I don’t even know where to begin.  As cliche as that sounds, its very true.  Its hard to put into words what your career has meant to me and thousands of Sox Fans all over Chicago.  It’s amazing how time flies by  - as I was entering little league your big league career began.  Though my few All Star appearances were exciting to my family and I, watching you play baseball ended up being more than gratifying.  Little did I realize until now I was watching greatness on the field.  Not just the greatest White Sox player of all-time, but one of the best right hand hitters of all-time.

There’s no use in reciting your career numbers with you, I am sure you know them by heart.  This letter is to say – Thank You! You have thrilled me with a lifetime of great memories.  Thank you for the thrills, chills, goosebumps, heart racing moments, nailing biting moments, and those leave your seat for home run moments!

One of those leave your seat home run moments occurred back on July 23, 2002.  It was a warm summer night.  I was there with my dad, and two buddies.  We were just weeks away from heading off to college and embarking on the next chapter of our lives.  My dad’s company at the time had season tickets  - about 20 rows behind your dugout.  It was just like any other game, eating hot dogs, talking baseball, and girls as always.  I couldn’t tell you the inning, the score, or if anyone was on base but I could tell you one thing Big Frank;  We popped up, threw our hands up and knew it was gone.  When it finally landed we all looked at each other – jaws dropped, disbelief high fives of how far you hit it.  It’s not that we doubted you, but none of us had ever seen a ball hit the far.  Shortly after, they announced it was the farthest ball ever hit on the South Side – and I saw it.

Frank, I have witnessed your best moments, and think about the what could have been moments (shortened 2001 season).  I cherish your career and look forward to walking the concourse with my son years from now stopping at your statue and share stories of the greatest hitter in White Sox history.  I will tell him of the 3 MVP awards you won (Jason Giambi needs to hand his 2000 MVP trophy over to its rightful owner), the batting title, the home runs, and how on of Aug 29, 2010 of this year I was there paying tribute to you and all you have accomplished.

Athletes aren’t heroes, warriors, or even soldiers, but what you are is the hidden escape for us “everyday folk.”  You know Frank, it’s a funny thing – I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and have witnessed the greatest basketball player of all-time.  And just a few miles away, there you were writing your own story book career.  A story that adds a new chapter on Aug 29th of this year and will have a fairytale ending in 2014.

I have seen you play hundreds of times and look forward to celebrating Frank Thomas day this summer.  And just like Aug 29th and all those moments over the past 18 years we still have one more history making occasion to attend.  4 years from now I will be there at Cooperstown as you write your conclusion.  The speech every athlete dreams to make, and the speech every fan loves to hear – watching “his guy” enter the shrine of the best to have ever played.

Thank you, Frank.  #35 will forever have a place on the South Side and in the hearts of all White Sox fans!

Brian

The Twenty-Ten version of the Chicago White Sox may look different from years past, however the goal remains the same.  But before we look ahead, let’s take a step back for a moment  - – The 2006 season was a 90 win third place finish in the AL Central – ; 2007, well was just plain embarrassing; 2008, had some thrilling moments, but ultimately ended in disgust; and in 2009, the AL Central was there for the taking, but the White Sox weren’t good enough to capitalize on a weak division.

If you looked up winnable in the dictionary – it would say “adj.  Possible to win or achieve: a winnable election campaign; winnable games.” – - The 2010 version of the AL Central is not just winnable, but if you asked most White Sox fans, and baseball fans across the country – Its the Sox division to lose.  The Starting rotation is considered to be rated top 3 in the American League behind the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. (http://bit.ly/dtnqFb)

Jake Peavy is healthy, happy, and on a team that wants to win and win now.  Mark Buehrle is Perfectly (pun intended) Happy to have Peavy as the new ace on the staff.  Mean while Gavin Floyd and John Danks are talented and capable enough to win 15 games each.  Oh, and Freddy Garcia bringing up the rear as the 5th starter (who only has 121 career wins).

