseys, game-used equipment, such as bats and gloves, along with other memorabilia. All sales from the Garage Sale benefit White Sox Charities.
Today we had the chance to catch up with long-time White Sox fan and Tinley Park native Shane Mosely. Shane has been attending Family Field Day for the last six years with his wife and son. This year, the couple has a newborn son that will experience U .S. Cellular Field for the first time at Family Field Day.
Upon chatting with Shane, he provided some insight about what drew him to the event and what keeps them coming back.
“Family Field Day is an atmosphere unparalleled by game days or other events” said Shane. “At Family Field Day, you have the opportunity to relax and explore U.S. Cellular Field surrounded by other families that are also passionate Sox fans.”
The event also allows a White Sox fan to experience the field from a player’s perspective, something that even the best seats don’t allow. Shane’s oldest son, now six, loves exploring the field—from the dugouts to the bullpen.
“He pretends to manage the team from the dugout; phone in calls and make base running signs. In the bullpen, he imagines himself warming up as a reliever.”
Family Field Day isn’t only for kids, though. Last year, the Mosley’s brought Shane’s father-in-law who, according to Shane, had more fun than anyone else there.
“He loved playing catch on the grass” said Shane. “He was able to feel like a ballplayer, even at his age”.
Family Field Day has become a tradition for the Mosley’s and part of that tradition means stopping by the Garage Sale to purchase a game-used bat. Each year, they purchase a cracked bat—Shane noted they’re surprisingly affordable—as a memento of their experience.
“We’ve purchased something each year we’ve attended Family Field Day. It’s a perfect way to remember the event.”
Play of the Day
Mr. Danks’ extra-inning blast, which proved to be the difference. It was Jordan’s second career home run and second game-winner. Last season, on August 10 against the A’s, he became the second player in franchise history to hit his first major-league homer on a game-ending blast (Dave Gallagher did it in 1988).
Quote of the Day
Jake Peavy on his health status after missing a start due to back problems:
“I think we’re all on point to go on Wednesday night (against the Mets). I’m super excited about that. Can’t thank our training staff, Herm (Schneider) and A.T. (Allen Thomas), enough–please give them the due respect. A few days ago I didn’t feel good at all…For me to feel the way I did and only to miss one start, I can’t thank them enough getting me back out there…Hopefully we can help turn this thing around and start getting in the win column more often.”
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Mets at Citi Field, New York (6:10 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Hector Santiago (1-1) for the Sox, Matt Harvey (4-0) for the Mets.
Did You Know…
…that nine of the Sox’s last 24 games against the Royals have gone into extra innings (including the last two)?
Photo of the Day
Hero of the Day!
That’s More Like It
A Fresh Start in Cleveland
Friday, April 12, 2013
Heath Joins Sox
Sox Notes of Note
Photo of the Day
Final Day in D.C.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
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.
Looking to Rebound
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?)
A Win to Savor
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Sale Sharp, Short Goes Long (Twice)
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Today’s News
Avoiding Sale is a Good Idea for Any Opponent
Former White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski, now with the Rangers, stopped in the visitor’s clubhouse this afternoon in Surprise to say hello to former teammates, coaches and staff. Among his first targets were visiting clubhouse manager Gabe Morell, strength coach Dale Torborg and today’s starting pitcher Chris Sale.
When asked by coach Harold Baines why he wasn’t playing against his former team, Pierzynski said “I have to pack. Plus Sale’s pitching, I don’t want to face that in March.”
A.J.’s teammates undoubtedly wish they hadn’t seen Chris today as the Sox’s Opening Day starter allowed just one hit (a solo home run to Geovany Soto) with no walks and five strikeouts in four innings as the Sox defeated Texas, 11-3, on 18 hits. Sale finished the spring with a perfect 4-0 record and a 3.86 ERA.
Two Decades Later…
Twenty years ago on Opening Day at then-New Comiskey Park, Bo Jackson dramatically returned from hip replacement surgery with a homer in his first at-bat against the Yankees in an 11-6 White Sox victory. He then proceeded to be a significant contributor for the Sox’s 1993 division champions and even hit a three-run homer in the 4-2 win over the Mariners in the division-clinching game in Chicago.
Next Monday during Opening Day fesitivities at U.S. Cellular Field, Bo will have the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before the Sox and Royals get down to business. Game time is 3:10 p.m., CT.
