Tagged: Bobby Jenks

2012-04-2918FebGMT+023020:30+00.00

It Was Just a Matter of Time

2012-04-2920JanGMT+023020:30+00.00

SoxFest Day 3: Weekend Ends With Sox Fans Excited About Upcoming Season

It was a weekend Lovefest at SoxFest.

Optimism reigned as it was obvious that the “All In” approach to the 2011 season has made a huge impact on Sox fans.

The annual Pale Hose celebration ended Sunday just in time for fans to get home or go to the nearest watering hole to watch the Bears-Packers title game. But regardless of the football fever in Chicago, thoughts were also focused on February 17 when the Sox pitchers and catchers report.

More News & Notes…

* The most interesting tidbit to come out of Sunday’s sessions was Ozzie revealing that he chose to audition Chris Sale as the club closer at the end of the season even though Bobby Jenks was healthy enough to pitch.

* It was obvious from those fans in attendance over the weekend that the White Sox faithful is sick and tired of losing to the Twins. The consensus from the Sox, whether it was the Chairman or the players, is that tighter defense and being more fundamentally sound in all phases of the game are the keys to detroning Minnesota in the A.L. Central.

2012-04-2911DecGMT+023020:30+00.00

Sox-wise and Otherwise: The Hunt for Paul Konerko and the Loss of a Great Sox Fan

My weekly offseason opinions and observations about the White Sox and more…

The White Sox have surely kept me in blogging mode with all of the activity in the last few days:

–The signing of Dunn (pictured above)

–Getting A.J. back into the fold

–Non-tendering Jenks

–Picking up the Missle‘s option

–Trading Linebrink

Next on the agenda, according to KW, is the attempt to sign Paulie. Despite the cash the team has just spent for the two most recent free agent signings, Williams has said there’s enough resources left to bring Konerko back to the South Side. In part, this has been made possible by non-tendering Jenks, saving $4 million by letting Linebrink go and the unselfish gestures by Dunn and Pierzynski, who have both agreed to defer salary so the Sox will have the wherewithal to afford Konerko. And maybe a bullpen piece to boot.

Sox Lose a Great Fan

My good friend Kevin “Sully” Sullivan, former Communications Director in the George W. Bush White House who also headed up PR for NBC Sports and the Dallas Mavericks, lost his Dad this week. Timothy J. Sullivan was 89.

A South Sider to the core, the elder Sullivan passed along his passion for our White Sox to Kevin and his siblings. Sully shared with a group of Sox fan friends that his Dad would have loved the positioning of his death notice–which was right next to the news that the Sox signed Dunn.

May he rest in peace.

2012-04-297DecGMT+023020:30+00.00

Sox Have Crazy Thursday: Non-Tender Jenks, Sign Dunn, Bring A.J. Back into the Fold and Pick Up Alexei’s Option

We thought all the action would happen at next week’s annual Winter Meetings in Orlando, but the Sox surprised everyone yesterday with a blockbuster day of moves that began to shape the team for next season.

It was hard to keep up with it all:

First, the Sox picked up the $2.5 option for Alexei Ramirez.

Second, Bobby Jenks was non-tendered.

Third, word came out that the Sox signed slugger Adam Dunn.

Fourth, I woke up this morning to find out that A.J. had signed a two-year deal (to continue my obsession with the ’05 Sox, Mark Buehrle is now assured of having a fellow World Champion as a teammate in 2011).

If that weren’t enough, there’s talk that that signing Paul Konerko is still a possibility. And could J.J. Putz be right behind?

So, what’s behind all of this spending? After Kenny Williams submitted two different budgets–one that would focus on cutting salaries and rebuilding and the other would increase the payroll–this is what was decided, according to Williams:

“The decision was that if we’re going all in, we’re going all in.”

You’ll get no argument from me.

2012-04-2921DecGMT+023020:30+00.00

A Dunn Deal?

Kenny Williams says he will address the Adam Dunn “rumors” tomorrow afternoon. By all media reports, the slugger has agreed to a four-year, $56 million dollar pact. It will give the Sox a huge bat from the left side–a hitter who has clouted 38 homers in each of the last two years, 40 or more five times and a career total of 354. Now we have to get Paul Konerko into the fold along with a catcher (preferably A.J. Pierzynski) and some bullpen help with Bobby Jenks out of the picture and J.J. Putz a free agent.

I guess the big question is how much talent can we really afford? The answer can’t come soon enough.

2012-04-2916DecGMT+023020:30+00.00

Jenks is a Goner, Mr. Perfect Only 2005 Survivor on Current Sox Roster

With today’s non-tendering of closer Bobby Jenks, the current White Sox roster shows Mark Buehrle as the sole holdover from the 2005 World Champions.

