Errors Galore

Cait Higgins, Sox Superfan

Texas is terrible. They make 30 errors a game, but somehow we still manage to lose.

Josh Fields is not so good in the outfield. I hope and pray that the powers that be decide not to let him start in left next season.

Andy Gonzalez! WHAT is he still doing in Chicago?! He is TERRIBLE at third. After tonight’s antics, he should have his bags packed. It’s harsh, but I am sick of getting swept by BAD teams (teams that have a similar record to ours) because of stupid errors that can be avoided.

Story of Danks’ life. He has been pitching well (besides the two games before this) and still we offer him no run support.

That said, I am going to be very upset if we lose 96 games this season.

"Throw in the Towel" Day

Cait Higgins, Sox Superfan

I wish I could say I enjoyed sitting in left field watching my baseball team during a beautiful sun-soaked weekend. What I saw was little less than a disaster that seemed to sum up our less than stellar season. Holiday Inn’s giveaway was a “rally towel” and I jokingly said to my dad, “it should be ‘throw in the towel’ day.” At the time, I also thought Contreras was starting, so when I noticed it was Vasquez, my mindset changed a little bit. Unfortunately, I left feeling the same as I came in.

I was looking forward to playing Boston before getting back to the grind of College life. What I saw these past two days (live) was being outscored 25 runs to 3. Four days of awful pitching and playing added up to the BoSox outscoring us 45 – 7. Those are some of the worst numbers I’ve ever seen!

I think we need to focus on a couple of things during the offseason: pitching and scouting. Before we think about getting any more players, we need to do whatever we can to make sure CC Sabathia is in our starting rotation next season. So long, Jose. We can put him in the bullpen if Coop and Art really believe that he is worth saving. We need to use some of that trading power to get some prospects off to other teams and build up that ever-important bullpen. We can’t have another year like this, and try to depend on AAA players to get it together enough to pitch at the big league level. I’m really angry that we didn’t try to get Gagne when he was being dealt, and we didn’t try to get David Wells after the Pads designated him for assignment. I am watching him pitch against the Mets as I am typing this, and he seems to be pretty solid. The other thing we need to do is get an entirely new group of Scouts. We are trading away excellent players for prospects and the Scouts are telling us guys like Andy Gonzales are the best we have in our minor league system.

With another losing streak on my mind, I am going to say goodnight. I have a long “first day of school” ahead of me, and I would like to end the day tomorrow night on a good note: a White Sox win and a happy blogger.

Until next time, Sox fans.

Milestones, Batting Order, Trades, and September Callups

Cait Higgins, Sox Superfan

What an exciting game we got to see last night! It was a satisfying win. I think it was more satisfying to know that we can beat someone in our division besides the Tigers… even if it is the Royals. A win is a win, and I will take it. We got to see something that seemed to resemble Grinder Ball last night, with a special appearance by a Scott Podsednik homer!

I’m so proud of our Bobby Jenks! He’s got the AL record covered, beating David Wells’ previous of 38 consecutive batters retired in a row. He tied the major league record at 41 before Joey Gathwright broke it in the 9th of last night’s game. It was bittersweet, because we wanted Bobby to break it so bad. Because, if he did, we could have looked back on this season with memories of two huge milestones: Mark Buehrle’s no hitter and Bobby Jenks tying the Major League record for most consecutive batters retired; instead of a losing record and a losing season.

I think Pods needs to be batting higher in the order. I think Ozzie needs to switch him with Josh Fields, who has been striking out almost every time he steps up to the plate. He comes up with some big hits- homers, doubles and triples- but not enough to make me believe that there should be a competition for third base next year when Crede is healthy. Scott will be used better towards the front. The combination of Jerry and Scott, getting on and over, would be a huge catalyst for the offense. Plus, this has a better chance of getting guys on for Paul, Jim, and Jermaine.

