Chip Shots

This Is A Test. This Is Only A Test.

chip@chipramsey.com (Chip Ramsey) — Mon, 28 May 2012 13:10:10 GMT

The Chicago White Sox have won eight of their last nine and in convincing fashion. The Sox have scored nine runs in four consecutive games for the first time since 1938.

That tells us two things: They had less offensive production in consecutive games in all of the years they made it to the playoffs and world series since 1938 (1959, 1983, 1993, 2000, 2005 and 2008.) And the second is the 1938 team finished 65-83-1, good for sixth place in the then eight team American League.

So, before you turn in that request for an October vacation, be advised that there is a long way to go. While the White Sox proved they can beat the lowly Cubs and Twins and the limping Indians, it's no guarantee that they can keep this up.

Which brings us to the Tampa Bay Rays. These guys are good, especially at home at the Trop. Their pitchers are good. Their hitters are good. Their bullpen is good. Their manager is good. This is not a free spot on the bingo board like the Twinkies or Cubs, this is a playoff caliber baseball team.

The Sox have a long history of losing streaks starting at the Trop as well as heartbreak, not to mention their first round playoff exit in 2008. Tampa isn't dead until the last man is out. Yesterday, they entered the ninth in Boston trailing by a run, got a two-run homer and won 4-3. This is who you are dealing with.

If the Sox win two of three, I might be a little more ready to shout I believe. But if you expect the Sox to continue to put up twelve runs a game against these guys, you have another thing coming.

Let's use this as a gage as how far the Sox have come. Let's hope it's further than we think.

Long Time Listener, First Time Moron

chip@chipramsey.com (Chip Ramsey) — Sun, 27 May 2012 12:16:00 GMT

I was listening to part of the White Sox post game show Saturday afternoon after a tremendous victory over Cleveland. Listeners should have been calling in and singing the praises of just about everybody, but instead, you would have thought the Sox lost by seven runs.

In my experience, you know it's going to be a long afternoon as a sports talk host when everybody calling doesn't really ask for your opinion, they merely call in to show how smart they allegedly think they are. "Hey, here's what we need to do..." they say. Are you planning a jailbreak or something, sir? Because last time I looked, you weren't affiliated with the team in an official capacity.

David Shuster gets the good guy award very patiently taking these calls and not acting like he wanted to reach down the phone line and strangle someone. Because if it were me, it would have been both barrels to the middle of the forehead.

Among the dumb ideas:

The White Sox need to trade for Cole Hammels.
The White Sox need to aquire Roy Oswalt
The White Sox should trade for Ryan Dempster

Let me break it down for you, genius:

It's only Memorial Day. The Phillies aren't nearly as bad as they have played and they will get better as their injured players return. They are certainly in the thick of the race in the NL East. Atlanta is shaky, Washington will fade and Miami could go a number of ways. The Phillies will just fine and be in contention late into September. That's why they won't be trading anyone anytime soon.
Have you seen the obscene amount of money Oswalt wants? Not a chance. And I'd say that if the White Sox weren't as financially challenged as they usually claim they are. Don't forget kids, Oswalt has a very short list. He's from Mississippi and his preference is Texas or Atlanta.
Ryan Dempster? Seriously? And what do the Sox give the Cubs? The Cubs want top line prospects to add to the rebuilding job they are doing on the North side and the Sox have very few. And they'll want to keep the ones they have. Hopefully, Kenny Williams learned something in the Hudson-Jackson trade that sometimes it's just better to hold 'em then go all in.

Do me a personal favor. Enjoy the way the Sox are playing right now. If you want to bitch, become a Cub fan. I'll hang up and listen

Quick Shots: Emotions In Check, Sox Get Job Done

chip@chipramsey.com (Chip Ramsey) — Thu, 24 May 2012 13:57:33 GMT

On a day after they buried one of their own, the Chicago White Sox avenged a 9-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins by whipping the Twinkies 6-0. Chris Sale was the big star going seven innings and giving the Twins little to work with.
The win came a day after the Sox attended the funeral of batting practice and former Sox pitcher Kevin Hickey, who passed away last week from complications related to diabetes. Most of the Sox players attended the funeral and several served as pallbearers. It was a long and emotional day for the Sox, one that may have caused them to come out flat Tuesday night.While it's easy for those in the seats to assume ballplayers can tune things out, they fail to realize that they are first human beings. As such, they are entitled to the benefit of the doubt when they brought their sorrow to the office on Tuesday.
It's the rubber match tonight. The Sox need another solid effort out of Phillip Humber to take this series before sending Danks, Peavy and Floyd after the Indians this weekend.
Don't take the Tribe too lightly either. They beat the Tigers again last night and don't seem to understand that they are expected to fold. This Indians series is big because after it's over, the Sox will have played Cleveland twelve times with only six games remaining head to head between the two teams. Beating Cleveland head to head is necessary if the Sox want to be in contention come late summer.
It appears Orlando Hudson is setteling in at third. O-Dog had a hit, an RBI and a couple of decent defensive plays last night. Maybe his upbeat and frothy personality will inject some life in to a fairly buttoned down team.
The Bears are now saying they are going to try former first round pick Chris Williams at left tackle. By pitting Williams against incumbent J'Marcus Webb, the Bears will finally get a measure of the oft injured Williams. Williams rookie contract is over after this season and if he can't do what the Bears ask him to do, he'll probably not be with the team next season.
This is one of the best sports articles I've read in a long time.
Green Bay Packers President Mark Murphy is rumored to be in the mix for the open Stanford AD job. As much as this pains me to say this, the Packers are a great franchise and to leave a gig like he has for love or money is totally incomprehensible to me. Man, I must have drank too much local water.

