Results tagged ‘ paul konerko ’

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

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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:

http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2013/05/20/Events-and-Attractions/Reinsdorf.aspx?app_data=%7B%22pi%22%3A%2235762_1369058526_1727287230%22%2C%22pt%22%3A%22twitter%22%7D

#SoxSocial Lounge Makes its Debut Tonight

The first ever of its kind coincides with #SoxSocial No. 2.

http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130515&content_id=47605792&vkey=pr_cws&c_id=cws

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.

http://www.chicagonow.com/dad-all-day/2013/05/jerry-reinsdorf-and-the-vomit-covered-suit-dad-learns-a-life-lesson/

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.

Alex+Rios+Chicago+White+Sox+Photo+Day+X2IhOLT9oaDl

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.

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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:

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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

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Jose goes for victory #3.

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:

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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).

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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.

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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.

http://atmlb.com/YejWRY

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:

http://atmlb.com/ZW0IMd  

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

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No. 426 for Paulie

White Sox Shooting for Second Straight Win

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Today’s News
 
Tonight’s Game
 
White Sox vs. Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre, Toronto (6:07 p.m., CT, CSN+). Starters: Jose Quintana (0-0) for the Sox, J.A. Happ for the Jays.
 
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Keppinger, 3B; Rios, RF; Konerko, DH; Dunn,1B; Viciedo,LF; Ramirez, SS; Flowers, C; Greene, 2B.
 
Jordan Returns
 
After last night’s game, the White Sox optioned RHP Deunte Heath to Class AAA Charlotte. Replacing Heath on the 25-man roster is OF Jordan Danks, who was hitting .333 with a pair of homers, five RBI and a .433 on-base percentage in 13 games at Charlotte.
 
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Calling All Fans
 
Saturday, May 18 is Family Field Day and Garage Sale at U.S. Cellular Field. Enjoy an hour on the field where you can shop for game-worn White Sox gear. http://atmlb.com/10ag7i5
 
The Sox will be hosting Teacher Appreciation Games at U.S. Cellular Field. On these special game dates we offer discounted tickets for all teachers, faculty, students and their families. http://atmlb.com/Yqdzpn
 
Sox Notes of Note
 
Paul Konerko has an eight-game hitting streak, going 10-28 (.357) with three homers and 10 RBI. Paulie also has an RBI in four straight games (five total)…Pitching coach Don Cooper, who was hospitalized with diverticulitis while the Sox were in D.C., will return to the team on Friday for the start of a 10-game homestand against the Twins, Indians and Rays.
 
Quote of the Day
 
Robin on the value of Hector Santiago, whose ERA remains at 0.00 after pitching 1.2 innings in last night’s 4-3 victory:
 
“He’s kind of like a Swiss Army knife. He’s a little bit of everything–he’s closed, he’s been in-between, been a lefty guy, been a long guy, been a starter. There’s a lot of different ways you can use him. The biggest thing is that he’s effective and he gets the job done. How we use him from this point forward, he’s probably forcing your hand to use him a little more. He’s got good stuff, he throws strikes and he gets a lot of swings and misses for a guy who throws a fastball… Personality-wise, the way he views himself, he can do a lot of different things. He has a lot of energy when he comes in the game, which is great…”
 
Play of the Day
 
Dayan Viciedo’s line drive double to left-center in the top of the ninth inning that gave the Sox a 3-2 lead.
 
Tomorrow’s Schedule
 
White Sox vs. Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre (6:07 p.m., CT, CSN) in the series finale and last game of the 10-day road trip. Starters: Chris Sale (1-1) for the Sox, R.A. Dickey (1-2) for the Jays.
 
Did You Know…
 
…that Dylan Axelrod, who pitched six strong innings last night to keep the Sox in the ballgame, has an excellent 2.49 ERA in his last four starts against the tough A.L. East?
 
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Photo/Video of the Day
 
Enjoy Paul Konerko’s seventh inning, game-tying homer in last night’s victory. It was his third of the season and 425th of his career. PK is in 46th place on the all-time home run list.
 

