Random tidbits about the White Sox

[RockSports17]

Well really didn't know what to call this, but I thought it was an interesting article just talking about numerous things about the White Sox. Has me thinking that the White Sox are pretty much set up to win another world series. They're playing well.

Link

It's a term that has been growing in popularity around the White Sox clubhouse lately. Maybe that has to do with the fact that the body count continues to grow.

''Everyone has to get thrown under the bus every so often,'' manager Ozzie Guillen insisted.

He would know. No one is more skilled at that practice than Guillen -- whether it was calling out closer Bobby Jenks for his conditioning in spring training and again this week, or telling ESPN The Magazine recently, when asked about catcher A.J. Pierzynski, ''You look at A.J.'s body and think, 'How did this guy make it to the big leagues?'''

Guillen's office would be better off located in a bus station than U.S. Cellular Field.

''You learn real quick around here that it's inevitable,'' rookie outfielder Brian Anderson said in spring training. ''You're going to get thrown under that bus.''

That comes with the territory on the South Side in 2006, along with stellar pitching, the long ball and a team trying to defend its first World Series title in 88 years.

So three weeks into the season, what else has been learned about the first-place Sox, other than the obvious? Plenty.

No Sophomore Jinx

So what if Guillen thought Jenks came into camp resembling Hurley from "Lost''? After a slow start in Cactus League play, the right-hander has eased the organization's concerns with six saves in six opportunities and a 3.86 ERA. Even more impressive is the fact that Jenks has had to learn how to pitch while he works toward regaining the velocity on his fastball.

Legit Ace

When the Sox traded Orlando ''El Duque'' Hernandez in the offseason, there were serious concerns that without his mentor, fellow Cuban Jose Contreras would regress to the inconsistent pitcher he was before the second half of last season. Contreras not only has picked up where he left off, but might be even better, going 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA. So much for a mentor.

Welcome Home

The offseason deal that sent Aaron Rowand to Philadelphia for 35-year-old slugger Jim Thome was a gamble. Right now, it looks like general manager Ken Williams hit the jackpot. In addition to Thome's presence in the lineup that has made Tadahito Iguchi and Paul Konerko more dangerous, he has brought a presence in the clubhouse that can't be measured. The ultimate teammate, Thome already has gained complete respect from the players around him. Frank who?

Career Years

Relievers Neal Cotts and Cliff Politte had career seasons in 2005, and the bar was raised for this year. At least early on, the Sox are finding out there might not be a repeat performance. Cotts and Politte still are expected to be keys out of the bullpen, but it's unlikely they will put up the numbers they did last season. Then again, with a better cast around them, they might not have to.

Coooooooop!

Don Cooper has established himself as one of the elite pitching coaches in baseball. The way he has turned around the careers of Jon Garland, Contreras and Politte has been impressive. This year, he has taken on several new projects, including reliever Matt Thornton and underachieving starter Javier Vazquez. Now if only the Sox would lock him up with a long-term deal before King George of the Bronx starts sniffing around again.

No Spring Needed

Iguchi looked as bad as any hitter in the lineup during spring training, with the Sox attempting to bat him lower in the order. They learned that Iguchi not only is best served as the No. 2 hitter, but also doesn't show up to play until the games matter. Entering the weekend, Iguchi was hitting .314 with 12 runs scored.

Neuman Can Pitch

Brandon McCarthy, a self-proclaimed Alfred E. Neuman lookalike, has shown the Sox he can make the transition from starter to reliever -- and do so in dominating fashion. He has picked up the slack left by Cotts and Politte and gives the Sox a second option to close games. There's a reason the club will be looking to trade Freddy Garcia for a second consecutive offseason this winter.

Bench Warmers

Besides strengthening the starting rotation, Williams' other focus in the offseason was to build a better bench. Guillen has four players -- Pablo Ozuna, Ross Gload, Alex Cintron and Rob Mackowiak -- who can play numerous positions and play them well. In addition to easing the workload of the starters, the reserves' presence means the Sox won't be forced to make a deal if they lose a starter to injury.

Thoughts?

[redsrbetter]

per rotoworld:

Rockies claimed RHP Eduardo Sierra off waivers from the Rockies and optioned him to Double-A Birmingham.
Sierra, like Bobby Jenks, is a hard-throwing right-hander who has struggled to fulfill his potential. However, there's no reason to think this will work out nearly as well as that previous waiver claim. Sierra has never been nearly as highly regarded as Jenks was. His control is awful and he doesn't have a second pitch to rival Jenks' curve. Apr. 26 - 8:02 pm et

[redsfan28]

Rockies claimed RHP Eduardo Sierra off waivers from the Rockies and optioned him to Double-A Birmingham

Wow, the Rockies signed a guy off of waivers... from themselves

[RockSports17]

Anyways, I know Sierra isn't as good as Jenks. Hey, with their comparison, they make it seem like Sierra could be a great waiver wire pick up like Jenks was.