Sox Spring Training quick hits

[greasywheels121]

http://whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/cws/new...s_cws&fext=.jsp

 

Sox Spring Training quick hits

By Scott Merkin / MLB.com 

 

2004 record

83-79, second in the AL Central

 

Projected batting order

1. LF Scott Podsednik, .244 BA, 12 HR, 39 RBIs in 2004

2. 2B Tadahito Iguchi, .333 BA, 24 HR, 89 RBIs in Japan in 2004

3. RF Jermaine Dye, .265 BA, 23 HR, 80 RBIs in 2004

4. 1B Paul Konerko, .277 BA, 41 HR, 117 RBIs in 2004

5. DH Carl Everett, .260 BA, 7 HR, 35 RBIs in 2004

6. CF Aaron Rowand, .310 BA, 24 HR, 69 RBIs in 2004

7. C A.J. Pierzynski, .272 BA, 11 HR, 77 RBIs in 2004

8. SS Juan Uribe, .283 BA, 23 HR, 74 RBIs in 2004

9. 3B Joe Crede, .239 BA, 21 HR, 69 RBIs in 2004

 

Projected rotation

1. Mark Buehrle, 16-10, 3.89 ERA in 2004

2. Freddy Garcia, 13-11, 3.81 in 2004

3. Orlando 'El Duque' Hernandez, 8-2, 3.30 in 2004

4. Jose Contreras, 13-9, 5.50 in 2004

5. Jon Garland, 12-11, 4.89 in 2004

 

Projected bullpen

Closer: Shingo Takatsu, 19 saves, 2.31 ERA in 2004

RH setup man: Dustin Hermanson, 4.53 ERA in 2004

LH setup man: Damaso Marte, 3.42 ERA in 2004

 

The new guys

Pierzynski: At first, the White Sox weren't interested in the somewhat controversial free agent catcher and the baggage he possibly carried with him. But it didn't take long for the team to do a little more research and eventually bring Pierzynski into the fold, signing him to a one-year, $2.25 million deal. Pierzynski led National League catchers with 77 RBIs in 2004, and provides a significant offensive upgrade at the position, as well as a left-handed bat to balance the order. Playing for his third team in three years, Pierzynski needs to let his immense talent take center stage over past questionable clubhouse character.

 

Iguchi: Topping off an exceptional offseason, general manager Ken Williams inked the Japanese sensation to a two-year, $4.95 million deal (with a club option for 2007) as January came to a close. Iguchi came into his own during the past two seasons with Fukouka and can beat the opposition with his glove, legs or with the bat. He should be the lineup's perfect No. 2 hitter if he handles the intense media scrutiny stemming from his excursion to the United States.

 

Dye: After signing a two-year free agent deal with a club option for 2007, Dye told the media that he wouldn't be thinking about replacing Magglio Ordonez in right field. There's no reason for him to even make that attempt. When Dye remains healthy, something that has eluded him over the past couple of years, he is a .280 to .300 hitter, with the potential to hit 30 home runs and drive in close to 100 RBIs. Dye should add needed punch to the middle of the order.

 

Podsednik: The fleet-footed outfielder led the National League with 70 stolen bases in 2004, and the White Sox are hoping for more of the same in his return to the American League. Podsednik apparently will be moving to left field after the White Sox acquired him from Milwaukee in a four-player trade for Carlos Lee, but he will remain in the leadoff spot as the catalyst in the team's new speed-based attack.

 

Hernandez: There might be some question about the right-hander's exact age, but there's no doubt as to El Duque's ability to contribute when healthy. The free agent, who signed a two-year, $8 million deal, gives the White Sox five solid starters and five different looks in their rotation. Hernandez also has vast postseason success if the White Sox reach that level.

 

Hermanson: The free agent acquisition gives the White Sox versatility in the bullpen, with the ability to set up and close. The right-hander also joins Takatsu, Marte, Cliff Politte and Vizcaino as one of the deepest relief crews in all of baseball.

 

Vizcaino: Considered by some as a throw-in with Podsednik in the trade for Lee, Vizcaino is described as having nasty stuff. The right-hander is extremely durable, with 70 appearances in three straight seasons.