This season certainly has a different feel to it.  The addition of Mark Teahen sure ups the defense at third base, along with adding someone who hit 34 doubles last year.  Omar Vizquel adds depth and leadership.  Andruw Jones (a healthy and skinny Jones) brings power and talent to the outfield or DH spot.  The leadoff position for the next 2 years, well thats Juan Pierre’s spot in the line-up.  His hopefully fresh legs and career. 301 batting average will bring back the speed to the line up that its been missing for the past few years.  Its hard to put into words the excitement for this season.  Has a fan and a writer for this site – articulating the right words aren’t always an easy thing to do.  On one hand, the fan is me wants to come out and just lay it all out there; on the other hand, as a writer is trying to paint the picture the best I can do.

The fan in me says – ” They better make the playoffs, the pitching is top notch – make plays, not excuses!”

The writer in me says – “In February when spring training starts every team has new beginning.  And just like each team, there is a middle and an end.  The middle represents an All Star game where a player or 2, maybe 3 represent your team in the mid summer classic; and a trading deadline – to either go for it all, or dump what you have.  And then there’s the end, where most teams pack it up; go home for the winter.  There are 8 teams that have a chance to compete for the ultimate goal of being called World Series Champions.  They’ve been the most consistent all year with pitching, defense and timely hitting.  They didn’t beat themselves, capitalize on others mistakes and want it more than anyone else.  Do the White Sox have what it takes?  It all starts with the leaders – and who I believe to be the new leader.  Jake Peavy came here to win and it all starts with him!”

Next Article – A Letter to Big Frank

This 2009 season maybe a lost one, and therefore we shouldn’t allow ourselves to get wrapped up in 2 or 3 starts when Peavy is still not completely healthy.  But Jake isn’t just another guy on this roster.  He isn’t just another player named in the newspaper.  He isn’t just small piece to the puzzle.  He’s a starter.  He’s an ace.  He’s a former Cy Young award winner.  He’s been paid handsomely.  He’s a big piece to the puzzle.

The outcome of Saturday nights game may be meaningless in the standings, and Peavy’s debut may seem unnecessary to have him pitch this season, but his presence on the mound means a lot more than you can imagine.  Peavy adds legitimacy to the Sox and their starting rotation.  For 2010 and 2011 the rotation of Buehrle, Peavy, Danks and Floyd is a deep, contending rotation.

They keyword… CONTENDING.  This isn’t just about winning the AL Central anymore – its a 2 year window with 4 front line starters to compete for a World Series title.  That’s what Jake Peavy brings to this team, these fans, and this city.  Expectations will be high going into next year.  The team looks good on paper, but its time to stop talking the talk and for this team to start walking the walk.

Welcome to Chicago Jake! Good Luck!

I am beginning to sound like a broken record, but somehow, someway, the Chicago White Sox are still in contention.  Granted, it will take a miracle run in these finals weeks but they are 6 games back and still play the Detroit Tigers 6 more times.  I have pretty much chalked this season up as a big disappointment.  The bullpen, defense and offense have all been consistently awful at different points through out the season.  And even worse, they all happened in the same game… sorry, games…wait, lots of games for days on end.

As we look ahead to next season (I know, this season isn’t over), I wanted to share some keys to another potential playoff run.  The big 4 (Peavy, Buehrle, Floyd, and Danks) have a potential, “wow” written all over them.  They have 13-18 wins written on each of them, and will be the focal point to the 2010 White Sox.  As the starting staff looks to lead the Sox into the playoffs next year, the offense will need to be more consistent in order for them to truly be a contender.

With Jermaine Dye’s status up in the air (do they pick up his option, do they buy him out and sign him for cheap, or do they just let him go) the Sox will look to younger bats to provide the offense.  Lately I have read rumors about the Sox going after Bobby Abreu and/or Chone Figgins of the Angels (which would provide a left handed bat and base stealing leadoff man), regardless if that’s true or not Carlos Quentin and Alex Rios will need to step in and be big run producers next year.  Carlos came out firing in 2008 and was an MVP candidate until his season ended due to his own frustration.  He battled injuries this year, and if healthy next year will need to step in and be the 1-2 punch with Paul Konerko.

