You Can Put It On The Board! YES!
Random thoughts on the White Sox from one of their biggest fans!
World Series Champions
1906 - 1917 - 2005
Sunday, May 29, 2005
The Time Has Come!
Frank is ready to play! He is activated and will be in the line-up to play Monday's game against the Angels. I am pumped! That's all I have to say. Do it to it Frank!
Frank is ready to play! He is activated and will be in the line-up to play Monday's game against the Angels. I am pumped! That's all I have to say. Do it to it Frank!
Friday, May 27, 2005
I'll Take A Split
Considering how bad the Sox have played on the West Coast over the years, I'll take a split with the Angels. Last nights game was a tough one as Jose Contreras pitched a good game but the offense just could not score. Jose controlled the entire game until he gave up a two run homer in the seventh that put the Angels in the lead for good at 3-2. Contreras went seven innings giving up three runs, on four hits, while striking out nine. It sure was a tough one to lose.
What you talkin' bout DJ?
Well for the first three games of the series it was definitely tough to listen to it. DJ and Donn Paul were the commentators. That's right, two commentators and no announcer. Donn Paul had some good stories but it was just painful to listen to. DJ asked Paul what was his most favorite memory from this playing days. Paul told him it was watching Craig Grebeck and Ozzie Guillen hit back to back home runs off of Nolan Ryan at old Comiskey Park. I would have loved to have seen that. But you all know that DJ had to put his two sense into the story and kept going on and on about Craig Grebeck. Grebeck was a solid player but nothing great. DJ talked of him as if he is a Hall of Famer. He said that Grebeck had some great power for a little guy and hit a good amount of home runs in his career. Well I looked it up and in the 12 seasons that Grebeck played, he hit 19 career home runs. Good call DJ.
I really liked hearing Jack McDowell during last nights game. He has a ton of knowledge about the game. He was quick with his comments and gave out some very good information during last nights game. He basically knew what the pitcher was going to throw during each at bat all game long. He would say that the pitcher is most likely going to do this and that during a certain situation and just about everytime he was right. I was very impressed with McDowell. Too bad he isn't available all year long as I would love to hear Black Jack in the booth with Hawk instead of DJ.
Note To Kenny Williams
The Blue Jays, who lit up AL Cy Young winner Johan Santana last week for seven runs, say the Minnesota ace tips his pitches. Santana is 0-2 with a 7.13 ERA in his last three starts against Toronto, yielding 25 hits in 17 2/3 innings.
I hope Kenny has Toronto's GM J.P. Ricciardi's number on speed dial.
Considering how bad the Sox have played on the West Coast over the years, I'll take a split with the Angels. Last nights game was a tough one as Jose Contreras pitched a good game but the offense just could not score. Jose controlled the entire game until he gave up a two run homer in the seventh that put the Angels in the lead for good at 3-2. Contreras went seven innings giving up three runs, on four hits, while striking out nine. It sure was a tough one to lose.
What you talkin' bout DJ?
Well for the first three games of the series it was definitely tough to listen to it. DJ and Donn Paul were the commentators. That's right, two commentators and no announcer. Donn Paul had some good stories but it was just painful to listen to. DJ asked Paul what was his most favorite memory from this playing days. Paul told him it was watching Craig Grebeck and Ozzie Guillen hit back to back home runs off of Nolan Ryan at old Comiskey Park. I would have loved to have seen that. But you all know that DJ had to put his two sense into the story and kept going on and on about Craig Grebeck. Grebeck was a solid player but nothing great. DJ talked of him as if he is a Hall of Famer. He said that Grebeck had some great power for a little guy and hit a good amount of home runs in his career. Well I looked it up and in the 12 seasons that Grebeck played, he hit 19 career home runs. Good call DJ.
I really liked hearing Jack McDowell during last nights game. He has a ton of knowledge about the game. He was quick with his comments and gave out some very good information during last nights game. He basically knew what the pitcher was going to throw during each at bat all game long. He would say that the pitcher is most likely going to do this and that during a certain situation and just about everytime he was right. I was very impressed with McDowell. Too bad he isn't available all year long as I would love to hear Black Jack in the booth with Hawk instead of DJ.
Note To Kenny Williams
The Blue Jays, who lit up AL Cy Young winner Johan Santana last week for seven runs, say the Minnesota ace tips his pitches. Santana is 0-2 with a 7.13 ERA in his last three starts against Toronto, yielding 25 hits in 17 2/3 innings.I hope Kenny has Toronto's GM J.P. Ricciardi's number on speed dial.
Santana faces the Blue Jays tonight so that should be something to look out for.
Something To Think About
The Marlins are telling teams that third baseman Mike Lowell is available. He is struggling big time at the plate so far this year but is a proven All-Star in this league. What do you think of Joe Crede for Mike Lowell? I like the idea. Lowell has a very solid bat when he is hitting good and has a good glove at third base. We have been waiting years now for Crede to start hitting and I don't know when he is going to start. One thing about Joe though is that he has an amazing glove at the hot corner and should win a gold glove sometime in his career. But let's take a look at the stats.
Something To Think About
The Marlins are telling teams that third baseman Mike Lowell is available. He is struggling big time at the plate so far this year but is a proven All-Star in this league. What do you think of Joe Crede for Mike Lowell? I like the idea. Lowell has a very solid bat when he is hitting good and has a good glove at third base. We have been waiting years now for Crede to start hitting and I don't know when he is going to start. One thing about Joe though is that he has an amazing glove at the hot corner and should win a gold glove sometime in his career. But let's take a look at the stats.
Joe Crede
27 years old
2005 salary: $400,000
47 games, AVG - .234, HR - 4, RBI - 16, 4 E in 104 chances
27 years old
2005 salary: $400,000
47 games, AVG - .234, HR - 4, RBI - 16, 4 E in 104 chances
Mike Lowell
31 years old
2005 salary: $7.5 Mil
41 games, AVG - .208, HR - 2, RBI - 18, 1 E in 116 chances
Lowell is older and has a much larger contract but I would take the risk. Plus remember what Kenny has done in the past couple of years with the trades he has made. When he acquired Everett and Roberto Alomar, he didn't pay much at all for their big contracts. He made the teams that traded them pay for just about the entire contract of the player. So I am not worried about Lowell's big contract. Of course I am sure that this wouldn't be a straight up deal. Other players are sure to be involved. Who do you all want? Crede or Lowell?
Sunday, May 22, 2005
That Sucked!
I don't know how else to describe today's game. It just flat out sucked. Brandon McCarthy pitched a hell of a game for the Sox today. Ozzie took him out after only 5 and 1/3 innings. Ramirez was due up when he was taken out. Hawk and DJ kept saying that because Ramirez was hitting McCarthy hard today is the reason Ozzie took him out. Ramirez finished the game 0 for 3. Even though Aramis hit McCarthy hard in his first two at-bats, I would have left Brandon in the game. He was pitching great. But he was pulled and Luis Vizcaino was brought in. He retired Ramirez and then gave up a single to Patterson. Jason Dubois was next and he lifted the ball into the jet stream blowing out to right field. His three run shot gave the Cubs a 4-2 lead at the time. That sucked! So McCarthy's final numbers were 5 1/3 innings, two runs, four hits and six strikeouts. One of the runs he gave up came from the home run Vizcaino threw in the sixth. But not bad for a 21 year old making his major league debut. I have definitely seen worse.
But I don't blame Luis Vizcaino for the today's loss. I blame the offense. In the seventh inning, there was only one out, runners on first and third and the Sox were trailing 4-2. Juan Uribe was at the plate and all we needed was a deep fly ball to get a run in. The jet stream to right center field was there all day and all Uribe had to do was pop that ball into the outfield. But Juan popped it up in the infield and Crede was next and did the same thing. Scoring at least one run would have put the Sox in position for the tie. Konerko's blast in the ninth could have been the tying run. Like I have said before, I would not be satisfied with two out of three. I wanted a sweep! The chances were there for the Sox today but no one could capitalize on them. Just a very disappointing day for us South Siders.
Showing Some Life
The the Sox 3-6 hitters have been showing some life and have been heating up. These four guys are Rowand, Konerko, Pierzynski and Dye.
Aaron Rowand is batting .314 for the month and .342 in his last 10 games. He lost his 12 game hitting streak on Friday.
Konerko is batting .314 in his last 10 games. Has a current five game hitting streak. He leads the team with 11 HR and 33 RBI.
A.J. in his last 10 games is hitting .324 with five HR. He lost his eight game hitting streak today as he went 0-3.
Dye has been very hot. He is batting .302 for the month and .367 in his last 10 games. He homered once in all three games against the Cubs this weekend and has a current five game hitting streak.
Time To Head West
The Sox start a four game series tomorrow against the Angels in Anaheim. The Sox are 13-37 at Anaheim during the last 10 years. That's pretty ugly. One break the Sox will get is that they don't have to face Vladimir Guerrero. He was placed on the 15-day DL Saturday so he will miss the entire series.
