Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Williams Hoping To Retire No.35
Among all of the statues erected for former Sox icons, Thomas' will undoubtedly be the most labor intensive, and former teammate Ozzie Guillen says Thomas may not embrace the idea of a bronze icon. "If we try to do something for him, he might get offended, like, 'I'm not ready to quit, I still want to play.' That's why the White Sox have to be careful about what they want to do, what they say, and let Frank make the first decision."
Thomas is the all time White Sox leader in runs scored (1,327), home runs (448), doubles (447), RBI (1,465), extra-base hits (906), walks (1,466), total bases (3,949), slugging percentage (.568), and on-base percentage (.427). In total, Thomas is the all-time White Sox leader in 12 offensive categories.
Perhaps Thomas' best shot at Williams came on May 22, 2006 as a member of the Oakland Athletics. Thomas would hit two home runs against his former team that night. It was the first time in 16 years that Thomas would hit home runs at Comiskey and not set off fireworks.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Special K, Big Z and The AL
I would have to imagine that the past two weeks have been particularly exasperating for the 45 year-old Williams. It was two weeks ago that San Diego Padre starter Jake Peavy snubbed the White Sox in a potential trade that would have brought him to the American League. Peavy's agent Barry Axelrod recently issued a statement that Peavy has nothing against the White Sox and that his preference right now is to stay in San Diego. "That being said, he didn't say he didn't want to be on the White Sox. What he said was, 'Right now, all things considered, it is better for me and my family to stay in San Diego than it is to accept a deal to the White Sox. " Axelrod then reiterated Peavy's desire to stay in the National League. "Among the factors that are important to Jake are that he go to a competitive team that is going to remain competitive, or at least have a chance to remain competitive," Axelrod said. "He has a strong preference that it would be a National League team, and we have stated that from the beginning." Far be it from me to judge a Major League pitcher based on his desire to stay within the National League, but let me begin with the most obvious observation: seven of the ten league leaders in batting average are from the American League. Eight of the ten league leaders in hits are from the AL. In addition, eight of the ten league leaders in strike outs are from the National League. Simply put: the NL has nothing on the AL. Since 1970 the American League has won 22 out of 37 World Series'. During that same time, the AL has registered 21 victories in the All-Star game. Sox skipper Ozzie Guillen was asked by reporters earlier this week what his thoughts were on Roy Oswalt admitting he had no interest in being traded to the South Side. "Believe me, if I was a pitcher in the National League, I would think twice [before] coming to the American League because now you'd find out how to really pitch," Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. "Every lineup in the American League is loaded." Wiliams backed up his manager by adding "That doesn't make them fearful or anything other than maybe smart," Williams said. "This is a tough league."
BTW: The balloon heads over at wrigleyville23.com recently posted a piece entitled Does Anyone Want To Pitch On South Side? Answer: Carlos Zambrano
When Chicago Sun-Times reporter Chris De Luca asked Carlos Zambrano if he would pitch for any other team other than the Cubs:
”Well, if I do,” Zambrano added in a hushed voice, ”I want it to be in a White Sox uniform.”
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Brooms, Oswalt and Good Home Cooking
The Peaved: Reports had surfaced over the weekend that Kenny Williams' assistant Bill Scherrer had been tailing the Houston Astros for the better part of two weeks. Sources close to the Williams' camp have indicated that the Sox have their sights set on Houston starter Roy Oswalt. It was just two weeks ago that the ever diligent Williams had Jake Peavy on his radar, only to get shot down by Peavy exercising his no trade clause. Oswalt, who signed a five-year extension in 2006 with an option year for 2012, is due to make $15 million in 2010 and $16 million in 2011. Any trade involving the Olympic gold medalist would have to get his approval. Regardless of what Oswalt does, one thing is unavoidable....Jake Peavy's decison to snub the Sox has lit a fire under Kenny Williams. Expect to see a new starter by the All-Star break. Case Closed.
Sweet Home Chicago: 23 of the Sox 28 games in June will be played at home, or within 90 minutes of downtown Chicago. The White Sox are 12-10 at home this season.
BTW: Scott Podsednik entered Friday's series opener at Kansas City batting .275. He will enter Monday's game against Oakland batting .297.
Up Next: Oakland (19-29 4th) at Chicago (24-25 2nd) - (7:11 PM) Trevor Cahill (2-5) Bartolo Colon (3-4).
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Sox Scouting Oswalt?