I was happy to see that we made an addition to our pitching staff yesterday by getting Mike Myers from the Yankees. A one-year deal with a club option seems like a good idea to try to rebuild the bullpen at the end of a season where we so desperately needed help. 3-0 with a 2.66 ERA in the bullpen seems like the second coming. This is a good move, and it gave us the opportunity to get Andy Gonzales more help down at AAA Charlotte. We also have room for two more guys to come up in September.

With September callups right around the corner, I was wondering who we should call up to try to help the team. I’m going to suggest we get some pitchers or teach Ryan Sweeney how to play second base. I read something on whitesox.com today about Brian Anderson wondering if he will play with the club again. Brian always came off as kind of smug to me. After his comments about Williams and CO trading Aaron Rowand to clear up a spot in center for him to play, I was very critical of his playing skills. He is a good fielder, but he can’t hit the broad side of a barn. He isn’t a good enough player to have an ego the size that he has. Ask anyone in Chicago if they would rather see Anderson or Rowand playing center field, and I would be willing to bet that most if not all said Rowand.

“The only gripe Anderson has with the White Sox deals with not getting a “fair shot” at the start of this season, when Anderson hit .117 in 17 at-bats as the team’s 25th man. Anderson felt more opportunities should have been afforded him to hit against left-handed pitchers.
After being sent down to the Minors, the 25-year-old also didn’t understand how Luis Terrero was called up to play the same role after Anderson beat him out in Spring Training. With no disrespect to Terrero, Anderson called the move “a low blow.” ” - from Scott Merkin’s MLB.com cell phone interview with Brian Anderson.

Sorry, dude, if you’re not cutting it, you’re not cutting it.

That said, let’s go Sox! Let’s get back into forth place!

The Drive for Five

Cait Higgins, Sox Superfan

I’ll be one to admit it when my team is playing poorly. So, let me start out by saying that my team has been playing nothing but bad baseball for at least over a week…if not the majority of the season. Being swept two series in a row, and not having a win since last Friday just seems to put this season into perspective. It’s been like this all season, and it seems like it’s just getting worse. Our bullpen has been just awful, and it seems like as soon as they start turning it around, the starting pitching gives them 5 runs or so to work with. I expected Garland to win 17, at least, this season. I know some of his starts have been great, he wasn’t getting run support, or the bullpen blew his lead. He’s just had less than quality starts in his last three. You can’t give up 10 hits in 2 2/3 innings and expect to win a game. Contreras has been outstanding coming out of the ‘pen. Then, what does he do when he’s back in the rotation? Get lit up in the first three innings! Unfortunately, we don’t have another quality pitcher to make the starts. I think it’s almost a better idea to cut the losses and go back to a 4-man rotation. Let Jose come out of the bullpen when we need him. Send Gavin Floyd back to Charlotte. Send Ryan Bukvich wherever anyone will take him. How about we use those “spectacular” players we gave up Iguchi and Mackowiak for.

I am so glad we didn’t get rid of Pods, ESPECIALLY to the Cubs. One of the Customer Service guys that is in our section asked me what I would do if they traded him to the Cubs. Obviously he doesn’t know me that well, because he laughed when I replied “sell my season tickets.” Not just because I am a big fan of Scott’s, it is because it would have been the final nail in the coffin of this season. Also, it would continue to let the northsiders attempt to buy their pennant. Anyway, I was in the East last week, and I was constantly checking my phone for updates. I was having a heart attack until midnight Tuesday just to make sure we hadn’t given my beloved left fielder to the Cubs.

I am looking forward to playing the Royals, with Mark Buehrle starting it off. I’m also looking forward to this weekend, because the Red Sox are my favorite team to play at home. The Royals should be a hilarious three games. It will be a battle between bad and badder. They always seem to beat us, but maybe we can get something going and get three games up on them. Maybe the Twins, Tigers, and Indians will feel bad and decide to also lose three in a row. Ha, wishful thinking. I usually like playing the Red Sox because it is usually a pretty good matchup. I think that it would be a good time to beat a first place team, and try to get some of our morale back.

