+ Press on Opening Day

[JUGGERNAUT]

http://www.suntimes.com/output/sox/cst-spt-doug04.html

ChiSox Best in the AL blown saves: 40 / 3 yr

2004 Cubs highest reliance on HR's: 45.6%, #2 ChiSox 44.4%

2004 Best in the AL R's: BoSox 949, Yanks 897, ChiSox 865 (386R in 35 gms, 479R in 127 gms)

 

http://www.suntimes.com/output/sox/cst-spt-sox04.html

Iguchi receives high marks - hits to L or R depending on game situation. Earned #2 spot.

 

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sp...tesox-headlines

2004 Best in Div: Twins 46-30 vs ALC, 35-33 vs ALE+ALW. #2 ChiSox 36-40.

 

http://www.suntimes.com/output/mariotti/sp...ws-bbjay04.html

Kotex boy didn't see the (386R in 35 gms, 479R in 127 gms) breakdown. Ignore him.

That stat more than any other tells me the ChiSox needed to make changes. I'm so encouraged by Iggy's spring that I may even overlook Lee being traded.

 

http://www.dailysouthtown.com/southtown/ds.../pro/041sd8.htm

ESPN Mag - Twins, Tribe, Tigs, ChiSox, Roys - Rubbish. ChiSox 1, or 2. They have

too much pride to fall to 4th.

 

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sp...tesox-headlines

The two-tiered Fundamentals area for kids in left field is finished and blends in spectacularly.

 

I love the way he (IGGY) plays the game. He's going to be a big part of my team."

 

http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/whitesox.asp?id=30061

An article you will never see from Kotex boy.

 

Cell: From lifeless ball-mall to ent ctr. Cozy, friendly, comfortable place.

- ctr field deck

- flat roof supported by ornamental ironwork

- forest green seats replacing dodger blue ones (entire park by Apr 06)

- scout seats

- new FUNdamentals area : opens 90 min before game time

 

http://www.suntimes.com/output/sox/spx-news-soxpre04.html

+ Notes:

Best in AL CF's: Rowand #1 in HRs, DBs (38), SLG (.544) and extra-base hits (64).

The ALC features more good LH bats than other divisions.

ChiSox are prepared with: Vizc, Marte, & Cotts.

Garcia - a 20 gm winner? 2004: 5th in AL K's (184), 7th in ERA (3.81), 7th in H/9IP (8.23).

 

- Notes:

Since 2001 Sox are 13-25 at the Metrodome. Yet to win a season vs Twins.

8-11 (2004) vs Tigs, & 44-32 vs Tigs since 2001.

 

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/20...nus-cover_x.htm

QUOTE by KW on OZ:

"Every game that he played. ... I was in the dugout with him; I was a player. It was all Tony La Russa and any other manager could do to keep him from managing the game for him."

 

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/20...r-ratings_x.htm

All-Stars:

Ron Gardenhire, Minnesota: Disciple of Tom Kelly, but not always as demanding of young stars.

Tony Pena, Kansas City: High-energy style and complete faith in players.

 

Bench Warmers:

Ozzie Guillen, White Sox: More interested in motivation than X's and O's.

Alan Trammell, Detroit: Earned respect last year for pulling Tigers out of worst record in club history.

Eric Wedge, Cleveland: Youngest manager in AL, which puts him in tune with one of the younger rosters.

 

My own commentary:

When I read the R spread of 2004 (386R in 35 gms, 479R in 127 gms) I became

convinced that the moves KW has made for 2005 will result in more wins. Winning is more important than HR's.

 

Since 2001 the ChiSox have not had a more balanced lineup than 2005.

 

Lineup:

1-2 (Pods + Iggy) : Award-winning base-stealers.

3-4 (Everett + Koney) : HR power

5-6 (Dye + Rowand) : Nice combinations of speed & power

7-8 (AJP + Crede) : Joe has worked harder than ever to improve this year

9 (Juan Uribe) : Nice combination of speed & power. Best 9th hitter in the AL. Womack who?

 

Juan Uribe OPS: (Apr 1030, May 884, Jun 720, Jul 419, Aug 884, Sep-Oct 990)

It's ridiculous to only look at his Jul.