ODDS AND ENDS

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ODDS AND ENDS

Written By: Mario Scalise

http://www.soxnet.net/oddsandends.html

 

Odds and Ends with mario scalise

--- September 27th, 2002 ---

The season is now three days away from ending, finally. The Sox stand at 81-78, guarenteeing themselves a fairly respectable .500 record as they have used these remaining two months of the season to focus in on 2003. Problem is the 2003 team is still not set, or even close to it. The only thing the Sox have decided on is that there will be a lot of decisions to be decided on.

As far as these past few days, its been pretty good. Not only did they sweep the Twins in a series where they outscored the AL Central champs 32 to 8, but they ended the Red Sox last second hope for the playoffs by taking the series two games to one.

 

Analytical View

White Sox GM Kenny Williams announced that the Sox will pursue a "top of the line" starter in the off-season and that righty Todd Ritchie will return to the Sox next season.

Big question is what does KW mean by "top of the line". Do we take it for its actual meaning, which is a starter such as Tom Glavine. Or do we take it as someone who is good enough to pitch behind Mark Buehrle and ahead of Jon Garland. That too is a wide gap to decipher as on one side you have a proven pitcher going for 20 wins, and on the other an improving pitcher who has yet to reach his potential. So top of the line as of this moment could be Orlando Hernandez of the Yankees for all we know. The return of Todd Ritchie? Although it is more of a move on KW's part to get a second shot at a trade that backfired, with a little tweaking, Todd Ritchie could turn into that #2 they initially thought he would become.

 

GM Kenny Williams and Manager Jerry Manuel both expressed their approval of the play of Carlos Lee, and believe Lee is on the verge of showing his true potential.

The Sox have been quiet with revealing where the 2003 team stands, but this could indicate the departing of Thomas. Speculation all season had the Sox dumping one of the two with the presence of the young guys: Joe Borchard, Joe Crede, Jeff Liefer, Aaron Rowand. And while Lee has been spoken highly of, Thomas has been treated with the "wait and see" approach.

 

Performance Report

On the Mound

With Thursday's 7 1/3, 2 run performace against the Red Sox, Danny Wright has practically assured himself a spot in the 2003 rotation. Onto the quest for 20. Buehrle was in a tough spot two starts ago; he needed three wins for 20 wins, with only three starts remaining, leaving no room for error. Since, he has given up just three runs in two starts, spanning across 13 inning, and has a legit shot at win #20 this weekend when he goes up against the playoff-bound Minnesota Twins. Rocky Biddle, who has been seen more of a temporary starter than future starter, is vying for the #5 spot on next years rotation.

 

Out of the Pen

Reliever Keith Foulke is now getting antsy as he is just days away from seasons end and he still has no clue as to what he will be, a starter or reliever. Known is that he won't be traded according to Kenny Williams. One thing looks to be for sure, Matt Ginter and Jim Parque are no longer in the teams plans. The Sox have used them for a combined 4 2/3 innings since September 5th.

 

In the Field

A little confusion came with the last issue regarding Joe Crede's error total (7). This wasn't done as a knock, but to simply inform. My personal view of Crede on defense is one word, promising. Although he still lacks proper footwork and positioning, he's quick, shows good range, a strong and rather accurate arm, and soft hands. Good assets for what looks to be a phenominal hitter.