My MVP
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
Comments
Hawk,
You're right about it being difficult to select a single MVP on this ballclub, but I've narrowed my decision down to three players and I believe that they are all deserving. First off, I would agree with you and say Bobby Jenks. He's a solid closer and I think he is one of the best in the business. I was able to see him when the Sox came to Pittsburgh and his fastball is sick along with that huge curveball that he throws which is about 69-70 mph. Bobby can really confuse hitters with his stuff. Second, I'm going to say Jim Thome, who is yet another deserving candidate. Jimmy has really improved the Sox lineup in all aspects, especially the ability to hit for power. I still think the Sox have the most dangerous lineup in the MLB when the DH is intact. It seems to me that Thome has always come up with the big clutch HR that the Sox need to get ahead or win the game. Another example, in Pittsburgh Jimmy hit a bomb to tie the score at 6. Overall, he's a fine ballplayer and I don't think the Sox would be where they are without Jimmy. What a fantasic move made by Sox management to trade for this guy. Thirdly, I'm going to say that Paul Konerko is worthy of the MVP. Paulie is having a fantastic season thus far and has improved greatly since last season. First off, Paulie is hitting over .300 this year, a dramatic improvement since a year ago. Last year I believe he was hitting around .260-.270. Paulie is also more disciplined at the plate where he's taking more pitches and being more selective and most importantly, not striking out as much. Paulie has become more than just a power hitter, he's transformed himself into a guy that hits the ball to all fields. He takes what the pitcher gives him and doesn't try to pull the ball all the time. In the field Paul has made some outstanding plays this season. Possessing all of these qualities screams MVP to me and really defines a complete ballplayer. Therefore, it is really a difficult task to decide on a team MVP for this White Sox team because they are all playing so well and there's not one clear cut favorite.
*If you guys (Hawk and DJ) get around to reading this post, e-mail me back and let me know what you think about my take on the White Sox MVPs.
Go Sox!
-Matt K
Posted by: Matt K | July 2, 2006 4:29 PM
hey hawk, since i read your book/bio when i was 12 years old, i've always wanted to give appreciation to one of the original "STYLEMASTERS". u were ahead of yer time ,hawk,.........the snug uniform, stirrups up high, wrists taped, "HAWK" on the back of the uniform. UNIQUE.......... u started fashion trends, thru me, in 'big D'......... whether u know it or not.i had my uniform tailored, stirrups high, sweatbands(close enough) and the longhair..............SOON, THE WHOLE LEAGUE FOLLOWED SUIT!!!!!i was a cult hero thanx to you!!!man i used 2 show off 4 the girls...........and why the hell not. right,hawk?? i always wondered how much you would have really styled in those gold and green uniforms of charlie o.in 69-71.........YOU WORE THE WHITE SHOES IN '67 DIDN'T YOU??? I'VE NEVER SEEN A PIC IN THE WHITE SHOES,.... ON THE FIELD THAT IS , CAUSE YOU LIKED EM OFF THE FIELD, I REMEMBER. GOT A PIC OF TAHT?????? do u ever cringe that u missed the dynastic 'swingin A's'run of greatness??? damn, u were perfect 4 that team of mavericks, in every way........one G.D. plane ride, huh???? charlie o. was a ba-------, great showman w/a showman's gifts, but, PETTY AS HELL.anyway, growing up in dallas, i never got a chance to see u play, i never was in to autographs, but 4 you, i would have made an exception..........u were my role model.................a mind of you're own w/ some brains , as well.......i read your old bio just recently, and it brought back alot of damn good memories...........so via the email..........i say to you 'HAWK' I WANT TO THANK YOU 4 PUTTIN A LIL' STYLE IN MY YOUNGER DAYS......I HAD A BLAST, AND LOOKED GOOD DOIN' IT ,TOO.............WHAT ELSE IS THERE 4 A YOUNG DUDE????? NOT MUCH...............maybe i'll get a response from ya.............if not, that's alright, too............THE SOX R BUSY BOYS!!!!! LIKE U.............SO ALL THE BEST...........U MADE A LIFELONG FAN 35 YEARS AGO............THANX AGAIN, "HAWK". P. S. DON'T WORRY, I'M STRAIGHT.......LOL........LATER. MARK BROOKSHIRE
Posted by: MARK BROOKSHIRE | July 9, 2006 10:05 PM