In Peavy and Paulie We Trust

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Today’s News
 
The Game
 
Final:  White Sox 3, Indians 1
 
Highlights: The Sox snapped their five-game losing streak on the strength of Jake Peavy’s dominant seven-inning, 11-strikeout performance and Paul Konerko’s clutch two-out, two-run sixth-inning homer, his second home run of the season…Alejandro De Aza added some insurance in the eighth inning with a solo blast, his third of the year…Addison Reed recorded his fourth save…Jeff Keppinger and Conor Gillaspie each knocked out a pair of singles…It was the first road win of 2013 for the Sox.
 
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Welcome, Tyler Greene
 
Prior to today’s game, the White Sox placed infielder Angel Sanchez on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain and purchased the contract of infielder Tyler Greene from Class AAA Charlotte. Also, pitcher Charlie Leesman was designated for assignment.
 
Greene, who came to terms with the Sox on a minor league contract on April 4, was hitting .265 at Charlotte with four RBI in eight games. He has played in the major leagues with the Cardinals (2009-12) and the Astros (2012) and has appeared at all four infield and all three outfield positions during his big-league career.
 
“I’m fortunate and thankful to get hooked up with the White Sox,” Greene said once he arrived in the Sox clubhouse in Cleveland. “I’m real excited to be up here.” Here’s the newest Sox utility man:
 
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Quote of the Day
 
The Indians’ Michael Bourn on Peavy (compliments of @scottmerkin): “He’s one of the best competitors that the league has seen. He’s going to bring it every time.”
 
Play of the Day
 
In a game that the Sox needed to have, Peavy rose to the occasion and collected his second win of the season.
 
Tomorrow’s Schedule
 
White Sox vs. Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre, Toronto (6:07 p.m., CT, CSN+). Starters: It will be a matchup of former White Sox teammates–Gavin Floyd (0-2) for the Sox and Mark Buehrle (0-0) for the Jays. 
 
Did You Know…
 
that with today’s outstanding outing, Peavy pitched his 32nd game with 10-plus strikeouts and the third game with no walks and 10 or more strikeouts?
 
Photo of the Day
 
Today it’s video of PK’s two-run shot.
 

Peavy Looks to Turn the Tide in Tomorrow’s Series Finale

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Today’s News
 
The Game
 
Final: Indians 9, White Sox 4
 
Last Night
 
While the Sox lost a 1-0 heartbreaker, Jose Quintana was masterful. He pitched seven scoreless innings, giving up only one hit while striking out seven.
 
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All it Takes is a Tweet
 
Help “Make An Impact” and join us in a campaign to raise money for the White Sox RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program. It’s as easy as sending a tweet!
 
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Quote of the Day
 
Robin on the Sox’s veteran presence taking the current losing streak in stride: 
 
“Nobody likes losing a game, they’re tough games. But they’ve been through the long season before and you can’t start heading down that road looking at the negative…that’s part of the discipline in baseball, to be able to put stuff behind you and keep grinding every day and thinking about today instead of down the road or three days ago.”
 
Play of the Day
 
Alejandro De Aza’s two-run homer in the seventh inning today off of reliever Bryan Shaw. It was his second home run of the young season.
 
Tomorrow’s Schedule
 
White Sox vs. Indians at Progressive Field, Cleveland (12:05 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Jake Peavy (1-1) for the Sox, Brett Myers (0-1) for the Tribe.
 
Did You Know…
 
that Paul Konerko (423) and Adam Dunn (408) rank fourth and fifth in home runs among active players? Only Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees (647), Albert Pujols of the Angels (477) and Jason Giambi of the Indians (429) have more.
 
Photo of the Day
 
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Jake will be aiming for his second win of the season tomorrow afternoon against the Tribe.

 

A Fresh Start in Cleveland

Friday, April 12, 2013

Today’s News
 
Tonight’s Game
 
White Sox vs. Indians at Progressive Field, Cleveland (6:05 p.m., CT, WGN). Starters: Jose Quintana (0-0) for the Sox, Justin Masterson (2-0) for the Tribe.
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Keppinger, 2B; Rios, RF; Dunn, 1B; Konerko, DH; Viciedo, LF; Gillaspie, 3B; Ramirez, SS; Gimenez, C.

