Tagged: Daniel Hudson
We Just Can’t Beat ‘Em
Minnesota 1, White Sox 0.
There’s not much left to say. We just can’t beat the Twins, even without the majority of their starters in the lineup. We’re now 0-4 against them this season, scoring a total of three runs.
Our stay in the Twin Cities amounted to one run, 11 hits and two losses. We drop to four games under .500 and 5 1/2 in back of the division lead.
Mark Buehrle was excellent this afternoon, giving up only a Michael Cuddyer homer and three other hits. But there was more frustration on offense as we got shut out for the seventh time and grounded into two more double plays, both stalling potential rallies. The clutch hits just weren’t there–again.
Interesting pitching matchup tomorrow night in Phoenix as we reprise interleague play against the D-backs. It’ll be Edwin Jackson (4-5, 4.39) for the Sox vs. the man they gave up last summer to get him, young Daniel Hudson (7-5, 3.82).
Jackson Shines in Sox Debut; Sale a Big Leaguer
When the White Sox announced they had traded promising righty Daniel Hudson and another top prospect for Edwin Jackson, skeptics pointed to Jackson’s subpar performance in Arizona this season.
Then word leaked out that Sox pitching guru Don Cooper had spotted something in Jackson’s delivery and was convinced he could help Edwin make the necessary adjustment.
If Jackson’s Sox debut is any indication, Coop deserves a standing ovation from Sox fans. Though he was touched for nine hits, the newest Sox starter gave up only one run while striking out six and walking just one in seven-plus innings tonight as the Pale Hose defeated the Tigers, 4-1.
Sale of the Year
While Jackson’s performance provided the best news, the most intriguing news out of SoxWorld today was the promotion of the club’s 2010 top draft pick Chris Sale to Chicago. Just a matter of months away from leading the staff at Florida Gulf Coast University, Sale is now the second lefty in our pen. Can’t wait to see him in action. He was lights out at both Winston-Salem and Charlotte in his brief minor league stint.
Just a couple of months ago, Chris Sale was introduced as the club’s first round draft choice and threw out the ceremonial first pitch (above). Now he’s a full-fledged member of the White Sox bullpen.
No Manny, No Dunn, No Sweat
The false rumors about Manny Ramirez or Adam Dunn being dealt to the White Sox might make it seem like the South Siders failed to get the job done at the trade deadline. I look at it quite the opposite. Sometimes the trades you don’t make benefit you the most.I certainly don’t know exactly what the asking price was for either slugger, but adding one or the other could have hurt more than helped if it meant giving up the likes of Gordon Beckham, Carlos Quentin or Tyler Flowers. Not only for the future, but for the present–on the field and in the clubhouse. And we all know Kenny Williams. If there is a way to improve the club by claiming somebody on the waiver wire, he’ll do it.
With Jake Peavy out for the season, Edwin Jackson (pictured above) is a fine pickup. I hated to part with Daniel Hudson, who has the potential of being a fine major league starter, but Jackson’s veteran presence will help fill the Peavy void. He’s also signed through next season.
Thought for the day: No need to dwell on last night’s 6-2 loss to the A’s. It was bound to happen after the amazing winning streak at home. The important thing is to come out today and beat former Sox Gio Gonzalez and stay ahead of the surging Twins, now just a half-game behind.
Harrell’s Successful Debut, Trade for Jackson Highlight Interesting Day in SoxWorld
Lucas Harrell is up, Edwin Jackson is in and Daniel Hudson is out.
Anything else happen in White Sox World yesterday? Oh yeah, the South Siders won their fifth in row and their 12th straight at home–an impressive 6-1 victory over those pesky A’s.
As we turn our attention to today’s trade deadline, we’re well aware that Kenny Williams may not be done. Will Jackson be turned around in a package for Adam Dunn? Is Brett Myers on the horizon? Is there a wild-card player out there that KW has his eye on? I’m going to hold my comments until the deadline has passed since I’ve got a feeling we’re not done.
The Harrell story is a nice one. Drafted in 2004, it has taken Lucas all this time to reach the majors and he made the most of it, giving up a single run in six innings for his first major league victory.
Harrell on the mound…
Getting a hand from the crowd…
And being greeted with the traditional beer shower…
Harrell may be on his way back to Charlotte when Jackson arrives, but what a night it was for a guy who has waited a long time to reach the bigs and woke up yesterday morning having no idea he was on his way to Chicago.
Just One of Those Days: A’s 10, White Sox 2
It’s something White Sox fans certainly didn’t want to happen, but the truth is that the South Siders were due to be on the losing side of a blowout as they were this afternoon in Oakland. You never like a loss, but this one is a whole lot easier to take than the recent walk-off defeats. I bet even Ozzie would agree with me.
For the record, the last time the Sox lost by as many as five runs was on June 8 in a 7-2 loss at the hands of the Tigers at the Cell. The last time they lost this badly was four days earlier in a 10-1 drubbing by the Indians, also in Chicago.
Since then, there have been the 11 and nine game winning streaks and the Sox have consistently battled and played close games in the losses. So today’s 10-2 result was rare indeed.
Freddy Garcia, the ace of the staff most of this season, was dreadful for a change as he got yanked in the second inning after giving up five runs, six hits and three walks. The only offensive highlight in our four-hit attack was a two-run homer by Ramon Castro which tied the game at 2-2 in the second inning. It was all downhill from there.
The Sox, with Daniel Hudson on the mound, will attempt to win the series against the A’s tomorrow and finish the 10-game Minnesota, Seattle and Oakland road trip at .500.
