Harry Chappas

QUOTE(Heads22 @ Mar 13, 2007 -> 03:51 PM) Lopez is actually one of the top defensive prospects in the organization. You might have seen him on a bad day or something, but he's generally regarded as pretty solid. Huge error yesterday as well. He is getting a good look this spring and maybe I caught him on a bad day.

QUOTE(Flash Tizzle @ Mar 13, 2007 -> 03:36 PM) I'll also mention why I believe placing Mackowiak in CF is a bad idea. Floyd and Danks are auditioning for jobs. Do we want either to be effected by a misplay (or three) in CF for Mackowiak? I'd like to believe our coaching staff understands any runs charged afterward an error/misplay should be taken into consideration, but you never know. The worst defensive player out there today is Pedro Lopez. I was in Tucson earlier this spring and the guy has no defensive ability what so ever. As far as Danks and Floyd go with this crappy defense. It could also be a test of their capactity to pitch over defensive lapses. This was a travel game and a pretty far one was it not????

Doesn't Jenks shave his head anyway? Here is a better read on this topic. Jenks is making quite a name for himself in a positive way. Jenks shows maturation Closer has become one of Sox most recognizable figures By Scott Merkin / MLB.com TUCSON, Ariz. -- Bobby Jenks planned to shave his head before the end of Spring Training. This hair-sheering act might even add to the right-hander's already intimidating mound presence brought about by a fastball often checking in near 100 mph and a knee-buckling curve. But this particular buzz cut has a special meaning for the White Sox closer. Jenks will go bald as part of the St. Baldrick's Foundation annual drive to raise funds for kids' cancer research. This act also will be done in conjunction with the eighth graders at Most Holy Redeemer in Evergreen Park, Ill., where they have all decided to shave their heads as a show of support for classmate Michael Healy, who is battling bone cancer. The act of kindness simply serves as another example of the personal growth for the affable reliever, who turns 26 on March 14. And like the pictures he has of his children, Cuma and Nolan, as they move from infancy to toddlers with their own personalities, snapshots also exist of Jenks' maturation process as part of the White Sox organization. It's just that some of Jenks' pictures were nationally televised or taken in front of 50,000 people. Snapshot 1: Spring Training, 2007 -- A conference call After a recent workout, Jenks slipped into one of the White Sox offices at the Kino Sports Complex and held a conversation by phone with this special group of eighth graders living in a southwest suburb of Chicago. Jenks explained how his head was being shaved on March 12, an act that will be caught by television cameras, and the same process will happen for the eighth graders. Asked about the compassion shown by these kids, especially when looks can mean so much during the early stages of being a teenager, and Jenks could only smile. "That's pretty nice, isn't it?" Jenks said. "That's good friends right there." Some time around Christmas, Jenks was asked to be involved with St. Baldrick's, a group founded in 1999. According to the organization's website, events have taken place in 10 countries and 42 states, raising over $20 million, while shaving more than 26,000 heads. Jenks soon will be counted among the latter statistic, explaining how he's growing out his hair for more of a show. But what really thrills Jenks is helping the eighth graders at Most Holy Redeemer honor their friend. "He's a great kid," said Jenks of Healy, the stricken young man. "Hearing that sort of thing, it's really nice to be able to be part of something like that. It's a great feeling when you hear the excitement in their voices." Snapshot 2: Dec. 2006 -- A Christmas party With plenty of entertainment and goodie bags for each child who attended, it was hard to find a sad face among the 600 children from local Boys & Girls Clubs who took part in the White Sox festivities at U.S. Cellular Field. Jenks, who was joined by teammates Jim Thome and Brandon McCarthy, seemed to be having as much fun as the kids. Wearing a Santa hat, Jenks would deliver hot dogs to the respective kids by pointing to their smiling faces and then firing a fastball. The hot dogs weren't clocked at 100 mph, but it served the purpose and the smiles grew even bigger. It was a busy offseason for Jenks, who took up permanent residence in a western suburb of Chicago with his wife, Adele, and 5-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son. Jenks took part in lighting Chicago's Christmas tree at the Sears Tower, made sales calls for the White Sox and filmed a public service announcement for St. Baldrick's. Those examples marked Jenks' scheduled responsibilities. There's also his unofficial development into one of the more recognizable White Sox figures, another job he thoroughly embraced. "Every time I go out, I get a chance to see Sox fans no matter where I'm at," Jenks said. "They are always more than welcome to come on up if I'm out. That's what it's all about. "I want to show that I care. It's nice to be able to put my face out there as a White Sox player, not just in my teammates' eyes but in the public eyes." Snapshot 3: Game Four of the 2005 World Series at Minute Maid Park Jenks arrived on the scene from Double-A Birmingham on July 6, 2005, and immediately presented a sign of things to come by striking out two hitters in his one inning of relief against Tampa Bay. He also hit 99 mph on the U.S. Cellular Field radar gun, drawing audible gasps from the crowd. Before the season was complete, Jenks was on the mound watching shortstop Juan Uribe throw a strike on the move to first baseman Paul Konerko, completing the franchise's first championship in 88 years. Jenks became an instant icon, the first rookie to earn a save in a World Series-clinching game. More intense scrutiny came with that star status. During Spring Training, 2006, Jenks' weight increase became an ongoing issue. Over the past two weeks, a slip-up in mechanics leading to brief shoulder pain became his Cactus League problem. To Jenks' credit, adjustments were made and both problems were fixed summarily. His focus on immediate change, which might not have been present during his slightly more troublesome days as an Angels prospect, dates back to what he accomplished during the 2005 campaign. "Everyone who is up and down, once they are up, they never want to leave," Jenks said. "Being able to see what's in front of me makes it easier to work harder to get to that point." "I see a little bit more maturity overall," added White Sox general manager Ken Williams of Jenks. "I can't be more proud of Bobby Jenks, the way he's conducted himself on the field and the way he's grown off the field." Snapshot 4: The end of the 2006 season -- White Sox clubhouse A few hours prior to a home contest last September, Jenks sat in front of his locker with his two children. At one point, he spun each one on his chair, drawing laughter and cries of "go faster" from his son and daughter. The broad smile on Jenks' face made it seem as if he also wanted a turn. Past transgressions that befell Jenks while he was with the Angels were nothing more than problems a typical 19- or 20-year-old kid would go through in college, by Jenks' estimation. But he readily admits that having a supportive family has changed his way of thinking. In just two short years, Jenks has gone from a top prospect with a reputation of having slightly suspect character to one of the shining faces of the White Sox organization. He now has a family both on and off the field. "He's taken a step in being comfortable in his Major League shoes," Williams said. "Bobby knows he's loved here, and not only for his performance on the field," added White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper. "He has grown-up responsibilities. He's showing more and more signs of taking life in the direction he always wanted it to go." "Things seem to happen for a reason," Jenks added. "The combination of everything I've gone through helped me get to where I am right now. It was a long walk but each step I took was about building and growth." Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

