Hawk & DJ's baseball blog

It's hard to sweep any team, especially on the road, but it was a shame that yesterday's game got away in the 9th.  It wasn't like Bobby Jenks got knocked around. He nicked Miguel Tejada with a pitch, Jay Gibbons hit a little duck snort to center, and Jeff Conine hit a soft liner to right to tie the game before Javy Lopez hit the game-winner through the drawn-in infield. That's gone and now the Sox have to get back at it.

You have to love the way AJ Pierzynski is swinging the bat - 3 for 4 yesterday, 5 for 5 Saturday, and 10 for 13 for the weekend series.  Let's hope he can stay hot.  Jose Contreras has never lost to the Royals - he is 6-0 lifetime with a 1.93 ERA.

Hawk

Posted by at 8:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)

*The Sox are at 9-15 in the month of July and are in danger of recording only the 5th July in franchise history with less than 10 wins.

*With 61 HRs already, Jim Thome and Jermaine Dye are on pace to crush the team record for HRs by a duo (78, by Belle and Thomas in 1998).

*Runelvys Hernandez has been much more effective at home (3.65 ERA) than on the road (10.62 ERA) for the Royals this year.

*Mark Grudzielanek has feasted off Sox pitching in his career, hitting .378.

*Paul Konerko is hitting only .240 this month, but does have 7 HRs in 75 ABs.

Copyright 2006 STATS LLC

Posted by at 8:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

*Chicago has won five straight in Baltimore, scoring at least six runs, and knocking out at least 11 hits in each contest.

*The White Sox have lost five straight series they've played, going 3-12 while giving away their lead in the wild-card race, falling a half-game behind the Yankees.

*The White Sox have committed just four errors over their last 18 games. The Orioles, meanwhile, have committed an error in just one of their last seven games.

*35 years ago today, perennial Gold Glove winner Brooks Robinson committed three errors in one game for the first time in his career. The Baltimore Orioles’ third baseman committed all of his miscues in the sixth inning against the Oakland A’s, leading to two unearned runs.

*Jim Thome has just two RBI over his last nine games.

*Erik Bedard has won seven straight starts while posting a 1.29 ERA with 53 strikeouts in 49 innings.

*12 of Miguel Tejada’s 18 homers this year have come at Camden Yards.

Copyright 2006 STATS LLC

Posted by at 1:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Darrin Jackson Talks About Dealing With Trade Rumors

Posted by at 3:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Twins finished off a sweep of the White Sox with a 7-3 victory on Wednesday.  After the game, Ozzie Guillen, Mark Buehrle, and Paul Konerko talked about the team's struggles.

Posted by at 7:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

DJ and I have spent some time recently talking about the 0-2 counts and how they affect the pitcher and batter differently.  What so many pitchers don't understand is that with each pitch that a batter can see, he can keep working toward getting a better one to hit.  Nibbling your way to 3-2 won't get it done.

Good hitters are not afraid to hit with a strike and your outstanding hitters are not afraid to hit with two strikes. All they are doing is getting a gauge on the pitcher. If you're pitching and you have a guy 0-2 and then go to 3-2, believe me, you are in trouble.

The halls of Cooperstown are filled with pitchers who gave up a lot of 0-2 hits.  They knew that it was important to go right at the hitter at that point.

Most of the time, it can be traced back to the manager's philosophy. I played for guys who didn't blink an eye on an 0-2 hit (now if it was a hanging curve, etc. - that's a different story).  But I've also seen managers who want to fine someone for giving up a hit in that situation. It's important to find a way to put the hitter away.

Hawk

Posted by at 2:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

It's the busiest time of the year for White Sox general manager Kenny Williams as the July 31 trading deadline approaches.  Numerous rumors have been circulating about what the Sox might do next, including a trade for Alfonso Soriano - is he serious or playing poker trying to drive up the price for other would-be suitors?

White Sox Acquire MacDougal, Soriano Next?

Posted by at 8:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

*The White Sox have won five of the seven meetings this season, including all three meetings in Chicago. The White Sox have won the last six meetings at U.S. Cellular Field.

*Minnesota has won nine of its last 10 and 29 of its last 36 games overall.