Thursday, May 28, 2009
'Gordon' Beckons
For the White Sox to pull off a winning record in June, they're going to need to dispose of some baggage. For the die hard Sox fan, the loss of Joe Crede at third base was especially difficult. Crede going north to Minnesota was one of the more difficult realities to swallow. That transition would have been a bit easier to digest had Crede's replacement showed some bullocks. In 153 at bats, Fields has struck out a whopping 48 times, while batting a meager .229. No doubt Fields has explosive moments and has had several multi-hit games this year, but his quality at bats just aren't there. Back in July of 2007 when Crede had two herniated discs in his lower back, Fields was recalled from Charlotte. In the 100 games Fields played, he went to the dish 373 times and registered 125 K's. Pitiful. Let me put this in perspective for those of you as befuddled by these numbers as I am. In his 13 seasons with the Yankees, Joe Dimaggio averaged 637 at bats, while averaging only 34 strike outs per season. Certainly I am comparing apples and oranges, but the Sox cannot afford this ill-fated plate coverage that continues to plague Fields. Following Ozzie Guillen's benching of Alexei Ramirez a few weeks back, Guillen called attention to Fields' inconsistencies. "He's next," Guillen said of Fields' continuing plate struggles. And 90 feet away from where Fields' is fighting off breaking balls, he is also struggling defending third base. In 40 games at third base, Fields' has committed six fielding errors, while turning five double plays. In 2009, among AL third basemen, Fields' ranks only behind Adrian Beltre in most errors committed this season. And how is Joe Crede fairing? In 33 games at the hot spot, Crede has committed just one single fielding error, while turning seven double plays. Crede hasn't turned too many heads at the dish, but his numbers are respectable. In 129 at bats, Crede is batting .240 with nine home runs, while striking out 21 times.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Hitting Their Stride
First Time Since: It's the first time in 54 years that the White Sox had at least 20 more hits in one game than their opponent. On April 23, 1955, in a 29-6 win against Kansas City, the Sox out-hit the Athletics, 29-6, mirroring the final score.
Hitting Their Stride: Every Sox starter had at least one hit last night. Scott Podsednik (.303) and Alexei Rameriez (.243) each had four hits apiece, while Brian Anderson (.307) and A.J. Pierzynski (.273) raised their season averages with three hits apiece.
"Dank You": John Danks improved to 4-3 on the season, scattering four hits on three runs, while walking a career high six batters through six innings.
Santana Says: Angels starter Erwin Santana (0-2) was yanked in the second inning after surrendering nine hits to 13 batters. "Everything was OK but they just hit everything," Santana said. "I located my fastball, my breaking ball, but they hit it. Every time they saw a white thing, they just hit it. I'm not the only pitcher that's happened to. That happens to everybody. Next time, I'll come out and try to do my job better."
549: Jim Thome smacked number 549 last night in Anaheim. Thome passed Phillie great Mike Schmidt on the all-time home run list. Thome will now pursue the likes of Reggie Jackson who is number 11 on the list with 563 home runs.
Where's OsWaldo? Bench coach Joey Cora managed the White Sox for the third straight game Monday night. Ozzie Guillen was in Caracas, Venezuela, where his father-in-law died on Saturday and was buried on Sunday. Guillen is expected to rejoin the team Tuesday in Anaheim.
Next Up: Bartolo Colon (2-4, 4.23 ERA) will visit the mound in Anaheim tonight for the first time since he was a member of the Angels six years ago. The Angels will counter with staff ace Joe Saunders (6-2, 3.17 ERA).
Friday, May 22, 2009
Fostering Success
You're Invited to Join Jim Thome and Paul Konerko at Lizzie McNeill's Sunday, June 7, 2009
Join White Sox sluggers, Jim Thome and Paul Konerko, at Lizzie McNeill’s on June 7 in support of Children’s Home + Aid’s foster kids and the Bring Me Home Campaign. All proceeds of the event will go to benefit foster children and families.
- Register today for one of our limited VIP tickets to meet the players.
- Participate in a raffle and take a chance at winning an autographed item.
- Get your door prize of a limited edition print of Jim Thome and Paul Konerko.
- Enjoy ball park fare and beer.
- Date: Sunday, June 7, 2009
- Time: 5:30 p.m.
- VIP Meet & Greet: 6:15 p.m.