Pink Stinks, Sox Swoon

chip@chipramsey.com (Chip Ramsey) — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:27:55 GMT

I warned you yesterday. I told you that it didn't matter how bad the Minnesota Twins are, they turn into the '27 Yankees when they play the White Sox. And they did too, pounding the White Sox 9-2.

Pink Floyd struggled mightily in the second and third innings and didn't last much longer, surrendering all nine Minnesota runs, which included a three run homer by Justin Morneau. Meanwhile, Minnesota starter P.J. Walters gave his bullpen the night off, going the route giving up a run in the first and the ninth, but nothing in between.

No Kubel? No Cuddyer? No problem!

This is a Twins team that lost 16-2 to a below average Milwaukee team on Sunday.
I guess there are no ill effects.

Robin Ventura spoke the obvious after the game when he said "we got our ass kicked."

Chris Sale takes the mound tonight. Maybe the Sox will come out fired up and beat these guys. With Cleveland beating Detroit last night, the Sox are now 3½ games out of first. Time to cowboy up, boys.

I get the feeling that this team will be like a bad radio signal this season, fading in and out, making you happy for a minute when it booms in and then ticking you off when it fades out for a few minutes. They are, at this point, the definition of a .500 team. Which is not good if you want to see Jake Peavy pitch in a Sox uniform after July 31.

This division, at this point, is there for the taking, if these guys could just remove their collective heads from their backsides and do what they need to do. And what they need to do is lay a couple of ass kickings of their own on the Twins.

No Matter How Bad They Are, They're Still The Twinkies

chip@chipramsey.com (Chip Ramsey) — Tue, 22 May 2012 13:22:07 GMT

Fresh on the heels of their three game sweep of the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago White Sox resume play tonight, opening a three game series against the dreaded Minnesota Twins.

When Lovie Smith was introduced as the new head coach of the Bears, he made a point to mention that the Bears would beat Green Bay. Although Robin Ventura made no such promises about Minnesota, it may have excited Sox fans if he did.

Over the past several years, the Twins have been a speed bump the Sox keep tripping over. Many times, just when you thought the Sox were turning a corner, the Twins pop up and whack them with a mallet in a game of reverse whack a mole. In 2010, the Sox had that huge winning streak, then played the Twins after the break and were never heard from again.

These aren't your Daddy's Twins, not even your older brother's Twins. These are the horrible, mid 80's style Twins. Their pitching is horrible, their hitting is suspect and their defense is below average. Basically, they are the American League version of the Cubs. Sox killers Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kuebel and Joe Nathan have moved on. Is that enough to get the Twins out of their heads.

With Cleveland playing Detroit, the opportunity for the Sox to position themselves to be in first place by the end of the week are good. Now we'll find out if this team has the killer instinct that some of Ozzie's latter teams lacked.

While the Twinkies really don't scare anyone, they have won three out of four. And that could be enough to bring them to Chicago with a little swagger. Let's see how Robin handles this series, because as insignificant as it looks, it could be the most important series the Sox have played this season.

Quick Shots: Sox Sweep. What Does That Mean, Exactly?

chip@chipramsey.com (Chip Ramsey) — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:00:29 GMT

If you are a Chicago White Sox fan, please read this. Before you start clearing your early October schedule in your euphoria following the Sox three game sweep of the Cubs, know this: The real work is this week against Minnesota and Cleveland at U.S. Comiskey Park. While we all enjoy watching the Cubs suffer, winning games against divisional opponents is what gets you to the playoffs. Nothing out of a minimum four out of six is going to make a difference.
The Twins, who have been horrible this year, went into Milwaukee and beat the Brewers two out of three. The Brewers are not the Brewers of last year, still they should have done better. Minnesota always finds a way to torment the Sox, especially in Chicago. And, it doesn't matter which end of the division the Twins are on. Maybe the change in managers will make a difference.
The Sox then take on the Indians who are keeping the Tigers spot at the top of the division warm. Cleveland is currently 2½ games up on the Sox. The Sox need to get closer. They need two out of three and perhaps a sweep to send a message.
Why I am I making a big deal out of a six games in May. Because if the Sox lose ground or get beat up, the beginning of the end will occur. The Sox are clearly pleased with their success over the last week, but they need to have another week or weeks like last one so upper management will put the brakes on any White Flag nonsense. Once they dump Jake Peavy, it's pretty much over.
The Sox need to get some momentum while Detroit is still struggling. The Tigers face the Indians in Cleveland beginning tomorrow night in an important series for both teams. The Tigers could remind the Indians who they really are or they could continue to scuffle. In any case, this series helps the White Sox IF they can take care of their own business against the Twins.
Lost in the shuffle Saturday night was that Sox pitcher John Danks had three at bats and made contact all three times.
Adam Dunn is beginning to look like the player the Sox thought they were getting last year.
Although he had two clutch hits in the Crosstown Classic, Gordon Beckham was only 3 for 14 against the Cubs. I'm just sayin'.
I like Orlando Hudson, he has the reputation of being a great teammate and a consummate professional. However, putting him at third base may be problematic since he hasn't played it much in his career and because his throwing arm isn't optimal for that position. The Sox would be better served moving Beckham to third if they wanted to get regular PT time from Hudson. Why does Kenny Williams always pick up the players he covets when they are past their prime? It's like a parent that buys birthday presents at the Goodwill Store.
I felt bad for the Cubs in a certain sense. They just seem like they have very little. Their starting pitching is good for a time or two through the lineup, their bullpen is horrible and they can't hit (except when Zach Stewart is pitching.) Cubs fans will have to take solace in the fact that Theo knows what he's doing and breaking it down to build it back up is the only way to win. Look at the 1991 season. Minnesota and Atlanta both finished dead last in 1990, but played in the World Series that year. It can happen that quickly.