*The Twins’ Nick Punto is in the midst of a 15-game hitting streak, one shy of the team’s season-long streak (16 by Justin Morneau).

*Minnesota’s Brad Radke is 4-0 with a 2.66 ERA in his last eight starts. Radke has allowed a home run in each of his last 10 starts at U.S. Cellular Field.

*Chicago has lost nine of its last 12 games to drop 6 ½ games behind the Tigers in the A.L. Central.

*The White Sox Jermaine Dye has no home runs and no RBIs in nine consecutive games.

*Chicago’s Javier Vazquez is looking to become the 10^th pitcher (12^th occurrence) since 1900 to win 10 games in four consecutives for four different teams.

Copyright 2006 STATS LLC

Posted by at 11:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Sox had quite the day Sunday, beating the Texas Rangers 5-0, while working through another beanball war, and releasing their backup catcher. Afterward, all the participants from the White Sox side talked with the media.

Garland Leads Sox over Rangers, Widger Released

Posted by at 8:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This is the toughest stretch I've seen Mark Buehrle go through since he put on a White Sox uniform.

Sometimes when you are struggling like Mark is, it's about the thought process. It's not, how can I go out and win this ballgame? It's where do I want to pitch and if I miss my spot, where do I want to miss?  That's not negative thinking. If I am going inside, let me make sure I miss inside.  If I'm throwing my change-up, I want to make sure I miss low.

The home runs hit off Mark last night were both on balls that were up.  He can pitch up with the best of them, but it has to be on his terms.  When it's a mistake that gets up, like most other guys, he gets hit hard.

Hawk

Posted by at 7:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

The White Sox championship ring not only is a sight to see, but it's sleek design actually makes it wearable, unlike some of the other oversized rocks of recent World Series winners. 

Now, the Sox are making it possible for fans to have a chance to own the exact same ring the players and front office.  The team is raffling off three authentic World Series rings, complete with the winners last name personalized with the last name of each winner.

A maximum of 100,000 raffle tickets will be sold with all proceeds going to the Chicago White Sox Charities. Each ticket is $20 and can be purchased at U.S. Cellular Field or online at www.whitesox.com. The raffle closes on July 31.

Sox ring numbers: Mrs. Jerry Reinsdorf designed the rings. She also designed all six Bulls Championship rings. *432 rings and 163 pendants were made for White Sox players, staff, and employees. *There is only one version of the 2005 World Series Championship ring. *Josten's of Princeton, IL produced the rings. *The rings and pendants are made of 14-karat yellow gold with a 14-karat white gold insert and a White Sox logo crest on a black onyx base stone. *Each ring and pendant contains 95 brilliant diamonds of various sizes equalling over two carats.

Posted by at 7:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

*The White Sox have the league's best record against the AL West at 14-7.

*Good pitching will shut the Rangers down - they have scored 2 or less runs 8 times since June 25, the most in the majors during that time.

*The two bullpens have been going in different directions since July 3.  The Rangers are the best in baseball with a 1.33 ERA while the Sox are 27th in that time at 5.48.

*Scott Podsednik has more steals (29) than the entire Rangers team (27).

*Home runs have been key for the Sox all year.  45.7% of their runs score via the HR, tops in the majors.

*Both team have been scoring lots of runs.  The Sox lead baseball with 6 players who have scored at least 50 runs and the Rangers are tied for 2nd with 5 players.

Copyright 2006 STATS LLC

Posted by at 7:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

*Chicago is 1-2 against the Rangers at home this season compared to a 3-1 mark in Arlington.

*Texas has only hit one home run in their last seven road games.

*John Wasdin will be making his fifth start of the season after giving up zero runs in 2.1 innings of relief duty against the White Sox on June 3.

*Texas is 8-4 this season when Gary Matthews Jr. registers two or more RBI in one game.

*Mark Buehrle is 8-2 against the Rangers since 2001, the third best record by an active pitcher against Texas (minimum 10 decisions).

*Chicago has 28 come from behind victories this season, tied for the second most in the majors.

* Brian Anderson has hit safely in nine straight games and is hitting .462 (12-for-26) in those nine games.

Copyright 2006 STATS LLC

Posted by at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

That was some performance by Jon Garland last night to kick off this series in Detroit.  And it was no surprise because he has been on the rise for the last few weeks.

