Notes: Konerko play provides relief

03/04/2006
TUCSON, Ariz. -- It was such a bad afternoon for the White Sox on Saturday against Arizona that a strange play involving Paul Konerko's jersey served as the highlight of the 13-2 loss.
In the sixth inning, Arizona's Matt Morgan hit a chopper off of Charles Haeger toward Konerko at first, but the ball hit Konerko just to the right of his buttons and actually rolled into his jersey top.
Konerko grabbed for the ball, thinking he had trapped it against his chest. By the time Konerko realized the ball was inside, Morgan had been credited with an infield hit.
"That happened to me in the playoffs for Venezuela. I just tried to get naked, take my clothes off and get the ball out," said White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, drawing a big laugh from the media. "At least we had one highlight.
"We made the people laugh and the people in Chicago enjoyed something. Maybe people will forget how bad we played."
But Guillen certainly remembered. His team has lost all five of its Cactus League contests, by a combined total of 49-12. The White Sox offense has started to get going over the past two games, but the defense struggled again Saturday with three more errors.
The most disturbing trend for Guillen is that pitchers on the proverbial roster bubble are not taking the greatest advantage of the opportunities afforded to them. Chad Bentz, who threw the ball well in his first appearance Thursday against Colorado, walked three and gave up four runs in one-third of an inning against the Diamondbacks. Jeff Bajenaru and Rusty Tucker also were touched for one run apiece, with six pitchers combining for eight walks.
Guillen certainly isn't panicking, and most of the veterans are poking fun at their own ineptitude. After all, the White Sox finished 14-18 last year in Arizona and have the World Series celebratory banner outside their complex near Tucson Electric Park to prove the 2005 season turned out to their liking.
Nonetheless, Guillen would like to see a slightly better brand of baseball.
"I don't mind losing and winning," Guillen said. "We played poorly offensively, defensively and pitching. There are ways you lose, and we are losing the ugly way. It's boring to watch them play. I haven't even had time to manage yet.
"Walking people and getting behind the hitters, it's not the way I want this team to look," Guillen added.
One of a kind: Following Konerko's exit from Saturday's game, the affable captain presented a detailed description, with his jersey used as evidence, as to what happened on the bad-hop single.
"My first reaction is I stopped it, and it's on my body but on the outside of my shirt," said Konerko with a smile. "You are grabbing for it to flip it, but by the time I grabbed it a couple of times, then I realized it's inside my shirt and too late. Only I could pull that off."
Konerko's two singles and a line drive out to left were overshadowed by the quirky play, certain to make almost every highlight reel around the country. Although hitters have only been in camp a little over one week, Konerko called Saturday his "most productive day of the spring" from start to finish.
"I was swinging the bat and doing what I wanted to do, as far as swinging at the right pitches, with the right plan and with the right swing," Konerko said. "Today, I was working on something, using Spring Training. During the first few games, I was up there taking stupid swings."
As far as the team's struggles are concerned, Konerko pointed out that there's plenty of time for this group to come together. The final spring won-loss record is absolutely immaterial.
"You just want to play the game right," Konerko said. "If it does matter in the wins, I would like to see them in the last week. At least you get in the [right] mode that way."
Weight and see: Just as people who gain weight have to get used to moving around with a different body type, White Sox reliever Dustin Hermanson is trying to find a groove as a pitcher who is 10 pounds lighter than at the end of the 2005 season.
"I really have to get used to my body again," said Hermanson, after giving up a home run in his one relief inning Friday. "Thank God I have Spring Training to do that."
Hermanson lost the weight as part of the plan to help relieve the back problem that limited his work down the stretch of the 2005 season. The one-time White Sox closer, who saved 34 games last year, claims he can pick up his baby out of her crib once again, so things definitely have changed for the better.
He also singled out his split-finger as a pitch that wouldn't work for him Friday. That particular pitch wasn't part of his repertoire until 2005, and is one that he doesn't even throw until arriving at Spring Training.
"With split-fingers, you kind of want to save those bullets," Hermanson said. "But my fastball is not on, so my split is off. First, you have to get your fastball, and then everything else comes off of that."
Change in venue: Brandon McCarthy wasn't as sharp as he wanted to be Saturday, walking two and allowing one earned run in 2 2/3 innings, before reaching his pitch limit. As the White Sox starter against Arizona, though, his approach didn't change from any other start last season.
With his work coming primarily out of the bullpen in 2006, that plan will be altered somewhat near the end of Spring Training.
"I'll start working out of the stretch a little more as we go," McCarthy said. "For right now, I'm just going to focus on getting myself to where I'm ready to pitch -- worry about command and mechanics.
"I'm going to start changing up the routine just a little bit at the end, so it's a little smoother transition. They are still going to be cautious with me in the bullpen, giving me a decent amount of time to warm up, and I'll do my part to shrink that down."

Source: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/

Sox manhandled by El Duque, D-Backs

03/04/2006
Diamondbacks at the plate: Luis Gonzalez singled and doubled, scoring one run and driving in another. Damion Easley had two hits, while Shawn Green reached base twice. Chris Snyder hit his second home run of the spring.
White Sox at the plate: Paul Konerko singled to right and singled to left in his first two at-bats. Jim Thome just missed his first spring home run with a long fly to left-center in the fourth, hauled in by Gonzalez, and a long drive to left in the sixth.
Diamondbacks on the mound: Facing his previous employer from 2005, Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez hurled two scoreless innings. The right-hander allowed just one hit. Terry Mulholland followed with two innings of scoreless relief.
White Sox on the mound: Brandon McCarthy gave up one earned run on four hits over 2 2/3 innings during his spring debut. The lanky right-hander walked two, but didn't strike out a batter. After throwing just six pitches Thursday against Colorado, Tim Redding worked 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief. White Sox relievers hit one and walked two with the bases loaded in the eighth, forcing in three of four runs scored during the frame.
Cactus League records: White Sox 0-5; Diamondbacks 3-0.

Source: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/

Fields feeling more comfortable

03/05/2006
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Two long home runs coming off Josh Fields' bat at Tucson Electric Park probably stand out more than anything else where the third baseman is concerned during the first week of Cactus League action. But manager Ozzie Guillen points to Fields' work with the glove as the area that has truly impressed him.
"We always knew this kid has good potential with the bat," said Guillen of Fields. "But the progress this kid has made from last year to this year is unbelievable, especially defensively."
Fields replaced Joe Crede at third base late in Sunday's 6-5 loss to Arizona and capped off the White Sox scoring with a long two-run blast to left-center off Casey Daigle in the ninth. Fields has three hits in four at-bats early on this spring, with two clearing the fences and one going for a double.
It's a much more comfortable situation for the team's first pick in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, as part of his second big league Spring Training.
"You aren't completely comfortable in here, but it's definitely a better feeling," Fields said. "It was a tad bit intimidating walking into the clubhouse with these guys last year, and it actually should be more intimidating this year, since they won the World Series.
"But it's relaxed and fun and the guys make you feel a lot better by saying hello. It's more relaxed for me this year."
The intimidation factor also has disappeared for Fields at the plate. He worked hard on completely revamping his swing during the 2005 campaign with Double-A Birmingham, finishing with 16 home runs and 79 RBIs while hitting .252 in his first full season of only baseball. Currently, he has that swing at a confident place.
"I'm glad I'm at the point where I don't feel intimidated walking up to the plate," Fields said. "I feel like I have a good chance, and that's a better feeling than being constantly frustrated."
On the move: Ray Liotta is one of nine left-handed relievers in White Sox camp, but Liotta is the only left-hander without a viable chance to make the Opening Day roster. The organization has set designs on Liotta as a starting pitcher and doesn't intend to change the plan.
With Freddy Garcia (Venezuela) and Javier Vazquez (Puerto Rico) participating in the World Baseball Classic, Liotta still will get frequent opportunities to take the mound. Liotta threw two scoreless innings of relief Friday against Arizona, allowing two hits, and he will start Wednesday's first real Cactus League road game for the White Sox in Tempe against the Angels. Liotta, who is a distant cousin to the famous actor of the same name, finished 14-5 in 2005 between stops at Class A Kannapolis and Class A Winston-Salem.
Names in the game: Jerry Hairston began with the White Sox as a player in 1973 and seemingly has been with the team ever since, aside from a brief 51-game stop with Pittsburgh in 1977. Hairston will serve as the hitting coach for the Advanced Rookie team from Great Falls in 2006 and has been working with the Minor Leaguers in minicamp and now as part of Spring Training.
They're No. 1: Lance Broadway, the White Sox top pick in the 2005 First-Year Player draft, struggled in his debut against Arizona on Friday. Broadway allowed six runs on four hits and two walks in two-thirds of an inning, but only two of those six runs were earned. ... Brian Anderson's swing seems to be coming around. The team's first-round selection from 2003 has a double and a triple in his last two games.
Class of '05: Broadway is the only draft pick from last year to see any significant time in the first week of games. Christopher Getz, a fourth-round pick out of the University of Michigan, has one at-bat in the first six games as a Minor League addition.
Stat machine: Shortstop Robert Valido tripled home two runs during Sunday's loss to Arizona. Valido hit .288 for Winston-Salem last year, with 52 stolen bases. ... Knuckleballer Charles Haeger has struck out three and walked two during two appearances. He was on the mound Saturday when a ground ball got stuck in the jersey of first baseman Paul Konerko for a base hit.
What they're saying: "We will sit over there and talk and joke around. He's kind of got the stereotype of being the quiet guy. Over there, he's definitely a comedian, popping off jokes. He's a lot funnier than I thought."-- Fields, on working during Spring Training with Crede, the team's incumbent third baseman at the Major League level