Upcoming Series
@ 
Monday - Thursday
White Sox 31-13, 1st AL Central
Angels 25-18, 1st AL West
Monday's Starters
Garland
8-0, 2.41
VS
Santana
0-1, 13.50
I don't know how else to describe today's game. It just flat out sucked. Brandon McCarthy pitched a hell of a game for the Sox today. Ozzie took him out after only 5 and 1/3 innings. Ramirez was due up when he was taken out. Hawk and DJ kept saying that because Ramirez was hitting McCarthy hard today is the reason Ozzie took him out. Ramirez finished the game 0 for 3. Even though Aramis hit McCarthy hard in his first two at-bats, I would have left Brandon in the game. He was pitching great. But he was pulled and Luis Vizcaino was brought in. He retired Ramirez and then gave up a single to Patterson. Jason Dubois was next and he lifted the ball into the jet stream blowing out to right field. His three run shot gave the Cubs a 4-2 lead at the time. That sucked! So McCarthy's final numbers were 5 1/3 innings, two runs, four hits and six strikeouts. One of the runs he gave up came from the home run Vizcaino threw in the sixth. But not bad for a 21 year old making his major league debut. I have definitely seen worse.
But I don't blame Luis Vizcaino for the today's loss. I blame the offense. In the seventh inning, there was only one out, runners on first and third and the Sox were trailing 4-2. Juan Uribe was at the plate and all we needed was a deep fly ball to get a run in. The jet stream to right center field was there all day and all Uribe had to do was pop that ball into the outfield. But Juan popped it up in the infield and Crede was next and did the same thing. Scoring at least one run would have put the Sox in position for the tie. Konerko's blast in the ninth could have been the tying run. Like I have said before, I would not be satisfied with two out of three. I wanted a sweep! The chances were there for the Sox today but no one could capitalize on them. Just a very disappointing day for us South Siders.
Showing Some Life
The the Sox 3-6 hitters have been showing some life and have been heating up. These four guys are Rowand, Konerko, Pierzynski and Dye.
Aaron Rowand is batting .314 for the month and .342 in his last 10 games. He lost his 12 game hitting streak on Friday. Konerko is batting .314 in his last 10 games. Has a current five game hitting streak. He leads the team with 11 HR and 33 RBI. A.J. in his last 10 games is hitting .324 with five HR. He lost his eight game hitting streak today as he went 0-3. Dye has been very hot. He is batting .302 for the month and .367 in his last 10 games. He homered once in all three games against the Cubs this weekend and has a current five game hitting streak.Time To Head West
The Sox start a four game series tomorrow against the Angels in Anaheim. The Sox are 13-37 at Anaheim during the last 10 years. That's pretty ugly. One break the Sox will get is that they don't have to face Vladimir Guerrero. He was placed on the 15-day DL Saturday so he will miss the entire series.
Upcoming Series
@ Monday - Thursday
White Sox 31-13, 1st AL Central
Angels 25-18, 1st AL West
Monday's Starters
Garland
8-0, 2.41
VS
Santana
0-1, 13.50
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Another Beautiful Win
For seven innings today, Carlos Zambrano completely dominated the Sox bats. Paul Konerko had the only hit off Zambrano and it looked like the Cubs would hold on to a 1-0 win. But for some reason Zambrano was taken out and that terrible bullpen for the Cubs was put to use. I had no problems with that at all. The Cubs bullpen gave up all five runs in the final two innings as the Sox won another one on the North Side 5-3. Jose Contreras pitched great today. He got ahead with his fastball and kept the Sox in the game the entire way. He went seven innings giving up one run on only four hits. Paul Konerko and Carl Everett both had huge two RBI hits in the eighth inning to give the Sox just enough for the win. Jermaine Dye put some icing on the cake with a solo shot in the ninth. The bats are starting to heat up and when they are fully inflamed, this Sox team is going to be even more scarier than it is now. All I know is that the big "L" flag was once again flying in the wind above that score board after Saturdays game.
El Duque Down, McCarthy To Start
All season long the Sox have relied on their great starting pitching. But the time has come where one of our veteran guys will be down for a little bit. Orlando Hernandez will be put on the DL tomorrow with tightness in his right shoulder. It is nothing too serious but the Sox are taking extra precautions and will shut down the veteran from his next start. The Sox top prospect Brandon McCarthy was already with the team this weekend and will be activated tomorrow to start Sunday's game.
"If I was coming from the Minor Leagues to Wrigley to pitch against Prior, heck, I'd be pumped up. I would think there is nothing better than this. The only thing better than this is the World Series." -- Ozzie Guillen, on having a Minor Leaguer pitch his first game against the Cubs.
It will definitely be very interesting tomorrow for the youngster. Good luck Brandon!
Two Thirds Of The Job Done
Two down and one to go. I said before the series started that I would accept nothing less than a sweep. I am not happy with winning the first two and dropping the last game. Tomorrow the Sox must bring home a victory and finish off the sweep! Raise that "L" flag one more time!
