Bizness

With the Sox in town to play the Minnesota Twins for the next three games Sox fans are in a panic. The Sox sit three games behind the Twins for first place in the AL Central. A series lost would place the Sox four games back. Oh no not an insurmountable four game lead. Over the years the Sox organization and Sox fans have placed the Minnesota Twins on a pedestal. Since 2005 the Twins have won one division title and zero playoff games. In that same time frame the Sox have won the division twice and won a World Series. This is the team that strikes fear into Sox fans hearts. Why? http://www.jonathanhoodshow.com/?p=2529

On Saturday night the Chicago White Sox defeated the Oakland Athletics 4-2. Gavin Floyd had another great outing and JJ Putz closed out the game. Wait JJ Putz closed out the game? Manager Ozzie Guillen chose to go with Putz in the 9th over resident closer Bobby Jenks. Guillen stated that Jenks was held out of the game due to back stiffness. But maybe there is more to it. After Thursday’s blown save Guillen said, “You know what? Ask Bobby what he wants to do. I don’t know. I don’t say we’ve lost confidence, but when your closer gives up one run (that’s acceptable). “The last three times he blew the game, he gave up three or four runs. Right now, I don’t know yet. Like I keep saying, when Bobby’s the closer, our bullpen is better. But right now, I’ve got to wait and see what I’m going to do for next couple of days.” Then after Saturday’s game Guillen said, “Bobby’s got a bad back the way Bobby’s been throwing, we’ve got options out there. We have to wait to put Bobby back in the closer rotation.” That does not strike me as a confident backing of Bobby Jenks and really Ozzie should not have confidence in Bobby. Simply put Jenks really has not had it this season. All season Jenks has walked that thin line between success and disaster. http://www.jonathanhoodshow.com/?p=2452

Danks battled today he just didn't have his stuff and he still left the game with his team in position for the win.

QUOTE (Reddy @ May 1, 2010 -> 12:10 PM) if danks has a rough game it's solely your fault. i hope you realize this... ugh. Lol, that was not my intentions but I will take it on my shoulders.

Lefty starter of the Chicago White Sox, John Danks has been impressive so far this season. How impressive? 3-0 with a 1.55 era impressive. Danks has started this season as one of the American League’s best starters. With the Sox offensive struggles this season Danks has kept his team in games only allowing 5 runs in his 29 innings pitched. Not only is Danks not giving up runs he has only given up a 0.86 WHIP (Walks + Hits per Innings Pitched.) Danks has been a bright spot in a very dim first month of the season for the Sox. http://www.soxreporter.com/2010/05/01/cy-danks

How would a person explain a pitcher who averages 9 hits per 9 innings pitching a no hitter, a perfect game and a 1 hitter? Once is considered luck twice can be considered a fluke but three times is a trend. Buerhle is what most scouts consider hittable because he is always around the plate. His no hitter came against the always offensively productive Texas Rangers and his perfect game came against the dangerous line up of the Tampa Bay Rays. To further paint the picture Buehrle has pitched two 2 hit games. He is bulldog on the mound that battles every hitter. Mark is always around the plate with his pitches. He only averages 2 walks per 9 innings. With his pinpoint control, Buerhle allows hitters to get themselves out. Unlike most pitchers, he does not fear contact. http://www.soxreporter.com/2010/04/10/the-...of-mark-buerhle