My thoughts are there is a Rowand/Erstad platoon for left until Pods comes back and then an evaluation of Anderson in center. The recovery of Pods has seemed to be going well but what if it is not. Seeing that they are 4-11 does anyone think they (Guillen and KW are not seeing something)....you know......the intangible/chemistry thing??????? I usually don't like Rownad talk as I think he is very overrated but I think getting him back may be a positive. Luis Terraro hit one out of TEP yesterday by the way. If you get him for a PTBNL go for it.

4-0 Pads. Ah it's only spring training.

Crede out at home, gotta love that team speed.

What exactly was "threatening" about a two out walk? End 5 2-0 Pads.

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Mar 12, 2007 -> 04:15 PM) JD gets to 2nd base with 0 outs, Crede, Mack, and Hall up, and JD ends the inning sitting at 2nd base. Essentially the same as the seond inning. T5 lead-off walk.

PK having a helluva game 2 GIDP's. He has accounted for 4 of our nine outs in this game.

Did I hear right. (I am in the middle of something at work)...The Phillies want Crede, Mack, other player for Rowand and Lieber.... Contrearas sounds like he is pitching well. Good single, blooper, walk and ground out= the run. I actually think the hitting is more troubling than the pitching. QUOTE(SuperSteve @ Mar 12, 2007 -> 03:48 PM) Updqte? 1-0 B3 first and second nobody out Iguchi up

I understand it is spring training but it is becoming a tad alarming that we are not really hitting this spring. This was what cost us in September last year. Need I bring up the Boston series. This team over the past few years has shown that they can me maddeningly inconsistent. They are showing it again thus far in the first 11 games.

Ed just said Young doesn't have a good arm. Isn't that one of the 5 tools required to be a 5 tool player?

Why can't we get a rally like this??? No Ed they got 2 before an out. 4-1 men on 2nd and 3rd. Well Chris, if he wasn't going hard he wouldn't have tried stretching it.

Ceaser Crispo makes it 2-1 I just turned the f***ing game on to. No more changes ups.

The better centerfielder evened the score.

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Mar 9, 2007 -> 12:16 PM) exactly. Which is why its even stranger. I wasn't quite sure what to make of the Chess game. Doesn't a good chess game take hours? Also, if Locke is that smart why does he appear to do some really dumb things. He was the one that demanded the buttons be pressed at the hatch and then he blew up both the hatch and the flame just out of curiosity is he that dumb or is he smart. Great Episode none the less.

