The Sox were able to salvage the final game of the series with the Texas Rangers Thursday night as they defeated the AL West leader 4-3 behind a strong outing from supposed No. 5 starter Freddy Garcia.
Has any Sox realized that Garcia has arguably been our most consistent ant pitcher - the other one being John Danks? He was able to got the bat-heavy rangers to only two earned runs in seven innings. This is what the Sox organization expected from their pitchers before the season. This is how good our rotation can be. Consistency is the key.
Despite Garcia's solid start, I was more impressed with two aspects of last night's game. In the fourth inning, Carlos Quentin recorded only his second error of the year on a routine fly ball deep in right field. That run ended up scoring, which tied the game. When Quentin went into the dugout, he went straight for the corner. According to Manager Ozzie Guillen, almost every started went up to him to say don't worry about it. That is exactly what a team is supposed to do. Baseball is a huge mental game and those remarks got Quentin back in the game. By the way, Quentin ended up hitting the game winning two-run homer in the seventh inning. That is the definition of keeping your head up.
Another positive note I read about today deals with the team meeting after Wednesday's 9-5 loss. Guillen, after the media left the room, kept all the guys late. He asked everyone what was going on out there. They talked and whatever. However, after that conversation, he straight up asked them, is there something else I or the coaching staff could be doing? Not to my surprise, no player questioned their coaching styles.
Later on, Guillen told reporters that he wasn't doing his job. He feels like he isn't getting the most out of his players, the No. 1 job of a manager, or any coach for that matter. Let's be honest. He isn't getting the most out of his players. They know they have the talent needed to win the AL Central. Now is the time to put that talent to use and get a run going. Early on, their pitching was sufficient. Lately, it's been their hitting. Now it needs to come together. Thursday was a start and now it's time to prove to us fans that the season isn't over.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
South side optimism, maybe
OK readers, I am revamping my blog. Since I don’t have as much to talk about as I thought, in order to write more often, I will share my thoughts about the Chicago White Sox. I will lose some readers, I will gain some readers, but either way, you will get the thoughts of the silent writer.
The Sox entered June on a bit of a high note. They had just come back from a seven day road trip against Cleveland and Tampa Bay, who currently hold the best record in the MLB. Surprisingly, they finished the trip at 4-3, splitting the series in Tampa. So coming back to Chicago, you would think they would be optimistic.
To make thinks even better, the Sox, who spent most of May on the road, will get to play 18 of their next 24 games in Chicago. They will play Texas, Cleveland, Detroit and the Cubs in their next 12, all teams they are capable of beating.
Texas, as any American League fan knows, has always been a hit first and pitch second kind of team. Coming into the season, the Rangers were the exact team the Sox were expected to dominate. With our “supposed” great starting rotation, we should have rolled over Texas. Result of the first two games: L and L
The Cleveland Indians then come to town with the second worst record in the MLB. They are getting over the embarrassment of barely giving Tiger’s pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game (which in my mind and many others was a perfect game. Thanks Jim Joyce). Either way, the Sox should have no problem with the Indians. Easier said than done, right? The sox are 3-6 against the tribe this year.
Next enter the Tigers. This is the time for the Sox to prove themselves. The only time they have played this season resulted in a win at Comerica Park in Detroit. They have clearly been the second best team in the division, with solid starting pitching and AL MVP candidate Miguel Cabrera. This is time for the Sox to show their fans and the organization not to raise the white flag just yet.
The Sox then travel across town to the biggest toilet in Chicago known as Wrigley Field. The Cubs, despite a better record, have been just as disappointing this season. Don’t worry Chicagoans, even though both teams suck, they are playing for something more, the BP Crosstown Cup. Way to pick that sponsor. Who cares right? In this town, our baseball teams play for bragging rights.
There you have it, four very winnable series for the Chicago White Sox to start off the month of June. Are they up for the challenge? To be honest, probably not. After the first two losses to Texas, I bet that high note is no where to be found on the south side
The Sox entered June on a bit of a high note. They had just come back from a seven day road trip against Cleveland and Tampa Bay, who currently hold the best record in the MLB. Surprisingly, they finished the trip at 4-3, splitting the series in Tampa. So coming back to Chicago, you would think they would be optimistic.
