White Sox - 7/14/02
July 14, 2002
BY MARIO SCALISE
LATEST TEAM INFO
RECORD: 44-49
PLACE: 2nd
GAMES BACK: 9
The Sox made a trade this week for shortstop D'Angelo Jimenez, but the trade showed neither a late run for the playoffs or a fire sale, as two minor leaguers were dealt and Jimenez was sent to the minors. It's still a wait and see approach the Sox are taking, but it can't last much longer. Rumors were out this week that the Sox and Braves were in works of a deal that would send Rafael Furcal to the Sox in exchange for Ray Durham and Royce Clayton. If so, it needs to get done quick so they can showcase Valentin long enough at second to deal him away before the 31st deadline. The Sox are playing 7 straight this week against the once again lesser quality teams in the Indians, Royals, and Orioles. If the Sox keep on going at this pace, that term lesser quality will have lost all meaning with the opposition.
TRANSACTIONS
The Sox acquired shortstop D'Angelo Jimenez from the San Diego Padres for minor leaguers (OF) Alex Fernandez and (C) Humberto Quintero.
QUICK VIEW
Who to Watch/Add/Drop
#1- KENNY LOFTON - CF (DROP?)
Wouldn't be a bad idea, or atleast trade. He's went from healthy, to hurt,
to healthy, to hurt, to healthy, to hurt all season long. Why risk dealing with
a player who is clearly on his last legs.
#2- CARLOS LEE- LF (ADD)
If you didn't see last weeks version, I said get him while you can. It may not be too late, GET HIM. He batted in the 3-hole on Saturday and Sunday and went a combined 7-8, and is 10-12 there for the season. Manuel will keep him there while Thomas bats 6th, so he'll see plenty of pitches with Ordonez and Konerko behind him, and should get some RBI opportunities with the hot Duraham in front.
ROTATION OUTLOOK
7/15 - G.Glover (3-4, 4.87) 2002 Versus Indians: 0-1, 4.76
vs. S.Phillips (0-1, 7.50)
7/16 - D.Wright (6-8, 5.47) 2002 Versus Indians: 1-1, 2.19
vs. C.C. Sabathia (6-8, 4.96)
7/17 - T.Ritchie (5-12, 5.65) 2002 Versus Royals: 0-2, 4.97
vs. P.Byrd (12-6, 3.70)
7/18 - M.Buehrle (12-7, 3.65) 2002 Versus Royals: 1-1, 1.93
vs. M.Asencio (2-2, 5.47)
7/19 - J.Garland (8-6, 4.61) 2002 Versus Orioles: 1-0, 2.57
vs. R.Lopez (9-3, 3.09)
7/20 - UNDECIDED (Glover is scheduled, but Biddle may be promoted to the rotation)
vs. UNDECIDED
7/21 - D.Wright (6-8, 5.47) 2002 Versus Orioles: 0-1, 22.50
vs. S.Erickson (3-9, 4.30)
Buehrle and Garland are obvious shoe in's. Neither has really had a typical Buehrle/Garland start in a few outings and are facing a very weak Royals and Orioles offense's. Continue to hold off on Wright and Ritchie. They showed some life in their last two starts, but may fall back to their old selfs.
OFENSIVELY SPEAKING
Sit Lofton. He won't start against Sabathia and will probably rest one other game. He's yet to show he can play more than 4 games a week, which makes him a bench player. Sabathia hasn't been able to stop the Sox since his first outing against them. They've figured him out, like most of the league. The Sox have hit Erickson these past years, but he put up a 7 innining, 2 run outing earlier this season. Byrd threw a 6 innings, 2 run game against the Sox earlier this season.
Side notes: Alomar, Clayton, and Lee have had trouble against Erickson while the rest have knocked him around. Ponson MAY make a start this week, if so, try to get Thomas, Ordonez, and Lee in your lineup, they are a combined 9-29 with 11 RBI's and 3 HR's.
INJURIES
Remember what was said about Kenny Lofton being healthy again? Forget all that as the obviously aging vet is playing on his last limbs. He missed a few more games this week and will probably miss plenty more before the season is up.
LOCAL PERSPECTIVE
Paul Konerko became even more popular with most Sox fans, while less popular with some. After criticizing Frank Thomas for his criticism towards his benching, Konerko created the image of being the leader of the Sox. Konerko quickly knocked down such talk saying he's no leader, which is making him even bigger. The fans are starting to forget the teams struggles however with this heated discussion. No longer is the attention put on the faltering Sox, but the Thomas, which many are calling "The Big Baby".
THE MINOR REPORT
D'Angelo Jimenez is down in AAA and is expected to stay down while he adjusts at short (his natural position). The Sox hope to have him up by August 1st. Joe Crede is still killing the ball and can't be much farther away. The Sox are trying to make room for him by putting players such as Valentin, Clayton, and Durham on the market.
CHECK BACK NEXT WEEK FOR MORE WHITE SOX NEWS, OR E-MAIL ME AT rio255@yahoo.com WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE
