MLB: Chicago White Sox Rule

2008-11-26T08:22:00.000-08:00

Dye (and Sox fans) still unsure of his future with the team. Here's the full story, along with lots of speculation about what the lack of communication means. Oh, and happy Thanksgiving!

2008-10-30T11:19:00.001-07:00

Get out there and vote next Tuesday, November 4th, Chicago!

2008-10-16T15:09:00.000-07:00

For those in dire need of some White Sox bling, here's the item for you! Click here to see it in all his glory.

America vs. Chicago

2008-08-15T10:50:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, I am currently a better American than Chicagoan. I usually TiVo all the White Sox games, but the other night I had to make the decision between Olympics and the Sox. Olympics won. It was tough to push the button for that "stop recording" option, though.

Almost that time again...

2008-03-17T06:52:00.000-07:00

Is it time for spring games yet? Getting close... time to dust off the gloves and the TV, and sit back and watch the roster moves. I'm feeling good about the White Sox and 2008!

I'm still here! And so are the White Sox, apparently.

2007-08-28T10:05:00.000-07:00

Discouraged? Me? Not after their last game. :)

The White Sox need a win!

2007-06-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

So right-hander Javier Vazquez thinks he can put an end to the nasty five-game losing streak? I have only one thing to say to that.

PLEASE DO!

This is getting depressing. Javier, if you can hand it to the Toronto Blue Jays Friday night, I'll name my dog after you. Okay, maybe just one of his dog toys. Just win, please!

Indians 12, White Sox 5

2007-04-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Relievers Andrew Sisco and David Aardsma picked up Jose Contreras on Monday afternoon at U.S. Cellular Field during one of the worst starts in the right-hander's highly successful five-year Major League career.

Sisco threw two perfect innings against the Indians, striking out two, while Aardsma allowed one run over two innings, expressing disappointment over the two walks he allowed. But what if both Sisco and Aardsma would have taken the mound on Opening Day and flat-out struggled? Would they have immediately been sent back down to Triple-A Charlotte?

2007-01-16T11:38:00.000-08:00

$4.94 million dollars??? Nice $2 mil raise for Joe Crede. Hope it's worth it to the White Sox.

Another Free Agent Signed

2006-12-10T18:07:00.000-08:00

The Chicago White Sox agreed to a 3-year $6.45 million contract with Mike MacDougal, free agent from the Kansas City Royals. Last season, MacDougal went 1-1 with a 1.55 ERA in 29 appearances. MacDougal made his one and only all star appearance in 2003 when he played for the Royals.

Stay or Go on White Sox Roster?

2006-11-16T09:44:00.000-08:00

Much talk and speculation about whether or not Posednik and Uribe should be allowed to play for the White Sox any longer after their performances this year. Should we hold out hope that they will recover their game and gives what they gave last year or assume it's a downward spiral from here? Those faithful to the team are seriously reconsidering whether spending the money on the tickes is worth it anymore considering how many pleayers seem to have given up on the team. However, on the other side of the arguement offense has greatly improved. Thanks for that should be given to Greg Walker (hitting couch) and to Jim Thome and Frank Thomas. In fact Thomas, has been said to be the "most prolific hitter in the history of the White Sox." Better luck next time and keep up the great offense!

White Sox Making a Move?

2006-11-14T17:12:00.000-08:00

Have you heard that the L.A. Dodgers are thinking of moving their spring training facilities to Glendale, Arizona, from the place in Florida where they set up spring camp back when the team was still based in Brooklyn? It would ruffle some feathers and cost a few bucks, but it makes sense, since they are clearly entrenched in the West.

But for some reason, Glendale is also starting up talks with the Chicago White Sox to see if we will do the same thing. Only the Sox are already in Arizona, so the hassle and expense would basically move the team’s spring training from Tucson to Phoenix. The current training stadium is shared with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but I doubt the folks in Glendale are offering the Sox a private one if they’re inviting the Dodgers to be in town at the same time. So the White Sox are considering breaking a contract that is supposed to run through 2013 because…you tell me. I think I only know about half this story so far.

World Series' Ratings

2006-10-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I haven't scored tickets to sit in the snow and rain in Detroit or St. Louis. I still have been watching the Series on TV. The way some radio commentators have been talking, that puts me in a group of like a dozen fans.

One guy wants to see the New York Yankees play in every World Series -- because they have more celebrities than the Tigers or the Cardinals! Which would be better for television ratings. He specifically said David Eckstein was not exciting enough to watch -- tell that to the Tigers!

World Series Tickets?

2006-10-20T15:02:00.000-07:00

Seeing as the 2006 World Series will be in Detroit, Michigan and St. Louis, Missouri, the games will be very handy for baseball fans in Chicago who have tickets. And a private jet.

Really, it would be great to get tickets to any of the games. Mets fans, can you help me out?

Big Names in MLB Baseball

2006-10-14T15:44:00.000-07:00

Just perusing the web comments on the postseason and I was struck by a photo of one of the Oakland A's (who are currently hanging in the playoffs by the tips of their fingernails at this very moment), or rather by the caption under it. Talking about the previous game they had lost to the Detroit Tigers, it said "Milton Bradley said it best: 'It was all Kenny Rogers.'"