Alex Rios, “the 60 million dollar man” has come to the South Side (claimed off waivers) and has forgotten how to hit.  Despite Alex’s hitting woes this year, in twenty-ten he needs to live up to his potential.  He needs to be the guy in 2007, which hit .291 with 25 homeruns and drove in over 80 runs.   He needs to be the guy in 2008 that stole over 30 bases.  He needs to put it all together and step in play center field and be that all around baseball player we think he can be.

It could be another wild off-season, especially when Kenny Williams is running the show, but despite any rumors, Carlos Quentin and Alex Rios need to live up to expectations.  They’re due!

Well Hawk, you’re on TV and have to watch your language, I on the other hand along with many other Sox fans sitting at our homes, do not. Half the time I can’t believe what I am seeing. Whether it’s the lack of offense, poor defense, or even worse, the bullpen giving up unnecessary runs in the late innings, I have done enough cussing these last few weeks that a truck driver would be proud. The cussing that I have done, would lead to the fact that Kenny Williams has done some cussing of his own, as he traded Jim Thome and Jose Contreras to playoff contenders over in the National League. A lot of writers and analyst see this is a white flag trade, but I am not one of them. Trading Jose Contreras who was 5-13 with an ERA above 5 is considered a white flag? How so? How is trading away a pitcher that horrendous considered giving up? The White Sox can throw just about any other pitcher in his spot, and it’s almost guaranteed he won’t be as bad as Contreras was. Not to mention, he’s a free agent after this year and isn’t in the Sox plans for the future.

Now Jim Thome on the other hand, the only left handed power hitter the Sox have in their line up who is destined to be in the Hall of Fame someday might be throwing in the towel. Why though? His average and power numbers have all dipped since he first day in a Sox uniform. He doesn’t play first base anymore, he can only for from 1st to 3rd or 2nd to home if the ball hit deep to the outfield. He has a sore back, bad feet and still strikes out a lot. Don’t get me wrong, I love Jim. He is a class act, and is a clubhouse guy, but if/when Carlos Quentin, Jermaine Dye, Paul Konerko and Alex Rios are hitting, there isn’t a real need for Thome in the line up. Also like Contreras, Thome is a free agent after this year and the Sox need to get younger and more athletic from 1 to 9.

This team threw in the towel a long time ago with its inability to do the little things to win ball games. They traded away 2 small pieces of a big puzzle who didn’t have a fit on this team anymore.

I apologize for my disappearance, but I have been soaking in the White Sox for the past week or so.  A lot has happen since we’ve last seen each other and not only are the Sox better on paper, but on the field as well.  Lets not dwell on the prospects that were in involved in the Jake Peavy trade.  At 28 years old Peavy has over 90 victories and a CY Young award under his belt.  Clayton Richard is already 25 with only a few flashes on his resume.  He was expendable.  Aaron Poreda is the wild card in the deal.  He is only 22 with a ton of upside but is still a few years away from proving his value.  Basically Sox fans, Kenny wants to win now, and has put together a rotation that can give the Sox a chance to win for the next few years.

I know what you are thinking?  He makes a ton of money and the Sox usually don’t take on such big contracts from players.  This is accurate but with Jim Thome, Jose Contreras, and Octavio Dotel’s contracts expiring at the end of this year (around $30 million), our Sox can afford to take on Peavy’s big salary.  Jermaine Dye has a mutual option for $12 million, but since Dye is still hitting at a high level and playing a decent right field, he gives the Sox more options for RF and DH for 2010.  I expect the Sox to pick up that option, or do some sort of buyout and re-offer Dye a deal to keep him as the DH for the next 2 years.  With that being said, move (hopefully) a healthy Carlos Quentin to right field (his natural position), and perhaps resign the resurgent spark plug in Scott Podsednik for a year (maybe 2) to play left.