I am a firm believer in "it's not how you start, it's how you finish."  That is when you have to be at your best.

He shut them down.  The only RBI came on a hit from Placido Polanco on a good pitch that was a foot outside - you just tip your hat to him on that one, and tip your hat to Garland for coming up big in a big spot.

DJ

Posted by at 2:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

When your team is struggling, the tendency is to look and say they look lethargic.  That's not the case with the White Sox right now - it's just been the lack of starting pitching.  I don't think you will see too many of Ozzie Guillen's clubs ever get lethargic.

You may have heard us talk about this all weekend , but it's the starters who have to do a better job for our club to get back on a roll.  They are the key to this team.

Hawk

Posted by at 12:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

*The Sox lead the season series over the Tigers 5 games to 1, with 3 1-run wins.

*Despite some stumbles over the weekend (5 for 35), the Sox continue to hit well with runners in scoring position.  Their team batting average with RISP is .308.

*Jim Thome has hit 46 career homers against Detroit, the most by any active player.

*Jon Garland has won five consecutive road starts and has an ERA of 2.35 in the month of July.

*Left-handed hitters are hitting only .182 off Nate Robertson this season

Copyright 2006 STATS LLC

Posted by at 9:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's a long season- at times like this all fans have to remember it.  What the Sox need to remember is to play the type of baseball that won them a World Series last year and has driven them to a strong record so far this year.

This team's starting pitching has been its backbone, so getting some quality outings all week will be key.  Our pitchers seem to respond well to each other and hopefully a good effort in NY today will set the tone for everyone to step up.  Little things like no mental errors on defense and not giving opponents extra outs are what the Sox have done to their opponents, not themselves in the past.  If everyone takes care of their own business in that department, the Sox can get right back on track in a hurry.

DJ

Posted by at 6:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

*The Sox need to get the bats going against the Yankees. Since 4/21/04, they are averaging only 2.6 runs against the New Yorkers in 10 games.

*Both teams pitching leaves much to be desired in July - the Sox have a 6.28 ERA for the month and the Yankees are at 5.53.

*Hopefully Paul Konerko can be back in the lineup today.  His .364 batting average at Yankee Stadium is highest among active players with 100 ABs there.

*Jarret Wright's 6.28 ERA in day games is the highest in baseball.

Copyright 2006 STATS LLC

Posted by at 6:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

This isn't the type of team that is interested in moral victories.  As I've pointed out so many times, they also never give up.  Ozzie won't let them and this entire team has adopted that trait from him.

Last night, down 3 runs and with the possibly the greatest closer in baseball history on the mound, the Sox went at it again.  Thome, Konerko, and Dye all had great at-bats to get singles and load the bases.   Unfortunately, the Sox only got the first two home, but it doesn't diminish the fact that this team always feels like they will come back to win.

Another benefit of that rally is that Mariano had to throw a ton of pitches in that inning.  That's the type of thing that can help the Sox the next two days, plus their lineup got some good swings in against him.

Hawk

Posted by at 7:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

* The teams split the six meetings last season, with just 28 total runs scored in those contests.

* Chicago has won 10 of its last 13 road games, batting .333 as a team over that span.

* White Sox OF Jermaine Dye has four home runs and 10 RBIs in his last four games, while teammate Jim Thome has homered in each of his last three road games.

* Chicago’s Jose Contreras has a franchise record 17-game winning streak which began on 8/21/05 vs. the Yankees. Contreras, who began his career in New York, is 2-0 with a 0.60 ERA in two career starts vs. the Yankees.

* The Yankees had the league’s best post- All-Star Game record last season (49-27, .645).

* Yankees’ third baseman Alex Rodriguez has four home runs and 12 RBIs in his last four home games. A-Rod needs just two home runs to reach 450 in his career.

* New York starter Randy Johnson is 0-2 with a 6.60 ERA in his last two starts vs. the White Sox. He has allowed six total home runs in those two starts.

Copyright 2006 STATS LLC

Posted by at 8:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

After winning the All-Star game Tuesday night, the American League will have home field advantage in the World Series.  Hopefully, that means Games 1 & 2 (plus 6 or 7) if needed at U.S. Cellular Field.  It was only fitting that Paul Konerko started the 9th inning rally and he and his teammates had a great All-Star night.