Source: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/

Notes: Logan, Phillips might get looks

03/05/2006
TUCSON, Ariz. -- The short personal bio of Boone Logan can be found on Page 369 of the 2006 White Sox Media Guide, back with the rest of the organization's Minor Leaguers.
On Sunday morning, the 6-foot-5 left-hander gave himself an opportunity to move up 100 pages or so for next year. During a 'B' game on the back fields of the Kino Sports Complex, Logan pitched 1 1/3 perfect innings. That effort was made even more impressive by the fact that he struck out Rob Mackowiak looking and Jim Thome swinging, finishing with three strikeouts in four batters faced.
With the eight White Sox left-handed relievers competing for one or two bullpen spots having combined for an 0-2 record and 8.18 ERA entering Sunday's game, the team was not ruling out Logan getting a shot at the Major League opening. It's clearly a long shot, with the 21-year-old Texas native never really having pitched above Great Falls in the Advanced Rookie Pioneer League.
But it's certainly not an option that is completely out of the question. Pitching coach Don Cooper said a few Minor Leaguers could be joining the White Sox in Tempe against Anaheim on Wednesday, including Logan and fellow left-hander Heath Phillips, who also struck out three in his two scoreless innings Sunday morning.
"We can see what they look like and give them a little experience," Cooper said of the young hurlers temporarily joining the White Sox. "Yeah, we've been impressed with all of those kids."
"Because you are somewhat protected in this role, there's an opportunity for one of the young guys to step up," added White Sox general manager Ken Williams, who termed Logan's effort Sunday as "interesting." "A lot of things have to be taken into consideration. We will not take a young kid just because of our need. We'll wait and let them get more seasoned."
Logan was a 20th-round selection in the 2002 First-Year Player Draft and had fairly uninspiring numbers during his first two seasons at Great Falls, when he split time between the starting rotation and the bullpen. After dropping down his arm angle to more of a three-quarters slot, Logan's ERA fell to 3.31 in 21 games for Great Falls in 2005, with 29 strikeouts and four walks in 35 1/3 innings. Logan also appeared in four games for Class A Winston-Salem.
Sunday's effort featured Logan in command of three pitches, including a 3-2 slider to fan Mackowiak. While his trip to the Major League side of camp is more about future experience, a couple of strong efforts could put his name into the open competition.
"He threw a lot of strikes, which is the main thing as a young kid," Mackowiak said of Logan. "Make sure you pound the zone and get ahead of the hitters."
"Hey, everything is up for grabs," Cooper added. "Nobody is jumping up, so we will look in-house here, down below."
Time for a change: Manager Ozzie Guillen certainly is far removed from any sort of panic mode, even after his team lost for a sixth straight time to start Cactus League play. It's not as if a poor Spring Training record hurts the defending World Series champion's regular-season seeding.
But Guillen plans on having a team meeting Monday morning, with the message being that the 2006 season truly begins with the White Sox contest at Hi Corbett Field on Monday afternoon.
"I expect all the players to get some fire," Guillen said. "It's not easy to fire up when you don't have hits. But I'm going to tell the guys to pick it up a notch and play the way we should be playing and get it from there.
"We are going to start Monday and take it all the way to the end of the season," Guillen added. "It's not easy to turn it on in one minute, so I expect to see better games."
Guillen added that it's hard to get a true reading on what players are ready or not ready, having only played Arizona and Colorado in the first six games. But he's certainly ready to see a team other than the Diamondbacks, after four games in five days.
"If we keep playing against Arizona, they might be undefeated all year," Guillen added with a smile.
Pitching in: Jose Contreras and Bobby Jenks proved Sunday that pitching definitely is ahead of hitting early on in Spring Training. They also exhibited a high level of confidence that wasn't really present in either hurler last Spring Training. Serving as central figures during a franchise's first World Series championship in 88 years has a way of increasing a pitcher's bravado.
"After the World Series, it gave me a lot of confidence," said Contreras, through a translator, after striking out five Diamondbacks while allowing one run on five hits through three innings. "I haven't felt as mentally and physically strong as I do right now. I feel real good."
"This is the best I've ever felt in any spring," added Jenks, who threw one hitless inning. "I don't know if it has to do with my workouts this winter or the new program here where I stay strong but flexible. But putting it all together has something to do with it."
Jenks arrived at 7 a.m. MT Sunday and jumped in the hot tub to loosen up, as he was originally scheduled to pitch in the 'B' game. But Cooper moved him back to the main field, where Jenks mainly tried to establish his fastball. His velocity ranged between 95 to 97 mph, according to the White Sox closer.
"That's really good for me this early," Jenks said.
Contreras continued working on throwing strikes via his three-quarters arm angle, as well as his slider. His goal is to develop the slider and have it ready to go on Opening Day, along with his tantalizing forkball.
Third to first: Paul Konerko emerged from the White Sox clubhouse prior to Sunday's game with his jersey buttons taped down the middle, after a ground ball bounced inside his jersey during Saturday's contest. ... Andy Gonzalez and Donny Lucy led the 'B' game offense with two hits apiece. ... Neal Cotts and Corwin Malone threw two scoreless innings apiece during the 'B' game.

Source: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/

Comeback falls short in loss to D-Backs

03/05/2006
Diamondbacks at the plate: Second baseman Orlando Hudson kept up his hot hitting with a single in the first and double in the third. Hudson's double hit off the center field batter's eye, and he showed his speed after the single when he went from first to third on Luis Gonzalez's single to center. Robby Hammock added to the D-Backs offense with his first home run of the spring.
White Sox at the plate: Center fielder Brian Anderson tripled with one out in the third inning and scored one batter later when Juan Uribe grounded out.
Diamondbacks on the mound: Starter Dustin Nippert had an impressive first inning getting two groundouts before fanning Paul Konerko on three pitches. Brian Bruney, who is competing for a spot in the bullpen and walked two in his first spring outing, did not walk a batter and fanned two over a pair of innings. Micah Owings, who was selected in the third round of last year's First-Year Player Draft, pitched a scoreless inning.
White Sox on the mound: Starter Jose Contreras allowed just one run despite giving up five hits over three innings. He pitched out of a jam in the first when the D-Backs had runners at first and third with one out. Contreras struck out Conor Jackson swinging and Damion Easley looking to end the threat.
Cactus League records: White Sox 0-6; Diamondbacks 4-0.

Source: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/

White Sox double up Rockies

03/06/2006
White Sox at the plate: Ryan Sweeney hit his first home run of the spring in the seventh inning. Pablo Ozuna had a two-run single in the sixth.
Rockies at the plate: Choo Freeman put the Rockies on the scoreboard in the fourth inning with a single to center field, scoring Todd Helton, who had singled. Ian Stewart had a sacrifice fly in the seventh to score Ryan Spilborghs.
White Sox on the mound: Cliff Politte got the win in relief. Starter Jon Garland worked three innings. He gave up one hit and walked one batter.
Rockies on the mound: Randy Williams took the loss. He gave up two runs and three hits in the sixth inning. Starter Aaron Cook allowed two hits in three innings of work. He walked one and struck out another batter.
Cactus League records: White Sox 1-6; Rockies 2-3.

Source: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/

White Sox recall Puckett fondly

03/07/2006
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Back in 1997, a full decade after the Minnesota Twins' exciting World Series victory over St. Louis in seven games, Frank Viola III had a chance to sit and talk with one of his boyhood idols.
That idol, Kirby Puckett, quickly became one of Viola's friends.
"They had a 10-year anniversary for the championship, and I got to talk with Kirby again," said Viola, 20, now a pitcher who finished 5-2 for Bristol with a 3.84 for Bristol during his first year with the White Sox organization in 2005. Viola currently is taking part in Minor League Spring Training in Tucson.
"He gave me his phone number, and every couple of months he would call me up and give me tips on hitting when I was in high school," Viola added. "You don't meet many Hall of Famers who are willing to talk to high school players about hitting. He never cared who he was talking to. He just wanted to help people out."
Memories of Puckett were flowing throughout the White Sox facility at Kino Sports Complex on Tuesday, one day after the 45-year-old baseball legend passed away following a massive stroke Sunday. Viola's father, Frank Viola II, was Puckett's teammate from 1984-1989 and considered the barrel-chested center fielder a close friend, according to his son.
In fact, Viola said Tuesday morning that the only other time he had heard or witnessed his father become so emotional was when another of his close friends, golfer Payne Stewart, died in an air-travel accident. But Puckett was not someone for whom you had to be part of his inner circle in order to receive special treatment.
"He made you feel like you were his best friend, if you talked to him for just five minutes of your life," Viola said.
"Kirby would come up and introduce himself to everyone," added White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski, who started his career in the Twins system in 1995, the year that happened to be Puckett's last with Minnesota. "He would say, 'How you doing kid? I'm Kirby Puckett. Nice to meet you. Glad to have you in a Twins uniform.' For a first-ballot Hall of Famer to act like that, it was incredible."
When manager Ozzie Guillen first heard about the gravity of Puckett's condition Sunday, he immediately talked about living every moment, taking care of yourself and enjoying life. On Monday night, Guillen spoke of how he was in a state of shock when hearing of Puckett's death and how he had to break the news to his three sons, who all counted Puckett as one of their favorite players.
Guillen joked that when Oney, his middle son, was a youngster, they called him "Little Puck" because he was a bit chubby. As Guillen watched the steady stream of interviews and the numerous news reports on television concerning Puckett, sitting alongside first base coach Harold Baines prior to Tuesday's workouts, the tears started to flow.
"[Dave] Winfield said the right thing about Kirby in that he was the only player in the history of baseball that everyone loved," Guillen said. "A lot of players were better than him, but they didn't enjoy the game or appreciate what they did like Kirby."
"He was the first guy after a game, if you did something stupid, to come up and ... and rub it in and laugh about it," Pierzynski added with a smile. "He also would be the guy who said, 'I did it too.' He would play cards with you, and he was just fun."
Pierzynski told the story of growing up a huge Atlanta Braves fan and how Puckett broke his heart with his most memorable catch and walk-off home run in Game 6 of the 1991 World Series. Guillen eerily recalled Puckett's comments about how he was going to die before he was 50 because of heart problems that ran in his family, but quickly added that Puckett was one of the three greatest to ever play the game.
That assessment had very little to do with Puckett's vast ability as a hitter or a baserunner or his six career Gold Gloves. Guillen's reference was to the way Puckett played the game.
"You can ask every player who played with him or against him, and they all have the same answer," Guillen said. "Kirby Puckett played hard, always had a big smile and enjoyed what he did. He was a warrior. He could carry the team, and this guy could fill up a ballpark. He was the greatest ambassador in a Twins uniform and for all of baseball."
Comparing Puckett's importance to the Twins with Michael Jordan's importance to the Chicago Bulls is not even close to a stretch, according to Pierzynski. But Puckett also belonged to the city of Chicago, born in the Robert Taylor Homes, housing projects once located across the Dan Ryan Highway from Comiskey Park. Puckett also played baseball for Triton College in west suburban River Grove.
Central Unity Church, located at 8420 S. Cottage Grove in Chicago, will host a memorial service for Puckett at 6 p.m. CT on Wednesday. Pierzynski plans on attending a service for Puckett in Minneapolis on Saturday, missing the day of camp with Guillen's full blessing. Pierzynski was trying to work out a way to travel with Doug Mientkiewicz (Kansas City), Jacque Jones (Cubs) and possibly even Eddie Guardado (Seattle), all former Twins who are currently training with different teams in Arizona.
Viola, meanwhile, always will have the memories of the Hall of Famer who helped him improve his offense. But the young hurler believes Puckett will be remembered for far more than simply baseball.
"He'll be remembered for the person that he was, and then on top of that, being a great baseball player," Viola said. "I remember calling him once and telling Kirby how I was always getting jammed and what should I do.
"And he would say great hitters always get jammed. He always said that it wasn't about my swing, but it's about my attitude. Work hard and enjoy life. Have fun doing what you are doing, and if you don't enjoy it, you shouldn't be doing it."

