Jon Adkins Article

[DBAHO]

From da Cubune,

 

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Early in spring training, White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper said the contenders for the final spots on the pitching staff would reveal themselves and let Ozzie Guillen and his staff know who should go north.

 

With four games left before the Sox head to Kansas City to open the season, they are down to three candidates for the final spot or two in the bullpen. None of the three has separated himself from the others, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

 

"They haven't separated themselves because they've all done well," Cooper said of Neal Cotts, Jon Adkins and Mike Jackson.

 

Cotts and Jackson worked Monday, and Adkins pitched a perfect inning Tuesday against the San Francisco Giants.

 

"Each guy brings some different ingredients to the table," Cooper said.

 

Guillen has raved about Adkins, who has allowed one run in 102/3 spring innings. Cooper said Adkins has improved over last season primarily by slowing everything down.

 

"He came in this spring and looked really settled in," Cooper said. "Each outing here he has looked better in his rhythm and his tempo."

 

The way the bullpen is set up now, the Sox have several pitchers whom they would prefer to use for only one inning: Shingo Takatsu, Cliff Politte, Damaso Marte and Billy Koch. Specialty left-hander Kelly Wunsch may face just one or two hitters.

 

That's not a problem as long as the starters are going deep into games.

 

"If we don't get the bulk of the work from the starters, we're going to need innings to fill to keep us in the ballgame," Cooper said. "That's where Jon can help us, along with possibly a Neal Cotts."

 

Adkins and Cotts have been starters in the minors, so they can provide the multiple innings the long-relief role requires.

 

"Any role they want to use me in, I'm willing to do," Adkins said. "I always have an open mind on things. I just want to see this ballclub win and hopefully I can help out in some way."

 

Of the three, Adkins may find himself the odd man out for two reasons: He's not left-handed like Cotts and he's not a 16-year veteran like Jackson.

 

"Jackson fits in a lot of different ways," Cooper said.

 

Jackson's spring numbers haven't been overly impressive — 5.14 ERA and nine hits allowed in seven innings — but he brings a veteran's stature and savvy to the staff.

 

"He can do an awful lot of things off the field," Cooper said. "The other day we had a pitchers meeting and he got up and said a few things. Myself and some other people were impressed with the way he carries himself."

 

At some point soon the Sox are going to have to make two decisions: whether to carry 11 or 12 pitchers and who among the trio of Cotts, Adkins and Jackson survives.

 

"It's going to be a tough decision but I don't think we can go wrong because they all bring some good stuff," Cooper said. "Who knows how it's going to shake out? There might be a surprise or two."

 

Bits: Mark Buehrle picked up the victory in his final outing of the spring, pitching 61/3 innings of a 10-3 Sox victory. Buehrle gave up three runs, five hits and two home runs, including a long blast by Barry Bonds. He also issued his only walk of the spring. Buehrle finished with a 3-1 record and a 2.77 ERA in 261/3 innings. …

 

Magglio Ordonez, who was 4-for-4 Monday, had three hits in his first three at-bats Tuesday before grounding into a double play. … Willie Harris had three more hits Tuesday to bump his average up to .339. …

 

Shingo Takatsu retired both batters he faced, giving him three-straight scoreless appearances. … The Sox entered play Tuesday leading the American League with a .306 batting average and collected 17 hits against the Giants.

[CSF]

I think Jackson gets the final spot, with Cotts and Adkins ready in case Jackson & Shingo struggle early on.

[C.Rector]

It would be stupid to give the last spot to Jackson just because he's a "veteran." Adkins is the only one in the bunch who's really deserving of the honor.

[Jordan4life_2007]

I'm kinda 50/50 on it. I'd like to see Jackson, cause he's a vet and I feel he still has something left. Then again Adkins has been lights out this spring. I say go with Jackson. I mean really, I don't see Jackson being sent down to the minors at this point. Let Adkins do his thing at Charlotte. If Jackson falters we have a solid option in Adkins. I think that's the best way to go...

[santo=dorf]

It would be stupid to give the last spot to Jackson just because he's a "veteran."  Adkins is the only one in the bunch who's really deserving of the honor.

Someone is reading my mind.

[Jordan4life_2007]

Well I don't think Jackson would get it just because he's a vet. I'm sure Ozzie and Coop would have to feel he can get the job done as well. From everything i've heard Ozzie and Coop like Jackson and believe he's still got somethin left in the tank...

[The Bones]

Ozzie on Mike Jackson: "Mike Jackson? I love that kid!"

[southsider2k5]

Adkins really has earned the spot, but it is all politics.

[Guest JimH]

Adkins really has earned the spot, but it is all politics.

Probably some politics, probably Jackson throwing the ball well too, and probably some intangibles. Politics in this case would mean Adkins and Cotts have options, and Jackson likely wouldn't approve a minor league assignement. It's not so obtuse (stupid?) to start the season with a guy who's performed well, is a veteran, and see what he can add, while at the same time giving the younger arms more regular work at Charlotte.

 

If Jackson doesn't perform, he'll be outta there. Chemistry has been a big shortfall on this team the past few years, and anybody who doesn't think so hasn't followed the team that closely.

 

I'll trust the instincts of Guillen, Cooper, and whoever else is involved in the decision ... if it really is Jackson over Adkins/Cotts.

 

If decisions in the spring were based solely on numbers, Borchard would be on the team, he hit, what, .600 or so?