White Sox All-Stars Revel In American League Win

Posted by at 7:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

With 7 All-Stars in Pittsburgh, the Sox will be well-represented tonight and hopefully have the chance to insure themselves a home World Series Game 7 with an American League win.  The players met with the media on Monday.

Posted by at 11:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

* Last season, the American League took the Midsummer Classic, 7-5. The AL has not lost to the NL since the 1996 game in Philadelphia (8-0-1 since).

* The National League leads the all-time series, 40-34-2.

* Brad Penny was named the NL’s starting pitcher for Tuesday’s contest by Phil Garner. It marks the 2nd consecutive season that the National League’s starter will be making his ASG debut (Chris Carpenter in 2005).

* Kenny Rogers was named to his 4th career All-Star Game and his first as a starter by American League manager Ozzie Guillen. The last time Detroit had the starting battery for the event was 1966, when Denny McLain threw to Bill Freehan.

* Rogers will be the 2nd oldest pitcher to start an All-Star Game. Roger Clemens became the eldest when he started the 2004 ASG in Houston.

* David Eckstein (for Jose Reyes) and Francisco Liriano (for Jose Contreras) were named as late replacements to their respective squads on Monday (Edgar Renteria will start at shortstop for the NL in place of Reyes)---Liriano joins Jose Lopez (Seattle), Gary Matthews Jr. (Texas) and Magglio Ordonez (Detroit) as replacements on the AL roster, while Eckstein joins Roy Oswalt (Houston) as replacements for the NL.

* Team USA beat the World team in the Futures Game on Sunday, 8-5. Royals’ prospect, Billy Butler homered en route to earning MVP honors in the contest. The USA prospects now lead the all-time series, 5-3.

* With the addition of A.J. Pierzynski as the final player added to the AL squad, the White Sox will be represented by seven players at the ASG---most of any team. The Mets are second on that list with six players, although Pedro Martinez, Tom Glavine and Jose Reyes will not participate.

* The Tigers head into the All-Star Game with MLB’s best record and the most wins by an AL team at the break (59) since the 2001 Mariners (63). The White Sox had the best record at the 2005 All-Star break and, of course, went on to win the World Series.

* There will be 25 first time All-Stars in this year’s contest---12 for the AL and 13 for the NL.

* The overall MLB batting average has increased each month this season: April-.265, May-.268, June-.270, July-.279.

Copyright 2006 STATS LLC

Posted by at 8:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

To say the Sox have upgraded their offense this year is the understatement of all time.  They are really letting it rip right now as we head into the All-Star break.

We were talking last night about the fact that the home runs are key; not just solo shots that don't matter. Jim Thome is a great example of a guy who knows the situation and thrives on it.  It's no accident the Sox have 7 grand slams to lead the majors right now.  Their hitters bear down and are performing at the highest level at the right time.

Think about some of the other numbers.  The Sox lead the league in homers, runs, and are second in batting average.  Yet, at the same time they ALSO lead the league in sac bunts and sac flies, plus they have grounded into the 5th-fewest double plays in the league.  It's an offense that is really hitting on all cylinders.

DJ

Posted by at 11:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

*The Sox trailed 3-0 early last night, but it was no surprise that they came back to win. The Sox are tied with Milwaukee for the MLB lead in comeback victories with 27.

*Take away the 2006 post-season and the Red Sox have won 8 of the last 10 regular season games at U.S. Cellular Field.

*Keeping the opposition in the ballpark always sounds good, especially to the Sox who have won their last 17 games when NOT allowing a home run, tops in the majors with Toronto far back at 7.

*The MLB home run leaders face off this weekend.  Jim Thome and David Ortiz lead all players with 29 HRs coming into tonight's game.

*Kevin Youkilis is a big key to the Red Sox attack from the leadoff spot.  His .408 on-base % in the leadoff slot leads all of baseball.

Copyright 2006 STATS LLC

Posted by at 8:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There's never a shortage of good things to talk about when you win 13-0 as the White Sox did yesterday, but it was great to see an even better Jose Contreras on the mound yesterday.