- General Admission Tickets: $75.00
- Limited VIP Tickets: $150.00
- Location: Lizzie McNeill's
- (Directions) 400 N. McClurg Ct.. Chicago , IL 60611-4323
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Peavy Deal Dead
This according to Sun-Times Sox beat reporter Joe Cowley:
A source close to the Jake Peavy camp has said that the pitcher has notified the San Diego Padres that he will not accept the trade to the South Side, killing the deal that would have sent four players West and put Peavy in black and white.
Padres Agree To Trade
White Sox May Land Peavy
Rumors abound as to Peavy's hesitation in facing American League line-ups. Former Padres teammate and current Sox reliever, Scott Linebrink spoke to Peavy by telephone Wendesday and fielded questions about the White Sox. Linbrink told ESPN 1000's Waddle and Silvey that Peavy has no problem coming to an American League team and that right now he has a 50% chance of wearing a Sox uniform. Peavy's next scheduled start is Friday against the Cubs in San Diego.
Enzo's Eyes: Even if Peavy doesn't move to the Southside, at least I know my GM is out there looking to shake things up. This is a deal that fell right through the lap of Cub's GM Jim Hendry. If the Sox land Peavy, Hendry might as well leave town.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Toothless Piranhas
Same Old, Same Old: Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye both went deep for the Sox in Tuesday night's victory over the Twins. Unfortunately, the Sox rarely win games and do not hit the long ball. The Sox rank 19th in the Majors with 38 home runs. Since 2002 among major league clubs, the Sox finished in the top 10 in home runs each season, and led the league three different times.
On The Mark : Mark Buehrle continued to solidify his position as club pitching ace with two earned runs allowed in seven innings of work. The White Sox are 7-1 with Buehrle on the mound, as opposed to 9-21 when he isn't pitching.
Mark On Mark: "I owned them," Buehrle joked. "Obviously, we face them a lot of times. It seems like it goes back and forth. … Obviously I’m on one of those stretches now. Tonight was one of those games where I probably missed more spots tonight than I have in a lot of starts and I got lucky with them."
From The Mouth Of Gardie: "A little frustrating right now. We had a little meeting after the game and talked about trying to invent the game. They’re coming up with things. We’re trying to invent stuff. You can’t just do that in a game. You have to play the game," Gardenhire said. "It’s getting a little quiet on the bench and that’s not acceptable. We’re all about nine innings and getting after it. So we had a little bit of a talk about that."
My Two Cents: With only four victories in their past 16 games, it's hard to get excited over one lone victory. However, anytime you beat a division opponent, it can't be a bad thing. The Central is a weak division and it will probably take only 85 victories to win it. If the Sox can get some momentum going in the early summer months, they can avoid the dog fights we're so accustomed of seeing come mid September.
Up Next: Tonight 7:11 PM CST, MIN: Liriano (2-4) 5.21 ERA, CHW: Danks (2-3) 4.82 ERA
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Major League Struggles
Saturday, May 16, 2009
I'll Be Back
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Anybody For Some Strikeout?
What's Happening: For White Sox bats, a whole lot of striking out. Through 33 games this season, the White Sox have struck out a whopping 228 times. That's just under eight times per game. Strikeouts typically have a domino affect that can plague a clubhouse from top to bottom. Men being left on base, runners stranded in scoring position, stroking the opposing pitcher's ego, and of course, losing games.
Who is hurting most: Jim Thome has to be at the top of this list. Thome has struck out 33 times in 88 plate appearances (.375) Jermaine Dye has had some issues of his own at the plate. In 113 appearance at the dishe, Dye has K'd 32 times (.282) As nice as Josh Field has looked at the plate at times, Fields has struck out 39 times in 115 plate appearances .(339)
Good Eye: In just 97 plate appearances, Pierzynski has struck out only 7 times (.072)
Overheard By Ozzie: "People on base, we strike out. Lead off an inning, we strike out. We have to cut that. That's a big part of the game. You put the ball in play, you have a better chance. We really strike out too much, even the guys who strike out. "
Now What? I could fill this answer with a slew of 'Hawk'isms. Hunkering down....etc. Truth is, The White Sox' bats are in a funk. Any fan who believes that replacing Greg Walker is the answer, has short term memory issues. Certainly somebody needs to be accountable, but this is on the players not the coaches.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Maris: The Real Deal
"It would have been a helluva lot more fun if I had not hit those sixty-one
home runs. "--Roger Maris
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Jenks Tagged By MLB
Story Line: Major League Baseball threw a lazy purpose pitch of their own at White Sox closer Bobby Jenks, fining him some $750 for an incident involving Texas Ranger standout Ian Kinsler. In the last inning of a White Sox one run lead, Bobby Jenks threw behind Ian Kinsler causing home plate umpire Lance Barksdale to issue a warning to Jenks. Ozzie Guillen quickly rose from his dugout post to exchange words with Barksdale. Jenks eventually got Kinsler to pop out to end the game, but Jenks wasn't through.
