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.

Speedy Recovery...Speedy Departure

Story Line: Jose Contreras drops his fifth decision in six tries, as the Chicago White Sox lose the first of a three game set with the Texas Rangers 6-0. Contreras' ERA exploded to a team high 8.19, among starters.

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)