Depending on what transpires on the free agent market, Buehrle may yet have company if the South Siders sign Paul Konerko, A.J. Pierzynski or Freddy Garcia. If I were a betting man, I’d say A.J. has the best chance of returning, with Garcia possible and Konerko doubtful. Regarding Paulie, the latest scoop has the Sox closing in on slugger Adam Dunn, which may or may not signal Konerko’s exit. Although I won’t believe it until it happens, the long-time Sox first baseman may be headed to Baltimore, which has already made him an offer.

I would be remiss if I didn’t pay tribute to Jenks. He recently wore out his welcome with his weight problem and heartbreaking series of blown saves, but for the most part he was a godsend. Coming on strong during the ’05 season when Shingo Takatsu failed and Dustin Hermanson couldn’t stay healthy, he was money as the Pale Hose closer in their successful run to glory and continued his excellence for most of the five years since. And who can ever forget Ozzie’s hilarious call to the bullpen in the ’05 Series for the hefty Jenks (pictured above).

Whether it’s free agent J.J. Putz, Matt Thornton, Chris Sale or a wild card addition, the Sox will have a new closer and a revamped bullpen. It’s a little scary not knowing what will happen, but I, for one, think it’s time for a change.

2012-04-2917NovGMT+023020:30+00.00

Sox Make Key Decisions on Paulie, A.J., J.J.

The verdict is in. The White Sox have decided to offer arbitration to Paul Konerko and J.J. Putz, but declined to do so with A.J. Pierzynski.

Konerko and Putz have until a week from today (November 30) to decide whether or not they will accept. If the players decline and sign elsewhere the Sox will receive top draft choices as compensation.

A.J. is another story. Since the Sox declined to offer him arbitration they won’t get anything if he signs with another team. Of course, the South Siders still can negotiate with him and bring him back into the fold.

The big question seems to be, why offer to Paulie, but not A.J. (the Putz situation seems obvious in that Bobby Jenks looks like a goner)?

Consider these possibilities concerning Pierzynski:

* The Sox didn’t want to pay him more than he made this past season. Everyone gets a raise in arbitration.

* They feel they can sign him anyway, although there is certainly no guarantee. With Victor Martinez now off the market having signed with the Tigers, A.J. will undoubtedly be coveted more by other teams.

* They want to move on without him. Word is that they made a big offer to Martinez, an indication they are looking around.

By the way, the Pale Hose also declined of offer arbitration to September flop Manny Ramirez. No surprise here.

2012-04-297NovGMT+023020:30+00.00

Sox-wise and Otherwise: Will Buehrle be the Last Man Standing From 2005 World Champs?

Here’s a sobering thought.
When White Sox spring training begins in February, Mark Buehrle may very well be the lone survivor from the 2005 World
Champions.

It’s certainly premature to
carve this scenario in stone, but with Paul Konerko, A.J. Pierzynski and
Freddy Garcia free agents and Bobby Jenks arbitration eligible, the popular lefthander from St.
Charles, Mo. could stand alone.

If you think about it, it’s
appropriate. Some may say Konerko would be the ideal “last man standing.” But
Paulie, as beloved as he is on the South Side with one more year in a Sox
uniform than Buehrle’s 11, lacks one thing–he’s not a home-grown White Sox.

While some Sox fans might be surprised because Paulie is so identified with the silver and black, Konerko grew up in the Dodger organization and played briefly for the Reds before coming to Chicago. Buehrle, on the other hand, was a 38th round pick for the Pale Hose in 1998 and has been with the organization ever since.

So, if Konerko, Pierzynski,
Jenks and Garcia go elsewhere in the next few months, only Buehrle will
represent the greatest year in Sox history on the active roster–and will do it
with a pretty impressive resume. Here are some of his career highlights,
already worthy of consideration for a likeness on the left field wall at the
Cell:

· Perfect
Game against the Rays

·
No-hitter
against the Rangers

·
148
wins in a Sox uniform, an impressive 38 games over .500

·
A
Major-league record 45 consecutive batters retired

·
Four-time
All-Star, winning pitcher for AL in 2005

·
An
ALDS victory, an ALCS win and a World Series save in 2005

·
10
consecutive seasons of 200-plus innings pitched, leading the league twice–also led league twice in games started

·
Two
Gold Gloves, including this past season

·
White
Sox record (8) for Opening Day starts

·
Arguably
the game’s best pickoff move

·
Among
the Sox career leaders in wins, starts, innings pitched, winning percentage,
quality starts (1^st) and strikeouts

And the above accomplishments
don’t factor in his leadership
abilities, ultra-competitiveness, team-first attitude, good humor and
charity/community involvement.