What Was Said: Following the incident, Jenks was adamant that he wasn't trying to hit Kinsler in a one run game. Supposedly, Jenks was sending a message to the Rangers, following Chris Getz and Carlos Quentin being plunked earlier in the game by Rangers' pitcher Kevin Millwood. "I'm not going to put a guy on in that situation," he said. "I was not going to hit him. I made my point with that pitch and it came across the way I wanted it to.
The Problem: In addition to making Sox announcers Ken Harrelson and Steve Stone sound clueless, the incident didn't exactly make Ozzie sound like he was clued in either. If Jenks intention was to pitch behind Kinsler, why not convey that to Guillen prior to the start of the inning? Furthermore, why wait until well after the game to reveal to sources that you delivered a purpose pitch?
What Guillen Had To Say: Prior to Jenks revealing he had thrown at Kinsler, Guillen had this to say:
"The way we're playing, we're desperate to win and I'm not going to hit one of the best players in the game (Kinsler) with the big boys coming behind him," "When I want to hit somebody, I do it right away."--Not Good. Period.
Overheard By Ron Washington: "They can talk all they want, but we weren't trying to hit anybody," . "If their pitcher says something like that ... that's on him. If my guys get hit six times and one of my guys wants to take care of business, then take care of business. But don't talk about it."
Bottom Line: Kudos to Jenks for protecting his hitters, but his poor communication have the Sox looking just as baffled off the field as they do on the field.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Same Old Story
Off The Hook: Carl Pavano (3-3) won his third straight outing with the help of his breaking ball. Pavano scattered 10 hits on four runs over 6 1/3. Pavano was masterful in getting his breaking ball to work for him, as Sox bats were fishing most of the night.
Need a Hit? Getting hits did not seem to be an issue for the Sox tonight, as they cracked out a dozen. Getting hits when they needed them was another issue. The Sox stranded 16 baserunners with four in scoring position. Konerko (.307), Thome (.212), Pierzynski (.301) and Fields (.255) all had multi-hit games.
Next Up: Cleveland-Tomorrow 6:05 CST Jacobs Field
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Imminent Panic
Breaking It Down: This division reminds me of my childhood home. You never knew what was going to happen next, and nothing really surprised you. Many "experts" had the Royals positioned for first place and "they" will continue to speculate as long as Greinke is pitching well. Don't count on it. The Royals cannot handle winning games very much longer and Greinke is a nervous breakdown waiting to happen. Sure, the kid changes speeds as good as anybody, but Minnesota, Detroit and Chicago will not allow Kansas City to sit on top of that division much longer.
30 Games from now? For the White Sox, it's going to get worse before it gets any better. Contreras will eventually take the mound again and will get a no decision his first game back. Paul Konerko will fall into his early summer slump, while Thome finally gets into the swing of things. Alexei Ramirez will start warming up with the weather, but don't look for a breakout until Ozzie brings Alexei back to second base. 60 games into the season, look for Detroit to be at the top of the A.L. Central.
Prediction: 28-32
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Speedy Recovery...Speedy Departure
Aftershock: In Guillen's office following the game, Contreras was relieved of his starting duties. Contreras' next start was slated for this upcoming Wednesday in Cleveland. No replacement has been named as of yet. All signs and speculation point to D.J. Carassco.
Silent Bats: The Sox struggled at the plate again, allowing southpaw Matt Harrison to register his third victory of the season; the second in seven days against the White Sox. The Sox did not advance past second base all evening, drew only one walk and struck out five times.
Speaking of Contreras: "We've tried different things," catcher A.J. Pierzinski said "We've tried a million things. We've tried to attack guys this way, attack guys that way and nothing seems to work right now. You feel so bad because Jose is such a great guy and you really want him to succeed and do very well and you just don't know what to do anymore."
What I Think: I mean, come on... what did we expect? Contreras is aging, tired and his rehab turnover was anything short of miraculous. This guy wasn't expected to be on the mound until July-August. Now it looks as though his speedy recovery hurt more than that rupture Achilles. We know what Contreras can't do, now let's see what somebody else can.