With all of the controversey swirling around the NBA and their referees, it makes me wonder if there are officials in other sports that are betting on games, taking bribes, or a variety of other ways they could be cheating. When you look at it, the umpires in MLB control the entire outcome of the game. It isn’t just us, but I see the Sox more than other teams, and it seems like the umpires have been worse than ever this year. This umping staff that we had during the Seatle series has been awful. Before last season, I could have probably named three umpires at most, because I usually don’t pay enough attention to know who is officiating. However, this year, I can tell you the names of at least four different crews of umpires. The biggest repeat offenders this year: Joe West’s crew. This group of umpires is the worst I have ever seen. 90% of the games that have major controversey, these men have been umping. Padres/Astros game: two home runs were reversed. REVERSED! Crosstown Classic: triple play overturned to give the Cubs NO outs. If you disagree with me about this, I have a copy of the rulebook and these particular rules were highlighted just because of this incident. These men need to be investigated by the MLB. These men would include: Joe West, CB Bucknor, Ed Rapuano, and Mike Dimuro… most of the time they feature my favorite Rover: Ed Hickox! Paul Nauert is an awful umpire. Chris Guccione is a terrible umpire. The other crew of umpires that just have a way of “screwing up” (aka blatantly handing the other team the game) would be: Larry Young’s crew, that includes: Angel Hernandez, Mark Carlson and Ted Barrett. Just in case you’re unfamiliar with them, go back and watch Fox Saturday baseball yesterday afternoon, featuring Mr. Albert Pujols being called out at the plate after 60% of his body had already crossed it…. oh and having the biggest Cubs cheerleader in broadcasting, Joe Gerardi, disagreeing with the call at the plate. Even Matt Vasgursian thought the call was wrong! It makes me wonder if these guys are blind or if there is something fishy going on. I think that refs and umpires from all over the sporting world need to be checked out. There is too much controversey. Too many bad and close calls for my taste. Maybe something should be checked out to try to keep the integrity of the league… since there doesn’t seem to be much with the players these days anyway.

That brings me to another rant: steroids and baseball. For as long as I can remember, people were saying Barry Bonds was juicing. If there have been that many accusations against one player for as long as it has been, I think it’s time to take a look at it. Maybe MLB has just given up. From what has happened this week, it seems like they are telling us that it is okay to be cheating by injecting players with hormones that will make them bigger and stronger, and have the obvious advantage over other players. The travesty I am writing about would be Jason Giambi. This week, MLB decided that they would not punish Giambi for taking steriods. Apparently, he gave up some names of other juiced players. He admitted to taking steroids! He is still playing baseball! Am I the only person who sees a problem with this? I don’t care if he gave the name of every Yankees player, and pictures of them getting injected, it should not be enough to make that kind of a deal. He is cheating. He should be punished. For goodness’ sake! Sammy Sosa was punished for corking his bat! He hasn’t even been tested for the steriods he’s been taking. He gets punished for an illegal substance in his bat, but not in his body. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, I suppose, but shouldn’t that make Giambi guilty? He admitted to doing it. Instead, he gets to continue being a DH, a huge part of the Yankees offensive lineup, and could potentially play a role in a pennant race! Something just doesn’t add up.

Eh, oh well. Above all, I’m a Sox fan, so I am used to having a couple of good seasons and a couple of bad seasons . Hopefully we can pick it up just a little bit so we don’t have to end the season in the basement. That might be the only bright light at the end of this tunnel. Let’s go, White Sox! I’m always going to love them, and there’s nothing more I can say right now.