What hit me was that I don't really know those players but I would definitely recognize their names--on other people. Kenny "The Gambler" Rogers is a famous singer, and Milton Bradley...well maybe that's a company, not a person. But those names have been well known long enough--what were their parents thinking? I think everybody deserves an individual name to go through life with.

White Sox Become Spectators in October

2006-10-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

The Chicago White Sox seemed to have lost a step since last season’s championship season. And it seems to be the same story for most White Sox losses, lack of run support. In their last 3 losses the White Sox have only scored 2 runs which make it very hard for a pitch to go out on the mound and pitch comfortably. After their final loss manager Ozzie Guillen said, “It’s typical of the type of season where we’d play two good games and another OK.” Guillen was referring to the first two games of the series against the Minnesota Twins which put two in the win column for the White Sox, but losing the third game.

We’ll have to pull our sox up!

2006-07-11T10:33:00.000-07:00

Did somebody say 19 innings? I’m not sure about how the elongated performance against the Boston Red Sox will affect our Chicago White Sox, but I feel we still have the stuff to keep the Detroit Tigers from running away from us. When you look beyond the hype to the stats, we can see that the Tiger’s home and road victories are almost exactly the same as ours. I’ll be interested to see if the same competition exists between us towards the end of the season.

White Sox to face Rangers on the way to the Reds.

2006-06-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

Am I the only one who can’t believe that the Detroit Tigers are ahead of us in the AL Central? No, I’m not. Everyone I know is shocked by the Tigers sudden and unexpected rise to the top. Even Detroit’s fans are shocked and amazed. The same kind of unbelievable twist of fate has struck the Texas Rangers this season as well.

What does this mean for the Chicago White Sox? It means that our four game series against the Rangers, which starts today, is going to be more challenging and exciting by far than those of recent years. It means that there are a few new contenders out there for the White Sox to practice crushing on their way to another World Series Championship. I say bring them on. The Chicago White Sox are ready to play some serious baseball.

Sox On Top of Division (For Now)

2006-05-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

As of now it’s looking good for the Chicago White Sox, who are a half-game up in the Central Division race over the second place Detroit Tigers. The game Sunday against the Minnesota Twins went really good with home runs by Jermaine Dye, Jim Thome and A.J. Pierzynski. On top of that the White Sox got a triple play in the sixth inning, the team’s first since July 7, 2004, and went on to get the win.

A couple of wins can really soothe the soul.

2006-04-18T18:17:00.000-07:00

After the series against the Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Royals, I was worried about the Chicago White Sox. This first month was not shaping up like I would have liked. I think they have redeemed themselves recently winning their series against the Toronto Blue Jays and the Detroit Tigers. Go White Sox!

I am ready for some baseball!

2006-03-27T17:57:00.000-08:00

While spring training is interesting, I find it frustrating as well. The games don’t count and it’s hard to get a good picture of what our rotation is going to look like come Opening Day. We have lost some games this month and we just don’t look like the team we were last year. I have a good feeling that we will see more from these players once the season starts, though.

Chicago’s Own Fall Out Boy

2006-02-27T11:29:00.000-08:00

There is a well known Chicago based band touring right now and you might want to get tickets to see them. Fall Out Boy is an emo band that got started here in 2000. The members of the band were all in other Chicago underground bands before they formed Fall Out Boy and they have an edgy hardcore sound that I really like. They are coming April 19^th with the All American Rejects. I’m into getting the best seats so I’ll share a link for tix:

http://www.coasttocoasttickets.com/buy/chicago_il_concert_tickets.htm

Check out Matisyahu too on March 4^th!

White Sox Headline News

2006-02-12T20:32:00.000-08:00

This has been an eventful couple of weeks for the sports world with the Steelers winning the Super Bowl and the Olympics starting up. The Chicago White Sox have made the news as well for their upcoming trip to the White House to be honored by the President. I hope the pride and good feelings from winning the World Series never fade.

New US Citizens Visit White Sox

2006-01-23T15:02:00.000-08:00

Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen and his family are from Venezuela. His wife and son joined him in becoming US Citizens last Friday. This should make the White Sox upcoming trip to the White House all the more exciting for Guillen.

Vazquez Surrounded by Question Marks

2006-01-16T13:11:00.000-08:00

The 2005 season was amazing and one would think that the Chicago White Sox wouldn’t need to make any changes for 2006. Javier Vazquez is surrounded by questions because he claims to have underachieved with the Yankees and looks to put his hefty repertoire of pitches to the test with Chicago. We are working with him to strengthen his game hone his skills. The White Sox hope that he will be ready come spring training but some people have expressed doubts that he can perform at the level we need him to if we are going to repeat our championship run.

Players Use Winter Leagues For Conditioning

2006-01-07T17:18:00.000-08:00

Many players in Major League Baseball spend the off-season playing in the winter leagues. Many of those players are pitchers who need to show their teams that they are taking extra time to condition themselves for spring training and regular season play. A few players use the winter leagues to gain visibility because Major League teams watch the winter leagues for veteran players who are improving their game. Venezuela and the Dominican Republic are a few countries that have winter leagues. This fan wishes those games were televised so we could have baseball all year round. That’s what I call Heaven.