Sunday’s Heartbreak Now in the Rearview Mirror
You have to give it to these White Sox. After Sunday’s ninth-inning meltdown in Minnesota, the third Sox loss in a row, no one knew how the club would react as they headed to Seattle and Oakland. Rest easy Sox fans, at least for now.There are still five more games remaining on the road trip, but the early signs on the West Coast are very promising. Behind a fine performance by 23-year-old Daniel Hudson and homers by Alex Rios and Andruw Jones, the Sox coasted to a 6-1 victory over the Mariners. In the process they increased their division lead to 2 1/2 games over the Tigers and Twins, who both lost–to the Rangers and Indians respectively.
Some highlights:
* The Pale Hose cranked out 12 hits. Omar Vizquel, Rios, Paul Konerko and Gordon Beckham led the way with two apiece.
* Vizquel has been a marvel, at the plate and especially in the field. He’s now batting .271.
* Rios had three RBIs, including the two-run homer, giving him 54 for the season in addition to 16 roundtrippers and a .307 BA.
• Paulie continues to sizzle. His two hits last night raised his average to .303.
* Beckham’s surge has been fun to watch. Once languishing on or near the Mendoza line, GBeck is hitting .571 during his current eight-game hitting streak. He’s now at .241 and
rising. In other words, he’s back to being the Beckham of a year ago.
* Hudson went 6 2/3, giving up only a lone first inning run. Matt Thornton, Tony Pena and Scott Linebrink closed the door in relief, combining for 2 1/3 scoreless innings.
Mr. Hudson to the rescue
Some Musings as First-Place White Sox Begin Second Half of Season Against the Twins
With the All-Star Game break, the blog has been dark for the past three days. But the Sox are back in action today–and so am I.
Here are a few thoughts as the Sox attempt to continue the surge that moved them into the A.L. Central lead after Sunday’s win against the Royals.
–The Sox have reported that Jake Peavy‘s surgery yesterday could not have gone better. Jake, see you in Glendale.
–The South Siders’ No. 1 draft pick, Chris Sale (pictured below), has been promoted from Class A Winston-Salem to AAA Charlotte after only four one-inning stints. Seems like he’s doing his Daniel Hudson imitation, only quicker. He could be in Chicago before too long.
–Those Adam Dunn to the White Sox rumors continue. Reports are that the Nationals are holding out for Gordon Beckham. If that’s the case, it won’t happen. Beckham’s 2010 struggles aside, Gordo is a keeper and the Sox know it.
–I haven’t seen it reported anywhere, but if the acquisition of Dunn doesn’t materialize–and I think Prince Fielder is out of the question–how about adding Raul Ibanez as a lefty bat in the Sox lineup? I’ve always liked him (actually hated him) because of his great success against the Sox over the years. Word is that the Phils wouldn’t mind parting with Raul.
–The Sox are hoping to start a new tradition tonight at Target Field. A tradition of dominating the Twins on their home field. The pitching matchups for the weekend:
TONIGHT: John Danks vs. Kevin Slowey
TOMORROW NIGHT: Gavin Floyd vs. Francisco Liriano
SATURDAY NIGHT: Mark Buehrle vs. Carl Pavano
SUNDAY: Freddy Garcia vs. Nick Blackburn
–After the four games in Minnesota, the Sox play three in Seattle, enjoy an off day and then travel to Oakland for three before returning home on July 26 vs. the Mariners.
Believe It! White Sox in First Place at Break
With all the angst and negativity that the White Sox and their fans went through during the first two months of the season, it was beyond crazy to think that here at the All-Star break I can look you straight in the eye and say: The Pale Hose are in first place.
On the strength of winning 25 of their last 30 with superb pitching, clutch hitting and tight defense, the Sox are unbelievably on top of the A.L. Central 11 games above .500. Today’s 15-5 triumph over the Royals and the Twins victory in Detroit gave the South Siders their eighth straight win and a 1/2 game division lead over the Tigers.
The Happy Totals: The 15-run, 18-hit offensive explosion today at the Cell was a sight to behold and overshadowed Daniel Hudson‘s mediocre season debut. The Sox scored seven runs in the third inning powered by four home runs (Alex Rios, Carlos Quentin, Andruw Jones and Dayan Viciedo) and five in the sixth (highlighted by Quentin’s grand slam, his second two-homer game in as many days). Jones’ blast, a three-run shot, was his 400th career round-tripper…Other offensive highlights included Gordon Beckham’s 3 for 4, RBI day and a pinch-hit RBI double by the suddenly productive Brent Lillibridge, who is hitting .455 with 10 RBI since his call-up from Charlotte.
It’s Only Spring Training
If it were a game played in the middle of a pennant race, it might have prompted a tirade from Ozzie. But yesterday’s 8-3 loss to the Dodgers in the spring home opener was simply a blip on the way to Opening Day in Chicago.
Of the few bright spots, J.J. Putz appeared healthy as he struck out a pair in one inning of work. Outfield prospect Stefan Gartrell doubled in a run for the South Siders’ only extra base hit of the day in his lone plate appearance. First baseman Josh Kroeger singled in a run and last year’s No.1 draft choice Jared Mitchell also singled and drove in a run.
Mark Buehrle gave up a run, three hits and a walk in two innings, but we know there’s nothing to worry about there. He’s just getting ready.
Split squad action today. Daniel Hudson will start against the Cubs in Mesa and Freddy Garcia will be the first to take the mound vs. the Dodgers in Glendale.
Daniel Hudson begins his bid for a roster spot
Art of the Pale Hose 