White Sox vs. Cubs: Wake me When It's Over

chip@chipramsey.com (Chip Ramsey) — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:09:38 GMT

It's back. The annual battle for Chicago mediocrity between the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Cubs. I say who cares.

Seriously, it's two bad baseball teams battling it out for absolutely nothing. It's not a divisional opponent like the Tigers or Indians. It's a team from a different league. Heck the Sox can't even use the DH this weekend. That means the Sox will have to wrap the Cuban Sandwich and keep him in the fridge until they need a pinch hitter.

Without Ozzie to call Wrigley a dump or Carlos Zambrano's annual meltdown, this promises to be as exciting as sitting with Roger Bossard and watching grass grow.

I've never been a fan of interleague play. I always thought one of the unique things that baseball had going for it was that the two leagues were seperate entities and that they couldn't play each other until a world series. That made each league a mystery, especially when it came to the series. But now, teams play teams in the other league several times a year and next year it gets worse. With two fifteen team leagues, there will be at least one interleague play every day.

Now, I would be the first to say that a Sox-Cubs world series would be the ultimate sports event in my book. I've already seen the Sox win a world series in my lifetime, so a second one would almost be greedy on my part.

As far as this weekend's series is concerned, I really don't care. Sure, there's Sox pride in beating the Cubs, but there is more pride in sweeping the Tigers or Indians. Watching the White Sox beat the Cubs isn't nearly as satisfying to me as the Bears kicking the asses of those insufferable cheeseheaded cretins from Green Bay. Maybe I've lived in Wisconsin too long.

Of course, I'll be watching the game this afternoon and pulling for the White Sox. But then again, I always do, no matter who they play. I'd just like to be watching a game that matters.

Is It A Dream Or Are The White Sox Folding Like A Cheap Card Table?

chip@chipramsey.com (Chip Ramsey) — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:16:28 GMT

I get up each morning at 3am to get to my job at the radio station by 4 or so. I am not a napper because if I take one, I can't sleep. So, by design, I'm up all day unless I am especially tired.

I bring this up not because you care about my sleep habits, but rather to illustrate what sometimes happens to someone who may doze off for a few minutes.

I got home yesterday just in time to see A.J.'s big single in the first inning. I was eating lunch when Paulie homered to make it 4-0 and I was putting some laundry in when I heard A.J.'s other big single.

Holy crap! It's the top of the sixth and it's six to nothing! The Sox are going to town today! And so, having the comfort of a six run lead and two dogs laying on me, I closed my eyes for a couple of minutes and started to drift off.

Now, you know how that goes. I didn't fall into a deep sleep, just one of those stage one deals where it feels like you are hovering over yourself. And in the midst of this state, the Tigers started putting runs on the board. And I didn't know if that was really happening or I was dreaming it. Surely, Jake Peavy isn't going to blow a six run lead. Surely, the Sox aren't letting the Tigers back into it. I MUST be dreaming. Maybe I am subconsciously going back to Day 1 at U.S. Comiskey Park where God showed his displeasure in the building of the ball mall by having Detroit pound the White Sox 16-0.

Then I hear Austin Jackson's name and three run homer and 8-6 and I still am half out of it, convinced that when i wake up it will be 6-1 and my runaway imagination was poisoning my subconscious. Alas, when I awoke with two outs in the bottom of the sixth, the dream turned nightmare and I realized that it wasn't a dream at all, but me fading in and out listening to actual audio.

I've talked a lot about 60-60-42 and this is yet another game the Sox should have had in their 42 or their 60. It was a horrible game to lose in the way it was lost, the fact it was lost at home (in front of tens of fans) and to a divisional opponent makes it even more intolerable.

Sure, the Cuban Sandwich coming within a few feet of righting a wrong was an interesting finish, but an "L" is still an "L".

The Sox now travel to California to meet the reeling Angels of Anaheim, Azuza and Cucamonga. This is a team that just fired their long time hitting coach, deemed untouchable by their once untouchable manager. A team led by one of baseball's biggest stars who has turned into this year's 2011 Adam Dunn. Given the luck the Sox are having lately, the Angels will most likely right their ship and Albert Pujols will hit seven home runs in the two game series.

Following the Angels, the Sox play the Cubs, a terrible team who the Sox should, theoretically beat. Again, given the way things seem to be going now, the Cubs could morph into the '27 Yankees right before our eyes.

Yesterday's loss was not a bad dream, it was the reality that the experts might be right and that this team can't compete with the big boys. Quite a sobering thought two weeks before Memorial Day.

Tank Gets Into Tigers

chip@chipramsey.com (Chip Ramsey) — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:08:54 GMT

Just hours after I called for his possible demotion to Charlotte, Dyan Viciedo made me look bad yesterday. But that's okay. Anything I can do to contribute to the White Sox winning some ball games is fine by me.