Source: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/

White Sox turn on power for victory

03/07/2006
A's at the plate: Keith Ginter doubled home two runs, and Scott McClain singled home a run off Mark Buehrle in the fourth. Nick Swisher added two hits.
White Sox at the plate: Led by a pair of home runs from catcher Chris Widger, the White Sox knocked out five long balls. Paul Konerko and Darren Blakely launched their first home runs of the spring, with Ryan Sweeney adding his second. Konerko also drove in four runs. Jim Thome reached base three times, with a single to center and two walks.
A's on the mound: Chad Gaudin gave up one run in each of his three innings of work, including two home runs and Konerko's RBI double. Gaudin struck out three and walked one.
White Sox on the mound: Buehrle was perfect through the first three innings, with four strikeouts, but might have stayed an inning too long. The left-hander allowed four runs to Oakland in the fourth on four hits. Because of a Tadahito Iguchi error, three of the four runs were unearned
Cactus League records: White Sox 2-6; A's 1-5.

Source: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/

Hurlers excited to be back in the fold

03/07/2006
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Just call Brian West the human equivalent of a good luck charm in the world of sports.
Better yet, West simply has been the right man at the right place at the right time.
West was a relatively fast-rising, right-handed pitcher in the White Sox organization during the 2002 season when his Double-A Birmingham squad won the Southern League title. He finished 9-11 with a 4.34 ERA over 26 starts in that particular campaign.
One year later, pushed by an elbow problem eventually requiring Tommy John Surgery and a desire to return to the gridiron, West played at the college level for Nick Saban and his hometown LSU squad. He picked up 11 tackles and two sacks as a third defensive end, as the Tigers won the BCS title and split the National Championship with USC.
There was one more year of football for West before he left with Saban, who took the head coaching job for the Dolphins West returned to the White Sox organization for the 2005 campaign and sat out the year following elbow surgery, but is it just a mere coincidence that the South Siders won their first World Series title since 1917 upon West's return?
"I didn't have any part of last year's title, but I like to think I have a little bit of good karma," said the affable West, before a recent Minor League conditioning session during Spring Training in Tucson.
"If anything, maybe the White Sox will keep me around for good luck," added West with a laugh.
West is one of two Minor League hurlers who retired very early on in their respective White Sox careers, only to return and slowly but surely work their way back into prominence within the organization. The second pitcher is Charles Haeger, who has gained some fame and what he hopes to be future fortune by developing himself into a knuckleball pitcher.
Haeger, 22, finished 14-5 during the 2005 campaign through stops with Birmingham and Class A Winston-Salem. He is enjoying his first year on the 40-man roster and his first invite to Major League Spring Training. The White Sox even have Charlie Hough, a former member of their pitching staff who spent 25 years in the Majors throwing the knuckler, currently in camp to work with Haeger.
But it was as recently as 2003 that Haeger was completely disenchanted with baseball. He was a combined 1-7 over his first two years in rookie ball with Phoenix after the White Sox selected him in the 25th round of the 2001 First-Year Player Draft.
So, Haeger exited baseball and went back to school at Madonna University in his hometown of Livonia, Mich. Getting an education was not the only reason for Haeger's selection, as he had decided to pursue a professional career in golf.
"At that point in my life, baseball-wise, I was losing interest," Haeger explained. "I was so used to having success in high school and I wasn't having it professionally. I was getting frustrated and ready to try something else."
Both Haeger and West spoke with their individual pitching coaches and managers before leaving and also talked to Brian Porter, the assistant director of player development. An attempt was made to talk them into staying, but Haeger and West said it was handled with professionalism and class.
When they both decided to return to baseball, the organization welcomed them back without an issue.
"It speaks very highly of the organization they run, to let guys like myself or Charlie go figure out what you want to do with your life when you are that young," West said. "Then, they let us come back."
"I like them both as people," added White Sox Minor League pitching coordinator Kirk Champion. "Brian had a situation where football was sort of hanging over his head. I pulled for Brian West. I wanted him to play and do well at LSU."
Champion mentioned that West has made marked improvement since instructional league in October and still has a solid chance to become a Major League reliever. Once possessing one of the best fastballs in the country as a high school senior in West Monroe, La., in 1999, West now is more of a "sinker, slider guy."
West made the choice of baseball over football even after playing 15 to 25 snaps per game during his second year at LSU. He got married and decided baseball was a better way to support his family.
"Physically, it took me 20 minutes to get out of bed after that eighth or ninth week of the football season," said West with a laugh, also mentioning that he had to drop his weight from 270 pounds as a football player back to the 240 pounds he carried upon leaving baseball.
"I was not ready to hang it up just yet," West added. "I got to wear the Purple and Gold, which doesn't sound like a real manly color, but in Louisiana, people bleed that way down there. Now, the White Sox have given me another chance, and I have to fight my way out of this corner, too."
Haeger followed the counsel of his brother, Greg, who once played in the Tigers' system and serves as Madonna's baseball coach, and came back with a full embrace for his new pitch. The results have been nothing short of tremendous, with the potential for Haeger to join the White Sox rotation down the road two or three years.
These two young hurlers think about where they might be within the system currently if they had never given up the sport. But they both experienced another part of life, away from the game, and were lucky enough to have the chance to return to their passion.
"With another season of throwing the knuckler under my belt, who knows where I would be?" Haeger said. "I do think back and ask why I just didn't stick it out, but I feel good and being on the 40-man is a great honor."
"There was never any animosity for me leaving for two years after climbing the ladder," West added. "It's been an incredible ride to be able to do both."

Source: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Will Dye be the guy in '06?