 

Prospects to watch

Ryan Sweeney, OF: The left-handed hitting outfielder batted .283 with seven home runs and 66 RBIs in his first full minor league season at Class A Winston-Salem. That effort followed a strong Spring Training showing against Major League competition, leading some to believe the second-round draft pick from 2003 is close to ready for prime time. Remember, though, the non-roster invitee to Spring Training doesn't turn 20 until Feb. 20.

 

Brian Anderson, OF: Nagging injuries slightly slowed the team's No. 1 pick from 2003, but certainly didn't stop the potential five-tool player. Between stops at Double-A Birmingham and Winston-Salem, Anderson hit .296 with 31 doubles, seven triples, 12 home runs and 73 RBIs in 117 games. If not for Williams' creative maneuvering, Anderson would have a shot to break with the team out of Spring Training. He should start 2005 with Triple-A Charlotte.

 

Josh Fields, 3B: Selected 13th overall in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, Fields hit .285 with 23 extra-base hits in 66 games for Winston-Salem. The former Oklahoma State standout quarterback should make an even greater jump in 2005, after focusing solely on baseball for the first time in his athletic career.

 

Brandon McCarthy, RHP: The lanky right-hander has done nothing but succeed during his three years in the White Sox system, but he stepped into elite minor league status during 2004. McCarthy led the minors with 202 strikeouts and ranked second with 17 victories. He finished 17-6 with a 3.14 ERA between stops at Winston-Salem, Birmingham and Class A Kannapolis, walking 30 in 172 innings. Look for McCarthy to get the first call from Charlotte if any of the starters are injured.

 

Gio Gonzalez, Tyler Lumsden, Ray Liotta, Wes Whisler, LHP: This quartet of southpaws, all selected in the 2004 Draft, combined to finish 16-8 with a 3.53 ERA in 59 appearances (40 starts). The White Sox replenished a recently barren pitching area from the left side.

 

Returning from injury

Frank Thomas, DH: The most prolific hitter, and possibly player, in White Sox history had his 2004 season cut short when he fractured the navicular in his left ankle during a game against the Marlins in mid-June. Thomas had surgery in October and could be back on the field in a time frame extending anywhere from April to June. Thomas should return with a vengeance, sitting just 64 home runs short of the all-important 500 for his career.

 

Carl Everett, OF/DH: It was an injury-plagued 2004 for the talented switch-hitter, pretty much from start to finish. A right shoulder contusion and a sprained left ankle with Montreal slowed Everett out of the gate, and a pulled left adductor gave him just one game after Sept. 8. Everett's conditioning also suffered from the myriad injuries, but he has worked his way back into shape during the offseason.

 

Cliff Politte, RHP: The hard-throwing right-hander was missing in action after Sept. 1, when he underwent a season-ending appendectomy at Rush University Medical Center. Politte is more than ready to return, with a few extra arms in place to help the bullpen's cause.

 

On the rebound

Joe Crede, 3B: His .241 average in the first half of the season was no surprise, considering Crede is more of a second-half performer. But a .198 average in July pushed Crede's struggles throughout the 2004 campaign. He did top 20 home runs for the first time in his Major League career, and hitting coach Greg Walker believes the 2004 struggles might have fixed the final flaws in Crede's approach. But the grace period for Crede to produce might be a little shorter than it was in 2004.

 

Damaso Marte, LHP: A 3.42 ERA with 68 strikeouts and 56 hits allowed over 73 2/3 innings isn't exactly considered an off year for most normal relievers. But Marte's ERA was considerably higher than either of his first two years on the South Side, and his 10 home runs allowed were two more than the eight combined he gave up in 2002 and 2003.

 

Joe Borchard, OF: If ever a player deserved success, it's the hard-working and affable switch-hitter. Borchard showed flashes of greatness, with nine home runs, including the longest in U.S. Cellular Field history at 504 feet. But his long swing led to a .174 average and 57 strikeouts in 201 at-bats. Borchard will have some work to do in order to make the team out of Spring Training.

 

Long gone

Carlos Lee, LF: The trade to Milwaukee was no surprise to Lee, despite his 62 home runs, 212 RBIs, 203 runs scored and .297 average over the past two season. The White Sox moved away from their power-packed approached and deemed Lee more expendable than someone such as Paul Konerko.