Last night "The Tank" as he was dubbed by TV broadcaster Hawk Harrelson (or, as I like to call him, "The Cuban Sandwich") had a homer and four RBI as the White Sox came back from three runs down twice to beat the Tigers 7-5.

Some of the highlights:

Adam Dunn hit his 12th home run of the year, which eclipses his entire output of last year. Forget the gaudy projections, the bottom line is Dunn obviously has buried 2011 somewhere in his back yard and is now the Adam Dunn who signed that big free agent contract prior to last season.
Alexi Ramirez had to hits last night raising his average to .209. While that's nothing to write home to Havana about, it does indicate that perhaps The Cuban Missile is ready for takeoff. As lousy as the bottom of the Sox order has been this year, that's significant.
The Sox overcame two three run deficits last night. A good sign if they can keep it up. A game like this only goes to increase their confidence.
Zach Stewart did a tremendous job in relief last night after John Danks was hooked after 80 pitches.
Addison Reed came back from getting crushed Sunday to picking up a save. That's significant because it indicates that he's tough mentally.
The fact that the Sox won a game with Phil Cuzzi behind the plate makes me smile.

And the lowlights:

John Danks lasting only three innings, giving up five runs on five hits three walks and no strike outs. This is your ace? Last year, Danks got the benefit of the doubt when he started 0-8 because the team around him was so horrible. This year, the team is better but Danks is not. Perhaps cause for concern if the Sox want to hang wif 'em.
An 0-3 performance from Gordon Beckham last night in the two hole, including a strike out and three men left on base. Just when you thought it was safe to anoint him the #2 guy, he goes back to struggling. Honestly, I think he's a great kid with an outstanding glove, but if the Sox think they will improve themselves by off loading him, I'd be okay with it at this point.
Hector Santiago relying on primarily fastballs in a white knuckle seventh inning. What happened to his screwball? I thought that was the pitch that made the difference for him? Has he lost confidence in it or is the order to throw fastballs and an occasional slider coming from the bench?

White Sox Not Very Offensive

chip@chipramsey.com (Chip Ramsey) — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:21:59 GMT

It doesn't matter if the manager is Robin Ventura or Sparky Anderson, if a team can't trot out some offensive weapons, they won't score very many runs. Right now, White Sox manager Robin Ventura has his hands tied. He's got two starters struggling badly (Brent Morel, Dyan Viciedo) two more starters just hanging in there (Gordon Beckham, Alexi Ramirez) and a punchless bench (Brent Lillibridge, Kosuke Fukudome.) Short of picking up a bat and inserting himself into the lineup, Ventura has very few options at this point without some re-enforcements.

Seeing as how the White Sox have taken a vow of poverty, I wouldn't hold out for the calvary anytime soon. And, when the pitching dries up, as it did yesterday, the Sox are going to find themselves on the wrong side of some pretty lopsided scores.

It doesn't matter if it is Kansas City, Texas or even the Cubs, you can't win ballgames if only five of your starters (D'Aza, Dunn, Konerko, Rios and Pierzynski) are hitting.

So, what do you do to get the offense going? I would send The Cuban Sandwich back to Charlotte for some additional seasoning, giving Brett Lillibridge the opportunity to play every day in left. I would consider giving Brent Morel some DL time with his balky back and bring up Dan Johnson for a 15 day tryout at third. Johnson is ripping it up down on the farm and his bat would be a nice addition to the roster. Or, perhaps stick Dunn in left, Lillibridge at third and bring Johnson up to DH.

This Sox team badly needs an insertion of energy to spark it. The pitching has been fine, but the hitting inconsistent. Maybe Johnson and Lillibridge could move the needle a bit and give them a chance to stay in the race until the Chairman is ready for the sale at the end of July.

No Sale For Offense In Return To Rotation

chip@chipramsey.com (Chip Ramsey) — Sun, 13 May 2012 13:01:26 GMT

I've whined about this before but I have a cable system that does not offer MLB Extra innings, so the only time I get to watch the Chicago White Sox is when they are on Fox (which is rare) ESPN (which is more rare because they infrequently play the Yankees, Red Sox, Rangers or Phillies) or when they are on WGN America.

Last night, the game was on WGNA, but at first it was delayed by rain (or the threat of rain.) By the time the teams took the field ready to go, it was almost seven and Chris Sale couldn't find the plate if he was standing on top of it. Of course, he wasn't helped by umpire Rob Drake who squeezed the plate on him like someone adding lemon juice to a dish.

Thanks to walks, dinks, dunks and an error on Gordon Beckham, the Sox found themselves behind 3-0 after one half inning. But hey, there was a silver lining. The Royals were trotting out Luke Hochevar and his 9.00 ERA. Certainly the Sox, who had won three straight could knock him around a little, right?

Um, no. Once again the Sox made a lousy pitcher look like Cy Young. They mounted only one threat all night long (in the bottom of the second) and Alexi Ramirez killed it by hitting into a 6-4-3 double play. You watched the game waiting for the rally and it never came. How 2011.

The Royals tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the eighth thanks to ineffective outings from Will Ohman and Zack Stewart. If I were Kenny Williams and I were thinking about offloading some salary, I might consider unloading Ohman. He seems to be the expendable lefty in the pen right now.