For seven innings today, Carlos Zambrano completely dominated the Sox bats. Paul Konerko had the only hit off Zambrano and it looked like the Cubs would hold on to a 1-0 win. But for some reason Zambrano was taken out and that terrible bullpen for the Cubs was put to use. I had no problems with that at all. The Cubs bullpen gave up all five runs in the final two innings as the Sox won another one on the North Side 5-3. Jose Contreras pitched great today. He got ahead with his fastball and kept the Sox in the game the entire way. He went seven innings giving up one run on only four hits. Paul Konerko and Carl Everett both had huge two RBI hits in the eighth inning to give the Sox just enough for the win. Jermaine Dye put some icing on the cake with a solo shot in the ninth. The bats are starting to heat up and when they are fully inflamed, this Sox team is going to be even more scarier than it is now. All I know is that the big "L" flag was once again flying in the wind above that score board after Saturdays game.
El Duque Down, McCarthy To Start
All season long the Sox have relied on their great starting pitching. But the time has come where one of our veteran guys will be down for a little bit. Orlando Hernandez will be put on the DL tomorrow with tightness in his right shoulder. It is nothing too serious but the Sox are taking extra precautions and will shut down the veteran from his next start. The Sox top prospect Brandon McCarthy was already with the team this weekend and will be activated tomorrow to start Sunday's game."If I was coming from the Minor Leagues to Wrigley to pitch against Prior, heck, I'd be pumped up. I would think there is nothing better than this. The only thing better than this is the World Series." -- Ozzie Guillen, on having a Minor Leaguer pitch his first game against the Cubs.
It will definitely be very interesting tomorrow for the youngster. Good luck Brandon!
Two Thirds Of The Job Done
Two down and one to go. I said before the series started that I would accept nothing less than a sweep. I am not happy with winning the first two and dropping the last game. Tomorrow the Sox must bring home a victory and finish off the sweep! Raise that "L" flag one more time!
Friday, May 20, 2005
Win #30 Couldn't Come Any Better
Today the Sox won their 30th game of the year and oh how sweet it was. The first game of the Cross-Town Series against the Cubs was a good one for us South Siders. The Sox looked great today as they won the game 5-1 at a very windy Wrigley Field. I asked Freddy Garcia yesterday to dominate the Cubs and he sure did listen to me. He was out there pitching like he had a chip on his shoulder. This was by far his best game of the year. I'll go with what Hawk said today, "Freddy Garcia was awesome." Freddy went seven innings giving up one run but the run was unearned. Joe Crede and Jermaine Dye gave Garcia plenty of support as they each belted out solo shots and A.J. Pierzynski went 3 for 4 with an RBI to extend his hitting streak to seven games. What a great game by the Sox today. When they showed that big "L" flag flying in the wind after the game, I had the biggest smile in the world on my face. We must raise that flag two more times though. Let's go get 'em again tomorrow!
Big Frank Update
Frank Thomas is 4 for 12 so far in his rehab with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights. He is not feeling as much pain as before but he is still not at full strength.
Saturday's Starter
Jose Contreras takes the mound for the Sox on Saturday. He is 1-1 on the year with a 3.52 ERA. He must take control with his fastball and dominate the game with it just like Freddy Garcia did today. Garcia got ahead early and the Cubs were unable to hit his fastball. Jose's fastball can be overpowering if he uses it right. Let's hope he gets off to a quick start tomorrow.
Today the Sox won their 30th game of the year and oh how sweet it was. The first game of the Cross-Town Series against the Cubs was a good one for us South Siders. The Sox looked great today as they won the game 5-1 at a very windy Wrigley Field. I asked Freddy Garcia yesterday to dominate the Cubs and he sure did listen to me. He was out there pitching like he had a chip on his shoulder. This was by far his best game of the year. I'll go with what Hawk said today, "Freddy Garcia was awesome." Freddy went seven innings giving up one run but the run was unearned. Joe Crede and Jermaine Dye gave Garcia plenty of support as they each belted out solo shots and A.J. Pierzynski went 3 for 4 with an RBI to extend his hitting streak to seven games. What a great game by the Sox today. When they showed that big "L" flag flying in the wind after the game, I had the biggest smile in the world on my face. We must raise that flag two more times though. Let's go get 'em again tomorrow!
Big Frank Update
Frank Thomas is 4 for 12 so far in his rehab with the Triple-A Charlotte Knights. He is not feeling as much pain as before but he is still not at full strength.
Saturday's Starter
Jose Contreras takes the mound for the Sox on Saturday. He is 1-1 on the year with a 3.52 ERA. He must take control with his fastball and dominate the game with it just like Freddy Garcia did today. Garcia got ahead early and the Cubs were unable to hit his fastball. Jose's fastball can be overpowering if he uses it right. Let's hope he gets off to a quick start tomorrow.Thursday, May 19, 2005
Let The Games Begin! 
Fly balls and grounders Liners and flubs. Three and oh was the winner And it wasn't the Cubs. On Friday their minions began to complain. Oh we could have won had not come the rain. Saturday was sunny and warmer than most. But the Sox bats were smokin' And the game wasn't close. Fans paid a premium for Sunday's good seat. To witness the White Sox get a clean sweep. We on the South Side have little to boast. But "Yous guys on da nort side are sure a great host". The park known as Wrigley is the most charming of fields. But the best team in Chicago plays at Thirty-fifth and Shields!
