Results tagged ‘ dayan viciedo ’
Sox vs. Sox and a Special Honor for the Chairman
Monday, May 20, 2013
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. Red Sox at U.S. Cellular Field (7:10 p.m., CT, CSN) in the first of a three-game series. Starters: Dylan Axelrod (1-3) for the Sox, Jon Lester (6-0) for Boston.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Ramirez, SS; Rios, RF; Konerko, 1B; Dunn, DH; Viciedo, LF; Keppinger, 3B; Flowers, C; Greene, 2B.
The Chairman
Over the years, I was often frustrated by how the public perception of White Sox and Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf didn’t match the man. If you asked most fans to describe him, the characteristics they would have listed were not even close to the person we saw every day at the ballpark. I always thought of it as one of my greatest professional failures … that Jerry’s perception was so far from reality.
Then, something happened. The White Sox won the 2005 World Series. Suddenly, everything was amplified. People read about Jerry’s flying Sox employees to the World Series, they read about his gracious distribution of World Series rings. They began to read and hear about all the community initiatives the Sox and Bulls had done (for years) at his direction.
And something changed. Fans began to see Jerry the way we all see him every day, whether in the hallway, at lunch or in his suite during a game. Ultimately, Jerry is a fan, and I don’t think anyone can ask for much else when it comes to being an owner of a sports team.
This week, many of us are flying to New York where Jerry will be honored Wednesday night by the Sports Business Journal with its fourth Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Don’t deify me,” was his order.
“OK, I’ll do my best,” I laughed.
There will be a video (he doesn’t want to see it in advance which is probably good for me!), an introduction and then a speech. And a lot of pride in a lifetime of being a fan because in the end, isn’t there a 12-year-old inside of all of us?
And for me, there will be a little smile because, finally, the public gets to see and understand the Jerry we all know and respect.
Here’s the link to the SBJ story:
#SoxSocial Lounge Makes its Debut Tonight
The first ever of its kind coincides with #SoxSocial No. 2.
Quote of the Day
Speaking of Jerry, this is more of an anecdotal story than a conventional quote, but it seems a perfect time and place to share it.
Play of the Day
Alex Rios, enjoying an All-Star caliber season, has now hit safely in 14 consecutive games as a result of his run-scoring double in yesterday’s game vs. the Angels. In all, he’s hitting .301 with 10 homers, 25 RBI and an OPS of .921.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Red Sox at U.S. Cellular Field (7:10 p.m., CT, WCIU). Starters: Jose Quintana (2-1) for the Sox, Felix Doubront (3-1) for Boston.
Did You Know…
…that White Sox pitchers own a .220 opponents average overall at home, the lowest mark in the American League and third-lowest in the major leagues?
Photo of the Day
When thinking about the White Sox-Red Sox rivalry, how can any of us forget Game 3 of the 2005 American League Division Series against Boston. Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez came on in the sixth inning with the bases loaded and no outs and got out of the inning in dramatic fashion without the Bosox scoring. The Sox won the game 5-3 for the three-game sweep and advanced to the A.L. Championship Series vs. the Angels. Shortly thereafter the Sox won the World Series and the El Duque image below is one of those depicted in bronze on the monument outside of the ballpark honoring our ’05 World Champs.
Sox 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!
Deep in the Heart of Texas
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (7:05 p.., CT, CSN+). Starters: Jose Quintana (2-0) for the Sox, Yu Darvish (4-1) for Texas.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, LF; Greene, 2B; Rios, RF; Dunn, 1B; Konerko, DH; Gillaspie, 3B; Ramirez, SS; Gimenez, C; Wise, CF.
Casper Wells Joins Sox
On yesterday’s off-day the White Sox acquired righthanded-hitting outfielder Casper Wells from the Oakland A’s for cash considerations. To make room on the 40-man roster, pitcher Leyson Septimo was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.
Wells, a four-year major leaguer who is a career .244 hitter with 25 homers and 80 RBI in 244 games, takes Blake Tekotte’s spot on the 25-man roster. Tekotte was optioned to Class AAA Charlotte after Sunday’s game.