World Baseball Classic to be Held

2005-12-30T12:48:00.000-08:00

In March of 2006 the first World Baseball Classic will be played. Fans are excited to see teams from all over the world compete for the World title. With so many international players coming into American Major League Baseball today, it will be interesting to see the teams from their home countries compete. Nothing like this tournament has ever been done in baseball. The people organizing the World Baseball Classic feel that this is the perfect time for an event like this to start because it will inspire camaraderie between the US and other nations who love sports as much as we do here in America.

Vazquez in, El Duque is Out

2005-12-23T17:28:00.000-08:00

The White Sox have announced that we traded three players to Arizona for pitcher Javier Vazquez. Leaving Chicago will be Orlando Hernandez, Minor Leaguer Chris Young and Luis Vizcaino. Vazquez will be a good addition to our rotation and appreciates that he is joining the best team in baseball. Admittedly Vazquez had a mediocre last season with the Diamondbacks and was inconsistent while having flashes of brilliance. I don’t think he was the best choice but in the right environment any player can be great, so hopefully Vazquez will feel welcome and at home with the Chicago White Sox.

Winter Meetings End, Chicago Leaves Happy

2005-12-14T14:37:00.000-08:00

At the Winter Meetings a lot of changes were made to almost every MLB team. The White Sox were no different. Although it would seem that we have the perfect team and didn’t need to make any changes, we were looking for an enhancement at infielder and got it in Rob Mackowiak formerly of the Pirates. Damaso Marte, relief pitcher, will be going to the Pirates in exchange. It really looks like this year’s Winter Meetings were a complete success for the White Sox in that we filled our needs and came out with a feeling that our 2006 team will be as strong as the team that won the World Series.

Role Models in an Honorable Profession

2005-12-06T18:50:00.000-08:00

I truly believe that baseball is the most culturally conscious and patriotic sport of all. During the off season the teams do a great many charitable things for their own communities. The players’ reputations as role models are on the line with the whole steroids scandal, yet many of them remain the all-American heroes our children can still look up to. Supporting your local baseball team goes further than buying new stadiums and paying key players enormous salaries, because they give back whenever and however they can. Children are looking up to baseball players for their commitment and athleticism, not for the bling they wear or their egotistical rhetoric.

Thome Comes Home, Rowand Leaves Home

2005-11-25T16:19:00.000-08:00

World Series Champion Chicago White Sox has a nice ring to it so fans like to say it often. The 2006 season looks pretty interesting with the Sox acquiring left hander Jim Thome from Philadelphia. We got him for half his remaining contract amount and the money we saved can be spent on pitching. Thome is from Illinois and spends much of the off season hunting on his property near Peoria. He had his worst season in 2005 because of some injuries so it is a little unclear why we went for him so early after his recovery and certainly after only getting seven home runs in 59 games. Rowand had some errors but a good season over all. He and his family are sad to leave the city where they put down roots and won a Series.

News Worthy Off Season

2005-11-20T13:52:00.000-08:00

Chicago White Sox fans are excited this week because the Cactus League schedule has been announced and it looks like we will have an eventful preseason in sunny Tuscon, Arizona. Tadahito Iguchi has been chosen for the Topps Major League Rookie All-Star team. Ozzzie Guillen, the White Sox manager, has said on numerous occasions that he considers Iguchi the MVP of the team for his contribution during the series with the Boston Red Sox and his skill at second base. We couldn’t have gone as far as we did without Tadahito Iguchi as a part of this team. So with all the great players we have on our team, what changes should be made before the start of Cactus League play in March?

Getting Thin

2005-06-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

The Chicago White Sox are sitting pretty on top of the AL Central standings as well as having the best record in the league with 42 wins and 21 losses. Part of the reason is because the White Sox have been able to establish a very good bullpen, but the bullpen has been shaken up recently with the absence of Damaso Marte who has continuous problems with his biceps.

''We cannot go too long without him or another pitcher in the bullpen…'' - manager Ozzie Guillen

It seems that Marte might be put on the disabled list soon due to his the reoccurring injury. I don’t think the White Sox can afford to loose any more pitchers as their bullpen is depleted as is.

Demotion

2005-06-02T16:05:00.000-07:00

South paw Kevin Walker is going back to the minors, Triple-A Charlotte to be exact. In just 1/3 of an inning pitched Walker gave up four runs. At that rate he will never be a big league pitcher. The Angels ended up winning the game yesterday 10-7, which brought the White Sox winning streak to an end.

Staying Fresh

2005-05-31T16:24:00.000-07:00

So the decision has been made to keep Carl Everett in the line up. Manager Ozzie Guillen decided to stick Everett in the outfield to keep him game ready. Everett’s bat is needed and Guillen knows what he is capable of. Everett was told by GM Ken Williams what needed to be done to keep himself in the lineup, Guillen does a real good job of enforcing that.

Back to the Minors?