Up Next: Saturday, Rangers (16-13) at White Sox (13-15) 6:05 PM WGN, 670 WSCR. Kevin Millwood (3-2) and John Danks (2-2)
Friday, May 8, 2009
Flirting With Perfection
What Buehrle had to say: "I feel so lucky. It's an honor to pitch in the major leagues. It's a kid's game and I try to have as much fun as I can, win or lose. A lot of people would love to be doing what I'm doing, and I appreciate every minute of it."
Overheard by Tigers manager Jim Leyland: "In, out, cut the ball, jam guys, tail away, change up on them -- that's the art of pitching. He just carved us up, made it look easy."
BTW: A.J. Pierzinski hit a three run home run in the first inning. It was Pierzinski's third homer in his last six games. He has 101 career homers. Jason Nix hit his first home run of the season in the fourth inning. Nix is taking over for Alexei Ramirez at shortstop, while the young Cuban gathers his thoughts.
Hard, raw stats: In his last six games, Pierzynski is batting .542 with three homers and seven RBIs, lifting his average from .220 to .313.
What I think: This was just the kind of game the pitching staff needed. Buehrle is unquestionably the ace of the staff and this kind of outing shows why. Hopefully, some of Buehrle's confidence will spill over into some the young guns and aging veterans.
Next Up: Texas (15-12) at Chicago (12-14), 7:11 p.m. Jose Contreras (0-5) Matt Harrison (2-2)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Dirty, Dirty. Manny Ramirez Out 50 Games
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Paying Off?
Buehrle is getting paid $86,419 per game, $28, 806 per hour, $9,602 each inning pitched
Thome is batting just .185 against right-handers and a solid .375 against lefties.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Youth Exposed
Tough night to have fresh meat in the batter's box.
25 year old Zack Greinke improved to 6-0 on the season with a stellar complete game shutout. It was Greinke's second shutout of the season. Scott Podsednik and A.J. Peirzynski had two hits apiece in the loss, while as a team, the Sox had six. White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen may of seen the best the Majors have to offer in Greinke. "To me, he's the best in the league right now," Guillen said.
The Sox have been downright awful at the plate as of late. They did not have a runner in scoring position until the sixth inning, and the first five batters were 1-19 on the night, striking out six times. Greinke fanned 10 Sox batters to add insult to injury.
The White Sox have scored one sad run in their last 20 innings and have scored one run or fewer in seven of 25 games played.
Something to think about... Is Wilson Betemit really worth the $1,300,000 he is getting paid? Meanwhile, Brian Anderson will only make $440,000 in 2009.
R U Kidding? : Zack Greinke overcame a social anxiety disorder following his 2005 season. He was only 20. This season his 0.40 ERA in 45 innings is the best in the majors. He has allowed just 30 hits, two earned runs, walked eight and struck out 54, while tossing three complete games and earning two shutouts.
Monday, May 4, 2009
A Vocal Disgrace From A Pretty Face
The entire seventh inning clown act that has been going on at Wrigley Field since Harry Carey died is pathetic. Cub's management missed it when they decided to continue live 'acts' during the seventh inning stretch. It was Carey's trademark. The very fact the Richards was allowed by Cub's upper management to hold the sacred microphone, let alone "sing" into it is just plain sad. Had Richards been out in left field with the rest of the ditzy balloon heads, nobody would have even noticed.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Assignment: Reassignment
Mike MacDougal also agreed to terms on a non-guaranteed minor league with the Washington Nationals. 'Dougal racked up a 12.46 ERA in just five games with the Sox this season.
Sox former second baseman Tony Graffanino was designated for reassignment by the Cleveland Indians.
What Every Dad Needs To Hear
"My dad taught me to switch-hit. He and my grandfather, who was left-handed, pitched to me everyday after school in the back yard. I batted lefty against my dad and righty against my granddad" ~ Mickey Mantle
At times it can be difficult in it's simplicity. It has moments of ecstasy that have no equals. It always gives more than it is ever willing to take. It requires patience, patience, and at times, more patience. The rewards are never-ending, the disappointments--expected. And sometimes if we allow ourselves, our gratitude will spill over into tears.
Fatherhood.