To make thinks even better, the Sox, who spent most of May on the road, will get to play 18 of their next 24 games in Chicago. They will play Texas, Cleveland, Detroit and the Cubs in their next 12, all teams they are capable of beating.
Texas, as any American League fan knows, has always been a hit first and pitch second kind of team. Coming into the season, the Rangers were the exact team the Sox were expected to dominate. With our “supposed” great starting rotation, we should have rolled over Texas. Result of the first two games: L and L
The Cleveland Indians then come to town with the second worst record in the MLB. They are getting over the embarrassment of barely giving Tiger’s pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game (which in my mind and many others was a perfect game. Thanks Jim Joyce). Either way, the Sox should have no problem with the Indians. Easier said than done, right? The sox are 3-6 against the tribe this year.
Next enter the Tigers. This is the time for the Sox to prove themselves. The only time they have played this season resulted in a win at Comerica Park in Detroit. They have clearly been the second best team in the division, with solid starting pitching and AL MVP candidate Miguel Cabrera. This is time for the Sox to show their fans and the organization not to raise the white flag just yet.
The Sox then travel across town to the biggest toilet in Chicago known as Wrigley Field. The Cubs, despite a better record, have been just as disappointing this season. Don’t worry Chicagoans, even though both teams suck, they are playing for something more, the BP Crosstown Cup. Way to pick that sponsor. Who cares right? In this town, our baseball teams play for bragging rights.
There you have it, four very winnable series for the Chicago White Sox to start off the month of June. Are they up for the challenge? To be honest, probably not. After the first two losses to Texas, I bet that high note is no where to be found on the south side
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Graduation
Loyal readers, listeners and fans,
The time has come and now I am a graduate. Not to my surprise, I don't feel any different. When are you supposed to feel different? When you start the job? When you leave school? When is that moment of transformation going to come?
I thought maybe there was a moment last night when all of my best friends were out, having a gay old time, dancing and celebrating. I think it was the first time some of us realized it was really ending. We had some hugs here and there. Yet, that momentous feeling didn't come. Maybe that is a sign that it shouldn't come. After all, who wants it to come? Who wants to leave our little bubble and enter into "the world?" We have been spoiled these last four years.
Let's be honest, college is hanging out with friends, partying, being away from home, learning about the outside world, about our potential futures and doing what we can to make a career. This is my bubble, paradise, heaven, Cabo, Pulco, Vegas all rolled into one. And now it is time to exit that bubble. Who knows, some feeling might pop up.
The time has come and now I am a graduate. Not to my surprise, I don't feel any different. When are you supposed to feel different? When you start the job? When you leave school? When is that moment of transformation going to come?
I thought maybe there was a moment last night when all of my best friends were out, having a gay old time, dancing and celebrating. I think it was the first time some of us realized it was really ending. We had some hugs here and there. Yet, that momentous feeling didn't come. Maybe that is a sign that it shouldn't come. After all, who wants it to come? Who wants to leave our little bubble and enter into "the world?" We have been spoiled these last four years.
Let's be honest, college is hanging out with friends, partying, being away from home, learning about the outside world, about our potential futures and doing what we can to make a career. This is my bubble, paradise, heaven, Cabo, Pulco, Vegas all rolled into one. And now it is time to exit that bubble. Who knows, some feeling might pop up.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Charging the court
This past Saturday, I had the privilege to watch my beloved Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team beat No. 5 Michigan State. It was a great game to watch where strong leadership and young talent were both in attendance. In addition, a sold out crowd flooded Assembly Hall with orange and blue. It was scene not soon forgotten.
After the game, something not known to this university occurred. Illini fans busted by security and rushed the court in celebration on the stunning defeat. To put in its simplest form, students were showering in the moment. Why not rush the court? We just beat the No. 5 team in the nation and No. 1 in the Big Ten. We had lost five straight before Saturday night's matchup.
