Notes: El Duque needs more time

[Jabroni]

"Notes: El Duque needs more time

Gload nears return from disabled list"

http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb...t=.jsp&c_id=cws

CHICAGO -- When Orlando Hernandez talked to the media on Wednesday of this past week, the injured hurler optimistically mentioned both Detroit and Oakland as places where he could return to the mound after coming off the 15-day disabled list.

 

Hernandez actually is eligible to return this Thursday, on June 30, with a July 2 start in Oakland looking as the strongest possibility at the time he talked. But Herm Schneider, the White Sox athletic trainer in charge of El Duque's rehab, said Sunday that a return this week is not in the plans.

 

"[A reporter] mentioned that [Hernandez's] dream was July 1, and that's not going to happen," Schneider said of Hernandez. "I have him until July 7 with regimented [scheduling], and then we will revisit it around that day and see how he's moving along.

 

"We will get him on the mound and see how he's doing," Schneider added.

 

Hernandez, listed at 35 but believed to be slightly older, returned to the disabled list with tightness in his pitching shoulder. He played long toss for 60 pitches prior to Sunday's series finale, with the distance varying from 45 to 90 feet.

 

The session was a successful early step for Hernandez, with the process possibly ending during a brief Minor League rehab assignment. Brandon McCarthy will fill Hernandez's spot in the rotation, at least for one day next week in Detroit, with the rookie right-hander opposing Jason Johnson Wednesday night in his first start since June 20.

 

McCarthy getting the call after Mark Buehrle on Tuesday gives Freddy Garcia, Jose Contreras and Jon Garland one extra day of rest before their next respective start. It also puts Garcia in action during Thursday's afternoon game at Comerica Park, with the right-hander holding a 12-1 record over his last 17 day starts.

 

"By orders of manager Guillen," said pitching coach Don Cooper, when listing off the final two starters in Detroit.

 

With an off-day Monday and another off-day on Thursday, July 7, there might not be a need for either McCarthy or Hernandez after a Fourth of July start at home against Tampa Bay. Garland, Buehrle and Garcia would pitch the first half's final three games at home against Oakland on regular rest.

 

Familiar foes: The finale against the Cubs marked the end of Interleague Play for the White Sox. It was a portion of the schedule that drew rave reviews from most within the team, especially with the South Siders traveling to Coors Field and PETCO Park for National League contests.

 

"I enjoy playing different competition we haven't played against before," said center fielder Aaron Rowand. "That's the best part of it. Every year, when you get your schedule, you look at whom you are playing in Interleague, where you are going to go and when are the games against the Cubs. We were happy to see Colorado and San Diego."

 

"It's been a great thing for baseball, and it's here to stay," Guillen added.

 

Guillen was proud of his team's 7-2 record at three National League parks, despite missing players such as Frank Thomas and Carl Everett, because of the no designated hitter rule.

 

Finding a fit: Ross Gload's left shoulder has improved significantly enough that the talented reserve felt as if he could have played first base on Sunday. It's more than likely Gload will be playing first base once again for Triple-A Charlotte this week, but once he's healthy, Gload really isn't sure where his permanent home will be.

 

"I don't know where I fit in, if I fit in at all right now," Gload said. "That's how I feel. If it's not broke, don't fix it. I completely understand that. What's important to me is to just feel good, and whether it's Charlotte or who knows, I'm just looking forward to feeling healthy where I play this week."

 

Gload quipped that he really is just another fan of the best team in baseball, despite having 13 at-bats with the White Sox in 2005.

 

"I'm not taking any credit for it," said Gload of the White Sox's amazing start. "Ozzie has other things to worry about besides me. It's like he has said before, that he could care less until I'm one of the 25 guys. That's the way it should be. All the credit goes to these guys and what they have done with the team."

 

Play ball: The Memphis Red Sox of the South Side Little League became the first team from Illinois to take part in President Bush's Tee Ball games on the South Lawn of the White House, thanks to the help of Sunday's Major League participants in Chicago. The White Sox and Cubs were two of the groups who picked up the tab for the young team to make the trip to Washington, D.C.

 

Sunday's contest was part of President Bush's Helping America's Youth Initiative. It marks the 12th game since the program began in 2001, as a way to increase interest in baseball among young families.

 

Around the horn: Shortstop Juan Uribe said that he will return to the lineup in Detroit, after missing six straight games due to a sore lower back. Uribe actually could have been used Sunday, if needed, according to Guillen. ... Eleven members of the world champion 1985 Chicago Bears were recognized prior to Sunday's series finale. Connie Payton, representing her late husband and NFL legend, Walter, threw out the first pitch and received a standing ovation when her name was announced. She was accompanied by her children, Brittney and Jarret.

 

Down on the farm: Chris Young launched his 14th home run, driving in two runs, and picking up stolen base No. 12 during Double-A Birmingham's 3-2 loss at Carolina on Saturday. Kris Honel fell to 1-5, allowing three runs on four hits over 6 2/3 innings, walking three and striking out four.

 

Thomas Collaro hit his 19th home run and Michael Myers added three hits during Class A Winston-Salem's 4-3 victory over Wilmington. Clayton Richard made his Minor League debut by allowing three hits and one unearned run over three innings for Great Falls, striking out five and walking two. The former University of Michigan quarterback and eighth-round pick in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft did not factor in the 6-4 loss at Helena.

 

Coming soon: Carrying a 12-start unbeaten streak and eight-game winning streak, Buehrle appears to be the right man on the mound to start the White Sox's six-game road trip in Detroit. Buehrle ranks second in the American League in ERA (2.48) and is tied for third with his nine wins. He is 9-5 with 2.71 ERA lifetime against Detroit and 1-0 with a 3.86 ERA this season.

[southsider2k5]

Once again, this stuff doesn't get enough publicity

 

The Memphis Red Sox of the South Side Little League became the first team from Illinois to take part in President Bush's Tee Ball games on the South Lawn of the White House, thanks to the help of Sunday's Major League participants in Chicago. The White Sox and Cubs were two of the groups who picked up the tab for the young team to make the trip to Washington, D.C.

 

Sunday's contest was part of President Bush's Helping America's Youth Initiative. It marks the 12th game since the program began in 2001, as a way to increase interest in baseball among young families.

[Milkman delivers]

With Detroit's offense, I'm scared to have McCarthy start. They could crush that kid's ego in no time.

[Punch and Judy Garland]

THey bailed out Jason Schmidt though by free swinging. Maybe they will do B-Mac a similar favor.