Some other thoughts:

Sale settled down nicely after the first inning lasting five innings and throwing 100 pitches. Robin Ventura is going to have to handle him with kid gloves, lest he go back and have another conversation with Kenny Williams.
It may be time to consider sending the Cuban Sandwich back to Charlotte for some additional seasoning. I'd like to see Brett Lillibridge in left more often offensively and defensively.
Alex Rios is impressing me with his play in right field. What seemed an insignificant decision in the spring has turned into a brilliant one lately.
The only highlight of the evening was reliever Nate Jones who was magnificent over two and one third innings last night. There's a guy you might want to add to the closer pool.
If Ozzie were still managing the Sox, chances are he would have been thrown out in the top of the first inning for arguing balls and strikes. Rob Drake wouldn't know a low strike if it said hello to him. He might as well have been wearing a balloon protector.
In ex-Sox news, the Red Sox have squired the ghost of Scotty Pods while the Dodgers have done what many teams have done in the last few years, released Mike MacUseless.

Quick Shots: Buh Bye Bulls

chip@chipramsey.com (Chip Ramsey) — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:35:54 GMT

With the injuries to Chicago Bulls stars Derick Rose and Joakim Noah, you knew it would be a matter of time before someone derailed the Chicago Bulls championship train. You just didn't think it would be the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers backed into the playoffs, barely getting in the last week of the season. But with Rose down and Noah hobbling, Doug Collins team took advantage of a tired Bulls bench and some horrible decisions down the stretch in game 6 (you know who you are C.J. Watson) and took the series 4 games to 2.
The short NBA season may have had an impact on this team. With all the injuries they had to weather (especially to Rose and Rip Hamilton) the grueling sixty-six game gauntlet finally caught up to them in the playoffs. That and the fact that as a free throw shooter, Omar Asik makes Shaq look like Jerry West.
Now the Bulls have to regroup and weigh the fates of several players for the upcoming season. First and foremost will be to bring someone in to kill time until Rose can play again, which may not be until January. And even then, how effective will he be. It may be 2013-14 before Rose is 100% and he may never be 100% again. Anyone hear a window slamming shut when Rose went down in game one?
If you recall on Wednesday, I told you that it would be a short amount of time before Chris Sale's agent jumped into the frey. As usual, I called it. Because in Little League you have your mommy and daddy but in the bigs, you have your agent. And Chris Sale's is not happy, nor should he pay. His client was signed, perhaps under fair market value, and promised the opportunity for a fast track to the bigs and the opportunity to start. Sale has done everything asked of him and yet, for some strange reason, we have elbowgate. When agents start getting involved that means unhappy players and a lack of focus on team goals. And, the way this deal is being handled, it may only get uglier.
Here's a thought: If the White Sox mishandle Sale, lie, swindle, etc, even if it is for his own good, does it look bad outside the organization? And does it look so bad that future free agents and high draft picks may not be interested in playing for them. In other words, are the White Sox becoming the Indianapolis Colts of baseball?
The Sox have a chance to really send a message this weekend when the Royals visit. Although no longer a free spot on the BINGO board, the Royals have struggled this year despite all of the experts picking them, in some cases, as high as second. The Sox will take them on with the back end of the rotation including Gavin Floyd, TBD and Phillip Humber. it would nice to see Humber turn it around this weekend.
Those naive chuckleheads at Bleacher Report are at it again. In a piece about it being too early for the White Sox to decide if they are buyers and sellers, they pretty much leave it up to Kenny Williams to decide on his own. If you know anything about how the White Sox are run (and apparently they don't) the person who is the true decider is The Chairman. If attendance stays in the tank for the foreseeable future, Kenny won't have a choice. Getting ROI on Jake Peavy is priority one and as good as Jake has been, there is ZERO chance the Sox will pick up his option next season. Their options are trade him while he is hot and get a couple of youngsters for him or keep him for a stretch run then try to renegotiate his option. They may also be able to move some other pieces as well, although they are stuck with Alex Rios, John Danks and Adam Dunn. If you think I may be being a bit alarmist, remember what the Chairman said in 1997: "Anyone who thinks the White Sox can catch Cleveland is crazy." And that's when they were only three games out.
Baseball may do away with the "Jack McDowell move" which is the fake to third, throw to first move. Poorly executed by most pitchers, the move usually justs wastes everyones time, although, a McDowell proved in the 90's, the move can be effective if executed properly. Of course then, no one knew it was coming.

Quick Shots: White Sox Send Sale Mixed Signals

chip@chipramsey.com (Chip Ramsey) — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:02:14 GMT