03/07/2006
TUCSON, Ariz. - It has been a relatively quiet few days in Tucson, aside from the cacophony of coughs coming from the seemingly 30 or 40 people battling the flu out here. Many of us feel much like the White Sox looked through their first six Cactus League games, but you might as well get rid of all the ill health and the sickly results in the part of the season when records don't matter.
I want to thank the correspondents who quickly wrote in to correctly identify Bobby Jenks' in-game entrance music as 'Boom' by P.O.D. Jenks actually came up to me with the answer after last week's Mailbag already ran, but he also told me that he's open to a change if someone comes up with a better song suggestion.
A correction also needs to be made from a feature I did last week on Eddie Einhorn, in which Einhorn referenced an old comedian named Joey Lewis. It was pointed out to me that he actually was Joe E. Lewis, and I botched the first name. Thanks for the alert. But now, it's time to return to baseball.
Does this latest argument between Kenny Williams and Frank Thomas mean that Frank will never return to the White Sox? As I am sure many White Sox fans are thinking, I am holding on to the hope that Frank will come back to be our designated hitter within the next couple of years and hopefully finish his career with us.
Is there still hope or does this finalize all relationships between the two? Also, will Frank now go into the Hall as an Athletic instead of a White Sox player? Thanks for your response. -- Dan, Wheaton
Dan, your question is going to be the last one we take on the Frank Thomas-White Sox broken relationship because the topic pretty much has been played out. The bottom line is it really is too hard to speculate as to what the future holds for Thomas and his team of more than 16 years, although a pretty good guess could be made. But damaged bonds certainly have been repaired in the past.
I do have a question for Dan and all the Thomas-as-a-White Sox-for-life supporters around the country. I want to preface my comment by saying that I truly enjoyed covering Thomas for the past three seasons and never remotely had a problem with the big man. He was always easy to deal with and approach.
On the other hand, great players leave organizations all the time. It's a point Thomas made countless times during the 2005 season. I'm not sure why there's a strong desire to have Thomas back as the DH, at this point, unless he returns at 100 percent healthy. Maybe it's a nostalgia thing, which is understandable.
Jim Thome should be in line for a big 2006 season and probably three or four more big seasons to follow. So, there's nothing wrong with maintaining a healthy respect for a player you once idolized, such as Thomas, and wishing him well. But it's time for everyone to move on.
The White Sox are doing it. Thomas now appears to be doing it. The fans need to follow suit.
Is Neal Cotts going to be a setup man forever? Will the Sox give him another chance on the mound as a starter after his awesome performance last season? I know a good setup man is important, but wouldn't he help the organization more in the rotation? -- Mike, Mt. Greenwood
Mike, there's a better chance of Cotts becoming a closer in the immediate future than joining the rotation. In fact, Cotts will have more than a few save opportunities in 2006, giving Jenks a break from time to time.
Cotts eventually might become part of the rotation, two or three years down the line, although the White Sox are stacked with talented young starters in Lance Broadway, Ray Liotta and Charles Haeger, to name a few. Cotts currently stands as one of the best left-handed setup men in the American League, so why mess with success? Remember, in the White Sox mind, the setup men basically are serving as closers for their particular inning and playing crucial roles.
Why do you think Brandon McCarthy was so bad in the beginning of 2005 season and towards the end was amazing? Was it just mental or did he find a couple new pitches?-- Sam, Albany, NY
Sam, it was a combination of McCarthy tipping pitchers far less frequently and changing his arm angle upon delivery that led to his fantastic finish. McCarthy was joking the other day how he was watching Jeff Bajenaru throw at Triple-A Charlotte last year, when he noticed his release point coming from higher up and more over the top, and something began to click. It was the same style McCarthy usually employs.
That change was made by McCarthy and Juan Nieves, the Charlotte pitching coach, allowing his changeup to once again be an effective offering in his repertoire. McCarthy needs to be able to feature that change in order to be successful.
Hey Scott. I have a question about Jermaine Dye. He statistically had a breakout year last year, hitting around .272 and with 31 home runs. However, his career numbers say that he probably will hit well below that this season, in the .250, 25-HR range. Do you think his lack of production or his usual health issues will be a problem this year? Thanks. -- Kevin, Chicago
Dye had a breakout year in 2006, Kevin? Allow me to throw out a few numbers and then see if you still agree. Dye hit .321 with 33 home runs and 118 RBIs for Kansas City in 2000 and hit .265 with 23 home runs and 80 RBIs as recently as 2004 with Oakland.
When Dye is healthy, as he was through 145 games last year and 282 games over the past two seasons, the guy is a consummate veteran producer both at the plate and in the field. You can pencil in at least a .270 average, 25 home runs and 80 RBIs every year for Dye.
Does Joe Crede have a nickname? I'd suggest "Clutch" but that may put too much pressure on the guy. "Clatch" might be a good corruption of the word, and be nickname-worthy.
But I remember a cartoon on the old Garfield Goose TV show growing up in Northfield, Ill., called "Clutch Cargo." So I propose Joe "Cargo" Crede on the strengths of its indirect and local reference to his clutch play and its direct reference to the enormous weight he carries for the champs. -- Kevin, Santa Rosa, Calif.
I asked Crede about a nickname and he either doesn't have one or wasn't about to divulge it. When I made reference to the Clutch Cargo suggestion, he didn't seem to be overly excited by the idea. I'm not sure if you remember the Clutch Cargo cartoon completely, but when Clutch spoke, his whole head moved. So, I'm guessing Crede didn't want to be thought of in the same general context as a puppet.
Keep thinking on that one, Kevin. If you or anyone else comes up with a good idea, I'll pass it along.
Do you think Tadahito Iguchi's move in the lineup will affect his statistics, and do you think Juan Uribe will do as good of a job batting second as Tadahito did?-- Nick, Coal City
Nick, we've talked about Uribe's ability to hit second previously in the Mailbag, and while I think he won't be quite as skilled as Iguchi in that slot, he will handle the job just fine. But the move of Iguchi lower in the lineup definitely will make the offense stronger, as both manager Ozzie Guillen and hitting coach Greg Walker have pointed out.
Batting sixth or seventh, Iguchi not only will have a chance to hit for power and drive in runs, but he also will have the opportunity to move more on the bases. Iguchi has told us here in Spring Training that his goal is to hit over .300 in 2006, regardless of the lineup location. But with a comfort zone hitting from the sixth or seventh slot, coupled with the experience gained from his second full year in the Majors, I have no doubt he will accomplish that goal. Don't be surprised if his stolen base total checks in somewhere around the 30 plateau.
So, I think Iguchi's statistics will be affected and definitely for the better.
How could the [Hall of Fame] committee pass on Minnie Minoso and Buck O'Neil? What is wrong with those people to not honor these greats while they are still here for us to share in their joy? -- Robert, Chicago
Robert, I have to admit that I don't always pretend to understand or agree with the direction of the Hall of Fame voting. I believe both Minoso and O'Neil should have gone in via the special balloting.
I had a chance to talk with Minoso prior to leaving for Spring Training, and I'm sure that he's more than a bit disappointed with the oversight. In the same sense, Minoso's Hall of Fame is truly made up by the fans. I really believe that he's just as happy with the handshakes and warm wishes and conversations with baseball supporters he sees at the game or when he makes public appearances as he is with the plaque at Cooperstown.
As Guillen said before, Minoso is the consummate baseball ambassador. You would think that sort of role, coupled with his stellar starts, would earn some points. It didn't in this instance.

Source: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/

Notes: Guillen looks for intensity

03/07/2006
TUCSON, Ariz. -- On the sliding scale of Ozzie Guillen's animated talks, Monday morning's team meeting barely even rates a mention in the "others receiving votes" category.
But a very stern Guillen certainly drove home his point during a six-minute speech to his charges prior to the team's stretching at their home in the Kino Sports Complex. Guillen told his players that he was embarrassed by the way they were playing through the first six Cactus League games, and that the team can have fun during Spring Training but he wants to see greater intensity.
Guillen's disappointment really has very little do with the wins and losses but was much more about the correct process for a successful baseball team that Guillen wants to develop as Spring Training winds down. The meeting had its desired immediate effect, as the White Sox beat Colorado, 4-2, Monday afternoon at Hi Corbett Field.
"That's the way we should be playing. This is the best game we've played this spring," Guillen said. "If we got beat the way we played today, I don't mind that. We played with more enthusiasm."
Monday's talk was classified by Guillen as coming from "a friend" and not the White Sox manager. Veterans and rookies alike understood Guillen's concern before he even opened up.
"Ozzie wants to see the intensity out there, and the guys out there hustling," said White Sox starter Mark Buehrle of Guillen's talk. "Guys are going through the motions, and he wanted to get in some guys' [heads] to go out and play a little harder. If you are going to lose, you are going to lose. But act like you want to be here."
"I think Ozzie expects a little bit more enthusiasm from us," added White Sox rookie center fielder Jerry Owens, who started against the Rockies, of the talk. "That's all we can really do. Baseball is a funny game. We won't always get hits and we won't always win. But we can always show that intensity and enthusiasm."
Guillen promised Monday's meeting following Sunday's error-plagued, 6-5 loss to Arizona, dropping the White Sox to 0-6 and their worst Spring Training start since 1991. It's certainly not a sign of panic on Guillen's part, but more a case of not letting a perceived malaise linger too long.
Buehrle laughed in regard to talk back home that the White Sox were in trouble, pointing out that regulars such as Paul Konerko or Jim Thome might be getting one or two at-bats per game or even playing in "B" games, as Thome did on Sunday. The southpaw added that pitchers probably are working on certain aspects of their repertoire, at this stage, and not yet featuring everything they have.
Spring Training is much more about getting the proper work done in the allotted time. It's just the style of losing that caused Guillen to make his feelings known.
"It definitely was up today," said Jon Garland, who worked three scoreless innings during Monday's victory over Colorado. "The way guys were playing, in general, looked pretty good to me."
"I said that I don't want to have another talk until the end of Spring Training," Guillen added. "Some times, you have to go to the whip and tell them how you feel. It's better early than late."
Making the rounds: Rob Mackowiak made his first start at third base Monday, after making previous spring starts in right field, center field and left field. Mackowiak made a diving stop to his left on Jamey Carroll's ground ball and threw out the Rockies' leadoff man to start the bottom of the first, and handled one other chance in the inning.
It was a good change for Mackowiak to get into live-game situations, especially with the White Sox counting on him to play a prominent reserve infield role during the season. Monday's results were much improved compared to a recent infield session, according to Mackowiak.
"After I took ground balls the other day, they might just put me back in the outfield permanently," said Mackowiak with a smile. "But if that's what you are going to be used for, you want to get some games in there and find a comfort level."
Mackowiak owns separate gloves to use at first, second, third and the outfield. He counts right and center field as his most sure-handed positions, but has been taking extra ground balls to get that same feel on the infield.
What's in a name? The only certainty about the White Sox rotation order is that Buehrle will pitch Opening Day. But Garland has a pretty good idea as to where he's going to fit in 2006.
"Probably four or five. That's my guess," Garland said.
Garland opened as the fifth starter for the White Sox in 2005 but finished with a team-high 18 victories. He looked to be in midseason form during Monday's start, allowing one hit over three innings, and retiring seven Rockies hitters via ground ball out.
As for being considered the fifth starter once again this season, a confident Garland just wants a consistent chance to pitch.
"You can call me whatever you want as long as I get on the mound every five days and give my team a chance," Garland said. "The way I pitched and the way the ball came out of my hand.... To throw the way I did last year, I'll be happy the rest of my career if I can do that."
Words of wisdom: Charles Haeger received some expert advice on the knuckle ball Monday, as Charlie Hough began a three-day work session with the Minor Leaguer. The two had previously talked on the phone this spring, but the White Sox set up a visit for the 25-year veteran of the dancing pitch, truly thrilling Haeger.
"To use a cliché, it's like a dream come true," said Haeger of the session with Hough, the first pitcher he has worked with directly who actually threw the knuckler. "It was amazing, really cool.
"I'm going to be a sponge and soak up everything he says," Haeger added with a smile.
Haeger said the two worked on the mental approach and preparation behind throwing a knuckle ball on Monday. Haeger was excited to hear that he has been working on the right stuff in regard to the pitch, despite his most expert previous guidance coming from watching tapes of Tim Wakefield.
Third to first: The White Sox play a team other than Arizona or Colorado for the first time this spring, when Oakland visits Tucson Electric Park Tuesday. "Thank god we get to see the American League," Guillen said with a laugh. "We can't play against the National League." ... Javier Lopez made his third straight scoreless appearance, giving him a slight edge for the final bullpen slot. Guillen also praised the work by left-handers Chad Bentz and Rusty Tucker.

Source: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/

Notes: Hermanson still building velocity

03/08/2006
TEMPE, Ariz. -- A drop in velocity from the previous season, through just three Cactus League appearances, has never been a concern for Dustin Hermanson during prior Spring Trainings. He's not changing his philosophy this year, despite many of his 24 pitches during Wednesday's effort against the Angels falling in the mid-80s.
But it was enough of an issue for the White Sox that general manager Ken Williams, manager Ozzie Guillen and pitching coach Don Cooper briefly asked Hermanson about the drop off during a meeting Tuesday.
"We asked him yesterday, 'Is this where you are or are you building?'" said Williams of the talk with Hermanson. "We are comfortable right now that he's building, and he will let us know in the next few weeks whether or not he still doesn't feel that confident in his building and we will go from there."
Hermanson, 33, actually started Wednesday's contest against the Angels at Diablo Stadium, something the right-hander has done 180 times during his 11-year career. The start worked out perfectly for Hermanson, who had the chance to go through a normal preparatory routine.
In his last outing, Hermanson was scheduled to pitch in the fourth but came in during the third instead, when starter Mark Buehrle reached his pitch count early. Hermanson wasn't exactly ready for the early entrance.
Despite allowing Chone Figgins' leadoff home run and two other hits, Hermanson feels as if he made positive strides in his one inning of work. Just as the velocity issue doesn't concern Hermanson, neither do the runs allowed.
"I've been around too long to raise red flags right now," said an upbeat Hermanson, who will have two days off and pitch two innings Saturday against San Diego. "I'm just trying to improve every outing -- whether it's improvement or not, just feel better every outing.
"I did feel more in rhythm. I did feel better. I felt more under control and I'm going at hitters. As long as every outing feels better than the last one, I think that's important. That's the one positive you have to look at, whether you are getting results or not."
As for the slight dip in velocity, Hermanson said that it's only an issue if his stuff isn't there at the end of Spring Training. The back is not a concern for Hermanson, who said he would let reporters know if anything health-wise came up.
But the White Sox will keep an eye on Hermanson's building process as March progresses.
"He might have to take a lesser role to start out the season, if he doesn't continue to build," said Williams. "But it's all premature to talk about any of that."
"I'm not too concerned with it because every outing has felt better than the last one, even though the results haven't been there," Hermanson added. "We don't ask now about the gun readings. We just try to get all the bad things out of the way in Spring Training."
A call to arms: Williams officially stated Wednesday that the White Sox will leave Arizona with 11 pitchers, adding one asterisk to his commentary.
"The only caveat is if someone is hurting in the bullpen in the end and not hurting enough to be put on the disabled list," said Williams of a possible cause for a move from 11 to 12 pitchers. "Then, you are forced to carry the extra guy."
Three pitchers are legitimately in contention for the final relief opening, as left-hander Arnie Munoz was outrighted to Triple-A Charlotte before Wednesday's game. Javier Lopez appears to have the edge over fellow left-hander Armando Almanza and right-hander Tim Redding, after Lopez hurled 1 2/3 scoreless innings against the Angels.
Lopez relieved Redding in the fifth, after Redding allowed one run on two hits in one-third of an inning. The lefty extended his stretch of scoreless spring appearances to four.
"Every time we put this kid there, he makes it tough for us," said Guillen of Lopez. "He has a good chance. We are going to continue to send him out there. He's the best lefty right now. He throws the ball over the plate and gets people out."
Swinging for success: Brian Anderson hasn't exactly had the best of success offensively through the first nine Cactus League contests, with an 0-for-3 effort Wednesday dropping his average to .188. But Anderson is more than satisfied with his mechanics.
"Even in the beginning, my swing felt good," Anderson said. "My only downfall was expanding my zone, swinging out of the zone. That tends to happen during your early at-bats in the spring.
"But I'm excited. My swing feels better than ever. It feels short, and I'm driving the good pitches I'm getting to hit."
All-Star request: Guillen asked Angels manager Mike Scioscia to serve as one of his coaches for the 2006 All-Star game in Pittsburgh, but Scioscia respectfully declined. Guillen plans to ask Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire and Kansas City manager Buddy Bell to join his American League coaching staff.
Stars of tomorrow: It's not often players wearing jerseys with Nos. 87 and 88 on their back get a mention from the big-league manager. But Guillen liked what he saw from left-hander Boone Logan (No. 87) and catcher Francisco Hernandez during Wednesday's 5-2 loss.
Logan gained notice during a "B" game on Sunday, striking out Rob Mackowiak and Jim Thome over 1 1/3 innings. He struck out one and allowed one hit over one scoreless inning against the Angels.
"I say in the meeting I want to take a look at guys in the Minors," Guillen said. "It's a good opportunity to have them, since we don't have as many pitchers with us."
Third to first: Mackowiak turned in the defensive inning of the spring during the third Wednesday. Mackowiak leaped over the left-field fence at Diablo Stadium to take away Tim Salmon's three-run home run and then made two slick running catches in the gap. ... Tadahito Iguchi is now 0-for-15 this spring, with two hitless at-bats Wednesday. ... Javier Vazquez allowed one run over three innings during Team Puerto Rico's victory over Panama on Tuesday in the World Baseball Classic.

Source: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/

White Sox fall to Angels

03/08/2006
White Sox at the plate: Gustavo Molina reached on an error by third baseman Brian Specht and scored on Ross Gload's fielder's choice in the sixth inning. Rob Mackowiak singled and scored on a wild pitch by Dustin Moseley.
Angels at the plate: Chone Figgins drilled his first home run of the spring, a wind-aided shot to lead off the first. Maicer Izturis singled and scored on Tim Salmon's sac fly, while Vladimir Guerrero singled and scored on an error by Paul Konerko. Reggie Willits drove in Howie Kendrick with a suicide squeeze in the fourth. Kendrick led off the inning with a triple to center field.
White Sox on the mound: Dustin Hermanson started and allowed one run on three hits with one strikeout in one inning. Lance Broadway followed and allowed two runs on three hits and a walk over two innings.
Angels on the mound: Ervin Santana tossed three scoreless innings, allowing one walk and fanning three. Moseley allowed a pair of unearned runs over three innings.
Cactus League records: White Sox 2-7; Angels 3-3.

Source: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/

White Sox bolster depth with Cintron

03/08/2006
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Kenny Williams has made a scant few trades over his six years as general manager that left White Sox fans scratching their heads, wondering why the moves were made.
But currently it is the opposing general managers, trying to assemble teams to challenge the White Sox, who must be wondering how Williams continues to pull off transactions that make a talented team even deeper.
The defending World Series champions took yet another bold step toward strengthening their 2006 repeat effort Wednesday, acquiring infielder Alex Cintron from the Diamondbacks in exchange for Minor League reliever Jeff Bajenaru. Cintron, 27, falls into basically the same versatile category as Pablo Ozuna and Rob Mackowiak, in that the switch-hitter can play shortstop, third base and second base.
Cintron batted .273 in 2005 for Arizona, with 19 doubles, eight home runs and 48 RBIs in 122 games, as he played 39 games at shortstop, 32 at third and 23 at second. His addition gives the White Sox a true backup shortstop to starter Juan Uribe, guarding against injuries to not only the free-swinging starter but also Ozuna.
"I'm very excited to go to Chicago," said Cintron, who is playing for Team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. "It's a great opportunity to win. Arizona is a young team going in another direction."
Williams joked that if Uribe or Ozuna went down last year, the only shortstop options they had were right fielder Jermaine Dye or to activate manager Ozzie Guillen. This particular scenario sounds comical, at best, and for the most part implausible, but it actually played out during an afternoon series finale in Oakland in 2005.
"I don't think we should go there anymore," said Williams with a laugh of Dye filling in at shortstop. "You could file [the trade] under the category of making an acquisition, like we did with Uribe a couple of years ago, before there is a real need for the position. If we lose anyone for an extended period of time in our infield, we feel confident and comfortable that we will keep some continuity both offensively and defensively."
"We don't have a legit shortstop [after Uribe]," added Guillen of the planned role for Cintron, who is a .279 career hitter, with 280 games played at shortstop, 69 at second base and 58 at third. "When I need a shortstop for Uribe, we gamble and put in Ozuna. Then, when Ozuna is in the lineup and we need to pinch-hit, we don't have someone to play. With Cintron, our bench is going to be a lot stronger."
Guillen, who is close friends with the new utility player, said that the White Sox have been after Cintron for three seasons. Despite losing a quality arm in Bajenaru, the manager was thrilled to have Cintron as part of the organization.
The right-handed Bajenaru posted impressive Minor League numbers as a closer for the White Sox, finishing at 4-6 with a 1.41 ERA and 19 saves for Triple-A Charlotte in 2005, striking out 83 in 61 appearances. But Bajenaru could never crack the solid bullpen at the Major League level, dominated by right-handers.
Cintron's addition also brings into sharper focus the reserve role for Mackowiak. Instead of begin considered as a replacement all over the ballpark, from third to first and left to right, Mackowiak will be used primarily in the outfield and as a backup to third baseman Joe Crede. Ozuna also has the ability to play the outfield.
"We will free Mackowiak up for a few days in center, to give Brian [Anderson] some rest and protect him a little bit," Williams said. "One of the things we kept looking at with this whole thing is that every time we got into a situation or a conversation where we wondered, 'What happens if we want to pinch-hit for this guy or give this guy a day off?' Mackowiak kept coming up.
"He can only play one position at a time," said Williams. "Now, we have another guy who we feel just as strong about and just as confident about."
The open roster battles remaining on the 25-man roster appear to be down to two spots, barring injuries. Left-handers Javier Lopez and Armando Almanza will be competing with right-hander Tim Redding for one bullpen opening, while Ross Gload, Joe Borchard and Jerry Owens all are after the final outfield slot behind Mackowiak.
Cintron also is an accomplished pinch-hitter, an area where Gload excels, hitting .304 in 46 at-bats last year in that role. Cintron added three home runs and 12 RBIs as a pinch-hitter, tying for the National League lead among pinch-hitters in home runs and tying for third in RBIs.
"Ultimately, as I have tried to do in the past, I let the coaches dictate who they need the most," said Williams of the final outfield spot. "In the case of Owens, there are also developmental issues we have to discuss, and I will have a greater input in regards to him. But we are just trying to take the best team that gives us the best chance possible."
Since the World Series clinching victory over Houston in late October, Williams has added Jim Thome, Mackowiak, Javier Vazquez and now Cintron to the 2006 White Sox. Although it's hard to believe for a team that won 16 of its final 17 games last year, the South Siders appear to be an even better team on paper.
That fact will leave more than a few opposing teams in a state of wonder as the 2006 season approaches.
"We can go all left-handed or with a predominantly right-handed lineup," Williams said. "And we feel confident with everyone we have out there."