Certain things have a way of bringing together a father and son. For every man who took in a baseball game with dad, you know exactly what I mean. Then there are the words every kid loves to hear from their ol' man, "go grab your mitt." It can only mean one thing: time to throw around the ball with 'pops'. In a little over one month, my son and I have spent more time together alone than I believe we spent alone all last year. We did it all playing baseball. I truly believe baseball is God's gift to fathers. It's God's way of saying: "Now you have no excuses." If you're a dad who finds himself crunched for time, take your kid outside and throw around the ball for awhile. If that's not an option, perhaps taking him to a ball game would be more ideal. Try not to think about getting work done or catching up on emails. Try to think about that little person. That little impressionable mind who always looks up to you.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
This Is The Year To Wait Until Next Year
- You are a White Sox fan.
- The sorry sap crying is a Cub's fan
For the life of me I cannot understand the Cub fan. I can't. I'm not exactly sure I want to either. Year in and year out it's the same sorry mantra,"This is the year!" Is it guys? Is it really? It's amazing to me that the Chicago Bulls just pushed a great Celtics team to a game seven, while the Blackhawks are three victories from a Stanley Cup Finals appearance. These two teams were clearly not favorites to advance as far as they did in their respective playoff series', yet they did. Goodness, even the Chicago Sting, Chicago Rush and the Wolves all have won championships in their respective sports more recently than 1908. The Cubs on the other hand were the bookies favorite last year to win the World Series. No dice. Again. Meanwhile the White Sox won a World Series in 2005 and won one more playoff game than the Cubs did last year. The Cubs have not won a playoff game since 2003 and have bowed out of the playoffs the last two years without a victory to show for it. Having a priest perform an exorcism in the dugout, bringing a goat back in Wrigley Field; all sorry attempts at redirecting fate. A fate that has the Cubs without a World Series championship in over a century.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Center of Attention
The Sox have been searching for a reliable lead-off man, since Podsednik went on and off the DL in 2006. "Pods" was very instrumental in Ozzie's "small ball", where he hit .290 in the lead-off spot and grabbed 59 stolen bases. Podsednik joined the Colorado Rockies in 2008. The question many Sox fans are barking is , "Where is Rowand?" Truth is, with Brian Anderson showing promise at the plate, along with his exceptional range in center-field, the White Sox have no room on their roster for Aaron Rowand. While Rowand would be a nice addition for a team lacking character, it cannot come at the expense of the energetic and maturing Brian Anderson. In the meantime, the Sox will get what they can out of Podsednik and hope for the best.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Autographs under $1
That is why I'm here to offer autographs for under $1. I don't actually provide the autographs, but I will tell you quickly how to grab one for under a dollar.
- Find a sports card of a player that you would like an autograph of. Chances are always better with a B-list player. Feel free to take your chance with the A-list player though. Probably not a good idea to send a Derek Jeter rookie card in. Jeter most likely will never see it, and neither will you.)
- Two cards is ussually the maximum a player will sign. Ussually the card the player doesn't sign will accompany the signed card.
- If you are sending a glossy card, sprinkle baby powder on the card and then wipe away the residue. There is nothing more upsetting then getting a card back in the mail and the signature is smeared. The baby powder helps tremendously. Top loaders are not necessary. They cost money and some players have been known to sign the holder or damge the card when placing it back in.
- Include a personal, brief note to the player telling him why you enjoy watching him. Stray from corney phrases like "You're my favorite." Just be honest and try to include a personal memory of the player's accomplishments.
- Send the card in an envelope that will stick out. I personally use "loud" envelopes that say "Hey...open me." Address the envelope to the teams stadium, which can be found at www.mlb.com . Make certain you include: C/O Your Players Name Here.
- Most importantly: send a SASE, or self-addressed stamped envelope along with your card and note. You do not have to use a "loud" return envelope. They cost money, and you would rather save them for sending out your cards.
- Lastly: Wait for the mail. Turnaround times can be as quick as one week, or as long as a year.
Happy Returns! In the last two weeks: Jim Thome and John Danks. Turnaround time was roughly 1 1/2 weeks.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
CL(ASS)-less
All in the Family
Sun-Times Sox beat reporter Joe Cowley hinted in a recent post that former Southsider Freddy Garcia again has the interest of Guillen. Garcia was recently let go by the New York Mets and now is in search for a job. Garcia has only 14 starts to his credit since leaving the Sox in 2006. Of those starts, Freddy is 2-6. In 2005, Garcia was 14-8, with 228 innings pitched. Freddy tossed three complete games during the Sox World Series championship season; one of which was hurled during the ALCS. So what can an injury prone, 32 year-old bring back to the Sox? To speculate- much needed middle relief. It's not a role Freddy Garcia is accustomed to, but it is a role that Don Cooper can custom mold for the aging Garcia. In addition, if there is any hope for Garcia's future, Ozzie Guillen will find it. "I need to talk to him [Wednesday], see where he is, if he's hurt, how he's doing,'' White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen admitted. "I guess [general manager] Kenny [Williams] and the scouts know more than I do. I have to ask them and see how he's doing. I know he will find a job and hopefully he pitches better for the next team, I don't want to say us yet because I don't know anything about it.''
