DBAHO Posted March 25, 2004 Share Posted March 25, 2004 From da Cubune, TUCSON, Ariz.—Jon Garland is determined to keep his infielders busy this season. "I want the ground balls," Garland said after six shutout innings Wednesday. "I want the infielders to work for me. That's what they are paid to do." Garland improved to 4-0 with the 8-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners. He gave up four hits in his 91-pitch outing, walking three and striking out two. "That's what we expect from him," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "He threw a lot of ground balls, he was hitting his spots and throwing strikes." Garland lowered his ERA to 2.34 in 221/3 innings. The Sox are counting on Garland to make a major step up this season and solidify the top of the starting rotation. "I'm not giving in this year," he said. "If I walk a guy, then I walk a guy and I'll go get the next one." … Most of the regulars are going to get Thursday off. Guillen said probably starting Saturday against the Rangers, the regulars will be playing the rest of the way with the pitchers being used as if it were the regular season. … Magglio Ordonez is being given the next couple of days off to take care of personal matters. … Guillen said he wants Willie Harris to play a couple of innings in center field so he'll be ready if needed there in an emergency. "Hopefully, [Aaron] Rowand stays healthy and we won't need [a backup]," Guillen said. "But if that situation comes up, I feel comfortable to put Willie back there and [Juan] Uribe at second base." … The roster may sort itself out after Friday's game. If Dan Wright throws well against the Rockies, the fifth spot in the rotation will be his and the Sox will have to decide whether to carry 11 or 12 pitchers. If it's 12, which is likely, they then will have to decide between Jamie Burke and Kelly Dransfeldt as the 25th man. "I think Burke is very important," Guillen said. "I only have two catchers. I might pinch-hit or pinch-run for one of my catchers and then I'm short." Burke can catch or play third; Dransfeldt can play short or third. If Wright doesn't throw well, then those decisions may wait until the final days of camp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capn12 Posted March 25, 2004 Share Posted March 25, 2004 I find it hard to believe that Dransfeldt has a shot at making this team....but if Gload is already in, then I'm not sure we need Burke as a 3rd catcher/1B type. We may need the Dransfeldt type of third baseman/shortstop. In other news, nice to see my guy Jonny G getting on track. I'm predicting big things for Jonny G and my boy AaRow in 2004!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDsDirtySox Posted March 25, 2004 Share Posted March 25, 2004 The way Kelly D. has played the last two weeks... I think he should make the team. The guy has been solid. While I like Burke, and the idea of having a 3rd catcher seems nice, I think it should be Dransfeldt's spot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EvilJester99 Posted March 25, 2004 Share Posted March 25, 2004 I think they are hoping Kelly D. will fill the shoes of Graffy. Hopefully he can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elrockinMT Posted March 25, 2004 Share Posted March 25, 2004 Whatever the decision is, and I have no favorite, it will be a difficult one. Burke has played well and the fact he can catch may be the biggest deciding factor when it is all said and done. Kelly has showed some good stuff too and gives the extra middle infielder move to Ozzie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witesoxfan Posted March 25, 2004 Share Posted March 25, 2004 Just curious...where did we get this Dransfeldt fellow? Has he always been with us, or was he a signing/ ST NRI? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted March 25, 2004 Share Posted March 25, 2004 Just curious...where did we get this Dransfeldt fellow? Has he always been with us, or was he a signing/ ST NRI? ST NRI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBAHO Posted March 25, 2004 Author Share Posted March 25, 2004 Just curious...where did we get this Dransfeldt fellow? Has he always been with us, or was he a signing/ ST NRI? Kelly Dransfeldt was originally with the Texas Rangers. Drafted in the 4th round, 1996. He played 36 games for them over 3 years, never hittin better than .189. Actually he hasn't hit well in the minors as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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