 

Magglio Ordonez, RF: Negotiations that seemed extremely hopeful back in April ended in acrimony, as Ordonez left the White Sox via free agency without being offered arbitration. If Ordonez can prove his twice surgically repaired left knee to be healthy, he could end up roaming the outfield at Comerica Park for Detroit or even in Wrigley Field for the Cubs.

 

Jose Valentin, SS: Valentin was a leader on the field and off the field. He also was an important presence in the community, not to mention a continued 25-to-30 home run threat. But his .216 average, including a .167 mark after the All-Star break, and .287 on-base percentage left Valentin as a free agent departure. He signed with the Dodgers.

 

Sandy Alomar, Jr., C: After the White Sox declined Alomar's contractual option for 2005, he signed on with the Texas Rangers. Alomar's long and successful playing career, not to mention his vast body of baseball knowledge, made him a valuable clubhouse presence.

 

Scott Schoeneweis, LHP: Schoeneweis was a solid starting pitcher when healthy and wanted to continue with the opportunity to be part of the starting rotation. Schoeneweis also wanted a slight bump from his $1.725 million salary in 2004. The White Sox had other ideas, and Schoeneweis moved on to the Toronto bullpen.

 

Dan Wright, RHP: Many people forget that Wright won 14 games in 2002 and topped the team with 136 strikeouts. But injuries and wildness led to Wright's downfall, and the team designated him for assignment. Wright currently is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.

 

Roberto Alomar, 2B: Added on in early August for his defense at second and ability to handle the bat at the top of the order, back problems limited Alomar to a .180 average and just 61 at-bats in his second tour of duty with the White Sox. He joined the Devil Rays during the offseason, needing 276 hits for 3,000.

 

2004 hitting leaders

(min. 200 at-bats)

Avg.: Rowand, .310

OBP: Thomas, .434

SLG: Thomas, .563

Runs: Lee, 103

RBIs: Konerko, 117

Hits: Lee, 180

2B: Rowand, 38

3B: Uribe, 6

HR: Konerko, 41

SB: Willie Harris, 19

 

2004 pitching leaders

(min. 30 IP)

IP: Buehrle, 245.1

W: Buehrle, 16

L: Garland, 11

Win %: Buehrle, 16-10, .615

S: Takatsu, 19

ERA: Takatsu, 2.31

K: Garcia, 184

K/9: Billy Koch, 9.64

WHIP:Takatsu, 0.98

 

Triple play: Three questions that need answers

1. Will Williams' offseason risks pay quick dividends?

Tired of seeing his team score 15 runs on back-to-back days and then score one run over the next five, Williams reshaped and refocused the 2005 White Sox as a team based on speed, pitching and defense. There still are plenty of hitters who can clear the fences, a key ingredient at the homer-friendly U.S. Cellular Field, but this current roster also should be able to manufacture runs and compete with Minnesota and Cleveland for the top of the American League Central.

 

2. When will Thomas return? How will Thomas return?

Depending on who is presenting the prognosis, Thomas could come back from a fractured navicular in his left ankle as early as April or as late as June. Thomas needed a full season to bounce back after a season-ending right triceps' injury early on in 2001, but his presence still is virtually irreplaceable in the lineup. Not only does he add a burst of power, but also his keen batting eye makes pitchers work and elevates pitch counts. Thomas' appearance in the starting lineup automatically makes the team better.

 

3. Will taking the fifth be the right fit for Jon Garland?

The right-hander doesn't pay much attention to first starter vs. fifth starter status, but he could thrive without the pressure of increased expectations. Garland is a huge upgrade over the eight starters who combined to finish 5-16 at No. 5 in 2004. If Buehrle, Garcia, Contreras and Hernandez all perform to their expectations and Garland wins 13 to 15 games, the White Sox will win the Central.

 

The bottom line

With Williams' busy offseason, bringing in seven new players, there are very few questions to be answered once the White Sox arrive in Tucson. Wilson Valdez and Pablo Ozuna should compete for the utility infielder slot, and the need for a right-handed hitter must be resolved. Otherwise, look for Guillen to make liberal use of his young players and begin his "men-in-motion" campaign for the 2005 White Sox.

[AnthraxFan93]

and the need for a right-handed hitter must be resolved

 

Something I never thought I would hear come from the White Sox camp.