Sox
Notes of Note: Rumors run rampant this time of year.
One is that the Sox are willing to listen to offers for Gordon Beckham (really?)…Another is that Jermaine Dye, after sitting out the entire 2010 season, wants to
play next season. Reports are that the Rockies, Phillies and Rays are
interested…Yet another is that Sox are exploring the possibility of signing
free agent closer Rafael Soriano,
who was so strong last season for the Rays. Another sign that Jenks may be a
goner…Finally, congratulations to Buehrle for his winning a 2010 Gold Glove and
Alexei
Ramirez for his first Silver Slugger
award. Truth is, the Missle should have won a Gold Glove as well.

2012-04-298NovGMT+023020:30+00.00

Sox-Wise and Otherwise

My weekly off-season opinions and observations about the White Sox…

With the World Series in the rearview mirror, The White Sox brass can now get busy preparing for a championship run in 2011.

No huge news has come out of the Sox camp thus far, but there have been some productive and interesting activity as we wait on bigger things to come. Those “bigger” things I’m talking about are the decisions around free agents Paul Konerko and A.J. Pierzynski, the attempt to get a solid lefthanded hitter (the Cardinals’ Colby Rasmus has been rumored as a target), a move to shore up the bullpen which will impact the futures of arbitration-eligible Bobby Jenks and free agent J.J. Putz, plus various and sundry other determinations.

Here’s a rundown of what’s happened up until now:

Omar Back in Fold

Omar Vizquel‘s signing for another year at $1.75 million is the most positive move so far. He was a godsend this past season and, aside from Konerko, was probably the club’s MVP as a result of his infield wizardry and respectable .276 batting average. With promising third baseman Brent Morel slated for third base, Vizquel provides insurance there and valuable backup at both second base and shortstop.

Thornton, Castr
o Return to Unsettled Bullpen and Catching Situations

Next to the Vizquel deal, picking up the options of All-Star setup man Matt Thornton and Ramon Castro, perhaps the best backup backstop in the game, have provided the most positive news. Depending on what happens with the bullpen, Thornton could be next year’s closer. And Castro, who batted .328 with eight homers and 21 RBIs in only 37 games, gives depth to the catching position, especially if Pierzynski walks.

Paulie News

Konerko’s decision will probably take a while, but word is that there is at least one serious suitor–his hometown Arizona Diamondbacks. Paulie, who lives in Scottsdale and grew up in that area, certainly could be tempted to stay home as opposed to re-upping with the Sox.

Pal Joey

Unless something surprising happens, Joey Cora will be back as the White Sox bench coach. Just last week he came in second to Angels bench coach Ron Roenicke for the Milwaukee Brewers managing job.

Peavy on the Mend

Because his shoulder injury is so rare, no one knows when and, frankly, if Jake Peavy will come back close to his Cy Young form. Latest word is that he’s working hard in rehab and it won’t be long until he starts soft-tossing.

Sox Seek New AAA Skipper

The White Sox are looking for a new manager at AAA Charlotte. The previous incumbent, Chris Chambliss, best known for his pennant-winning homer for the Yankees in the 1976 ALCS, is the new hitting coach for the Mariners under new skipper Eric Wedge.

Lucy, Williams Minor League Free Agents

The Sox have outrighted both catcher Donny Lucy and lefty reliever Randy Williams to Charlotte. They are now off the 40-man roster and qualify as minor league free agents.

Rising Stars: White Sox Style

Three White Sox prospects were named to last Saturday’s Rising Stars Game, the Arizona Fall League’s All-Star Game.

Those Sox chosen were standout shortstop Eduardo Escobar (pictured below), right-handed pitcher Anthony Carter and the club’s 2009 No. 1 draft pick, Jared Mitchell.

Thus far, Escobar has been far and away the most impressive of the trio in the AFL. He is hitting .377 with an outstanding OPS (on base percentage plus slugging percentage) while leading the league with four homers along with great play in the field. For the record, he has also added four doubles and four triples.

Carter has recorded two saves while striking out 12 in seven innings of work while Mitchell, sans the gaudy stats, is still making significant progress after missing the entire 2010 season due to a leg injury.

In the Rising Stars Game itself, Escobar and Mitchell were both 0 for 1 and Carter pitched a scoreless 2/3 of an inning. Their team, the West, nipped the East, 3-2.

Art of the Pale Hose