The addition of Mark Kotsay is an unsung upgrade from Brian Anderson.  We all know Anderson can go get ‘em in center, but he had 4 years to prove he can hit, and each year couldn’t consistently prove his worth on the Sox.  He asked for a trade and all I can say is… He gone!  Not only can Kotsay play all 3 outfield positions, he can also play first base.  He’s a proven left handed hitter and may prove to be (hopefully) the “Geoff Blum” signing of 2009.

A big key for the Sox down the stretch and key to success in the playoffs?  Well the obvious choices are:

1.  A healthy pitching staff, which includes Peavy.  The starters have been above average and a healthy Peavy just legitimizes an already solid staff

2.  Podsednik – No reason why he cant continue his spark from the leadoff spot

3.  Gordon Beckham – Is there anything this kid can’t do?  His defense is getting better and he is just proving to be a natural hitter

4.  Carlos Quentin – He seems to be healthy or almost 100%, but with his bat producing in the lineup is like making a trade for an All-Star power hitter.  Also, leave him hitting 6th or 7th… Why not? Konerko and AJ are getting on base regularly, why not have power hitting Carlos drive them home from the 7th spot?

5.  Steal, steal, steal.  Jayson Nix, Chris Getz, Alexei Ramirez and Scotty Pods and doing a solid job of creating offense by stealing bases

AND MY BIG KEY TO MAKING A RUN AT THE PLAYOFFS AND IN THE PLAYOFFS…

6.  Take numbers 1-5 and translate that too… Winning on the road.  The Sox are 4 games under on the road and if they are going to catch and pass the Detroit Tigers (as well, hold off the Minnesota Twins) they need to win on the road.  They have 29 road games remaining including trips to Boston, New York, LA Angels, Minnesota (which we all know how the Sox play up there) and the final 3 road games in Detroit against the Tigers.  Of course, I know winning is important whether is home and on the road, I get that.  Listen, the Sox are playing much better at home and with games against Indians this weekend (Royals, Orioles next home stand) they still need to take care of business in their own backyard but let me explain…

Lets say on those 29 road games they Sox go, eeehhh, 16-13.  And on these final 24 home games, eeehhh, 16-8… you know what, make it… 17-7.  Thats 89 wins, and somehow squeaked past the Tigers on the final game of the year… (with a Gordon Beckham walk off home run!)   Okay, moving on… So they make the playoffs (which us Sox fans would love back to back years of playoffs as we also know this team with the a leadoff hitter and speed, would fair much better this time around) but being more than likely the lowest win total division winner… that means like last year, the Sox are on starting the playoffs on the road.  If things played out the way the are (but our Sox winning the division of course) that means we are playing in either New York or LA.  I know its not Minnesota and the dreaded Metrodome, but playing playoff baseball on the road in either place and potentially coming back down 2 games to 0 isn’t a road we want to travel again.

I may be getting ahead of myself with talking playoffs, but with 29 road games left and the final 3 games in Detroit… the defending AL Central champs will have to win this one away from home.

Dear Mark,

I am not even sure where to begin.  I’m speechless.  This if you knew me, is very rare as I always have something to say.  There are just so many things that have been said about you, it’s become a broken record.  And finally after yesterday, people nationally now know who you are.  This is funny because like the Sox and its fans, we always seem to go unnoticed.  Yet quietly you have put together a career that most pitchers would dream of.

Are you a Hall of Famer?  If you decide to pitch after your contract is up in 2011, there is a chance.  As much as I would love to see you in Cooperstown, I don’t think it matters.  You have given us Sox fans so much over these past 10 years.  You’ve given us stellar defense and should have at least a Gold Glove (or 2) already, but perhaps this is your year.  You have been to 4 All-Star games and even started the 2005 All Star game in Detroit.  You’ve given this city a World Series title in 2005 which is forever cemented in our memory.  You threw a no hitter back in 2007 and were 1 pitch away in that game from being perfect.  Not only have your on the field feats been impressive you are truly kid playing a man’s game.  You slide on tarps; joke with fans, teammates and the media; and just absolutely appreciate this gift and opportunity to play the game of baseball.