Heath Joins Sox
 
RHP Deunte Heath has been recalled from Class AAA Charlotte to replace Gordon Beckham, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a fractured left wrist and will have surgery at the Cleveland Clinic on Tuesday. In three innings pitched in two relief appearances at Charlotte, Heath had a 0.00 ERA with six strikeouts. He spent most of last season with the Knights, going 4-3 with a 1.48 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 36 games, which included four starts. In three appearances with the Sox in 2012 he allowed a run in two innings pitched over two games. Here’s the newest member of the Sox pitching staff.
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Honoring 42
 
Fifty members of the White Sox Amateur City Elite (ACE) youth baseball program will attend a special screening of the movie “42″ tomorrow afternoon in Country Club HIlls, IL. The Sox have arranged for the youngsters to view the film, which is based on the life of Jackie Robinson and his breaking of baseball’s color barrier in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Through the ACE program, the Sox give rising stars in the inner-city baseball community the opportunity to play against other highly competitive groups on traveling teams. Athletes 13-18 years of age are challenged and given the unique chance to play among elite teams as well as prepare for success in life after baseball.

Sox Notes of Note
 
Alex Rios has hit safely in all nine games this season and owns a 15-game hitting streak dating back to 2012, hitting .456 with five home runs and 12 RBI…the White Sox bullpen leads the American League with a 1.84 ERA and is tied for second with a .200 opponents batting average.
 
Quote of the Day
 
Robin on the series in Washington and the Beckham injury: “It’s tough. You’ve got to be able to withstand all that and keep going. It’s still early.”
 
Play of the Day
 
Conor Gillaspie, inserted in the starting lineup in the wake of Beckham’s injury, singled and doubled in last night’s 7-4 loss to the Nationals to up his batting average to .438.
 
Tomorrow’s Schedule
 
White Sox vs. Indians at Progressive Field (3:05 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Chris Sale (1-0) for the Sox, Zach McAllister (0-1) for the Indians.
 
Did You Know…

…that Paul Konerko leads all active players with 46 home runs and 171 RBI vs. the Indians?

Photo of the Day
 
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The White Sox ACE participants will view “42″  just a day after the movie opened today in theaters nationwide.

Looking to Rebound

Wednesday, April 10, 2013
 
Today’s News
 
Tonight’s Game
 
White Sox vs. Nationals at Nationals Park, Washington, D.C. (6:05 pm, CT, CSN). Starters: Gavin Floyd (0-1) for the Sox, Jordan Zimmermann (1-0) for Washington.
 
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Keppinger, 2B, Rios, RF; Dunn, LF; Konerko, 1B; Ramirez, SS; Gillaspie, 3B; Flowers, C; Floyd, RHP.
 
Home Cooking
 
Tonight’s game bodes well for Gavin. He calls Annapolis, MD home and has had a good measure of success when he’s pitched in nearby Baltimore and Washington.
 
In his four starts in Baltimore he is 3-0 with a 2.28 ERA and 17 strikeouts.
In his two starts in Washington he is 0-1, but has posted a 2.57 ERA and 11 K’s.
 
Six starts, a 3-1 record, a 2.38 ERA and 28 strikeouts. Pretty impressive.
 
Beckham
 
Gordon injured his left wrist last night while fouling off a pitch in the third inning. X-rays were negative and he’s day-to-day. He’ll test the wrist on Friday.
 
Coop
 
He’s improving and the hope is that he’ll travel to Cleveland with the team after Thursday night’s game.
 
Uni Change
 
I’m sure eagle-eyed White Sox fans noticed the subtle change in our road uniforms. The black and white piping on the uniform pants has been changed to one thinner black stripe.
 
Danks
 
According to RV, John Danks threw six innings yesterday in extended spring training: “There was more velocity and he said he felt great.”
 
When in D.C…
 
Several White Sox staff members woke up bright and early today and headed over for a private tour of The Pentagon, arranged by Assistant Trainer Brian Ball and Illinois Senator Mark Kirk.

The building is more than impressive, with memorabilia, photos, paintings and history exhibits lining its 17 miles of hallways (we only walked a little over one mile on our tour).