First it was "Chris Sale is our closer." Then it was "Well, maybe not forever." It has become obvious that Sale's elbow tenderness is not as big an issue as the Chicago White Sox brain trust made it out to be and that, simply, they prefer him in the bullpen. Even though Addison Reed has proven he can be an effective closer. The whole situation has become a head scratcher. And it goes back to the question I raised the other day: Is Robin Ventura having problems managing pitchers?
It is obvious Sale wants to be a starter. And, so far, he's been pretty good at it. Then, suddenly they yank the rug out form under him and banish him to the bullpen. This isn't sitting well with Sale and if you read between the lines you might understand just how annoyed he might be. In today's Sun-Times, Sale says "we're having ongoing discussions about it" (returning to the rotation.) Does this mean Sale, Coop and Robin or is his agent getting involved at a higher level? This situation could go toxic fast if everyone involved isn't careful. Just what the White Sox don't need.
Last night's win was sweet revenge for Sox right fielder Alex Rios. A week after watching Indians closer Chris Perez whooping it on the mound after recording a save against the Sox, Rios, as I suggested last week, got even by hitting a triple and driving in what turned out to be the game winning run. Nothing says "shove it up your a**" like a game winning hit.
The Bulls survived to play another day after edging Philly last night. This time, Taj Gibson got hurt. If this series makes it to seven games, the Bulls may lose game seven on account of not being able to field a five man team.
Since Rocky Wirtz took over in 2007, the Blackhawks have been Chicago's best sports franchise in terms of stability and lack of controversy. That may be about to change after Hawks coach The Q-Stache threw assistant Mike Haviland under the bus yesterday to perhaps appease the front office. It seems like there is a rift growing between the Q-Stache and GM Stan Bowman. With Q-Stache's pal, Marc Bergevin in Montreal, it's easy to see how this might end. They may all be denying it, but I can so see the Q-Stache in Montreal. It would give Stan Bowman an excuse to bring in another one of his father's cronies.
The Wisconsin legislature has awarded Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers a statewide day in his honor on 12/12/12. It's ironic that using the same logic, Jay Cutler day would have been 6/6/06.
Thank you, Captain Obvious. Where do they get those brilliant observations from?

Quick Shots: The Curious Case Of Chris Sale

chip@chipramsey.com (Chip Ramsey) — Mon, 07 May 2012 13:39:58 GMT

The shocking news Friday that Chris Sale was moving from the Chicago White Sox starting rotation to the bullpen caught everyone, including beat reporters who cover the team by surprise. The move creates more questions than answers. The Sox claim Sale has elbow tenderness and putting in the role of closer helps lengthen his career. But if his elbow is tender, can you take this asset and continue to use it or do you put him on the DL? And how does pitching one inning everyday change his strain from pitching once every fourth day. Will their be restrictions on his use because of his elbow? And if there are, doesn't that weaken the team because then you are back to where you were with no closer?
Addison Reed would have been a good choice to attempt to close as well. I'm buying into the conspiracy theory that the White Sox may try to move one of their lefty relievers. Or, maybe hector Santiago moves to the rotation. Either way, this move makes the Sox weaker because Sale was an effective starter and replacing him with Dylan Axelrod will be a downgrade.
I know it is early, but I am beginning to think that Ozzie Guillen handled pitchers better than Robin Ventura has so far. Of course, that might be the inexperience factor kicking in.
The White Sox had the opportunity to win all three games against Detroit and only won one. That's what separates the contenders from the wanna bes. This series in Cleveland that starts tonight is a big deal even though the season is young.
In order for this team to become winners, they need to be more consistent. Right now, the only player on the whole squad is Paul Konerko. Everyone else is sort of hot and cold and grasping at straws in the dark. They need to kick it up a couple notches if they want to keep pace.
Let's move on the NBA and the Bulls. Okay, that's enough.
I spent most of my Saturday in a car traveling round trip from Sheboygan, WI to Terre Haute, IN where my daughter Jordan graduated college at St. Mary of the Woods. It was a proud moment for the old man.

Quick Shots: Sprained Ankle Epidemic In Chicago From People Jumping Off Bulls Bandwagon

chip@chipramsey.com (Chip Ramsey) — Wed, 02 May 2012 13:05:20 GMT

Wow. The Bulls suffered a second half beatdown at the hands of the Philadelphia 76'ers. Even the most optimistic of Bulls fans can read the writing on the wall: Without Derick Rose, the Bulls looked a bit lost. But it's not like they've played without him before this season. The problem is, you can go to the well of emotion today and tomorrow to get ready for Friday, but how many times can you go to that well before it runs dry. The Bulls should beat the Sixers, but an extended series only wears down their depleted troops even more. Round two might be their Waterloo.
The Bulls remind me of "The Greatest American Hero" where the guy had super powers as long as he wore the suit. Derick Rose may be the Bulls suit.
Speaking of super powers, was that Gordon Beckham last night going 3 for 4? This after his manager served notice before the game that while he still had confidence that both Beckham and Brett Morel would snap out of it soon, he realized that if they didn't, he'd have to go in a different direction. Somebody had pictures on the web of Robin Ventura standing next to hitting coach Jeff Manto in the dugout watching Beckham's at bat, and fist bumping after Beckham hit it out. Cool stuff.
The win last night puts the Sox in a three way tie with Detroit and Cleveland. The cynics (a.k.a. Cub fans) would most likely remind you that Detroit is off to a slow start and Cleveland isn't a world beater either. The reality is the Sox had a decent April for the first time in several seasons and are still in the pack. If the Sox can keep close in May, they won't have to go on a 13 game winning streak in June just to catch up. The longer this team runs with the pack, the more confident they become.
Why are the Sox tied at the top of the Central? For one thing, they are 4-1 against divisional opponents. Don't stop now boys.
Sun-Times columnist and official Ozzie Guillen spokesperson Joe Cowley was given a strong rap on the knuckles are putting some wacky stuff on Twitter. Cowley has deleted the account at the behest of the paper, but the Tweets got captured and distributed by Deadspin and a half a dozen other blogs. He's one step away from losing his gig for channeling his inner Mariotti. I used to enjoy his writing, but since he became a columnist and Ozzie's syncopate, I stopped reading.
I have read many unfavorable opinions of Phil Emery's first draft as GM for the Bears. The most important thing to remember is that it really takes two years to evaluate how a draft class performs. Of course, a lot of things can happen in two years. One thing I will say about Phil is that I'd love to have him around a poker table. He certainly is a high risk, high reward type of guy.
The Nashville Predators have suspended two of their best players because they broke team rules. Although nobody is certain what rules were borken, people I hear from down there say it may have been a curfew violation. The Preds made the call even though they were down two games to Phoenix with a critical game three tonight. How many teams would suspend two high profile players prior to a critical game for a curfew violation? How many GMs and coaches would look the other way when money was on the line? That maybe why I respect David Poile and Barry Trotz so much. They simply put the team first. Period. Although you wonder what would have happened if it was Pekka Rennie.