(Flashback) – Back on July 23, 2002 Frank Thomas hit the longest Homerun in Comiskey (US cellular) Park History.  I was in attendance and couldn’t believe I got to see that at the time.  That Homerun no longer stands as the longest one hit on the South Side, but 7 years later, your pitching performance will stand as top 5 most memorable moments in White Sox History.  Homeruns are hit every day in every ballpark across this country.  Yesterday you gave us something that has only been done 18 times…ever!

Mark, once again I don’t know what to say.  Unfortunately I am unemployed.  But fortunate enough that I was able to sit back, relax, and strap it down for your day of perfection.  I wasn’t in attendance, but I didn’t miss a pitch.  When the final out was recorded, a small tear of joy fell from my face (I might have just handed in my man card for the next few weeks), but it’s because you’re our guy.  We saw Randy Johnson (a future Hall of Famer, and perhaps one of the greatest lefties of all time) through a perfect game 5 years ago, but it won’t mean the same as yours did yesterday.  30 years from now when I am walking around the concourse with my son talking baseball I’ll be talking about some of the great players and moments during my generation…

“I witnessed Randy Johnson for 20 years… dominate both leagues!”

“I saw my favorite player of all time Ken Griffey Jr’s sweet swing, gold glove, and elegance grace the game of baseball for over 20 years!”

“I saw Cal Ripken reach the unthinkable milestone when he played in 2,632 straight games!”

“I watched Ichiro make every big league pitcher look like an 11 year old as he slapped hits to all fields!”

“Son, this statue here, this is Frank Thomas. The Greatest White Sox hitter of all time!”

“This statue is Bobby Jenks.  All time leader in saves.  And as a 24 year old, came in to pitch the final inning of the 2005 World Series and help preserve the victory!”

“Aaah Paul Konerko!  You always wanted to this guy up with the game on the line.  Did I tell you about the Grand Slam he hit in the World Series?”

“G-Beeee!  I tell you what; Gordon Beckham was a professional hitter!  Hit to all fields! (Okay, maybe I am getting ahead of myself on this one)

“And son, this statue here… This is Mark Buehrle!  Let me tell you a story or two about him…”

As a lifelong White Sox fan, I just wanted to say… Thank you Mark!  You never seem to disappoint!

All the Best,

Brian G

P.S. Give Dewayne Wise an extra hug for me.  No matter how long his he wears a White Sox jersey that catch is cemented in my memory and will go down as one of the greatest catches in White Sox and Baseball History!

The only thing that matters in baseball (all sports for that matter) is wins. As a fan you don’t even care sometimes how your team gets the win, as long as it does. I have stated before with baseball that the key to winning is pitching, defense and timely hitting. I have failed to mention though another key component to winning baseball games, and not just regular season games, but post-season games… is a closer. Not just any closer, but one who is mentality tough. I think we have seen over the course of many years that closing is an art form for an individual that is mentality and emotionally prepared to step into a tense situation and ready to shut down the opposition. We have seen many fail, and aren’t able to close games out for a season, let alone a career.

We have seen Trevor Hoffman close games out, just over 570 of them. We have recently seen Mariano Rivera reach 500 career saves with an ERA just above 2.30. Currently our beloved White Sox have a closer in the name of Bobby Jenks, and in save situations, “Big, Bad,” Bobby Jenks! There have been rumors, small ones, and not recently, but the Sox may trade Big Bobby. Why? Well this season has definitely turned back around in favor of the Sox competing again for another division title, but Jenks, at 28 years old and with 136 career saves could bring a lot back in return. But why give him away? He may not have the “stuff” of a Rivera, but he as proven that he can close out games with consistency. Why not lock him up for the next 4-5 years? That will put him around age 33 and if he keeps up the average of 38 saves a year, will put him over 300 for his career. Nothing is guaranteed in this life and in sports for that matter. Why not lock up a sure thing while you have it? Well, in the case of the Sox, money is always an issue. How much will Bobby command? Will he take a hometown discount like Mark Buehrle did?