We need him

Cait Higgins, Sox Superfan

I’ve been hearing some nasty rumors about my dear Scott Podsednik heading north… to the northside that is. I am not sure what I will do if this happens. The Cubs have claimed him off waivers and the Sox have until Monday to keep our team together. If Kenny deals him, it says to me that the front office doesn’t care about their fans, their team, or their legacy. Scott was a huge part of our team in ‘05, and has continued to be a major part of the team every night. Some of the catches he has made lately are worthy of Web Gems. He has gotten on base and been able to make the big plays. He got on to continue the inning for Juan to hit the game winning HR against the Indians two nights ago. Him not getting on would not have lead to the third out, but I’d like to think it shook up the Indians pitching just enough to serve Juan a cookie in the bottom of the 13th. I also think that one of the single most important events in White Sox history came from one swing of the bat on October 23, 2005. Bottom of the 9th. 2-1 is the count. Remember that moment? Remember how you felt when you saw that ball leave his bat. We need him on our team. We need him out there stealing bases. We need him making the big plays and getting the big hits. I’d sooner sell my season tickets than see my favorite player go to the Cubs. I just don’t know what I will do. I’d like to have faith in my front office, that they will make the decision that is in the best interest of the fans. The Marlins have done GREAT since they dismantled their World Series team. It seems like Kenny Williams and company are taking a page out of their book. I can’t believe we’ve given up on the season. I can’t believe we’ve given up on our dream team. I can’t believe we’re getting rid of fan-favorite position players INSTEAD of trying to play with the bullpen and our minor league system OR using the waiver system to OUR ADVANTAGE by claiming a couple of guys who can pitch off of waivers. Hey, I hear David Wells is available. But why would we do something stupid like try to go out and get him? Let’s just let the Cubs claim Pods off waivers.

Make the right decision, Kenny. Please. Don’t break my heart any further.

It’s Alive!

Michael Bottigliero, Sox Superfan

Every time I try to get out, they pull me back in! I have been ready numerous times this year to say “I can’t wait for football”, but these Sox are learning to look good and gain ground. Watching this team battle Cleveland the last two evenings make you realize we can contend with any team. The Sox refuse to die and will claw to the end. I strongly believe that the “Youth Injection” has spirited this club and given it hunger. Even if this does not amount to anything but us reaching .500 again this season, I am sure it will carry over into a very promising ‘08 season.

The stats may not prove it but the young players are improving every day. You can tell they are learning and growing with every inning by the way they step up to the plate with confidence, take their lumps, and keep coming back for more.

The veterans are coming alive and contributing every step of the way. Dye, Pierzynski, and Uribe with clutch home runs. Contreras returning with some great relief- was a great move to rest him. His pitches were more crisp and he had his fastball over 93 mph tonight, a drast improvement.

I do not know what the next 1 1/2 months will hold but these Sox look like they can climb out of past failure and make a run for the playoffs. A win tomorrow night puts us in single digits out of 1st place- not a bad place to be with so many games remaining versus the three teams ahead of us. Just keep taking care of business and I will refuse to talk about football and next year!

Fresh Tiger Meat

Cait Higgins, Sox Superfan

What a spectacular day to be a baseball blogger! I am going to focus on two of the most important things (in my opinion) in sports: White Sox on a four game winning streak, and Tom Glavine getting his 300th win.

I never thought I’d be so excited about winning four in a row. After being severely beaten by the Yankees for two in a row, it was time for us to do some of the beating. The third game of the Yankees series, we played well and we played smart. It was good to see our boys hitting and coming up with the big plays. I was very proud of my team, even if they only won one out of three. What I am most excited about is being right back in the race. Obviously, it is going to be a tough road with all of the amazing teams we have in this division, but I think that we will have a good chance at the end of the season. Especially, if we keep playing our division like we played the Tigers this past weekend. Sweeping them and having the Twins beat Cleveland 2/3 really helped out our cause. We need to play Cleveland the same way we played the Tigers, smart and hard. Our pitching has been stellar the last four games. I want to take back my disappointment with Gavin Floyd after yesterday’s outing. I don’t want to count my chickens- we’ll have to see how well he fares against the other teams.

It was really nice to see the bats coming alive and supporting our excellent pitching. I liked watching yesterday and seeing all of our runs come off of doubles and triples! Get ‘em on, get ‘em over, get ‘em in… that’s how we should have been playing all season! It was also really nice to see Danny Richar come out with his bats blazing and get a big triple. Josh Fields came up with a nice hit to score AJ in the first… even if he had bad baserunning and got doubled up. The only blemish on the scorecard was Ryan Bukvich giving up a homer to Mags! I hope this builds up our confidence and they are able to do the same thing to the Tribe when they come to town tomorrow.