Quick Shots: Rose's Injury Fate, Not Thibs

chip@chipramsey.com (Chip Ramsey) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:01:16 GMT

Oh the weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth that is going on in Chicago over the unfortunate and season ending injury to Bulls star Derick Rose. Instead of just chalking it up to fate, which it pretty much was, Bulls fans are pointing their fingers at head coach Tom Thibodeau. Look, it's the playoffs. Demoralizing your opponent is part of the drill. Thibodeau is an outstanding coach who did the right thing by having his regulars in there to send a message. Plus, Rose needed some extra PT to get back into playing shape. Rose could have gotten hurt at any point during the game. This isn't leaving Jake Peavy out for 145 pitches. It was a strategic move that made sense. Players get hurt. That's the way it goes.
The first month of the baseball season is over for the Chicago White Sox, a team that finds themselves at .500 and could easily be three or four games above that. Still, they are in the upper part of the division, not having endured lengthy losing streaks like Minnesota or Kansas City. This week, it's Cleveland and Detroit, so the Sox better dig in deep.
While the White Sox offense has been a bit inconsistent, Adam Dunn and Alex Rios have contributed while Brent Morel and Gordon Beckham have not. We'll know a lot more about this team around Memorial Day, which is the first milepost in the baseball season. The big question is should these guys still be hanging around in mid to late June, will Kenny Williams get to be a buyer or will we have a White Flag II trade? I guess that depends of how many butts make the seats between now and then.
So, let's get this straight. In his first draft as Bears GM, in the first four rounds Bears GM Phil Emery chose an undersized defensive end, a wide receiver with a weight problem, a defensive back with a broken shoulder and a tight end with a pretty extensive rap sheet. Miss Jerry Angelo yet?
If you thought the Blackhawks did it to themselves in the playoffs, just look at what Phoenix has been doing to a very good Nashville team. There already up two games to none.
Perhaps Adam Dunn should reach out to Albert Pujols or perhaps vice versa. Just think Angels fans, you've got 9½ more years of this coming!
Speaking of rough starts, notice who is in the basement of the NL East. 5½ games out. That's right, Ozzie and the Marlins. Yes, I know it's a long season, but this certainly wasn't the start they envisioned in Miami. Between the Cuban comments and the slow start, maybe Fish owner Jeffery Laurie is thinking that he might have made a mistake in rescuing Ozzie. Just sayin'. Ozzie shouldn't worry. Surely the Astros and Royals will be looking for a new manager after this season.

Quick Shots: Lord, It's hard to Be Humber

chip@chipramsey.com (Chip Ramsey) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:46:33 GMT

Last weekend, White Sox pitcher Phil Humber was the toast of the baseball world, tossing a perfect game against Seattle. Last night, Humber was merely toast, as he game up nine runs en route to a 10-3 White Sox loss to Boston. You knew Humber was in trouble when he walked the first man he faced.
The two teams continue their series tonight, but unlike Seattle and Oakland, Boston can actually hit. John Danks will not be able to get off the hook tonight, especially if he starts walking people. Be afraid, people, be very afraid.
It seems like the formula for this team is that they need to get a great effort from their starters, score a couple of runs and pray it doesn't come down to the last inning. That's not good.
The Sox have not been able to take advantage of Detroit, which has lost four straight or Cleveland which has lost two straight. Yes, it's early, but a little stay in first place would help these guys from a confidence standpoint.
The Bears picked Shea McClellin from Boise State. I hear some of these critics who are saying he's never played against good competition, but I disagree. Boise State is a successful college program that beat both Georgia and Va. Tech last year. The kid can play and he's from a winning program. The last time the Bears drafted a fast white guy in the first round, he turned into Brian Urlacher. I think he'll be fine.
The Bulls open the playoffs Saturday, then don't play again until Tuesday. The NBA, the league which brought you the compressed season, now decompresses for the playoffs. The lag time between games can only help a continually healing Bulls team.

