White Sox - 7/3/02
July 04, 2002
BY MARIO SCALISE
CURRENT OVERVIEW
RECORD: 41-42
PLACE: 2nd
GAMES BACK: 5.5
The Sox recently finished up two huge series' against the Twins and Cubs that consisted of 7 games total. The Sox took 4 of the 7 (2 from each team) and have gained some momentum as they are currently in a series against the Detroit Tigers. Their offense has scored 61 runs over this span coming to an average of over 7 runs a game. The Sox are continuing a three game set with the Tigers Wednesday night When Gary Glover faces Brian Moehler. Game three will feature Danny Wright versus knuckle-baller Steve Sparks.
TRANSACTIONS
The Sox optioned catcher Josh Paul with Sandy Alomar returning from the 15-day DL. In five games, Paul batted an even .500 with 3 RBI's and a SB.
The Sox sent down second baseman Willie Harris and recalled reliever Matt Ginter last week. Ginter has served as the long-reliever out of the bullpen.
WHO TO WATCH/ADD/DROP
#1- PAUL KONERKO - 1B (WATCH)
It was a no brainer that Paul Konerko was going to improve upon his numbers of 2001. He did it from '98-'99, '99-'00, '00-'01. But improve by this large of a margin? Konerko is on pace to bat .332 with 39 HR's and 139 RBI's. Will he reach them? Let's just say this. Konero's best months statistically
throughout his career - July and August.
#2- TODD RITCHIE - SP (DROP?)
He's pitching too poorly to start (or keep), but he has too much potential to let go. If you are in deep league, keep him and wait for him to go 3 quality starts in a row. Only start him if you are in a desperate situation and are looking for points, because he could breakout at anytime. One thing to remember is that Ritchie started off 0-8 last season before pulling off 11 of his final 18 decisions.
#3- CARLOS LEE - LF (ADD)
His value was lowered immensely after his poor 2nd half of 2001 and early struggles of 2002, which may have kept him on the free agent list. If a free agent, grab him. If on the trading block, trade for him (especially if the opposing owner considers him a low value player). He has gone from a .240 player on June 9th, to a .259 on July 2nd. Okay, not that impressive, but the key to Lee's success is his patience, and he's walked 14 times since, which his half his total for the whole season. Also, he has 6 homers, 14 RBI's, and an OPS just under .800 (.793). Lee is on pace for just 74 RBI's on the season, but if his recent play is a sign of things to come, a 90+ RBI season isn't out of the question.
#4- RAY DURHAM - 2B (ADD)
With free agency and a possible trade looming, look for Durham to finish the season with a bang, with whoever it is. He is currently riding an 8-game hitting streak where he has gone 12-29 with 10 RBI's and 12 runs scored.
#5-FRANK THOMAS - DH (DROP)
This doesn't necessarily mean to release him, but deal him now while his numbers are somewhat respectable. Although Thomas has stayed at sea level with 14 HR's and 54 RBI's, he's been extremely inconsistent and confused at the plate relying on a big night here and there. With that, he's shown no signs of improvement, but frustration. A 100 RBI, 25 HR season may be a stretch right now.
THIS WEEKS ROTATION OUTLOOK
7/4 - Danny Wright ( 5-8, 5.99) 2002 Versus Tigers: 1-1, 5.68
vs. Steve Sparks (3-8, 6.02)
7/5 - Jon Garland (7-5, 4.52) 2002 Versus Indians: 1-0, 4.76
vs. Dannys Baez (6-6, 4.40)
7/6 - Mark Buehrle (11-6, 3.62) 2002 Versus Indians: 1-1, 3.65
vs. Ryan Drese (7-6, 5.76)
7/7 - Todd Ritchie (5-10, 5.42) 2002 Versus Indians: 1-1, 9.58
vs. UNDECIDED
Ritchie and Wright need 2-3 quality starts in a row to be considered safe picks, while Garland has a career 7.56 ERA against the Indians. I'd be hesitant to start any Sox starter outside of Buehrle, and even he is doubtful with a 6.62 ERA career ERA against the Indians. Buehrle is also coming off of 2 starts where he gave up a combined 14 runs.
OFENSIVELY SPEAKING
The game against Sparks is a 50/50 deal. Like any other knuckle ball pitcher, Sparks can be un-hittable when on and can get lit up when off. He's faced the Sox 3 times this season losing twice. Ordonez and Konerko are batting .321 and .304 off Sparks respectively. They have a combined 2 homers and 9 RBI's.
Baez was hit in his first outing against the Sox, but since has given up 4 runs in 11 1/3 innings, going 1-1. With the Sox bats heating up and the Tribe on a downfall, an early exit is possible.
Drese has only saw the Sox once this year. He gave up 5 runs in 6 innings.
INJURIES
Sandy Alomar is now healthy and back with the club. In his first game back, he hit two homers going 4-5.
Kenny Lofton is apparently healthy again. In Tuesday's 17-9 win over the Tigers, Lofton showed signs of April scoring a run from first and beating out a bunt.
LOCAL PERSPECTIVE
As usual, the fans of the South-Side are upset with the direction of this team, and the people in charge. From Kenny Williams and his questionable moves, to Jerry Manuel and his constant use of the bullpen. The fans believe Williams dismantled a team destined for greatness, while Manuel has overmanaged with the thinking that the faith of the team rests in his hands. The media however has continued to overlook the Sox in favor of the North-Side Cubs.
A FAN FAVORITE
Paul Konerko - He's already up to the Baines/Ventura levels of crowd appreciation. All you hear when Konerko is up is a roar of the chant "PAULIE, PAULIE, PAULIE". Move over Thomas, Ordonez, there's a new star on the South-Side.
A FAN GOAT
Royce Clayton - He is now up to .231 and has continued to play top-notch defense at short, yet fans still criticize and blame him for their teams offensive struggles despite him batting 9th.
THE MINOR REPORT
GM Ken Williams was reportedly down in Charlotte this week to see OF Joe Borchard and 3B Joe Crede. Both have been killing the ball down in AAA and are deserving of a call up at one point this season.