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
...the old ballgame."
A day out at the ballpark. And for me as a kid, going to 35th & Shields on the Southside of Chicago with dad was nothing short of heavenly.
Dad had worked two jobs for quite sometime, so catching up with him at a game was most ideal for both of us. He didn't have to worry about me asking him why he had to work so much, and I didn't have to worry about him reprimanding me. Dad simply was able to be a dad. And I, a kid. What made our trips to Comiskey Park so genuine was the spontaneity. Dad would decide the day of the game if we were going to go. It was as though dad was able to be a kid. He also made sure we rode in style, hopping on his Honda motorcycle heading up the Dan Ryan expressway.
The arched windows, the distressed facade and the smell of warm beer from discarded Miller Lite cans. It was all Comiskey. It wasn't so much the game itself, rather the allure of being able to be less than 50 yards away from some of baseball's greats. Since those carefree days of taking in an afternoon game with dad, I now have my own son who is interested in the game. So the passion persists. While all relics that pointed to a more tranquil game have long vanished, the corner of 35th and Shields still remains. As long as that tiny intersection on the Southside of Chicago stands so will my reverence for a game that is over a century old.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Taking a Halladay
"Awesome job," Guillen said. "He was more aggressive, [threw] more strikes. He had more confidence today."
Veteran reliever Scott Linebrink was summoned to work the eighth inning of a 3-3 tie. The usually reliable Linebrink gave up a double to Vernon Wells who led off the inning. Former Cardinal Scott Rolen would then single home Wells for the go ahead and eventual winning run. The Blue Jays had entered Sunday's game with a league leading 120 runs scored. It would take an additional four runs by the end of Sunday's contest to best the White Sox.
The Sox got to Roy Halladay (4-1) early, but not often. And certainly not enough. The Sox scored three times before the fourth inning and then went into famine mode. Sox centerfielder Brian Anderson improved his batting average to .349 by tagging the Jays for three hits. Anderson is certainly making his case for full-time centerfielder during the absence of Dewayne Wise. Wise's timetable to return is uncertain, and as long as Anderson is producing, the uncertainty may mount. The Sox start a three game set against the AL West leading Seattle Marinerstonight at The Cell (7:05). The Sox will put John Danks (0.95) on the mound this evening while they look to bounce back from dropping two of three to Toronto. It's imperative the Sox finish the homestand .500, and they will certainly need to be more aggressive at the plate if that is to happen. "Seattle is a good team," Paul Konerko said. "But we just lost two of three and need to try to win at least two of three to make it a good homestand."
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Cuban Missile Crisis. Over?
Giving the Sox a comfortable 8-2 edge was perhaps a side note for Sox manager Ozzie Guillen who is hopeful that his sophomore shortstop may be ending his early season woes. "As soon as the game was over, I saw him and talked to him about the game," Guillen said. "I was excited for him. Hopefully this is a corner he is going to turn."
Both Brent Lilibridge and Jerry Owens provided stellar defensive plays to back up Mark Buehrle (3-0) who provided his third quality start of the season. "You're going to run into some of that once in a while. But if they don't make those plays, it's a different ballgame all the way around," said Toronto manager Cito Gaston. Jose Contreras (0-3)looks for his first win of the season today when he takes the mound at 1:05. Contreras is looking for his win at U.S. Cellular since June of last year when he defeated the Cubs.
Loose Sox: Sox second baseman Chris Getz was 86'd from last night's lineup due to a sore finger. Getz will return to the lineup against Seattle on Monday.
Monday's game against Seattle is a Value Monday at U.S. Cellular Field. All tickets at the Sox box office are half-off the day of game. Game Time: 7:11 pm.
According to Elias Sports Bureau, Ramirez reached five career grand slams in the second-quickest amount of time in Major League Baseball history at 152 games, trailing only Rudy York's total of 139.