2005-05-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

Some General Managers are brutally honest and others tend to be nice in the public eye or least give constructive criticism rather than just criticize alone. It is all about saving face for the public, and GM Ozzie Guillen does that well.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not here to criticize either. All I want to know is why GM Ozzie Guillen would say, "I think this kid has to go back to the minor leagues and keep throwing (referring to pitcher Brandon McCarthy)," and still have him start his second Major league baseball game against the Texas Rangers tomorrow.

For the Team

2005-05-23T15:27:00.000-07:00

Second baseman Tadahito Iguchi is trying to adjust to batting second in the in the lineup. The right handed hitter was said to feel most at ease when he can swinging for power so he can pull the ball to left field. Yet with left fielder Scott Podsednik at the top of the order the Sox are trying to generate runs with Podsednik’s speed followed by Iguchi’s bat.

So that means when ever Podsednik is on base Iguchi will have to put the ball into play more consistently for hit and runs scenarios. It also means the season stats for Iguchi will probably fall, simply because he will be playing more of a sacrificing role in the line up to advance Podsednik. It is what is better for the team.

As it should be

2005-05-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

It is something special to lead the league in stolen bases and left fielder Scott Podsednik does more than his share of stealing bases. With his steady on base percentage, as it should be at the top of the order, Podsednik uses his speed to move around the bases and in doing so the left-handed-hitting leadoff man will always offer problems for the opposing teams. His presence alone creates RBI situations for his team.

One is the loneliest number

2005-05-15T15:51:00.000-07:00

One is the amount of home runs allowed by Jon Garland during his opening five unbeaten starts. Garland gave up a career-high 34 long balls last year and 62 over the past two seasons, but his current aggressiveness within the strike zone and ability to keep the ball down has contributed to his immense first-month success.

Cuban Ties

2005-05-09T12:08:00.000-07:00

While playing in Cuba, RHPs Jose Contreras and Orlando Hernandez were groomed to throw a lot of pitches, but the White Sox don't want their starters exceeding 115 pitches so they stay fresh all year. The team is stressing for Contreras and Hernandez to put hitters away early in the count.

Pitching Woes

2005-04-25T12:26:00.000-07:00

RHP Shingo Takatsu's problems have more to do with a lack of location, especially with his off-speed stuff, than batters figuring out his slow, slower and slowest repertoire. While Takatsu regains confidence, the club will use a closer-by-committee approach. LHP Damaso Marte will face lefthanded hitters; RHP Dustin Hermanson, who thrives in pressure situations, will close against righties. . . .

The key to RHP Jon Garland's hot start has been his aggressiveness within the strike zone. But Garland's sinker, his out pitch, also has had more bite. Plus, he has an improved infield defense to scoop up all the grounders he induces.

Everett emphasizes team unity

2005-04-10T17:27:00.000-07:00

By Scott Merkin / MLB.com

For the past three years, Carl Everett has been part of the Chicago White Sox -- for at least part of the season.

Everett was acquired from the Rangers for three Minor Leaguers on July 1, 2003, and was re-acquired by Chicago from the Expos on July 18 of last season for pitchers Jon Rauch and Gary Majewski. But the 2005 season marked a change, of sorts, for Everett, as the switch-hitter was able to suit up with the White Sox from the beginning.

His offensive production has been crucial to the team's early success, as evidenced by Everett's two-run home run in the first inning Saturday against Minnesota's Brad Radke and his sacrifice fly in the third. Everett's presence in the clubhouse, though, has been just as important.

Even as a mid-season acquisition in 2004, players pointed to Everett as a galvanizing force among a group that went in different directions at times. Everett is very eloquent about his theories for success, but they all come down to a basic driving force -- all for one and one for all.

"Basically, the only thing I want to bring here is that we respect each other in every aspect of the game," Everett said prior to Saturday's game. "We all share a responsibility. We can't just look for one guy to press the issue. But sometimes a lot of guys want to be quiet, and then if one guy speaks up, a lot of people might be able to voice what they have to say.

"We want to put the emphasis out there that if you have something to say, nobody is going to stop you from saying it. We are a family and we can only win this game as a family. We all have to stick together. If we do that, good things can happen."

Everett backed up his thoughts by talking about the team-meeting concept. The 13-year veteran would rather have a group get-together, with one or two players airing positive or negative thoughts in front of everyone, than have those same couple of players fear reciprocity over their complaints and possibly take their gripes to the media.

Coming in at mid-season, or even later, meant Everett's first job was to figure out the team's overall morale. Starting a full season with the White Sox, and being completely recovered from his myriad of injuries in 2004, not only makes Everett part of that overall morale but also allows him to help continue to make it strong.

"In a quarter or a half of a season, you have to find out where everyone is just to have any input," Everett said. "But everyone that comes in, you have to be able to speak your mind and without any scrutiny, saying that if I say something, those guys are going to hate me.

"That's not going to be the case here. We are going to talk together and win together. That's how you win. Nine guys aren't going to win this thing. Twenty-five guys aren't going to win it, when you factor in injuries. We need everyone."