In addition to the A’s, Wells has seen action with the Tigers and Mariners. Here’s what was waiting for him in his locker in Arlington:
Good Report
Dayan Viciedo, on the disabled list with a strained oblique, feels a lot better today. He took about 25 swings and didn’t have any pain.
Jordan Danks
Jordan was in the starting lineup tonight, but removed in favor of Dewayne Wise due to an inflamed bursa sac in his right knee. The lineup change was a precaution and Jordan is day-to-day.
Quote of the Day
Robin on managing with key players on the DL:
“Guys are playing hard. You try to make do and make sure everybody’s giving some constant effort. That’s all you can ask.”
Play of the Day
Paul Konerko, boasting a .500 batting average with runners in scoring position, is among the American League leaders–tied for fifth place with the Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (7:05 p.m., CT, WCIU). Starters: Chris Sale (2-2) for the Sox, Nick Tepesch (2-1) for Texas.
Did You Know…
…that the Sox were 6-3 against the Rangers last season and won five straight games against Texas in July, including a three-game sweep at U.S. Cellular Field, July 3-5?
Photo of the Day
Jose goes for victory #3.
White Sox Shooting for Second Straight Win
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Sox Aim to Even Series…and Thinking of Boston
Boston
As I sat and watched the terrible footage from Boston yesterday – probably just like every other American – one thought kept returning to my mind.
It was October 2005, and the White Sox had just swept the defending World Champion Boston Red Sox in three games. The moment was amazing for us and our fans as we celebrated at Fenway Park. I will never forget the number of Red Sox fans, staff and workers at the park, who came up to us and repeatedly said:
“Good luck! “ or “Beat the Yankees!” (many people assumed New York would beat the Angels) and “Enjoy the ride!”
To a person, Red Sox fans were so gracious, and while disappointed that their team lost, wished the White Sox nothing but the best. Pure class.
And I remembered that yesterday as I watched the scenes from Boylston Street (I love to eat at the Atlantic Fish Company for lunch whenever we are in town). So here’s best wishes to a great city with strong citizens and fanatic sports fans. You remain in our thoughts and our prayers. And U.S. Cellular Field, along with all MLB parks, followed President Obama’s request to lower our flag to half mast.
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!
No Fooling…Season Starts a Week from Today
Monday, March 25, 2013
Today’s News
Down to the Wire
After leaving Arizona on Wednesday following their final Cactus League game (vs.the Indians at Camelback Ranch), the White Sox have an off day on Thursday and will play Milwaukee in two exhibition games at Miller Park Friday night and Saturday afternoon. The Sox will hold their final preseason workout next Sunday morning at U.S. Cellular Field before opening the regular season a week from today on April 1.
Farm Aid
In addition to major-league players, the following Sox minor leaguers also will make the trip for the games in Milwaukee: INF Drew Garcia, OF Stefan Gartrell, INF Marcus Semien, OF Brandon Short, C Kevan Smith, OF Keenyn Walker and RHP Matt Zaleski.
You Never Know Who Answers the Phones
True story. A White Sox staffer located upstairs in our offices called the downstairs PR office this morning looking for two guest passes.
Only the person sitting at the desk in the PR office wasn’t Bob Beghtol or Ray Garcia. It was designated hitter/first baseman Adam Dunn.
“What do you need?” he answered the phone, semi anonymously. “Sure, no problem.”
So when the Sox staffer brought his two guests downstairs to pick up their day passes, there was Dunn to greet them and hand them their passes.
And in the spot on the pass where a signature was required, it read D-U-N-N-E-R.
Among the Leaders
Entering today’s game vs. the Angels, Paul Konerko was tied for second in the Cactus League in home runs (5), ranks seventh in total bases (37) and eighth in slugging percentage (.712). Chris Sale was tied for the CL lead with three wins, ranks second in ERA (4.19) and was tied for fourth in IP (19.1 IP). Ramon Troncoso was tied for the lead in appearances (11).