Source: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/

Notes: Borchard biding time early

03/08/2006
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Joe Borchard predominantly has been limited to late-inning replacement situations during current Cactus League action, despite starting Tuesday's 8-5 victory over Oakland at Tucson Electric Park.
But even in a taut competition for one or two remaining roster spots, the first-round draft pick from 2000 was not about to complain about the way he was being used eight games into Spring Training.
"I've said it from Day 1. It's a long spring and a long season," Borchard said. "To make a big deal out of one week is really not being fair.
"Any time you make a decision too early about anything, it turns out to be pretty far off. When I get a chance to play, I'm going to do what I can. When I'm not, I'm just going to be getting ready for my next opportunity."
Borchard, 27, appears to be competing with Ross Gload for the 25th and final roster spot if manager Ozzie Guillen and pitching coach Don Cooper decide to break camp with 12 hurlers. Borchard has heard talk and read reports that the White Sox might only take 11 pitchers, with five off-days in the first month reducing the wear and tear on the arms. Much could depend on the condition of Freddy Garcia and Javier Vazquez following the World Baseball Classic.
That 11-pitcher scenario leaves one extra spot for a position player, with fleet-footed center fielder Jerry Owens also in contention. Borchard doesn't seem worried about the roster breakdown, as much as his own preparation.
"When I have my number called, I'll be ready," Borchard said. "The most important thing is getting work in throughout the first few weeks and preparing yourself for what lies ahead."
An 0-for-4 showing Tuesday left Borchard with two hits in 13 at-bats. Guillen isn't focused on the raw numbers, as much as Borchard's consistency with each at-bat.
"His confidence seems to come back when he gets a couple of hits, but when he failed in his first two at-bats, he seemed like he started to put pressure on himself," Guillen said. "I will continue to run him on to the field, making sure we get the best from him, and see what we are going to do."
Return to form: Tadahito Iguchi has been tinkering with his swing this spring, trying to shorten it in the process of bringing the bat back, allowing him to get to the ball quicker. The result has been an 0-for-13 start through five games.
Iguchi now plans to go back to the hitting form he used during his rookie season of 2005.
"My balance got off, and I'm not getting to the point at the right time," said Iguchi of his swing, through a translator. "Every year I try to do something different. I try to improve my skills.
"If it works, it works. If it doesn't, I go back to the old way."
Reduction in force: Prior to Tuesday's contest, the White Sox optioned left-handed reliever Rusty Tucker to Triple-A Charlotte and reassigned to Minor League camp left-handed pitchers Chad Bentz, Stephen Randolph and Corwin Malone, infielders Tim Hummel and Jorge Velandia, catchers Carlos Lee and Donny Lucy and outfielder Ben Grieve. With the nine moves, the White Sox have 45 players remaining in camp: 21 pitchers, four catchers, 13 infielders and seven outfielders.
The battle among lefties has been sliced in half, from eight competitors to four. The remaining southpaws in contention for a roster spot are Javier Lopez, Armando Almanza, Arnie Munoz and Paulino Reynoso.
"We want to get the lefties the most work we can to make sure we are not making any mistakes and make sure we are not making a decision too early," said Guillen, who added his staff meets every day to talk about the situation. "It's still a battle, with whoever impresses me most and throws the most strikes."
Left-hander Ray Liotta pitches Wednesday against the Angels in Tempe, as does Minor League hurler Boone Logan, who struck out Rob Mackowiak and Jim Thome in a "B" Game n Sunday. The desire to keep Liotta a starter and Logan's inexperience make both long-shot candidates.
The measure of a home run: Paul Konerko's three-run blast off Mac Suzuki in the fifth inning Tuesday doesn't exactly signal that the White Sox first baseman is ready to start slugging three weeks from now in the regular season. If the home run wasn't pulled down the line and instead had gone to center or right-center, Konerko would have been a bit more satisfied.
"I'm more interested in driving the ball to center field, instead of getting around it, which I'm doing right now," said Konerko, whose first spring home run also gave him a team-high four RBIs. "I kind of know what I'm doing mentally, and I know why it's not happening. The hard part is doing it and getting it right."
Konerko pointed out that the swing problems could come from poor mechanics, at times, but also could be a result of bad pitch selection. It's a process built for Cactus League improvement.
"That's why we are here, getting ready for April 2," Konerko said. "At the same time, any time you take the field you want to perform well."
Making strides: For three innings Tuesday afternoon, Mark Buehrle was absolutely perfect. Nine Oakland hitters up, nine Oakland hitters down -- including four strikeouts. At this point of Spring Training, Buehrle readily admits looks can be a little deceiving.
"It was a lot of pitches missing spots and they swung and missed," said Buehrle, who struck out five and didn't walk a hitter over four innings. "But any time you get guys out, you are doing good."
The A's touched Buehrle for four runs in the fifth, with an Iguchi throwing error causing three of those runs to be unearned. Fatigue could have been an issue, as Buehrle continues to increase his pitch total and innings total.
"I was still making good pitches in the fourth, but I was falling behind in the count," said Buehrle, who allowed three runs on five hits during his first two innings of work last week. "I was getting ahead a little bit more but still not where I want to be."
Third to first: Reliever Dustin Hermanson will start Wednesday's game in Tempe against the Angels, with Liotta following Hermanson. The White Sox will use Hermanson for two innings in an attempt to stretch out the reliever ... Despite winning two in a row, the White Sox have been outscored, 62-27, during Cactus League play. ... Guillen put a little extra pressure on Garcia, his close friend and countryman, in regard to his start for Venezuela on Wednesday against Italy in the World Baseball Classic, following Tuesday's loss. "Everyone always says that Freddy pitches well in big games," Guillen said. "Tomorrow, Freddy has a big game."

Source: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/

Notes: Moves too disruptive?

03/09/2006
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Carl Everett was one of general manager Ken Williams' favorite players during the parts of three seasons that the switch-hitting designated hitter played for the White Sox.
In fact, Williams gave up six Minor Leaguers in total to acquire Everett in two trades from Texas and Montreal. Everett also played a key role on and off the field during the 2005 World Series title drive.
But where the White Sox fortunes for 2006 are concerned, Everett and Williams will agree to strongly disagree.
Everett made the trip from Peoria, Ariz., to Tucson on Thursday, starting at designated hitter and hitting fifth for the Mariners, who are his fifth team since 2001. He finished hitless in three at-bats, but the biggest noise Everett made came during a talk with a group of Chicago beat writers before the first pitch.
In Everett's estimation, his last employers would have been in a stronger current position without the offseason changes made by Williams. When asked if he thought the White Sox could repeat their magical 2005 campaign, Everett was very direct with his lack of support.
"Being me, and being honest, I'm going to say, no, they can't repeat," said Everett, during an eight-minute interview prior to Thursday's contest. "They are not going to have the same chemistry.
"A lot of the chemistry in that clubhouse is gone. [Aaron] Rowand, myself, even Willie [Harris] and Frank [Thomas]. We all had a presence in there and now the new guys will have to fit in. You are bringing in guys to fit in."
The players Everett listed were leaders in his mind, individuals who would step up and push the team during tough times. He doesn't believe that level of leadership still exists with the White Sox, although he did point out that catcher A.J. Pierzynski could emerge as the surprise voice of the team.
It's the best overall team who earned the World Series victories in each of the last six years, not the team with the best talent, as Everett explained.
"I mean, you need everyone together," Everett said. "That's what it is. It won't take one person, but if nobody speaks up, you can't get that togetherness because someone will have to say we have to play together for those 27 outs.
"You don't have any voices in there to say, 'Hey, let's get this going,'" Everett added.
A $5 million option on Everett for 2006 was declined by the White Sox in October, as Everett pointed out he was the first player to exit from the World Series champions when the team exercised a $500,000 buyout. He wouldn't comment directly on the moves made by Williams, but Everett did point out that the Yankees were the last team to repeat and they did so by keeping the core group intact.
Williams took the high road when questioned about Everett's comments after the game, wishing him the best in Seattle and adding that he goes there with his highest recommendation. That moment of good feeling didn't last long, as Williams had an animated talk with Everett in the players' parking lot shortly thereafter.
But when questioned about a change of opinion after the two spoke, Everett held true to his original thoughts.
"Nothing has changed. There are no problems. Interpret it how you want to interpret it," said Everett, who hit .251 with 87 RBIs for the White Sox last year.
"It's going to be interesting. I'm not going to knock them totally," said Everett in his talk before the game. "They are going to have some work to do because of the newness. Guys are going to have to learn each other, but I guess that's what Spring Training is for. Guys won last year and they should know what it takes."
What a relief: Once Brandon McCarthy stopped thinking and started throwing during Thursday's start against the Mariners at Tucson Electric Park, he looked and felt like the pitcher with a 1.69 ERA during his final seven games last season.
"When I slowed things down and started focusing on pitch to pitch, the last two innings felt as good as I did at any time last year," said McCarthy, who allowed two earned runs in four innings, while striking out three. "I knew where the pitch was going. I felt I was doing things I wanted to do.
"It was a good outing to build on," McCarthy added.
Although McCarthy will be working from the bullpen in the regular season, working as a starter right now still is reaping its benefits. He pointed out that if he were to come in as a reliever and throw just 13 or 14 pitches, he wouldn't be nearly ready once the season came around.
McCarthy also knows he soon will be eased into his future relief role by possibly working out of the stretch for one entire inning during his next start Tuesday at home against Arizona.
"For right now, it's kind of what I was doing last year -- bullpen with training wheels," McCarthy said. "I wouldn't be surprised if they take them off and say that I have to go when they call me and need me, even if it's back-to-back days."
Stating his case: When the White Sox acquired Jim Thome, Ross Gload heard talk from various people that his time in Chicago had come to an end. But that thought never crossed Gload's mind.
"I honestly haven't thought about that, and I honestly don't want that to happen," Gload said. "I want to be on this team. They know me, I know the organization and I'm comfortable here."
Factoring in Wednesday's trade for utility infielder Alex Cintron and Williams' statement that the team is going to take 11 pitchers, barring injury, Gload knows there's one roster spot remaining. He also understands that having a productive day such as Thursday, with a home run and two RBIs, can only help his case to edge out Joe Borchard, Jerry Owens and even late charges from Ryan Sweeney and Darren Blakely.
Even with the roster numbers sitting squarely in front of him, Gload is trying not to apply any extra pressure during the final few weeks in Arizona. He just needs to hit as he always has in his career.
"You go out and play and not do anything I can't do," Gload said. "Be myself. They know what I can do."
Third to first: Freddy Garcia struck out seven over 3 1/3 innings to lead Venezuela to a 6-0 victory over Italy Wednesday night in the World Baseball Classic. "It's probably good for Freddy to push himself in a big game like that this early on," White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper said. ... Manager Ozzie Guillen will not be present for Friday's Cactus League game against the Giants. He is making a one-day trip back to Venezuela to deal with issues concerning a baseball academy he's opening there. The White Sox are working in conjunction with Guillen on the academy.