Among the sights:  tour guides (our two were from the Navy and Army) who walk backwards the entire way … a salute-free courtyard (“otherwise all everyone would do all day is salute one another,” according to our guide) … a moving memorial to the victims of 9/11 attack on the building and the nation … and a fly-by of the office of Naval Secretary Ron Maybus to say hello.  The Secretary – who threw out a first pitch at a White Sox game last year when he was in Chicago to commission the USS Illinois submarine – wasn’t around.

The resounding takeway for me was that while the 9/11 attacks seem, in some ways to be long ago, they are very real at The Pentagon where daily reminders line every hallway, where employees can worship in a chapel near where the plane hit the building, and where a look outside shows a memorial arbor of small trees and sculptures.  It was very moving and made you appreciate the cost and sacrifice of the past 12 years.

Of course, like any good tour, we concluded in The Pentagon gift shop where a few challenge coins were purchased and where Head Trainer Herm Schneider then “briefed the media.” (See photo below).

Don’t worry folks, The Pentagon was in good hands. And the other question is, how in the world did these guys get into The Pentagon?)

 

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South Side Sox
 
It was good to see Jim Margalus of the popular website, South Side Sox, at the ballpark in D.C. last night. @southsidesox
 
Rave Review
 
Check out this story from mediapost.com, which applauds the Sox’s success in reaching families.
 
 
Quote(s) of the Day
 
Robin on…
 
The silver lining in last night’s 8-7 loss to the Nats in the series opener: “When you lose, you always look at the fact that you lose, but we kept battling back and getting close…”
 
On managing a National League game: “I think it’s good team-wise. Players get more action.”
 
Play(s) of the Day
 
Paul Konerko’s three-run homer in the seventh inning and Alex Rios’s two-run blast in the ninth, his fourth in as many games, in last night’s defeat. 
 
Tomorrow’s Schedule
 
White Sox vs. Nationals at Nationals Park (6:05 p.m., CT, CSN). Starters: Dylan Axelrod (0-0) for the Sox, Dan Haren (0-1) for the Nats.
 
Did You Know…
 
…that despite the Sox being on the road in D.C., chants of Paul-ie, Paul-ie reverberated throughout the ballpark after Konerko’s home run?
 
Photo(s) of the Day
 
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Some sightseeing in the nation’s capital after The Pentagon visit. Here’s the Mall with the Washington Monument and Capitol building in the background and the awe-inspiring tribute to a great Illinoisian at the Lincoln Memorial.

 

A National Challenge

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Today’s News
 
Tonight’s Game
 
White Sox vs. Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. (6:05 p.m., CT, WCIU). Probable starters: Jake Peavy (1-0) for the Sox, Gio Gonzalez (1-0) for Washington. It is the first game of a 10-game road trip for the Sox, who also will travel to Cleveland and Toronto.
 
The White Sox, 4-2, lead the A.L. Central by 0.5 game over Kansas City and MInnesota.
 
Sox Starting Lineup: De Aza, CF; Keppinger, 3B; Rios, RF; Konerko, 1B; Viciedo, LF; Ramirez, SS; Flowers, C; Beckham, 2B; Peavy, RHP.
 
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Interleague Excellence
 
The White Sox are 4-2 all-time against the Nationals, including a three-game sweep in Washington in 2010…the Sox are 164-120 (.577) all-time in interleague play, the second-best winning percentage in the major leagues behind the Yankees (.603) and have gone 59-31 since 2008…Peavy is 6-2 with a 1.63 ERA in nine interleague games (eight starts) since coming to Chicago.
 
Harold’s Commute
 
It’s an hour and a half from Harold Baines’ front door on Maryland’s Eastern Shorre to the ballpark. “Same distance as Baltimore and I did that for five years,” Baines said, agreeing that the drive was worth the payoff of sleeping in his own bed.
 
Road Unis
 
Astute White Sox fans will notice a slight difference in our road uniforms tonight. Do you?
 
