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.

What About Bob?

I had just finished my breakfast when I opened up Joe Cowley's most recent article entitled "Bobby Jenks uncensored ... read with an empty stomach." Sanitary and hygiene habits of a 6-3, 275lb roughneck all for the reading. Apparently, Jenks has been known to "go Number 2" anywhere. Literally. During interviews, he is also known to use his shirt or whatever he may be wearing to deposit snot and saliva. Whatever his personal habits are off the field, Jenks makes saving games for the White Sox a habit on the field. And quite frankly, that's all that matters. "That's the type of guy that when he gets out there it's just extreme confidence,'' outfielder Brian Anderson said. "You've got the confidence that there will be a guy throwing four-plus pitches for strikes, not to mention that if he has to throw 100 he probably still could. He defines the closers' role." Jenks has registered three saves in this young 2009 season. Scouts and fans alike are wonedring if Jenks can still hit triple digits on the radar gun. For Jenks though, it has been a learning process. Like Sandy Koufax of years past, he is realizing that overpowering batters doesn't always equate to strong appearances. "I want to sit you as quickly as possible,'' Jenks said. "Going out there 60, 70 times it could wear you down by September. Going out there and being efficient early, that's something you have to learn the more you do it. The goal is to be better at the end."

A LuLu Jim Dandy

Hawk Harrelson called this one a "LuLu Jim Dandy." That in itself deserves a seperate post; along with every other Hawkism. The White Sox took the first game of their series with the Devil Rays 3-2 down in St. Pete.

John Danks got his first victory of the season following a no decision back in Chicago. Danks was excellent, knocking out eight Rays batters, while allowing one run in six solid. Carlos Pena was responsible for Danks only mistake, a homer with one out in the sixth. It was the only run Danks has allowed in 12 innings this season. Danks improved his record to 4-1 against Tampa Bay. All the victories coming in Tampa.

It was the bats that were most frustrating to watch. The Pale Hose were 3-13 with runners in scoring position and only advanced a runner past home plate one of those times. Failure to advance runners and capitalize on runners in scoring position is something the Sox will need to address if they intend on contending. It was power that lifted the team once again. Jermaine Dye (3) homered off Tampa Bay starter Jeff Nieman (0-2) in the second inning. It was homer number 140 for Jermaine, since joining the White Sox in 2005. The Sox tagged the Rays pitchers for 14 hits, while only scoring three times. Josh Fields' infield single in the ninth inning turned out to be the difference. Fields entered Thursday night's game batting .333.

Tampa Bay threatened in the bottom of the ninth. With runners on second and third, with two outs, Bobby Jenks got Gabe Gross to hit into a 3 unassisted. Bobby Jenks earned his third save.

Loose Sox

Following the end of the 3:10 game, Hawk belted out MERCY and THIS BALL GAME IS OOOOOVER; then added "This was a LULU JIm Dandy of a game."

Attendace at Thurday's game drew only 13,803. This was a home opener.