Jose was totally locked in and looked much more like the dominating pitcher he's been for the better part of a year now than he had in his past few starts.  He worked with pitching coach Don Cooper on some things and the results were immediate.

It was a great moment at U.S. Cellular Field to see him get a standing ovation when he left in the 7th inning.  17 straight wins - that is really something.

DJ

Posted by at 2:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

* The Sox are right on last year's pace (54-29 this year vs. 57-26 last year) and it's been the offense that has really stepped it up.  Everything is up - runs per game (5.9 vs. 4.8), batting average (.287 vs. .262), homers (124 vs. 104).

*The pitching story is reversed - as the Sox ERA has gone up to 4.42 (3.52 a year ago) and opponents are batting .267 (.244 last year).

*Jon Garland is looking to improve his performance at home tonight.  In his last 4 home starts, he is 0-1 with a 6.48 ERA.  He has won only once at U.S. Cellular Field this year.

*Juan Uribe's 28 RBIs since June 15 lead the majors in that time span.

*With 124 HRs, the Sox are poised to break their team record of 128 HRs at the All-Star break set in 2000.

Copyright 2006 STATS LLC

Posted by at 9:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

No, not you Michael Barrett.  The White Sox are trying to organize a campaign where the rest of us get on the Internet  at MLB.com and vote for AJ Pierzynski as the 32nd man on the American League All-Star squad.  AJ was all for the idea:

Pierzynski on the Punch A.J. Campaign

Posted by at 4:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

One of the many things I love about this White Sox team is that there is no quit - never.  They never think they are out of a game and they always battle to the end.  We saw it both Saturday and Sunday at Wrigley Field this weekend.  They got done early yesterday, but made several charges at the Cubs, even in the 9th inning.

And you know where that comes from - Ozzie.  They will never quit on him and he won't let them.  This ballclub is relentless and believe me, everybody who faces them knows it too.

Hawk

Posted by at 8:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The All-Star votes are in.  Ozzie Guillen has picked the reserves.  Bobby Jenks is in.  AJ Pierzynski is waiting.  They all talked about the All-Star experience after yesterday's game.

Six White Sox Make All-Star Team

Posted by at 7:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The difference in yesterday's ballgame was the 9th inning.  The Cubs' Ryan Dempster didn't get it done; the Sox Bobby Jenks did.  Before Sunday's game, manager Ozzie Guillen talked about the success of his closer.

Ozzie Guillen Talks About Bobby Jenks

Posted by at 1:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

He might not be loved on the North Side, but AJ Pierzynski is playing like a demon in the Crosstown Series thus far.  Before Sunday's game, AJ sat down with WGN's Dan Roan to talk about his performance  at Wrigley Field.

Posted by at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

If you had asked me after the first two months of the season to name my MVP for the Sox thus far, I would have said Joe Crede.  But now (and it's not easy to single out one guy on a club this good), I would go with Bobby Jenks.

He has been outstanding in his role in the 9th, shutting the door almost every time out.  There's no greater lift than having that security blanket at the end, just like the great low for a team when they have problems at the end of the game.

One other thing - I still consider Bobby a rookie.  The poise and composure he has shown throughout his time with the White Sox has been exceptional.

Hawk

Posted by at 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

*With two wins this weekend, the Sox have extended their lead in the all-time series vs. the Cubs to a 29-24 advantage.

*The Sox continue to excel at jumping to an early lead.  Their +82 run differential in the first three innings is best in baseball while the Cubs -62 is the second worst.

*With yesterday's home run, Paul Konerko now has 12 HRs vs. the Cubs in his career.

*Mark Buehrle has won 8 straight interleague decisions, the second longest streak in baseball behind Kenny Rogers' 9.  Teammate Freddy Garcia has 7 straight interleague wins.

Copyright 2006 STATS LLC

Posted by at 8:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

The Sox made it two straight over the Cubs with a dramatic win on Saturday on AJ Pierzynski's 9th inning home run.  After the game, AJ talked about being the North Side's Enemy #1.

Posted by at 7:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It was a White Sox winner on Friday afternoon as they whipped the Cubs 6-2 to open Round 2 of the Crosstown Classic.  After the game, Ozzie Guillen and all the principals on both sides talked to the media.

White Sox and Cubs React to 6-2 Sox Win

Posted by at 6:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)