[Rex Kickass]

Starting Pitchers this year were 62-43 last year. Nice.

[CWSGuy406]

A couple of thoughts...

 

-Sorry for such a nit-picky post, but wasn't Fields drafted 18th, not 13th?

 

-And, for anyone who watches the Athletics -- I've been thinking about this all offseason, yet never got the chance to ask this question. Is Jermaine Dye a guy who is going to be able to take a fair amount of walks this year, or what?

 

I ask because, after looking over his stats, it seems as if he's unpredictable when it comes to that. I know he's known for his power, and good defense, as well as his pretty solid BA/SLG%, but his walks have jumped all over the place. In '99, '00, and '01, he seemed to be able to draw a fair amount of walks (58, 69, and 57 respectively). In 2002, his walk rate went down to 52, still a fair amount, but since then, he's been under fifty. He looks like a guy who, if he's able to hit for an average of .270 or above, should be able to give us a pretty good OBP too (.340 or so, though I know I probably shouldn't be concerned about his OBP all that much).

 

Anyone have thoughts on Dye?

 

-And finally -- as to the actual article, I think this quote basically sums up the key to our season:

 

Garland is a huge upgrade over the eight starters who combined to finish 5-16 at No. 5 in 2004. If Buehrle, Garcia, Contreras and Hernandez all perform to their expectations and Garland wins 13 to 15 games, the White Sox will win the Central.

[Chisoxmatt]

Anyone have thoughts on Dye?

I figure he will have a good year. I think he had an off year last year because he was coming off a big injury. I think he will bounce back and hit around

.280 30HR 100RBI .345 OBP. Also, he's the type of player, being that he is 6'5, that can rob quite a few homers in RF.

[whitesox91403]

Where did Dye hit in the Oakland batting order?

 

Maybe this is just me, but I have a big problem with Dye hitting 3rd. I'm assuming that Frank will be 3rd when he gets back, but I think I'd rather have Rowand there until that hapens.

[Jabroni]

Where did Dye hit in the Oakland batting order?

 

Maybe this is just me, but I have a big problem with Dye hitting 3rd. I'm assuming that Frank will be 3rd when he gets back, but I think I'd rather have Rowand there until that hapens.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dye batted 4th for the A's most of the season, right behind Eric Chavez when they were both healthy.

[whitesox91403]

Dye batted 4th for the A's most of the season, right behind Eric Chavez when they were both healthy.

 

I didn't think he batted 3rd there either. He just seems like a better fit in the 4 thru 6 slots.

[Jabroni]

I didn't think he batted 3rd there either. He just seems like a better fit in the 4 thru 6 slots.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Agreed. Dye also hit a little bit in the 5th spot for the A's. Ideally, if Frank was healthy our lineup would look like this...

 

LF Podsednik

2B Iguchi

DH Frank

1B Konerko

RF Dye

CF Rowand

C Pierzynski

3B Crede

SS Uribe

 

Although, the above lineup strings together too many of our right-handed hitters.

[qwerty]

A couple of thoughts...

 

-Sorry for such a nit-picky post, but wasn't Fields drafted 18th, not 13th?

 

-And, for anyone who watches the Athletics -- I've been thinking about this all offseason, yet never got the chance to ask this question.  Is Jermaine Dye a guy who is going to be able to take a fair amount of walks this year, or what?

 

I ask because, after looking over his stats, it seems as if he's unpredictable when it comes to that.  I know he's known for his power, and good defense, as well as his pretty solid BA/SLG%, but his walks have jumped all over the place.  In '99, '00, and '01, he seemed to be able to draw a fair amount of walks (58, 69, and 57 respectively).  In 2002, his walk rate went down to 52, still a fair amount, but since then, he's been under fifty.  He looks like a guy who, if he's able to hit for an average of .270 or above, should be able to give us a pretty good OBP too (.340 or so, though I know I probably shouldn't be concerned about his OBP all that much).

 

Anyone have thoughts on Dye?

 

-And finally -- as to the actual article, I think this quote basically sums up the key to our season:

 

 

Dye will likely take less pitchers per at-bat this year now that he is away from the athletics. Last year he was fourth in the mlb pitchers/pa with 4.25. Ever since he went to the a's it has gone up about .25/.35. Honestly, i do not know what to expect from him. One bad thing is pierz had the worst pitchers/pa in the mlb at 3.07.