Quick Shots: Phil's Big Night

chip@chipramsey.com (Chip Ramsey) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:18:35 GMT

The NFL Draft begins tonight and the Bears are on the clock at number 19. For the first time in ten years, former GM Jerry Angelo will not be handling the draft. New GM Phil Emery is a draft ninja and Bears fans are looking forward to who he selects. Emery has said that there are seven players on the Bears radar right now.
The question is will he keep the pick or perhaps trade it for a higher pick, a lower pick and more lower round picks or for a player like the Giants Osi Umenyiora who is in the last year of his contract and will not ask a new team to renegotiate.The Bears could also trade up to grab Michael Floyd. Think of him as Brandon Marshall insurance.
Some of the players that have appeared in the mock drafts may not be on the Bears radar. Phil Emery made a big point in his press conference on Monday of talking about how he really doesn't like to draft players with a history of injuries. Will, for instance, he take a chance on Chandler Jones of Syracuse if he falls to 19? Jones has had some knee issues. How about one year wonder Whitney Mercilus? Is there enough of a body of work there to know if he's got what it takes?
I correctly picked Gabe Carimi last year as the Bears first pick. This year, I project Courtney Upshaw from Alabama. It's a bit of a long shot, but I think it could happen.
One more thing on the Bears draft. I covered Ted Thompson's first draft with the Packers, the one where he picked Aaron Rodgers, But in that draft, many of Thompson's selections (like Nick Collins) were totally off everyone's radar. Packer nation went crazy when the names were announced, but in that first draft, I think seven of the players selected went on to help contribute to the Packers future. That's what Ted Thompson does and the Bears believe that Phil Emery is similar to Ted Thompson. So, if the Bears draft some guys you never heard of or some small school guys, give it a chance. It worked for the Packers.
On to the NHL, where the Blackhawks are currently lining up at the first tee at Medinah. Stan Bowman seemed a bit passive for a guy who just had his shorts handed to him by a team with less points during the regular season. Of course, nothing that comes out of Bowman's mouth is believable as he is in full coach speak mode. If he has a plan, he's certainly not going to tell the assembled media. And he's certainly not going to rip players who may be back next year. The only thing we know for sure is that Andrew Brunette is not coming back.
Stan, here's my unsolicited advice: You need three things: A defenseman who is a sniper on the power play, a second line center not named Patrick Kane and a goon with skills (i.e. Todd Bertuzzi). Somebody who can contribute offensively that can wail the tar out of pond scum like Raffi Torres. This Gandhi crap doesn't work in the NHL. Think about it, Stan. I'll hang up and listen.
The Bulls did a nice job of getting their regulars some PT without over extending them. Look for more of that when they play Cleveland tonight. Hopefully, they will lock down the home court for the entire playoffs. Of course, all bets are off if someone gets hurt tonight.
One more Bulls thought: If they do go on and win the NBA trophy, is it tainted because it was a short season? In my mind, a trophy is a trophy, especially when it is your team.

Ventura Should Order a Code Red On Santiago

chip@chipramsey.com (Chip Ramsey) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:36:52 GMT

Transfer Santiago? Yes I'm sure you're right. I'm sure that's the thing to do.
Col. Nathan Jessup, "A Few Good Men"

This shouldn't happen. It can't happen to a team that needs every possible break to go the right way. I

The Chicago White Sox pushed across two runs in the top of the fourteenth inning yesterday at Oakland only to have the Athletics come back and score three to win the game 5-4. The culprit, as he was against Baltimore a week ago, alleged closer Hector Santiago.

While White Sox manager Robin Ventura continues to profess his confidence in Santiago, the Sox blow an opportunity to complete a 5-1 road trip and to gain a little ground on the slumping Tigers. Every little bit helps this team, who has a razor thin margin of error, yet given the ball and a two run lead, the man Ventura designated as his close could not, for the second time, seal the deal.

He has to seal the deal. He must seal the deal.

A team as fragile as this has to covert saves. They can't have their closer blow two easy saves in 10 days. They just can't.

I know Robin is trying to boot the kids confidence, but if it were me, I'd be seriously be thinking about giving the ball to Matt Thornton or Addison Reed. This can't go on. It just can't.

Quick Shots: Coyote Finally Bags Roadrunner

chip@chipramsey.com (Chip Ramsey) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:42:15 GMT

It is said in hockey circles that nothing beats a hot goalie in the playoffs. Mike Smith is one hot goalie, kicking aside 40 pucks and shutting down the Blackhawks 4-0 last night. The Coyotes move on to meet the Nashville Predators in round two, the Blackhawks move on to the first tee at Medinah.
It won't be an easy round two for Phoenix as they will face the equally hot Pekka Rinne. In fact, Phoenix and Nashville play a similar style of hockey: slow it down, push it to the boards, make short passes and take care of the puck. This should be an exciting albeit low scoring series. I like Nashville in six.
Jake Peavy threw a 107 pitch shutout last night as the White Sox beat Oakland 4-0, but that's not the big takeaway from last night. The big takeaway is that Peavy didn't feel any pain after the game last night. That's huge. The White Sox pitching staff is now firing on four of it's five cylinders with ~~Pink~~ Gavin Floyd getting the ball tonight. Let's hope he can right his ship and get everything in working order.
Big hits last night for Adam Dunn, Paul Konerko and Alex Rios. It's obvious now that if the pitching stays the way it's been, the hitting can keep the Sox in every game. It's early, I know, but you have to admit it's a lot more optimistic to be a Sox fan at this point than a Royals or Cubs fan.
Speaking of lack of optimism, the slack jawed yokels at Bleacher Report are already wanting to ship Jake Peavy out. Can't we wait until June to discuss such things? The Sox are 10-6 and tied with Detroit for first place in the AL Central. Yes, it's early. Yes, this team is a house of cards. Yes, there has to be a perfect storm, yadda, yadda, yadda. But so far, so good. Let's not try to break them up too early. Or until The Chairman declares "Anyone who thinks we can catch Detroit is crazy."