Making the adjustment: Maybe Everett is the right person to help Frank Thomas fit into this current crew, once Thomas comes back from rehabilitating his surgically repaired left ankle. Then again, a 15-year veteran probably won't need much help.

But it doesn't sound as if Thomas is any closer to returning, or going off on a Minor League rehab assignment, for that matter. White Sox athletic trainer Herm Schneider termed Thomas' condition as "status quo" on Saturday and that he still hasn't made close to the necessary strides to break through the scar tissue in his left ankle or do the running needed to get him to the next step.

Schneider said that there are still confidence issues that Thomas is dealing with his ankle, although it has been six months since his surgery. Schneider also stated that Thomas' situation really hasn't changed much since he first arrived in Tucson -- he's hitting the ball with authority but not running.

Thomas has talked to the White Sox from extended Spring Training in Arizona during the season's opening week. While the players are focused on a few other things right now, Thomas has not been forgotten.

"He's doing what he has to do, and we are doing what we have to do here," said Everett of Thomas. "I'm quite sure that when he comes back, he's going to be a great part of this team.

"When he gets in, he has to fit into what's going on now. He will have to wean himself into what we are doing. That's why we have to keep him abreast. He's still part of the family, even though he's not here, and we have to be one unit and stick together."

Things to Know

2005-03-31T15:04:00.000-08:00

from Foxsports.com

If Frank Thomas could have run consistently on his surgically repaired left ankle, White Sox athletic trainer Herm Schneider believes the slugger would have been ready for opening day. As it is, Thomas will stay in Arizona for extended spring training and won't return until early May at the soonest. . . .

Even though Mark Buehrle's recovery from what was originally thought to be a broken bone in his left foot has been nothing short of miraculous, the White Sox still are approaching the start of the 2005 season with two sets of pitching schedules. If Buehrle continues to make the necessary progress, he will make his fourth straight opening day start. If he has a setback, rookie phenom Brandon McCarthy temporarily joins the rotation. McCarthy would start the second game in Chicago, avoiding having the 21-year-old right-hander make his major league debut in the Metrodome. . . .

Orlando 'El Duque' Hernandez worked a recent spring game with an almost exclusive focus on his change-up. The veteran is a perfectionist and didn't feel confident with that particular pitch through most of spring training . . .

Despite a six-home run outburst during a recent Cactus League game against the Cubs, a number of White Sox veterans talked afterwards about not getting caught up in the long ball. This team still has the potential to hit home runs, but it no longer is a home run-hitting team.

In the hot Seat

2005-03-20T12:23:00.000-08:00

from Foxsports.com

C Ben Davis has swung the bat with authority during the early stages of spring training, which, ironically, could make him expendable in the next few weeks. Davis signed a one-year, $1 million deal during the off-season, meaning that the White Sox probably would not flat out cut him, and he also presents somewhat of an offensive presence off the bench from both sides of the plate. So, the better Davis plays in Cactus League action, the more interest there could be from other teams in picking up a frontline backstop.

Key Issues

2005-02-27T13:20:00.000-08:00

from Foxsports.com

Mark Buehrle already has been declared the team's opening day starter, although he doesn't have classic ace-hurler stuff. Buehrle can locate four pitches -- the cutter, sinker, curve and change-up -- and is absolutely fearless on the mound in terms of throwing any pitch at any time. Buehrle has the confidence to give up a few hits and still pitch out of tough situations. But he plans on working with pitching coach Don Cooper during the spring to focus on staying out of the strike zone as much, decreasing his hits allowed but not increasing his walk total. . . .

Jose Contreras could be the X-Factor in the White Sox starting rotation. The big righthander has the talent to win 15-to-18 games, but he must focus on his wide array of pitches instead of relying too heavily on his devastating split-finger and plus-fastball. . . .

Catcher Chris Widger, who played for Camden in the independent Atlantic League during 2004, was given a non-roster invite to spring training. Widger only has a chance to make the team if Ben Davis and his $1 million contract were moved and he could beat out Jamie Burke for the back-up spot behind A.J. Pierzynski.

Japan looking West

2005-02-15T11:48:00.000-08:00

There is interest from the East in the young gun Felix Diaz. Diaz is only 24 years of age, and has a promising future in baseball. The righty though has been better at relieving than being apart of a starting rotation.

It would be nice to keep him around and not send him to Japan, since Jason Grilli is about to become a Tiger. Diaz is the only, but the most ideal to be apart of a major league bullpen.

Outfielder Analysis

2005-02-06T13:19:00.000-08:00

from Foxsports.com

Aaron Rowand stands as the lone holdover from last year's starting outfield, a unit once based on power. With Scott Podsednik and Jermaine Dye replacing Carlos Lee and Magglio Ordonez, the outfield might drop a bit in terms of home run production but will increase its speed and provide exceptional defensive cohesiveness. Podsednik looks to focus more on simply getting on base and scoring runs, not to mention challenging his National League-leading 70 stolen bases, as he tries to avoid the pitfalls that caused a rough offensive showing in 2004. Rowand broke loose in his first full season as a starter and looks to be a player capable of hitting .300, with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases. Dye has been plagued by injuries, but if healthy, he could be a solid run producer in the middle of the order. Timo Perez was the team's top hitter with runners in scoring position in 2004, and Ross Gload joins Perez as strong lefthanded bats off the bench.