[Jabroni]

Dye will likely take less pitchers per at-bat this year now that he is away from the athletics. Last year he was fourth in the mlb pitchers/pa with 4.25. Ever since he went to the a's it has gone up about .25/.35. Honestly, i do not know what to expect from him. One bad thing is pierz had the worst pitchers/pa in the mlb at 3.07.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I understand the desire to work pitchers but as long as A.J. gets close to his career .294 AVG and .336 OBP, I wouldn't worry about how many pitches he is taking. He's already a HUGE upgrade over Olivo / Davis.

 

By the way, how does switching teams completely change Dye's plate discipline and make it worse? Please don't tell me that Dye's improved plate discipline with the A's was a result of Billy Beane.

[qwerty]

I understand the desire to work pitchers but as long as A.J. gets close to his career .294 AVG and .336 OBP, I wouldn't worry about how many pitches he is taking.  He's already a HUGE upgrade over Olivo / Davis.

 

By the way, how does switching teams completely change Dye's plate discipline and make it worse?  Please don't tell me that Dye's improved plate discipline with the A's was a result of Billy Beane.

 

The plan beane has is to take alot of pitchers and alot of walks. Now dye will go back to his kc days since taking alot of pitches is not really the white sox philosophy.

[Jabroni]

The plan beane has is to take alot of pitchers and alot of walks. Now dye will go back to his kc days since taking alot of pitches is not really the white sox philosophy.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You must believe that Beane somehow magically possessed Dye's body and took over his at bats when he was with the A's. I doubt a career .246 OBP player like Billy Beane is going to to be able to tutor Dye into having more plate discipline. :rolly Beane is not God, get it out of you head. Stick with believable stats. I sincerely doubt even "The Great" Billy Beane would take credit for Jermaine Dye's plate discipline with the A's.

[qwerty]

You must believe that Beane somehow magically possessed Dye's body and took over his at bats when he was with the A's.  I doubt a career .246 OBP player like Billy Beane is going to to be able to tutor Dye into having more plate discipline. :rolly

 

Believe what you wish. I bet you dye sees at least .25 less pitchers per at-bat next season.

[Jabroni]

Believe what you wish. I bet you dye sees at least .25 less pitchers per at-bats next season.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Even if he does, it could easily correlate more to batting in the 3rd spot instead of the 4th or 5th spot than from leaving the A's and "The Great" Billy Beane. Bold prediction there, boss. :rolly

[qwerty]

Even if he does, it could easily correlate more to batting in the 3rd spot instead of the 4th or 5th spot than from leaving the A's and "The Great" Billy Beane.  Bold prediction there, boss. :rolly

 

He will be batting third for a month maybe two. Also batting third does not always translate into seeing less pitches. Most times you actually see more pitches batting third. Regardless where he bats i stand by bold prediction that he sees .25 less pitches per plate appearance. Since beane does not control him it it should be within .5 either way correct?

[Jabroni]

He will be batting third for a month maybe two. Also batting third does not always translate into seeing less pitches. Most times you actually see more pitches batting third. Regardless where he bats i stand by bold prediction that he sees .25 less pitches per plate appearance. Since beane does not control him it it should be within .5 either way correct?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dye could simply be more aggressive at the plate batting 3rd because he is trying to knock in Podsednik and/or Iguchi, hence his pitches per at bat would decrease.

[beck72]

I'm going by Keith's numbers, but it looks like Dye walked more in KC rather than w/ the A's. I'm not sure about how many pitches/ AB he saw in KC, or what will happen w/ the Sox. But taking fewer walks could be based on who was hitting around him, and what spot in the order. With the A's he was always in an RBI spot, with less other big bat, RBI guys around him.

 

All in all, I can see Dye taking more BB's this yr, as he doesn't have to carry the RBi load like he did in Oak.

[shakes]

I think Dye is a well established veteran, not a rookie we are developing with a team philosophy. He's going to have some freedom regarding his plate discipline. It's a new team and a new lineup, so this season will dictate his pitches/ab.

 

I'm really getting tired of everyone thinking Billy Beane is a genious because there is a book written about his philosophy. He should be judged on how the A's do moving forward, without the big 3. Who he had no part in drafting.