Tagged: Mark Teahen

A Fun Win, the Roster Narrows Down and Another Day in Paradise

GLENDALE, AZ–After witnessing a tie on Sunday against the Reds and a blowout loss against the Royals last night, it was fun to be part of yesterday’s 6-1 Sox win over the Rockies at Camelback Ranch.

Juan Pierre was 3 for 5 with an RBI, Mark Kotsay 3 for 4 with an RBI and Alex Rios clouted a stand-up triple, driving in two first inning runs. The struggling Mark Teahen singled and laid down a nice sacrifice bunt.
On the pitching side, Freddy Garcia gave up a run and five hits in three frames. Dan Hudson and Randy Williams pitched two perfect innings each. Sergio Santos had some control issues in the eighth, but was rescued by Greg Aquino who got the last out of the inning and pitched a flawless ninth.
Speaking of Hudson, Santos and Aquino, it appears that they are the last men standing for the seventh and final spot in the pen as Jhonny Nunez and Freddy Dolsi were both optioned to Charlotte. Others on the chopping block were pitchers Lucas Harrell, Brian Omogrosso, Clevelan Santeliz (optioned to Charlotte), Brian Hynick (outrighted to Charlotte after an injury-plagued spring) and Santo Luis (Birmingham). The lone non-pitcher cut was catcher Cole Armstrong, who was assigned to minor league camp. The Sox are left with 44 players in the major league camp–20 pitchers, four catchers, 11 infielders and nine outfielders.
Sox notes of note: Nothing serious, but both Rios (left quad) and Carlos Quentin (left shoulder after being hit by a pitch for the second time) were taken out of yesterday’s game for precautionary reasons…Jared Mitchell‘s surgery was a success, but he’s definitely out for the season…Spent a great day at the ballpark yesterday with a group of friends, including Jeff and Lee Weiss who are fellow natives of Northwest Indiana. The only negative was that their sister, Lynn Garson, was in Florida and couldn’t join us. She’s at the top of the list when it comes to fans of the Pale Hose.
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   Jake Peavy, who will be on the mound against the Dodgers in today’s St.
   Patty’s matinee, and Alex Rios, one of yesterday’s hitting stars. 

Kissing Your Sister

You know the old adage, playing to a tie is like kissing your sister. That’s exactly what happened yesterday in Tempe as the Sox kicked off their spring training schedule with a 4-4 tie with the Angels.

The Sox had a 4-2 lead heading into the eighth, but prospect Brian Omogrosso couldn’t find the plate and the tying runs scored. The South Siders had a chance in the top of the ninth with Alejandro De Aza on third and two outs, but C.J. Retherford struck out.

While it certainly wasn’t as satisfying as getting the win, we’ll take the tie on the road. And here are a few positives to ponder.

* A.J. Pierzynski‘s two-run homer in the fifth to give the Sox a 4-2 lead.
* Starter John Danks‘ two shutouts innings.
* If yesterday was any indication, the Sox will indeed run in 2010. They stole four
   bases in the opener–Juan Pierre, Andruw Jones, Mark Kotsay, De Aza.
* Converted infielder Sergio Santos was very impressive, striking out the side in
   the sixth.
* Dayan Viciedo, trying to make the switch to first, played well in the field and singled
   in a run.
* Newcomers Pierre and Mark Teahen each reached base on a hit and scored a run.
* Lefties Randy Williams and Erick Threets and righty Clevelan Santeliz each pitched
  a scoreless inning. Santeliz shut the door in the ninth to preserve the tie.

  Mark Buehrle makes his first spring start today against the Dodgers at Camelback
  Ranch. J.J. Putz and Scott Linebrink are also scheduled to see action.

mark1.png                       Mr. Perfect takes the hill today vs. the Dodgers in Glendale