- unknown
It's that time of the year again. Sox vs. Cubs! It doesn't get any better than this. It comes at a perfect time as well. The Sox take their best record in baseball to the North Side to play a Cubs teams that has more injuries than victories. This is all I am going to say about the series: I will accept nothing less than a sweep! If the Sox don't go to "The Urinal" (Wrigley Field) and take all three games, it will be a total disappointment. One thing that will be key to this series that will be the reason why I think the Sox will sweep is the speed. The Cubs will not be able to control the speed of this White Sox team. We are going to run all day and night to take all three games. Get used to that big "L" flag being raised all weekend long!
Ready Freddy
Big Freddy Garcia takes the mound Friday. All I ask of you Freddy is to shut that team down and lead us to victory number one of three!
Looks Great
That painting is picture perfect Mr. Rockwell, picture perfect!
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
First To Eight
Jon Garland pitched yet another great game tonight as he becomes the first pitcher to record eight wins this year. He is now 8-0 as the Sox beat the Rangers 5-2. He got into a couple jams but once again he pitched out of them to avoid a big inning. In the sixth inning, there were no outs and runners on second and third, Garland struck out the next two batters and got the last guy to fly out to end the inning. Jon went seven innings giving up the two runs on five hits. What a great start for this kid!
Hot Bat
A.J. Pierzynski hit his sixth home run tonight in the Sox victory. It is his third straight game with a home run and his fourth in five games....Aaron Rowand went 2 for 4 tonight to extend his hitting streak to 11 games.
Big Frank's Debut
Big Frank played in a baseball game tonight for the first time in about 10 months. He was in Ottawa with Triple-A Charlotte to begin his rehab. He was the DH and batted third. He went 2 for 3 with a double, a walk and two runs scored.
Wednesday's Starters
Game Time 1:05, WGN
Drese
3-3, 6.14
VS
Buehrle
6-1, 3.73
Jon Garland pitched yet another great game tonight as he becomes the first pitcher to record eight wins this year. He is now 8-0 as the Sox beat the Rangers 5-2. He got into a couple jams but once again he pitched out of them to avoid a big inning. In the sixth inning, there were no outs and runners on second and third, Garland struck out the next two batters and got the last guy to fly out to end the inning. Jon went seven innings giving up the two runs on five hits. What a great start for this kid!
Hot Bat
A.J. Pierzynski hit his sixth home run tonight in the Sox victory. It is his third straight game with a home run and his fourth in five games....Aaron Rowand went 2 for 4 tonight to extend his hitting streak to 11 games.
Big Frank's Debut
Big Frank played in a baseball game tonight for the first time in about 10 months. He was in Ottawa with Triple-A Charlotte to begin his rehab. He was the DH and batted third. He went 2 for 3 with a double, a walk and two runs scored.
Wednesday's Starters
Game Time 1:05, WGN
Drese
3-3, 6.14
VS
Buehrle
6-1, 3.73
Pitching Struggles, Sox Lose Third Straight
For the third straight game, the Sox pitching staff could not hold down a powerful offense. This time it was the Texas Rangers. The Sox took an early 4-1 lead in the first inning off of a grand slam from A.J. Pierzynski. El Duque was roughed up early as he only lasted 2 and 2/3 innings. He gave up six runs on seven hits and walking four guys. That's just not going to cut it. The Rangers were up 6-5 in the eighth inning when Tadahito Iguchi came in to pinch hit for Willie Harris. He belted a home run to right field to tie the game at six. Iguchi has been clutch for us all year long. He is one of a few guys that is hitting for this team so far. His impact has been great for this team. But the pitching could not hold onto the game for long. In the top of the ninth, Damaso Marte gave up a solo shot to Kevin Mench, his second home run of the game. And that's all she wrote, a 7-6 loss to another high powered offense.
Swinging At Nothing
Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye are looking pretty ugly at the plate this year. PK is batting .194 and Dye is batting .198. Some pretty scary numbers. These two guys have to produce for this team to be successful. The pitching can only take us so far. If the heart of the order is not doing anything, this great pitching staff will get no run support.
Crazy Eights
Big Jon Garland is going for his eighth win tonight as he takes his 7-0 record against the Rangers. It will definitely be a challenge going up against one of the best offensive teams in the league. He is the type of pitcher that lets the batters put the ball in play and allows his defense to help him out. That can be a bad thing facing this Rangers offense that is a very powerful team. But I like his chances. He has been absolutely dominating so far. In his 52 and 2/3 innings pitched this year, he has only walked eight batters and given up just three home runs.
Tuesday's Starters
Astacio
1-4, 5.82
VS
7-0, 2.39
For the third straight game, the Sox pitching staff could not hold down a powerful offense. This time it was the Texas Rangers. The Sox took an early 4-1 lead in the first inning off of a grand slam from A.J. Pierzynski. El Duque was roughed up early as he only lasted 2 and 2/3 innings. He gave up six runs on seven hits and walking four guys. That's just not going to cut it. The Rangers were up 6-5 in the eighth inning when Tadahito Iguchi came in to pinch hit for Willie Harris. He belted a home run to right field to tie the game at six. Iguchi has been clutch for us all year long. He is one of a few guys that is hitting for this team so far. His impact has been great for this team. But the pitching could not hold onto the game for long. In the top of the ninth, Damaso Marte gave up a solo shot to Kevin Mench, his second home run of the game. And that's all she wrote, a 7-6 loss to another high powered offense.
Swinging At Nothing
Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye are looking pretty ugly at the plate this year. PK is batting .194 and Dye is batting .198. Some pretty scary numbers. These two guys have to produce for this team to be successful. The pitching can only take us so far. If the heart of the order is not doing anything, this great pitching staff will get no run support.Crazy Eights
Big Jon Garland is going for his eighth win tonight as he takes his 7-0 record against the Rangers. It will definitely be a challenge going up against one of the best offensive teams in the league. He is the type of pitcher that lets the batters put the ball in play and allows his defense to help him out. That can be a bad thing facing this Rangers offense that is a very powerful team. But I like his chances. He has been absolutely dominating so far. In his 52 and 2/3 innings pitched this year, he has only walked eight batters and given up just three home runs.Tuesday's Starters
Astacio
1-4, 5.82
VS
7-0, 2.39
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Sox Pitching Wins First Two, O's Bats Win Second Two
The two best teams in baseball met up this weekend for a four game set in Chicago. But all we got out of it was a split. The Sox pitching controlled the best offense in baseball in the first two games. Jon Garland (7-0, 2.39) and Mark Buehrle (6-1, 3.73) earned the wins as they kept the O's in check. The first two games showed how better pitching is what wins games. But the second two games were a different story. The Sox pitching could not hold down the powerful Baltimore offense. Saturday night, Freddy Garcia gave up seven runs in six innings of work. The Sox bats showed up to score six runs but the O's came through with nine. Then on Sunday, Jose Contreras pitched a solid game but received no run support at all. Contreras made a couple mistakes that were taken deep for homeruns but the Sox offense only came through with two runs. I was looking for three out of four this weekend but it could have been worse going up against the O's powerful offense.
Speed Demon
Scott Podsednik is on an absolute rampage on the base paths. During the Baltimore series he recorded six stolen base, four came on Saturday night. That was the second time this year that he has stolen four bases in one game. He now has a total of 23 stolen bases on the year.
It All Begins On Tuesday
Tuesday, March 17, I will have a big smile on my face! My main man Frank Thomas will be in Ottawa to join the Triple-A Charlotte Knights as he begins his rehab stint in the minors. But there is no time table set for his return as it will be a day-by-day process to see how his ankle holds up after consecutive days in action. But once Frank is ready to play, I think Ozzie should put Big Frank right back into the line-up. We need the big man in the middle of that line-up to get some runs scored and to give guys some protection. I know there are also people out there that think Ozzie should put him in once in a while when he comes back instead of full-time action right away. But the man is a future Hall of Famer and his presence alone will do great things for this team. So play the man right away Ozzie. All he can do is help this team score some needy runs.
Upcoming Series
@
Monday - Wednesday
Monday's Starters
Park
3-1, 4.99
VS
Hernandez
5-1, 2.91
The two best teams in baseball met up this weekend for a four game set in Chicago. But all we got out of it was a split. The Sox pitching controlled the best offense in baseball in the first two games. Jon Garland (7-0, 2.39) and Mark Buehrle (6-1, 3.73) earned the wins as they kept the O's in check. The first two games showed how better pitching is what wins games. But the second two games were a different story. The Sox pitching could not hold down the powerful Baltimore offense. Saturday night, Freddy Garcia gave up seven runs in six innings of work. The Sox bats showed up to score six runs but the O's came through with nine. Then on Sunday, Jose Contreras pitched a solid game but received no run support at all. Contreras made a couple mistakes that were taken deep for homeruns but the Sox offense only came through with two runs. I was looking for three out of four this weekend but it could have been worse going up against the O's powerful offense.