The Ponce family–Chicago Tonight‘s Phil and his sons Anthony (NBC Chicago) and Dan (WGN-TV and the popular vocal group Straight No Chaser)–will sing the national anthem.
Opening Day Seats No Longer Available
Seats for next Monday’s opener have been sold out. A very limited number of standing-room only tickets to the game are available at the U.S. Cellular Field Ticket Office. Tickets do remain available for the remainder of the homestand (vs. Kansas City and Seattle, April 3-7).
Rios Not Concerned
Alex Rios said tests revealed no structural back issues, just muscular. He said he still feels a little pinch, but is much better today and he anticipates playing in the Milwaukee exhibition games Friday and Saturday and being ready for Opening Day. He stressed several times that there is nothing to worry about and that he’s not concerned.
Roster Moves
The White Sox made the following moves prior to today’s game against the Rangers:
* Placed LHP John Danks on the 15-day disabled list (retro to March 22) to continue his recovery from left shoulder surgery.
* Placed LHP Leyson Septimo on the 15-day disabled list (retro to March 22) with a left shoulder strain.
* Reassigned LHP David Purcey to minor-league camp.
Bring Gifts
Thoughtful pitcher Gavin Floyd certainly brightened the mood in the coaches’ locker room this morning when he popped in the door with a box of a dozen donuts.
No one was hurt in the ensuing melee, and one unnamed bench coach happily ate two Boston Crème-filled donuts.
“Boy, that’s an easy group to buy for,” I said to Gavin as we walked out of the room.
“He’s a Sports Star, But He’s Also Your Friend”
A look at the remarkable impact being made by Sox pitcher Dylan Axelrod:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWnSfkZ95gg
Quote of the Day
Rick Hahn on Jeff Keppinger’s ability to fall out of bed and hit: “As he puts it, his favorite position is the batter’s box.”
Play(s) of the Day
Right fielder Brandon Short had to corral a blown-away umbrella in the third inning of today’s game. The umbrella flew down onto the field from the main concourse, interrupting play before Short grabbed the invader to loud cheers from the crowd. The very next inning, Short got more applause from the Sox fans in the stands when he hit a three-run homer to give the Sox a lead they never relinquished–and in the ninth Angel Sanchez and Short hit back-to-back roundtrippers. Dayan Viciedo hit a three-run shot of his own in the Sox’s five-run sixth.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Indians at Camelback Ranch-Glendale in the Sox’s final Cactus League game of the Spring (2:05 p.m., Chicago time). Matt Zaleski will start for the Sox, Carlos Carrasco for the Tribe.
Did You Know…
…that ESPN’s Sport Science named Jackson, who was a Heisman Trophy winner at Auburn and an All-Pro with the NFL’s Los Angeles Raiders in addition being an MLB All-Star, the Greatest Athlete of All Time.
Photo of the Day
Brandon Short: What a Day!
Alex Delivers, Alexei Laughs and “Off-Day” Fun on the Golf Course
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Today’s News
Rios to the Rescue
In Wednesday night’s WBC elimination game between Puerto Rico and Italy, Alex Rios was a key factor in PR’s 4-3 win. He singled in the eighth inning and scored the go-ahead run on Sox minor leaguer Andy Gonzalez’s infield single. Let’s hope Alex celebrates like this frequently in 2013.
Alexei’s Passion
Apparently, a certain White Sox shortstop from Cuba has a certain passion for more than just baseball.
Try the canned air horn.
A grinning Alexei Ramirez can often be heard well before he’s seen in camp over the past few days, sneaking up on unsuspecting teammates and startling them with a burst of an air phone.
Then he laughs.
In the shower.
Alexei laughs.
In the clubhouse.
Alexei laughs.
Echoing down the hallway.
Alexei’s laughter following right behind.
Where Can You Find the Sox on an Off-Day?
For many players and coaches, it’s on the golf course. Two White Sox foursomes tackled TPC Scottsdale on the off-day Tuesday. Here manager Robin Ventura lines up a putt, while director of team travel Ed Cassin, an unidentified golfer in a white floppy hat, coach Daryl Boston and caddie look on. “Unidentified” was latter pegged as bench coach Mark Parent. For more off-day action, see Photo(s) of the Day.
Congratulations are in Order
Darius Day (below on the left) and Rahman Williams (right), both Chicago White Sox ACE participants, have verbally committed to play baseball in college. Day, who attends Simeon Career Academy, will be heading to the University of Arizona. Williams, who attends Morgan Park Academy, will attend the University of Michigan. Both will enroll in the fall of 2014.
Quote of the Day
Bobby Thigpen: “You took a photo of me golfing? Worst round of my life.” The photo in question is below.
Play of the Day
Dewayne Wise homered, his second of the spring, Blake Tekotte tripled and drove in two runs and Jordan Danks went 2-2 with an RBI in the Sox’s 12-4 loss to the Angels in Tempe.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Cubs at Camelback Ranch-Glendale (2:05 p.m., Chicago time). Gavin Floyd will start for the Sox while the Cubs starter is TBA.
Did You Know…
…that while the College of Cardinals selected the first Pope Francis, the first Francis to play for the White Sox was Chicagoan Francis (Frank) Roth in 1906 (compliments of @soxnerd on Twitter)
Photo(s) of the Day
Here are bullpen coach Bobby Thigpen (top) and third base coach Joe McEwing on the famous Par 3 at the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale. Can you hear the roar?
Sox Still Unbeaten, Danks Takes a Step Forward and A.J. Sure Looks Different in Ranger Red, White and Blue
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Today’s News
Sox 14, Rangers 8
The White Sox scored six runs in the third inning, assisted by five walks from Texas pitcher Cody Buckel, a Rangers error and a passed ball. Conor Gillaspie singled home two runs in the inning and Hector Gimenez drove in another with a single. The Sox added five in the fourth highlighted by Gillaspie’s two-run triple, giving him four ribbies for the day, and RBI singles by Alex Rios and Andy Wilkins. Wilkins also singled in run No. 12 in the fifth. In the eighth inning Josh Phegley hit the lone Sox homer and Marcus Semien singled in the 14th and final run in the ninth. Starter Nestor Molina, who got credit for the win, and Brian Omogrosso each pitched two scoreless innings. Zach Stewart held Texas scoreless in 1 2/3 innings while striking out three.
Sox now stand at 2-0-2.
A Bit Surreal
As strange as it was to see A.J. Pierzynski in a Rangers uniform, batting cleanup against the White Sox today (he lined out and singled in his two plate appearances), it must have been equally as disorienting for A.J. to see Conor Gillaspie wearing No. 12 for the Sox.
In their first at bats, Dewayne Wise, Gordon Beckham, Rios and Adam Dunn were among those Sox who exchanged pleasantries with their former teammate, who was in his usual spot behind the plate.
Danks on Track
John Danks threw 50 pitches today in live BP–two groups of 25. Hitters included his younger brother Jordan, Gillaspie, Stefan Gartrell and Trayce Thompson. John seemed happy with his progress and said he has reached the point where he can focus on the pitching side of things instead of worrying about being healthy.
Danks is scheduled for a bullpen session on Friday and will make his Cactus League debut Monday against the Giants at Camelback Ranch. Here he is talking to the media after today’s outing:
A Good Sign
Brent Morel, attempting to come back after missing most of last season with a back injury, made a nice diving stop down the third base line in the bottom of the seventh inning to throw out the runner–alleviating some concerns about his health.
Also Healing
Two Sox who suffered minor injuries in the last few days, Leyson Septimo (leg) and Dayan Viciedo (arm), are good to go.
Quote of the Day
Asked if brother Jordan gives input on his progress, John replied, “Yeah, (we) talk. I think more of our conversations are me talking to him (about) what I would do if I were facing him. But certainly I’ll ask him today. I threw him a couple of front door cutters and change-ups and I want to know what he saw. (We) will talk.”
Play of the Day
Let’s give it to newcomer Gillaspie, who singled, tripled and drove in four. Wearing No. 12 with Pierzynski in the house turned out to be a good omen.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Rangers at Camelback Ranch-Glendale (2:05 p.m., Chicago time). Simon Castro will start for the Sox vs. Alexi Ogando.
Did You Know…
…that Omogrosso is from Beaver Falls, PA, the same hometown as Broadway Joe Namath?
Photo of the Day
Does he look familiar?
mlblogswhitesoxpride1
Scott Reifert
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