From the East

2005-01-27T13:07:00.000-08:00

Tadahito Iguchi apparently has agreed to terms with the White Sox for a two-year contract, estimated around $5 million dollars, and just like any player there are always incentives for performance on the field.

The Japanese All-star originally drew interest from five Major League teams, including the Yankees and Red Sox. Scouts consider him an impact player and now could quit possibly be in the number two spot in the White Sox line up.

Iguchi start off as a shortstop, but due to a right shoulder injury he moved to second base, and will play second for the White Sox.

Go Whit Sox!

White Sox agree to terms with infielder Juan Uribe

2004-12-23T14:06:00.000-08:00

Chicago White Sox, from MLB.com

The Chicago White Sox have agreed to terms with infielder Juan Uribe on a three-year, $9.75 million contract that contains a club option for 2008, avoiding arbitration. Under terms of the deal, Uribe will be paid $2.15 million in 2005, $3.15 million in 2006 and $4.15 million in 2007 with the club holding an option for 2008 at $5.0 million (with a buyout of $300,000).

Uribe, 25, batted .283 (142-502) with career highs of 23 home runs, 74 RBIs and 82 runs scored in 134 games last season, his first with the White Sox after being acquired from Colorado on December 2, 2003, in exchange for infielder Aaron Miles.

The 5-foot-11, 215-pound Uribe also set career highs in hits, doubles (31), total bases (254) and extra-base hits (60) while playing in 77 games at second base, 38 at shortstop and 27 at third base. He batted .355 (44-124) with seven home runs and 26 RBIs over his final 32 games.

"As an organization we were very high on Juan when we acquired him, and he has lived up to our expectations," said Ken Williams, White Sox general manager. "He is that rare middle infielder with power and versatility, and he plays with energy and enthusiasm every single game.

"As is consistent with our past practices, we have reached out to a number of players who have proven to be an integral part of our short and long-term plan," Williams said. "Juan wanted to be a part of this and expressed that to us."

Uribe ranked third on the White Sox in doubles and RBIs and fourth in hits and runs scored. His .983 (3 E/172 TC) fielding percentage at shortstop would have ranked second in the American League with the required total chances, while his .984 (6 E/368 TC) percentage at second base would have ranked fifth in the AL.

Uribe is a career .266 (440-1,657) hitter with 47 home runs and 209 RBIs in 448 games with the Rockies (2001-03) and White Sox (2004).

A Good Quote:

2004-10-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

"It is still pretty difficult, even painful in a way, to recap the 2004 Chicago White Sox season... We were in first place on July 24 and just did not get it done. "

--Kenny Williams, White Sox GM

Oh, the pain of loss... I can't even think about it right now. I'll get back to this later.

State of The Sox: Looking to 2005

2004-10-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

By Kenny Williams, White Sox GM / Special to MLB.com

Dear White Sox Fans,

It is still pretty difficult, even painful in a way, to recap the 2004 Chicago White Sox season. When I hired Ozzie Guillen as manager, one of my reasons was that I wanted someone who took the losses just as hard as I did and just as hard as our fans do.

While our 2004 season had its bright spots — the 40-plus home run performance of Paul Konerko, Carlos Lee's club-record, 28-game hitting streak and Shingo Takatsu's grand entrance onto the Chicago baseball stage — the overall emotion we are feeling right now is disappointment. Yes, we certainly battled injuries, and not many teams lose their three and four hitters in June and still win, but those are excuses. We were in first place on July 24 and just did not get it done.

But rather than re-live the past six months (I do that enough in the middle of the night when I would rather be asleep), I am focused on this offseason and what we need to accomplish to make our team better in 2005. I cannot stress strongly enough my commitment to improving the 2005 White Sox. This organization's goal remains consistent — to win a World Series championship for White Sox fans and the city of Chicago.

It is my responsibility to build a team that has a chance to win its division each season, and we began that project for 2005 well before this season ended. It is our responsibility to bring all of our energy, intellect and effort to improving this team. I promise you everyone on my staff, and everyone in the front office, is focused on this mission.

We hope to have a team built around our pitching staff. But anyone who watched us play in 2004 realizes that we need to be more athletic, better defensively and quicker on the bases. Slugging it out night after night is just too inconsistent. You need thunder in the middle of your lineup, especially in the American League, but at the top and at the bottom, we need guys who can get on base, run, move runners along and handle the bat. I want to give Ozzie a team he can play with and really manage during games.

Our first focus entering this offseason is pitching. We feel very confident in our top four starters, Freddy Garcia, Mark Buehrle, Jose Contreras and Jon Garland, and believe each one has the potential to win 15 games and give us 200 innings. Jason Grilli showed signs he could fill the fifth starter's role, or we may decide to look toward free agency to round out our rotation.

We also want to build our bullpen from the back forward. In Shingo and Damaso Marte, we are comfortable that we have at least two pitchers who can close out games. Cliff Politte was impressive at times this year and has a role in a dominant bullpen. Another positive for our club was how Jon Adkins and Neal Cotts matured as Major League pitchers during the season. We need to add to this mix and make it even better and deeper in 2005.