Speed Demon
Scott Podsednik is on an absolute rampage on the base paths. During the Baltimore series he recorded six stolen base, four came on Saturday night. That was the second time this year that he has stolen four bases in one game. He now has a total of 23 stolen bases on the year.It All Begins On Tuesday
Tuesday, March 17, I will have a big smile on my face! My main man Frank Thomas will be in Ottawa to join the Triple-A Charlotte Knights as he begins his rehab stint in the minors. But there is no time table set for his return as it will be a day-by-day process to see how his ankle holds up after consecutive days in action. But once Frank is ready to play, I think Ozzie should put Big Frank right back into the line-up. We need the big man in the middle of that line-up to get some runs scored and to give guys some protection. I know there are also people out there that think Ozzie should put him in once in a while when he comes back instead of full-time action right away. But the man is a future Hall of Famer and his presence alone will do great things for this team. So play the man right away Ozzie. All he can do is help this team score some needy runs.Upcoming Series
@ Monday - Wednesday
Monday's Starters
Park
3-1, 4.99
VS
Hernandez
5-1, 2.91
Thursday, May 12, 2005
We Made It Out Alive
What a strange series that was against the Devil Rays. A poor team that somehow has our number. The Sox had leads in the first two games, but somehow found a way to give them up. It was a good road trip though as the Sox went 4-2. We must thank El Duque for saving us from a sweep last night as he pitched a great game. It is a lot of fun to watch this guy pitch. But it seems that eight is the magic number for the Sox. They have now won eight games in a row twice this year but both times could not extend it to nine. If that's the case, I'll take eight game winning streaks all year long. With this pitching staff, there is no way the Sox will have long losing streaks this year. I don't see them losing more than two-three games in a row all season. I am just waiting for the offense to be consistent for the pitching staff. But we can't have everything can we?
New Closer?
Dustin Hermanson is on fire. He is basically untouchable so far this year. In 16 and 1/3 innings so far this year, he has given up no runs. That's right, no runs. He has converted all six save opportunities so far and I am very confident in having Hermanson as our closer.
ALCS Preview?
Baltimore comes to town this weekend as the Sox will defend their best record against the second best record in baseball which belongs to the O's. Both teams have gotten to where they are taking two different paths. The Sox go as their pitching goes and the O's go as their bats go. They are in the top 5 in just about every offensive category. All I have to say is that pitching and defense is what takes you to the Glory Land, not the lumber.
Happy Birthday
Happy 80th birthday to Yogi Berra! What a class act this guy is. From his great one liners to his glory days on the field. I just wish I could have watched this guy play live. You're the man Yogi!
Yogi-isms
"It ain't over 'til it's over."
"Never answer an anonymous letter."
"I usually take a two hour nap from one to four."
"It's deja vu all over again."
"When you come to a fork in the road....Take it."
"I didn't really say everything I said."
"I never blame myself when I'm not hitting. I just blame the bat, and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn't my fault that I'm not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?"
"The other teams could make trouble for us if they win."
"Baseball is 90% mental -- the other half is physical."
On why NY lost the 1960 series to Pittsburgh "We made too many wrong mistakes."
"You can observe a lot by watching."
"The future ain't what it used to be."
"It gets late early out here."
"I knew I was going to take the wrong train, so I left early."
"If the people don't want to come out to the ballpark, nobody's going to stop them."
"You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I'm not hungry enough to eat six."
Weekend Series
@
Thursday - Sunday
Garland Goes For Seven
Chen
4-1, 3.12
VS
Garland
6-0, 2.42
What a strange series that was against the Devil Rays. A poor team that somehow has our number. The Sox had leads in the first two games, but somehow found a way to give them up. It was a good road trip though as the Sox went 4-2. We must thank El Duque for saving us from a sweep last night as he pitched a great game. It is a lot of fun to watch this guy pitch. But it seems that eight is the magic number for the Sox. They have now won eight games in a row twice this year but both times could not extend it to nine. If that's the case, I'll take eight game winning streaks all year long. With this pitching staff, there is no way the Sox will have long losing streaks this year. I don't see them losing more than two-three games in a row all season. I am just waiting for the offense to be consistent for the pitching staff. But we can't have everything can we?
New Closer?
Dustin Hermanson is on fire. He is basically untouchable so far this year. In 16 and 1/3 innings so far this year, he has given up no runs. That's right, no runs. He has converted all six save opportunities so far and I am very confident in having Hermanson as our closer.ALCS Preview?
Baltimore comes to town this weekend as the Sox will defend their best record against the second best record in baseball which belongs to the O's. Both teams have gotten to where they are taking two different paths. The Sox go as their pitching goes and the O's go as their bats go. They are in the top 5 in just about every offensive category. All I have to say is that pitching and defense is what takes you to the Glory Land, not the lumber.
Happy Birthday
Happy 80th birthday to Yogi Berra! What a class act this guy is. From his great one liners to his glory days on the field. I just wish I could have watched this guy play live. You're the man Yogi!
Yogi-isms
"It ain't over 'til it's over."
"Never answer an anonymous letter."
"I usually take a two hour nap from one to four."
