White Sox - 7/8/03
July 08, 2003
LATEST NEWS
RECORD: 43-44
PLACE: 3rd
GAMES BACK: 4.5
In the matter of 12 games, the White Sox have gone from the brink of a fire sale to acquiring Roberto Alomar and Carl Everett, who makes them immediate contenders in the not-so-dominating AL Central. Alomar was acquired from the Mets for minor league pitchers Royce Ring and Edwin Almonte and infielder Andrew Salvo, while Everett was brought in from the Rangers for two or three minor leaguers to be named by July 25, which will be selected from a pool of eight players.
AT THE PLATE
Roberto Alomar, 2B
Many people around baseball see nothing but good things coming from Alomar with his new start with a winning team, in the AL and with his brother. And so far, they have been right. In four games, Alomar is 6-17 with two RBIs, two doubles and three runs scored. Alomar has been in the leadoff spot in all four games. It is really still hard to tell if Alomar will keep this up in the long run, but with the Sox starting a series against the Tigers and following that up with a four-game Indians' series, the all-star break and six more games against the Tigers and Indians, there is no reason not to start him.
Carl Everett, OF
Everett's horrid June probably had you thinking trade, but, like Alomar, Everett is a player who picks it up a notch when in a winning situation. His first four games haven't been great, going just 4-17, but his swing and energy has been impressive. Like Alomar, long-term success is a question, but he's another guy you have to start now.
Carlos Lee, LF
Carlos Lee is a mystery. One series he claims he is trying to go opposite field -- the key to any success he has had or will have -- and does it, putting up nice numbers. But then the next series he is trying to pull pitches 3-4 inches off the outside corner. Because of this, starting Lee is a tough call as you don't know what you are going to get. He didn't play on Sunday and the Sox had off on Monday, which should've been enough time for him to get mentally back into things. Sit him in the Detroit series and play him this weekend against the Indians.
ON THE MOUND
Jon Garland
Garland has been getting stronger all year, is pitching on seven days rest and is going against Detroit with a revamped offense and fresh bullpen backing him up. A definate start. His next start after Tuesday will be Sunday against the Indians, which he's had a 7.21 career ERA against.
Bartolo Colon
Colon in his career against the Tigers, which will be the last team he faces before the break, is 8-3. Colon gave up one run in his last start, but lasted just 6 2/3 innings, leading to a bullpen breakdown and loss. With at least seven days rest coming after this start, expect a deep start and a lot of pitches from Colon.
Esteban Loaiza
Loaiza hasn't looked good in his last two starts, going deep into counts and fighting his way out of a few tight situations. Fortunately, Loaiza will be up against the Tigers in his last start before the break. Start him as he will still be a strong starter the rest of the way, but don't count out trading him as his value is likely to go down before up.
