White Sox Report - 4/29/03

By Mario Scalise

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The White Sox haven't been playing their best baseball but still have managed to beat two big division teams (Royals and Twins) this week, taking two of three from each. The rotation continues to impress with Esteban Loaiza suprisingly leading the pack, with Mark Buehrle and Bartolo Colon following, but the bullpen is becoming a cause for concern. Offense? It is scoring here and there, but overall, it is very far off from where it should be.

Best Offensive Player

D'Angelo Jimenez has struggled heavily the past week or so, but was the main reason the Sox offense was even putting up runs in the early going. Carlos Lee had his stretch as did Jose Valentin, and Magglio Ordonez is Magglio Ordonez, but the team hasn't put it together as a collective bunch.

Best Defensive Player


A lot of props is deserving for third baseman Joe Crede. He's made hard play after hard play (look pretty easy), and has shown great hands, footwork and arm. Runner up goes to Lee in left field. Lee has been labeled a bad defensive player, but has played harder than anyone on this team thus far.

Staff ACE

Move over Mark Buehrle and Bartolo Colon, because as of this moment Esteban Loaiza is the head of the staff. At 5-0 with a 1.25 ERA, he's been one of the best pitchers in the league. Two big, productive starts against the Royals and Twins made this an even easier decision.

>Top Reliever

No real competition here. While Billy Koch, Damaso Marte and Tom Gordon are considered the core the bullpen, it has been Gary Glover who has been the most the consistent with a 0.77 ERA in 11 2/3 innings. Kelly Wunsch has also been impressive, but has little fantasy value unless holds is a point-grabber.

Players to Add

Paul Konerko - It is unsure as to why Konerko was benched in favor of Brian Daubach in back-to-back games this week -- especially consider Konerko seemed to be coming around with his swing -- but he was which should be a warning sign of a possible injury. If not, expect him to come into stride in the next week or so, so definately keep him.

Damaso Marte - With Billy Koch struggling and rumors of him possibly landing on the DL, Damaso Marte will be grabbing a majority of the closing situations as he did this past Sunday, so he could be a good sneak pickup and supply you with a good 5-10 saves until Koch is back in form.

Gary Glover - Same situation as Marte. If you are short relievers and have no idea who to pick up, he would be the guy. Koch is struggling as well as Gordon and White, leaving Glover as the lone reliable righty in the pen. Pending the situation, he may even pick up some late-inning save chances. Once again, grab him if you are short relievers and need consistent innings.

Players to Drop

Josh Stewart - There would be no real reason to have him in the first place, but he has pitched solid so you may have him. If so, you can drop him. Garland will likely return to the form, Danny Wright will be back from rehab shortly, and plus, Stewart was hit by a pitch in his last start and his health is in question.

Sandy Alomar - Has lost playing time to Miguel Olivo of late and because of that, his swing will likely be affected upon returning. If you can find someone who will be fooled by Alomar's numbers, make the deal. Just make sure you have someone to replace him.

Players to Watch


Aaron Rowand and Willie Harris - Harris is in triple-A Charlotte right now with the Knights, but is hitting over .400 and is among league leaders in many categories. His speed and left-handed bat could bring him up to replace Rowand in center. Rowand hasn't shown any potential signs all season. There are some people thinking Joe Borchard will come up - don't buy it. Even if he does, he won't be of much use till a few months in. He is still very raw.

Jon Garland - Just keep him on the bench, but don't get discouraged and trade or release him. A lot of bad talk has been going on against due to his "struggles", but if you take a closer look, you will see that he has had only one bad start. His first two starts he managed to battle and pitch at least five innings, while his other two starts have been very impressive. His next start will be this week against the Oakland A's. Hold him off and see what he does before starting him again.