Source: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/

Pierzynski covers the plate

03/09/2006
TUCSON, Ariz. -- It was late in the summer during the White Sox championship run of 2005, and A.J. Pierzynski was in the midst of what would be a career low in regard to his own personal batting average.
But it was hitting coach Greg Walker, during the dog days of the regular season, who correctly predicted almost the exact moment when Pierzynski's offense would come to life. Sure, there were some big moments during the 162-game ledger for Pierzynski, including a walk-off home run to defeat the Dodgers before a packed house at U.S. Cellular Field on June 18. But Pierzynski hit only .172 over his final nine games and did not go deep in his last 25.
Walker knew, though, that Pierzynski would have his greatest offensive connections when the spotlight shined the brightest during the postseason.
"During the times when he was scuffling last year, I said to him that, 'We have to get you through this to get to the playoffs and the World Series,'" said Walker with a knowing grin. "I had a great feeling about him going into the postseason. A.J. loves the big moment."
"He was saying this in August, that I would do something every game to help us win in the playoffs," added Pierzynski of Walker's psychic powers. "He had a feeling, and it worked out. You try to pride yourself on being the guy that wants to be up when the game is on the line."
Pierzynski fulfilled Walker's prophecy in the first game of the Division Series against Boston. The left-handed-hitting catcher belted two home runs and drove in four runs during a 14-2 shellacking of the defending World Series champion. He hit .267 with three RBIs in the World Series sweep of Houston, and of course, had one of the most famous strikeouts in the history of the playoffs during Game 2 of the American League Championship Series against the Angels, turning the tide almost immediately in the White Sox favor.
Nonetheless, it was a disappointing season at the plate for Pierzynski, by his own admission. He did set a career high with 18 home runs, but the .287 career hitter finished with a .257 average. After driving in 151 runs combined over the previous two seasons with Minnesota and San Francisco, Pierzynski's production dipped to 56 RBIs in 2005.
Yet, neither the White Sox nor Pierzynski want the catcher to be any more offensive, offensive-minded that is, in 2006 than he was last season. Individual standout performances aren't needed in a group based primarily on the team concept.
"We signed A.J. not to put up certain numbers but to take care of the pitching staff and to do whatever it takes to win offensively," White Sox general manager Ken Williams said. "I'm not putting any numbers on him or anyone else. I couldn't seriously care less. Whatever we do, let's do it in the concept of the team."
"That's the biggest thing about this team," Pierzynski added. "Guys got hits when we needed hits, not when it didn't matter. Whoever was up in the game situation got the hit when we needed it."
While Pierzynski is the last guy on the team who's going to make excuses, there were some extenuating circumstances that could have accounted for the dip in his average. For starters, the 29-year-old was trying to resurrect his career after being anonymously maligned for allegedly not working hard with the pitching staff in San Francisco the previous season.
Basically, he was brought to the White Sox as a free agent on a one-year deal, with the expressed purpose of handling one of baseball's top starting rotations. The reviews on that end of Pierzynski's job description were first-rate from the start of Spring Training, when he caught extra Cactus League games and extra innings, simply to get a more specific handle on each hurler.
"He came in and sat with [pitching coach Don Cooper] and learned the guys in Spring Training," said White Sox left-handed ace Mark Buehrle. "He worked hard to get to know everyone. He went through scouting reports and soaked it all in.
"A.J. didn't have the year he wanted to offensively, but he did come up with big hits when we needed them, and we didn't really need him to do any more than he did. He consistently called a good game and that's a big reason why we won."
Walker expects bigger things from Pierzynski in his second year with the White Sox. Signing a three-year, $15-million deal will help the cause, although Pierzynski is not one who plays with just money or long-term deals on his mind. But as 2005 progressed, Pierzynski quickly became more comfortable in an environment that clearly had become his home.
Now, with the departure of vocal stalwarts such as Aaron Rowand and Carl Everett, Pierzynski has developed into one of the clubhouse leaders. He's a character in the best sense of the word, having participated in TNA's Pro Wrestling Pay Per View card and swam with the dolphins at Sea World during the offseason.
But he's all business once the topic comes back to baseball. Walker believes that Pierzynski is no different from any other hitter, in that when he expands the zone, his average drops. If he stays within the zone, Walker labels Pierzynski as a .280-plus hitter.
Pierzynski has no problem with the 1,172 innings he caught last season, the second-most by a White Sox catcher since 1975. Not only did his durability have nothing to do with his average, but Pierzynski felt as if he could have caught even more.
The approach for 2006, though, won't change for Pierzynski or for the White Sox. If he hits .257 once again and the White Sox win their second World Series title since 1917, then the season will be a huge success.
"I want him to do more for us and him, hopefully get him back to .280-plus because he's a happier camper," Walker said. "He's tough on himself when he scuffles. You don't like to see struggles, but he battled all year."
"If that was the worst year I have, it's still a pretty good year," Pierzynski added. "I hit more home runs and got some big hits, which was the most important thing. The numbers don't lie, and I wish I would have had a better year. At the same time, we won the World Series. So, it couldn't have been much better."

Source: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/

Quartet of home runs leads White Sox

03/09/2006
Mariners at the plate: Raul Ibanez hit his second home run in Cactus League action, launching a two-run home run on a 3-1 pitch from Brandon McCarthy in the first inning.
White Sox at the plate: Ryan Sweeney knocked out his team-leading third home run of the spring, and Ross Gload launched his first home run to right. Gload added a run-scoring double, while Jim Thome chipped in with a rare triple off the huge green fence in center field. Josh Fields launched a three-run homer in the eighth, also his third of the spring. Darren Blakely followed with a two-run blast of his own to complete the scoring.
Mariners on the mound: Jesse Foppert did not allow a hit over two innings. But by virtue of walking four White Sox hitters, the right-hander gave up one run.
White Sox on the mound: McCarthy allowed the long home run to Ibanez in the first, but settled down to give up just two earned runs over the four innings. The lanky right-hander struck out three, without issuing a walk. Paulino Reynoso, one of the left-handers still in competition for the final bullpen spot, threw two scoreless innings of relief and struck out two.
Cactus League records: White Sox 3-7; Mariners 1-6.

Source: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/

Notes: Thome's walks breed confidence

03/10/2006
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Jim Thome has knocked out 24 triples over the course of his 15-year Major League career. So, his third-inning, stand-up three-bagger against the Mariners on Thursday came as a bit of a surprise.
Thome isn't ready to supplant Scott Podsednik or Jerry Owens in the leadoff spot of the White Sox order, although he once again showed himself to be in good physical condition by scoring from first on a Paul Konerko double during Friday's 11-6 loss to the Giants at Tucson Electric Park. Thome also is feeling much closer to where he needs to be offensively.
That increased level of confidence isn't really associated with the towering drive he hit off the monstrous green wall in center field at Tucson Electric on Thursday. Instead, it has more to do with the free passes he has been receiving over his past three Cactus League contests.
"When I'm swinging really well, I start walking a lot," Thome said. "I'm seeing more pitches, seeing the ball and starting to be more patient.
"I felt really good. Even from the first couple of days to the last couple of days, I can tell there is a big significant difference as to how I feel."
San Francisco starter Brad Hennessey walked Thome twice on Friday, before Thome took a called third strike on a full-count pitch with pinch-runner Robert Valido on second and two outs in the fourth. Thome now has walked a team-high six times, with five coming in his last three games.
His on-base percentage in the middle of the order and his ability to work the opposing pitcher deep in the count stands almost as important as Thome's ability to launch 35 or 40 home runs per season. He holds the same sort of presence as Frank Thomas did in the third spot of the White Sox order.
While some veterans get their work in and leave after five innings during Spring Training, Thome usually has been hitting through the entire game. It's all about the extra at-bats for someone who only had 193 in 2005, in an attempt to fulfill his goal of being ready to go on the Opening Night of April 2.
"It's important to get those repetitions and that feel, for sure," Thome said. "I'm really starting to get a lot more comfortable in the box."
Health above numbers: Take a look at Jose Contreras' statistics through three spring starts, and he appears primed for an All-Star campaign in 2006. The big right-hander has allowed 14 hits over 10 innings, but of greater importance are his 12 strikeouts and no walks.
If Contreras continues to locate his pitches, as he did during an 11-2 finish after the All-Star break in 2005, then he could be in line to challenge for a 20-win season. But that pitching milestone doesn't seem to concern Contreras, at least not at this early stage.
"Twenty wins is not important," said Contreras, through a translator, after striking out five and giving up one run over four innings during Friday's loss to the Giants. "Most important is to stay healthy, and the rest will come. If I stay healthy, stay in the zone and keep getting the hitters, the results will come around.
"I feel very good. If I stay where I'm at, physically and mentally, I've never been happier than I am right now."
Competitive wrinkle: Javier Lopez appeared to have the inside track on the final spot in the White Sox bullpen, entering Friday's contest with five consecutive scoreless innings over four appearances. The sidearming left-hander was touched for four runs in the ninth Friday, but the Giants' outburst doesn't exactly knock Lopez back behind left-hander Armando Almanza or right-hander Tim Redding in the ongoing battle to become the team's 11th pitcher.
Joey Cora, who served as manager in Ozzie Guillen's absence Friday, thought Lopez's final numbers were a bit misleading.
"He had a blooper and a seeing-eye single and a fly ball there," said Cora of Lopez. "He didn't pitch that bad. He struck out a couple of lefties. He threw strikes, that's the key. He walked a guy, but he was pitching a little bit around him. He didn't get hit hard at all. He just wasn't lucky."
Lopez, who has struck out seven and walked one this spring, is scheduled to pitch again Monday in Phoenix against Oakland. Almanza and Redding pitch Saturday in Peoria against San Diego, weather permitting.
Third to first: Tadahito Iguchi broke an 0-for-16 start to the spring with an RBI double in the third, scoring Jermaine Dye. Iguchi also made a stellar defensive play in the first inning, diving onto the outfield grass for Abraham Nunez's hard-hit grounder, and then throwing him out at first. ... Joe Borchard's first home run came as a left-hander, but he took the ball the opposite way -- an approach he found success with at the end of 2005. "I got enough of it," said Borchard with a smile, when asked if he got all of it. ... Guillen is scheduled to return from Venezuela in time to manage Saturday's game in Peoria. There is a 90 percent chance of rain in the Peoria area Saturday. ... Josh Fields and Ryan Sweeney entered Friday a combined 13-for-25, with six home runs and nine RBIs this spring. They finished a combined 1-for-5 against the Giants.

