RME JICO Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 (edited) http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article...t=.jsp&c_id=mlb Hermanson silent after outing Right-hander scheduled to face the Royals on Sunday By Scott Merkin / MLB.com PEORIA, Ariz. -- After throwing one inning in relief and 13 pitches Friday against the Mariners, Dustin Hermanson politely declined to talk to reporters following his team's 4-3 loss at the Peoria Sports Complex. The raw numbers indicated a successful return for Hermanson. Eight of his 13 pitches went for strikes, and he hit 91 mph on the speed gun -- his highest reading during Cactus League play. But as Hermanson changed from his uniform into street clothes, he did not have the look of a man satisfied by the first in-game test of his painful back since he exited a March 12th contest against the Angels at the start of his second inning of work. "I don't think he felt great," said White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper of Hermanson. "He gave some movements in the dugout that made me think he was feeling it a little bit. "It's going to be, 'Can he manage the pain.' Nobody knows how much pain is there but him. It has been difficult, but until Sunday comes or until he says I can't go, I'm holding out hope." Hermanson is scheduled to face the Royals at Tucson Electric Park, with Saturday off in between. On Friday, the one-time impenetrable White Sox closer from the World Series championship season retired Michael Morse on a line drive to Andy Gonzalez to open the eighth. Gonzalez, playing second, made a leaping catch of the shot on the inning's first pitch. Willie Bloomquist grounded out to shortstop Juan Uribe for the second out, but Hermanson issued a two-out walk to Jose Morban. Roberto Petagine followed with a run-scoring double into the right-field corner, before Cody Ransom grounded out to Uribe to end the inning. Manager Ozzie Guillen and Cooper both liked what they saw from Hermanson, although Guillen joked that he hadn't talked to Hermanson because the Chicago media expects him to comment before he chats with his players after the game. Guillen stressed that Hermanson's condition on Saturday is of even greater importance than how he felt on Friday. White Sox athletic trainer Herm Schneider seemed to agree, expressing a preference to comment on Saturday in regard to Hermanson's back. Cooper, meanwhile, intends to only focus on Hermanson's performance when he takes the mound. "I'm not going to ask him anymore," said Cooper concerning questions of Hermanson's back pain. "If he can make it on Sunday, we'll find out and we'll see. His stuff was fine, enough to get people out." "Today, you get loose and warm up and your body gives into it," Guillen added. "All of a sudden, the next day, that's when you start getting soreness. But hopefully tomorrow he's OK." Hermanson received his second of two epidurals last Tuesday and will receive a third and final injection this Tuesday. The goal is to have Hermanson throw back-to-back days, or at least two innings, before deciding if he can start the season with the team. Otherwise, one bullpen spot will be open to be filled by either one from the trio of left-handers Boone Logan, Javier Lopez and Armando Almanza or right-hander Tim Redding. Making his pitch: Freddy Garcia had trouble getting loose in the wind, cold and rain of Tucson during a Minor League game last Sunday. He had no problem pitching effectively on Friday in the 80-degree heat of Peoria, allowing two runs on six hits over 5 2/3 innings, striking out one. With a smile fixed on his face after the game, Garcia asked catcher Chris Widger if he could have thrown nine innings Friday. Widger agreed Garcia's stuff was there to finish the job. "I threw only around 70 pitches, and I was supposed to throw 90," Garcia said. "But they needed some guys to throw, to get in and pitch. So, I was fine with that. "My plan was to throw a lot of fastballs, and I threw a lot of strikes. I threw a lot of sinkers, and that worked pretty good." Garcia has one more spring start on Wednesday against Milwaukee at Tucson Electric Park. He figures to throw another side session, before pitching the second regular-season game at home against Cleveland. Guillen believes Garcia's performance will rise up once the 2006 campaign begins. "As soon as the real thing starts, he's going to turn it up a notch," Guillen said. "But I think he's ready to go. "Going into the [World Baseball Classic] helped him get ready physically and mentally, more than just going to Spring Training," Guillen added. Doing the little things: Playing all nine innings on Friday left Scott Podsednik without even the hint of muscle fatigue and with almost no doubt that he'll be ready to go Opening Day. "I feel ready. I may not look ready, but I feel ready," said Podsednik, who finished 1-for-3 and was thrown out trying to steal second. "We still have about one week left. I don't see why there's any reason why I won't be gunning on all cylinders by April 2." Podsednik plans on working on his bunting at least once per game during the final week of spring. He was thrown out in each of his two bunt attempts during the last two games. "Mainly it's staying in and trying to get the bunt down," Podsednik said. "It's almost like I have to think sacrifice first and then take off to first. I want to make that more a part of my game." The big test: Cooper believes Jose Contreras will break with the team from Spring Training, after working through pain around his pitching elbow. But Saturday will be the next major hurdle for the right-hander, with five innings and 75 pitches scheduled during a Triple-A contest in Tucson. Bobby Jenks also will pitch in that particular game. "If he goes five, I think he is ready," said Cooper of Contreras, who had a great side session on Wednesday. Third to first: Tyler Lumsden gets the start for the White Sox Saturday against Barry Bonds and the Giants. The left-hander missed the 2005 season after surgery on his elbow but has been impressive enough in Spring Training that he could provide help at the Major League level in 2006 ... Hideo Nomo makes his third Cactus League start against the Royals on Sunday. Jon Garland is scheduled to pitch in a Minor League game that same day. Edited March 25, 2006 by RME JICO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowand44 Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 Nice avy bro. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RME JICO Posted March 25, 2006 Author Share Posted March 25, 2006 QUOTE(Rowand44 @ Mar 25, 2006 -> 01:32 AM) Nice avy bro. You too! Classic pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YASNY Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 Hermy's silence does not bode well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iWiN4PreP Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 hermy hermy hermy =[ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowand44 Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 Unfortunately, I think hermy's done. I feel absolutely horrible for the guy but it might be time for him to hang 'em up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fathom Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 QUOTE(Rowand44 @ Mar 25, 2006 -> 06:46 AM) Unfortunately, I think hermy's done. I feel absolutely horrible for the guy but it might be time for him to hang 'em up. I've never thought we're going to see Hermanson pitch in the first half of this year. I hope I'm wrong, cause his contributions last season are very underappreciated. However, this injury isn't getting better, and I hope he makes the best choice for his career. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jordan4life_2007 Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 I'm atleast encouraged that he hit 91. It just doesn't look like he'll ever be able to shake the pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aboz56 Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 I have to agree with Rowand and say I believe Hermy is done. Hopefully KW is planning for this and will make a move accordingly. I'd say he'll think about it over the next few days and then let the Sox know either way so they can move on with this. Hopefully I am wrong, but I don't think its something Hermy wants to do for another season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SSH2005 Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 The Tribune article makes it sound even worse... http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sp...tesox-headlines No relief from balky back Hermanson still in visible agony By Mark Gonzales Tribune staff reporter March 25, 2006 PEORIA, Ariz. -- If Dustin Hermanson's body language spoke on behalf of his ailing lower back, the White Sox's reliever is destined for the 15-day disabled list and an uncertain future. Hermanson politely declined to address the media Friday after making his first appearance since March 12, and he hardly looked giddy after allowing a run in the eighth inning of a 4-3 loss to Seattle. Trainer Herm Schneider didn't want to assess Hermanson's status until Saturday. Hermanson, 33, is scheduled to undergo his third in a series of three epidural shots on Tuesday, but it's virtually too late for the right-hander to start the regular season on the 25-man roster because his recurring pain has affected his workouts, delivery and velocity. Pitching coach Don Cooper and an American League scout concurred that Hermanson's fastball topped out Friday at 91 m.p.h.—6 m.p.h. faster than nearly two weeks ago. But that was the only encouraging aspect of Hermanson's 13-pitch outing. He took a few extra steps off the mound after throwing a high pitch to Jose Morban and eventually walking him with two outs. Roberto Petagine pulled a double down the right-field line to give the Mariners a 3-1 lead, with Hermanson backing up home plate without any signs of discomfort. Hermanson induced Cody Ransom to ground out to end the inning, and then paced a few times in the dugout. Hermanson will continue to pitch as long as he can tolerate the pain, but he told three reporters on March 17 he could be facing career-threatening surgery if the current injections don't alleviate the discomfort for at least two months. He is scheduled to pitch Sunday—if he feels healthy. "If he's able to go, we'll keep putting him in there," Cooper said. "Obviously he's not talking right now to you guys. I don't think he felt great. He gave me some moments in the dugout that made me think that he wasn't feeling well. "It's going to be 'can he manage the pain?' And no one knows how much pain is there, but it has been difficult. Until Sunday comes or until he says he can't go, I'm holding out hope." Before the game, Sox general manager Ken Williams reiterated Hermanson probably will start the season on the DL. Hermanson needs to pitch on consecutive days at least twice without discomfort before the Sox will consider putting him on the active roster. In fact, Williams said he rather would have a healthy Hermanson for the second half of the season than the first half, comparing that scenario to a trade for a veteran reliever. "The one thing I don't want to do is carry [Hermanson], and all of a sudden I can use him only once a week," manager Ozzie Guillen said. The Sox's front office and scouts are scheduled to meet Sunday night to assess their projected 25-man roster, which likely will have 11 pitchers, with the April 2 season opener approaching. One of the more encouraging developments, however, is the improved competition for Hermanson's spot. Left-handers Boone Logan and Javier Lopez have pitched impressively lately. Guillen also likes Armando Almanza and non-roster right-hander Tim Redding remains in the running should the Sox elect to carry just two left-handers in the bullpen. "I want those guys to make it tougher on our decisions," Guillen said. "[if they struggle], all of a sudden you have guys freelancing and just hoping to make the team." Logan, Lopez and Almanza are scheduled to pitch Saturday against Barry Bonds and San Francisco at Scottsdale. Redding is to pitch Sunday. "That's what you strive to get and that's what they were thinking about when they brought us all to camp, to see what they can do," the submarine-style Lopez said. "As you can tell, everyone has different styles." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SSH2005 Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 Its not online, but Rozner writes a very good piece about Dustin, and Williams is quoted as saying he would like to see Dustin back by July to help this club. I dont see it, but I guess time will tell... <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Mark Gonzales mentioned it in the Tribune... http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sp...tesox-headlines Before the game, Sox general manager Ken Williams reiterated Hermanson probably will start the season on the DL. Hermanson needs to pitch on consecutive days at least twice without discomfort before the Sox will consider putting him on the active roster. In fact, Williams said he rather would have a healthy Hermanson for the second half of the season than the first half, comparing that scenario to a trade for a veteran reliever. "The one thing I don't want to do is carry [Hermanson], and all of a sudden I can use him only once a week," manager Ozzie Guillen said. The Sox's front office and scouts are scheduled to meet Sunday night to assess their projected 25-man roster, which likely will have 11 pitchers, with the April 2 season opener approaching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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