All that remains to be seen, but if the price is right and without a closer waiting in the wings, Big Bad Bobby Jenks is, and needs to be the guy for the next handful of years.

]]> http://whitesox.gearupforsports.com/blog/2009/07/hes-our-guy/feed/ 0 http://whitesox.gearupforsports.com/blog/2009/07/hes-our-guy/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/gearupforsports/whitesox/~3/-3EP1Xl3kEI/ http://whitesox.gearupforsports.com/blog/2009/07/the-halladay-season/#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:00:44 +0000 Jim Andresen http://whitesox.gearupforsports.com/blog/?p=290 The Sox have been playing very well of late. Since the start of the first Cubs series on June 17th, the South Siders have gone 13-6, leaving them only two games behind the division-leading Tigers. The pitching staff has been strong, the offense has been producing, and the defense has been… improving, to say the least.

This has, of course, brought us to the usual debate of whether Kenny should make a big mid-season move or not. He has already attempted to pry Jake Peavy from the Padres, a move that I wasn’t thrilled with. The new rumor, however, revolves around Toronto ace Roy Halladay. Now, bringing Halladay to the Sox would make me much happier than Peavy; he’s simply a better pitcher. However that doesn’t mean I’m for the move.

First of all, Halladay is 32. He’s not past his prime yet, but let’s be honest: he’s no spring chicken. I’ve been a firm supporter of the Sox getting younger, not older. Halladay would obviously be a great short-term solution, but at what cost to the future?

Secondly, the Blue Jays have reportedly been seeking a young shortstop in return for Halladay’s services. You know what that means: Gordon Beckham. Beckham, despite playing in college a little over a year ago, is already producing extremely well for the Sox. His future looks bright, and it seems as though we’ve found a solid infielder for the next decade. I’m not so sure I want to trade a guy who can produce at a high level for that length of time for a guy who probably doesn’t have many great years left in him.

In conclusion, bringing Halladay to the White Sox would make them a contendor this year. Not just for the division, but for the whole damn thing. That would make for a fun summer, and probably a fun fall as well. However, it would bring the Sox closer to having to go into full rebuild-mode after guys like Konerko, Dye, Thome, Contreras, and yes, Halladay are through. I’d hate to go through lean years like the Indians have found themselves in.

Many, myself included, were hesitant to sign Pods off the Colorado Rockies’ scrap heap, but in retrospect, the move made perfect sense. He’s been the best, and most consistent, position player for the Sox over the past two months. This brings me to three points:

1. Wow, this guy can still play. At 33 he isn’t a long-term fix at the position, but Pods can still hit, run, and even field a bit. After two disappointing years on the South Side and in Colorado, Pods seems to have sipped from the Fountain of Youth. Maybe he feels comfortable playing for Ozzie, maybe he likes being around old friends, or maybe he realizes he’s on his last leg and wants to give it one last go. Whatever the reason, he’s been the biggest part of the White Sox staying above water in Carlos Quentin’s absence.

2. This says a great deal about the White Sox as an organization. The fact that they continually bring back ex-players, even ones past their prime, shows how classy the front office is. They recognized that without Pods they wouldn’t be wearing the World Series bling, and they gave him a shot to play. It was up to Pods himself to turn it into something, but kudos to the Sox for giving him the chance.

3. Maybe the Sox will sign Pods to an extension. Like I said earlier the guy isn’t a long-term solution, but he might have a few quality years left. He could definitely be a piece of the puzzle in bringing the Sox back to conention.. If the team decides to part with Jermaine Dye, they’re going to need an outfielder (at least until Jordan Danks is ready) and Pods could be a nice transition until the young kids are ready.

Whatever happens with Pods, the Sox still need to make some moves. This isn’t a team that’s going to win the World Series, even with him playing at a high level. And even though I’ve had my bones to pick with him over the years (will you please run that ground-ball out?), Pods has given a lot to this organization. It’s good to know we gave a little back, too.