Source: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/

Sox defend clubhouse from comments

03/10/2006
TUCSON, Ariz. -- The reaction coming from the White Sox clubhouse Friday in regard to Carl Everett's slight character assassination of his former team ranged from outright amusement to a few playful jabs at Chicago's one-time designated hitter.
But the one prevailing theme throughout the rebuttals was that Everett was entitled to his opinions, and the White Sox really don't care.
"Maybe he is right. Maybe 'The Truth' has spoken," said Paul Konerko with a smile, referring to Everett's nickname. "I think the overall thing, and the only thing I really have to say, is I think we are going to be OK."
"We're happy with what we have in this clubhouse," added White Sox left-handed ace Mark Buehrle. "We don't feel like we miss anyone from last year."
Everett, a veteran who surprisingly made the 2 hour, 30 minute trip from Peoria to Tucson with his Seattle squad Thursday, held court with the White Sox beat writers for close to eight minutes before the Cactus League contest. Everett's discourse included off-the-cuff comments on five or six various topics, but his main focus was on the current White Sox squad.
His opinion was that the White Sox would not repeat in 2006 due to a loss of that special chemistry forged during the 2005 campaign and that they were lacking a true vocal leader, much like the role he tried to fulfill with the team. Current players countered that there really was no need for a fire-and-brimstone orator in the clubhouse, and if they needed a kick in the pants, their manager could handle the job very easily.
"That's what we have Ozzie [Guillen] for," said White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski of the presence of a vocal leader. "Ozzie is the guy who does that on our team, and he's still back."
"If you need someone getting on you every day to go out and do your job, then you aren't doing something right," White Sox starter Jon Garland added. "If you need that constant push, you shouldn't be around. We all conduct ourselves in a professional way, and you don't need to go out and yell at someone to get them going."
Everett seemingly disagreed with Guillen's choice of Konerko as captain, saying that he's not vocal enough. Everett did quickly add that Frank Thomas was not vocal either, but he considered the Big Hurt to be a leader.
The criticism seemed to be aimed at the idea of a captain, more than at Konerko himself, with Everett adding that a captain is more suited for hockey than baseball. When the question was posed to Konerko, he seemed slightly annoyed to have to answer the inquiry but not by the comment itself.
"I guess I will have to work on my leadership skills," said Konerko, who along with Jermaine Dye, are considered two of the leaders on the defending World Series champion, despite their reserved nature.
"Everyone is entitled to their opinion," Konerko added. "Carl has a lot of opinions, and he's entitled to all of them. It's not for me to say he's wrong."
Guillen was not in Tucson on Friday, having made a brief trip back to Venezuela in preparation for the opening of a baseball academy in conjunction with the White Sox. Everett might have been spared his most direct criticism.
But just as Everett probably won't be fazed by the White Sox reaction, the White Sox will continue preparing to defend their title without another thought about their various critics. They chalked up Thursday to Everett's propensity for airing his opinions. Leave it to Buehrle, one of the more direct and comically glib players on the team, to deliver the parting shot on the topic.
"If he's such a team leader, then why is he on so many teams?" said Buehrle with a smile, after originally declining comment on the matter Thursday. "There wasn't anyone else that came ready to play and hustled as much as he did during the season, but I think he might be a little mad because he's not on our team anymore.
"He's Carl. He likes to talk and says a lot of stuff. I didn't expect him to say we don't have any leaders over here, but Carl will say what he feels. He's 'The Truth.' So, whatever he said, we're not winning the division, so go to Vegas and don't put any money on us.
"No one gave us a chance last year," Buehrle added. "And we still won."

Source: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/

White Sox start fast, but fall to Giants

03/10/2006
Giants at the plate: Eliezer Alfonzo capped off a five-run fifth inning with a two-run home run off knuckleballer Charles Haeger. It was Alfonzo's second home run of the spring. Abraham Nunez added two hits and one RBI, Angel Chavez doubled twice, Kevin Frandsen singled twice and Lance Niekro drove home two.
White Sox at the plate: Joe Borchard hit his first home run of the spring, an opposite-field blast in the second inning off Brad Hennessey. Paul Konerko doubled home a run in the third, and Jermaine Dye followed with a run-scoring single.
Giants on the mound: After a scoreless first inning, the South Siders pounded Hennessey for five runs on six hits in 2 2/3 innings. Hennessey struck out Juan Uribe looking, but walked Jim Thome twice. Reliever Kevin Correia worked two scoreless innings, striking out two.
White Sox on the mound: Jose Contreras continued his strong push toward the 2006 regular season, allowing one run on five hits over four innings of work. The most important statistics for Contreras, though, were his five strikeouts and third straight start without issuing one walk.
Cactus League records: White Sox 3-8; Giants 6-3

Source: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/

Notes: Lopez aggressive in 'pen push

03/11/2006
TUCSON, Ariz. -- When Javier Lopez took a look at the first roster cuts made by the White Sox last Tuesday, he immediately had one important point reinforced concerning the battle for the final spot in the White Sox bullpen.
Throw strikes and attack the zone, or your chance for making the team ranks somewhere between slim and none. So, Lopez certainly wasn't hanging his head Saturday morning, even after getting touched up for four runs during one inning of work Friday against the Giants.
The left-hander with the sidearm delivery still struck out two and issued what would be his first walk of the spring, along with giving up the four hits. Even with less than perfect results, Lopez accomplished his desired goal.
"I felt I was aggressive in the zone, and that's what they are asking for and that's what they want to see," said Lopez, who is scheduled to pitch Monday in Phoenix against Oakland. "Obviously, I did take it on the chin, but that's part of it. They would rather see you get hit around than walk guys.
"That's what they have been saying the whole time. That's what I have to believe. That's why everyone is going out with the same approach, trying to be as aggressive as you can possibly be. The impression you make on the coaches, that's what they will go with, who they are impressed with most."
Prior to Friday's outing, Lopez looked to have the edge for what appears to be one final bullpen opening. The competition features Lopez, left-hander Armando Almanza and right-hander Tim Redding, who all have extensive Major League experience. Almanza has pitched for three teams in parts of seven seasons, Redding has made 79 starts and 101 total appearances over parts of five years, and Lopez has 171 relief appearances in three seasons.
As Lopez pointed out, the White Sox have a luxury in having their bullpen set aside from this one vacant spot. That reason accounts for the South Siders being very specific in regard to what they want from this particular pitcher, regardless of the raw numbers.
Lopez, 28, felt he had good command of all his pitches Friday, exiting even with a good feeling about his changeup, which had not been as sharp in previous outings. His hits allowed could be chalked up to bad luck, poor weather conditions and a tight strike zone, but Lopez understands the competition is too tight for too many missteps.
That point became obvious when five of the eight left-handers were reassigned to the Minors during the past week, carrying the common theme of being unable to attack the zone.
"Sure, I was surprised a little," said Lopez of the mass left-handed cuts. "But it shows they are serious. It also bodes well that I made it through the first cuts.
"They know what kind of puzzles they need to put together, as far as 11 pitchers or 12, or whether they want a lefty. I just need to do my job and take advantage of the opportunity."
Rainy days and Saturdays: Much like a number of flights coming into a wet Phoenix, the White Sox found themselves in a holding pattern on Saturday morning. They were ready to board a bus at 8 a.m. to take the team 2 1/2 hours to Peoria for a game against San Diego, before finding out that the Texas-Colorado game already had been rained out in Surprise. The White Sox moved their bus trip back 90 minutes and watched the weather, before the game was cancelled some 30 minutes later.
The team wanted to keep its pitchers and hitters on schedule, especially with a 40 percent chance of rain Sunday in Tucson, which could affect the game against the Angels. So, the White Sox and Rockies put together a "B" game at Hi Corbett Field, played at 11 a.m., with the temperature at 49 degrees and 12 people in the stands at the game's high point.
"One thing we worried about is if it gets suspended today, then everything gets backed up," White Sox third base coach Joey Cora said after the "B" game. "Tomorrow's weather might be real bad, so we accomplished everything we wanted to do."
Cora served as the White Sox manager for the second straight day. Ozzie Guillen returned from Venezuela on Saturday but was waiting for his team in Phoenix. He did not make it back to Tucson for the game, after the original cancellation.
"He should be on his way from Phoenix. He was waiting for us there," said Cora of Guillen, before pausing and adding with a broad smile, "He blew us off."
Ready for the Windy City: As cold as it was Saturday in Tucson, Jon Garland believes it wasn't a completely accurate depiction of the weather conditions for April games played in Chicago.
"Something tells me it's going to be worse in Chicago," said Garland with a laugh. "But it's not a bad way to get ready for it."
Garlan