More important than Barry Bonds, we got to see one of the truly great baseball stars achieve a milestone that no one else might ever get to: Tom Glavine getting his 300th win. He has been an excellent player over the years, and his head isn’t too big. I am saying that his milestone might be more important than Barry Bonds because it hasn’t been determined if he has been taking steriods or not, and I am predicting Alex Rodriguez being able to break his homerun record in five years or so. That being said- I really like the Mets. I often compare them with the Sox because they are the “other” team in a big city dominated by another team. Obviously, in New York the Yankees are king and up until a couple of years ago (and since the fairweather fans have all come out in full force this season), our city has been the Nation of Cubdom. The Mets, like the Sox, are a team of relatively no-name guys with less-than-enormous paychecks. Anyway, I’ve rooted for them in the playoffs since 2000 when they are able to get there. They’re AMAZIN’. I think that Sportscenter and every other sports news show should have paid more attention to history in the making, and not the loss of an overpaid outfielder. Unfortunately, Tom’s achievement may be overshadowed tonight if Barry decides that he feels okay enough to make an appearance and break Hank Aaron’s record. For now, let us savor the fact that we have seen the 6th lefty, the 23rd pitcher all time, and perhaps the last one ever to make it to 300 wins. Good job, Tom and the rest of the Mets, you deserve it!

And, just in case David Wright happens to wander over to the NBC5 Chicago White Sox Blog: Yes, I’m single, and Yes, you can have my phone number.

How about that!

Cait Higgins, Sox Superfan

I was taking a small break from my busy blogging schedule to enjoy a week in Sunny Florida to come back to this! I was going to wait until after the trade deadline because I expected some major trades. I am pleased to say that we still have JD and Garland, but very unhappy that we don’t have Gooch.

I am trying my hardest to be optimistic about my team, but it is getting harder and harder with every Jose start and bullpen woe. I am really happy and suprised that we continue to be in the top 5 attendances in the AL. Being one of the some-33,000 people at the park every night, I have been nothing but disappointed in my team’s front office for the past week. Sending Tadahito Iguchi to the Phillies brought tears to my eyes; the beginning of the end of our team. Our ‘05 miracle is slowly becoming just a glimmer in the past. Our bullpen has been blown up, and new, younger, less-capable players have been added instead. Our lineup has changed due to injury and stupid trades. Paul and Juan are the only ones left in the infield, and Scott and Jermaine are the only ones in the outfield. And, thank goodness that we still have AJ. The only difference that had potential to make us a better team was the addition of Javy Vasquez last year and John Danks this year.

I went to Picnic in the Park on Sunday. Little did I know that I would be bidding one of my favorite players, Rob Mackowiak, a fond goodbye. It’s not like we need utility men, right? Anyway, it was a really good time and we got to meet all of the new guys and got to talk to the established favorites. I got to talk to Scott Podsednik again, which is a huge bonus!!! It was nice meeting the new additions to our team and try to get to know them on a more personal level, and I guess feel bad when I harass them for not doing their job. I love Picnic in the Park because I love meeting the players, having fun, and doing something good for charity all at the same time. The only criticism I had about the whole experience was that the players only stuck around for about 5 hours. Being a PitP veteran, I was unhappy that the players were there a much shorter time than they had been in the past. Oh well, they have lives, too, and we have to respect that.

The trades in the last two years, and over the last few days have really been disheartening. Swapping Iguchi for a minor league pitcher seemed like a bad idea at the time. Now we do the same with Mackowiak. All I can say is that I hope this can somehow change what has been happening on the field.

Hopefully I will be updating on a regular basis from now until the end of the season. I’m still keeping up the hope, but will just enjoy watching my team play and knowing that they can’t trade anyone else.