QUICK VIEW
Who to Watch/Add/Drop
#1 - FRANK THOMAS - DH (TRADE)
No real point in keeping him. All you will get from Thomas is the occasional big day or two. Consistency has not been a word associated with the once elite slugger.

#2 - JIM PARQUE - SP (WATCH)
Made his first start since May last Thursday against the Angels and gave up just two runs in 5 1/3 innings. His velocity was up around 88, and he mixed in a few changups and breaking balls, but stay predominantly with his fastball. He will go up against Texas next, followed by the Twins. See what he does, then decide for the stretch run when the Sox play weaker teams.

#3 - JOE CREDE - 3B (WATCH)
After a week or so of jitters, Crede seems to have lightened up a bit. He's still making mental mistakes, but is showing signs of the great hitter he was down in AAA. He hit his first homer in Sunday's win against the Mariners. That may be what gets him over the hump.

ROTATION OUTLOOK
8/13 - G.Glover (4-5, 4.59) 2002 Versus Rangers: 0-0, 9.00
vs. J.Benoit (2-1)
8/14 - J.Parque (1-1, 6.91) 2000 Versus Rangers: 0-0, 10.00 (9 IP)
vs. I.Valdes (5-9)
8/16 - M.Buehrle (15-8, 3.66) 2002 Versus Athletics: 1-1, 8.68
vs. C.Lidle (5-9)
8/17 - J.Garland (8-8, 4.94)
vs. M.Mulder (13-7)
8/18 - D. Wright (8-10, 5.74) 2002 Versus Athletics: 0-1, 5.79
vs. A.Harang (4-3)
If you happened to pick up Parque based on his last performance, don't start him just yet, and the same goes for Glover. Buehrle hasn't had much fun facing the A's, but he's still a pitcher determined to win 20 and get the contract extension he wants. Suprisingly, Garland has never faced the A's in his short career. The way he's going lately, no reason not to start him. Wright? Looked good last start, but has been too inconsistent to rely on.

OFENSIVELY SPEAKING
-Jose Valentin is 6-18 with 2 homers and 3 RBI's in his career against Valdes. Konerko and Ordonez? Combined 5-31.
-Ordonez likes Liddle though, he's 6-7 against the righty, while Thomas has yet to get a hit off him.
-The Sox will be facing Harang and Benoit, two rookies, which have hurt the Sox all season.
-Clayton has had success against Lidle, and with Mulder going in game two, Valentin may see a day or two off.

LOCAL PERSPECTIVE
Not much different around Chicago. The Sox are getting overshadowed by Sammy Sosa's latest homer run binge, while Frank Thomas is getting booed after failing on countless opportunities with men on base. Jim Parque made his return with many fans still questioning his ability, while Todd Ritchie has landed himself on DL making many fans happy. Pitching coach Don Cooper is already making an impact on the staff and fans. He's leadership and guidance attitude is gaining attention on the south-side.

THE MINOR REPORT
Jon Adkins has been astonishing in three starts for the Knights going 21 innings posting a 2.14 ERA. Jon Rauch has been strong of late as he just tied a franchise record with 11 strikeouts in a game. Rauch is currently 6-7 with an era of 4.64 in 87.1 innings pitched.

CHECK BACK NEXT WEEK FOR MORE WHITE SOX NEWS, OR E-MAIL ME AT rio255@yahoo.com WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE