Results tagged ‘ John Danks ’
ESPN Sunday Night Baseball: Mother’s Day Edition
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Today’s News
Tonight’s Game
White Sox vs. Angels at U.S. Cellular Field (7:05 p.m., CT, ESPN). Starters: Chris Sale (3-2) for the Sox, C.J. Wilson (3-1) for the Halos.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Ramirez, SS; Rios, RF; Konerko, 1B; Viciedo, DH; Keppinger, 3B; Wells, LF; Flowers, C; Greene, 2B.
Memories
Ron KIttle, the A.L. Rookie of the Year in 1983, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before tonight’s game as part of the on-going celebration of the ’83 “Winning Ugly” Sox. Here, Kitty reminisces about that championship season.
Sox-Royals Postponed, Makeup Game Monday
A Milestone Homer for Paulie and #SoxSocial Trends on Twitter
Sunday, April 29, 2013
Today’s News
The Game:
The White Sox and Tampa Bay split their four-game series as the Rays came out on top today, 8-3. Paul Konerko smashed a two-run homer in the third inning, his fourth of the season and 426th of his career. PK is now tied with Hall of Famer Billy Williams for 45th on the all-time home run list…Dylan Axelrod had another quality start, giving up three runs and four hits in six innings of work.
#SoxSocial Day
Today was the first #SoxSocial Day and because we trended on Twitter, fans will get: a 20 percent discount at whitesox.com/shop if they use code: CWSTRENDING, a 20 percent discount at Chicago Sports Depot if they present this tweet:
There’s also a special ticket deal for the May 24 game against Miami. Use the promo code: SOCIAL (both online and at the box office). The offer, good through April 29 at 6:00 p.m., CT, is $15 for outfield and bleacher seats (currently $26/$24) and $14 for upper box seats (currently $19).
Gavin to DL; Heath Promoted
Before today’s game, the Sox placed Gavin Floyd on the 15-day DL with a flexor muscle strain in his right elbow and Deunte Heath was promoted from Class AAA Charlotte to replace him on the roster. Hector Santiago will replace Floyd in the rotation while Heath will be part of the bullpen mix.
Keppinger Update
According to Robin, Jeff Keppinger, who has missed the past three games with a back issue, should be ready to go on Tuesday in Texas.
Beckham Speaks
Gordon Beckham, on the DL with a fractured hamate bone in his left wrist, visited with Hawk and Steve today in the WGN booth during the top of the third inning. Beckham said he feels that he turned the corner last season and has gotten back to where he was in his rookie year. He added that it’s the first time he’s been on the DL, which has been a different experience, and he’s working hard to get back on the field as soon as possible. Gordon also said his job now is to be a good teammate by giving his support on the bench and in the clubhouse.
A Step Closer to Chicago
John Danks will pitch for Class AA Birmingham vs. Chattanooga Thursday on a minor-league rehab assignment.
Spanky Remembers
Another Sunday, another celebration of the 1983 A.L. West Champion Sox. First baseman Mike “Spanky” Squires, a member of that club who wore the Sox uniform for 10 seasons, reminisces about that memorable campaign.
Quote of the Day
Today, Hall of Famer Carlton “Pudge” Fisk, a star on the ’83 Sox, threw out the ceremonial first pitch and expressed how much he enjoys coming back to the ballpark:
“A good part about these Throwback Sundays is remembering the ’83 team with the uniforms and the guys, calling us back. I haven’t seen Thiggy (Bobby Thigpen) for a long time or Harold (Baines) or all these guys. Then once you see them it’s like you’ve been around them all these years. It’s really familiar and very satisfying to come here and be a part of the whole deal.”
Play of the Day
Paulie’s homer. Take a look:
Tomorrow’s Schedule
Off-day. On Tuesday, White Sox vs. Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (7:05 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Jose Quintana (2-0) for the Sox, Yu Darvish (4-1) for Texas.
Did You Know…
…that Pudge played longer for the White Sox (13 seasons) than he did for the Boston Red Sox (11 seasons)?
Photo of the Day
No. 426 for Paulie
Sox, Axelrod Take On Tribe
Monday, April 22, 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.
It’s Floyd vs. Buehrle in Toronto on Jackie Robinson Day
Here is the No. 42 jersey Adam Dunn is wearing tonight to honor Jackie Robinson.
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?)
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!
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?
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Scott Reifert
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