QUOTE(NorthSideSox72 @ Mar 9, 2007 -> 07:49 AM) If we are still talking vs lefties... Toby Hall had an .833 OPS in 2006. Not a bad bench option there. But this does bring up a rules question... what are the rules regarding players going from DH to field positions or back? In other words, what if Hall is your DH and AJ is at catcher, and AJ gets hurt? Can Hall just slide over, or not? Even if not, Hall being on the team already helps the Sox versus lefties when he plays C. If Hall or AJ are the DH and they take a position (other than missonary) the DH is lost and the pitcher bats. In this situation you would most likely see Hall at first and Konerko DH. Guillen doesn't like to PH for a catcher for fear of losing them from the game.

QUOTE(NorthSideSox72 @ Mar 8, 2007 -> 03:17 PM) Error by Crede puts the Rocks in the lead. Poppin 'em up and droppin 'em ain't what Boras is looking for in a client.

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Mar 8, 2007 -> 12:39 PM) Please tell me he's never met the Vice President... No he hasn't but the VP uses the Amish as they are cheap labor. Frank Thomas used cheap labor and was torched, Thome uses it and follow him around like groupies.......check that maybe the Ligue's helped in the construction of the Thomas Estates of Burr Ridge.

QUOTE(GoSox05 @ Mar 8, 2007 -> 03:06 PM) chad Qualls must hate Paul Konerko Ole Scrap Iron hates both of them and Jerry Manuel.

QUOTE(Hideaway Lights @ Mar 8, 2007 -> 10:07 AM) In other words, you see the logic in giving 11 million per year to a guy who's been a total s***bag for 75% of his career, but one bad halfseason (in six full seasons) for Buehrle changes your entire opinion of him? Makes total sense to me. Mark Buerhle's going rate is $15M. Javier Vazquez's is $11M. Is your point that you think right now we should pay Buerhle the Zito contract he is looking for??????? It is not a decision of taking one over the other it is a decision as to which deals help the club in the long run.

QUOTE(Flash Tizzle @ Mar 7, 2007 -> 11:54 AM) It does? Considering three of the four pitchers mentioned will be back next season, I don't believe he gave a "freudian slip" and played his card concerning Buehrle. What concerns me more is the first line and last line Williams gave in response to Rosenthal's question: Why the hell should it matter whether someone can pitch on a world series championship? The true goal of trading McCarthy and Garcia should have been obtaining the greatest amount of talent. I don't know about many of you, but this answer doesn't sound like someone who's confident the prospects received are good To me it sounds like a guy that loves his current situation and the future as these guys are all potential championship caliber guys that will not be rushed.

QUOTE(Rowand44 @ Mar 7, 2007 -> 11:44 AM) The useless jersey club is a pretty awesome one which includes: Damaso Marte, Billy Koch and Joe Borchard. So don't feel too bad. Doesn't take much to get you jazzed up for dropping the money on a jersey. Please tell me these are just three of the many jerseys you own. Maggs, Lee, Thomas, hell I could even understand Cotts but a Joe Borchard jersey??????? Don't take it the wrong way just giving you grief, it does suck to drop that kind of dough.

Yesterday after Bruce Levine was giving the low down on Vazquez, he then went into Buerhle. He stated that the team and the Buerhle camp were going to talk through the remainder of spring training and see where they stand. I always believed that most of what KW says is fluff and positioning not among his team but among other teams in baseball. KW says things and then most of the time does the opposite. Williams knows you win with pitching. We have three guys locked up for a couple of years. If we can lock up Buerhle there is concrete cost certainty for the next two years. I get the feeling a deal will be completed with Buerhle and it will be a longer term deal with some outs and incentives later on in the agreement. Williams likes to trade young pitching and if we lock up Buerhle imagine the damage that he can do........ I think the WBC hurt Vazquez last season and with Cooper I think he is in for a big, big year.

QUOTE(RockRaines @ Mar 6, 2007 -> 04:02 PM) Well, contrary to your own personal fantasy organization, money is an issue in the real baseball world, and Javy just signed for less than he would have gotten in the open market. In this past offseason, he would have gotten better contracts than Meche, Lilly, Marquis, pretty much all of them. He took a hometown discount, and we got the good end of the deal. I am expecting good things out of him this year. When he finally moved over to the edge of the rubber and kept his hips closed, he posted ERA's of 3.41 and 3.82 in 2 complete months. You realize you can not win. JV sucks and should be released. This is the same as everyone berating Garland. Many people do not understand what 200 IP means they'd rather have the Mark Prior beautiful 82 IP and ESPN highlight game wrapped around DL stints. The guy is solid and solid costs about $13M a year at least. He gave the Sox a nice, real nice home town discount. This adds some starting rotation cost certainty for this and next year and for that Javier Vazquez gained a ton of respect in my book.