Quote of the Day
Jesse Crain, hampered all spring by an adductor strain, on his outing in today’s game: “The most important thing today was feeling good…and I felt fine. My leg felt good, it didn’t bother me one bit.”
Play(s) of the Day
In today’s 11-5 loss to L.A of Anaheim…Dayan Viciedo’s perfect throw to Gordon Beckham at second base in the sixth inning to nab Mike Trout, who tagged up in an attempt to reach second on a fly ball out. It resulted in an inning-ending double play. Also, Tyler Saladino smashed a two-run, ninth inning homer.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
White Sox vs. Rangers at Surprise (4:05 p.m., Chicago time). Chris Sale will start for the Sox vs. Matt Harrison.
Did You Know…
…that longtime major league pitcher Virgil Trucks, who died on Saturday at 95, went 47-26 with a fine 3.14 ERA for the Sox from 1953-55? A bit of trivia: Trucks’ nephew, Butch Trucks, was a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band.
Photo of the Day
Dunner: Sox slugger–and new PR man.
It’s Official: Chris Sale will be the Opening Day Starter
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Today’s News
Lefties Rule for Sox on Opening Day
After today’s game, Robin Ventura named Chris Sale as the Opening Day starter on April 1 vs. the Royals at the Cell. The decision means lefties will have started each of the past six Opening Days for the Sox (Danks, 2012, Buehrle 2008-11) and 14 of last 15 (the only righty was Jose Contreras in 2007).
“(Sale) will be the Opening Day starter. We feel very confident with him going forward and giving him the ball for the first game,” said Ventura, who then explained why the announcement wasn’t made earlier in the spring. “(We wanted) him to get his work in and get ready to go. (This is now) something for him to get motivated the last two weeks and get out there and go. He’s ready to do that.”
What a Difference Three Years Make
Just for fun, I looked up April 1, 2010 to see what Sale was doing then. Couldn’t tell you.
But on April 2, 2010, just three years ago, he started Game 1 of a doubleheader for Florida Gulf Coast University against Mercer. Sale earned the victory in the 9-1 FGC win, striking out 14 over 8.0 IP, allowing just one unearned run on four hits and one walk. With the win, he improved to 4-0 on the season.
Three years later, he starts Opening Day in a Major League ballpark. Here’s how Sale looked as a Florida Gulf Coast Eagle:
More Sale and a Sox Victory
Sale got credit for today’s 11-5 win over the A’s at Camelback Ranch-Glendale, working six innings. He got strong offensive support from the likes of Hector Gimenez (2-3, three RBI); Conor Gillaspie (2-3, two RBI); Jordan Danks (2-4, two RBI); Steve Tolleson (Triple, RBI, two runs scored); Jim Gallagher (1-1, RBI); Bryan Anderson (2-2, RBI); and Tyler Saladino 1-1, RBI). The Sox pounded out 17 hits after collecting 15 against the Cubs on Friday and scored 26 runs in the two games.
Quote of the Day
Robin, commenting on Dayan Viciedo’s monster day on Friday, highlighted by a grand slam homer to right-center: “He’s special when he’s hitting the ball (to the opposite field)…he’s strong enough to take it over there and put up some big numbers.”
Play of the Day
Back-to-back triples by Gimenez and Tolleson in the Sox’s four-run third inning.
Tomorrow’s Schedule
St. Patrick’s Day in Surprise: White Sox vs. Royals (3:05 p.m., Chicago time). It’ll be Zach Stewart starting for the Sox vs. the Royals’ Luis Mendoza. Jose Quintana, Hector Santiago and Jesse Crain are scheduled to pitch in a B-game at Camelback Ranch (Noon, Chicago time).
Did You Know…
…that as a result of his outstanding game at the plate today Gimenez has reached base safely in seven of his last nine games, going 11-20 (.550) with six RBI. He’s batting .500 overall this spring.
Photo of the Day
Red-hot Sox catcher Hector Gimenez.
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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