Dick Vitale immediately ripped the Illini fans while rushing the court. He kept going on about the safety of the referees, coaches, players and students. You got to relax Dicky V. This is a college campus. If students can go off and live on their own, you would think they are responsible enough to run onto a court and celebrate with other enthusiasts.
The only sad part about Saturday night was that I didn't get a chance to join my fellow classmates in the celebration. How great it must have felt. Until we beat another top 10 team, Fighting Illini fans, keep up the passion.
After the game, something not known to this university occurred. Illini fans busted by security and rushed the court in celebration on the stunning defeat. To put in its simplest form, students were showering in the moment. Why not rush the court? We just beat the No. 5 team in the nation and No. 1 in the Big Ten. We had lost five straight before Saturday night's matchup.
Dick Vitale immediately ripped the Illini fans while rushing the court. He kept going on about the safety of the referees, coaches, players and students. You got to relax Dicky V. This is a college campus. If students can go off and live on their own, you would think they are responsible enough to run onto a court and celebrate with other enthusiasts.
The only sad part about Saturday night was that I didn't get a chance to join my fellow classmates in the celebration. How great it must have felt. Until we beat another top 10 team, Fighting Illini fans, keep up the passion.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Chicago Sports - Bulls
Now this coaching carousel is like no other. Understandably, Vinny Del Negro doesn't come up when the NBA talks about desired coaches. He wasn't even a great player. What made the Bulls think he would be a great, if not good coach? However, this blog will not be about him. It will be more about Gar Foreman and the rest of the Bulls organization.
Right when the Bulls lost to the New Jersey Nets about a month ago, people knew Del Negro would be on the chopping block. Everyone knew that loss could, and probably will determine his future with the team. However, not a word was spoken from upper management. No one knew what they were doing. It took GM Foreman three weeks to come out and talk about the status of the team. To make things first, a couple of days before Foreman finally made a public appearance, the Bulls sent out a news release saying they want a new coach, yet don't have anyone in mind yet. What could did this do? Is that not the definition of throwing your coach under the bus? Yes, it is.
The GM and owners of any professional sports team need to be in sync with the rest of the organization, despite the how their season is going. Everyone needs to know what is going on within every department. That’s how it is with any business, being in sports or not. When you have constant communication and understanding with everyone, you have success. The Bulls need to learn this. If not, no matter whom the coach is, they won't be playing, but watching the postseason.
Right when the Bulls lost to the New Jersey Nets about a month ago, people knew Del Negro would be on the chopping block. Everyone knew that loss could, and probably will determine his future with the team. However, not a word was spoken from upper management. No one knew what they were doing. It took GM Foreman three weeks to come out and talk about the status of the team. To make things first, a couple of days before Foreman finally made a public appearance, the Bulls sent out a news release saying they want a new coach, yet don't have anyone in mind yet. What could did this do? Is that not the definition of throwing your coach under the bus? Yes, it is.
The GM and owners of any professional sports team need to be in sync with the rest of the organization, despite the how their season is going. Everyone needs to know what is going on within every department. That’s how it is with any business, being in sports or not. When you have constant communication and understanding with everyone, you have success. The Bulls need to learn this. If not, no matter whom the coach is, they won't be playing, but watching the postseason.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Chicago Sports - Bears 1A
I am sorry but there were new thoughts that came to mind today about the Bears. This needs to be said.
Today, as I was listening to 670 radio, I heard that the Bears FOUR offensive coordinators. Now, I completely agree that there needed to be some revamping of the team, but if they decided to fire four offensive decision makers, how is the coach not involved. He is the man that approves the system and the play calling. How is he not fired? It doesn't make sense. Jerry Angelo needs to make up his mind. If you are making some changes, might as well get rid of the whole system.
Yesterday, I failed to mention much about the most important part of any football team. A team's success is measured at the line of scrimmage. Anyone who watched the Bears this season knows the O line wasn't what is was supposed to be. Why haven't there been changes to the line? Why do they sign old guys just to make face? Hoe are they not looking around for big strong pros who know how to block?