We will see what players are available on the free agent market to fit our needs, and I also am willing to pull the trigger on a trade if I believe it will make our team better. We have been criticized for our willingness to trade young players for the chance to win now. I will never apologize for trying to win. It has been way too long since White Sox fans celebrated in October. On the wall of our board room is a chart showing our team's projected roster over the next three years. Miguel Olivo is the only player we have traded away who is on that chart from 2004 to 2007. I hated to give him up, but I felt that getting a pitcher like Freddy Garcia through 2007 was more important for this organization.

Despite his season-ending injury, we still are optimistic about re-signing Magglio Ordoñez for 2005. Of course, a lot depends upon his recovery and health. At one point in the season, we offered Magglio the largest contract ever for a White Sox player. We still hope to discuss a possible new contract with Maggs over the coming months.

One player I truly need to commend for his 2004 season is Paul Konerko. He grabbed all kinds of deserving headlines with his 40-plus home runs, but he proves his value as a player and teammate each and every day by how he approaches the game. I am convinced that if Paul came into the last at-bat of the season with the chance for either the home run crown or the opportunity to win the game, he would willingly sacrifice his own success for the team. He is as unselfish a player as we have. I love his winning attitude. Paul cares about winning, but even more important, he cares about winning here in Chicago.

It's way too early to map out our exact plans for 2005 and how this offseason will ultimately unfold, but I did want this letter to give you some of our thoughts on the 2004 season, but more important, to outline our early thinking as we prepare for 2005.

Everyone in a White Sox uniform and in our front office appreciates our fans. You are there on the cold nights in April, during winning and losing streaks in June, July and August, and are there to celebrate the game-winning home runs and suffer the painful defeats. You feel it in your gut right along with us. As we finish the 2004 season, we want to say "Thank You" for your undying support and for your pride in being a White Sox fan.

Sincerely,

Ken Williams

Our season is over

2004-09-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

After playing good and bad at times this season, it has finally been confirmed that we couldn't make it this year. Although we didn't win, we learned alot about how we need to improve. Lets prove to the rest of the world we can finish off strong, even if we aren't going to the post season. Lets hope for better next season, and hope that everyone heals up quickly. FINISH STRONG SOX!

They are Untouchable

2004-09-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

With the wild card less in reach than a division title, things aren't looking to great this yaer. It has been a good run and a good fight but unless we win every game basically and Twins loose all their games, it probably (despite what I want) won't happen. I wish we could have pulled it off this season but we didn't do bad. Second in the definitley isn't last. So lets keep our head of high and cheer the Sox on to a good ending, even if we don't make it to the playoffs this year.

This Could be interesting

2004-09-08T13:16:00.000-07:00

The White Sox are 8.5 games behind their division leading Minnesota Twins. The White Sox are also just one game over .500 and have a very slim to none chance for the wild card spot in the AL. With all this mind would you still believe me if I told you the White Sox are still not out completely. With 24 games left to be play for the Twins, the White Sox can start creeping toward the division title. Lets keep in mind that 16 of the 24 last games are against very competitive teams this years. The Twins play the Yankees 3 times, they play division rivals Cleveland Indians 7 times, and your very own Chi-town White Sox 6 times before the seasons comes to the end. Down the stretch things could be interesting.

Go White Sox!

Saddened

2004-09-03T17:39:00.000-07:00

From si.com

Chicago White Sox Nobody gave the White Sox of serious consideration after they lost Frank Thomas and Magglio Ordonez to injury. The White Sox players probably didn't give themselves much of a shot, either. In late July, the Sox suffered through a seven-game losing streak, and then they traded away their ace from last season, Esteban Loaiza, to the Yankees for Jose Contreras

I dont know how to respond to this nor do I want to consider it but... I have to face the facts, our season is probably headed way away from the playoffs, with our Wild Card hopes nearly shattered too.All we can do this year is hope for a better one next year and put this season in the past, but as long as they are still playing I'll keep cheering so lets get out there and cheer them to a good finish to the season!

We need to start winning!

2004-08-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

I know I know we won last game but .. loosing 5 straight wont cut it. We need to push it if we want to get the spot. Push it HARD! So lets get out there and cheer our Sox on like we want them to play! GOO SOX!

Mediocre wont cut it

2004-08-16T14:58:00.000-07:00

After Ozzie Guillen was suspended after arguing with a ump., and the sox playing off and on, I am being dissappointed by the Sox. I wish we could win more and have less of just a average performance when we could do so much more. Our capability as a individuals is only good when the team can work together and clearly it is becoming more and more evident that its hard for them to accomplish this. The playoffs are still a possibility, the Sox are only 4 games back and it is very possible to get to the post-season but the way they are playing recently, is not going to get them there. Now lets get some wins Sox!

Indians pouncing on the Sox

2004-08-09T11:20:00.000-07:00

In the last couple of games, the Indians have been pulling off narrow wins but wins nonetheless... but maybe the Sox have pulled away from the losing habit from yesterdays win.
On a better note, Frank Thomas announced he is going to stay with the Sox even though he injured his ankle and will be out for the rest of the year....