Get Well, Coop
 
Pitching coach Don Cooper is in the hospital with diverticulitis and is day-to-day. Bobby Thigpen moves into the dugout and Mark Salas will head the bullpen. ”He’s not feeling real good, but he can still talk. I know that,” Robin joked. The skipper also kidded that the ailment might have been caused by too much “Funk 49″ from the Bob Seger-Joe Walsh concert that they both attended Saturday night.
 
Gellinger to Manage Bristol
 
Mike “Gelly” Gellinger, who was on the White Sox’s major-league staff from 1997-2012, will manage Advanced Rookie Bristol in 2013, replacing Bobby Magallanes, who will be a roving minor league instructor.
 
PK: “You’re Always Working Hard. There’s No Real In Between.”
 
Click the link and see why Paulie is the extraordinary player and leader he has become.
 
 
Sox Offer Tickets to Chicago Firefighters and Police 
 
The White Sox are offering complimentary tickets to select games for all members of the Chicago Fire and Police Departments. Here Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf presents symbolic tickets to members of the two departments. 
 
 
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A Good Cause
 
Join White Sox Executive VP Ken Williams for a night of dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions and more at the Jack and Jill 30th Anniversary Gala! The event will take place on Saturday, May 4, and all proceeds will benefit Chicago White Sox Charities and the Jack and Jill of America Foundation. Purchase tickets here: http://atmlb.com/10LlKyy
 
Quote(s) of the Day
 
RV on last night’s team NCAA Basketball Final viewing party: “Moments you can just hang out. Everyone is interested in a game like that. I think everyone had fun.”
 
Robin on Peavy: “He’s just excited to swing the bat tonight.”
 
Play(s) of the Day
 
The Sox lead the American League with a 2.41 ERA…The bullpen tops the league with a 1.83 mark and the starting rotation ranks second at 2.72…The Sox are tied for second in the A.L. in home runs….Alex Rios has homered in three straight games for the first time in his career.
 
Tomorrow’s Schedule
 
White Sox vs. Nationals at Nationals Park (6:05 p.m., CT, CSN). Probable starters: Gavin Floyd (0-1) for the Sox, Jordan Zimmerman for the Nats (1-0).
 
Did You Know…
 
…that in his two seasons with the Nationals, Sox slugger Adam Dunn had virtually identical seasons? He hit 38 homers and drove in 105 runs in 2009 and 38 and 103 in 2010.
 
Photo of the Day
 
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Today will be the first April game since 1972 that Sox pitchers will bat. The last Sox hurler to step to the plate in April was Terry Forster, who not only led the team in saves that year with 29, but batted .526 (10-19). Thanks to @soxnerd for the tip.

 

A Win to Savor

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Today’s News
 
King Felix Dethroned
 
Facing “King Felix” Hernandez is never an easy task. But with a revamped lineup featuring five lefthanded hitters against the tough righty, the Sox rose to the occasion and defeated the 2010 Cy Young Award winner and the Mariners this afternoon, 4-3. Alex Rios delivered the big blow with a two-run homer in the sixth inning, his second blast in as many games. Conor Gillaspie, in his first start in a Sox uniform, tripled and scored on a Hector Gimenez sacrifice fly in the fifth. The fourth Sox run scored in the seventh on a Alejandro De Aza sac fly that scored Gillaspie, who followed up his key triple with a single and moved to third on an Alexei Ramirez double. 
 
Pitching-wise, starter Dylan Axelrod was outstanding in 5.2 innings of work, allowing only one unearned run on three hits. Donnie Veal (who got credit for the victory), Nate Jones and Jesse Crain ended the sixth, seventh and eighth innings, respectively, by inducing key outs. Addison Reed recorded his third save with a 1-2-3 ninth.
 
Take a look at the Rios homer:
 
 
The Windy City
 
While Spring arrived in the third inning today with temperatures reaching 65 degrees, the windy conditions were the closest you can get to San Francisco’s Candlestick Park.
 
A Cold Night
 
It was very cold last night, but not necessarily the coldest day anyone could remember around here.
 
“When I went out to the mound to get (Matt) Lindstrom last night,” Sox manager Robin Ventura laughed this morning, “I got out there and thought, “Man, it’s really cold out here.’”
 