How about the defensive line? I said yesterday that their defense is not what is used to be. Part of the reason is their pressure. There were games this season where QB's had all day to throw. Even Daunte Culpepper had enough time to Calvin Johnson in the last game of the year. They need some primetime pass rushers. Julius Peppers, even though he will be asking for a lot of money, should be in the conversation.
Changes need to be made; and not just on the sidelines.
Today, as I was listening to 670 radio, I heard that the Bears FOUR offensive coordinators. Now, I completely agree that there needed to be some revamping of the team, but if they decided to fire four offensive decision makers, how is the coach not involved. He is the man that approves the system and the play calling. How is he not fired? It doesn't make sense. Jerry Angelo needs to make up his mind. If you are making some changes, might as well get rid of the whole system.
Yesterday, I failed to mention much about the most important part of any football team. A team's success is measured at the line of scrimmage. Anyone who watched the Bears this season knows the O line wasn't what is was supposed to be. Why haven't there been changes to the line? Why do they sign old guys just to make face? Hoe are they not looking around for big strong pros who know how to block?
How about the defensive line? I said yesterday that their defense is not what is used to be. Part of the reason is their pressure. There were games this season where QB's had all day to throw. Even Daunte Culpepper had enough time to Calvin Johnson in the last game of the year. They need some primetime pass rushers. Julius Peppers, even though he will be asking for a lot of money, should be in the conversation.
Changes need to be made; and not just on the sidelines.
Chicago Sports - Bears
I want to take this week to go over the current state of every major Chicago sports team. By the end of it, I think we will all agree it is pretty depressing to be a Chicago sports fan right now.
Part 1 - Chicago Bears
Bears- First off, let's go over their coaching carousel. Lovie Smith, when they hired him, seemed like a good fit. He has a defensive mind set and the Bears are all about defense. However, how good has the D been the last two years. I'm not going to look it up, but I'm thinking they are in the lower half of the NFC. The other thing with Lovie that disappoints me is his passion. I don't think a coach who never shows emotion on the sideline has ever won a Superbowl. Even Dungy showed some passion at certain points in the game. But hey, at least Lovie is dedicated to his players ("Rex is our quarterback").
Now let's look at the actual team. First off, as much as any Bears wants to think it, Hester is NOT a NO. 1 receiver, and he never will be. The bears managed to take away the best part of his game (kick returning). Way to go coaches. Cutler was a disappointment this season. Almost challenging Brett Favre's interception record. Yet, one stat many fans probably don't know; Cutler has a career-high in TD passes this year. (It probably helped playing the Lions twice). Despite his record, he still led the team to a underachieving 7-9 record. I think two years ago, former Bears wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad said WR's go to Chicago to die. I agree, but maybe he meant QB's too.
Part 1 - Chicago Bears
Bears- First off, let's go over their coaching carousel. Lovie Smith, when they hired him, seemed like a good fit. He has a defensive mind set and the Bears are all about defense. However, how good has the D been the last two years. I'm not going to look it up, but I'm thinking they are in the lower half of the NFC. The other thing with Lovie that disappoints me is his passion. I don't think a coach who never shows emotion on the sideline has ever won a Superbowl. Even Dungy showed some passion at certain points in the game. But hey, at least Lovie is dedicated to his players ("Rex is our quarterback").
Now let's look at the actual team. First off, as much as any Bears wants to think it, Hester is NOT a NO. 1 receiver, and he never will be. The bears managed to take away the best part of his game (kick returning). Way to go coaches. Cutler was a disappointment this season. Almost challenging Brett Favre's interception record. Yet, one stat many fans probably don't know; Cutler has a career-high in TD passes this year. (It probably helped playing the Lions twice). Despite his record, he still led the team to a underachieving 7-9 record. I think two years ago, former Bears wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad said WR's go to Chicago to die. I agree, but maybe he meant QB's too.
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