From : sports.yahoo.com

``I'll be back next year. Where am I going to go?'' Thomas said

Maybe we can win this last one to sort of have a nuetral effect.. lets just hope..

Lets see how they do against the Indians

2004-08-06T10:02:00.000-07:00

From Sports.Yahoo.Com:

"Greinke (4-8) allowed one run in seven innings, and Matt Stairs homered twice in the Kansas City Royals' 6-4 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Thursday night in a game that was delayed 24 minutes by a power outage in the ninth inning.
The teams were just about to start the top of the ninth when the stadium lights brightened momentarily before going out in two-thirds of the ballpark. The scoreboard and videoboard also lost power, which returned moments later before going out again. "

Right when that power went out , I was hoping that this little misfortune could turn the game around but sadly, it didn't. If we want a chance of winning the division, we will need to beat the Indians . Even though we just lost 3 straight to the Royals, we need to keep our head up high , so we can pull the Sox through to a division title. Lets see if Buehrle can keep up his 10-4 record to beat the Indians. Lets end thier 2 game winning streak right now! GO SOX!

Contreras debuts with White Sox

2004-08-03T11:41:00.000-07:00

From MLB.com:

After snapping a season-high seven-game losing streak, the White Sox will send newly acquired Jose Contreras to the mound.
Contreras, who came over in a trade with the Yankees on Saturday, will throw on the black and white for the first time to try and keep the Sox on track against the Royals.

Entering Tuesday's game, the right-hander will be riding a two-game losing streak. In both those starts he allowed at least seven runs in fewer than seven innings pitched, but prior to those outings he had won four in a row.

Contreras will face right-hander Mike Wood, who likewise has never faced his Tuesday opponent. Wood has only one win on the season, but he hasn't given up more than two runs in any of his previous three starts.

Let's hope Contreras works out well for us! Not sure it was the best deal, but who knows? Guess we'll see.

going into detroit

2004-07-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

it will be nice to take a break and pound on a loser team for awhile. i miss frank and maggs though. we need some offense!

big matchup tonight

2004-07-27T11:53:00.000-07:00

garcia vs santana.

i don't like our odds. we hurt without maggs and frank. that's like 50% of our production. this isn't the big matchup it's made out to be, but it will be good.

we are the champions

2004-07-22T13:10:00.000-07:00

14-0. don't forget it.

today we stomp cleveland

2004-07-21T09:36:00.000-07:00

burle will really have to quit smiling at his checkbook and pitch tonight. the indians pounded him last round and they'll be happy to do it again if we're not careful.

we also need some offense. crede needs to decide whether or not he sucks. maggs can't keep us alive alone

I hate the Rangers

2004-07-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

Rangers fans are a stupid bunch of gun-toting rednecks. Nolan Ryan always sucked and Robin Ventura should have beaten his ass when he had the chance.

Everett back to Fill Thomas' shoes

2004-07-19T15:21:00.000-07:00

Well, we're up for a tough series against the Rangers down in Arlington. We'll have to bring the heat, because the Rangers sure will, and so will that Texas sun. OK, enough with the weather puns....seriously....

Carl Everett will be on the field tonight, most likely RF. MOre importantly, though, he'll be filling some big shoes in the batting lineup with Frank Thomas on the injured list. Face it, there's been a big hole in our offense without Frank.

Hope you can all catch the game!

GO SOUTH SIDERS!!!

good to have maggs back

2004-07-14T13:27:00.000-07:00

anybody else just glad to have maggs back? and kudos on the freddy garcia deal.

Seattle Sweep

2004-07-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

This weekend we swept the Mariners 3-0! It seems we're out of that temporary slump. We're at the top of AL Central (.548) and resting up before a trip to Oakland for the weekend. Should be a good matchup, I think.

Today, it's time to cheer on Esteban Loaiza and the American League during the All-Star game! Good luck, guys!!!

End the Streak!

2004-07-08T10:52:00.000-07:00

Guillen on last night's 12-0 loss to the Angels:

"Well, yes," said Guillen when asked to confirm if Wednesday's effort was his team's worst. "It's a funny thing. You get up in the morning and decide to come to the ballpark and spend so much time in the ballpark and the only highlight you see is [Negro Leaguer Ted] "Double Duty" [Radcliffe] throw the first-pitch ceremony. That's how badly we are playing right now.

So when will the disappointment end? It's not enough to say, 'we need to start playing better if we're going to start winning.' This is the most meaningless, form-letter, rehashed analysis I've ever heard. Obviously we need to play better -- so what's the plan then, Ozzie?!

New Sox Board

2004-07-07T10:36:00.000-07:00

Thanks for visiting my new White Sox weblog! I'll be adding more in the near future and am looking forward to chronicling the progress of the Sox. A little about me: I live in Evanston, Illinois, I work in Chicago at a financial consulting firm, and I've been a White Sox fan since day 1. I'm starting this blog mostly for my own enjoyment, but I hope others will enjoy it as well. More later.

GO SOX!!!