But Ventura recalls a night game when the Sox faced Roger Clemens.
 
“It was like last night but even colder,” he said. “We sent the batboys out to buy tennis racquet grips for the bats.”
 
PK Climbing the Ladder
 
With his base hit last night, Paul Konerko moved past Frank Thomas into sole possession of third place on the all-time White Sox hit list with 2,137. Only Hall of Famers Luke Appling (2,749) and Nellie Fox (2,470) rank above Paulie.
 
The Third Man
 
Since most teams don’t carry a third catcher on their roster, one lucky position player is always designated as the team’s “third catcher” and spends time in spring training and during the season honing his emergency skills behind the plate. For the Sox this year, it is Gillaspie.
 
At one point in the 1990s, it was Robin…”for about 20 minutes,” the skipper joked.
 
Ventura described a game where the Sox started a man down. Ron Karkovice was on the DL and Mike “Spanky” LaValliere gave it a go but a few innings into the game, warned he might not make it nine innings.
 
A quick look up and down the bench showed few candidates. RV volunteered.
 
“A lefty was pitching, so I wasn’t playing that day,” he recounts. “I put on the gear and they drove me around the tunnel to the bullpen in a golf cart. I went out and Mark Salas gave me a quick tutorial on how to catch. So I’m down in the bullpen catching and apparently (Sox GM) Ron Schueler saw me. He called down and said, ‘Get him out of there.’”
 
And that’s how Robin’s career as an emergency catcher lasted 20 minutes.
 
I told him he should have put the equipment on and then make a dramatic run out to the bullpen.
 
1983
 
Beginning tomorrow, the White Sox will commemorate their 1983 American League West division championship by wearing ’83 replica uniforms for every Sunday home game. Those “Winning Ugly” Sox, managed by Tony LaRussa, won 99 games and finished the season 20 games ahead of the second-place Kansas City Royals.
 
Here are Reed and coach Harold Baines, one of the stars of that ’83 team, modeling the vintage unis along this year’s retro racers. They are “Racing Pudge” (Carlton Fisk), “Racing Harold” and “Racing Kitty” (Ron Kittle). Fisk and Kittle, of course, were also key cogs on the ’83 team with Gary, IN native Kittle winning the A.L. Rookie of the Year award.
 
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Familiar Voice
 
When you sit down tonight to watch the NCAA Final Four semifinal games, you might hear the familiar voice of White Sox PA announcer Gene Honda, who once again will miss a few Sox games this homestand to call another NCAA championship.
 
A Day to Remember
 
Today was pretty special for Sox backup catcher Hector Gimenez, a switch-hitter who was in the lineup today against Hernandez. His Dad was here from Venezuela and it was the first time the senior Gimenez saw his son play in the major leagues. Hector delivered with a key sac fly.

 

Happy Birthday
 
A happy 49th birthday to Ken Williams. A piece of the famous Levy carrot cake was delivered in the second inning to help him celebrate the occasion.
 
Quote(s) of the Day
 
Robin on Axelrod’s performance:
 
“Ax was great. He did what he needed to do to get us to that point, then Rios with a big homer. He showed he could pitch with anybody.”
 
RV on Gillaspie’s day:
 
“He looked good today. For Conor, he wants to be a storm chaser, it’s a perfect day for him…He’s a tough kid, plays hard and has a compact swing that has a lot of pop with it, too.”
 
Play of the Day
 
The Rios homer, but honorable mention goes to Gillaspie and Axelrod
 
Tomorrow’s Schedule
 
White Sox vs Mariners at U.S. Cellular Field (1:10 p.m., CT, WGN) in the rubber game of the series. Probable starters: Chris Sale for the Sox, Hisashi Iwakuma for Seattle.
 
Did You Know…
 
…that Jake Peavy, who will officially be presented with his 2012 Rawlings Gold Glove Award” before tomorrow’s series finale vs. the Mariners, is the third pitcher (sixth time) in White Sox history to win the award, joining lefthanders Jim Kaat (1974-75) and Mark Buehrle (2009-11).
 
Photo of the Day
 
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Dylan excels while “Blowin’ in the Wind.”
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