"It's deja vu all over again."
"When you come to a fork in the road....Take it."
"I didn't really say everything I said."
"I never blame myself when I'm not hitting. I just blame the bat, and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn't my fault that I'm not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?"
"The other teams could make trouble for us if they win."
"Baseball is 90% mental -- the other half is physical."
On why NY lost the 1960 series to Pittsburgh "We made too many wrong mistakes."
"You can observe a lot by watching."
"The future ain't what it used to be."
"It gets late early out here."
"I knew I was going to take the wrong train, so I left early."
"If the people don't want to come out to the ballpark, nobody's going to stop them."
"You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I'm not hungry enough to eat six."
Weekend Series
@ Thursday - Sunday
Garland Goes For Seven
Chen
4-1, 3.12
VS
Garland
6-0, 2.42
Monday, May 09, 2005
Respect
With a sweep of the Jays the Sox have now won eight in a row and still have the best record in baseball at 24-7. But where is all the respect at? All you hear about are those East Coast teams who are either doing good or bad. What do the Sox have to do to get respect? But then I was thinking about it and I kind of like the Sox not getting any attention. Of course they wont keep this great winning streak up all year, but if they can win 90 games and get no attention I am fine with that. I can wait till October. When October comes around and the Sox are getting all the attention then I will be happy. But as of right now, go ahead and talk about those bad teams on the East and let the Sox be under that radar. October is only five months away.
The Lumber Awakens
The Sox finally brought their bats to the games over the weekend. It was a homerun derby in Toronto. Konerko, Uribe, and Dye had two homers each in the series and Iguchi and Rowand added one each. If this offense can finally wake up and give this great pitching staff some runs, this team will be just about unstoppable.
Best Staff In Baseball?
I say yes. This pitching staff is by far the best in the majors. All you have to do is look at the numbers.
Garland 6-0, 2.42
Buehrle 5-1, 3.78
Hernandez 4-1, 2.92
Garcia 3-1, 2.83
Contreras 1-0, 2.60
Everyone's ERA is under three except for Buehrle. I don't know how that is but I'll take his 5-1 record. It will be interesting to see if Hernandez can keep up and be fresh for October. El Duque is dominant in the post season. Other than that, if everyone else can stay healthy, this staff will be solid all year. Keep it up boys!
Upcoming Series
@ 
Monday @ 6:00 PM
Tuesday @ 615 PM
Wednesday @ 1:15 PM
Monday's Starters
3-1, 2.83
VS
Nomo
2-3, 7.04
With a sweep of the Jays the Sox have now won eight in a row and still have the best record in baseball at 24-7. But where is all the respect at? All you hear about are those East Coast teams who are either doing good or bad. What do the Sox have to do to get respect? But then I was thinking about it and I kind of like the Sox not getting any attention. Of course they wont keep this great winning streak up all year, but if they can win 90 games and get no attention I am fine with that. I can wait till October. When October comes around and the Sox are getting all the attention then I will be happy. But as of right now, go ahead and talk about those bad teams on the East and let the Sox be under that radar. October is only five months away.
The Lumber Awakens
The Sox finally brought their bats to the games over the weekend. It was a homerun derby in Toronto. Konerko, Uribe, and Dye had two homers each in the series and Iguchi and Rowand added one each. If this offense can finally wake up and give this great pitching staff some runs, this team will be just about unstoppable.
Best Staff In Baseball?
I say yes. This pitching staff is by far the best in the majors. All you have to do is look at the numbers.
Garland 6-0, 2.42
Buehrle 5-1, 3.78
Hernandez 4-1, 2.92
Garcia 3-1, 2.83
Contreras 1-0, 2.60
Everyone's ERA is under three except for Buehrle. I don't know how that is but I'll take his 5-1 record. It will be interesting to see if Hernandez can keep up and be fresh for October. El Duque is dominant in the post season. Other than that, if everyone else can stay healthy, this staff will be solid all year. Keep it up boys!
Upcoming Series
@ Monday @ 6:00 PM
Tuesday @ 615 PM
Wednesday @ 1:15 PM
Monday's Starters
3-1, 2.83
VS
Nomo
2-3, 7.04
Archives
03/01/2005 - 04/01/2005 04/01/2005 - 05/01/2005 05/01/2005 - 06/01/2005 06/01/2005 - 07/01/2005 07/01/2005 - 08/01/2005 09/01/2005 - 10/01/2005 10/01/2005 - 11/01/2005 11/01/2005 - 12/01/2005 12/01/2005 - 01/01/2006 01/01/2006 - 02/01/2006 02/01/2006 - 03/01/2006 04/01/2006 - 05/01/2006 09/01/2006 - 10/01/2006 07/01/2008 - 08/01/2008 08/01/2008 - 09/01/2008 02/01/2009 - 03/01/2009
